Sustainability 101

Sustainability is a complex subject, and can be approached from a variety of angles, no single person can understand every niche topic or concept. This space provides high-level coverage of topics that contextualize sustainability, our products and research, and larger conversations about climate change and global warming.

Each article dives into related concepts, all which are important to understand. Explore each collection to arm yourself with critical knowledge in an easy-to-understand way.

Economics of Sustainability

In this article, we dive into various economic concepts within the field of sustainability, including the Circular Economy, Regenerative Model, and Carbon Credits.

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Key Terms

Here we cover terms you are likely to come across on our website and in the realm of sustainability! This article covers Greenhouse Gases, Fossil Fuels, Greenwashing, Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs), and Post-Consumer Recycled (PCR), in more detail than our Glossary.

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Definition: A technique for removing dissolved gas from a liquid or paste ↩

Definition: Preconsumer recyclate material doesn’t leave the industrial process. This is material that is left over during the production process. Pre-consumer recyclate is considered primary mechanical recycling because it is typically clean and does not require multiple cleansing steps. ↩

Definition: Postconsumer recyclate is material that has been used by consumers and is recycled. Post-consumer recyclate is considered secondary mechanical recycling because it requires further steps to clean and sanitize the recycled products. ↩

Definition: recycled material ↩

Definition: corrugated cardboard boxes. Corrugated refers to boxes with three separate layers of paper, two liners, and a corrugated (wavy) layer between them. Brown paper bags are commonly accepted with OCC for recycling. ↩

Definition: a collection method in which waste generators are required to source separate recyclables in to two (or more) separate bins (generally, paper fibers are placed in one bin and all other containers (plastics, aluminum, etc.) are placed in other bins). Multi-stream collection vehicles (that have separate compartments for each bin) then collect and transport recyclables to a multi-stream MRF that is specially configured to sort and process source separated recyclables. ↩

Definition: a system in which a household (or waste generator) places recyclables in a single commingled container. This material is then collected together in specially configured recycling trucks, and transported to a single stream MRF. ↩

Definition: capable of being decomposed by bacteria or other living organisms. There is no time limit that defines a material as biodegradable. ↩

Definition: make organic waste into compost. ↩

Chemical fertilizers are fossil fuel intensive; using compost effectively reduces the reliance on fossil fuels and saves money for farmers and gardeners. ↩

Chemical fertilizers are fossil fuel intensive; using compost effectively reduces the reliance on fossil fuels and saves money for farmers and gardeners. ↩

Definition: Occurring, or existing in the absence of oxygen ↩

Definition: Occuring with oxygen ↩

Definition: to supply with air ↩

Brown organic material contains large amounts of carbon but little nitrogen. Brown material includes dry leaves, wood chips, and branches. ↩

Green organic material contains large amounts of nitrogen. This includes grass clippings, food scraps, and manure. ↩