Reusables & Sustainability, 7 things to think about...well, maybe 8!

Dia Dhuit a Chara,

I hope you're well and had a wonderful summer!

I'm not sure about you, but from October to end of January each year, I tend to be in a bit of a hole with the weather & darkness in Ireland.

But anyway, today I would like to delve into the facts of why we should feel obliged to choose Reusables in Ireland.

My hope is that when we understand the issues that plastic poses on our lives, it can help us make informed choices that can benefit us in a myriad of ways; our health, our pockets and ultimately, the environment!

My hope here is also that I can help you choose Narcissips Reusables Ireland ltd. as to be honest, it's been a slow grind this year and while I love the brand and what we have all achieved together - like most small businesses, it's tough to cover the bills...

Anyway

1) Fossils Fuels & Plastic

The entire life cycle of bottled water uses fossil fuels, contributes to global warming, and causes pollution with more than 17 million barrels of oil required to produce the plastic water bottles to meet America’s annual demand for bottled water alone....

The Plastic industry is responsible for ~4.5% of Global Emissions - twice what the Aviation Industry, which is a scary statistic.

2) Water as a Resource

Bottled Water organisations say it takes at least 1.39 litres of water to make a 1 litre bottle of water with Nestle’s website stating that their 500ml water bottles require 2.5 litres of water to produce each one litre bottle of water - which is crazy considering;

(A) there is a water shortage across the world and

(B) many countries do not have access to clean water at source.

Therefore, the fact that we are so lucky to have access to clean water (for the most part) in Ireland from our wells and taps, should mean we should feel obliged to do what we can, as others across the world are not as lucky.

3) Your Health

BPA & PET are chemicals known as Endocrine disrupters, which are linked to hormone, fertility and metabolic issues.

A new study detailed in the National Geographic has also just found links between Tumours & Plastics, specifically the chemical phthalates, which is terrifying with the WHO conducting and reviewing dozens more studies to review the impact of the relatively new, yet pervasive element that is plastic.

4) Wildlife

As plastic can take up to 450 years to degrade, it has long-lasting impacts in our environment making its way into the food-chain of various mammals, birds and aquatic life - I hate to think about the Sushi I eat...

We have all seen the images too so not a lot should be required to say here...

But we do need to consider that in the USA, up to 86% of plastic waste is said to end up in landfills or as litter across the world...

Recycling is not what it seems for plastics...

5) Micro-Plastics

A 2019 analysis of 259 bottles from 19 locations in nine countries across 11 different brands found an average of 325 plastic particles for every litre of water sold.

The World Health Organisation called for further research calling it "worrying". Micro-plastics is another pervasive issue I have covered in other newsletters which you can check out across our page and website, including those that leach unknowingly to most, from our clothes and skincare on a daily basis.

6) Carbon Footprint

Unlike most brands, I will be honest...

Reusables have a large Co2 footprint too - which is why I focus so much on our attitudes, behaviours and habits.

You need to reuse your reusable approx 58 times before you "Offset" the production & then every reuse is step in the right direction!

7) Be Selfish!

Choosing to purchase one single use plastic bottle per day over a year can cost you over €350. Investing in a Narcissips Reusable can save you €325...

Harvard Utility Engineers also stated that 'bottled water is approx 3,000 percent more expensive per gallon than tap water'.

8) Bonus Reason

You're helping a brand we really believe in that has;

(A) Helped remove over 17 million single use items from consumption

(B) Helped 190 children access education across the developing world

(C) Built seven fresh water wells helping over 2,500 access clean water in Malawi

Anyway, if you found anything in this article interesting or helpful, don't be shy and let me, or our team Narcissips Reusables Ireland ltd. know.

All the best, Cathal

www.Narcissips.com

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