The
Sustainable Life
Written
by SurfWriter Girls Sunny Magdaug and Patti Kishel
On Earth Day, April 22, we are reminded that we are all stewards of the Earth. With today's world population of more than 7 billion people it's more important than ever to live a sustainable life – protecting Earth's vital resources of land, water and air.
English botanist Sir Albert
Howard (1873-1947) was one of the first to recognize the importance
of safeguarding the nutrients in soil, stating, "The health of
soil, plant, animal and man is one and indivisible."
SurfWriter Girls Sunny Magdaug and
Patti Kishel learned that Howard described the soil as being "Earth's
capital" and, in order for future generations to live a life of
prosperity, it is essential to manage and invest this capital well.
A proponent of organic farming, composting, and ecology
as a way of nurturing the land, Howard's views on sustainability are even more
relevant today.
More than ever, now is the time to Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.
And, in so doing, Renew.
SurfWriter Girls are glad to see that many businesses and
individuals are making sustainability a high priority.
New company Süga, Encinitas, CA, practices
sustainability by manufacturing premium quality yoga mats made in the USA from
100% recycled wetsuits.
Surfer and yoga practitioner Brian Shields wanted to create
a product that reflected his interests while reducing his environmental
footprint. What's more, Süga yoga mats can be recycled at the end of their useful life.
Another SoCal company that gives new life to old products is
Harveys, Santa Ana, which makes handbags from recycled seat belts.
Founder
Dana Harvey got the idea when he was restoring his classic 1950s Buick and decided
to make his wife Melanie a handbag out of the leftover seat belt materials.
Well-known shoe brand Timberland puts sustainability
at the core of its culture, stating, "We’re dedicated to developing
products and materials that have reduced environmental impact."
Its Earthkeepers shoes and boots are made with
recycled plastic bottles in the shoes' soles and have become its fastest-growing
product line. Along the way,Timberland has kept 128 million plastic bottles out
of landfills.
And next time you're planning a party or
picnic, Repurpose in Los Angeles is ready with all the plates, cups and
utensils – made from renewable, plant-based materials.
Founder Lauren Gropper wanted to create an everyday product that could impact
millions of people. Her products are now carried at Whole Foods, Ralphs,
Sprouts and other stores.
The list of companies focused on sustainability
is growing. And customers are showing their loyalty. It turns out that
embracing the sustainable life is good for business, for people and for the
planet.
Not to be left out, in June Coca-Cola unveiled the world's first "plastic" bottle that's 100% made from sugarcane. The new bottle meets Coca-Cola's long-held goal to create packaging that uses "responsibly sourced, plant-based materials."
On Earth Day 2016
SurfWriter Girls think that's definitely something for the world to sing about.
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Sunny
Magdaug and Patti Kishel hold the exclusive rights to this copyrighted
material. Publications wishing to reprint it may contact them at surfwriter.girls@gmail.com
Individuals and non-profit groups are welcome to post it on social media sites
as long as credit is given.
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