Sustainability — Limiting Our Shipping Waste on the Planet
Here at Rocky Mountain Oils, we are dedicated to protecting the earth that provides us with the natural pure oils we love. As the RMO family continues to grow, so does the potential waste from discarded packaging. Because we care about protecting the purity of our essential oils and the earth that provides them, we have committed ourselves to using only 100% recycled and recyclable materials for our shipping packaging. We know that our RMO family shares our commitment to environmental sustainability, and we’re excited to provide packaging that protects both your bottles in transit and our earth over time.
Protecting Mother Earth
Did you know that the U.S. alone creates 250 million tons of garbage every year? Too many of us just throw everything into the trash. This habit negatively impacts the environment and the health of our planet. As the online shopping industry grows, so does our waste. As a result, our cardboard boxes pile up in our landfills. According to the EPA, containers and packaging account for 30% or 75.2 million tons of solid waste each year. Looking at these numbers, we knew we needed to make changes to help lessen our waste and environmental impact on the world.
Our Shipping Packaging
Sustainability is one of our core values, and we knew we needed shipping packaging that reflected this value. We researched and vetted the best packaging that could protect your products while in transit as well as protect our earth. As of September 14th, 2018, ALL of our new shipping boxes are made from 100% recycled materials and are 100% recyclable, down to the ink that used on our boxes. We are also switching over to 100% recycled and recyclable packing material. Once our current packaged stock is depleted all of our shipping material will be 100% recycled and recyclable.
Algae Ink
Did you know that printing inks are full of potentially harmful ingredients like heavy metals, petroleum products, and toxic solvents? These ingredients aren’t biodegradable and can have a negative impact on our health and our earth. That is why we have made the switch to algae ink on all of our shipping packaging. Algae ink is changing the way printing ink is made. Instead of using synthetic pigments, algae ink uses algae as pigments for eco-friendly ink products. Because it is 100% plant-based and biodegradable, algae ink is replacing harmful petroleum-based inks and is completely sustainable.
Recycling Program
Did you know that Rocky Mountain Oils started the industry’s first bottle recycling program? We recycle all of our used bottles, including returns. You can also send us old essential oil bottles, from any brand, and we will properly recycle them for you. Learn more about all of our sustainability efforts here.
Reducing Your Carbon Footprint
A carbon footprint is defined as the total set of greenhouse gas emissions caused by an organization, event, product, or person. Your carbon footprint is how much greenhouse gas emissions are put into the air because of the decisions you make every day. The increased amount of greenhouse gas emissions that are being released into the air are causing a rise in the global temperature. This has a created negative effects all around the planet including loss of sea ice, rising sea levels, and longer more intense heat waves. Did you know that the average American carbon footprint is 20 metric tons? That is 4 times the world average. Find out what your personal carbon footprint is. It is important that we all take accountability to protect mother earth and home and gifts she provides us. Below are tips to help you reduce your carbon footprint.
- Change your lightbulbs — The EPA estimates if every American would switch out 5 traditional light bulbs for CFL’s, it would save over 1 trillion lbs of CO2
- Your Thermostat — Turn your air conditioner up or your heat down by two degrees and save 2,000 lbs of CO2 each year.
- Carpooling — Transportation is the largest source of greenhouse emissions in the U.S. Carpooling to work can save 20% of your carbon footprint!
- Purchase From Sustainable Sources — Choose wisely who you shop from. Choose business who practice sustainability efforts and are actively reducing their carbon footprint.
- Recycle — The easiest way to reduce your carbon footprint is to recycle. It is estimated that 29% of the U.S carbon footprint is from the “provision of goods”. When you recycle you help dramatically reduce your carbon emissions.