“The Earth is what we all have in common.”
—Wendell Berry

In today's issue, we'll take a look at:

• Microsoft spearheading the first self-repair program for their devices

• Ashley Renne's tips for raising a sustainably-focused family

• Sustainability certifications and what they really indicate

Did you know?
Humans use only 1% of all available water - the rest is saltwater, frozen in ice caps, or generally inaccessible.

Apple and Other Big Tech Companies Launch Self Repair Programs
Microsoft recently published a study confirming what many hypothesized: that repairing devices instead of replacing them is better for the environment.

Because of this, Microsoft has said they will take actions to make their devices easier to repair, and other big tech companies are following suit. For example, Apple has started their own “Self Service Repair” program that allows customers to order product parts and a kit of tools to repair their own device.

Google and Samsung have also launched self repair programs, showing that although big tech has resisted this change in the past, they seem to be changing their tune. Although these self repair programs are limited, there is hope that they will continue to expand in the future.

Microsoft’s study showed that repairing instead of replacing Microsoft devices could reduce waste and carbon emissions from the manufacturing of new devices up to 92%, so any steps towards more self repair options can make a big difference.

Eco-Influencer of the Day: Ashley Renne
Ashley Renne is a vegan mother and activist who shares tips and tricks for families who want to live more sustainable lives.

Renne was previously a travel blogger, but seeing the destruction of previously beautiful places around the world inspired her to reduce her carbon footprint. Now Renne uses her social media platforms to educate and inspire others. She regularly reviews eco-friendly products and shares sustainability challenges with her audience.

Renne is vegan, her house is solar powered, and she drives an electric car. However, she gives advice knowing not everyone can live the same lifestyle. Renne has a certificate in plant based nutrition and recently released a cookbook for those who want to try veganism in any capacity. She’s got lots of good tips for busy parents that still want to lead sustainable lives.

Renne’s YouTube channel is full of videos that might even inspire you to go zero waste.

A Quick Guide to Sustainability Certifications 
There are numerous sustainability certifications, all with different rules and regulations. So we’ve rounded up some of the labels with the highest standards that you may not have heard of (but should!).

• Fairtrade International: This label is for clothing, textiles, and food products. It ensures good working conditions and bans child labor. They set environmental standards to reduce the impact on the planet as well. 

• WaterSense: This label from the EPA is for sinks, toilets, sprinklers, or shower heads and it certifies that the product is at least 20% more efficient than average products. 

• Rainforest Alliance Certified: Any product (food, beverage, personal care) with this seal was made in a sustainable way, for the environment but also for the workers. They use multiple sets of standards depending on the product. 

• Green America’s Business Certification: This certification is awarded to businesses that are environmentally responsible and also treat their workers fairly. These are just two examples from a long list of requirements for this esteemed certification. 

• Global Organic Textile Standard: For all types of clothing or textiles, this meticulous certification tracks the entire manufacturing procedure of the product, not just the end result. The entire supply chain must be certified, and consumers can actually look up the number on the label to see this process. 

• Made Safe: This certification is for apparel, bedding, personal care products, and childcare items. The Made Safe label bans over 6500 chemicals that are or could be harmful to humans. 

• Cradle to Cradle: Each product with this label has a rating for each of these five categories: material health, social fairness, carbon management, material reuse, and water stewardship. This makes it easy to see how standards are being kept in each product. 

• B Corp Certification: This certification puts businesses through a rigorous assessment to investigate their impact on the environment, their workers, the community, and their customers. Certified B Corporations must even change their mission to reflect the balancing of “profit and purpose.”

These are just some of the many sustainability labels that exist - if you’d like to check out even more, click here. 

Next time you go grocery shopping, need to replace an appliance, or want to buy a new outfit, you can look for some of these certifications and know that your purchase is sustainable.

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