The COVID-19 Plastic Crisis: From Masks to Marine Debris
The covid-19 pandemic has highlighted vulnerabilities in our waste management systems and underscored the need for more sustainable practices and materials.
Waste & Circular Resources
Waste is not only a disposal problem. It begins with design and purchasing, continues through use and reuse, and ends in collection, recovery or disposal. Use the routes below to move from prevention to practical action, specific waste streams, data and circular systems.
Choose a route:
Understand & prevent waste: start with The 5 Rs of Zero Waste.
Practical household action: use A Practical Zero-Waste Home and Urban Composting.
Waste streams & impacts: explore Packaging Waste, E-Waste Effects, and Waste and Landfills.
Reuse, recovery & cross-territory bridges: see Global Shoe Waste and clothing recycling.
Waste Data & Systems: start with the Global Waste Data Explorer, then use the regional explorers for Africa, Asia, Europe, Oceania, North America, and South America.
Circular concepts: use What Is the Circular Economy? as the concept reference, then follow the practical examples in the routes above.
The newest waste stories continue below. No single article owns every waste question; this gateway routes readers to the page or tool that does.
The Circular Classroom: Pioneering Sustainability in Education
Discover all about the circular classroom concept, including the practical steps, success stories, and benefits of fostering environmentally conscious students.
Plogging: Exploring the Swedish Eco-Friendly Fitness Trend
What is plogging, and why is this trend exactly what people and the planet need right now? We take a closer look at this healthy and invigorating new hobby.
Why Brooklyn Is the Sustainability Hub of NYC
Whether you’re curious about moving to Brooklyn, need a vacation, or want to find the sustainable hub of New York City, Brooklyn has so much to offer!
Surfers’ Role in Bali’s Fight Against Plastic Waste
A closer look at everyday people, surfers, fighting the plastic waste problem in Bali, where the future of beaches is now looking just a little more positive.
Are SAFs the Best Way to Address Aviation Emissions?
As air travel shows no signs of slowing, decarbonizing aviation is a difficult but essential goal. We look at the role of Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAFs).
The Environmental Toll of Waste: A Closer Look
In this article, we discuss the environmental toll of waste, and how a transition to a circular economy is paramount to providing a clean, livable future.
The Surprising Complexities of Ocean Cleanup: 6 Key Facts
In this look at the complexities of ocean cleanup, we dive into why removing waste can present so many challenges and whether scientists can overcome them.
Recycling in the UK: Facts, Figures, Issues, and Initiatives
In this article, we explore the state of recycling in the UK, issues the country is facing in its waste management efforts, and various positive initiatives.
Glass Recycling and Climate Change: Insights for the Future
In this article, we delve into the importance of sustainable practices and the role of glass recycling in addressing the challenges posed by climate change.
Minimizing E-waste In The Digital Age – The Green Revolution
A discussion of the Green Revolution, with a focus on minimizing E-waste, and why this global issue requires a concerted effort to address in the Digital Age.
Hajj 2023 Leads the Way Towards Sustainable Pilgrimage
A look at the eco-friendly initiatives and practices implemented for Hajj 2023, showing how a spiritual journey can be aligned with environmental stewardship.
The Role of Design in a Circular Economy: 3 Key Categories
We explore the role of design in a circular economy from a regenerative and social perspective, and discuss how designers can contribute to a more just future.
What Happens to Garbage: Insights into the Burning of Waste
We take a closer look at what happens to garbage, and why it might not be taken to landfill, as seen through this tour of a local garbage-burning facility.
The Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) & Why it is Important
The Fourth Industrial Revolution reflects humanities efforts to harmonize the environment and society with digital technology. We discuss some of the details.
Digital Sustainability: A Comprehensive Guide
We take a look at digital sustainability, with solutions and technology that historically caused environmental problems now becoming part of the solution.
A Guide to Sustainable Biomedical Waste Management Practices
The biomedical waste management practices that we have in place today are not sustainable in the long term. We look at the current situation and future plans.
The Plastic Waste Dilemma and China’s National Sword Policy
We explore some deeper aspects of the plastic waste dilemma, including the global impact of China’s National Sword Policy and how nations have responded.
Sustainability Best Practices for Large Facilities in 2023
We look at sustainability best practices for today’s large facilities, such as office buildings, hospitals, manufacturing plants, and others.
Where are Microplastics Found and Where do They Come From?
Where are microplastics found? And where does it all come from? We dig a little deeper, and look at the dilemma faced by countries the world over.
The Effects of Microplastics on Humans: An Introduction
An introduction to microplastics, the prevalence and the harm they are causing all around the world, in environments, in wildlife, and inside all of us.
Solving the E-waste Problem: Are We Doing Enough
The more people get involved in environmentally friendly practices, the easier it will be to solve the e-waste problem and other issues we face today.
An Interactive Online Test: Recycling and Waste Management
SOUR, an ethical design studio, just launched a new interactive online test tool on behavior around individual and corporate waste patterns and management.
Tangle: Pet Products as a Solution to the Ghost Net Problem
In an attempt to help address the Ghost Net problem, Tangle is recycling end-of-life fishing nets into new, long-lasting pet products, and sustainable dog leads.
Sustainable Beach Trip Tips: How to be Eco-Friendly at the Beach
With these tips for planning a sustainable beach trip, you can do your part to protect this essential part of our natural environment for generations to come.
The Ethical and Environmental Need for a Sustainable T-Shirt
The story of an everyday t-shirt doesn’t have to be a bleak one, we can change this story, we can make it the story of a sustainable t-shirt.
Lithium Mining: The Environmental Cost is Toxic and Clear
The Lithium Fever: What Is the Price of Europe Going Green?
Global Recycling: The Environmental Impact and The Future
Preventing pollution and improving public health are only some of the benefits of global recycling. It also creates employment, saves money, and reduces waste.
Reduce E-Waste: Sustainability for Old, Functional Gadgets
Here are some eco-friendly things you can do to reduce e-waste, reduce your carbon footprint, and reduce the number of electronic devices being made.
How We’re Planning a (Nearly) Zero Waste Wedding
It can be the most wasteful day of our lives. Here’s how we’re planning a (nearly) zero waste wedding—and coping with whatever judgements come our way.
The Bandwagon Effect on Apple Products
Many consumers have experienced the bandwagon effect on Apple products, associating the brand with quality, innovation, universality, and fun.
How Younger Generations Can Help Solve the E-waste Problem
This article will discuss the negative effects of e-waste and how younger generations can be more proactive about minimizing those effects.
Hazardous Waste Management: Ethics and Responsibities
We are living in a toxic world, and there are many things that we, and those in power, should be doing.
Spread the Spirit of Sustainability: 5 Ways to Reduce Waste During the Holidays
It’s can be a wonderful time of the year, filled with celebration and merriness. Unfortunately, it’s also a time of trash.
A Sustainable Christmas: 7 Eco-Friendly Holiday Tips
It’s the most wonderful time of the year, but lurking behind the magic is an unsettling reality that perpetually taints the joy of Christmas: overconsumption.
The Environmental Impacts of Asbestos
Exposure to asbestos can cause multiple negative health effects, but asbestos can also pollute the air, water, soil, and settle on different objects.