You may be wondering who even is “The Cool Circle” ? Well, The Cool Circle is a lifestyle brand that aims at raising awareness for endangered animals while promoting global health. Through our cute and fun animals creations that are brought to you by our founder Sean Kim, we hope to bring a personal and unique spin on saving the environment.
Each of our characters are based on endangered animals that can be found around the globe. Each character has a sweet name that makes this animal seem as if it is your friend! So far, you have been introduced to Pax the Platypus as well as Dani the Dolphin. On our social media pages we also feature a Red Panda, Panda, and our unique Earth Day series characters (the Earth).
The Cool Circle combines streetwear with a purpose. On our website we have numerous cozy sweatshirts, t-shirts, and sweatpants that are great to wear while supporting your favorite animals. With each purchase you make, 10% of the proceeds go to help endangered animals around the planet. Organizations we love to donate to include the World Wild Life Fund and the Arbor Day Foundation.
According to the World Animal Foundation, there are 5 major causes of declining wildlife: Habitat loss, invasive species, pollution, pesticides, over-hunting.
There have been several times many animals have almost gone extinct due to various reasons. To sum up the reasons for extinction, the acronym “HIPPO” can help. HIPPO stands for, Habitat loss, Invasive species, Pollution, Pesticides, and Over-hunting. The World Animal Foundation states that these are the 5 leading causes for animals extinction.
As a result of HIPPO, “as many as 30 to 50 percent of all species are possibly heading toward extinction by mid-century.” (dosomething.org). In order to save these species, as well as the planet, it is imperative we start making a change now. Sustainability is key to a healthier planet and it is up to us to help facilitate this change!
Protect animals through our bold and unique designs!
The Cool Circle is dedicated to protecting endangered animals and their habitats by inspiring awareness through bold, playful streetwear-style apparel and accessories. Each collection of ours spotlights a different endangered species, with the goal of sharing their unique story and struggles with the public. Every item purchased is another step towards our mission. We donate 10% of all proceeds to nonprofits that are focused on saving wildlife from extinction. Join The Cool Circle in our fight to preserve the vibrant, thriving world that our future generations deserve — and do it in style!
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"So what?" you might ask yourself. How could the loss of a random insect or plant be such a big deal?
We often discuss the importance of protecting endangered species but never talk about why it's so important. And, as rates of mammal extinction are increasing 1600-fold (and threatening to increase further), there's no better time to educate ourselves on the impact of extinction.
Every species on our planet is connected in an intricate web of life. Just as we may rely on plants like lettuce and broccoli for food, all organisms depend on other living things to survive.
If one organism is removed from a population, it will affect the way of life for others in the environment and the ecosystem itself.
An example of this is the loss and reintroduction of gray wolves to Yellowstone National Park. By 1930, gray wolves were over-hunted to a point near extinction. This led to a surge in the numbers of elk and deer they preyed on.
With larger populations of these animals, they overgrazed on and subsequently destroyed plant life around the streams in the area. As a result, the streams eroded and the animals that depended on them for food and shelter declined.
In short, the entire ecosystem transformed.
As gray wolves were reintroduced to the park in 1995, the ecosystem returned to its previous state, with an abundance of plant and animal life.
While this is just one example, its effects can be applied to almost every other species on Earth. This is especially true for species that have unique functions in the ecosystem, not necessarily just those at the top of the food chain ("apex species").
For instance, take a look at elephants. Elephants contribute to their ecosystems by dispersing seeds through consumption and digestion, leading to plant and tree growth that other animals use for shelter. They dig water holes that other animals share. They also fertilize the soil with their nutrient-rich excrement.
As elephants near extinction, the environment around them is drastically changing. By just removing one species from the habitat, the entire ecosystem is put in danger.
As species extinctions disrupt healthy ecosystems, they can also play a large part in driving crises like wildfires, pandemics, and droughts.
In the 1800s, a virus brought wildebeest and buffalo to the brink of extinction in East Africa. With fewer plant-eaters, vegetation grew into an overabundance and triggered an increase in wildfires.
Although you may not think about it, our ecosystems do a lot for us. Ecosystem services are described as any positive benefits that wildlife and ecosystems offer to humans.
There are four types of ecosystem services:
When extinction disrupts the ecosystem, it can also lead to major reductions in our ecosystem services. This may mean clean water can become contaminated, food resources may decline, carbon levels rise, etc.
As reported in a study for the U.N., the loss in biodiversity could result in a loss of 18% of global economic output by 2050.
These economic impacts can already be seen spanning across many industries, most prominently in those that center around agriculture.
For instance, the collapse in bee colonies in 1947 and 2005 has significantly reduced honeybee populations, putting that honey industry at risk. Furthermore, many species that are critical to our food systems, like pollinators, are in decline, which could have major implications. The loss in biodiversity also makes crops more susceptible to disease outbreaks and climate change.
In addition, one economic sector that could be majorly impacted is the tourism and recreation industry. According to the U.S. Park Service, U.S. National Parks have over 200 million visitors each year. These visitors also contribute to local economies during their trips.
By preserving our ecosystems, we protect this essential economic sector.
Plants and other organisms have historically been studied and utilized to treat ailments and diseases. With scientific advancements, the medical R&D community comes closer every day to identifying ways different plants and organisms can be used.
With the rate of extinction increasing for many vulnerable species, possible answers to unlocking treatments and cures to the most vexing diseases could be lost forever.
It is essential that we protect our biodiversity in plants and organisms, as they could potentially provide massive medical benefits that are currently unknown.
The modern major causes of extinction include overconsumption/exploitation (such as hunting), population growth, pollution, climate change, the introduction of invasive species (such as predators), and habitat loss (mainly deforestation).
While it is nearly impossible for one individual to solve any of these problems, there are many efforts you can take to contribute.
The most effective actions for reducing extinction rates are through large-scale governmental and corporate policy. These "top-down" approaches will allow change to be made more efficiently and on an extensive scale.
To do your part in encouraging these policies, you can elect officials with agendas that align with biodiversity protection, bolstering the Endangered Species Act (ESA), and slowing climate change. You can also support non-profits and corporations that focus their efforts on supporting endangered species and conserving the environment.
You can also support "bottom-up" policies by mobilizing your community to take part in actions to protect endangered species. Examples include eating less meat and avoiding foods that contribute largely to deforestation (such as soybeans), reducing your use of plastic, and composting food waste.
Remember: any contribution is a good contribution, no matter how big or small!
To support The Cool Circle, a lifestyle brand that spreads awareness for endangered animals and donates 10% of profits, shop our collection here.
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