Earth Day on April 22nd each year, is a great reminder for all of us to be aware of our environment and how we interact with it. It gives us a chance to slow down, take stock of our surroundings and ensure our eco-conscious habits are a part of our day-to-day lives.
But, instead of searching “Earth Day Australia 2022” or “Earth Day Australia 2023”, we reckon we should all step back and take an always-on approach. There’s no planet B, y’know?
At Koala, thrivability has always been a part of our ethos, a core reason for us to exist as a company; and we don’t take this responsibility lightly.
We pride ourselves on being a sustainable furniture company and take consistent, systemic steps towards this each and every day. Sounds v. serious; but there are some tips you can implement to do the same in your daily life.
Ethical consumption made easy
Ethical consumption can get confusing real quick. If you don’t know where to look, you can start by looking for brands that are members of “1% for the Planet” or B-Corp certified (ahem… like Koala!).
All 1% for the Planet member companies are dedicated to donate at least 1% of annual sales to social or environmental charities, whilst B-Corporations stick to the highest social and environmental standards, as set and governed by B-Corporation. Psst.. we can tell you from experience, it is quite the stringent process to become B-Corp certified!
These certifications provide a clear sign for you as a consumer that you’re investing in products and brands that invest in the planet. Good job, you.
Simplify your lifestyle (and sleep!)
Put simply: do less. Try using less electricity in your day-to-day, take shorter showers, and research and consider purchases so you’re sure it’s something you’ll use for a long time.
That’s why we don’t just make our Koala mattresses range comfy AF, but long-lasting so you’ll get at least a whole decade of use. Didn’t Mum always say ‘quality over quantity’?Reduce, Reuse and Recycle
Reusable products such as water bottles and shopping bags are all the rage. But that’s not all; many companies are making products from recycled materials to do their part. At Koala, we are mega fans of REPREVE®, a fiber made from recycled plastic bottles. Check out our Paddington Bed Base and dining chairs!
Reduce, Reuse and Recycle
Reusable products such as water bottles and shopping bags are all the rage. But that’s not all; many companies are making products from recycled materials to do their part. At Koala, we’re big recycling fans. Biiiiiiig recycling fans.
The crowd-favourite Bottlebrush Rug is made from 100% rPET, meaning you’re walking on a rug made from recycled plastic bottles. Better under your feet than in landfill and waterways, eh!
It’s not just what our products are made of, but how they’re shipped that matters, too. Our Joey baby and kids range is, of course, delivered in recyclable boxes; but decorated with blank colourful circles so the kids (or big kids!) can use their imagination to create whatever their heart desires: DJ decks, master kitchens, rocket ships… Rainy Saturday arvo activity, sorted.
Be aware of what you consume
Trashy TV aside, we mean. You do you there, friends. But, when was the last time you really checked a label and understood all of those letters and numbers and colours and codes?
If you’re unsure, have a closer squiz at what you consume on a daily basis. Might be a widdle scary. Keep an eye out for sustainable brands that use non-toxic products.
Embrace an animal-friendly lifestyle
Did you know that according to the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organisation, the livestock industry is responsible for about 14.5 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions?
We get it. Cutting meat out of your life can be a bit of a biggie. There are plenty of other ways to make sure animals aren’t harmed in the production process of your fave pieces.
Have a look-see at our vegan-friendly pillow range: all the plush feelings, sans feathers. Our Shear Bliss, Shear Beauty and Shear Joy rugs are made using 100% ethical New Zealand wool, meaning the sheep are as happy as your feet.
Stop deforestation
We know that using paper means harming forests, and less forest means less clean air. Yikes.
When considering analog to digital small changes can make a big difference. Switching paper bills to online bills, remembering your reusable Coles bags and taking notes on your iPhone are easy and convenient for both you and the environment. Koala knows the damage deforestation can cause.
That’s why our products like the Getaway Sofa range, Kirribilli storage and Kirribilli and Balmain Bed Bases are FSC® certified, to ensure the wood we use in our furniture is from an environmentally and socially responsibly managed forest.
Protect our fuzzy namesake (and their mates)
We humans share this beautiful planet with so many other species. It’s important to reflect on how we can protect animals that are facing environmental threats.
Whether it’s through a direct donation or through a product purchase, you too can contribute to animal conservation. One example is our partnership with the WWF, which means when you purchase any mattress you’ll adopt your very own koala. If the mood strikes, you can add an additional donation at checkout to further support the partnership. Feels good to do good.