What is Source Reduction? May 27, 2016 Source reduction is the process of reducing waste from a product before it is created through the product design, purchase of materials, and production. Businesses try to accomplish these factors through reducing the number or amount of materials needed, using recycled materials, avoid using certain materials, or designing the product so there is little to no waste once the product’s use is over. This allows for business to produce less waste not only in production but also after…

What is Global Warming? May 27, 2016 As more of the Sun’s radiation becomes trapped on Earth by the build-up of Greenhouse Gases, the global temperature increases. This increase in temperature is referred to as Global Warming. Much like Climate Change, this occurred through a natural cycle by Greenhouse Gases building up in the atmosphere by volcanic activity. Today, this warming trend is caused mainly through the burning of fossil fuels that emit these gases into the atmosphere. Global Warming has become more noticeable in…

What is Climate Change? May 27, 2016 Climate Change is the change in long-term weather activity through the fluctuation of Greenhouse Gases by natural and human activity. This can be measured through the change in average and extreme weather activity. Typically, when radiation from the Sun enters Earth’s atmosphere and bounces off its surface, a layer of gases such as carbon dioxide (CO2) traps some of this radiation on Earth. Thanks to this layer, life on Earth is able to sustain itself and not freeze….

Starbucks is a business known for their specialty coffees, baked goods, and uniquely named cup sizes.  It is the poster child of the American café experience, and now it is becoming the same for business sustainability. Recently, the American-based coffee company began to issue sustainability bonds to expand their plan on sustainably produced coffee.  This development poses some questions – What exactly is a sustainability bond?  What does it have to do with Starbucks? What does it mean for business? So, take a seat and…

How are recyclable materials separated? June 24, 2016 Recyclable materials can be separated at many different stages in the recycling process. The initial user of the item, who sorts it into the proper recycling bin, can separate them or the person who collects the recyclables. It can be commingled until it reaches the MRF (Materials Recovery Facility) where it can be separated by machines and/or individuals. At the MRF, the recyclables are separated based on their material type – paper, plastics, aluminum, or glass. The…