Transform your living space with sustainable home hacks

Are you ready to transform your living space into a sustainable sanctuary? Today, we’re diving into some simple yet impactful sustainable home hacks that will not only reduce your carbon footprint but also create a healthier living environment. So, grab your reusable water bottle and let’s get started.

Embrace Natural Cleaning:

Cleaning our homes is essential, but it doesn’t have to come at the expense of the environment. Swap out harsh chemical cleaners for natural alternatives like vinegar, baking soda, and lemon juice. These eco-friendly options are just as effective and won’t harm your family or the planet. Plus, they’re budget-friendly.

Go Plastic-Free in the Kitchen:

Bid goodbye to single-use plastics in your kitchen! Invest in reusable alternatives such as glass containers, stainless steel straws, and beeswax wraps. These small changes can significantly reduce the amount of plastic waste generated in your home. Remember, every little step counts.

Energy-Efficient Lighting:

Did you know that lighting accounts for a significant portion of your home’s energy consumption? Make the switch to energy-efficient LED bulbs to save both energy and money. They last longer and use up to 80% less electricity than traditional incandescent bulbs. It’s a win-win.

Responsible Electronics Disposal:

When it’s time to upgrade your cell phone, laptop, or tablet, don’t let them gather dust in a drawer, use ReturnCenter. We make it quick and easy to responsibly dispose of used devices. Prevent hazardous materials from ending up in landfills, support charities, and declutter your home. Get started.

Opt for Thrifted Treasures:

One person’s trash is another person’s treasure, right? Instead of buying brand-new furniture and decor, explore thrift stores and online marketplaces for unique finds. Not only will you save money, but you’ll also give pre-loved items a new lease on life, reducing the demand for new production.

Composting Made Easy:

Turn your kitchen scraps into nutrient-rich soil by starting a composting system. Whether you have a small backyard or live in an apartment, there are options available to fit your space. Composting reduces waste sent to landfills and provides you with free, organic fertilizer for your plants. It’s a win-win for your garden and the Earth.

Sustainable Laundry Practices:

Upgrade your laundry routine by using cold water whenever possible. Most of the energy used by washing machines goes towards heating the water, so opting for cold cycles can significantly reduce energy consumption. Additionally, consider air-drying your clothes instead of relying solely on the dryer. It’s gentler on your garments and saves energy.

There you have it —our top sustainable home hacks to make a positive impact on the environment. Remember, sustainable living is a journey, and every step you take counts. By implementing these simple changes, you’re not only creating a better future for your family but also setting an example for others to follow. Together, we can make a difference, one eco-friendly hack at a time!

How a fleet of smart technology recycling trucks could help minimize waste

BusinessInsider.com, May 2023

Recycling collection is going high-tech with a smart system of innovative trucks, automation and artificial intelligence (AI) that is focused on increasing the amount of recovered materials and cutting contamination by analyzing where the process begins – your curbside.

WM, North America’s largest recycler of post-consumer materials, has equipped thousands of its recycling collection trucks across the US and Canada with Smart TruckSM technology, creating what are essentially rolling data centers that service neighborhoods and gain critical insight to identify recycling challenges and boost efficiency.

According to the most updated statistics from the US Environmental Protection Agency, more than 69 million tons of materials were recycled in 2018, and experts say increasing consumer understanding of how and what to recycle could provide an added boost. The Recycling Partnership, a non-governmental organization that is committed to advancing a circular economy by building a better recycling system, found that when shown real-world packaging, 70% of survey respondents admit to being confused about how to recycle correctly.

“It comes down to clarity,” said Brent Bell, vice president of recycling, WM. “With regulations and standards varying from community to community, it can be difficult to determine what can and cannot go in the recycling bins. At WM, we are using technology to help remove the guesswork and educate our customers, so more materials can be captured and used again.”

Here’s how Smart TruckSM works: When WM trucks collect recyclables from customer bins, cameras and sensors scan the materials and capture real-time video of the contents. The images are sent to a centralized automated system where AI quickly identifies common service challenges like overfilled containers, bins not placed out for service, and recycling contamination — where food waste or other non-recyclable materials are included in the bins.

To access the full article, click here. 

Envision Racing previews world’s first Formula E car made entirely out of electronic waste

TheManufacturer.com, James Devonshire, July, 28. 2023

Annual e-waste production is on track to reach a staggering 75 million tonnes by 2030, with the UK generating the 2nd largest amount of e-waste as a country in 2022. Items thrown away include disposable vapes, mobile phones, laptops, MP3 players, plug and batteries themselves. The growing phenomenon of single-use vapes means 1.3 million of them are thrown away every week in the UK.

To highlight this urgent issue, Envision Racing partnered with British artist and designer Liam Hopkins to design and build the car entirely of donated electronic products by the UK tech business, Music Magpie and school children. Through this campaign, the team wants to increase awareness of the human impact of e-waste and the need to reuse and recycle old electrical products.

Hopkins said, “Unfortunately, today we choose to discard and replace electronics instead of repairing and recycling them leading to a global e-waste crisis. Through design and creativity, we want to show the issue of e-waste and its potential to accelerate the creation of a circular economy”.

The car was unveiled at London’s Excel, on the eve of the London e-prix – the final race of the 2022/23 Formula E season. In addition to being the all-time leading points scorer in Formula E, Envision Racing also has a leadership position for sustainability. Its pioneering Race Against Climate Change™ programme aims to inspire and empower fans and the wider public to take climate action. Through Formula E’s platform, Envision Racing exists to make electric mobility and renewable energy a global reality.

To access the full article, click here. 

Natural history museum exhibit puts cellphone recycling education on display

Waste360.com, Gage Edwards, June 29, 2023

The Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History is packed full of interesting exhibits detailing subjects like evolution and geology. Now cellphones, their endless connectivity, and their environmental impact are on full display.

Last week, the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History opened their latest exhibit, Cellphones: Unseen Connections. The exhibit takes on the role of educating museumgoers on the history of our handheld devices, the materials that go into cellphones, and what the final stages of our phone’s lives have on our environment.

Cellphones are the fastest growing technology in human existence. With new innovations being developed constantly, consumers are upgrading and disposing of their devices at an alarming rate. Most people don’t know what to do with their phones once they’ve upgraded to a new one or their old phone is broken. But fortunately, the Museum’s Cellphone exhibit helps interested parties discover ways of properly disposing of their devices and the consequences of throwing them in the trash.

A big wall of the exhibit is dedicated to proper cellphone disposal and “The How of Recycling.” The purpose of this area is to show attendees what happens to their phones once they’re put into our recycling facilities, with details on the effects of proper dismantling, shredding, and smelting.

Of course, these methods come with their own issues and hazards as many cellphone makers create phones to discourage dismantling and encourage consumers to buy new devices, rather than repair them to extend the life of the device, promoting a circular economy. The exhibit notes that in 2021, the Fairphone 3, Teracube 2e, Google Pixel 5, and Moto E6 were praised for their use of sustainable and recycled materials and their repairability.

To access the full article, click here.

 

E-waste awareness and education: empowering others

In an era of rapidly advancing technology, electronic devices have become an integral part of our lives. We rely on smartphones, laptops, and tablets for communication, work, and entertainment. But what happens when these gadgets reach the end of their lifecycle?

The answer unfortunately lies in the growing problem of electronic waste, or e-waste. While the issue may seem overwhelming, there’s hope in raising awareness and educating individuals about the impact of e-waste and their own power to make a difference.

The Escalating E-Waste Challenge:

E-waste is a mounting global concern, with millions of tons generated each year. The improper disposal of electronic devices poses significant environmental and health risks. Toxic substances like lead, mercury, and arsenic found in e-waste can contaminate soil, water, and air if not handled properly. This presents a pressing need for increased e-waste awareness to mitigate the adverse effects on our planet and human well-being.

The Role of Education in Awareness:

Education plays a pivotal role in addressing the e-waste crisis. By equipping individuals with knowledge about the consequences of improper disposal, we can foster a sense of responsibility and empower them to act. Educational initiatives can be integrated into school curriculums, community programs, and public campaigns to raise awareness about e-waste’s environmental impact and the importance of responsible disposal.

For some detailed ideas for students, check out these great curriculum ideas.

E-Waste Recycling, The Way Forward:

One of the most effective solutions to combat e-waste is proper recycling. Responsible recycling practices ensure that valuable materials are recovered, and hazardous substances are safely disposed of, reducing the environmental burden. Recycling centers and programs, both governmental and private, have emerged to tackle this issue. These initiatives aim to make e-waste recycling more accessible and convenient for individuals by providing drop-off locations and organizing collection events.

Individual Actions That Matter:

While systemic changes are crucial, individual actions can have a significant impact in the fight against e-waste. Here are some steps that individuals can take:

E-waste is a pressing environmental challenge that demands our attention. By increasing awareness and education, we can empower individuals to become agents of change. Responsible recycling practices, extending the lifespan of devices, and encouraging others to do the same are vital steps in combating e-waste. Together, we can make a difference and pave the way for a more sustainable future.

Role Of AI In Creating A Sustainable Future

Role Of AI In Creating A Sustainable Future, Forbes.com, Ted Ladd, June 25, 2023

Sustainability has emerged as a top value indicator for investors and a significant deciding factor for consumers, leading companies to explore new ways to assess and demonstrate their sustainable contributions. Artificial intelligence can help companies generate these reports for multiple audiences. This is in the conclusion of a discussion led by Dr. Priyanka Shrivastava, a researcher and award-winning professor at the Hult International Business School.

One of the key challenges that companies face is how to measure sustainability when there are multiple subjective interpretations of what counts. Frameworks like Environmental and Social governance (ESG) and Sustainable development Goals (SDG) are being actively discussed among business stakeholders, investors, and government authorities to measure and scale the sustainability index of companies and quantify efforts. In today’s hyper-competitive landscape, an organization’s growth and success are sometimes defined by its decisions around socioeconomic and environmental considerations. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), which is often defined as “don’t do bad things” has transformed into a mandate to “do good”, encapsulated in the strategic priority of ESG or SDG.

Importance of Sustainability Reports

Popular rating agencies like S&P Global produce a sustainability index for individual companies. This measurement capture investors’ attention to benchmark long-term impacts and returns from a business. Organizations are harnessing the power of their cloud-based strategy to make sustainability data on companies readily available as part of open data initiatives by the cloud service providers (AWS, GCP, Azure). The Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB), the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP), and the Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) are among the groups that are establishing standards to make 90% of S&P 500 indexed companies publish sustainability reports and make them readily available. In 2022, 95% of the companies in the S&P 500 index published a sustainability report, up from only 20% in 2011.

AI To Generate Sustainable Actions

AI empowers both sustainable business practices and reporting on the impact of these initiatives. For example, AI has the potential to facilitate the creation of smart cities and circular economies that make efficient use of resources. AI can also aid in the development of renewable electricity by enabling smart networks that partially match energy consumption to periods when the sun shines and the wind blows. AI positively drives environmental outcomes through its ability to analyze large-scale interconnected databases to develop coordinated actions aimed at environmental preservation.

To access the full article, click here.

Have a sustainable summer: easy tips for an eco-friendly season

Finding ways to incorporate eco-conscious steps into everyday life can feel overwhelming, especially when we consider the planet’s current environmental challenges, but did you know that you can apply sustainable thinking to outdoor activities with friends, taking on new adventures, or just pursuing your favorite hobbies?

Let’s dive right in and discover how you can make a difference while enjoying an eco-friendly summer.

Sustainable Travel Adventures:

Summer is the perfect time for adventures and exploration. Opt for eco-friendly transportation options like carpooling, public transportation, or biking. Consider exploring local destinations and discovering hidden gems in your own area to reduce your carbon footprint and support local businesses.

Pack Zero-Waste Picnics:

Picnics are a delightful way to enjoy the outdoors. Pack your snacks in reusable containers, bring along reusable utensils, and opt for cloth napkins instead of disposable ones. By avoiding single-use plastics, you can help reduce waste and protect the environment.

Mindful Energy Consumption:

As you enjoy the comforts of home during the summer, be mindful of your energy usage. Unplug electronics when not in use, turn off lights when leaving a room, and take advantage of natural light. Consider raising the temperature of your air conditioner when you are not home. These small adjustments can save more energy than you think.

Responsibly Recycle Your Phones, Tablets, or Laptops:

At ReturnCenter, we’re here to help you responsibly dispose of your old phones, laptops, or tablets. By recycling your old devices with us, you ensure that valuable and scarce materials are recovered and harmful substances are properly handled. Get started now. Questions about how it works? Review our FAQ’s.

Dive into Sustainable Reading:

Summer is a great time to catch up on reading. Consider choosing e-books or audiobooks instead of physical copies to reduce paper consumption. If you prefer physical books, explore your local library, secondhand bookstores or organize a book swap with friends to give books a new life.

Cultivate Your Green Thumb:

Embrace the sunny weather and start your own small herb or vegetable garden. Whether it’s a few pots on a balcony or a patch of land in your backyard, growing your own produce is not only rewarding but also reduces your reliance on store-bought items.

Host Environmentally-Friendly Gatherings:

When planning get-togethers with friends, incorporate sustainable practices. Use reusable plates, cups, and cutlery instead of disposable options. Encourage carpooling or alternative transportation methods. Also consider engaging in eco-friendly activities, such as beach or park cleanups or volunteering for local environmental initiatives. 

 

Summer is a time to enjoy and connect with the world around us. By implementing these sustainable summer tips, you can make a positive impact on the environment and inspire others to do the same. Let’s make this summer a time of sustainability, growth, and positive change.

Climate anxiety is more common than you think. These students want to help.

Climate anxiety is more common than you think. These students want to help.

By Conrad Swanson, The Denver Post, May 26, 2023

You might have felt the symptoms before: A pit in your stomach, panic, existential dread, hopelessness, disenfranchisement, frustration and even anger.

Greenhouse gases are seeping into the atmosphere, warming the planet. Polar ice caps are melting, rising sea levels and altering the chemistry of the planet’s oceans. Wildfires spark more frequently, burn hotter, spread faster and wider. Waterways like the Colorado River are dwindling. Deforestation threatens even the planet’s most wild forests and jungles. Mining operations scar and poison beautiful, even sacred landscapes, endangering the way of life for those living in the area.

For some — especially young people facing decades of uncertainty – it’s too much.

And so the paralyzing fear sets in, the anxiety and depression. These problems are indeed existential threats, scientists repeatedly confirm, but what can any one person do to stop them?

“Anxiety stems from not being able to control or do anything,” Lizzie Weinreb, a student at the University of Colorado Boulder, said. “And, for the most part, we can’t do anything.”

A majority of Americans suffer from some form of climate anxiety, according to a 2020 survey by the American Psychological Association. The anxiety is particularly pronounced in younger generations and can lead to a greater risk of developing depression, other forms of anxiety and substance abuse.

Weinreb, a senior and environmental studies major, and four other students – Andre Delay, Ella White, Emma Morris and Miles Sinderman – wanted to learn more about climate anxiety, how it’s affecting others at CU Boulder and to see whether they could offer any help. Their project started as an assignment in Lee Frankel-Goldwater’s Environment, Media, and Society class and ended up as a website and Instagram account to share their findings.

Frankel-Goldwater, an assistant teaching professor at the university, said the guidelines for the assignment were intentionally vague and he was pleased to see the group settle on the topic.

Sinderman said he pitched climate anxiety to the group to seize on an opportunity to delve deeper into a feeling that has plagued him since a trip to Costa Rica while he was in the eighth grade. While in Central America he looked around and realized that none of what he was seeing would be the same within a decade.

“It feels like everything’s slipping,” Sinderman, a junior and environmental studies major, said.

To access the full article, click here.

Green campus living: a guide

As college and university campuses across the nation strive to implement green initiatives, students have a unique opportunity to take action and make a lasting impact by embracing eco-friendly habits and policies. College campus living is the perfect canvas for students to explore and create the sustainable life that works for them.

Summer isn’t over quite yet, but it’s the perfect time to plan for the steps you can take at the beginning of next semester. We encourage you not to worry about perfection, the pressure to do more, or a lack of reach, anyone will tell you it’s the small stuff that counts, so let’s get started.

Sustainable Move-In: When beginning your college year, consider using reusable or biodegradable packing materials. Swap out single-use plastic wrap and bubble wrap with eco-friendly alternatives like biodegradable packing peanuts or recycled paper. Additionally, opt for energy-efficient appliances and LED light bulbs in your dorm room.

Plug Into Green Power: Many campuses offer renewable energy options. Inquire about any available green energy programs. You can also use power strips with an off switch to minimize phantom energy usage and unplug chargers when not in use.

Green Transportation: If your campus is bike-friendly, invest in a reliable bicycle or use a bike-sharing program for short commutes. For longer trips, use public transportation or carpool with fellow students to reduce emissions.

Waste Reduction: Take full advantage of campus recycling and composting programs. In addition, encourage fellow students to participate in e-waste recycling program like ReturnCenter, which sustainably and securely recycles unwanted phones, tablets, and laptops. This will help divert harmful materials from landfills and promote a circular economy.

Conscious Dining: Bring your own reusable utensils, straws, and containers to campus dining halls. Choose plant-based meal options when possible, as they generally have a lower environmental impact than meat-based dishes. Seek out local or organic produce to support sustainable agriculture.

Efficient Laundry: Use cold water when washing clothes to save energy and reduce your carbon footprint. Air dry laundry instead of relying on power-hungry dryers. Consider using eco-friendly detergents free of phosphates and harsh chemicals.

Green Clubs and Events: Join or start an environmental club on campus to promote sustainable initiatives, raise awareness, and engage with the wider community. Organize and attend eco-friendly events like tree plantings, cleanups, and workshops on sustainable living.

Sustainable Study Materials: Opt for digital textbooks or rent physical copies to reduce paper waste. Take notes electronically or use recycled notebooks. When printing is unavoidable, print double-sided and choose recycled paper.

Advocate for Change: Encourage the university administration to invest in energy-efficient buildings, renewable energy sources, and green infrastructure. Engage with faculty to explore the incorporation of sustainability into curricula across disciplines.

Share Your Knowledge: Become an eco-ambassador by educating your peers and organizing awareness campaigns. Encourage friends and classmates to adopt sustainable habits and work together to create a greener campus.

Feeling more confident about ways to be more environmentally conscious while living on campus and beyond? Tell us about your own ideas and initiatives, tag @returncenter on Instagram and we’ll share your story.

Can nature inspire sustainable fashion?

Carolyn Bean, PNAS.org, May 10, 2023.

On a lab bench in Brooklyn, New York, a string-like fiber glows pink under a black light. In natural light, the strand loses its fluorescence, but keeps its rosy hue. Researchers at Werewool, a startup, aim to one day spin these fibers into yarn for fabric. Think hot pink yoga pants, says the company’s cofounder and chief science officer, Theanne Schiros.

This color may be fashion forward, but it’s not new. Indeed, the protein that colors this fiber has long made coral reefs glow. Schiros, an associate professor at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York, and her team build fibers with proteins synthesized to match those in nature’s palette. “Everything we could ever want for our clothing, you can find in nature perfected over 3.8 billion years,” says Schiros, who’s also a materials scientist at Columbia University in New York. With colorful proteins, she has no need for toxic dyes. And once these yoga pants perform their final downward dog, the garment should decompose, rather than pile up in a landfill.

Nature-friendly fashion is a pressing need as the industry’s environmental impact grows. In 2021, 54% of fiber generated was polyester, a synthetic typically produced from petroleum (1). With each wash cycle, polyester garments shed microplastics into our water. When discarded, they persist in landfills for decades or longer. And making a single cotton T-shirt requires 2,700 liters of water, according to the World Wildlife Fund (2).

Could the industry reinvent fashion following nature’s lead? Researchers heading up pilot projects want to dress the world’s population in eco-friendly threads. To succeed, they’ll need to reach across disciplines, scale up nascent technologies, and convince a public enamored with fast fashion that polyester has lost its appeal.

Glowing Garments

Founded in 2018, Werewool is currently experimenting with colorful proteins often used as markers to make cells glow—like the yoga pants pink from the Discosomacoral (which in pure form glows red) or a green fluorescent protein from a jellyfish. To turn these biomedical workhorses into fiber, they tweak the DNA sequences that encode these proteins to make the resulting protein structures amenable to binding with other molecules. Researchers then engineer bacteria to produce the designer proteins, which the team harvests and mixes with biopolymers—long, repeating chains of small molecules that are naturally produced by living organisms.

to access the full article, click here.