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.
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...
Sustainable fashion: This puffer jacket is made of up-cycled materials
After winning one of the world’s largest sustainable fashion design competitions, UK designer Maddie Williams partnered with major Chinese fashion brand JBNY Group to gain hands-on experience in producing a sustainable collection for retail. Williams immersed herself in every step of the garment Read More...
Sustainable fashion: This waterproof outerwear is made from fishing nets
As public consciousness around the ecological footprint of the fashion industry grows, it has been good to see an increasing number of brands shifting their practices towards sustainability. Italian high-end clothing manufacturer Marta Scarampi has long been ahead of the curve when it comes to Read More...
These eco-friendly shoes set an example in footwear sustainability
Bamboo, algae, sugarcane, and pineapple husk — these are some of the main ingredients behind a new eco-friendly shoe collection from New Zealand. Produced by Wellington-based startup YY Nation, the new shoes aim to take sustainability in the footwear industry to a whole new level — a Read More...
Washington’s first human compost company is open for business
Washington passed a law in 2019 allowing citizens to compost themselves after death for a more sustainable burial process. Fast forward a year later and the first human composting company is open for business in the state. Called Recompose, the company was instrumental in passing the 2019 law Read More...