What Does Sustainability Mean?
It’s not just a buzzword anymore. Many people and companies have had their eyes on sustainability, being green or environmentally friendly. In the United States alone we generate over 292 million tons of trash per year and growing. If you’re trying to be mindful of your environmental impact, it makes sense to look for eco-friendly products as an alternative to disposable items. But since so many products from cleaning supplies, beauty products, and even sheet sets have “green” claims on their packaging, it can be hard to recognize which ones are truly sustainable.
We actually prefer to use the term “sustainable” rather than “eco-friendly”. Saying something is eco-friendly would imply that it has zero negative impact on the environment. In 9.5/10 cases, this just isn’t true. It’s nearly impossible to manufacture anything at all without affecting the environment in some way. The term “eco-friendly” is also considered a greenwashing term, and the FTC has strict guidelines on eco-friendly claims.
Environmental stewardship at Color Glo
Since the beginning of Color Glo International, we have put a focus on a very relevant attribute to our company which is our commitment to the environment and our commitment to being a GREEN Company. Our environment is a growing concern and special factors are often taken into consideration when a potential customer is choosing a company for repair and/or restoration.
This is where Color Glo shines and excels. Special attention is given now to these considerations and can be used to our advantage highlighting the continued implementation and research of Color Glo International’s Environmental impact on products (subject to strict quality controls according to ASTM standards). This led us to the creation of color-based eco-friendly, water-based, odorless, and nontoxic products. If your household pet were to accidentally get into some of them, it will not harm them.
Our policy
Our environmental policy is based on the belief that no one operates in isolation. Everyone shares the same earth, and everything we do matters to those around us. At Color Glo International, we put people first. The health, safety, and welfare of our customers, employees, and the people of the communities we serve are paramount. That is why we take our commitment to environmental stewardship seriously and have developed specific principles to guide us in our work. At Color Glo, we will ensure that our employees & franchisees have the training, skills, and knowledge necessary to adhere to these principles.
More About Sustainability in Products
It is much easier to adjust to an eco-conscious lifestyle than you think (and there's more to it than recycling your plastics and composting at home). BUT, for many people, making environmentally-conscious purchasing decisions is overshadowed by social, political, and/or economical factors whereby everyday survival is prioritized over trying to save the planet. It’s sad but true. And we often think it won’t affect us as we are very much an immediate gain type of society vs thinking for the future.
For those of us privileged enough to be living in first-world countries, sustainable shopping alternatives are widely accessible. Not adapting to and embracing an eco-mindset is quickly becoming a social ‘shame’.
Although increased media exposure and social shaming are a step in the right direction, tackling climate change on a global scale remains a steep challenge. Equate this trying to get every smoker on earth to step flicking cigarettes on the ground. It’s a form of litter that many people could care less bout. But, more and more businesses are adopting sustainable development practices in an effort to promote economic growth, environmental safety, and social benefits.
According to Forbes, 77% of Australian and American people would like to learn how to live more sustainably.
Corporate Sustainability Development Goals
There are 17 Sustainable Development Goals that are guidelines established by the United Nations in the “2030 Agenda”. These were designed to solve current environmental and social problems such as eradicating poverty and protecting natural resources.
The only way to achieve these goals is with the participation and cooperation of governments, the private sector, institutions, and people like you and I.
A shortlist of some of the prominent Sustainable Development Goals are:
Eradicate poverty
According to the World Bank, a large majority of people around the world still live in extreme poverty, preventing them from enjoying a decent standard of living. The creation of more job opportunities and innovative solutions is what this principle/goal looks for in order to eradicate poverty and achieve sustainable development.
Affordable and clean energy
Sustainable development relies on the use of clean energy sources in order to ensure economic growth and social benefits. Maintaining environmental friendliness is the top priority here, so this goal focuses on promoting the use of renewable energy sources and making it as accessible as possible for all communities.
Responsible Consumption and Production
At this point, everyone knows that the existing levels of global consumption and production are causing serious environmental damage.
Some brief examples are:
– Air Pollution
– Water pollution
– Soil pollution
– Plastic pollution
– Loss of biodiversity
It is widely believed that many of these problems could be tackled if the economic sector adopted more sustainable practices and in turn, reduced carbon footprints and consumption of natural resources.
Consumers also have the responsibility of embracing sustainable practices – the aim that this goal promotes.
Climate Action
Climate change is the result of excessive greenhouse gasses causing environmental problems such as:
– Stronger hurricanes
– Rising sea levels
– Global warming
Climate change has and will affect everyone around the world whether our political leaders acknowledge it or believe in it or not. Sustainable development will only be possible with low-carbon economies and solutions such as new technologies to help combat and mitigate these problems. And the problems are mounting and growing on a daily basis.
How We All Can Subscribe to Sustainability
How do we achieve the impossible? It starts with everyone doing their part… If you’re still unsure about how sustainable development goals can be incorporated into our society, here are a few examples that highlight the balance between economic activities, social benefits, and, environmental protection.
Recycling
A great example of sustainable development in all its glory. This activity uses materials such as aluminum, paper, and electronic devices and turns them into valuable new materials. The very least that any society can do is participate in recycling.
Renewable energy production
Using renewable energy sources such as wind, sun, hydropower, biofuel, and others to produce electricity is becoming an increasingly common market opportunity. Clean and renewable energy sources are crucial for sustainable development as they don’t emit greenhouse gases, helping to prevent global warming and health diseases.
Sustainable farming
Conventional farming comprises many practices that are harmful to the environment.
Some of these practices include:
– Monoculture farming
– Using synthetic pesticides and fertilizers that pollute the air, water, and soil.
Sustainable farming utilizes crop rotation in order to reduce the pressure on soils with environmentally friendly techniques. These techniques are better for both the farmers’ and the consumers’ long-term well-being.
Sustainable Construction
Sustainable construction is referred to as using:
– Sustainable materials
– Recycled materials
– Water and energy-efficient appliances
There are many other practices that are not only more environmentally friendly, but also more cost-effective in comparison to conventional construction.
A final thought
Sustainability in our lives and sustainable development goals in our businesses and in our society is brutally important. We are seeing the negative effects of our non-sustainable focused lifestyle over the generations. Our landfills are overflowing, and our oceans and lakes are polluted. Our atmosphere contains unhealthy toxins and has deteriorated exposing us to more damaging environmental influences, like gamma and harmful sun rays. And this is only the tip of the iceberg - speaking of… they are melting due to global warming, which is depleting the world of natural environments for nature to take its course.
All of the environmental and social challenges we face in sustainability are an opportunity for businesses to create new and better services, products, and technologies that support their economic growth and solve these problems.
Another great incentive is the cost savings that arise from adopting sustainable practices and using sustainable materials.
The Color Glo philosophy
To come full circle in our exploration of these concepts, it is important for us to not only show a grateful heart but to pay it forward as best we can. Color Glo International operates on a global level with franchise operations in nearly 50 countries. We engineer our products to be as sustainable and healthy as possible, in recycled containers that can then be used again.
The core philosophy of Color Glo as a mottle is “Renew Vs. Replace”. Our franchisees specialized in helping bring your old weathered items back to new while helping to maintain our environment and social responsibility.
Environmentally Friendly Products
Safe to Use in Your Home, Office, and Much More! Are you looking for furniture or automotive interior restoration? Color Glo International is environment friendly and uses water-based products that are easy to apply, durable, and safe to use in your home or office. Our special water-based formulas deliver extraordinary results from our professionally trained team of Color Glo Specialists across our global franchise locations.