Before we get started, let’s avoid some confusion by explaining the following key terms. Once you understand the difference between them, you’ll have a much easier time learning about the topic in this blog. BPI certification: While BPI stands for Biodegradable Products Institute, BPI certification ensures the materials in the certified product are compostable. Biodegradable: A product or material that …
September 2021 seemed filled with news on the impact of global warming on the planet’s creatures. Our changing climate changes the size of our fish CNN’s program Champions for Change spotlights leaders making a positive impact in an underserved community. Journalist Kate Bolduan chose Seafood Watch, a guide for consumers “to change purchasing habits to more ocean-friendly choices” and to …
International Zero Waste Week originated in the United Kingdom in 2008 to aid organizations in reducing waste being sent to landfills. It is acknowledged annually during the first full week of September. In recognition of International Zero Waste Week, the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, or TDEC, recognizes Zero Waste Day every October 27th. They held the inaugural Zero …
Beginning of our new normal: COVID-19 The World Health Organization, or WHO, declared COVID-19 as a global pandemic on March 11, 2020. Everyone remembers where they were that day. I know I do. Sports stopped. Social events were canceled. People scrambled for toilet paper and food without knowing when this pandemic would end. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, …
The planet is growing warmer every single year. For decades, we’ve experienced drastic weather pattern shifts, severe flooding in Germany, severe wildfires in California, and deadly hurricanes in Louisiana and Texas. Our planet is in trouble. And we need to help it. The IPCC Climate Report Why did the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, or IPCC, cause so much alarm …
One of the most common questions I am asked as a Zero Waste educator is, “Why is recycling so complicated? It is so confusing!” Each city, town, and municipality seems to have its own recycling system and rules. For instance, if you live in an apartment building and the owner does not pay for recycling services, you are forced to …
In July of 2019, I presented Zero Waste initiatives and recommendations to a recycling advocacy group from Dyer County, Tennessee. As I asked the audience to choose one activity to reduce and reuse, I thought to myself, “I need to do better. I need to walk my talk.” What does it mean to walk my talk? To do as you …
Now that I have covered Tennessee’s innovative Zero Waste Instagram accounts, I thought it would be a great opportunity to share these practical and useful international Zero Waste accounts as well. Great ideas come from all different places, I enjoy recognizing and sharing innovations from all corners of the world. Our global community is doing great things to create a …
There are quite a few Zero Waste resources out there. Sometimes, it can be overwhelming. One place I discover helpful, everyday tips to sustainability? Instagram. It can be tough to find Zero Waste resources on social media offering clear, simple, and focused content about Zero Waste. You deserve the best Zero Waste resources without bias. That is why I found …
The new buzzwords are circular economy, closed-loop, sustainability, Zero Waste, and resiliency. If you search for any of those words, you will reach a great number of bloggers to follow for day-to-day instruction on living a Zero Waste lifestyle. It can be stressful searching for resources on Zero Waste and sustainability. Where exactly should you begin? I put together a …
