PEAKLIFE

We do not inherit the Earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children.”

The gravity of this statement is particularly relevant in today’s pandemic-stricken and climate-challenged world, where individuals from every walk of life have increasingly been shifting towards more conscientious living, adopting greener measures, and of course, asking brands all the right questions – ranging from their carbon footprint, animal testing, sustainable packaging, and so on. The need for greater transparency in such matters has been on the rise, with most brands repositioning themselves in a manner which embodies the ethos of being sustainable and environmentally adept. But with the overburdening and incessant use of the word ‘organic’, the virtue and integrity of it is being lost in translation. This not only hinders the honest motives of authentic brands, but also endows upon them the image by extension of being untrustworthy in this regard. Sympathizing with the plight of these genuine brands, a platform realizes the need for an assurance system which would provide a much-needed stamp of recognition to brands which are truly on the path of greater good for our planet.

To this end, OneGreen, Asia’s largest online store for everything sustainable, green, natural and safe, aims to reinforce the surety which is associated with the word ‘sustainable’. They aim to do this through the ‘One Green Sigma Index’, an A-level assurance system that comes from conducting varied and intensive audits on the brands that wish to be listed with them. Some affluent brands listed include Vahdam Teas, Snackible, The MomsCo, Wingreens, The Whole Truth, Arata, and many others.

While association with such brands instill a strong sense of pride, it is OneGreen’s aim to pass on some of the knowledge that they have been bestowed with on their way to a greener way of living. Important issues such as marine conservation, reduced plastic usage, and water scarcity have been gaining momentum, much to our solace. However, with the world adapting to and traversing the popular path of all things ‘digital’, it becomes essential to bring to light the shortcomings of this situation as well. Hence, after much contemplation and introspection, OneGreen feels that the issue of “Digital Junk” bears highlighting. On World Environment Day, they started with kicking off a campaign- #DeleteDigitalJunk.

Statistics have shown that “digital junk” – electronic data which is rarely, if ever, used – consumes an inordinate amount of energy which in turn produces CO2. A shocking revelation made by VERITAS estimates that almost 5.8 million tons of CO2 will be pumped into the atmosphere in 2020-21 alone, thanks to the mass level of such unnecessary storage. Through this campaign, OneGreen aims to urge people to be conscious of their actions and to encourage them to reduce, and if possible, stop such practices. Allotting a few minutes of your day to get rid of this digital junk would not only reduce our carbon footprint but also assist us in creating and sustaining a healthier environment for a longer time. For instance, pressing that delete button on 10 emails can save the release of up to an astonishing 39,035 metric tons of CO2. It is unbelievable to fathom the hazards of something we were unaware of for so long – but not taking adequate action despite being aware of it would constitute callousness on our part, especially towards those who will inherit the future.

So, press that delete button, and kick the habit of amassing digital junk!

Disclaimer: This article is authored by Neha Gahlaut, co-founder and Chief Marketing Officer of OneGreen. The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author’s and do not represent those of PEAKLIFE.