This is our blog here at Kendani.com. We blog about issues concerning sustainability, ethical business, Kendani.com and in general matters that interest us. Hope you enjoy reading!
We are facing that time when we must lower our bills. Christmas shopping has not only taken a toll on our pockets, but also on the environment.
Natural resources are becoming increasingly scarce. As sustainable individuals, we have to aim to reduce their consumption. That way, we will reduce our environmental impact and our monthly bills.
In this article, we will give you some tips and tricks you can incorporate in your everyday life to reduce your consumption of light, water and gas.
ELECTRICITY BILL
Beware of the “stand-by”.
Many devices, when we turn them off, continue to operate in sleep mode. You can see this in the little red light on our television, microwave, stereo, etc.
The problem is that this standby consumes between 8 and 10% of the total consumption. The solution is to unplug the devices completely. You can speed up the process by using a power strip.
Switch to LED
LED bulbs consume 70-80% less than incandescent bulbs, and 30% less than fluorescent bulbs. In addition, they are more resistant and durable, light up quickly and do not emit UVA rays.
They require a small investment, but the long-term savings will make up for it.
Don’t leave the lights on
This is very obvious, but not less important. Light only the areas of your house that you need. And don’t forget to turn off the light when you leave a room. This will also increase the duration of your bulbs.
Defrost your products at room temperature
Many of us make the mistake of defrosting our food in the microwave. But we consume a lot of extra energy that way. Just remember to take the food out of the freezer a little earlier.
But do use the microwave
The microwave is much more efficient than other appliances in our kitchen. If you can avoid turning on the oven or gas, you will save on electricity (and save some precious time!)
WATER BILL
Shower instead of bathing
Without a doubt, this is the best shift to take to save water. Replacing a bath for a shower will allow you to save about 200 liters of water a day. With the water spent when taking a bath, you could take four showers or more.
Take care of those leaks
Although a dripping tap may seem insignificant, in the long run it can be a huge expense. For example, a tap that loses a drop every two seconds costs 6,000 liters a year.
Turn off the tap
Just turning off the tap while soaping our hands, body, head or brushing our teeth could save up to 12 liters of water per minute.
Fill up your household appliances
Filling the washing machine to capacity saves about 74 liters of water per month. Whenever you can, fill the washing machine and the dishwasher to the top of their capacity. Or use half-load programs.
Toilet
Don’t be tempted to use the toilet as a wastebasket. One single flushing uses between 8 and 12 liters of water.
Watering at night
Watering the plants at night instead of during the day helps the water not to evaporate quickly and avoids wasting 20 liters per minute
GAS BILL
Don’t heat your whole house
If you live in a large house, you will notice that it is practically impossible to heat the entire house. Besides, it is a huge expense. Now in winter, heat only those rooms in which you spend most time.
Cut on the hot water
Be aware of your hot water consumption. Apply the previous water saving habits especially when it goes through the boiler. This applies especially to the bathrooms, the washing machine and the dishwasher.
Isolate the heat
Before starting the heating, make sure that there are no escape routes. That is, that all doors and windows have a good insulation system. Also, avoid ventilation when you heat your house.
Take advantage of the sun
The sun is the best source by far, so do take advantage of it! When the sunshine is strongest, raise the blinds, especially on the windows with greater luminosity. It will help maintain the room temperature so that the boiler is not running all day.
Every degree counts
The ideal temperature to maintain a comfortable environment is between 21 ºC and 23 ºC. Each degree you add more, increases energy consumption by about 7%.
We are going through quite a complicated situation. The pandemic, which seems to have no end, is having a negative effect on the mental and physical health of many people.
And that’s not surprising: with all the uncertainty, apprehension and possible unemployment making life insecure… and countless hours spent at home thinking about our problems.
But we can (and should!) turn the tables and view the situation as an opportunity. We can take this time to evaluate the way we live our lives, to reinforce the positive aspects and implement new beneficial habits to replace the ones that are bringing us down.
The psychological effects of the pandemic
The Secretary of the Spanish Society of Psychology, Iria Grande, said that anxiety and depression are psychological problems that have grown with the current social situation. Emotions such as helplessness in the face of the situation, loss of loved ones… They all impose challenges to mental health.
It is, therefore, time to take care of ourselves. And not only by maintaining social distancing and keeping safe from the virus, but also by maintaining our mental and physical health.
It is time to take advantage of those hours at home to take care of ourselves and our loved ones. Here are some things you can do to improve your life at home.
Release those endorphins
Physical exercise has many positive effects, supported by many studies. Here are some benefits of exercising:
– Releases happiness hormones
– Increases self-esteem
– Fights insomnia
– Increases productivity and concentration
– Reduces stress and anxiety
Exercising at home may seem harder. There is not as much space, you can disturb the downstairs neighbors, etc. But there are a variety of exercises you can do at home to raise your heart rate and, therefore, your mood.
Fortunately, the Internet offers a wide variety of online videos that can be useful. They are for all fitness levels, and there are many types (yoga, pilates, cardio, etc).
You are what you eat
Many of us live very busy lives. We end up eating anything and anywhere. And not always the best for health, nor what our body really needs.
We can take advantage of this extra time at home to cook for ourselves. Preparing our food at home is very beneficial compared to eating out. Among the benefits are:
– More nutritious food: at home we can reduce unnecessary sugars, salt and fats, generally present in junk food.
– Awareness and creativity: we will learn to distinguish the most beneficial foods for our health. We will also learn new recipes and incite our creativity.
– Savings: preparing food at home is much more affordable than eating out.
Drink your water
We no longer have an excuse. Now that we are at home much longer it is even more important to drink water. These are some of the benefits of increasing our water intake:
– Relieves fatigue
– Prevents headaches and migraines
– Aids digestion
– Improves the immune system
– Helps control weight
And if you are a busy person, you can have a water bottle on your table. This will make you, almost unconsciously, drink a lot more water.
But always use a reusable bottle. If you don’t have one, here at Kendani.com you may find some:

Water bottle
Take up that hobby again
We all have, in some corner of our house or of our life, a hobby that we have abandoned due to lack of time. We think that it is key to our happiness to have some activity that we like aside from work and our domestic obligations.
Some positive aspects of practicing a hobby are
– They distract you from the world and your worries (especially important now)
– If it is a challenge, it will help you manage frustration and overcome yourself
– Raises your self-esteem, especially if it is a manual activity such as cooking or painting
– Encourages creativity
And if you don’t have any hobbies that can be done from home, take advantage! Take the opportunity to stimulate your mind with something new. Open an attention-grabbing book, challenge your partner to a chess match, or try that grandma’s recipe you had tucked inside your cookbook for years already.
Pamper yourself (you deserve it)
Another very good way to rest and take care of yourself is through skin care. Our skin is constantly exposed to the free radicals of pollution, and to the stress of our daily lives. Therefore, taking time to pamper it can be a good act of self-love.
There are many ways to do this, and you can transform this care routine into a true experience of relaxation and disconnection.
This is where we most recommend the natural ingredients. The skin absorbs everything, so it is very important to “feed” it well.

Moisturizer

Body Soap
Let it all out in a diary
Many times, and especially now, we feel that emotions take-over. Besides, being at home makes us feel like we can’t escape them.
We recommend managing these feelings through writing. It is not necessary to have a precious diary. Simply, when you feel that your emotions are piling up, you can write them down on any piece of paper or device you happen to have at hand.
This act, which seems so simple, is surprisingly effective. According to psychologists, writing down our emotions brings us: https://lamenteesmaravillosa.com/escribir-para-liberar-emociones/
– Stress reduction
– Self-control
– Self-knowledge and motivation
– Freeing up suppressed emotions

Notebook
Do not forget about others
Do not forget about others
While we recommend taking care of ourselves, it is also very important to take care of our loved ones. Especially if they live alone.
There are many people who, being especially vulnerable to the virus, are forced to quarantine alone. It is important to keep these people (our grandparents and elders, the sick…) in mind, and call them regularly. You may, for instance, schedule a Skype meeting.
It’s okay to do nothing!
Sometimes, as a society, we become obsessed with productivity and constant activity. It is important, from time to time, to hit the pause button and live more slowly and consciously.
Don’t blame yourself for your mood, or for not having done “anything” useful during the day. Observing your feelings, breathing a few minutes, or hugging that loved one (or pet) is a great achievement just like any other.
Fortunately, our society mindset is gradually evolving towards sustainability. Consumers are increasingly aware of the impact their shopping habits have on the environment and are looking for ways to buy sustainably.
A 2019 survey led by Hotwire found that 47% of internet users worldwide had ditched products and services from a brand that violated their personal values. Sustainability was on the top of that list. Consequently, there has been a rise in the presence of “eco” labels in our everyday products.
An “eco” label does not equal sustainable
However, we should be aware of “greenwashing”: when a company deceptively labels itself as “environmentally friendly,” “sustainable,” or “green” on its packaging without real evidence to back up the claim.
Every day a new big, quite unsustainable corporation launches a new project, line of products or campaign aimed towards those who are looking for easy ways to shop sustainably. However, a clear distinction should be made: not because they carry out “some” sustainability-oriented practices does it mean they are a sustainable company.
The case of Amazon
As environmentally conscious people, when we hear the word Amazon, sustainability is not exactly the word that comes to our minds. Yet, to be in line with the new environmental trend, they have launched an “eco-friendly” shopping platform with products that have sustainable credentials. (The Guardian)
Nevertheless, many environmental activists have pointed out that this new launch is just the “tip of the iceberg” of the 4 to 5 billion shipments made by the multinational every year.
And when you come to think of it, the fact that they have a separate business project for sustainability means that the rest of the business is not. Plus, the Covid-19 pandemic has given Amazon the opportunity to increase its business at the expense of medium to small companies.
What makes a good eco shop good?
With such an amount of shops that either claim they are sustainable or that incorporate some products in their portfolio under the “eco” label, what makes a good eco shop, “good”?
A real sustainable shop will focus on their values from the ground up. A company may carry “visible” environmentally friendly actions, like using recycled packaging or promoting sustainability and inclusivity through their products and advertising, but still be detrimental to the environment and to society. This is the infamous case of feminist t-shirts crafted by underpaid women from developing countries.
The focus should thus be shifted towards the supply chain. This includes water usage, fossil fuel consumption, toxic chemicals and the respect of human rights in the factories. While most of the environmental damage happens here, non-sustainable companies tend to hide this process from clients and stakeholders.
Look for labels
There are some certifications and standards that will help you on your journey towards sustainable shopping. Eco-labels will protect us from “greenwashing” as they are granted by a third party that acts as a certifying entity.
Some labels you should search for are:
– EU Ecolabel: covers the entire life cycle of the product or service: design, manufacture, distribution, use and final disposal.
– Fairtrade: for an ethical production that benefits the workers.
– Rainforest Alliance Certified: for a reduced carbon footprint.
– FSC : for forest and rural areas protection.
A “good” sustainable shop will most likely have all the labels. This is important, as we as customers should not decide between a fair treatment of employees and the use of toxic materials. A real eco shop’s ultimate goal is to make this world a better place to live in, so they will want to constantly work ethically.
Why marketplaces like Kendani.com are a better option than a retail shop
Our objective in Kendani.com is to make the process of sustainable shopping easier for you. We know how not all of us can afford hours of Google search to find a brand that is both sustainable and offers the products we need. Our platform is open to sustainable brands that are “good” (and not just “greenwashed”) and we have a wide variety of products and categories.
What is more, in Kendani.com, the connection with the brand is direct, so the products are not overpriced. This is an advantage you will not get from normal retailers, which charge a higher price for the products in order to get benefits.
Shopping at platforms like Kendani is also more sustainable. The process of stocking and shipping is simplified, as the products are directly sent to the customers from the vendors. In the case of retailers, the products get stocked in a third warehouse and then sent to the customers, adding steps to the supply chain.
(Click here to read more about our values.)
Some real sustainable brands
What does a real sustainable shop look like? We have some examples of real Spanish “eco-brands” to show you:
– ESENS cosmetics: this cosmetics brand cares for the environment by using natural ingredients and non-polluting processes, supporting ecological causes and not testing on animals.
– Mik by Nalex: the Spanish jewellery brand uses recycled materials to create minimalist designs that both you and the nature love to have.
– EKOMODO: they create elegant accessories for daily use. Made from recycled materials, all the EKOMODO products have positive environmental impact.
What all real eco brands have in common is they behave ethically in every step of the supply chain, not only on the “surface”.
The takeaway
To sum up, do not blindly trust all companies that claim they are eco, but rather look deeper and focus on the practices in their chain of supply and on their verified labels. For a simplified process, go to platforms like Kendani.com or do some research and look for labels. Have a nice and sustainable shopping experience!
Our global waste problem
The data on global waste is alarming. The World Bank estimates that waste production will increase from 2.01 billion tonnes in 2016 to 3.40 billion tonnes in 2050. Furthermore, at least 33% of this waste is mismanaged globally through open dumping or burning. (World Bank)
It then becomes obvious that, in order to live a sustainability-oriented lifestyle, reducing your waste generation is key. Fortunately, our society is taking progressive steps towards minimum waste, both institutionally (through bans and restrictions) and individually (by changing consumption habits). This is where Zero Waste comes in.
What does being Zero Waste mean?
What is exactly Zero Waste? According to the Zero Waste international alliance, “Zero Waste is the conservation of all resources by means of responsible production, consumption, reuse and recovery of products, packaging and materials without burning, and with no discharges to land, water, or air that threaten the environment or human health ”. (Zero Waste Europe)
In other words, Zero Waste theory is basically sending as little as possible to the landfills. Adhering to this lifestyle would imply, for instance, taking your own cloth bag to buy your vegetables at the supermarket instead of using a new plastic bag every single time, or using reusable cotton pads instead of the disposable ones.
(Photo by: Laura Mitulla)
Why being zero waste is awesome
We live in an economy of waste. Products have a linear lifecycle: they are produced with the earth limited resources and end up in landfills. Zero Waste aims at redefining this unsustainable system and move to a circular economy, in which products are given a second opportunity, and thus trash is greatly reduced, or even eliminated.
But is it the only solution?
Being Zero Waste on an individual level is indeed awesome, as you contribute positively to reduce over-exploitation of resources and decrease environmental damage. However, the real problem does not lie in our individual responsibility. As we all know, it is the big corporations who have the last say.
This means that us saving our coffee container for future use has a positive impact, but that impact is overwhelmingly cancelled out by the huge coffee corporation that exploits the land and natural resources of developing countries, uses unsustainable transport methods, or pours enormous amounts of waste into the water and landfills.
A study conducted by the Carbon Majors Report found that only 100 companies have been responsible for 71% of global emissions since 1988. From the point of view of an environmentally conscious person, those numbers are discouraging, and they can make us feel useless in our fight for saving the environment. But there can be hope. (The Guardian)
(Photo by: Antoine Giret)
So, what can I do about it?
Although by no means should you stop being mindful of your waste generation, it is also time to radically reverse our unsustainable consumption system. This cannot be done in one day, but we can take small and progressive steps and actions towards that necessary and urgent change.
Yes, our individual actions will not easily counteract the larger-scale damage big corporations are making to our environment. However, those businesses ultimately sell their products to us, consumers, so we can potentially have a great impact on the way they do business, on their environmental ethics, sustainability practices, or even on their survival as a business.
Here are some ways you can help boost sustainable businesses and shopping.
Shop local
Buying locally has many positive advantages. Local products not only reduce packaging and waste, but also transport and shipping distances, and thus fuel consumption and Co2 emissions. Additionally, although this is not strictly environmentally oriented, it helps the local economy, and thus its businesses and workers.
Buy mindfully: do not get carried away
Many enterprises that are focused on selling massively (especially in the fast-fashion industry) take advantage of our emotions and feelings so that we buy impulsively. Some of the methods they use are fast-changing fashion trends, loud music in their shops, aggressive advertising and, most importantly, repetitive sales and promotions. To counteract this influence, be mindful of the way you shop.
Ask yourself: do I really need that shirt? Is it long-lasting? Or will I just throw it away in a couple of months? Many times, we find ourselves buying what looks like an attractive product, but it very soon becomes obsolete, out of fashion, or useless.
(Photo by: Artem Beliaikin)
Do some research
I know it does not sound easy, but putting a little work at the beginning goes a long way. Once you find those environmentally-friendly online platforms (like Kendani.com), shops and markets, you will just get in the routine of buying sustainably. Visit your local eco supermarket from time to time or plan a fun trip with your friends to your favourite thrift shop.
On the other hand, if you are not currently able to switch to fully sustainably shops, you could investigate the brands you buy from. Look for the ways they ship their products, their business ethic and their environmental impact. Are they switching to compostable packaging? What kind of fabrics do they use? Are they following environmental and social regulations?
Keep it low waste
And of course, aim towards reducing your waste. At the end of the day, we should all collaborate on waste reduction. So, you may:
- Buy a tote bag for your groceries
- Use a reusable water bottle
- Avoid single-use food containers
- Buy second-hand
- Avoid paper use by switching to digital means
- Borrow before buying
- Compost your food waste
Keep calm!
Do not get overwhelmed by all these tips. It does seem like a lot but, when all is said and done, it is all about taking a few progressive steps towards being environmentally conscious. In other words, once you change your mindset as a consumer, everything else will come easily.
Human activities have caused global mean temperatures to rise roughly by 1 degree Celcius since the start of the industrial era some 150 years ago. With the current rate of global warming, we will reach 1.5°C warming within the next couple of decades and 2°C a bit later. 1 or 2 degrees Celsius doesn’t sound like much, but it will cause major changes to global weather systems, affecting all life, plants, animals and humans alike. Changing ecosystems, droughts, extreme weather phenomena and sea level rise will cause species loss and extinction. Global climate change will literally affect all life on Earth. Examples of visible changes in our surroundings can be found for instance at NASA’s Global Climate Change site: https://climate.nasa.gov/. If we manage to stop the increase in temperatures and keep the change below 1.5°C, many of the negative effects and associated risks can be prevented.
Though we are late in reacting to the change, it is still not too late. But we need to move from words to actions, and start making better choices. It is true that the majority of emissions are caused by industries that normal people have very little direct control over, but we do still have collective power. In the capitalist societies (practically all societies, arguably even China), business decisions are based on finances, and one way for normal people to affect the decisions of companies and producers is to make conscious decisions on how we spend our money. If companies that pollute the air, ground and water do not have customers buying their products, they are quickly out of business. This way you can also have the power to create change. Collectively, our everyday decisions of what we buy, eat, wear, use and consume will guide businesses. And if we start making conscious decisions on choosing more sustainable options, change for the better will follow.

(Source for data: IPCC Special Report on Global Warming of 1.5°C, Summary for policymakers, 2018. Available at: https://report.ipcc.ch/sr15/pdf/sr15_spm_final.pdf)
Kendani.com is proud to be taking part in the Fundación máshumano’s Premio Mashumano 2019 with Amaya representing us in Madrid!