In Greece, the local market is not just a place to buy fresh and local products - it is a deeply rooted tradition. However, with the rise of supermarkets and modern conveniences, the significance of the local market has somewhat been forgotten, especially among the younger generation. Nevertheless, in recent years, there has been an increase in interest in supporting local producers and adopting sustainable practices. Join us on a journey to rediscover the local market and Farmers' Markets and explore how they can contribute to a greener and more vibrant future for our communities and the environment. Supporting local agriculture By buying from the local market or Farmers' Market, you directly support local farmers and rural communities. This helps maintain small-scale agriculture, which often employs sustainable practices such as organic farming, heirloom seeds, and reduced pesticide use. Supporting local agriculture contributes to the preservation of green spaces. Reducing distribution energy An important environmental advantage of farmers' markets is the reduction in distribution energy. Unlike supermarket products that often travel long distances before reaching the shelves, farmers sell food that usually comes from nearby areas. This means fewer carbon emissions from transportation, less dependence on fossil fuels, and a smaller carbon footprint associated with your food. Preserving biodiversity Farmers' markets offer a variety of locally grown fruits, vegetables, and heirloom varieties. By choosing to buy from these markets, you contribute to the preservation of biodiversity and the protection of rare and traditional plant species. This diversity not only enhances the flavors and nutritional value of your meals but also supports the resilience of ecosystems. Connecting with the seasons Farmers' markets operate based on seasonal availability, meaning that the products offered align with the rhythm of nature. Embracing seasonal eating reduces the need for energy-intensive greenhouse cultivation and long-term storage methods. By connecting with each season through these markets, you participate in a more sustainable system and reduce the environmental impact associated with out-of-season produce. Making shopping at the local market or Farmers' Market a part of your routine is not only a healthier choice for you but also a beneficial decision for the environment. So, the next time you have the opportunity, visit the local market, savor the flavors of seasonal products, and contribute to a greener planet.

Did you know that fruits and vegetables are the foods that end up in the trash cans most often? As eco-warriors, it is important to think about the environmental impact of our food choices. One of the ways we can reduce our carbon footprint is to minimize food waste. Many times, proper storage is enough to extend their life and prevent them from being thrown away. Here are some tips from the Re4Earth team to save your fruit and vegetables: Keep them dry Moisture can lead to mold and spoilage, so it's important to keep your produce dry. After washing them, make sure to dry them thoroughly before storing them. Store them in a cool, dry place Fruits and vegetables are best stored at temperatures between 1,5 and 5 degrees Celsius. Most refrigerators have a designated crisper drawer for produce, but if you don't have one, you can store them in a cool, dry place such as a pantry. Use reusable bags Plastic produce bags are a major contributor to plastic waste. Instead, use reusable bags made from organic cotton or mesh. They're not only eco-friendly, but they also help your veggies and fruits stay fresher for longer by allowing air to circulate. Store them in glass containers Plastic containers can leach harmful chemicals into your food, especially when they're heated or exposed to acidic foods. Glass containers are a safer and more eco-friendly option. They're also more durable and can be reused multiple times. Use beeswax wrap Beeswax wrap are a sustainable alternative to plastic wrap. They're made from cotton fabric coated in beeswax, which creates a natural seal around your food. They're reusable and can be washed with soap and water. By following these eco-friendly storage tips, you can reduce your carbon footprint and minimize food waste. Not only will you be doing your part for the environment, but you'll also save money by extending the shelf life of your products. Remember, small changes can make a big difference!

As fashion icon Vivienne Westwood once said, "Buy less, choose well, make it last." These words are not only wise but also essential for anyone looking to build a sustainable wardrobe. The fashion industry is one of the most polluting and wasteful industries in the world. From the production of clothing materials to the disposal of unwanted garments, the environmental impact of the industry is significant. However, sustainable fashion is on the rise, with more and more people choosing to build a wardrobe that is both stylish and eco-friendly. Here are some tips from the Re4Earth team to make your clothes last longer: Choose Quality Over Quantity The first step towards building a sustainable wardrobe is to choose quality over quantity. Investing in high-quality clothes that are made to last is key. When you're shopping for clothes, look for garments made from sustainable materials like organic cotton, linen, and bamboo. These materials are eco-friendly, require less water and fewer chemicals to produce, and are often more durable than synthetic fabrics. Repair and Mend Don't throw away clothes that have minor damages. Try to learn how to sew and mend them yourself or with the help of a friend who may know. Otherwise, you can take them to a tailor for repair. This will extend their life and reduce waste. Wash Less Over-washing clothes can wear them out faster. Wash your clothes only when they are dirty or need freshening up. Try to use environmentally friendly detergents, and wash at a low temperature. This way you protect both your clothes and the environment. Swap, donate and recycle Instead of throwing away clothes that you no longer wear, host clothing swaps with friends or donate them to charity. It's a very nice way for your clothes to find a new home and to extend their "life". You can also recycle them in your local purple bins. You can finally sell your clothes online to make some extra money. Buy secondhand Shopping at thrift stores is a great way to find unique pieces while also reducing the environmental impact of the fashion industry. By giving clothes a new home, you are supporting a circular economy and reducing the need for new materials and resources to be used in the fashion industry. In the end sustainable fashion is about making conscious choices when it comes to our clothing purchases. By adopting a "buy less, choose well, make it last" mindset, we can build a wardrobe that is both stylish and eco-friendly. So, let's embrace a more sustainable approach to fashion and make a difference in the world, one outfit at a time.

Easter is just around the corner, and while it's a time to celebrate with family and friends, it can also be a time of excess and waste. The good news is, there are plenty of ways to celebrate sustainably without sacrificing the fun. Here are some eco-friendly Easter habits to adopt this year. Shop Locally One of the most eco-friendly things you can do this Easter is to support local businesses. Instead of buying Easter eggs and other treats from big-box stores, try visiting your local farmer's market or specialty stores. This not only reduces the carbon footprint of transporting goods, but also helps support small businesses in your community. Decorate Your Easter Table in the Eco-Friendly Way When it comes to Easter decorations, avoid buying disposable decorations that end up in landfills. Instead, opt for eco-friendly alternatives like reusable tablecloths, natural floral arrangements, and recycled paper or cardboard decorations. Get creative and try making your own decorations using materials you already have at home. Don’t Use Disposable Utensils and Napkins When hosting an Easter dinner, it's easy to fall into the trap of using disposable utensils and napkins. However, these items contribute to the global waste problem and are often made from materials that are not recyclable. Instead, opt for reusable tableware, cloth napkins, and reusable metal straws. Not only is this more eco-friendly, but it also adds a touch of elegance to your table setting. Try not to waste food Easter is a time for feasting, but that doesn't mean you have to be wasteful. Try to plan your meals carefully and avoid overbuying food. Use up leftovers in creative ways or freeze them for later. Additionally, try to buy organic, local, and in-season foods to reduce the carbon footprint of your meals. Don't Buy Living Animals While it may be tempting to buy a cute bunny or chick for Easter, it's important to remember that these animals require long-term care and attention. Many of these animals end up being abandoned after the holiday. Instead, opt for stuffed animals or chocolate treats. Paint Your Eggs Naturally Painting eggs is a classic Easter activity, but traditional dyes can be harmful to the environment. Instead, try using natural dyes made from fruits, vegetables, and spices. You can create beautiful and unique colors using ingredients like beets, turmeric, and blueberries, find the instructions in our last social media post! Avoid using Toxic Cleaning Ingredients for That Post-Easter Clean Up Cleaning up after Easter festivities can be a daunting task, but it's important to do it in an eco-friendly way. Avoid using toxic cleaning products that can harm the environment and opt for natural alternatives like vinegar, baking soda, and essential oils. Not only are these products better for the planet, but they're also safer for your family and pets. Easter is the perfect time to celebrate with loved ones, but we can make it even more meaningful by being mindful of our impact on the planet. By making eco-friendly choices, we can enjoy the festivities guilt-free and take a step towards a greener future. This Easter let's try to make more sustainable choices! Happy Holidays!

Shopping online has become a popular and convenient way to buy products. But have you ever stopped to think about the impact your online shopping habits have on the environment? The good news is that you can make a difference by considering some eco-friendly factors when you shop online. Certifications One of the first things to consider is eco-friendly certifications. Look for products that have been certified by reputable eco-labels such as the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), Rainforest Alliance, or Fairtrade. These certifications ensure that the products have been produced sustainably and ethically. Manufacturing materials Another important factor to consider is the materials that products are made from. Choose products made from sustainable materials like bamboo, organic cotton, or recycled plastic. These materials have a lower impact on the environment compared to traditional materials. Not only are they better for the planet, but they often have superior quality and durability. Packaging When it comes to packaging, choose products that are packaged in eco-friendly materials like recycled paper or cardboard. Avoid products that come in excessive or non-recyclable packaging. By doing this, you can help reduce waste and the amount of non-biodegradable materials in landfills. Chemical substances Avoid products that contain harmful chemicals. Look for products that are free of harmful chemicals such as pesticides, lead, and phthalates. These chemicals not only harm the environment but also pose health risks to humans and animals. Prefer eco-friendly companies Buy from eco-friendly brands. Look for brands that are committed to sustainability and have a strong track record of eco-friendly practices, such as supporting organizations and practices that promote the protection and the conservation of the environment. By supporting these brands, you are supporting companies that are making a positive impact on the environment. Product's transfer Lastly, consider the shipping of your products. Choose products that are shipped in an eco-friendly way, such as through carbon- shipping options. Carbon-neutral shipping means that the carbon emissions from the transfer process have been offset, making it a more environmentally friendly option. By considering these eco-friendly factors when shopping online, you can make more sustainable choices that are better for the environment. Not only will you be helping the environment, but you'll also be supporting companies committed to making a positive impact.

Picnics are the perfect way to enjoy life’s simple pleasures. When the sun’s shining there’s nothing better than to grab good food and some company and relax in a picturesque place. And if you need a quick mood boost, a picnic just might do the trick. It is simple to enjoy a zero-waste picnic with a little preparation. Whether you’re planning for a picnic by yourself or with your family and friends there are easy ways to have a picnic creating little to no waste. Here are a few tips to make your picnics more eco-friendly. Prepare your food Let’s start with the most important part: food! Of course, this depends on personal tastes, but you’ll want food that will pack easily and stay fresh. Sandwiches are a great go-to that you can slide into a silicone bag or simply use a reusable, washable beeswax wrap. Spreads like hummus and pesto are easy to make at home and can be transported in glass or metal reusable containers. Easy zero-waste snacks like cucumber and cherry tomatoes can be put into small containers or a divided ‘bento style’ box. Ditch The Disposables When you pack a picnic, most people think about convenience. And that’s totally understandable. But, that doesn’t mean you can’t find eco-friendly alternatives. Wood is a great option for replacements. You can find wooden plates, bowls, and utensils that you can use over and over. Likewise for any food containers. If you are packing sandwiches, check out reusable food wraps like beeswax wrap or silicone bags. Fill up your reusable water bottles and cups before you head out. And let's not forget the straws! Forget disposable straws and use reusable, metal straws instead. Leave It Better Than You Found It If you are following eco-friendly practices for your picnics, you shouldn’t have much or any waste. That means you shouldn’t be leaving anything behind when you leave. But, remember, just because you are Earth-conscious, unfortunately, doesn’t mean everyone is. If you see trash on the ground, pick it up instead of leaving it there. By helping pick up litter, you are helping the environment and potentially saving any wildlife that might confuse it for food. Picnics are a fun way to spend time outdoors with your friends and family, but unless you take steps to make your event more sustainable, you only add to the problem of the Earth’s growing waste. So use these tips to pack up a basket with reusable supplies, and enjoy the beautiful weather!

We are delighted to have won two awards at the Green Brand Awards 2023 on Tuesday, March 21st, at the House Marriott Hotel. The event was organized by BOUSSIAS under the auspices of the Union of Certified Environmentalists of Greece. Our products received a gold award in the Green Bath Product category for the Re4Earth® Bamboo Toothbrush and a silver award in the Green Kitchen Product category for the Re4Earth® Metal Reusable Straws. All of us here at Re4Earth® are proud and excited about these two awards, which show us that we are moving in the right direction while also rewarding us for our continued research and effort to create products that are truly environmentally friendly. We hope that the shift towards sustainability and ecology is not just another trend of the moment but a new way of life that is here to stay. Our vision is to continue to offer truly environmentally friendly products and to educate the public in this direction. We want to introduce ourselves to the customers as a truly eco-friendly brand because: All our partners have been carefully selected to ensure that not only the products, but also the outer packaging, the packaging of the e-shop parcels, and everything else we use, is truly environmentally friendly. All our sales (retail & wholesale) are linked to donations to selected organizations whose mission is to protect the environment. We are actively involved in actions that matter, such as "Adopt a Beach", through WWF's ground-breaking citizen science initiative, to combat plastic coastal pollution. See more about our action here. So, by shoping from Re4Earth®, you're not just changing a habit; you're also actively helping to protect the environment in all the above ways! Join us on this journey towards sustainability and ecology!

This new trend toward responsible and sustainable consumption shows how we’ve made our concern for caring for ourselves, for natural resources, and for our planet in general part of our purchasing decisions in recent years. Our recommendations for eco-friendly consumption are simple to put into practice, cost less money, and are good for the environment. But relax—it's not necessary to apply them all at once. Every action matters. 1. Start small. Like we just said, it's time to remove perfectionism from the sustainability conversation. Every action, no matter how small, moves us closer to our goals. It's fantastic that you are even trying to solve the problem. You should feel pleased with yourself. The most important thing is to start by examining your own consumption and lifestyle. Together, we may make a huge impact. 2. Always be well equipped. The key to greater sustainability in daily life is good, efficient equipment. It's a good idea to have one (or more) cloth bags available to put your items in when you go shopping. You can use a beeswax wrap to take your lunch with you; they can keep ingredients fresh for longer and seal in any smell. This way, you may reduce wasteful packaging. Do you share our passion for beverages? Buying a to-go cup and a metal straw is a great way to save energy and keep waste in check. By using these items on your way to work, you can avoid waste and enjoy your drinks. 3. Upgrade your personal hygiene routine. Buying the right hygiene and beauty products can go a long way towards sustainability. Try using a recyclable toothbrush and dental floss. Make sure they don’t contain palm oil, microplastics, aluminum, or phthalates. This is not only good for the environment but also for your body and your health. 4. Sustainable consumption: avoid food waste. It’s simple: Only buy what you can use. Write down your meal plan at the beginning of the week and stick to it as much as possible. But even if you are a spontaneous eater like us, your motto should be: Only buy as much as you need. 5. Drink tap water. The plastic that single-use bottles are made from is bad for our health and the environment. We are very lucky that the tap water in Greece is drinkable. If you want to feel extra safe, you can invest in a water filter. Sustainable consumption is incredibly important for our team, too. Read more here.

Photo by Anastasiia Chepinska on Unsplash We know it's this beautiful time of the year again and you are giving a lot of thought on gifting ideas for your beloved ones. This sustainable gift guide has you covered if you're searching for the ideal eco-friendly gift. It's crucial to think outside of the box when giving environmentally friendly presents. Because, let's face it, nobody wants one more t-shirt or blouse for the holidays. Instead of giving someone something they'll quickly grow tired of, replace, or discard, you want to give them something they'll love and want to use for years to come. That is always the intention, but with eco-friendly gifts in particular, the main focus is to reduce holiday waste and extend the useful life of each item. Here are some suggestions for truly one-of-a-kind gifts as well as some of the greatest environmentally friendly presents you can offer someone. 1. Plants Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash Nature itself is a fantastic eco-friendly gift option! Giving a plant as a gift is never a bad idea because the majority of people who live sustainably will definitely appreciate the initiative! And your options are way too many: Houseplants, outdoor plants, flower, fruit or vegetable seeds, trees, a pressed plant leaf framed to hang on the wall, you name it! We would suggest to avoid bouquets of flowers, that usually end up in trash bins. Instead, gift flower seeds as mentioned above, an absolutely sustainable gifting alternative! 2. Re4Earth Stainless Steel Straws With these stainless steel drinking straws, you can give up your disposable plastic straws and step toward a healthier, more environmentally friendly future. Made from superior quality, food-grade stainless steel, guaranteed to withstand the test of time without rusting. The heavy-duty metal is entirely safe and is LFGB certified. Easy to clean, thanks to their user-friendly cleaning brush included. However, they are dishwasher safe as well and ideal for any type of beverage. This set contains 2 different straw types (straight & bent) so your beloved one can select their favourite, depending on the beverage type or their mood! 3. Experience Gifts Photo by JESHOOTS.COM on Unsplash Giving an experience rather than a tangible item is a wonderful eco-friendly present suggestion. This is a fantastic present for eco-friendly minimalists or those who have everything. Here are some incredible suggestions: Plan a ride in a hot air balloon, enroll in a workshop or a class nearby or online, a massage or spa day, a nearby vineyard visit, gift cards for flying tickets, tours to local museums and many many more, depending on your beloved ones taste. 4. Re4Earth Ultimate Dental Bundle Pack Pick your Re4Earth Bamboo Toothbrush, your ultimate eco buddy whether travelling or not. For families who value the advantages of natural items that help reduce landfill waste, bamboo toothbrushes are the ideal option. Let's all give up plastic! Enjoy an ultimate dental hygiene set with all necessary accessories. The bundle includes: - 1 Re4Earth® Toothbrush - 1 Re4Earth® Bamboo Toothbrush Case - 1 Re4Earth® Bamboo Toothbrush Holder - 1 Re4Earth® Plant-Based Dental Floss 5. Cozy & Sustainable Blankets Photo by Alisa Anton on Unsplash A quarantine trend we'll never abandon? Throwing blanket after blanket on top to cuddle. In addition to being cozy and comfy, many of us prefer our blankets to be made of breathable, natural materials that use less potentially harmful chemicals and natural resources. 6. Re4Earth ECO eGift Card There are so many different sorts of gifts that you can make that sometimes the only thing you can do is provide your loved ones with the option to choose whatever they love to have! A Re4Earth eGift Card is definitely the way to go. That way you won't have any trouble picking one that's the ideal fit for your gift recipient. Because you know they won't be wasted, gift cards are a great choice for eco-aware friends and family members. You can't go wrong with a gift card. Choose an amount and write a personalised message to make this gift your own. P.S. Keep in mind to wrap your gifts sustainably! Happy gifting! Save & share these Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Gift Ideas.

For many people, the festive season of Christmas is one of the most beloved times of the year. People gather for food, gifts are being exchanged by young and old, trees and lights decorate our houses and streets. Have you ever thought about the impact of celebrating Christmas on the environment? Did you know that global waste levels are increasing by up to 30% with the majority consisting of leftovers, packaging materials and cards? Facts 1- During the Christmas season, due to the various events and dinners, a very large amount of food is made compared to the rest of the year. Of this amount, a large percentage is never consumed and ends up in the trash. This means that waste is increasing while at the same time materials are being spent which could be consumed by people who need it. 2-The increase in gifts results in the reckless use of wrapping paper and greeting cards. Of these, most cannot be recycled as they include microplastics and other materials such as e.g. glitter which is not recyclable. According to Greenpeace research, during the production process of one kilogram of wrapping paper, 3.5 kilograms of carbon dioxide is emitted, not including its transportation! 3-As far as Christmas trees are concerned, opinions differ. On the one hand, natural trees many times after their use end up in landfills and tons of greenhouse gases are released into the atmosphere from trees that were cut down and left to rot. On the other hand, artificial trees have a longer lifespan but the majority of them are made from materials that are difficult to recycle and have a very large carbon footprint. 4- Many plastic ornaments are used for Christmas decorations, which end up in the trash after use. Also, huge amounts of electricity are consumed for the lighting of outdoor spaces as well as homes. Things you can change to make your Christmas eco-friendly! -For the Christmas dinner, make sure you buy the quantities of ingredients you really need. If there is any food left over, put it in the freezer so you can eat it another day, or better yet, donate it to someone in need. -Instead of the classic wrapping paper, prefer to use one that will be made from recycled materials, and at the same time will be recyclable or compostable. Also, if you have older gift packages, you can reuse them or make a difference and not wrap your gifts at all! Their sentimental value will remain the same! -If you want to buy a natural tree, the most sustainable option is to buy a little one with roots, which after its use you will plant in a forest or keep at home. -As far as decoration is concerned, you can try to make ornaments and decorations from materials you already have and will be sustainable and eco-friendly. Also, make sure to turn off the lights when you are away from home so that you don't consume energy for no reason. -extra tip- Buy eco-friendly Christmas gifts to help yourself and those around you make the transition to a more sustainable way of life! In order for your loved ones to choose the gifts of their choice and to reduce any unnecessary trips for gift changes, check out our gift card!

Black Friday started in the USA in 1952 and marks the beginning of the Christmas shopping season. In recent years, there has been an intense spread of the phenomenon throughout Europe and by extension in Greece. Black Friday is now characterized as a "holiday" of commerce, during which, impulse buying and chaos prevail. The increase in over-consumption for things we don't actually need, leads to an increase in the production and transportation of products and their waste. In 2020, Money.co.uk predicted that in the UK, deliveries of goods bought on Black Friday, were responsible for 429,000 metric tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions (equivalent to 435 return flights from London to New York)! Here you will find some useful tips so you can contribute to the effort to turn Black Friday into... Green! Make a list of the things you really need. In this way, you will be able to avoid overconsumption and unnecessary expenses. Prefer to shop online to avoid car emissions. If you choose to visit physical stores, make sure you have reusable shopping bags with you. Before making your purchases, do some research and prefer to support sustainable companies. If you are looking for Christmas gifts, think of alternative ideas for eco-friendly products that will have a long life. Make sure to recycle or reuse the packaging of the products you will buy. This year, see Green Friday as an opportunity to buy products that will help you start new, greener habits! Start here with -35% on all products with the code: GREEN35 and free shipping for GR orders over €15! * * Valid from Friday 25/11 at 00:00 to Monday 28/11 at 23:59.

We appreciate your support to us, so we give back with every purchase you make. We have selected Stripe as our payment processing platform for all e-commerce transactions. We decided as well to be part of Stripe Climate, a coalition of businesses accelerating carbon removal. No company can stop climate change by itself. Stripe Climate aggregates funds from forward-thinking businesses around the world to increase demand for carbon removal. We are proud contributors of Stripe Climate initiative, thanks to your purchases! Read below Stripe Climate latest progress: In April, Stripe launched Frontier, an advanced market commitment (AMC) to purchase $925M of carbon removal—on behalf of Stripe, Stripe Climate members, and other partners—over the next nine years. Frontier facilitated its first purchases in June. Stripe Climate members contributed to $7.8m of carbon removal purchases from six promising new companies, and are the first customers for all of them. Heirloom, a company from Spring 2021 cohort, raised $53M in Series A financing to fund the first deployment of their low-cost, scalable direct air capture process. Stripe Climate works with Frontier, Stripe's in-house team of science and commercial experts committed to carbon removal technologies, to make carbon removal purchases. Frontier is advised by a multidisciplinary group of top scientific experts to help us evaluate the most promising carbon removal technologies. Some of Frontier's projects are: AspiraDAC ($1,000 / ton) is building a modular, solar-powered direct air capture system in Australia with the energy supply integrated into the modules. Their solution uses a novel material with low temperature heat requirements and a path to cheap input costs. Calcite-Origen ($1,800 / ton), a collaboration between 8 Rivers and Origen, accelerates the natural process of carbon mineralization by contacting highly reactive lime with ambient air to capture CO₂. Lithos ($500 / ton) accelerates the natural process of mineral weathering by spreading basalt on croplands to increase dissolved inorganic carbon in the soil. Their technology uses novel soil models and machine learning to maximize CO₂ removal while boosting crop growth. RepAir ($1,600 / ton) uses clean electricity to capture CO₂ from the air using a novel electrochemical cell and partners with Carbfix to inject and mineralize the CO₂ underground. Travertine ($1,370 / ton) is re-engineering chemical production for carbon removal. Using electrochemistry, Travertine permanently converts carbon dioxide from the air into carbonate minerals that are stable on geologic timescales. Living Carbon (R&D) is applying synthetic biology tools to engineer natural systems for improved and durable carbon capture. They are conducting research to engineer algae to rapidly produce sporopollenin, a highly durable biopolymer which can then be dried, harvested, and stored. The project applications and contracts from this round of purchases can be viewed on GitHub. The full portfolio can be found on the Frontier and Stripe Climate sites. If you are a Re4Earth®e-shop customer you have already joined us inscaling carbon removal! If not, take a look at our eco-friendly products and be a part of our contribution to Save the Planet!