In 2015, a sea turtle with a straw stuck in its nose took over the internet. It launched a movement to eliminate plastic straws and raised awareness of plastic pollution in the ocean. Did any of it make a difference, or was it just another viral moment of shared but shallow outrage? Let’s see how the sea turtles are doing […]
A few states are pioneering the rise of compostable packaging and building a composting infrastructure. World Centric‘s Resource Recovery Managers Erin Levine and Elly Ventura share the lessons the compostable packaging leader is learning as California, Colorado, and other states introduce composting and extended producer responsibility programs for fiber and plastic packaging. Making packaging sustainable — whether it can be […]
To truly tackle the problem of plastic pollution, we need the involvement of industry. Companies need to dramatically minimize plastic use and source more sustainable materials in their packaging. And American clothing company prAna is doing just that with its Responsible Packaging Movement. Plastic pollution has become one of the most urgent environmental issues throughout the world. Yet despite growing […]
Sometimes it seems like the only environmental news is bad news, and we never actually make any progress. Governments tend to favor short-term industrial interests over environmental legislation. Getting nations to agree to the type of global treaties necessary for real environmental progress is a Herculean task. It also doesn’t help that the United States is notorious for refusing to […]
Earth Day 2023, which takes place on April 22, marks the 53rd year that people have come out into the streets to rally for planetary responsibility, joined park and environmental cleanups, and participated in climate learning events. The first Earth Day was the largest public demonstration in history as of that time. Michael Karapetian, the Great Global Cleanup Campaign coordinator […]
On Earth Day, take the time to think about and reduce the environmental impact of your daily choices. Use your Earth Day to start inventorying the items you have in your home. Identify non-biodegradable items like plastic, which litter our landscapes and oceans and can spend centuries in landfills. Your list will help you make more sustainable choices when it’s […]
Although 72% of consumers are dissatisfied with the amount of plastic waste in their homes, many do not act because it’s inconvenient or they lack sufficient knowledge to do so. Set yourself apart by reducing plastic use. A few easy changes in the kitchen and how you buy groceries, plan meals, and store food can reduce your plastic waste significantly. Plastic […]
Biodegradable plastics have emerged as a potential solution to the severe environmental problem caused by the production and disposal of traditional plastic. These plastics can be made from natural sources like plant-based materials and micro-organisms such as bacteria that can be used in a variety of industries such as packaging, construction, and healthcare. While plastic pollution remains a significant issue, […]
Governments might finally be getting serious about plastic pollution. National and state governments around the world passed single-use plastic bans in 2022, but it’s not big governments that are taking action. In fact, city ordinances started the plastic ban ball rolling. Individual citizens can lead the charge to ban single-use plastics from their communities. Plastic Pollution These bans are not […]
We established national parks to protect and preserve some of the most beautiful landscapes of our nation as truly natural areas. But protection from development does not protect our national parks from pollution. And just like the oceans, where 8 million tons of plastic collect every year, plastic pollution is piling up in national parks. A new study shows just […]