New year, greener you : The one resolution that shouldn't be recycled
The new year is here, well actually it's February, but work with us here, as January appears to have only been one week long! With a new year comes resolutions that we swear to keep... until life happens (we’ve all been there, right?). But what if this year, we chose a resolution that truly matters — one that could help safeguard our planet and everything we love about it?
Whether you believe in the climate clock or not, it’s undeniable: time is running out for countless species. Perhaps not because of you or your neighbor, but because of the collective impact of human actions. It’s a heavy note to start the year on, but if we want to keep celebrating many more new years, we need to face the facts.
Here’s a startling reality:
One-third of corals, freshwater mollusks, sharks, and rays,
One-fourth of all mammals,
One-fifth of all reptiles,
And one-sixth of all birds...
...are marching toward extinction. In our lifetime.
I know, I know — the typical response might be, “My actions aren’t going to change the fate of entire species,” But instead of diving into that whole debate, how about we ask ourselves: Why not? Why not make 2025 the year we choose to make a difference?
Okay, okay, we get it… But what makes Evolve different?
At Evolve, we are constantly asking ourselves the same questions, and often we go even deeper: Is our packaging recyclable or reusable? What’s the next product we can transform to make a positive impact?
We've reimagined everyday essentials with sustainability at heart. Take our biodegradable fire starters, for example – because yes, even braai’s can be eco-friendly! Or consider our 3-ply bamboo toilet paper, which proves that the comfort of your toilet escapades doesn't have to cost the world. Made from fast-growing bamboo, it's both plastic-free and incredibly soft.
Our commitment to sustainability extends throughout our home and personal care range. Our Citrus Laundry Gel isn’t just effective; it's fully biodegradable. We've designed our containers to be either refillable or reusable – perfect for those travel-sized toiletries you need for your next trip. Even our 50ml containers come with free labels for creative repurposing.
While creating biodegradable and recyclable products is a big part of what we do, it's not our only commitment to sustainability. We're also proudly cruelty-free - but that's a story for another day, and believe us, it's one worth telling!
So now you know what we do to make a difference. But positive change is a team effort, and we know you're probably wondering: "What can I do?" Let's start with something simple but impactful - understanding recycling.
Recycling guide: What’s in, what’s out?
Ever stood at your bins, item in hand, wondering 'Can I recycle this?' You're not alone. The world of recycling can be confusing and often times feels like it requires a degree in waste management with all the different rules for plastics, glass, and paper. That's why we've created this simple guide to help you make the right choice every time!
But, what if I can’t recycle my product?
Not everything in the world can be recycled - but that's not the end of the world!
Enter the circular economy. Don't let the fancy term fool you; it's not about complicated economics or drawing circles. It's all about finding creative ways to give items a second life instead of tossing them in the bin.
Think of it as playing matchmaker with your stuff:
- Those empty glass bottles? Transform them into trendy vases or quirky drinking glasses
- Old light bulbs? Perfect for creating unique Christmas decorations
- Extra Tupperware cluttering your cupboards? Pass them on to that mom whose kid has a special talent for 'misplacing' their lunchboxes at school (we've all been there!)
The idea is simple: before you bin it, think "Could this be someone's treasure?" or "What else could this become?"
This year, let’s resolve to take small steps that lead to big changes. Together, we can protect the planet and ensure many more happy new years to come.
Here’s to 2025: a greener, cleaner, brighter future