Sustainability is in our hands

The way to a more environmentally friendly future

Have you seen the Netflix hit film Don’t Look Up? Here’s a spoiler alert: It’s a fictionalised account of scientists sounding the alarm on a comet heading toward Earth. Both funny and unsettling, the film delivers a message using the comet as a catastrophic metaphor for the urgency of climate change.

Because let’s face it, the current climate situation is one that demands immediate attention. Extreme weather conditions that cause wildfires and widespread flooding are regular news items. Images of the devastating effects are frequently in the media, and we are all experiencing the results of climate change directly or indirectly. The rise in CO2 levels due to human activities, such as manufacturing, transportation, and plastic pollution are massive issues that need addressing. Climate change is a reality that we all have to face, and it’s up to all of us to make the changes to reduce our impact on the planet. One of the best ways we can do this is to actively reduce our CO2 footprint. In this blog, we’ll share some ideas that support eco-friendly practices and a more sustainable lifestyle.

The primary cause of climate change is the rise in greenhouse gas emissions, mostly carbon dioxide (CO2). Manufacturing is a significant contributor to pollution worldwide. The production of goods, whether it is clothing or electronics, requires energy and resources. The largest contributor to this increase in CO2 levels is the burning of fossil fuels for energy and transportation. Then the disposal of products at the end of their useful life also contributes to environmental pollution. Once we are aware that our clothing and household devices are part of a pollutive process, we may start to reconsider our role in this. But how can we change an industry?

To reduce manufacturing pollution, we can support companies that prioritize sustainability and environmentally friendly practices. And we can make conscious choices when buying products by considering the impact of their production and disposal on the environment.

The fact remains plastic pollution is one of the biggest environmental challenges facing the world today. According to a report by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), over 300 million tonnes of plastic are produced every year, and only 9% of this is recycled. This means that the majority of plastic waste ends up in landfills, oceans, and other natural habitats, where it can take hundreds of years to decompose.

The impact of plastic pollution is huge and affects not only the environment but also human health. Plastic waste in the ocean can harm marine life and end up in our food chain, causing health problems. The production of plastic requires large amounts of fossil fuels such as oil and gas, which are non-renewable resources. One way to address this issue is to reduce plastic use worldwide and minimize pollution from the manufacturing process. At One For All, we strive to be more eco-friendly by continuously looking at our processes and improving the way we do things to help protect the environment we live in. We have introduced several initiatives to reduce our environmental impact by eliminating single-use plastics and developing more energy-efficient products. For example, our new eco-friendly packaging for our remote controls, TV antennas and TV wall mounts is recyclable and 100% free of single-use plastics. Everything we use including manuals, printed inlay cards and parcels for shipping are all made from recyclable materials. Look out for the new green logo ‘Plastic Free Packaging’ and let us help you reduce your footprint.

Once we become aware that there are better options available, we can choose products carefully, ie. single-use plastic free options, or 100% recycled products. Then we can reduce the amount of plastic waste generated together. Reducing our CO2 footprint requires commitment and action through responsible shopping and consumer choices. And even if we all start to voluntarily drive less or opt to buy green products, we still need policy change and action on a political level. There is no quick fix for the planet!  But it’s a really good place to start.

So what can we do?

• Take action in your own home. Turn the lights off, conserve water, change to LED, and recycle.
• To reduce plastic waste, take simple actions like using reusable bags, water bottles, and straws. 
• Prioritise recycling at home and in the workplace 
• Choose plastic-alternative materials when possible (bamboo, glass, metal) and choose 100% recycled plastic products where available
• Choose environmentally friendly products, such as those made with renewable resources. Look for special logos on product packaging.
• Look for the Single-Use Plastic Free logo on products. At One For All we have brand new plastic-free packaging for our products. All our packaging without any single-use plastics carries the new logo ‘Plastic Free Packaging’.
• Support companies that use sustainable and eco-friendly materials in their products can help reduce plastic waste. Members of the Responsible Business Alliance are committed to addressing issues related to the responsible sourcing of minerals in their supply chains.
• Support companies that prioritize sustainable and eco-friendly practices. You can find company statements in their annual reports or on their website. Companies that use ISO 14001 are dedicated to measuring and improving their environmental impact.
• Recycling products at the end of their useful life can help reduce waste. You can find recycling stations for products at hardware stores or organized by your local municipality.

Awareness and education play a crucial role in addressing the plastic pollution crisis. Governments, businesses, and individuals all need to take action within their own resources. If businesses promote and provide sustainable alternatives and individuals choose environmentally friendly products, such as those made with renewable resources, we can start to reduce plastic use and minimize pollution from manufacturing. As the largest remote control manufacturer on the planet, we understand the impact our products make on the environment and that’s why we are committed to continuously reviewing and improving our environmental footprint. In 2021 we processed 2,500 tonnes of recycled plastics and refurbished 2.1 million Remote Control Units.

One For All Green Packaging

Responsible shopping means making conscious choices when purchasing products by considering their impact on the environment and society. It might not feel like a big deal but by choosing sustainable products and supporting companies that prioritize sustainability, we can reduce our carbon footprint and contribute to a greener future.

Inspiring a greener lifestyle can start with small actions and achievable steps. Sometimes our actions spread awareness, inspire or educate others about the importance of sustainability. Greener habits do contribute to a more sustainable future and who doesn’t want that for themselves and their children?