Tag Archives: social responsibility

Digital Detox: Unplugging for Mental and Emotional Wellness
15
May
Style, Tips

Digital detox: unplugging for mental and emotional wellness

Posted on by Daniela Pineda

In an era where technology is ever-present, the importance of disconnecting for our mental and emotional wellness cannot be overstated. For that reason, this article explores the concept of a digital detox and its benefits in creating a healthier, more balanced lifestyle.

Understanding digital overload

The digital world, while offering numerous benefits, also presents significant challenges. Constant exposure to screens and a never-ending stream of information can lead to digital fatigue. To clarify, symptoms include feeling persistently distracted, a decline in productivity, or an overarching sense of being overwhelmed.

Benefits of a digital detox

Unplugging from digital devices, even for a short period, can have profound positive effects on mental and emotional health. Here are some key benefits:

  • Enhanced focus and productivity: disconnecting helps reset your mind, in other words, improves concentration and efficiency.
  • Improved mental health: regular breaks from digital stimuli can reduce anxiety and stress levels.
  • Better sleep: reducing screen time, especially before bed, can lead to improved sleep quality.
  • Strengthened personal relationships: disconnecting from devices encourages more meaningful face-to-face interactions.

Strategies for a successful digital detox

  • Set clear Boundaries: designate specific times of day or particular zones as screen-free.
  • Prioritize offline activities: engage in hobbies or activities that don’t involve screens.
  • Use technology mindfully: be intentional about when and why you use digital devices.
  • Stay accountable: share your digital detox goals with others to help maintain your commitment.

Implementing a digital detox in daily life

Start small and gradually increase the time you spend away from digital devices. It can be as simple as unplugging for an hour before bed or dedicating a portion of your weekend to offline activities. The key is to find a Balance Act that works for you and enhances your overall well-being.

In conclusion, incorporating a digital detox into our routine is essential for maintaining mental and emotional wellness in a technology-driven world. By consciously stepping away from our devices, we can reclaim our attention, reduce stress, and improve our overall quality of life. Let’s embrace the power of unplugging and experience the myriad benefits it brings to our daily lives.

lowering emissions industry
15
Aug
Social Responsibility

How our industry is lowering emissions

Posted on by Daniela Pineda

Today, the metals industry, and especially the steel industry, is working hard on a historic technological transformation, meant to generate production processes not only more effective but also sustainable.

It is also a reality that the reduction in CO2 emissions is much more than a commitment: it is an industry goal   with positive actions  already  taking place.

Sustainable steel

Steel can be found in practically all areas of modern life, and in 2019 alone it is estimated that around 240 kg of steel were produced for every person in the world. It is also estimated that at least 6.7% of CO2 emissions in the world come from the steel industry, while that figure is only 1% in the United States.

That is why the sector demands a real and tangible change with real actions that help develop cleaner and more environmentally friendly processes, producing steel in sustainable and responsible ways, with the US continuing to lead the way.

EAF: a sustainable way of producing steel

Electric Arc Furnaces are an alternative to significantly decrease CO2 emissions via electrification, unlike other traditional methods that can generate up to 400% more emissions.

Today, at least 70% of steel companies in the United States employ EAF technology, which allows them to operate in a more efficient, greener and safer way, also thanks to automation.

However, this reality contrasts with the rest of the  world, where only 25% of the steel producing mills make use of this type of technology.

Tidbits on sustainability  in the steel industry:

  • Steel is 100% recyclable.
  • The US Geological Survey reports recycled steel consumption in America was equivalent to more than 115,500 tons every day for the first half of 2022..
  • 99% of steel co-products can be recycled.
  • The steel produced by EAF generates 75% less CO2 emissions.
  • 17 million cars are recycled by the EAF steel industry.
  • At least 90% of the water used in EAF steel mills is cleaned and returned to the environment or reused in the operation.
Optimus Steel One Tree Planted Reforestation actions
03
Jan
Social Responsibility

Optimus Steel: Planting the Seeds for a Better Future

Posted on by Daniela Pineda

Learn about our reforestation actions

Optimus Steel is a company committed not only to providing products able to meet the needs of our customers, who serve many different industries, but also committed to social and environmental responsibility. This has led us to undertake actions focused on giving back to our community and beyond..

This is why in the name or our customers, since 2020 we start supporting One Tree Planted, as part of our multiple initiatives to make a positive impact. This has also proven to be effective in motivating our team to become more aware of our relationship with the planet.

What is One Tree Planted?

One Tree Planted is a non-profit association dedicated to reforestation, present in North America, Latin America, Africa, Asia and Europe. One Tree Planted partners with individuals, schools and committed companies, just like us and our customers, to plant trees in different regions, with a recent focus on the reforestation needs in the United States.

An important volunteer base works day after day to improve our environment, one tree at a time. The goal of the association is global reforestation, and developing a simple process that allows people to take action in a simple way.

This non-profit association was established in 2014 and is present in 43 countries already, including of course the United States. More than 40 million new trees have been planted by One Tree Planted and partners.

Achievements of Optimus Steel & Customers:

In 2020, Optimus Steel partnered with One Tree Planted to undertake reforestation actions and promote a culture of environmental care among our employees and their families, a task achieved thanks to the strategic support of our customers.

Our way of supporting this cause is through donations, which are made on behalf of our customers. These donations have been made on a quarterly basis; since we partnered with One Tree Planted in 2020, more than 22,000 trees have been donated.

Planting the Future:

Our desire for the future is to continue supporting our customers, our employees, their families, the local community and the wider world by means of concrete and measurable actions, many of which we will share with you in future installments of this blog..

This 2022 we will continue working in collaboration with our customers and One Tree Planted so that our united efforts will go even further, something that we are sure to achieve with the support and dedication of our partners.