You're probably well aware of the serious climate changes (aka global warming) we are facing, but in case you need to be caught up to speed, check out this article here from NASA. Just like you, we're concerned over the health of our planet, which is why we are doing everything we can as a fashion brand to reduce our carbon footprint and operate with our planet's current state in mind. One of the ways we're combatting carbon emissions is off setting them in our shipping.

In fact, when it comes to shipping, transportation used to ship orders burns fossil fuels and generates carbon emissions. Those emissions trap heat, leading to climate change. We calculate the cost to neutralize shipping emissions by protecting forests through certified projects and partners. By doing this, we neutralize shipping emissions that contribute to climate change; so when you purchase from us, you're automatically investing in sustainability initiatives to counteract the environmental impact of shipping! Yay you!

One of our other sustainability initiatives is, of course, our partnership with One Tree Planted. With every purchase from our store, no matter how big or small, we donate funds to One Tree Planted and they, in turn, plant a tree. Wondering how this actually helps the environment? Glad you are, and we're thrilled to shed some light on this for you! Here's how planting trees benefits the environment (courtesy of One Tree Planted):

1. They Clean the Air We Breathe

Through their leaves and bark, trees absorb harmful pollutants and release clean oxygen for us to breathe. In urban environments, trees absorb pollutant gases like nitrogen oxides, ozone, and carbon monoxide, and sweep up particles like dust and smoke.

2. They Reduce the Risk of Natural Disasters

Their intricate root systems act like filters, removing pollutants and slowing down the water’s absorption into the soil. This process prevents harmful waterslide erosion and reduces the risk of over-saturation and flooding. According to the UN Food and Agriculture Association, a mature evergreen tree can intercept more than 15,000 liters of water every year!

3. They Promote Biodiversity

A single tree can be home to hundreds of species of insect, fungi, moss, mammals, and plants. Depending on the kind of food and shelter they need, different forest animals require different types of habitat. Without trees, forest creatures would have nowhere to call home.

4. They Create Social Impact

From arborists to loggers and researchers, the job opportunities provided by the forestry industry are endless. We don’t just rely on trees for work, though. Sustainable tree farming provides timber to build homes and shelters, and wood to burn for cooking and heating. Food-producing trees provide fruit, nuts, berries, and leaves for consumption by both humans and animals, and pack a powerful nutritional punch. 

5. They Promote Good Health

Trees help reduce stress and anxiety, and allow us to reconnect with nature. In addition, shade provided by tree coverage helps protect our skin from the ever-increasing harshness of the sun. 

6. They are Good for the Climate

Trees help cool the planet by sucking in and storing harmful greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide into their trunks, branches, and leaves — and releasing oxygen back into the atmosphere. In cities, trees can reduce ambient temperatures by up to 8° Celsius. A mature tree can absorb an average of 48 lbs of carbon dioxide per year, making cities a healthier, safer place to live. 

Its amazing what trees can do for us and our environment, isn't it? That's why we're proud to be partnering with this organization to bring more trees into cities, rural areas and more. So remember, when you shop with us you're not only getting fashionable jewelry, you're making a positive impact on the environment by helping One Tree Planted replenish and restore the planet. You're giving future generations a better environment to thrive in-and we support that.

-xo, Team Terra Moderne