Category: Uncategorized

For years I had wondered what the 5¢ or 10¢ on the back of the label on cans and bottles meant and why only certain states would be listed next to it. The dots started connecting when I would visit my family in Michigan and at least once during the trip, my cousins and I would make an errand run to the nearest bottle return with trash bags full of empty cans and bottles in the trunk of the car. For every empty can or bottle returned, my cousins would get ten cents, motivating them to collect empty beverage containers around the house after gatherings and stashing them away to make some cash later. Upon asking questions as to why they did this here and not where I’m from, I discovered that it was a program put in place to motivate Michiganders to recycle. 

This kind of monetary incentive encourages the citizens of Michigan to recycle their bottles and reduce littering. There can be many different kinds of incentives in the world of sustainability (fees, taxes, etc) to motivate people and companies to follow sustainable practices. This specific incentive is put in place through the Bottle Deposit Law and was first implemented in Oregon in 1971. Its purpose was to reduce the amount of litter in the state and is still used today to encourage more people to recycle. Right now, only ten out of the fifty US states participate in the Bottle Deposit Law (Michigan, Maine, Oregon, Vermont, California, Hawaii, New York, Iowa, Massachusetts, and Connecticut), but Washington might be soon joining the list. It has been proven that this incentive drastically improves the amount of bottles/cans that get recycled in Bottle Deposit states versus non-Bottle Deposit states. The states with the law have a 60% beverage recycle rate while the rest only have a 24% beverage recycle rate. Not to mention, the growth of deposit centers increases job opportunities for those living in that area.

After working in Michigan last summer, I quickly got into the habit of keeping my empty soda cans and kombucha bottles hoping to get some extra cash for returning them. Upon returning to South Carolina, I had an unfortunate realization that I no longer have the incentive to take those empty cans to a bottle returns and neither did people in most of the states in the US. Of course, I still recycle, but I know that the culture around recycling in my hometown is much different than it is in Michigan. It’s not only about the incentives, but also the convenience factor that encourages people to recycle. Bottle return centers are abundant in the states that have the Bottle Deposit Law, but for many states that don’t have it, recycling can be a hassle specifically on college campuses. Furman’s campus doesn’t have many options for where to go to recycle, but in the Greenbelt community, both cabins have their own recycling bins outside of it and a recycling drop off by the farm entrance. After experiencing the difference in a Bottle Deposit state versus South Carolina, it is certainly something that should be implemented in every state to increase individuals’ recycling habits.

Sources:

https://statecapitallobbyist.com/environment/state-bottle-bills-2023-update/

https://www.container-recycling.org/index.php/issues/bottle-bills#:~:text=Did%20you%20know%20that%20states,only%20reach%20about%2024%25%3F

https://www.csrwire.com/reports/724196/report-ranks-50-us-states-recycling-performance-assesses-impact-deposit-return

     Bees are essential to the environment. Bees especially are important pollinators because they visit a variety of plants, they are not picky. They pollinate frequently because of the nectar provided by plants that has nutrients for them and their hive. Other pollinators are vital as well, bees just contribute quite a lot to the pollination game (Smithsonian Gardens). 

     The impacts of bees are beneficial to humans as well. They help the environment thrive which helps us survive. The plants they pollinate act as carbon sinks that keep our atmosphere cleaner. Without pollination, it would be much harder to reproduce for plants, and the air would be considerably worse. An article in science direct writes that “around 35% of global crop production is dependent upon animal pollinators.” They keep agriculture afloat. As for beekeeping, the honey produced benefits the economy by harvesting and selling honey. 

     While beekeeping is beneficial to humans, there is often a question about benefits to the bees. In an article in Meadowia, Katie Piercy writes “most beekeepers aim to leave enough honey within the hive that the bees can still survive the winter, which is why bees store the honey in the first place. Many also give the bees sugar substitutes if the honey remaining is not enough to get the colony through this period.” I have talked with other beekeepers who tell me that the honey is more of a byproduct to the bees, so harvesting it (while ethically leaving enough for them) does not harm them. Many beekeepers use smoke to calm down the hive before inspecting, but this also does not harm them. A student at Furman, who has taught me a lot about the practice, said that the smoke sends a signal to the bees to protect the hive from fire. This calms them down so that they are not as aggressive and does not cause them harm. 

     Furman started my beekeeping journey. I have been interested in bees for many years, but I was not able to connect with any hives until I came here. I did not have much time in my senior year of high school, when I got serious about wanting to do beekeeping. I also did not want to take on the responsibility when I knew I would be leaving soon for college. Before moving in, I found out that there is a Bee and Pollinator Club on campus and got very excited about the opportunity to work with bees up close. My first hive work experience was in the spring of 2023 with the club and from there I just continued to grow my interest. The summer of 2023, I worked with a local beekeeper in my hometown of Athens, GA and learned much more about the process. When I came back to Furman this school year, I became the president of the Bee Club and things have started to run smoothly. The Bee Club is all about education and then practice in the actual hives, and I am learning along with the members. Without being here at Furman, I would not have the opportunity to work with bees so closely, something I have been looking forward to for a long time. Living in the Greenbelt is especially helpful because I am close to the storage area in the garage, and I have convenient parking so that I can drive to the hives at the solar farm when necessary. Once I live on my own, I would love to own bees, once I know more about how to do so and am able to. 

 

Works Cited 

The Why, What, When, Where, Who, How of Pollination. Smithsonian Gardens. (2021, October 25). https://gardens.si.edu/gardens/pollinator-garden/why-what-when-where-who-how-pollination/ 

Sillman, Jani, et al. “Contribution of Honeybees towards the Net Environmental Benefits of Food.” Science of the Total Environment, vol. 756, Jan. 2021. EBSCOhost, https://doi-org.libproxy.furman.edu/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.143880. 

Piercy, K. (2023, August 1). Is Beekeeping Cruel? Does it Harm Bees?. Meadowia.com: Celebrating Meadows & Wildlife. https://meadowia.com/is-beekeeping-cruel-does-it-harm-bees/ 

The concept of ethical consumption is becoming increasingly popular, especially among younger generations. In the context of sustainability, there has been a push for more ethical materials used with the end goal being to cease the proliferation of harmful waste. However, while younger generations move quickly, corporate marketing is always just behind them. In order to ease the minds of their targets, companies employ tactics known as greenwashing. Essentially, products are advertised as environmentally friendly using fallacious and misleading information about their production. A prime example of this is in fragrances. They often boast about characteristics such as ‘natural fragrances’. Not only is this label potentially misleading, but is generally confusing to the average patron and does not actually delve into what constitutes as natural. This also does not exclude them from using unsustainable chemicals such as hydrofluorocarbons, which have been shown to damage the ozone layer.

Very often marketing is used by corporations to co-opt movements with good intentions. Frankly, I do not believe enough is done to prevent this from taking place. These companies are consistently able to do this within the bounds of the law, and as such there are new methods being implemented to prevent it. As of January 1st, 2024, the state of California has adopted an ‘anti-greenwashing’ measure. Essentially, it does work to regulate the voluntary carbon market as well as requiring more transparency between companies and patrons about the products being produced and consumed. This is certainly a step in the right direction, although, based on its description, it would need patrons to take a more active approach in researching the companies they engage with. In that regard, I believe more can be done to push this information out so that customers can make more informed decisions and put less of the onus on them. Overall, the goal should be to disallow corporations from misleading their markets, and this new law should definitely help with that. I hope that this is the beginning of a chain reaction across the United States and abroad to increase transparency, and hold corporations more accountable for what they produce.

 

Sources:

January. 2024. “New California Anti-Greenwashing Law Goes Live on January 1, 2024 – What You Need to Know If You Make Certain ‘Green’ Claims | Perspectives & Events | Mayer Brown.” Mayerbrown.com. 2024. https://www.mayerbrown.com/en/perspectives-events/publications/2023/12/new-california-antigreenwashing-law-goes-live-on-january-1-2024–what-you-need-to-know-if-you-make-certain-green-claims#:~:text=The%20new%20%E2%80%9Canti%2Dgreenwashing%E2%80%9D,claims%20and%20the%20use%20of.

 

Nations, United. 2023. “Greenwashing – the Deceptive Tactics behind Environmental Claims | United Nations.” United Nations. United Nations. 2023. https://www.un.org/en/climatechange/science/climate-issues/greenwashing.

 

“Reducing Hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) Use and Emissions in the Federal Sector through SNAP | US EPA.” 2014. US EPA. December 9, 2014. https://www.epa.gov/snap/reducing-hydrofluorocarbon-hfc-use-and-emissions-federal-sector-through-snap#:~:text=Hydrofluorocarbons%20(HFCs)%20are%20greenhouse%20gases,fire%20extinguishing%20systems%2C%20and%20aerosols..

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The fashion industry is part of everyone’s daily lives, whether we consider it daily or not. For the past few years, I have greatly considered how fashion plays in my life and what that means for my own personal goals to live a more sustainable life. I found myself following trends, buying cheap and trendy clothes, and getting new clothes on a monthly basis. For me, I had not only an interest in fashion but also found myself constantly consuming media feeding me new trends. With the social pressures of college many students want to feel as if they fit in, and fashion plays a large role in how we present ourselves. However, what does that mean for our footprint, and how do we change for a more sustainable future?

In order to improve my carbon footprint, I first had to address how I thought about fast fashion. Breaking away from fast fashion was key to me finding a more sustainable path, and considering how what I buy and consume contributes to the huge sustainability problem of waste. At first I struggled to recognize fast fashion as opposed to my personal style, and I discovered it’s truly more about the individual garment than it is the concept. The best way to figure out if something is fast fashion is considering two factors: (1) versatility and (2) quality. Versatility to me is considering how long I will want to wear this and how often I will wear it. Considering the versatility of a garment combats the overconsumption problem that many of us face. Everyone has been there, where you buy a super cute outfit, and it sits in your closet for months waiting for the ‘perfect occasion’ or ‘perfect outfit’. This is just not a sustainable way to consume, no matter where the garment is sourced from. 

Quality is one of the major contributors to the carbon footprint of clothes. Buying clothes that lose their shape, fall apart, or decline in quality are an easy trap to fall into, and almost always results in far more waste than necessary, around 81.5 lbs per person each year. This is an entirely avoidable problem, if we frame clothes as an investment in quality, rather than a disposable good. We are seeing an epidemic of previously high-quality brands reducing their own quality standards of fabrics. Lululemon is a classic example of a reputable brand that has been swept into the waves of fast fashion. Their leggings are becoming increasingly sheer, and showing signs of increased pilling compared to similar garments made 5 to 10 years earlier, with prices staying in the mid-luxury range. Companies like this can be deceiving, so it’s important to do your research before deciding to purchase. 

Transitioning to slow fashion doesn’t have to be hard, and certainly doesn’t have to be expensive. Consider your clothes a one time investment. First consider why you want something, is it trendy or do you need it? I like to consider if I would have worn it 5 years ago and if I see myself wearing it in 5 years. This does not have to mean keeping your closet simple or basic. Find your own personal style and buy items that suit it. However when choosing items consider the quality, check for loose strings or holes and consider 100% fabrics or synthetic fibers as opposed to fabrics mixed with spandex or polyester that might be less flattering and less durable. Second hand doesn’t mean better if you still continue over consuming, so focus on building your dream closet, not TikTok’s dream closet. Find quality clothes that will stand the test of time, and that you will continue to love for years. 

The fashion industry will not be fixed overnight, as there are a myriad of problems. However, we can each work to reduce our own footprints in order to combat a much larger issue, while changing the narrative in what quality and standards we expect from brands. The industry is fueled by its consumers, and while the weight of all of fashion’s carbon footprint should not rest on our individual shoulders, I have found that each individual can have a small impact on the industry and most importantly those around us. 

Sources:

“Exposing the Truth about Lululemon.” Her Campus | Created for Gen Z, By Gen Z., 17 Feb. 2021, www.hercampus.com/school/western/exposing-truth-about-lululemon/.

Igini, Martina. “10 Concerning Fast Fashion Waste Statistics.” Earth.Org, 21 Aug. 2023, earth.org/statistics-about-fast-fashion-waste/.

“The Myth of Sustainable Fashion.” Harvard Business Review, 14 Jan. 2022, hbr.org/2022/01/the-myth-of-sustainable-fashion.

“Slow Fashion: How to Keep Your Favourite Clothes for Ever – from Laundering to Moth-Proofing.” The Guardian, Guardian News and Media, 1 Aug. 2019, www.theguardian.com/fashion/2019/aug/01/slow-fashion-how-to-keep-your-favourite-clothes-for-ever-from-laundering-to-moth-proofing#:~:text=Know%20your%20fabrics&text=If%20you%20have%20two%20identical,cotton%20or%20100%25%20merino%20wool.

 

The fight to end climate change has been on the minds of Americans and people worldwide for decades. Many people are conscious of and support the integration of policies to combat climate change. Pew Research Center found that over half of U.S. adults view climate change as a major threat to the country’s well being. However, things have only gotten worse and change is not happening quick enough despite support. How could this be? I’d like to argue it’s because we have taken the wrong perspective. The fight to end climate change is often framed as follows: We must save the earth for ourselves, for our own survival and prosperity. We are still at the forefront of this battle. It’s not about the earth winning, it’s about us winning. This mindset is harmful because it will never bring about the desired results. In order for real, impactful change to occur, we need to have a personal connection to the earth. Viewing the earth solely as a resource won’t cut it. I believe it’s necessary and possible for our mindset to change. So, what perspective should we hold? Indigenous leaders and thinkers across the United States provide us with some possible answers.

The typical indigenous mind views our relationship to the earth in a much different way than the typical western mind. Emphasis is placed on reciprocity and respect. Indigenous peoples tend to look at nature and our place in it much more holistically. Terms such as “Mother Earth” imply our inherent kinship to the earth.

An important value present in almost all Native American cultures is that of reciprocity. We receive gifts so we must give gifts back. Robin Wall Kimmerer, a Potawatomi professor and author, speaks on this in her book Braiding Sweetgrass. Kimmerer recalls being a child and picking wild strawberries deep in the woods. These strawberries were a gift from the earth. She didn’t have to do anything to receive these strawberries; she only had to find them. Because these strawberries were so freely given to her, it created a relationship between her and the strawberry bush. Every season, she would nurture the bushes and pick weeds to allow space for the bushes to flourish. Year after year their relationship would go like this. This is reciprocity. The plants keep us going so we keep the plants going. This give and receive mindset is necessary in the realm of conservation because it establishes a relationship. In our modern day society we are all too often disconnected from where our products come from, especially our food. Sticking to our strawberry example, when you buy strawberries from the grocery store, no relationship is established. You pay the clerk, say thank you, and move on with your day. The strawberry bush rarely ever crosses our minds. The strawberries are no longer a gift. They are a commodity, and thus no responsibility is owed towards the bush. We have no direct connection to the earth and therefore it’s hard for us to really be invested or care. A formed bond is what makes an exchange significant and meaningful.

Now, it would be unreasonable to ask of us to stop buying our food from the grocery store and instead forage or grow everything. That is not a possibility. I would argue for simple steps, such as learning where our produce comes from when we buy it at the grocery store. Where was this lettuce grown? Who grew it? Under what conditions and in what season was it grown? With a mindset like this we can begin to appreciate and be thankful for how this lettuce ultimately ended up in our hands. We can even go to local farmer’s markets for our produce and interact with the farmers face to face. Although small, this begins to establish in our minds and hearts more of a connection to the earth. This connection fosters our initiative to protect, preserve, and give back to the earth.

 

Another solution to this disconnect is presented to us in a 2020 TEDx talk by Kelsey Leonard, a legal scholar and a member of the Shinnecock nation, who encourages us to ask the question “Who is water?” as opposed to “What is water?” This distinction, she says, opens up the door to personifying water. And she isn’t just talking semantics. Leonard doesn’t want us to simply imagine water as kin (although she does emphasize the significance of this); Rather, she wants it to become a reality. She calls for the legal personhood of water. Legal personhood would allow water to be visible in a court of law and be protected under the law the same as a person would. “It reverses the accepted hierarchy of humanity’s domination over nature,” she claims. If we, as Leonard suggests, hold nature’s wellbeing to the same level of wellbeing we expect for humans, there would be much more concern and protection. All it takes is some reframing in our own minds and in that of the legal system. When we view nature as family rather than a separate entity that we can use at our own discretion, the level of care increases dramatically.

I encourage everyone who reads this to consider how they view the earth. Do you see it merely as an expendable resource or as a life-giving gift worthy of veneration? Furthermore, how might this perspective influence how you view climate change and your own actions towards reversing it? Get outside and experience the beauty of nature. Witness the gifts the earth gives us every single day. Begin to deeply understand our connection to the earth and how vital it is to protect. In the words of Robin Wall Kimmerer, “Knowing that you love the earth changes you, activates you to defend and protect and celebrate. But when you feel that the earth loves you in return, that feeling transforms the relationship from a one-way street into a sacred bond.” The earth has loved us since our existence, it’s time we show some love back. This is the kind of attitude needed in order to save this beautiful planet we call home. 

References:

Kimmer, Robin W. “The Gift of Strawberries.” Braiding Sweetgrass, Milkweed Editions, Minneappolis, MN, 2020, pp. 22–28. 

Tyson, Alec. “What the Data Says about Americans’ Views of Climate Change.” Pew Research Center, Pew Research Center, 9 Aug. 2023, www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2023/08/09/what-the-data-says-about-americans-views-of-climate-change/#:~:text=About%20three%2Dquarters%20of%20Americans,the%20effects%20of%20climate%20change. 

Zomorodi, Manoush, et al. “Kelsey Leonard: What If Lakes and Rivers Had Legal Rights?” NPR, NPR, 7 Aug. 2020, www.npr.org/2020/08/07/899837395/kelsey-leonard-what-if-lakes-and-rivers-had-legal-rights. 

In September of this year, it was announced that the Biden-Harris Administration was going to launch the American Climate Corps. This is in an effort to put more than 20,000 young people on career paths to help with clean energy, conservation, and climate resilience. Specific jobs within the corps can include managing forests, helping to cut energy bills for low income families, and restoring coastal wetlands. This is very similar to the Peace Corps, established in the 1960’s, because its goal is to provide help in specific communities, however, the Climate Corps is more direct to climate issues while also helping those in underserved communities. This program was put in place to also help contribute to the Justice40 Initiative. This is a goal to make 40% of benefits from certain federal investments go toward communities most burdened by climate change. While the Climate Corps will lead to progress in addressing the climate crisis, there has been some criticism. The idea was first mentioned by Biden at the beginning of his time in office and has now taken years to finally launch. The organization is also going to be at a smaller scale than what was originally hoped when it was first proposed. That said, this is still a win for addressing the climate crisis and allowing for more people to get involved.

This is a very crucial movement towards a better climate future because it directly involves getting younger generations to be a part of the sustainability movement. Instead of relying on individuals to make changes to their habits, this allows for people to really get involved and make an impact. It’s often hard to find specific programs that people with any kind of skill set can join to help with the climate crisis, but this corps targets young people with any skills ready to help. The organization is making an effort to create a diverse working space. As stated in the Forbes article on the American Climate Corps, “the American Climate Corps would not mirror FDR’s Civilian Conservation Corps in all respects, which almost exclusively employed white males and focused on rural communities.” They are prioritizing goals from previous corporations while also improving it.

You could compare the Greenbelt Community to this organization as they both target climate involvement for young people, just on a much smaller scale. Of course, it doesn’t compare on the level of change that is created climate-wise, but keeps similar goals in mind. The Greenbelt also promotes future participation in sustainable programs in addition to personal sustainable improvement. We are able to see how climate involvement works in communities, work on our own contributions, and get educated on sustainable practices. This sets us up well to join programs such as the Climate Corps and spread awareness about the program. While we aren’t necessarily able to join the Climate Corps right now, programs like it and the Peace Corps are great opportunities for people interested in environmental and sustainability issues for after college.

 

About, www.peacecorps.gov/about/. Accessed 1 Dec. 2023. 

“Fact Sheet: Biden-Harris Administration Launches American Climate Corps to Train Young People in Clean Energy, Conservation, and Climate Resilience Skills, Create Good-Paying Jobs and Tackle the Climate Crisis.” The White House, The United States Government, 20 Sept. 2023, www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2023/09/20/fact-sheet-biden-harris-administration-launches-american-climate-corps-to-train-young-people-in-clean-energy-conservation-and-climate-resilience-skills-create-good-paying-jobs-and-tackle-the-clima/. 

“Justice40 Initiative.” The White House, The United States Government, 29 Nov. 2023, www.whitehouse.gov/environmentaljustice/justice40/. 

Technology, Energy Innovation: Policy and. “The American Climate Corps Will Put Thousands to Work Building a Stronger Country.” Forbes, Forbes Magazine, 25 Sept. 2023, www.forbes.com/sites/energyinnovation/2023/09/24/the-american-climate-corps-will-put-thousands-to-work-building-a-stronger-country/?sh=db494027cb44.

The fast fashion industry is a huge problem in the United States. But what is it? Fast fashion is described as clothes that are trendy for the time but are designed to not last long and fall apart easily so that the consumer has to buy more (L. Payne 40). Sophia Han describes it, saying that “the very purpose of fast fashion is to pump out new designs and get rid of the old, it encourages consumers to abandon products after only a few wears, solely because it is ‘out of style’” (15). There are many problems with this, both environmentally and socially, making this a sustainability issue.

On the environmental side of fast fashion, pollutants are emitted every step of the way in the fashion manufacturing process. Nidhi et al. discuss a few of the environmental problems that fast fashion creates. They write that “the apparel business is acknowledged as one of the most polluting due to its high energy and water consumption, usage of chemicals, and worker abuse” (7). The textile manufacturing process generates chemical pollution, water pollution, and CO2 emissions and as the fast fashion industry becomes increasingly popular, these pollutants only grow, and environmental health worsens.

There are lots of benefits to thrifting. It helps the environment by not buying new clothes and reusing discarded ones and provides affordable clothing to those in need. I personally enjoy thrifting a lot. I now solely buy clothing from thrift stores, other secondhand opportunities, and sustainable sites. It can be difficult to find what you need sometimes, but for general clothing shopping I find it very useful. I also get a little boost of confidence whenever I purchase a thrift that I am helping the environment by diverting something that would be waste. I also do not throw away my clothing at the first sign of wear and tear. Mending clothing and following the tag recommendations of items is a good way to keep clothing intact and with you for the long haul.

Another way to sustainably purchase clothing is to shop locally. This more so tackles the social problems with fast fashion. Fast fashion industries like H&M, GAP, and more famously, Shein historically exploit their workers for the fashion industry. Han explores this exploitation, saying that over 540 workers for fast fashion companies such as H&M and GAP have reported being threatened and harassed in their workplace. Han also comments on the abuse from Shein. “Consumers have found messages embedded in their SHEIN tags, reading ‘Help me,’ ‘Send Help,’ ‘SOS,’ ‘I have dental pain,’ and ‘Need your help.’ SHEIN denies all claims of cries of help by attributing these concerning messages to mistranslations.” (2). Despite these abusive practices, fast fashion continues to be a major industry. Karan Khurana S. S. Muthu also write about the disparity between the price of fast fashion and the wage of the employees creating it. “The Clean Clothes Campaign in their research found that the workers’ wages represent only a fraction of what consumers pay for the clothes” (296). Shopping locally means that the clothes you buy do not have this abuse tied to them. The clothing was made locally and not by low-income communities that suffer mistreatment.

Thrifting and buying locally can easily be implemented in everyone’s life. And if not that, simply looking into how the clothing you purchase was manufactured and how sustainable the process is can contribute to sustainability efforts. It may not be the solution to all the clothes in one’s closet, but if the majority of everyone’s clothing was bought in a sustainable way, the fast fashion industry may become obsolete and could positively impact the environment and social equity.

 

All the photos feature all clothing that I have thrifted or gotten second hand another way.

Han, Sophia. “Shein: Shady or Savvy?” Teen Ink, vol. 37, no. 7, Apr. 2023, pp. 14–15. EBSCOhost, search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=f5h&AN=162986249&site=ehost-live. 

Khurana, Karan, and S. S. Muthu. “Are Low- and Middle-Income Countries Profiting from Fast Fashion?” Journal of Fashion Marketing & Management, vol. 26, no. 2, Apr. 2022, pp. 289–306. EBSCOhost, https://doi-org.libproxy.furman.edu/10.1108/JFMM-12-2020-0260.  

Nidhi, et al. “The Environmental Price of Fast Fashion.” International Journal of Applied Marketing & Management, vol. 7, no. 2, July 2022, pp. 6–12. EBSCOhost, search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=bth&AN=161368497&site=ehost-live. 

Payne, Leah. “Don’t Fall for Fast Fashion: PROBLEMS WITH–AND SOLUTIONS TO–OUR SHOPPING ADDICTION.” Alive: Canada’s Natural Health & Wellness Magazine, no. 462, Apr. 2021, pp. 39–44. EBSCOhost, search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=awh&AN=149793862&site=ehost-live. 

There is imminent urgency surrounding the environmental crises regarding plastic waste. Plastic waste, stems from either single use products to more complex packaging materials. This has posed as an every growing threat towards different eco-systems and environments such as marine life, and human health. Because of the billions of tons of plastic waste discarded, it leads to contamination of oceans, soil, etc. leading to a never ending cycle of environmental degradation. Exploring different sustainable solutions is important so we can mitigate the plastic waste issue and safeguard our planet. One extremely cool sustainable solution is turning that discarded plastic into shoes!

Have you ever taken a look at the tag in the back of your shirt or on the inside of your shoes? It is somewhat of an ingredient list but for clothes! One of the main ingredients you might find is polyester. Plastic water bottles also happened to be made out of the same substance as polyester: polyethylene terephthalate. This means that manufacturers can create the same type of fabrics they usually would with polyester, but with plastic! The process of this starts with collecting preferably clear plastic water bottles that way they can be dyed into other colors later on. The clear bottles are then cleaned and put through a shredding machine so the plastic can be cut down to about the size of a fingernail. The flakes are broken down even further into a pellet size and melted into filaments. The filament fibers are then spun into thread.

Some might think that since this is such a large, daunting process, that there is no way it could be more sustainable than just using regular polyester. However, the truth is recycled polyester (from plastic) produces 75% fewer greenhouse gas emissions compared to trying to make new polyester material. To make new polyester fabric you would need to start with coal, petroleum, air and water. Those materials then have to go through an extremely high heat process to go through a chemical reaction. This uses up a lot of energy and natural resources, as well as adds more greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.

That being said, being able to use plastic waste (such as clear plastic water bottles) is better for the environment overall.  It takes about 9 water bottles to make one T-shirt and 11 water bottles to make one pair of shoes! This sounds great considering how much plastic waste is around the world. However, people must put their plastic waste into recycle bins instead of their trash or littering. Recycled polyester is a very useful and interesting way of keeping plastic waste out of our oceans, landfills, and other ecosystems. There are several name brand companies that use this method to make their shoes. Adidas and Soala Shoes are a couple of examples of companies who have used recycled plastic water bottles to make their shoes! There are a number of different and innovative ways everyone can make sustainable differences in the world starting with easiest one: recycling!

 

 

https://saolashoes.com/blogs/news/plastic-shoes-made-from-recycled-plastic-bottles

https://www.adidas.com/us/blog/639412-how-we-turn-plastic-bottles-into-shoes-our-partnership-with-parley-for-the-oceans

https://www.acs.org/education/outreach/celebrating-chemistry-editions/2022-ncw/bottle-becomes-a-shoe.html

 

Over the past decades, there has been a large rise in popularity for stadiums. They have become prominent figures across various sports and concert venues. However, the construction of all these stadiums can raise some concerns about the environment and the impact on it. First, the construction of stadiums is harmful, because the harvesting of materials such as concrete and steel causes deforestation, depletes resources, and raises carbon emissions. Also, maintaining stadiums that have fields can also be a tricky issue, and can be the cause of misused water.

However, some of the most important environmental impacts come from outside of the stadium. Before and after events, there is a slow line of cars leaving the stadium, which causes many idling cars to emit unnecessary amounts of CO2. Also, before the game there are many people that are tailgating, where many people fire up their grills. All these factors are detrimental to the air, as the pollutants caused before the game cause pollution spikes that are 20 times over the moderate air quality level. This is a huge issue, which sometimes cannot be avoided due to the size of the stadium and the number of people.

One of the other biggest issues with stadiums is the amount of waste produced. For example, the EPA reported that 50 to 100 tons of waste is produced at an average college football game. While this may seem like a huge amount, you could play it off as there being a very large crowd at these games. However, this is heavily due to the incorrect usage of recycling opportunities and composting. Many stadiums have started learning to implement recycling bins more recently, but waste is still a huge issue within stadiums. Also, many stadiums draw on huge sums of power, as they require large amounts of lighting, and are not very sustainable overall.

While some issues cannot be changed outside of the stadium (car pollution and tailgating), there are big changes that can occur within the stadium. Stadiums should increase their accessibility to recycling, as even recycling bins around the corner of trash cans can help eliminate a large amount of waste. Recently, I was at a football game in Atlanta, and had the pleasure of visiting the Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The Mercedes-Benz Stadium has achieved Zero Waste, which is when they divert 90% or more of waste away from the landfill. They achieved the LEED Platinum Certification, being the first professional sports venue in the entire USA to achieve it. This means its sustainability measure represents the pinnacle of sustainability. While I was there, I noticed that all their concessions sold were only compostable or recyclable, and that the bins shown had very clear signs (as seen below). Also, they have solar panels lined around their roof, canopies, parking lots, and entrances. They provide around 1.6 kilowatt hours of renewable energy a year.

While general environmental challenges will always persist, many stadiums should start implementing sustainable practices such as the Mercedes-Benz stadium has shown is possible. These will help offset the issues outside the stadium and allow for a more sustainable future in stadiums; and it will help mitigate the environmental impact.

 

CleanRobotics. “The Problem with Stadium Recycling and Waste Management.” CleanRobotics, 18 Nov. 2022, cleanrobotics.com/the-problem-with-stadium-recycling-and-waste-management/#:~:text=EPA%20reports%20that%20an%20average%20college%20football%20game,are%20among%20the%20biggest%20and%20most%20crowded%20places.

Contributor, Guest. “America’s Leading LEED Certified Stadiums and Arenas.” askHRgreen.Org, 23 Apr. 2018, askhrgreen.org/americas-leading-leed-certified-stadiums-arenas/.

Filipeboni. “Understanding LEED Certification Levels.” UGREEN, 9 Aug. 2023, ugreen.io/understanding-leed-certification-levels/#:~:text=LEED%20Platinum%20is%20the%20highest%20level%20of%20certification%2C,most%20innovative%20and%20advanced%20green%20building%20strategies%20available.

Gosalvez, Emma. “Sport and the Environment: What Is the Connection?” College of Natural Resources News, 6 Nov. 2020, cnr.ncsu.edu/news/2020/11/sport-and-the-environment-what-is-the-connection/.

“Sustainability at Mercedes-Benz Stadium: Leaders in Zero Waste.” Sustainability at Mercedes-Benz Stadium | Leaders in Zero Waste, www.mercedesbenzstadium.com/sustainability#:~:text=Mercedes-Benz%20Stadium%20is%20designed%20to%20be%20extremely%20energy,campus%2C%20is%20equipped%20with%204%2C000%20solar%20PV%20panels. Accessed 30 Nov. 2023.

Sustainable cities are the future of urban development, and they hold the key to tackling pressing environmental challenges while ensuring a high quality of life for their residents. According to the NRDC, sustainable cities are built on three core principles: reducing greenhouse gas emissions, conserving resources, and promoting resilience. As we look ahead to the future, it is clear that sustainable cities will undergo transformative changes.

One of the key aspects of sustainable cities in the future will be a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. These cities will prioritize renewable energy sources, such as solar power and wind energy, to meet their electricity needs. They will also encourage the transition to electric vehicles, with an extensive network of charging stations and efficient public transportation systems. By adopting these measures, sustainable cities will not only combat climate change but also improve air quality and reduce noise pollution.

Another crucial element of future sustainable cities will be the conservation of resources. To achieve this, innovative technologies will play a vital role in optimizing resource efficiency. Buildings will be designed to be energy-efficient and equipped with smart systems that monitor and regulate energy consumption. Furthermore, sustainable cities will implement waste management strategies that emphasize recycling and composting, aiming to minimize landfill contributions. Through these practices, sustainable cities will promote a circular economy, reducing waste and preserving natural resources.

Sustainable public transit is a crucial component of a climate-friendly transportation system, as highlighted by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s focus on climate action and sustainability. According to the U.S.D.O.T., investing in sustainable public transit not only helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions but also offers numerous benefits for communities across the United States. Looking towards the future, sustainable public transit will undergo advancements that prioritize environmental responsibility and enhance the overall transportation experience.

In the coming years, sustainable public transit systems will prioritize electrification. By transitioning from traditional fossil fuel-powered buses and trains to electric vehicles, cities can significantly reduce their carbon footprint. Electric public transit not only eliminates direct emissions from vehicles but also offers quieter, smoother, and more reliable transportation options for passengers. Additionally, the infrastructure supporting these electric vehicles, such as charging stations and smart-grid technology, will continue to evolve and become more efficient. This focus on electrification is an essential step towards achieving a greener transportation system and reducing the reliance on fossil fuels.

Moreover, future sustainable public transit systems will also embrace innovative technologies to improve efficiency, accessibility, and user experience. Intelligent transportation systems will be implemented to optimize route planning, reduce congestion, and minimize travel times. Integration of mobile applications and real-time data will provide commuters with accurate information about bus or train schedules, reducing waiting times and improving overall convenience. Additionally, sustainable public transit will prioritize inclusive design, making public transportation accessible to all individuals, regardless of physical abilities. By considering the diverse needs of passengers, these systems will foster social equity and inclusivity within the transportation network.

U.S. Department of Transportation. “Climate Action.” Transportation.gov, www.transportation.gov/priorities/climate-and-sustainability/climate-action.

National Resources Defense Council. “Sustainable Cities.” NRDC, www.nrdc.org/issues/sustainable-cities#overview.