By Reece Barkley
What is sustainability? Sustainability is the practice that individuals or businesses use when trying to protect and heal the environment. Sustainability is defined into three categories: environmental, social, and economic. It means that we, as consumers and producers, make conscious choices about what we purchase/sell and how it relates to the planet. In short, the goal is to not harm the environment! “The Complete Book of Rocks and Minerals” by Chris Pellant words it best: “Always treat natural exposures with care … Collectors can also be conservationist”
Plastic plastic plastic. Local and small businesses tend to not have as much plastic waste compared to nationwide chains. Although, sometimes it isn’t easy to flip a switch and be 100% environmentally friendly. It’s difficult to put these ideas into practice when producers don’t take action to help us help the planet. Cutting down plastic truly is a huge step in halting the deterioration of our environment. Simple things like metal water bottles, reusable bags, and recycling makes all the difference!
How does Peachy Keen practice sustainability? We at Peachy Keen want to do our part in helping the planet. Our products are all natural and handmade. But if our products are natural… that means they come from the earth! How can that be sustainable? Many of our crystals and fossils are hand picked, some of which even origin locally in Charleston, SC! All of our shark tooth fossils and majority of our shells are found locally. Our friend, who’s a scuba diver, goes to the Cooper River and obtains the teeth in a way that doesn’t disturb the seabeds or the ecosystem! Lastly, all of our packaging is sustainable. We recycle and reuse our paper and packaging to ensure that we are properly treating the earth.
How do I practice sustainability: a realistic look in an average life. Personally, when I shop at PK, I keep my boxes and paper bags so that I can reuse them to give gifts in later on! I also like to use my reusable metal water bottle when i’m out shopping. Did you know that it takes roughly 500 years for a plastic bottle to breakdown? And it doesn’t even properly decompose- it just turns into tiny micro plastics. Another large contributor that harms our planet and solar system, is gas powered cars. Riding a bike, taking public transportation, or even carpooling can make a serious difference. Lastly, understanding that helping the earth isn’t just a one person job. It takes a group with synergy! Your contribution means the world… literally. Sustainability can be a life style or a simple one percent effort in your day. Do what you can to shop from small businesses and practice sustainably!