Overshoot Day is a symbolic date that marks the day on which humanity's demand for natural resources exceeds what the Earth can regenerate in a year. From that day on, we live "on ecological credit", consuming resources that the planet cannot replenish in the short term.
For Italy, Overshoot Day falls today - a moment that should make us reflect deeply. In recent years, this date has steadily advanced, signaling a deterioration of our ecological footprint. In 2000, Italian Overshoot Day fell at the end of June; in 2015 it had already moved to mid-May; today we have reached the first days of May. This acceleration is alarming and demonstrates how our consumption model is becoming increasingly unsustainable.
The comparison with other countries highlights significant differences. On one side we find Uruguay, the most virtuous country, which reaches its Overshoot Day only on December 17, therefore using resources almost in balance with what it can regenerate. At the other extreme we find Qatar, which exhausts its annual quota of resources already on February 6, just at the beginning of the year, signaling a dramatically unsustainable consumption model.
To postpone this critical date, there are several macro-actions on which we can intervene. The food system represents a key area: reducing food waste and adopting more sustainable diets can have a considerable impact. Equally crucial is the energy transition, with the abandonment of fossil fuels in favor of renewable sources. Rethinking cities with a sustainable perspective, with efficient buildings, public transport and green spaces, represents another fundamental pillar.
In this context, the #fashion sector plays a decisive role. The textile industry is among the most polluting in the world, responsible for approximately 10% of global CO₂ emissions and an enormous consumption of water and natural resources. Rethinking the way we produce, consume and dispose of clothing can have a significant impact in postponing Overshoot Day.
As Regenesi, we are considered pioneers of a new way of conceiving fashion and design. Since our foundation, we have chosen to work on the concept that it is possible to create high-quality products with a refined design using recovered and regenerated materials. Our approach is not limited to recycling, but incorporates eco-design by integrating #aesthetics, #functionality and #sustainability.
We firmly believe that technology is an indispensable ally in this transformation. Through innovative processes, we transform waste materials into new luxury products, giving them a second life and drastically reducing the environmental impact compared to traditional production. Our accessories and furnishings embody this philosophy: beauty and sustainability can and must coexist.
Overshoot Day is not only a wake-up call, but also an opportunity to rethink our relationship with the planet's resources. As Regenesi we demonstrate every day that a better future for our children is possible, and that #design, #technology and #aesthetics are powerful tools to drive this change.