2020: A dumpster fire of a year – What does it really mean
How do dumpster fires start? The photo of the dumpster on fire has become ubiquitous in 2020 and analogous of an unprecedented year coming to a close, but do you know what actually causes a dumpster or waste fire? Fires can begin when hazardous and electronic waste items are discarded in the trash rather than…Read More…
Reducing holiday waste – why it matters
With nearly 1 million extra tons of garbage per week going to landfill between Thanksgiving and New Year’s, consider options to reduce waste and increase waste diversion during this time of year. We’ve compiled a list of the most common holiday items and tips on how to prevent them from ending up in the waste…Read More…
RTS Spotlight – Holiday Collective
Decorations seen around the city often add to the feelings of holiday cheer. We sat down with Michael Gurl from Holiday Collective to discuss how they create magical displays while keeping sustainability in mind. Q: Can you give us some background on Holiday Collective and the work you do? A: Holiday Collective is a holiday design…Read More…
Upcycling cardboard — Get creative with packaging waste
Of the 292.4 million tons of municipal solid waste (MSW) generated in the United States in 2018, almost a quarter was paper and paperboard, making it one of the largest components in our trash cans. Around the holidays, the colorful wrapping paper, decorative cards, and numerous boxes people use at Christmas contribute to the problem….Read More…
Reduce holiday waste and increase holiday cheer
We love the holiday season but we’re not crazy about the waste that comes with it. During the holiday season, Americans will spend nearly $1,000 each on gifts, décor, food, etc. With all those purchases comes waste that can be avoided. Here are some ways you can cut back on waste without comprising holiday cheer. Holiday Decor Most agree, seeing beautiful decorations inside and…Read More…
RTS Spotlight – Boox box
Nearly one quarter of our waste is paper and cardboard and with online sales up 32% this year, that means even more cardboard could end up in landfill. Luckily, there are companies coming up with innovative ways to reduce our cardboard waste. We sat down with one of them – Boox CEO Matt Semmelhack –…Read More…
What is sustainable waste management?
Sustainable waste management aims to keep materials in use for as long as possible and minimize the amount of solid waste that is disposed of in landfill or through incineration. However, in our existing linear economy, waste begins even before products are manufactured, and a more in-depth approach to sustainable waste management must focus on…Read More…
The Circular Economy of A Christmas Tree
According to the American Christmas Tree Association, 80% of trees displayed in the Christmas season are artificial. Artificial trees are generally preferred because they don’t need watering, don’t leave a mess, and don’t have to be picked out and transported home. Evidence has showed that although artificial Christmas trees can be reused, a regular Christmas…Read More…
How to recycle
e-waste in Philadelphia:
A guide
The sixth-largest city in the US, Philadelphia is home to over 1.5 million people. Every year, the city generates an incredible two million tons of waste. The vast majority of this waste goes straight to landfill or incinerators. However, things in Philadelphia are starting to change. The city recently announced it plans to reduce the amount of waste sent to landfill and…Read More…
Giving Tuesday Spotlight: human-I-T gives technology and confidence
There is an overwhelming number of organizations that inspire and do good for people and for the environment. One that we recently partnered with, human-I-T, is an organization that is shrinking the digital divide while diverting e-waste from landfill. Read on to learn more about this amazing organization. Q: Tell us more about human-I-T and…Read More…