Surprising Truths About Plastic (and How to Fight Back This School Year)

Back-to-school shopping is an annual ritual for many households. But while you’re choosing a new backpack, water bottle, or lunchbox, there’s a hidden cost you might not think about: plastic—and lots of it.

Here are some surprising facts that show just how deep the problem runs:

You Might Be Eating a Credit Card’s Worth of Plastic Every Week

A groundbreaking study commissioned by the World Wildlife Fund found that the average person could be ingesting up to 5 grams of plastic each week—roughly the weight of a credit card. That’s over 250 grams per year, entering your body through food, water, and even the air you breathe.

Where does it come from? Microplastics are shed from plastic packaging, synthetic textiles, and ding ding ding plastic water bottles.

A 2022 study from the Medical University of Vienna confirmed the presence of microplastics in human blood, lungs, and even placental tissue.

Bottled water alone can contain up to 10–100x more microplastic particles than tap water, depending on the brand. Plastic isn’t just polluting the planet—it’s getting inside of us.

Only 5% of Plastic Gets Recycled in the U.S.

Despite decades of blue bin programs and recycling campaigns, the numbers are still bleak.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and a 2022 report by Greenpeace USA, only about 5% of plastic waste was recycled in the U.S. in 2021. The rest was landfilled, incinerated, or exported to countries with less robust waste systems.

Why so low? Many plastics are technically recyclable but not economically viable to process. Items like multi-layer packaging, colored plastics, and thin films often can’t be sorted properly.Worse, wishcycling (putting non-recyclables in the bin hoping they’ll be recycled) can contaminate entire batches. Even if you recycle perfectly, most plastic products still won’t make it into something new.

The U.S. Produces Over 35 Million Tons of Plastic Every Year

That’s the weight of nearly 200,000 blue whales—every single year. According to the EPA, over 35.7 million tons of plastic were generated in the U.S. in 2018 (the most recent full data set). Of that, a staggering 91% was not recycled.

Plastic packaging and single-use products—often used for just minutes—make up the majority. And it doesn’t just disappear.

Plastic takes 400+ years to decompose in a landfill and when it does finally break down, it breaks down into microplastics, which never fully degrade.

So What Can You Do?

You can’t solve the global plastic crisis on your own—but you can vote with your dollar and support businesses that prioritize real solutions. That’s where SUS comes in.

SUS is redefining back to school shopping by creating high-quality bags made from recycled plastics—giving a second life to materials that would otherwise pollute our planet. From the Bottle Collection-transforming old bottles into stylish bags and backpacks-to biodegradable mugs and travel pouches, to the Reality Collection-upcycling damaged bags and backpacks into pouches, keychains and more-, SUS’s products prove that sustainability and function can go hand-in-hand.

Shop the 2025 Back to School Sale Now Through August 31

To help students (adults, we're talking to you too!) gear up for the year while supporting a circular economy.

SUS is offering three bundle options:

1. Backpack of Your Choice + 1 Free Biodegradable Mug or Cup

2. Backpack of Your Choice + Medium Travel Pouch→ 10% Off + 1 Free Biodegradable Mug or Cup

3. Backpack of Your Choice + Large Travel Pouch → 10% Off + 1 Free Biodegradable Mug or Cup

Every bundle is a step away from virgin plastic and toward a more sustainable future.

Plastic waste is a global issue, but your everyday decisions matter. With each SUS purchase, you’re helping:

• Divert plastic from landfills
• Keep microplastics out of our environment
• Support ethical production and sustainable design
• Make recycling mean something again

Let’s turn the tide on plastic pollution—starting with what’s on our backs.

Meet Taylor Dubose: The Vision Behind SUS and a More Sustainable Future

What do you do when you see the world drowning in plastic waste? If you're our founder, Taylor Dubose, you start a company to do something about it.

SUS was born in 2020 from a simple but powerful idea: reuse what already exists to keep it out of landfills, oceans, and waterways. For Taylor, this wasn’t just a business concept—it was a childhood mission sparked by seeing overflowing junkyards and asking, "How can I help?".

"I was always, and still am, looking for ways to reduce the amount of waste we put into landfills and junkyards," Taylor explains. "Traveling as a kid really opened my eyes to how much material is just thrown away and forgotten. I knew early on I wanted to do something about it."

Today, we create sustainable bags, backpacks, and apparel using recycled materials—including plastic bottles that otherwise would have ended up polluting the planet. Each product is thoughtfully designed, made with certified materials (like GRS 4.0, BSCI, and more), and priced accessibly so that sustainability isn’t just a luxury.

"Affordability is one of our core values," Taylor says. "Everyone should be able to make choices that are better for the environment."

For Taylor, making sustainability accessible is deeply personal. Coming from an underserved community and being the child of a first-generation college graduate, he understands the barriers many people face.

"My background shaped everything," he shares. "I want people from all walks of life to feel empowered to live more sustainably without feeling priced out."

But our mission doesn’t stop at product development. SUS's Reborn Initiative is a program that collects used bags and backpacks, cleans or repairs them, and donates them to people in need. It’s a full-circle approach to waste reduction—honoring both the planet and people.

"It's about giving things a second life, not just materials but people too. Everyone deserves the dignity of quality gear."

SUS Founder, Taylor Dubose, with a Reborn Initiative donation bin inside Boston’s REI.

And when donated bags from the Reborn Initiative are too damaged to repair, we give them yet another chance through our Reality Collection. This upcycled line takes the good parts of worn-out bags, cleans them, and remakes them into something entirely new and wonderfully useful—right here in Massachusetts, USA. These one-of-a-kind products keep synthetic materials out of landfills and oceans, transforming waste into wallets, lanyards, keychains, travel pouches, toiletry bags, shoe bags, and tote bags. It's sustainability in action, and the Reality Collection will only continue to grow.

We also connect with the community by partnering with small businesses and refill stores, participating in local farmers markets, and offering consignment and low-order minimums to help small businesses stock our products.

"We're not just selling bags; we’re building a movement. Supporting local businesses and making sustainable options available to more communities is part of that."

SUS Founder, Taylor Dubose (center), with Masshole & Co. Pet Provisions owners, Noel (left) and CaSandra (right).

Taylor credits his optimism and resilience to athletics, culture, and family. "A healthy amount of optimism is almost a requirement in this work," he says. "Sometimes the challenges feel huge—just like going up against a stronger team in sports. But you stay in it, you stay positive, and you play to win."

In 2024 alone, SUS kept 16,412 plastic bottles worth of synthetic material out of the waste stream. And with new product launches, ongoing talks with mainstream retailers, and a refreshed website on the way, this is only the beginning.

Looking ahead, we’re focused on growth through partnerships, marketing, and product development. As Taylor puts it,

"We want to make recycling mean something again. Our goal is for SUS to become a recognized brand that people trust, not just for our products but for our purpose."

Whether it’s in a backpack, a market booth, or a grassroots donation drive, we’re proud to be building something bigger than ourselves—proving that sustainability, community, and entrepreneurship can go hand in hand.

The Rise of Circular Design

In a world designed for convenience and disposability, circular design offers a hopeful alternative. It’s part of a broader movement toward a circular economy, a concept championed by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, which calls for eliminating waste and pollution, circulating products and materials, and regenerating nature.

In other words, it’s about designing with intention—from the start.

What Is Circular Design?

Circular design reimagines how products are made, used, and reused. Unlike the traditional “take-make-waste” model, circular design asks:

Can this be repaired instead of replaced? Will this material have a second, third, fourth life? How do we build value that lasts? It’s a system where waste is transformed into a resource—and sustainability is embedded into every step of a product's lifecycle.

Why It Matters Now

We've seen a push amongst consumers for accountability and impact. Circular design isn’t just “nice to have”; it’s necessary. The future belongs to businesses that are designing-out waste, using fewer virgin resources, and creating for resilience.

Circularity is how we move from less bad to actively good... for people, for products, and for the planet.

SUS + Circularity: A Practical Approach

Circularity isn’t theory at SUS; it’s practice. It’s why we:

Offer a Lifetime Warranty on all bags and backpacks—because fixing beats tossing. Created the Reborn Initiative, where no-longer-used bags are rehomed and—through the Reality Collection—bags too damaged to be rehomed are sewn into something new. Design with recycled and upcycled materials to reduce our footprint from the start.

By choosing products made to last, to be repaired, and to be returned to the loop, we reduce waste, conserve resources, and reshape what “sustainable” really means. At SUS, we’re proud to be part of this shift and we invite you to carry that impact forward, one bag at a time.

Interested In Learning More?

Ellen MacArthur Foundation's 3-week online course, Circular Economy: The Big Idea, offered through FutureLearn teaches key terminology, concepts, and the three principles of the circular economy.

"High level, very engaging content. Well-focused, useful resources. Very current and relevant. A good combination of text, audio and video. Excellent organisation of the material." -> Dionysia T.

Coming To A Livingroom Near You: Your Very Own Environmental Film Festival

Environmental film festivals in local communities are few and far between. They tend to pop up around Earth Day, and if you have prior engagements, you miss out on the action—the opportunity to engage in deep, meaningful conversations with fellow community members and learn about critical topics in sustainability and climate change.

But the good news? You don’t have to miss out entirely. The conversation doesn’t have to end with the festival. Extend Earth Day, Earth Week, Earth Month and bring the environmental film fest to your living room. Below are five SUS-nominated must-see documentaries you can stream from home. Invite your friends and family, pop some popcorn (preferably in a reusable silicone bag), and get ready to be informed and inspired.

THE STORY OF PLASTIC (2019)

Available on: Discovery+, Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video*

This eye-opening documentary takes a deep dive into the global plastic pollution crisis. Rather than simply focusing on plastic as a consumer issue, The Story of Plastic pulls back the curtain on the entire lifecycle of plastic—its extraction, production, and the companies behind it. It challenges viewers to rethink the systems driving the pollution problem and asks us to push for accountability and systemic change.

KISS THE GROUND (2020)

Available on: Netflix, Vimeo, Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video*

Narrated by Woody Harrelson, Kiss the Ground dives into the power of regenerative agriculture and the incredible potential of soil health to reverse climate change. It introduces viewers to farmers, scientists, and activists working together to rebuild our relationship with the earth—starting right under our feet. With a focus on hope and practical action, this film reframes the climate crisis as not just a carbon problem, but a soil solution.

2040 (2019)

Available on: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play

Australian filmmaker Damon Gameau travels the world in this hopeful and solutions-focused documentary. He asks the question: What would the world look like in the year 2040 if we embraced the best climate solutions available today? From regenerative agriculture to renewable energy to rethinking education, 2040 is a powerful antidote to climate anxiety, offering optimism rooted in real possibility.

SIX INCHES OF SOIL (2024)

Available on: Six Inches of Soil Website*

This brand-new British documentary follows the journeys of three young regenerative farmers as they take on the challenge of transforming the UK’s food system. Six Inches of Soil digs deep (pun intended) into how sustainable farming practices can restore biodiversity, rebuild communities, and offer real, scalable solutions to the climate crisis. It’s both an urgent call to action and an inspiring story of hope, land stewardship, and grassroots change.

MY OCTOPUS TEACHER (2020)

Available on: Netflix*

This Academy Award-winning documentary follows filmmaker Craig Foster as he forges an unlikely bond with an octopus in a South African kelp forest. Beautifully shot and emotionally resonant, My Octopus Teacher is a love letter to the natural world and a reminder of how much we still have to learn from ecosystems we often overlook. It’s a quiet but powerful meditation on connection, conservation, and coexistence.

At SUS, we believe that sustainability is a conversation that belongs everywhere—on city streets, in classrooms, and yes, even in your living room. Our mission to reduce waste through recycled materials and initiatives, like the Reborn Initiative, are rooted in the same values these documentaries highlight—rethinking systems, valuing community, and honoring our planet. Whether you're donating an old backpack, buying upcycled gear through SUS’s Reality Collection, or simply watching a film that challenges the status quo, you’re joining a movement of people choosing progress over passivity.

So grab that reusable popcorn bowl, pick a film, and make this Earth Month every day count— starting from the comfort of your couch.

*Available streaming services subject to change.

What was your bag before it was a bag? Introducing Reality.

Do you ever think about how bags are made? We do. All the time. And we realized, hey, we can make bags from perfectly good pieces of the bags already out in the world. Where do we get the bags to start with? Great question.

REBORN Initiative vs REALITY Collection

The Reborn Initiative makes it possible for SUS to connect unused bags and backpacks with people who need them. With donation bins all around New England, SUS helped send over 500 bags to those in need in 2024-and continues to give each donor a small 10% thank-you discount in return! When a bag is a little worn, one of SUS’s amazing volunteers fixes it up so it can keep going. But sometimes, there are bags that are just too damaged to donate with a clear conscience. That's where the Reality Collection comes in.

SUS’s Reality Collection takes the good parts of bags that are worse for wear, cleans them, cuts them, and remakes them into something new and wonderful; all in Massachusetts, USA. These unique, one of a kind, patchwork pieces keep bags, and their synthetic materials, out of the landfill and our oceans.

The Reality Collection, which will continue to grow and expand, currently features lanyards, keychains, wallets, travel pouches, toiletry bags, shoe bags, and tote bags.

Keep an eye out for Reality's official launch at the end of this month for SUS's 5-Year Anniversary! For now, get exclusive access and the ability to pre-order on SUS's website.

Click HERE to Explore REALITY.

Is The Convenience Worth It? What To Know About Plastic Food Packaging.

The average American sends 4.4 pounds of trash to the landfill every day” and “some of the most common items found in waste audits are paper towels and food packaging," Kathryn Kellogg, author of 101 Ways to Go Zero Waste, states in her book.

Packaging is the largest, growing consumer of fossil fuel derived plastics. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) states that, “while plastics are found in all major MSW (Municipal Solid Waste) categories, the containers and packaging category had the most plastic tonnage at over 14.5 million tons in 2018”.

There is the environmental impact of the production of these plastics, with its large carbon footprint, but there is also the waste aspect- where this all goes. The EPA states that, in 2018, of the 35,680 thousands of tons of plastic generated, only 3,090 thousand tons were recycled- a whopping 8.6%. No wonder there’s been a surge in the last year of states suing large gas and oil industries for their undeniable role in the plastic problem.

Aside from the environmental impacts, what are these plastics doing to our health? NPR wrote in an article published on September 19th that 3,000 different chemicals from plastic packaging leach into the food, itself. Some of the most harmful chemicals on this list include phthalates, BPA, and PFAs; chemicals with known adverse health effects . 

Let’s look at a breakdown of pthalates, BPA, and PFAs- what they are, what their purpose is within food packaging, and how each is harmful to ourselves and our loved ones.

ORTHO-PHTHALATES (AKA PHTHALATES)

These are a group of chemicals used in plastics as “plasticizers”, making plastics softer, more flexible, and less brittle. The FDA currently allows 9 different phthalates to be used in food packaging but includes them on a list of chemicals up for review, as of October 29, 2024. This review is taking place as phthalates contain known endocrine-disrupting properties, according to the EWG (Environmental Working Group). The endocrine system, commonly referred to as the ‘hormone system’, creates and releases hormones within the body; hormones required to maintain numerous bodily functions. In the disruption of this system, phthalates increase the risk of cancer, infertility in women, asthma, allergies, and–when exposed prenatally– learning and behavioral issues in children. 

BISPHENOL A (AKA BPA) 

Per the Mayo Clinic, BPA is a chemical made to create polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins. Polycarbonate plastics are plastics specific to holding food and beverages. The epoxy resins made using BPA are often used to coat the inside of metal food packaging, specifically cans and bottle tops. BPA is another endocrine disruptor as well as a reproductive toxicant, according to the organization BCPP (Breast Cancer Prevention Partners). The following were listed by the BCPP as health concerns of BPA consumption via food packaging— cancers, reproductive disorders, neuroendocrine disorders, metabolic disorders, cardiovascular disease, immune disorders, and neurological disorders specifically in children.

PER- AND POLYFLUOROALKYL SUBSTANCES (AKA PFAS)

Coined as “forever chemicals”, PFAs are a large, complex group of chemicals that have been used in consumer products since the 1950s, according to the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. While there are many uses of PFAS outside of food, PFAS have the role of keeping food packaging non-stick. They are found in grease-resistant paper, fast food containers/wrappers, microwave popcorn bags, pizza boxes, and candy wrappers, according to the EPA. They are ‘forever chemicals’ because they never leave the body. They build up over time with exposure. PFAS are also endocrine disruptors, so the list of associated negative health affects are similar to those of BPA , according to the EPA.

These plastics only enter into our lives, and our bodies, over the sake of our own convenience—quick meals from the grocery store, pizza easily delivered in 10 minutes, for water already bottled and ready for you at the gas station. There was a world before this convenience that we can return to. Farmers’ Markets have fresh produce during all seasons, freshly baked bread and pastries, delicious, culturally-rich prepared food not pre-packaged in plastics (and you can bring your own stainless steel or glass food storage containers to lessen your exposure to chemicals even more). In supporting our local communities and businesses, we can also help our planet and the health of ourselves and others. It’s a win-win-win, it just might take a little longer. Convenience might not be worth it.

SUS's 2024

2024 was record-breaking for SUS; from the number of bottles removed from the waste stream to the number of markets attended. Here are the stats-

16,412 BOTTLES

repurposed into bags, hats, and backpacks.

501 BAGS AND BACKPACKS

collected through SUS's Reborn Initiative where SUS, and its volunteers, repaired them and got them to humans in need.

40 MARKETS

attended throughout the year; 40 places around New England we were able connect with our community and give back.

And speaking of community, we would like to thank you for following along with SUS's journey. Without you, this small, Boston-based business would not have had the amazing year it did.

We want your input- products you'd like to see, color schemes for new and existing products, directions for new partnerships, etc. It's 10 questions and only takes a few minutes. As an added bonus, you'll get $10 in credit towards the SUS website when you complete the survey.

Farm Shares 101

At SUS, we support small and local businesses. Everything is SUStainable- recycled, reused, and biodegradable materials are our ingredients. Participating in a farm share is one way you can become more SUStainable too.

Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) Farm Shares are a mutually beneficial exchange between small scale local farmers and community members. The local customer pays up front and when the growing season comes around, the community member has access to a "share" of the farm's haul on a weekly basis.

MORE THAN FRUITS AND VEGGIES

Fruits and vegetables are often the main items in farm shares; however, there are other shares, as well, such as flower shares, dairy shares, meat shares, egg shares, and even mushroom shares.

P.S. If you're looking for an experiential gift, explore the option of a flower share. Your gift recipient shows up once a week for 8 weeks, typically starting mid-January, and gets to create a bouquet to brighten up their kitchen for the week. Anything Grows, an organic farm based out of Salisbury, MA, is doing just this with tulips! Pickups are available in Salisbury, MA, Portsmouth, NH, Kittery, ME, and Newburyport, MA.

WHY FARM SHARES?

"Not only has [the farm share system] revolutionized the way consumers access fresh, locally sourced produce, but it also greatly aids farmers in obtaining significantly more reliable sources of income. By supporting local food systems, CSAs are helping communities become more self-sufficient while providing sustainable options for those looking for high-quality produce," - Norman's Farm Market, Bethesda, MD.

While farm shares are beneficial to the consumer, who will recieve farm fresh produce, meat, eggs, flowers, etc. at a discounted rate, it benefits the farmers in that it financially supports their growing season before it even begins.

Restorative Health, a lifestyle heatlth organization in Washington DC lists the following as additional benefits of eating local and in season-

1. Increased Nutrient Density: Local, in season foods are allowed to ripen fully before being picked. In contrast, grocery store produce is picked and packaged prior to peak ripeness in preparation for the travel time- internationally and intranationally. The longer produce sits, the more vitamins are lost.
2. Reduced Carbon Footprint: Most food travels 1,500+ miles before reaching our mouths. That's a lot of fossil fuel being burned.
3. Diet Variety: "Foods have different 'energetics' and help us connect with seasonal cycles of nature and provide us nourishment we need at a particular time of the year. For example, root vegetables (sweet potatoes, beets, carrots, potatoes) are harvested in late summer and early fall. They are rich in complex carbohydrates and extremely nourishing. When we eat root vegetables our bodies prepare for the long cold winter by storing a bit of subcutaneous fat for insulation. Byc ontrast, in early spring it's the green leafy vegetables like lettuce that sprout first. These bitter vegetables stimulate our digestive and liver function encouraging detox after winter's heavy eating and lack of movement." -Olga Afonsky, LN, CNS, MS Nutrition and Integrative Health

WINTER SHARES

As you probably guessed from benefit number 3 above, farm shares aren't just for the spring and summer seasons. There are plenty of winter farm shares available in New England with greenhouse grown lettuce, cabbage, potatoes, onions, carrots, beets, and more. And at the beginning and the end of the winter seasons, CSA members might even get a few extras (e.g., apples, strawberries).

HOW TO FIND THE RIGHT FARM SHARE FOR YOU

Interested and want to find a farm share near you? Visit your local winter farmers’ market to ‘interview’ prospective farms and find one that aligns with your values. Here are some questions you might want to consider as you choose your farm- Do you use regenerative farming practices? What sort of pest deterring practices to you use? Is your produce certified organic? What are your animals fed?

Use this moving Regenerative Farm Map by Organic Consumers Association to do some research ahead of time.

Looking to learn more about regenerative farming practices and how greatly these practices impact climate change? Visit https://kisstheground.com.

"Raw food is the best way to have the cleanest energy. We take so much care about what kind of fuel we put in our car, what kind of oil. We care about that sometimes more than the fuel that we’re looking at putting in our bodies. It’s cleaner burning fuel." - Woody Harrelson

You might even see SUS at some of these farmers' markets. Stay in touch with our socical media to find out which markets we'll attend. Let's all work together to be more SUStainable; reduce our waste, reduce our carbon footprint, and shop small.

Eco-Friendly School Essentials: 6 Sustainable Swaps for a Greener Back-to-School Season

Looking to make this school year a sustainable one? At SUS, we strive to make sustainable products accessible to everyone- from college students to the little tots on the playground. We’ve got something for everyone this year and want to help you make some informed sustainable choices when it comes to your back to school shopping. Here are six of our favorites- some SUS and some not- for lowering your carbon footprint this fall.

1. Stasher Bags

These sealable plastic bag replacements are a must-have for all of your organizational needs this year. From snacks to pencils and pens, these reusable silicone bags will help you keep single-use plastics out of your backpack, your lunchbox, and the landfill.

2. SUS Bags

Whatever size you’re looking for, SUS can lighten your load… and your carbon footprint. Check out our tags to see just how much plastic you are removing from the waste stream.

3. Digital Notebooks: reMarkable & Rocketbook

The future is now! You no longer have to sacrifice organization for hand-written notes. With digital notebooks you can have the best of both worlds. With these notebooks, you can write your notes/schedules/to-do lists, digitize them using the reMarkable or Pocketbook apps that come free with your purchase, erase your page by wetting the included towel or eraser, and start over again. Both have different features and price points so there is an option for everyone!

4. Bee’s Wrap

This bee’s wax coated plastic wrap/tin foil alternative is the answer to all of your eco-prayers when it comes to packing your lunches this year. Great for wrapping sandwiches, cheese, chips, baked goods, etc. Fold and use the heat of your hand to close it shut and you’ve got an air-tight seal that keeps your food fresh and lunch-time ready!

5. 8 Bottle SUS Lunchbox

We took it upon ourselves to create a lunch box that is sustainable AND functional. You shouldn’t have to compromise! Waterproof, tear-resistant, and insulated… plus it removes 8 plastic bottles from littering our ecosystem.

6. Pela

Switch from plastic to plant-based and compostable. Pela has engineered a plastic-like, durable material made from plants. Apple Watch straps? Apple AirPod case? Wallet? Cellphone case? Pela has it all.

Overall, great news- you are one step further from single-use sandwich baggies, newly manufactured backpacks and lunchboxes made from synthetic fibers, heaps of newspapers and paper, cling wrap, and plastic watch straps, phone cases, wallets, etc. You started the first step, which is research. Buying products that last is one of the biggest missions in this climate change movement. Go forth and have an amazing, SUStainable school year!

P.S. For brownie points, shop for these products at your local small businesses! The little guys need your help.

Why we use Crowdfunding for our Small Business

In today's dynamic business landscape, innovation is the key to staying ahead of the curve. Small businesses often possess groundbreaking ideas but may face financial constraints that hinder their growth. This is where crowdfunding steps in as a game-changer, providing small businesses with the funds, validation, and exposure they need to thrive.

Why Crowdfunding Matters

1. Raising Funds to Bring Ideas to Life

Small businesses often struggle to secure the capital necessary to turn their innovative ideas into reality. Traditional avenues like bank loans can be challenging to access, especially for startups. Crowdfunding platforms like Kickstarter and Indiegogo bridge this gap by enabling entrepreneurs to showcase their ideas to a global audience. Backers contribute funds in exchange for early access or unique rewards, allowing small businesses to secure the financial backing they need.

2. Validation and Audience Sizing

Crowdfunding campaigns serve as a litmus test for your business concept. When backers invest in your idea, they are essentially casting a vote of confidence. Successful crowdfunding campaigns provide valuable validation, demonstrating that your idea resonates with a community of potential customers. Moreover, as backers come from diverse backgrounds, you gain insights into your target market's size and preferences.

3. Market Insights and Awareness

Crowdfunding offers more than just financial support. It's a platform to engage with your audience, gather feedback, and fine-tune your offering based on real-world input. By actively participating in the campaign, backers become emotionally invested in your journey, transforming them into loyal customers once your product or service launches. Additionally, crowdfunding generates buzz and awareness around your brand, amplifying your reach beyond traditional marketing channels.

A Success Story: 19 Bottle Backpack by SUS

Oneexample is the "19 Bottle Backpack by SUS" campaign that we just launched. In just 30 minutes, we reached our funding goal and we are now working towards our stretch goal of $5,000. This story shows how crowdfunding can help catapult a small business to new heights. You can check out our campaign here.

The Future of Small, Sustainable Businesses

As a small business owner, the challenges of gaining exposure and securing funding are all too familiar. Crowdfunding, however, has the power to transform these hurdles into stepping stones. It's not just about raising money; it's about building a community of supporters who believe in your vision.

Crowdfunding is a catalyst that can allow small businesses like SUS to make a big impact. It's a testament to the power of innovation, collaboration, and the support of a global audience. If you're seeking funds, validation, and a platform to grow your sustainable small business, consider crowdfunding as a viable option. It worked for our business SUS, and it could work for others too.

Innovation drives progress, crowdfunding is a great option that can propel small businesses forward. Entrepreneurs have harnessed the power of crowdfunding to turn their dreams into reality.

Remember, when it comes to small businesses with big ideas, crowdfunding can help to open up opportunities that wouldn’t be affordable or possible.

Conclusion

Crowdfunding isn't just about raising funds; it's about realizing dreams and connecting with a supportive community. The global crowdfunding market's growth, success stories like SUS, and the benefits it offers to small, sustainable businesses make it a compelling option. By harnessing the power of crowdfunding, small businesses can flourish, innovate, and change the world, one idea at a time. 

You can check out our campaignhere.

Recycling in the United States: Sustainable Backpacks Leading the Way

Introduction:

Finding innovative ways to reduce waste and promote sustainability has become paramount. One solution lies in recycling, a practice that offers tremendous benefits for the planet but needs many people to . In this blog post, we'll explore the environmental impact of recycling, zoom in on the advantages of using backpacks made from recycled materials, and discover how SUS is making a difference by weaving sustainability into their products.

Check out our crowdfunding project to see how we are continuing to provide sustainable solutions:  www.susmade.com/crowdfunding 

The Environmental Impact of Recycling:

Reusing holds the key to curbing the mounting waste crisis that plagues our planet. By diverting materials from landfills and incineration, recycling, reusing, and repairing helps conserve natural resources, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and mitigate environmental pollution. Embracing a circular economy can be a game-changer, and it all starts with a simple yet powerful concept: turning waste into valuable resources.

The Benefits of Backpacks Made from Recycled Materials:

When it comes to sustainable practices, even the smallest choices can have a significant impact. Consider your trusty backpack, an essential companion on various adventures. Opting for a backpack made from recycled materials can make a world of difference. These eco-friendly backpacks not only boast impressive durability but also serve as a beacon of sustainability.

One of the most compelling aspects of these backpacks is their longevity. Unlike cheap single-use material backpacks, a well-crafted recycled backpack should last for 5+ years or even longer.(In my opinion) The NY Times says “A good school backpack should be durable enough to survive the wear and tear of at least four years of education, as well as weekend getaways and trips back home.” 

Refer to our lifetime warranty for our bags and backpacks: www.susmade.com/warranty 

 By choosing one of these sustainable companions, environmentally-conscious consumers can actively contribute to reducing the volume of single-use plastic waste that often litters our communities, clogs waterways, and harms marine life.

Moreover, the manufacturing of recycled backpacks consumes fewer resources compared to traditional backpack production. Using recycled materials requires less raw materials, thereby reducing the carbon footprint. As more individuals opt for recycled backpacks, the cumulative effect on waste reduction and energy conservation becomes truly noteworthy.

Conclusion:

Together, we can create a world where waste is minimized, and sustainability reigns supreme.  Fully recycling, reusing and repairing materials have emerged as cornerstones of environmental conservation in the United States. As we strive to make a positive impact on our planet, let us remember that even the smallest choices, like opting for a backpack made from recycled materials, can lead to transformative change. 

Trash all around us.. Trash in space

WE as people on this planet are running out of places to put our waste. In the articles below there are several examples of that coming to the forefront as a problem in our civilization. Reasons why we see trash in waterways and expanding landfills.

Speaking of all places we put our trash into space via a rocket if you want to check out this article(s).

https://www.newsweek.com/iss-waste-disposal-new-method-1723390#:~:text=A%20new%20space%20waste%20disposal,clothing%20and%20used%20office%20supplies.

https://www.space.com/trash-bag-jettisoned-space-station-nanoracks

Another example with NYC while I love the city we all know that trash is on every street. Increasing the size of the bins is necessary in my view but it exemplifies the challenges that we have with the amount of waste created.

https://gothamist.com/news/as-giant-trash-bins-come-to-nyc-will-the-citys-garbage-heaps-become-a-thing-of-the-past

Countries Restrict Plastic

In May 2019, 187 counties (Not the US) agreed to control the movement of plastics.

This is a common a occurrence with countries like the United States because we don’t have a comprehensive way to recycle these materials.

In order to remove the materials the United States had been shipping them to China before they began to stop taking it from America which led to shipping it to Malaysia.

If you’re interested in the article use the link below..

https://www.cnn.com/2019/05/11/world/basel-convention-plastic-waste-trade-intl/index.html

NYC Banning Plastic Bags

Great News out of New York City where they have taken steps to remove plastics bags which will end up reducing a significant amount of waste!

New Yorkers currently use 23 billion plastic bags each year which find there way to landfills, rivers and oceans.

As a company we want to make it easier for you to find other solutions in bags instead of single use plastics like the images above.

If you’re interested in the article use the link below..

https://www.nytimes.com/2020/02/28/nyregion/new-york-state-ban-plastic-bags.html