waste Archives - State of the Planet

dumpster overflowing with trash

Reduce. Reuse. And Then, When All Else Fails, Recycle.

Recycling gets all the attention, but emphasizing reduction and reuse can do so much more to manage waste and curb climate emissions.

by Brynne Wilcox |February 25, 2022
condiment packets

Opinion: We Must End the Relentless Distribution of Condiment Packets

They seem so small, yet they add up to a big problem. Plus, they’re exceptionally annoying.

by Jeffrey Prosserman |December 10, 2021

The Necessity of Recycling

Without recycling, there can be no circular economy. Without a circular economy, we cannot build environmentally sustainable cities. Without sustainable cities, we’d better start looking for another planet.

by |July 26, 2021

Why Fashion Needs to Be More Sustainable

As the world re-opens, it’s a good time to take stock of the implications of how we dress.

by |June 10, 2021

Consumption, Waste and our Changing Lifestyle

We can build our production and consumption around the principles of environmental sustainability.

by |August 26, 2019
landfill with tractor on top

The Aftermath of China’s Waste Ban

The initial ban created a worldwide headache for scrap managers. The new version of the ban will surely lead to migraines.

by |March 11, 2019

Greening the Internet

We don’t yet understand what the internet is doing to our politics and culture, but we do know what it’s doing to the planet.

by |May 21, 2018
plastic

What Do We Do About Plastics?

We need local policies to encourage better waste management, more recycling and less use of plastics in the first place.

by |April 23, 2018
bioplastic eating utensils

The Truth About Bioplastics

Plastics made from organic material are often touted as being eco-friendly, but do they live up to the hype?

by |December 13, 2017
christmas tree decorations

How to Make the Holidays More Sustainable

It can be tough to balance holiday celebrations with a sustainable lifestyle, but there are ways to make greener choices without becoming a grinch.

by |December 8, 2017