On June 3th 2022, the U.S. Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration announced that Carbon dioxide is now more than 50% higher than pre-industrial levels. The funding by the scientists from NOAA and Scripps Institution of Oceanography of San Diego was measured at NOAA’s Mauna Loa Atmospheric Baseline Observatory and peaked for 2022 at 421 parts per million in May, pushing the atmosphere further into territory not seen for millions of years. Full story here

Prior to the Industrial Revolution, CO2 levels were consistently around 280 ppm for almost 6,000 years of human civilization. Since then, humans have generated an estimated 1.5 trillion tons of CO2 pollution.

If we want to solve the most catastrophic effects of climate change, we need to take these reports seriously and collectively start reducing our carbon emissions. Many (yet not enough) companies are stepping in and while some have taken a climate pledge thru programs such as Amazon net-zero carbon emissions by 2040 others are investing in renewable energy, sustainable initiatives, and carbon-negative products.

Living Walls Industry and climate change

Living Walls are still a new concept to many and before data is collected to show the long-term beneficial effects on us people and the planet, we need to continue to educate our clients by reminding them that their investments can be offset by the many benefits of Living Walls provide.

The idea and concept of a Living Wall is an easy sell. Needless to say, plants naturally take in carbon dioxide and turn it into oxygen and by installing a Living Wall we are increasing the amount of carbon that is being captured, yet most of the vertical systems available in the market today, are made of plastic, metal, or synthetic cloth which contradicts much of the benefits.

As a company that works with clients who are looking for sustainable green solutions, we have an opportunity and responsibility to help lead the way.

Learn, Educate, and Advocate

The first step is to learn as much as possible about how carbon pollution is causing climate change. The second step is to educate our clients. The third step, which is the most important, is to make choices such as products we use that can become part of the solution and not part of the problem.

When you talk to your client about a Living Wall, make sure to mention how it will help with the following:

  • Reduce your company’s carbon footprint
  • Offer a carbon-negative product solution to your clients
  • Help promote Living Walls as a way to offset carbon emissions
  • Support companies & industries working on sustainable initiatives to help reduce climate change.

The Cortiça 32 is a carbon-negative product.

The Cortiça 32, Cork Vertical Planter System is a great example of a carbon-negative product solution that you can offer your clients. By using our product, you are not only helping to reduce your carbon footprint but also sequestering carbon.

What is Carbon Sequestration?

In simple terms, carbon sequestration is the process of capturing and storing atmospheric carbon dioxide. It’s a process that occurs naturally in the world’s oceans and forests and cork trees are a perfect example of how this works.

Cork oak trees grow in Mediterranean countries and are the only trees whose bark regenerates itself, acquiring a smoother texture after each extraction.

The process of extraction of cork bark is called stripping, a highly specialized process environmentally friendly, which ensures that the tree is not damaged. The cork oak is a slow-growing tree that can reach 200 years, allowing an average of 17 harvests throughout its life.

Cork is unique in its ability to store carbon. Cork trees extract CO2 from the atmosphere through photosynthesis and use it to produce suberin, which is a polymer that gives cork its water repellent and rot-resistant properties. When the cork is harvested, the tree simply grows more cork bark to replace what was taken, meaning that the same tree can be harvested multiple times over its lifetime without damaging the tree.

What makes Cortiça Garden Living Wall System a Carbon-Negative product?

The simple answer is that our Vertical Planter System is made of 100% raw Cork Material from Portugal Cork Forest.

Cork forests are some of the most efficient carbon sinks on the planet. The Cork industry currently sequesters around 14 million tons of CO2 every year and that number is only expected to grow as the demand for cork products increases.

When you use our Cortiça 32 system, you are not only helping to reduce your carbon footprint but also supporting an industry that is working to reverse climate change.

In a world where we are constantly hearing news of the devastating effects of climate change, it’s important to remember that there are things we can do to help mitigate the damage. By investing in carbon-negative products like our Cortiça 32, Cork Vertical Planter System, you can be part of the solution.

If you have any questions about our product we would be more than happy to answer any questions you may have. We work directly with Architects, Designers, Landscape Designers, Construction companies, retailers, and consumers by selling our products thru our dealer and distribution network all over the world and would be honored to help you with your next project.