Sustainability
Our social and environmental commitment is the very essence of Monark, and the initial spark that brought us together.
Eco-friendly fiber
Milkweed floss has outstanding properties. However, what initially united us in this project, is its low environmental footprint. From implantation to transformation, a few reasons why milkweed floss is considered a sustainable, ethical fiber are:
- Cruelty free;
- Supports biodiversity, and is essentail to the survival of the monarch butterfly, an endangered species;
- Requires 25% less energy than polyester, used for synthetic insulation;
- Requires zero irrigation, and no water is used in the transformation process;
- Biodegradable;
- Ocean friendly, reduces micro-plastics;
- An ethical fiber that supports the health and well-being of the land where it is cultivated and its surrounding communities.
At every stage, from agricultural practices, to end-of-life cycle, we approach this project with the greatest respect and consideration for mother nature.
Our sustainable agricultural practices
At Monark, we prioritise regenerative agriculture. We challenge our own concepts further, by initiating research projects and building our knowledge base. Some of the integrated farming practices we use to reduce our footprint include:
- Reduced labor and low inputs;
- Use of clean energy;
- Zero irrigation;
- Pairing for floral diversity;
- Circular economy initiaves.
Beneficial ienvironmental impacts
Cultivating an indigenous, perennial plant that is adapted and resilient to its natural habitat has many advantages:
- Absence of, or, reduced soil tillage;
- Permanent soil coverage and protection;
- Exchange of nutrients to microorganisms through root seepage;
- Improves water infiltration;
- Contributes to healthier soil structure;
- Increases organic matter, naturally.
- Conservation of habitats of insects and pollinating birds;
- Important contributor to the survival of the monarch butterfly, an endangered species;
- Stimulation of below-gorund biodiversity.
- Protection againts erosion and wind;
- Reduced risk of soil washouts;
- Requires low to no fertilizers and pesticides.
- Promotes soil carbon sequestration.
Our social commitment
Monark is a unifying project that benefits the vitality of our communities and agricultural landscape. We embrace democracy, solidarity, equality, knowledge transfer, and high-quality job creation as values at the heart of our mission.
