A DIFFERENT APPROACH TO CARBON MANAGEMENT

As most of us are now aware, it's time to find solutions to reduce our negative impact on climate change. Some of these solutions are already in full swing, others are still trying to make their way into the limelight.
One of them that is highly underrated is Kelp.

Kelp is a type of Algae that grows naturally all over the world. Kelp can absorb CO2 5-50 times faster than trees.

CO2 absorption comparison between tree forest and kelp forest

But Kelp's magic doesn't stop here:
it can also be transformed into raw material!

More great news about Kelp:

1. Growing Kelp represents a low initial investment All you need is some ropes/ seeds and something that can float the rope (buoys, long sticks, etc)
The seeds are woven into a rope and allowed to float into the ocean to grow downwards.

2. Kelp helps clean the ocean and combats ocean acidification:
Kelp absorbs CO2 in the process of photosynthesis and then produces O2. In addition to this, kelp can absorb metals and chemicals that harm the ocean.

3. Kelp can be recycled AND upcycled:
For example, plastic, fibre, fertilizer, etc.

4. Fun fact:
Did you know that mixing 1-2% of kelp in cow feed can reduce methane gas by 80%?

Source for calculation * Benemann JR, Van Olst JC, Massingill MJ, Weissman JC, Brune DE. The controlled eutrophication process: Using microalgae for CO2 utilization and agricultural fertilizer recycling.

COPEMER'S KELP ADVENTURE

What does Kelp have to do with Copemer you may ask?!

We're well aware we work in an industry that is on the naughty list when it comes to Climate Change and we want to do our bit to help!

We've donated funds to a Kelp farm in Japan, which in return gives us the pride of having our name on 7 metric tons of Kelp!

With that small share of the farm, the calculations available* imply that we are potentially offsetting 800 kg of carbon...which is unfortunately a drop in the ocean but still, a good start.

"Our" Kelp, once harvested, will be used in 1000 local spas. And that's not all! The used kelp will finally end its life as fertilizer and cattle food.

(yes, it's our logo on the boxes and we're very proud!)

The net Carbon results are quite a difficult equation that we're willing to figure out, but like everything worthy, it takes time!

The action doesn't stop here and we're currently looking into ways to make this a viable and transferable carbon management technique, as well as other ways to shine the light on Algae as a Climate Hero.

*LATEST UPDATE******

As we've mentioned, Kelp can be used in many different ways after being harvested.

"Our" kelp was harvested in March. We're still working on many algae projects and on getting the carbon-offsetting power of Algae recognized.

In the meantime, we want to share one of the ways the kelp harvested in Kanazawa has been transformed: Lush has made Bathbombs out of it! If you're not familiar with Lush, they're basically the Bathbombs creators (https://weare.lush.com/lush-life/our-company/who-we-are/)

Just take a minute to enjoy the beauty of the end products:

Hibana: A blend of smoky tobacco, sweet vanilla and Tonka that delivers a warm, sparkling scent. Contains kelp harvested from Kanazawa Ward, Yokohama City. The stickiness of kelp keeps your skin smooth and healthy.

Kokage: Juniper Berry, Frankincense and Pink Pepper provide a pleasant shade breeze. Contains kelp harvested from Kanazawa Ward, Yokohama City. The stickiness of kelp keeps your skin smooth and healthy.

Now, you must be wondering if you can get your hands on these beauties and enjoy the benefits of "our" Kelp. Unfortunately, they are only available in Japan. We just wanted to show that Kelp and Algae in general are versatile and worth the investment!

**********************************************************New update (September 5th 2023)**************************************************************

Natasha went to Japan to visit her family and managed to get some of the bath bombs mentioned previously. I'm happy to report that they smell lovely and feel me with pride!

Natasha also surprised me with a bag of tea made from "our" algae. It tastes really good and is another sign that algae is the most versatile gift from the seas!