Tag: sustainable-living

Unraveling Waste: How Planned Obsolescence Tangles Up the Hair Accessory Market

The Question That Confirmed Our Beliefs 

During a recent visit to Japan, we found ourselves in the offices of our esteemed supplier—a fourth-generation family business that’s been crafting hair accessories since the 1920s. As we presented an overview of the North American hair accessories market to their senior team, a particular slide sparked an unexpected yet enlightening conversation.

The slide displayed the top 10 best-selling hair tie packs in the USA, revealing that the average number of hair ties per pack was 55. We’ve long advocated for quality over quantity, so this statistic wasn’t news to us. But what happened next resonated deeply.

The operations manager raised his hand and asked, “Why would anyone ever need 55 hair ties at a time?” It was a question we’d often pondered ourselves. His curiosity wasn’t just a cultural difference; it was a shared bewilderment over a wasteful norm.

“In Japan,” he continued, “the average pack size of hair ties is two.”

At that moment, we realized we weren’t alone in questioning the status quo. It wasn’t just us—it was an entire country that valued durability and sustainability over disposability. And we believed millions of Americans would agree, given the facts.

Understanding Planned Obsolescence

What Is Planned Obsolescence?

Planned obsolescence is a business strategy where products are intentionally designed with a limited lifespan. The goal is to encourage consumers to purchase replacements more frequently, fueling a cycle of continuous consumption.

Why Is It Harmful?

  • Environmental Impact: Products designed to fail contribute to waste and pollution. Disposable items often end up in landfills or oceans, where they take centuries to decompose and break down into harmful microplastics.
  • Consumer Exploitation: It forces consumers to spend more money over time on low-quality items that need constant replacing.
  • Resource Depletion: The manufacturing of disposable products consumes valuable natural resources unnecessarily.

Everyday Examples of Planned Obsolescence

  • Smartphones: New models are released annually with minor upgrades, pushing consumers to replace perfectly good devices.
  • Fast Fashion: Low-quality clothing that wears out quickly, encouraging more frequent purchases.
  • Printers: Inexpensive printers that require costly ink cartridges, which run out rapidly.

The Hidden Cost of Bulk Hair Ties

More Than Just Wasteful

Those packs of 55 hair ties aren’t just excessive—they’re a hidden environmental hazard. Predominantly made from synthetic plastics, each hair tie contributes to the growing problem of microplastics contaminating our ecosystems. In fact, 25,000 lbs of plastic hair ties are lost or tossed daily in the USA because of planned obsolescence. 

Microplastics: An Invisible Threat

As these plastic hair ties degrade, they break down into tiny particles known as microplastics. These particles infiltrate our waterways, soil, and even enter the food chain, posing severe risks to wildlife and human health.

A Tale of Quality: Japan vs. North America

The Japanese Commitment to Durability

Our Japanese partner tests every single hair tie three times during production to ensure strength and integrity. This meticulous attention to quality means consumers only need to purchase a pack of two hair ties—not 55.

The Proof Is in the Testing

Before leaving Japan, we provided our partner with samples of the top-selling American hair ties. They sent these, along with our own Organic Cotton Round Hair Ties—the Mondos and Minis—to a third-party lab for strength testing.

The results were staggering:

  • Our Round hair ties are 2.5 to 3 times stronger than the major U.S. brands.
  • Our Flat Hair Ties, ethically made by hand in India, tested to be 6 times stronger. Hand-sewn with care, they offer a stronger, longer-lasting option for everyone.

Breaking the Cycle of Planned Obsolescence

Quality Over Quantity

It’s time to challenge the notion that more is better. A single, well-crafted hair tie can outlast dozens of disposable ones, saving you money and reducing environmental impact.

Making Sustainable Choices

  • Choose Natural Materials: Opt for hair ties made from biodegradable materials that won’t harm the planet.
  • Support Ethical Brands: Companies that prioritize sustainability and fair labor practices deserve your support.
  • Educate Yourself: Understanding the impact of your purchases empowers you to make better choices.

Discover the Strongest Hair Ties

Looking for hair ties that combine strength, durability, and sustainability? Explore our:

The Environmental Impact of Disposable Hair Ties

Reducing Hair Accessory Pollution

Every year, countless plastic hair ties contribute to hair accessory pollution. By choosing durable, eco-friendly options, we can significantly reduce this number.

Joining a Global Movement

Our experience in Japan affirmed that we’re part of a global community that values sustainability. By making conscious choices, we align ourselves with millions who believe in protecting our planet.

Conclusion: Time to Rethink Our Choices

The question from our Japanese colleague wasn’t just about cultural differences; it was a mirror reflecting our consumption habits. “Why would anyone ever need 55 hair ties at a time?”

We realized we’re not alone in questioning this norm. It’s time to embrace products designed to last, breaking free from the wasteful cycle of planned obsolescence. Together, we can make a difference—one hair tie at a time.

A very special thank you to our incredible team in Japan. 

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How Harmful is Toilet Paper for the Environment?

How Harmful is Toilet Paper for the Environment?

David vs. Goliath. TikTok vs. your to do list. Toilet paper vs. the environment. All legendary showdowns, each with their own stakes.

The first two you’re probably familiar with. But just how harmful is toilet paper to the environment? Let’s dig in and discuss some possible solutions (like bamboo and 100% recycled toilet paper) for easing the strain on the planet.

What are the different ways toilet paper production harms the environment?

Traditional toilet paper production harms the environment at every step of the process — chopping down virgin trees, pumping out nasty chemicals and piling up landfill waste. Not great.

Fortunately, many brands are stepping up to impact the environment in positive ways by offering more eco-friendly alternatives, including bamboo and 100% recyclable toilet paper options.

But traditional toilet paper is still the big player and the biggest problem. From harvesting virgin pulp trees to chemical bleaching, its impact adds up. 

How harmful is making toilet paper white for the environment?

Ever wondered how those traditional store brands get that bright, toilet paper white look? The answer isn’t great: for many manufacturers, chlorine is used in the bleaching process. It’s a process that isn’t just bad news for your bum — it can also pollute water supplies and disrupt ecosystems.

However not all bleaching methods are created equal. 

Some, like elemental chlorine, are heavy hitters on the pollution scale, while others, like processed chlorine-free (PCF) and totally chlorine-free (TCF), are far less harmful. Unbleached toilet paper or paper whitened with hydrogen peroxide and chlorine dioxide both create less impact on the planet.

How bad is virgin pulp paper for the environment?

Most traditional TP relies on virgin pulp paper — meaning it’s made by chopping down tonnes of trees, instead of using recycled materials. And by tonnes, we mean tonnes — one million trees are harvested each day to keep up with demand.

This doesn’t just wipe out forests — it also wreaks havoc on ecosystems and uses staggering amounts of energy and water. If lowering your carbon footprint is on your to-do list, switching to more sustainable options is an easy way to make a big difference. 

How much toilet paper winds up in the landfill?

Most of us imagine that toilet paper disposal ends as soon as we flush, but in many cases, that’s only the start of the story.  In regions with limited plumbing infrastructure, disposal alternatives often mean toilet paper ends up in landfills — where it makes up 15% of paper products.

Even modern septic systems aren’t perfect. Without regular maintenance, they risk leaking waste into the environment, creating a negative impact on nearby water sources.

Is all toilet paper equally bad for the environment?

The short answer is no, not all toilet paper is equally bad for the environment — some rolls are putting in the work to do better. Making the switch to bamboo or 100% recycled toilet paper brings big eco benefits to your bathroom — think lower carbon emissions, less water waste, and more virgin trees standing tall where they should be.

While both are a huge upgrade for the environment compared to traditional TP, each brings its own strengths to the table. Let’s dig into the real impact of bamboo toilet paper and recycled toilet paper.

How bad is bamboo toilet paper for the environment?

While bamboo toilet paper has a smaller environmental footprint than virgin pulp paper, it’s not entirely impact-free. Most bamboo for toilet paper comes from China, where coal still powers some of the harvesting process.

On the plus side, bamboo toilet paper breaks down quicker than traditional TP, reducing pressure on sewage systems and landfills. It’s also the fastest-growing plant on the planet — sometimes growing up to 35 inches in a single day — meaning it takes much less time to replenish. Un-bamboo-lievable! 

How bad is recycled toilet paper for the environment?

Don’t worry, it’s not used toilet paper. 100% recycled toilet paper just means no virgin trees were used in the production of the rolls. Instead, recycled toilet paper gives post-consumer waste like office paper, newspapers and junk mail a new lease on life. 

While the process isn’t impact-free — carbon emissions and water usage are still part of the equation — these effects are significantly less compared to traditional toilet paper. The wins are clear: reduced deforestation, lower water consumption and a chlorine-free whitening process that’s easier on the earth and your conscience.

Conclusion: Making eco-friendly purchases

Toilet paper vs the environment doesn’t have to be a losing battle. While virgin pulp paper comes with a host of environmental troubles — deforestation, carbon emissions and water waste — your bum can still be part of the solution. Bamboo toilet paper and 100% recyclable toilet paper are way better options than virgin tree paper to help mitigate the harm toilet paper has on the environment.

By choosing bamboo toilet paper, you’re backing a sustainable, fast-growing resource. Opting for 100% recycled toilet paper gives refuse a second life and helps keep trees right where they belong. 

Turns out the environment and toilet paper don’t have to be sworn enemies — with thoughtful choices, your bathroom habits can do their part for the planet. Everybody wins!

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