FLORAL DIVERSITY & POLLINATOR CONSERVATION - SUMMER2022 & SPRING2021
Pollinators like bees, butterflies, beetles, birds, and even some species of flies are a vital element of the habitats and ecosystems that many animals and humans rely on for food and shelter. About 80% of all flowering plants worldwide & over three-quarters of the staple crop plants that feed humankind rely on animal pollinators. These species are essential to the functioning of our natural environment and for the survival of humans. More than 1 in every 3 bites of food we eat exists because of pollinators.
However, there is an alarming decline in pollinator populations. A recent study suggests that as many as 40% of the world's insect species are in decline. Approximately 25% fewer species of bees were found between 2006 and 2015 globally than before 1990. Excessive use of pesticides and an ever-expanding conversion of landscapes for agriculture and housing are the biggest culprits.
To ensure the survival and diversity of pollinator species, it is crucial to conserve and protect the natural habitats in which they can thrive. This includes regrowing native (wild)flower meadows and diverse gardens in places where these have been lost. Now is the time to turn those boring grass lawns and concrete backyards into unique refuges for some of the most under-appreciated species on our planet.
Item(s): SUMMER2022, Wildflower Tote Bag by ENVY2020®
Initiative(s): ENVY2020® Native Wildflower Meadow (In-House Project #1)
POLAR RESEARCH & CONSERVATION - WINTER2021
Over the past 30 years, both the thickness and extent of the sea ice in our planet's polar regions have shown a dramatic decline. This trend is consistent with rising temperatures in those areas, due to the historic emissions of greenhouse gasses worldwide.
The polar regions (i.e. the areas around the North and South poles) are extremely important for regulating the global climate. Because sea ice has a bright white surface, about 80 percent of the sunlight that strikes it is reflected back into space. As sea ice melts, it exposes the dark ocean surface. Instead of reflecting 80 percent of the sunlight, the ocean absorbs 90 percent of the sunlight. The result is that oceans heat up, more ice melts, and (polar) temperatures rise even further.
Besides regulating the climate, polar regions are home to some our world's most iconic animals, including polar bears in the Arctic and penguins in the Antarctic. The loss of ice (among other pressures) is directly affecting the existence of such species, resulting in declining populations and even extinction. To ensure these unique animals and their habitats will be here in the next century, we must act today for polar conservation.
Organisation(s): The International Polar Foundation
Item: POLAR RISING collection by ENVY2020®
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ELEPHANT & OTHER WILDLIFE CONSERVATION IN AFRICA - SPRING2021
Since 1970, the world has seen an average decline of 68% in wildlife populations. To make this claim, researchers studied over 20.000 different populations of mammals, birds, amphibians, reptiles, and fish (LPI, 2020). In Africa, the main drivers behind this decline are habitat conversion, poaching, and (illegal) wildlife trade.
One species, the African elephant, is especially vulnerable due to its highly sought-after ivory tusks. Although African elephants are highly intelligent, social creatures (and live in herds led by older female matriarchs), in 2016, researchers found 110.000 less elephants living across Africa than in 2007 (AESR, 2016).
One of the most effective solutions for conserving elephants (and wildlife in general) is establishing protected parks and areas where animals can roam freely, without fear of poaching or losing their home. However, these parks require constant management and are only able to thrive with sufficient funding and tourism.
Ever since (safari) tourism has taken a hit due to the outbreak of the coronavirus, this source income has been reduced significantly throughout Africa. It is now more necessary than ever to support these parks and ensure their survival over the coming years.
Organisation(s): African Parks (Johannesburg, South Africa)
Item: Elephant T-Shirt by ENVY2020®
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Humans depend on forests for survival; from cleaning the air that we breath, to providing us with wood for heating and constructing our homes. Besides this, forests are home to 80% of biodiversity on land and offer a wide range of ecosystem services (e.g. carbon capture & water filtration).
Yet, we are losing forests around the world at an alarming rate. Since humans started cutting down trees long ago, we have lost over 46% of global tree cover; 10% of which happened in the last 20 years. Most of this recent loss is due to agricultural expansion (i.e. to make room for cattle and crops).
By replanting trees in the most vulnerable areas, we can begin to restore these crucial ecosystems and provide local communities with all the benefits of a healthy forest.
Organisation(s): Faja Lobi (Idiofa, DRC) & Trillion Tree Campaign (Plant-for-the-Planet App)
Item: BASICS Collection by ENVY2020®
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Our world's oceans are under threat. Overfishing, plastic pollution, ocean acidification, and coral bleaching are all pressures that are damaging our marine ecosystems at this very moment.
Studies have shown that there will be more plastic than fish (by weight) in our oceans by 2050. Also, only 1-2% of our planet's ocean environment is sufficiently protected from exploitation. This has already led to drastic declines in marine biodiversity and water quality.
Luckily, there are countless of (grassroots) organisations around the world working hard to ensure the survival of ocean ecosystems and their unique species.
Organisation(s): Local Ocean Conservation (Watamu, Kenya)
Item: Sea Turtle T-Shirt by ENVY2020®
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Environmental organisations have historically received the lowest percentages of global philanthropy (2-5%). At the same time, any conscious business or individual that exists today will know that our planet's natural environment is deteriorating and our climate is changing. While not everybody is (equally) to blame for this trend, we will all feel the effects. That is, if we do not fundamentally change our relationship with nature and start treating our natural environment better.
In order to 'save our planet' (= restore the natural balance that existed long before humans), studies have estimated the costs to be around $100 billion per year. This may seem like a staggering amount, but compared to the multi-trillion dollar fashion industry it quickly becomes within reach. In fact, if just 20% of the proceeds that this industry receives would be returned to nature (conservation), it would already be enough.
Giving back to the environment is one of the most direct and effective ways anyone can make a positive impact.
Organisation(s): 1% for the Planet (Vermont, USA)
Item: ENVY Our World T-Shirt by ENVY2020®
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