Bioplastic inspired by spider silk could replace single-use plastics
One of the most difficult-to-recycle types of plastic is the ‘microcapsule’ — a form of microplastic that’s added to the ingredients of many homecare and bodycare products. These tiny capsules then wash down the drain, where they pollute waterways because they’re so hard to detect. In an Read More...
These compostable shoes are made out of kombucha tea waste
As circularity is slowly making its way into the fashion industry, compostable materials are becoming more common for a growing number of designers looking to weave sustainability into their products. One of the latest such products is the result of a partnership between New York streetwear brand Read More...
Breaking down the real meaning of “biodegradable” and “compostable”
“Biodegradable” and “compostable” are terms that pop up frequently in our search to make our day to day purchases more sustainable, but what do they actually mean and what is the difference between the two? That’s exactly the question we’re tackling today. Let’s start with Read More...
These trainers are made from mycelium and dog hair
In recent years, we’ve seen an increasing number of big brands in the footwear industry make attempts at mitigating the environmental impact of their trainers. This comes as no surprise. Footwear has one of the heaviest carbon footprints of anything we wear, and most of the materials they use can Read More...
Scientists develop a compostable electronic display to help reduce e-waste
With global consumption of electronics on the rise, so is the already overwhelming amount of associated e-waste. One possible way to diminish the environmental impact of e-waste is by making electronic components biodegradable — at least that’s the line of thought of a team of scientists who Read More...
Startup turns food waste into fully compostable plastic
When it ends up in landfills, food waste becomes a source of methane — a greenhouse gas even more potent than carbon dioxide. A Toronto-based startup called, Genecis, has figured out a way to turn these emissions into something valuable instead: compostable plastic that can replace plastic made Read More...
Sweetgreen to introduce truly compostable to-go containers in its restaurants
Amid increasing awareness about the impact of single-use packaging on the environment, in the last couple of years, some restaurant chains in the US have adopted various sustainability measures to slash their footprint. One of the most noticeable initiatives — the introduction of compostable Read More...
Finnish design brand to make its dresses from compostable wood-pulp fabric
Incorporating sustainability into fashion design is something we preach here at The Optimist Daily. That’s why we’re happy to see an increasing number of startups and more popular retailers get on the wagon to make the fashion industry greener. The latest case comes from a partnership between Read More...
Taco Bell will make its eco-conscious consumers happier with green packaging
As more companies in the food and beverage industry are beginning to rethink their packing practices, one of America’s biggest fast-food chains is making sure it’s not falling behind. Taco Bell has recently announced its latest commitments to clean up its environmental footprint by getting Read More...