Not to get all doom and gloom over here, but August 1 is Earth Overshoot Day. This is the day when humanity’s demand for ecological resources exceeds what the Earth can regenerate in that year. In other words… yikes! But before you throw your hands in defeat, hold on because it’s not all bad news. We can make real change as individuals (and as delicious, prebiotic soda-making brands!). 

Call us optimists, if you will! But it really comes down to our belief in the power of community. That’s why we’re here today to share the global efforts to help #MoveTheDate of Earth Overshoot Day, what we at OLIPOP are doing to help, and how you can get in on the action, too. Let’s get into it… 

What is Earth Overshoot Day?

Earth Overshoot Day is the date when we’ve used up all the natural resources that the Earth can renew in one year. This year’s Earth Overshoot Day is August 1. This means that after August 1, we are using more resources than the Earth can provide. The Global Footprint Network calculates this day by comparing how much we consume (like food, water, and energy) to how much the Earth can produce and renew. If Earth Overshoot Day comes earlier in the year, we use resources too quickly. If it comes later, then we’ll stay more on track. The goal of Earth Overshoot Day is to remind everyone that we need to use resources more carefully and sustainably so we don't run out and harm the environment.

In this graphic, you can see what month Earth Overshoot Day has fallen on every year going back to 1971 and how this date keeps landing earlier and earlier in the year:

So What Do We Do About It?

The goal of Earth Overshoot Day is not just to raise the alarm but to offer solutions to get us back on track. There are countless existing solutions in place today that, implemented at scale, could help make our planet more resilient and #MoveTheDate of Earth Overshoot Day even later next year. According to the Earth Overshoot Day campaign, these include:

• Conservation efforts: Protecting and preserving wild spaces is incredibly important for the #MoveTheDate effort. Many organizations, like the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), are helping strengthen countries’ and regions’ park systems and securing conservation easements on private and public properties. 
• Restoration: Continuing restoration efforts around the world can help increase biodiversity, sequester carbon dioxide, and act as flood barriers during hurricanes and other natural disasters. For example, one of our community partners, Trees, Water & People, is focusing on this, helping protect indigenous land in El Salvador, Guatemala, Mexico, and more. 
• Regenerative agriculture: Regeneration is becoming an international movement, with farms around the globe making efforts to improve soil health. This helps maintain soil productivity, groundwater levels, water cycles, and genetic diversity. Take a look at one of our OLIPOP community partners who’s making significant strides in this space: the American Farmland Trust. They’re working to protect agricultural land, promote environmentally sound farming practices, and help keep farmers on the land.
• Smart city planning: By 2050, between 70% and 80% of the world's population is expected to live in urban areas. This is where city planning and urban development efforts come into play to build energy-efficient buildings, integrated zoning, compact cities, and effective public transportation options. 
• Decarbonizing the economy: The carbon footprint makes up 60% of humanity’s ecological footprint. The good news is that phasing out fossil fuels is possible and financially beneficial. At OLIPOP, we do our part through comprehensive life cycle assessments, monitoring energy usage, and proactive greenhouse gas emission management.
• Food production: Our current agriculture system is incredibly fossil fuel-intensive. Organizations are helping move the dial by reducing food waste, fostering short-chain food systems, integrating tree intercropping, and more. 

OLIPOP's Commitment to Sustainability

We’re doing our best to do our part too! At OLIPOP, we’re committed to growing our awareness and improving our social, economic, and environmental impact. We believe that our success should be measured not only by profitability but also by our responsibility to people and the planet. Here’s what that looks like in action:

• Life Cycle Assessment (LCA): We conducted an LCA to measure our energy, water, and waste outputs. This assessment provided us with a better understanding of our products' impact, enabling us to concentrate our efforts on areas for improvement.
• B Corp Certification: On July 12, 2023, OLIPOP became a Certified B Corp. This achievement reflects our core values and operational principles. Since then, we’ve increased our B Impact Score from 91 to 93.9, showcasing our continuous improvement in sustainability and ethical practices.
• Commitment to Recycled Materials: 60% of OLIPOP’s packaging incorporates recycled content—including infinitely recyclable aluminum—demonstrating our commitment to reducing environmental impact. 
• Sustainable Sourcing: OLIPOP actively engages in community building. We ensure that all our ingredients are certified non-GMO and hold our suppliers accountable to our Supplier Code of Conduct.
• Supply Chain Management: We work with our suppliers to improve their environmental practices through annual Sustainability Surveys, shared resources, and occasional audits, as well as offering support to adopt minimized greenhouse gas operations within the supply chain.
• Collaborations and Memberships: We are proud members of the Climate Collaborative, the Drawdown Labs Business Coalition, and the UNFI Climate Action Partnership. These partnerships provide invaluable resources and insights, helping us navigate the complex world of ESG and implement effective sustainability strategies.

OLIPOP Sustainability Partnerships

Collaboration is vital to our mission, and we're honored to partner with and give to like-minded organizations committed to a sustainable and healthy world, such as Trees, Water & People, American Farmland Trust, Partnership for a Healthier America, Common Threads, and more. 

And here’s the best part: you can help too! Every time you make a purchase with OLIPOP, you can choose a nonprofit for OLIPOP to support as part of your purchase. We’ll donate 5% of your total purchase to the cause of your choice. This OLIPOP donation helps us fund multiple areas highlighted by the Earth Overshoot Day campaign, including:

• Nutrition Access & Education: The delivery of 10,000 servings of produce to families in the U.S. via Partnership for a Healthier America.
• Food as Medicine: A healthy cooking class for 35 families via Common Threads.
• GHG Emission Reduction: The planting of 1,100 trees by indigenous women in Central America via Trees, Water & People.
• Regenerative Agriculture: Assistance for 15 farmers adopting climate-resilient farming techniques via the American Farmland Trust.

Earth Overshoot Day: The Takeaway

Earth Overshoot Day is August 1 this year, meaning that for the rest of this year, we’re using more resources than the Earth can regenerate. But it’s not all doom and gloom! There are numerous efforts underway to support conservation, restoration, regenerative agriculture, smart city planning, food production, and more. We’re doing our part at OLIPOP by focusing on sustainable packaging, evaluating and making improvements through Life Cycle Assessments (LCA), sustainable sourcing, and more. 

Plus, you can help by shopping at OLIPOP and choosing your impact at checkout at no extra cost to you. We’ll donate part of your purchase to one of our amazing community partners. Interested in doing more to embrace eco-conscious living? Head to our blog for seven achievable steps you can take for a healthier planet and lifestyle. 

Meet our Expert This article is reviewed by Elric Centers.  Elric is our Sustainability Manager here at OLIPOP. He's been a pivotal figure in our journey from day one. Born in Germany and raised in Michigan, Elric’s formative years were deeply influenced by the educational philosophies of his parents, who were dedicated educators at the Waldorf School. At 15, a move to California marked the beginning of an era where Elric’s true passions flourished. Immersed in a world of rhythmic beats as a drummer and enlivened by the vibrant festival scene, he eventually found his anchor in the Bay Area—his constant amidst travels and adventures. Venturing into the food and beverage sector, Elric's entrepreneurial journey blossomed with the inception of his own kombucha brand and leadership at a chocolate factory, blending his business acumen with a passion for wellness. His path eventually converged with OLIPOP, where he has donned various hats, leading to his current role spearheading our sustainability endeavors. Elric's vision of wellness transcends personal health, embracing a holistic view that encompasses communal well-being. He perceives business as a conduit for global transformation, championing sustainability not merely as an initiative but as a core philosophy. At OLIPOP, Elric is dedicated to leveraging this platform to foster a world where sustainability and wellness go hand in hand, mirroring his life’s work in promoting practices that benefit both people and the planet.