waste management
Credit: Douglas Muth/Flickr
Businesses can reduce packaging waste with reusable solutions
A Vancouver company has developed an innovative system to reduce food package waste by using reusable containers, transforming how cafés and restaurants serve food.
In short:
- ShareWares offers reusable food packaging for cafes, restaurants, and events, reducing waste by allowing customers to return used containers for cleaning and reuse.
- The service involves a deposit system where customers scan QR codes on dishes to get their deposits refunded after use.
- ShareWares has partnerships with Tim Hortons and received a provincial grant to expand its washing facility, enabling the processing of up to 100,000 reusable products daily.
Key quote:
"We need to reduce our waste on this planet. We’re using 1.7 Earths of resources every year."
— Cody Irwin, CEO of ShareWares
Why this matters:
Reducing packaging waste helps decrease the carbon footprint and promotes sustainable practices. ShareWares' reusable system demonstrates how businesses can adopt circular economy principles to support environmental health. Read more: Get BPA out of food packaging, US health professionals tell feds.Keep reading...Show less
Credit: G Witteveen/Flickr
AI tool aims to curb plastic waste in food industry
A new machine learning tool developed at U.C. Santa Barbara aims to guide policymakers in reducing plastic waste through a variety of interventions.
In short:
- Representatives from more than 150 countries are negotiating a treaty to address the plastic crisis, with final details expected later this year.
- The Global Plastics AI Policy Tool assesses the impact of 11 policy interventions on reducing plastic waste through 2050, predicting significant reductions with measures like minimum recycled content mandates and capping virgin plastic production.
- Expert Nivedita Biyani emphasizes the need for systemic changes in waste management, comparing current practices to outdated methods from the 1950s.
Key quote:
"Negotiators need to recognize that plastic pollution is an accelerating global crisis that cannot be solved with fragmented national approaches."
— Eirik Lindebjerg, WWF International’s global plastics policy lead
Why this matters:
Plastic pollution is a growing global crisis affecting both environmental and human health. Effective policies, informed by AI tools, are important for achieving significant reductions in plastic waste, especially in sectors like food packaging. Read more: Investigation: PFAS on our shelves and in our bodies.
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Credit: John Fraissinet/Flickr
Effort to reduce plastic waste in New York gains momentum
New York State is on the verge of passing legislation to significantly reduce single-use plastic waste, potentially setting a precedent for other states.
In short:
- The proposed Packaging Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act aims to cut plastic packaging by 50% over 12 years by pushing companies to use sustainable alternatives or pay fees.
- Fees collected would fund recycling and waste management infrastructure, potentially bringing New York City $150 million.
- The bill also seeks to ban 19 of the most toxic chemicals in plastic packaging, following examples set by other states like California and Maine.
Key quote:
“We must go after the producers who contribute to the plastics crisis and not place the burden on individuals.”
— Elijah Hutchinson, executive director of the Mayor’s Office of Climate and Environmental Justice
Why this matters:
This legislation addresses the escalating plastic waste crisis, aiming to reduce landfill waste by six million pounds daily. Its success could inspire similar actions nationwide, promoting healthier environmental practices and reducing public health risks from microplastics. Read more: California moves forward with landmark plastic waste reduction law.
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Credit: Dru Bloomfield/Flickr
Discard these common recycling myths
Despite recycling being around for decades, many misconceptions persist about what can and cannot be recycled.
In short:
- Pizza boxes, even if stained with grease, are recyclable according to the Environmental Protection Agency and should be placed in the recycling bin after removing food scraps and flattening.
- Not all paper is recyclable. Coated papers, such as glittery gift wrap and thermal paper receipts, often cannot be processed by paper mills due to their chemical coatings.
- Recyclables don't need to be perfectly clean. A basic rinse to remove major food particles is sufficient, and excessive washing wastes water and energy.
Key quote:
“Grease and cheese in an amount typically found on pizza boxes are not an issue for the recycling process.”
— American Forest and Paper Association
Why this matters:
Clarifying recycling myths helps reduce contamination in recycling streams, ensuring that more materials are properly recycled and reducing the environmental impact. Read more: How BPA and its evil cousins dodge meaningful regulation.
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Credit: The Humble Co. on Unsplash
Can we please quit plastic toothbrushes?
Your toothbrush is part of the plastic crisis. It doesn’t have to be.
Credit: State Farm/Flickr
Fire blanketed Lahaina in toxic debris. Where can they put it?
Crews are sending thousands of truckloads of debris to a temporary disposal site, alarming Native Hawaiian residents and those seeking to protect a prized coral reef.
Credit: kgtoh/BigStock Photo ID: 6926671
Key climate language poorly understood by majority in UK, poll finds
Terms such as ‘green’, ‘sustainable’ and ‘environmentally friendly’ understood only by minority, says study.
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