When we hear the word sustainability, we immediately equate it to the use of our natural resources; however, there is a broader view of sustainability, and we can understand it by examining economic sustainability.
Essentially, economic sustainability means an economy can keep producing what it needs without running out of resources. It involves using resources wisely, cutting down on waste, and using business and production practices that don't harm the environment.
Economic sustainability also includes things like making sure work is fair and creating jobs.
Overall, it's about making choices that consider the long-term and what's best for the economy, the environment, and society. (1)
At ecoHiny, when we say we strive for sustainability, we mean addressing economic sustainability, too. Preserving our planet and our precious trees is certainly a priority; however, we prefer an approach that ensures all facets of our bamboo toilet paper production are done with sustainability in mind.
Ours is a commitment to a complete cycle of sustainability from harvest to your home.
Understanding Economic Sustainability
Economic sustainability matters because it ensures that an economy can support ongoing economic production without depleting resources or causing harm to the environment.
By promoting economic sustainability, we can work towards securing safety and prosperity for current and future generations while considering the long-term impacts on the economy and society as a whole.
To understand this, it's helpful to be knowledgeable of the three pillars of sustainability.
Economic Growth: Economic growth refers to the increase in a country's capacity to produce goods and services, typically measured by the growth in its gross domestic product (GDP).
Social Equity: Social equity refers to fairness and justice in the distribution of resources and opportunities among all members of a society. It includes fair wages and work environment, and community and cultural rights.
Environmental Protection: Environmental protection refers to the practice of safeguarding natural resources, ecosystems, and the atmosphere from harmful activities and pollution. It involves implementing measures to conserve and preserve the environment for current and future generations.
To achieve economic sustainability, businesses and manufacturers must work to strike a balance among each of these three pillars. (2)
The Role of Businesses in Economic Sustainability
Businesses have a significant impact on the environment, society, and the economy. By adopting sustainable practices, businesses can minimize waste, reduce their carbon footprint, and support local communities.
A business that supports promoting economic sustainability can also result in long-term cost savings, improved brand reputation, and greater success for themselves and the overall economy!
By reducing waste and using resources more efficiently, companies can lower their operational costs. Embracing sustainability can lead to improved brand reputation and customer loyalty, which can result in increased sales.
Leaders in Economic Sustainability
When it comes to economic sustainability, many look toward Patagonia as the gold standard. Patagonia is renowned for its commitment to sustainability and has a long history of supporting the three pillars. The company uses recycled materials in its products, supports environmental activism, and donates a percentage of its sales to environmental organizations. (3)
In addition to the global giant Patagonia, there are smaller companies striving for the same big impact. Here are some examples.
Clif Bar and Company: Clif Bar and Company uses organic and sustainably sourced ingredients in its products, strives to minimize its environmental footprint in its operations, and supports organic farming and regenerative agriculture.
Allbirds: Allbirds is a footwear company that uses sustainable materials like merino wool and eucalyptus fibers to create environmentally friendly shoes. The company also focuses on reducing its carbon footprint and has implemented sustainable practices in its supply chain.
Dr. Bronner's: Dr. Bronner's is a family-owned company that produces natural and organic soaps and personal care products. The company is committed to using organic and fair trade ingredients, as well as supporting various social and environmental initiatives.
Businesses that follow their example have the power to drive positive change and play a crucial role in creating a more sustainable and equitable economy.
Ecohiny's Commitment to Economic Sustainability
Another one of those companies striving for sustainability success is ecoHIny! We manufacture eco-friendly toilet paper with economic sustainability in mind.
First and foremost, we are always 100% tree-free. We stand against deforestation and only use bamboo to make the paper for our product. In addition to saving our vital forests, you can count on ecoHiny to:
- Be free of toxic chemicals
- Only use 100% recyclable packaging
- Offer carbon-neutral delivery
- Help reduce your carbon footprint
Something else that puts us ahead in terms of sustainability is our partnership with the Forest Stewardship Council. You'll see the FSC label on every (recyclable and sustainably made) package of ecoHiny bamboo toilet paper!
Being FSC certified is a big deal; it means:
- A commitment to deforestation
- A fair wage and work environment
- Protection for plant and animal species that call our forests home
- Local communities and cultures are respected
Our bamboo is only sourced from FSC-certified forests. With this commitment, we uphold the three pillars of economic sustainability.
If you're ready to make the switch to an economically sustainable brand, shop our eco-friendly toilet paper and subscribe to a shipment today!
You might be wondering why bamboo works. Well, we're always happy to tell you about the incredible benefits of using bamboo as a sustainable resource!
Important Benefits of Using Bamboo Products
Bamboo is quickly becoming recognized for its sustainable attributes. If there's a resource that has the ability to uphold all three pillars of economic sustainability, it's bamboo!
Bamboo is a highly renewable resource with a fast growth cycle, which makes it cost-effective for various industries, especially the toilet paper industry. It also provides income opportunities for farmers and local communities through sustainable cultivation and harvesting practices.
Bamboo's environmental impact is nearly unmatched. Bamboo is harvested without disruption to its roots, which means delicate soil ecosystems remain intact. It thrives with less water than hardwood trees used for traditional toilet paper and requires no fertilizers or pesticides.
Bamboo is also amazing at mitigating greenhouse gas emissions. Bamboo is known for its high carbon sequestration capabilities. As bamboo grows, it absorbs CO2 from the atmosphere and stores the carbon in its biomass and the surrounding soil. This makes bamboo an important ally in mitigating climate change! (4)
How Customers Can Contribute to Economic Sustainability
We think a smart, simple way to make your home more sustainable is by purchasing an eco-friendly toilet paper like ecoHiny. It's an action you can take today that means lasting results on economic sustainability. In addition to modifying your toilet paper product, there are other sustainable choices we'd suggest.
After you make the switch to ecoHiny, consider:
- Prioritizing other companies that support sustainability
- Conserve water with low-flow faucets, showerheads, and toilets
- Opt for reusable containers instead of disposable
- Choose other household items made from bamboo
- Select energy-efficient appliances
- Look for recyclable materials and packaging
- Buy local to support the community and lessen transportation and shipping emissions
Choose ecoHiny for Economic Sustainability
Economic sustainability is an important component for ensuring that our economy can support continued production without depleting resources or harming the environment. By balancing economic growth, social equity, and environmental protection, businesses can contribute to long-term prosperity for current and future generations.
The commitment of companies like ecoHiny is a crucial step toward a more sustainable economy, but it's a collective effort that involves businesses and consumers working together.
Start doing your part with a purchase of ecoHiny's eco-friendly toilet paper. It's a product you can buy in good conscience because it supports economic, social, and environmental goals that mean maintaining the planet and our economy in a healthy way for generations to come!
- Bish, Josh. "Economic Sustainability: Examples That Inspire Change." Population Media Center, 4 Feb. 2021, www.populationmedia.org/the-latest/what-is-economic-sustainability.
- "Sustainable Development: The Three Pillars of Sustainability." Bard Graduate Programs in Sustainability, gps.bard.edu/a-crash-course-in-sustainable-development.
- Sundheim, Doug. "How Patagonia Became The Most Reputable Brand In The United States." Forbes, 12 Dec. 2023, www.forbes.com/sites/dougsundheim/2023/12/12/how-patagonia-became-the-most-reputable-brand-in-the-united-states/.
- "Grow Bamboo, Capture Carbon." Dialogue Earth, dialogue.earth/en/climate/grow-bamboo-capture-carbon/.
