#Th[INK]ing Forward: Recycling on the Rise

Sustainability plays a critical role in the world around us. To maintain healthy communities, we need clean air, natural resources, and nontoxic products. It might seem like this objective is out of your control, but really there’s something we can all do to help. A variety of companies, like us, are shifting focus to produce and promote more sustainable products and integrating recycling into their brands. Below are a few examples and things you can do to get involved.

ECOTAT                                                                                                         
Ecotat was inspired by the concept of sustainability, their products embrace a range of compostable and biodegradable bioplastics that provide plant-based alternatives to typical disposable plastic products used during tattooing. There’s roughly 17.6 billion pounds of plastic that end up in our oceans every year. It can take up to 400 years for plastic to break down; non-sustainable, single-use plastics account for up to 40% of global plastic production. We're proud to sell EcoTat and other energy-saving, biodegradable products. Shop Ecotat products here!

Photo retrieved from Mighty Nest's website

Mighty Nest                                                                                                        This company provides people with organic, toxic-free products, selling a variety of items for families. Over the last few months, Mighty Nest has done their research and made efforts to switch from plastic to sustainable alternatives. They now use recyclable mailers and boxes made from 75% recycled paper. They’ve made the switch from commonly used bubble wrap to biodegradable packing peanuts. And their inks are made without using toxic chemicals. There website provides clients with helpful tips on how to reduce mailing waste.

Photo by:Alex Holyoake

MAC 
The popular makeup brand, MAC, recycle their packaging. The movement ‘Back to MAC’ gives customers the chance to return packaging containers and in exchange, they receive a complimentary lipstick of their choice.

Photo retrieved from Rothys' website

ROTHYS 
This eco-friendly shoe company  repurposes over 30 million single-use plastic bottles and turns them into their signature thread. Every shoe is made from 100% recyclable materials. They also feature Eco-friendly outsoles, carbon-free rubber, and vegan leather. 

Photo retrieved from Green Toy's website

Green Toys 
This California based toy company creates toys from recycled materials. The primary material used is recycled milk cartons. They also save waste by not using twisty ties or blister packs when packaging toys. Their toys are made in the US and surpass international standards.

Photo retrieved from Monami Frost

Frost Burgers                                                                                                            Frost Burgers recently opened its doors in 2018. This all vegan-friendly restaurant is owned by tattoo personality and author of Vegan Home Cooking, Monami Frost. Their menu offers vegan burgers, shakes, donuts, fries, ice cream, and more. Their restaurant has received high praise for its flavorful meals that are authentically vegan and cruelty-free. 

Photo by: @anniespratt

Here are a few easy ways to show off your sustainABILITY:

• Use stainless steel or reusable glass bottles instead of paper or plastic cups. 
• Switch out that plastic bag for a tote bag when going grocery shopping.
• Use a lunchbox instead of a plastic bag.
• Substitute plastic silverware with wooden cutlery.

Another way to get involved is by recycling. Find out where your nearest plastic waste recycling point is by clicking our link above and find out more about all types of plastic waste.

Let us know if you tried any of the suggestions above by using our hashtag #thInkforward

 Cover image by: sinzianasusa