Circularity
Understanding the value of a circular economy and identifying circular solutions are essential to changing our world for good. Circularity, or the zero-waste principle of keeping materials in a closed loop and away from landfills and incinerators, is the future. Find out about the latest innovations and solutions accelerating the transition towards a circular economy in the articles here from The Optimist Daily.
Researchers recycle discarded face masks to make stronger road material
In addition to a global health crisis, the pandemic has also exacerbated our toxic relationship with plastic, with millions of single-use face masks and gloves ending up in the environment daily. There are some ways, however, we can mitigate this new form of pollution. Recently, we shared a Read More...
This sleek chair is made of recycled plastic from electronic waste
In 2019, the world generated 54 million metric tons of e-waste — a worrying number that’s expected to increase to 64 million metric tons by 2030. London-based designer Tom Robinson wants to help curb that amount by turning e-waste into sleek, minimalist furniture. The designer’s latest Read More...
This new delivery platform uses reusable containers to cut plastic waste
Food and packaging containers together account for almost 45 percent of landfill materials in the US. A large part of that waste comes from takeout orders, where single-use plastic packaging has been normalized. A new delivery service in New York City, called DeliverZero, wants to change that by Read More...
This refillable deodorant from Dove avoids single-use plastic packaging
As the plastic crisis becomes harder to avoid, big brands are under increasing pressure to shift their practices towards sustainability. One of the latest brands to do so is Dove. Looking to provide a better alternative to the single-use plastic deodorant stick, which ends up in a bin within Read More...
These lightweight drones are made from old pineapple leaves
Farmers in Malaysia often burn or throw away pineapple leaves after the fruit has been harvested for the season. Researchers from Putra University have found an ingenious new use for these leaves by repurposing them into a lightweight, sustainable drone. Led by Professor Mohamed Thariq Hameed Read More...
Startup transforms 32m discarded chopsticks into sleek household items
Have you ever wondered what happens to the chopsticks we carelessly throw away after using them only once? Well, unsurprisingly, the vast majority of them end up in landfills, further contributing to the unsurmountable pile of waste burdening waste management capacities. In a bid to instead give Read More...
These solar-powered barges can scoop up 50 tons of plastic from rivers each day
While removing the plastic waste that currently contaminates the ocean today will be crucial for protecting marine ecosystems, it is arguably more important that we stop any more plastic trash from entering the ocean. Fortunately for humanity, The Ocean Cleanup, a nonprofit taking on plastic waste Read More...
Nivea is testing a refill station in Germany that aims to reduce plastic waste
One of the most effective ways to close the tap on plastic pollution is to reduce the material’s production in the first place. Reusable packaging plays a key role here since it allows for a product to be consumed over and over again without the need for unnecessary single-use plastic. To Read More...
Nike’s latest outdoor apparel collection puts sustainability first
When it comes to shifting the apparel industry’s polluting practices towards circularity, the onus lies on major brands to lead the green transition. That’s why we’re happy to see Nike put sustainability at the heart of its latest outdoor apparel collection. About 85 percent of the brand’s Read More...
These hiking boots are made from ocean plastic and recycled rubber
Need some new hiking boots that will help keep your feet warm and supported in the winter months? If so, you should check out the Weekend Boot from Canadian footwear company Alice + Whittles. The Weekend Boot is a sturdy ankle boot that is entirely vegan, with no animal products used in the glue Read More...