Sustainable Production: 6 Main Principles
Sustainability is the practice of creating conditions that allow humans and ecosystems to coexist. This means we obtain resources in a way that does not compromise the integrity of those ecosystems — and future generations.
Sustainable production is a crucial part of responsible resource usage. We at Bite are committed to eco-friendly personal care products that help you take care of your health — and the earth, because we believe that self-care and environmental care should work together.
What Is Sustainable Production?
Sustainable production entails manufacturing products using efficient processes to reduce negative environmental impacts. The goal of sustainable production is to conserve energy and natural resources while also prioritizing the safety of employees and communities.
The terms “sustainability” and “going green” are sometimes used interchangeably, but there is a difference between the two. Going green often refers to a single practice, whereas sustainability takes an approach that considers the bigger picture.
Sustainable production involves the entire manufacturing process and creates a continual initiative to help preserve the environment.
Why Is Sustainable Production Important?
Sustainable production, overall, is vital to the preservation of the environment, but there are more specific benefits that we can achieve through this practice.
Reduce Waste
One of the main goals of sustainable production is to reduce waste wherever possible. In 2018 alone, the US generated 292.4 million tons of solid waste. Any waste that is not biodegradable inevitably finds its way into landfills — and oceans, and ecosystems.
The good news is that sustainable practices like reusing, recycling, and opting for biodegradable materials can help reduce the amount of waste we produce.
At Bite, we are committed to the sustainable production of our oral care products. We use metal and glass containers for our products as well as recycled and compostable packing materials. We take a holistic approach to sustainability so that you can feel good about your personal care routine and its impact on the planet.
Stop Resource Depletion
Because of the harmful obtaining of natural resources, ecosystems are being damaged and destroyed, causing a depletion of vital resources. Conserving crucial resources, like water, is one way to slow resource depletion, but it is also important to prioritize renewable resources.
Bamboo, for example, is considered a renewable resource because of the rate at which it grows. That’s why we offer compostable bamboo toothbrushes that can replace wasteful plastic alternatives.
Greenhouse Gases
Greenhouse gases are responsible for damage to both our ozone layer — and climate change.
Gases like carbon and chemicals like CFCs are constantly emitted from fossil fuel incineration, aerosol cans, and even hot showers — hot water requires energy, either from electricity or natural gas. Each time you shower, you are using energy in order to get the steamy water you are hoping for.
Renewable energy is energy with naturally replenished sources. Using renewable energy sources, like solar panels and wind, instead of fossil fuels is a great way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
What Are the Main Principles of Sustainable Production?
Sustainable production consists of six main principles: responsible energy use, material and resource conservation, respect for the environment, a focus on social justice, worker conditions, and performance.
Each principle sets forth standards for the successful execution of sustainable production.
1. Responsible Use of Energy
Using energy responsibly is difficult when there is such a high demand for resources and products.
Implementing strategies like using renewable energy sources and limiting excess inventory are simple ways of using energy responsibly.
2. Conservation of Materials and Resources
Conservation and preservation often get confused, but here is a simple breakdown.
Conservation involves protecting plants, animals, and natural areas from the harmful effects of human consumption. Preservation refers to maintaining natural areas and ecosystems or preventing further damage.
We can conserve materials and resources by designating land and ecosystems for conservation and preventing the exploitation of the resources, plants, and animals in those ecosystems.
3. Respect for the Environment
With the current state of climate change and the destruction of our environment, many individuals have given up on sustainability, and many corporations neglect to implement sustainable production.
We don’t think this has to be the case.
At Bite, we are committed to eliminating the use of plastic and using sustainable materials and shipping routes that emit the least amount of carbon possible.
4. A Focus on Social Justice
Social justice focuses on individuals and communities having fair access to social, environmental, and economic resources. Social justice, as it pertains to the environment, involves ensuring individuals have access to things like clean air and water.
With sustainable production, corporations can become aware of their impact on residents and reduce or eliminate harmful practices.
5. Worker Conditions
Worker conditions play a significant role in sustainable production. If conditions are poor, our workers cannot thrive and may experience a reduced quality of life, reduced productivity, and potential illness or injury.
Safe working conditions, benefits, and fair treatment are essential for production practices to be sustainable.
6. Business Performance
The performance of a business includes factors like customer satisfaction, worker satisfaction, and product quality. Performance contributes to the success and efficacy of sustainable production, as better performance is more sustainable long-term.
Increasing efficiency by reducing waste and costs, reaching new customers, and consistently adhering to the principles of sustainable production help improve performance.
How Do I Know if Products Have Been Sustainably Produced?
We know it can be hard to know which products are sustainably produced and which are not.
Below are some tips to ensure that the products you are buying have been sustainably sourced.
Do Your Research
Doing simple research on a brand’s core values and product ingredients can help inform you as to whether that product has been sustainably sourced.
Reading a company’s mission statement and other information can help you evaluate the brand’s transparency, sustainability efforts, and values.
Read Labels
Reading the labels on your products is an easy way to find more information on the sourcing of your product. Most sustainable products will have labels or symbols that signify where certain ingredients or materials were sourced from. If such information is difficult to find, it may be a sign that the product isn’t as sustainable as you hoped.
At Bite, we list all of the materials we use to make our products on our website with simple, easy to look at infographics. You do not have to dig deep to know that we sustainably source our products — and are dedicated to doing so.
Opt for Plastic-Free
Even though some companies sell products with recycled plastic, plastic is still a big problem.
Companies offering products made without any plastic can be a good indicator of overall sustainability.
At Bite, we have completely eliminated plastic in our products. We even send product refills in compostable packaging so that you can take care of yourself while also giving back to the earth.
Choose Recyclable Options
If you are in a place where purchasing sustainably sourced products is a financial challenge, purchasing products with recyclable material can be just as beneficial. Any step in the right direction is still progress, and we can’t complain about that!
Buying products made with recycled or recyclable paper and metal can help you reduce the impact your personal care routines have on the planet.
The Bottom Line
Sustainable production is crucial to the survival of our earth and ecosystems because of the effects that waste and pollution have on the environment. You can become involved in sustainable production by purchasing products that have been sustainably sourced.
Taking small steps to educate yourself and participate in sustainable production can go a long way — and it might even rub off on those around you.
Sources:
Sustainable Manufacturing | US EPA
Facts and Figures about Materials, Waste and Recycling | US EPA
Renewable energy explained | EIA
