What is Resource Depletion? August 18, 2016 Definition Resource Depletion occurs when the renewable and non-renewable natural resources become scarce because they are consumed faster than they can recover. The term resource depletion is commonly associated with water usage, fossil fuel consumption, trees and fishing. All of these resources have been depleted primarily because of human activities. Want to Know More? Actions like Deforestation remove more than enough trees from their environments that topsoil can be eroded, making the area unsuitable for plants and animals….

What is Renewable Energy? August 18, 2016 Renewable energy is energy that is produced from sources that can replenish themselves naturally and will not run out. These sources of energy derive directly or indirectly from the Sun. This includes sources such as the wind, water, and the Sun. Unlike non-renewable resources like coal and oil, renewable energy is a more sustainable choice. Renewable resources are able to recover faster and do not release greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide. As countries continue to use fossil fuels,…

What is a Red Bag Waste? August 18, 2016 Red bag waste is a type of biomedical refuse created by healthcare facilities and is often used interchangeably with biohazard trash. This form of waste is stored in red bags marked distinctly for storing biohazardous material and is disposed of in an appropriate manner. The disposed material will range in a variety of forms such as tissue samples, IV tubing, or lab cultures and stocks from research. While regulations for them vary between states and institutions,…

What is a Recycling Rate? August 18, 2016 The recycling rate is a calculation that is used to determine the percentage of diverted refuse is recyclable. The reason some items may not be recyclable could be that the have been contaminated or the community’s processing centre may not be able to handle certain recyclables. In a community that has a diversion rate of 30 percent, there may only be a recycling rate of 10 to 15 percent. The advantage of using a recycling rate is…

What are Recycled Aggregates? August 18, 2016 Definition Recycled Aggregates is a term that describe crushed cement concrete or asphalt pavement from construction debris that is reused in other building projects. Want to know More? Asphalt pavement can be collected from roads, parking lots and runways and cement concrete can be collected from bridges, sidewalks and roads. Once collected and processed these recycled aggregates can be used in the construction of bicycle paths, pavement shoulders and in many other aspects of construction. The use of…