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NERC Blog

Want to switch to reusable cups? Here’s how to get started

Today's guest blog is authored by Lauren Phipps of GreenBiz. The original post can be found here.

 

By now, you know the problem: Nearly 250 billion single-use cups are used globally every year — most of which end up in a landfill — and the environmental, economic and social costs are mounting. And that’s just cups.

You also know the solution: In addition to recyclable and compostable alternatives, reuse models are quickly emerging as a fundamentally better alternative to single-use ones, not to mention that converting 20 percent of the world’s disposable plastic packaging into reusables is a $10 billion opportunity. 

So…now what? 

If only this were just a matter of procurement. Far more complex are the systems surrounding cups and other disposables:…

Survey Results on Impacts to Higher Ed Recycling & Waste Reduction

Campus Recyclers See Challenges & Opportunities from COVID-19

A partnership of organizations have published the preliminary results of survey into the long-term impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on higher education waste reduction efforts. Recycling and sustainability managers from over 130 schools across the US and Canada have participated in the 15-question survey covering topics such as indoor collection programs, budget impacts and reusable to-go food container programs. Among the results, COVID is causing:

  • Many schools to convert deskside waste to self-service collections. Roughly 20% have or are actively considering the shift.
  • 30% of schools to temporarily suspend reusable to-go food container programs, even as 8% are working to introduce or expand such programs.
  • 29% of schools to cut recycling staff positions.

Click to view highlights of the preliminary results

Click…

Are life-cycle assessments worth the (recycled) paper they’re printed on?

Today's guest blog comes courtesy of Ensia. The original post can be found here.

Single-use items — which have long been the target of ire from environmentalists — are having a moment in the era of Covid-19. From disposable cups and take-out packaging to gloves and masks, safety concerns are pushing consumers and institutions in the direction of disposables.

Balancing the sustainability…

What You Buy Goes Around and Comes Around

Today's guest blog is courtesy of Communities for Recycling, an initiative of The Recycling Partnership. The original post can be found here.

Photo of store shelves with products

Ever wonder what happens to your face cream container, hand soap bottle, soda can, plastic bottle, or anything recyclable after you put it in your recycling? Or did you ever stop to consider where the shipping box came from before hitting your doorstep? And when you’re finished with a product, how do you know if the item is recyclable in your community.

These questions swirl around before our eyes every time we finish with something. Do I compost it? Recycle it? Reuse it? Or trash it? Or ……?

What Can I Recycle?

Before we can answer that…

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