New refill store aims to reduce consumer reliance on disposable plastics

Good News Notes: “Plastics are everywhere, from shampoo to conditioner, to household cleaners. All of those containers result in a lot of material that eventually end up in the landfill or recycling. Now, a new store in Medicine Hat aims to reduce the amount of plastics by encouraging customers to refill instead of throw out….

NONTOX Project: Recovering Contaminated Plastics from Waste

Good News Notes:  “Led by the VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, the NONTOX Project is developing a novel approach to the recovery of waste from the construction, automotive, and electrical industries, which, until now, have been branded as non-recyclable due to their hazardous impurities. The project aims to increase the recycling rates of such…

Singapore online retailers go green by merging fashion with sustainability

Good News Notes: “There are rising concerns about packaging waste as internet shopping takes off — but some online retailers say they won’t let sustainability take a backseat. Singapore-based online fashion retailer Zalora says it’s pushing ahead with its green commitment and trying to reduce its environmental footprint. “We decided that the best way to…

Biodegradable Phone Case Tackles Plastics Pollution

Good News Notes: “While it might not be the biggest source of plastics showing up in waterways and failing to degrade in landfills, biodegradable phone cases could be a start.   According to Michael Pratt, the founder of Pivet, his company’s smartphone cases utilize a newly developed material that will completely decompose in traditional environments,…

Turning tree bark and compost into aircraft wings and plastic bags

Good News Notes: “Trees, crops and even organic waste can be transformed into a bewildering array of plastics to use in products ranging from single-use bags to heavy-duty airplane wings. These so-called biopolymers could play a vital role in weaning us off petroleum plastics—which will help cut greenhouse gas emissions, and ensure plastics come from…