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,…
Tag: recycled
Dutch Bros employee starts recycling
Good News Notes: “One local Dutch Bros Coffee employee is doing a lot more than serving up drinks. She noticed her store wasn’t recycling much, so she took matters into her own hands. With a drive-thru packed with cars, employees at the Dutch Bros in Rio Rancho don’t miss a beat. “My friend actually got…
Cement firm works with GE’s renewables unit on wind turbine recycling
Good News Notes: “General Electric’s renewables unit and LafargeHolcim, the world’s biggest cement manufacturer, have struck a deal to explore the recycling of wind turbine blades. A memorandum of understanding will see the companies focus on exploring “circular economy solutions.” Business practices connected to the notion of a circular economy have gained traction in recent years,…
Cameroon environmentalists tackle plastic pollution in Wouri River
Good News Notes: “Scientists estimate that four million tonnes of waste end up in the world’s oceans annually. The increase in plastic pollution can be linked to poor waste management. In an effort to solve the problem in Cameroon, the association Matanda Ecotour, or Friends of the Mangrove, has been collecting waste on the River Wouri. So far, the group…
Scientists develop method to recycle plastic bottles into aviation fuel using less energy
Good News Notes: “Humans produce more than 6 billion tons of plastic every year, and its accumulation in landfills and oceans is considered by many to be an environmental crisis. Only 9% of plastics are recycled in the U.S., and while bans on single-use plastic bags and straws have some benefits, we’re nowhere near addressing the volume…
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…
SC Johnson Partners with Brewers and Bucks to Upcycle Arena Cups
Good News Notes: “Racine, WI–based SC Johnson, the household products company, is taking sustainability in a new direction — upcycling polyethylene terephthalate (PET) cups from professional sports events into bottles for Scrubbing Bubbles cleaner. The company has partnered with Milwaukee’s baseball and basketball teams, the Brewers and the Bucks, to implement the program. In partnership with…
Eton Is Now Upcycling the Scraps From Its Dress Shirts Into Customizable Rugs
Good News Notes: “The venerable Swedish shirtmaker Eton has been in operation for close to a century now, during which time it’s made plenty of, well, shirts. It only recently dipped its toes into the slightly less formal t-shirt category. But now, the house is shifting gears in the interest of sustainability, creating a series of limited-edition rugs made entirely…
Barbie, Matchbox to be recycled, reused with Mattel PlayBack program
Good News Notes: “The old Barbie dolls haven’t been dressed up in years, and the Matchbox cars haven’t crossed any finish lines. The Mega Bloks have sat idle while a layer of dust gets thicker. Mattel has a way for families to extend the life of these unused and outgrown toys – and keep them out…
Michelin wants to make tires out of recycled plastic bottles
Good News Notes: “Michelin says its goal of “achieving 40% sustainable materials (of renewable or recycled origin) by 2030 and 100% by 2050” is one step closer to reality. The French tire giant has successfully tested a plastic recycling technology by French biochemistry company Carbios that can be used in tire production. Carbios’ enzymatic recycling process…