On Earth Day, celebrated every year on April 22, we often hear about 'making a difference' and 'saving the planet'. But what does it really mean, beyond the clichés? There are companies that were born with the aim of demonstrating that sustainability is not a passing trend, but a philosophy deeply rooted in their DNA, part of the reason why they were created. Sustainability was precisely the input that gave birth to Dalfilo and R5 . Two companies united not only by the land, in this case understood as our territory, Bergamo, but also by the desire to do business in a different way. Dalfilo , with its focus on the textile supply chain and the traceability of materials, reminds us that sustainability begins with the land, with the raw material. It is not just about using organic cotton, but about ensuring fair working conditions, reducing water impact and promoting a circular economy. Every thread tells a story, and Dalfilo is committed to weaving stories of responsibility and respect. R5 Living , on the other hand, brings sustainability into our homes, with cleaning and personal care products that reduce the use of plastic and promote reuse. But it doesn't stop there. R5 Living invites us to 'rethink' our habits, to 'refill' our bottles, to 'recycle' with awareness. Their '5 R' philosophy is not just a logo, but a real call to action, a reminder that every small gesture counts. What Dalfilo and R5 Living have in common is the belief that sustainability is not a sacrifice, but an opportunity. An opportunity to create better products, to build stronger communities, to live in harmony with our planet. It is not about 'doing less', but about 'doing better'. It is not about 'giving up', but about 'choosing'. Why together on this special day? An often overlooked aspect is the impact of garment care. It is estimated that up to 20-30% of the total carbon footprint of a garment comes from the use and care phase, particularly from washing, drying and ironing. This means that our washing habits have a significant impact on the environment. The energy used to heat water in a wash cycle accounts for the majority of the energy consumption of the washing machine. By lowering the temperature from 40°C to 30°C, you can reduce energy consumption by up to 50%. The dryer is an energy-hungry appliance. Drying clothes outdoors can drastically reduce the environmental impact. The use of aggressive detergents and in excessive quantities contributes to water pollution. Choosing eco-friendly detergents and following dosage instructions can make a big difference. This is where the synergy between Dalfilo and R5 Living comes into play. Dalfilo, with his knowledge of fabrics and their characteristics, recommends: Wash less often: Many items don’t need to be washed after every use. Consider airing them out. Use low temperatures: Most of the energy used for washing goes to heating the water. Opt for cold or low temperature washes (30°C). Choose short cycles: Short wash cycles use less water and energy. R5 Living, with its ecological products and its 5 R philosophy, suggests: Use detergents with a lower impact: without disposable plastic containers, without transporting water and formulated to be delicate and effective, reducing the environmental impact. Fill the washing machine: Washing a full load optimizes the use of water and energy. Air Dry: Avoid the dryer when possible. Air drying is gentler on fabrics and uses less energy. This Earth Day, we want both Dalfilo and R5 to step up to this vision. A vision that reminds us that sustainability is a journey, not a destination. A journey we can take together, one step at a time, one thread at a time, one 'R' at a time.
