While many people realize that waste can be reduced by recycling, less attention has been given to the problem of waste generated by uneaten/spoiled food. It’s no less important, though, and is increasingly drawing attention from sustainability and hunger-prevention advocates. Let’s start with some facts: It’s estimated that 40% of all food produced in the United States goes to the landfill. That’s right, 42.8 million tons – close to half of all the food we grow and raise is simply thrown out as trash, even…

Due to the recent pandemic, thousands of employees have experienced the huge shift of moving from a traditional workspace to home offices. For organizations that put sustainability at the forefront and are diligent about educating workers about recycling programs, how do these efforts continue when staff are offsite? As you might suspect, there are many reasons why recycling at home might pose different challenges to your remote employees. But rest assured, your sustainability efforts can still succeed! In this article, we outline some challenges and…

Recycling is essential, it decreases waste, allows materials to be reused, and helps the environment. With all these benefits, it’s hard to believe that some people don’t recycle! Sometimes people just need an extra push to encourage them to start. Here are some clever ways organizations are giving people that extra push to inspire them to recycle. Reverse Vending Machines Instead of giving a vending machine money to receive a soda or candy bar, imagine the exact opposite. Reverse vending machines give money in return…

Compost and organic waste collection have boomed over the past two decades in North America. Between 1994 and 2011, the number of Canadian homes participating in some form of composting rose 38% encompassing 61% of households. While these households are in the US, hundreds of communities have implemented an organics collection program with some of the larger cities and have begun collecting compostable material to aid their #Zerowaste goals. While the list of what you can compost in your backyard versus a curbside collection organics…

Nothing screams “summer” like a barbecue. The smell of good food cooking on the grill, the company of friends and family, and the long summer evenings spent are all characteristics that keep this gathering alive and well. Though there is nothing wrong with enjoying yourself and relishing in the good times, some of our actions at these events can take their toll on the environment.

It is important that, when we are celebrating during this warm season, we don’t forget about the environment, and we make some small effort to make sure that our get-togethers are also sustainable. Whether you’re with a small group or a big crowd, here are some ideas to make sure that one of the things you’re serving at your next barbecue is sustainability.