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Sustainability International

Helping your business grow by embracing sustainable practices and green initiatives...

Sustainability is harmony between humans and nature.

Sustainability is based on a simple premise that everything we need for our well being depends on our natural environment.  Pursuing sustainability is to create conditions which make it possible for humans and nature to exist in harmony.

As a business owner each day is a constant balancing act to bring profitability to your business, while finding ways to operate your business in an environmentally sensitive way.  Moving toward sustainability is a challenge when considering how we affect our environment, through our lifestyles, living conditions, energy use, travel and work methods and practices.

 

Become A Sustainability International Partner

Sustainability International Partners understand the importance of conducting their business in an environmentally sensitive and sustainable manner.  

Your customers are searching for businesses who embrace sustainability, and green initiatives and there is nothing more important to your business than connecting to every customer possible.  

The partnership is FREE, learn how easy it is to become a Sustainability International Partner and enjoy the benefits of being a Sustainability International Partner.

 

 

Support Sustainability and protecting our environment, subscribe today for your FREE membership to Sustainability International.

 

 

Recycle & Reduce Waste

Use of highly visible and well marked recycling containers in all visitor areas to recycle glass, metal, and paper.

Water Management

By the use of water conservation, storm water management and environmentally friendly landscaping practices Sustainability International Partners can save and lessen the negative impact of water usage on our lives and the environment.

Green Buildings

By using modern construction and renovation practices, Sustainability International Partners high performance building practices can help to decrease adverse effects upon the environment from our buildings.

Energy and Emissions

By embracing energy efficiency standards and renewable energy use, Sustainability International Partners energy use and greenhouse gas emissions can be reduced helping to protect our environment.

EV Charging Stations

Sustainability International Partners can assist more and more travelers who are looking for the convenience of Electric Vehicle charging stations by installing stations onsite.

CATEGORIES

Nothing Is Perfect and Everything Is Perfect P

Sustainability is a series of experiments. No one is perfect and too many people don’t try to help the Earth because they think they won’t make a difference. Author Alice Waters reminds us that every tree is beautiful and we can be, too, if we forget perfection and...

Overpopulation is a racist argument against climate change

Overpopulation is a racist argument against climate change…and it’s designed to distract you. On the day when we learnt news that shocked *literally nobody* – rich people hate paying taxes, and the slightly more shocking news that Donald Trump paid $70,000 for his...

3 Simple Earth-Friendly Summer Recipes *

One of my favorite things about summer is the recipes it inspires with the bounty of fresh fruits that Mother Nature provides. So, I’d like to share some great summer recipes that take advantage of that bounty. These nutritionally dense summer recipes can be made in...

We Earthlings: Recycle Your Disposable Gloves

Did you know that you can recycle disposable gloves? TerraCycle offers a variety of recycling solutions for hard-to-recycle items. Check out their Disposable Gloves Zero Waste Box and help save the planet while you’re protecting yourself! Print or share We Earthling...

We Earthlings: Recycle a Six-Pack of Aluminum Cans P

When you recycle a six-pack of aluminum cans, you save the amount of energy equal to running a 14-watt CFL bulb for 120 hours. Read to that light happily knowing that you did your bit for the planet. Print or share We Earthling posters to inspire others with your...

Earth911 Inspiration: When the Last Tree Has Died

Today’s inspiration is a proverb attributed to the Cree, a Native American tribe from what is now Canada: “Only when the last tree has died and the last river been poisoned and the last fish been caught will we realize we cannot eat money.” Earth911 inspirations. Post...

Uncovering Greenwashing: Vague Promises and Irrelevance P

Consumer demand is supposed to drive product development. But even though 78% of Americans believe companies should be environmentally responsible, a seminal study on greenwashing found that nearly all green marketing claims are false or potentially misleading....

10 Surprising Ways to Have an Eco-Friendly Bathroom *

The bathroom might be the smallest room in your house but man-oh-man can it be wasteful! I’ve rounded up my best tips for you to create a more eco-friendly bathroom. The sheer amount of products that existed in my bathroom cabinets, under the sink, and in the shower,...

Consumer sustainability trends 2021: What trends to watch

A deep dive into consumer sustainability trends 2021. The events of 2020 accelerated consumer sustainability trends that had already been starting to emerge across many different markets. Despite being one of the most unpredictable years ever, it helped create greater...

Zero Waste Gifts: 20 Ideas for Conscious Consumers P

Welcome to the 2020 Going Zero Waste gifts guide! Creating gift guides every year is one of my favorite blog posts to write. Both my mother and I have the love language of gifts, and I’ve worked to reconcile that with adopting a more minimal and low-waste lifestyle....

Try a Little Tenderness Toward This World P

Thinking of the Earth first, with consideration and kindness, is what we need to make positive decisions about our relationship with the world. Author Charlotte Erickson reminds us to “Just try a little tenderness towards this world we’ve been lucky enough to build...

How Can We Reduce Our Demand for Unsustainable Palm Oil? P

Does the mention of palm oil make you think about deforestation, habitat destruction, and exploited workers? You’re not alone. You’ve likely heard that palm oil is unsustainable, but that’s not the whole story. We can help reduce its environmental impact by becoming...

10 Ways To Reuse Coffee Grounds and Tea Bags

Do you like to start the day with a cup or two of coffee or tea? But what to do with all those spent coffee grounds and tea bags? Sure, you can compost these common morning leftovers, but why not find a few clever ways to reuse them first? From cleaning your furniture...

How To Turn a Photo Frame Into an Extraordinary Serving Tray

Turning a photo frame into a serving tray is a DIYer’s dream. You can you upcycle an unused frame into a unique piece of home decor, making use of an old item that might otherwise end up in the dump. Plus, you can use the serving tray for a variety of purposes. From a...

Boosting the Immune System During COVID-19 and Beyond

The coronavirus has spread throughout the United States, and health professionals are providing numerous recommendations related to social distancing, hand hygiene, and wearing masks. There are currently no medications or treatments for COVID-19, but a couple of...

Embrace Being Green With These Practical Energy Saving Tips

Adopt Energy Saving Tips for Your Home and Business   We all understand that we have an impact on our environment and the costs involved.  It's natural to seek ways that you can save money.  In this article I'm going to talk about several simple and...

The 411 on Conducting a Home Waste Audit P

According to the EPA, the average person generates 4.51 pounds of waste per day. Have you ever wondered if you’re on the high or low end of the scale? You can find out by conducting a household waste audit. I know, it doesn’t sound like fun digging through your...

5 Ways To Reuse an Old Laptop P

If you’re upgrading to a newer, faster laptop with more storage, have you thought about what you’ll do with your old laptop? There’s no reason to throw it away. In fact, there are plenty of reasons to not throw it away. Globally, we generate about 50 million tons of...

Earth911 Inspiration: E. O. Wilson on the Act of Discovery

This week’s quote is from American biologist and naturalist Edward O. Wilson. In his book, The Origins of Creativity, Wilson wrote, “The act of discovery is completely a human story. Its telling is a human achievement. Scientific knowledge is the idiosyncratic,...

12 Tips for All Natural, Zero Waste Curly Hair P

Finding an all natural routine for my zero waste curly hair was TOUGH. In fact, finding any routine for my curly hair was hard. Tack on being eco friendly and it felt impossible. After a lot of research I’ve found lot of options to share with you, but like many curly...

Earth911 Inspiration: For Future Generations

Today’s quote is from Senator Gaylord Nelson, Co-founder of Earth Day: “The ultimate test of man’s conscience may be his willingness to sacrifice something today for future generations whose words of thanks will not be heard.” Earth911 inspirations. Post them, share...

Smart Ways To Make Your Wardrobe Sustainable P

Reducing the environmental impact of your wardrobe can be really complicated. Choosing the greenest fabric is a frustrating exercise full of unknowns and tradeoffs. Lifecycle analyses of most natural and synthetic fibers are rare, and supply chains in the fashion...

How to Break the Paper Towel Habit

In almost every American kitchen, you’ll find a roll of paper towels. They have the coolest commercials, and I don’t think I’m exaggerating when I say every girl had a crush on the Brawny man at some point. But why do we have them? Why are they viewed as a necessity?...

You Need to Know How Sustainability Embraces Circularity *

You See Consumers Raising the Alarm About Sustainability   During 2019, Sustainability became a hotter topic as a growing number of consumers voiced concerns.  Their main concern was about the growth of our negative environmental impact....

An Easy Strategy To Cut Your Carbon Foodprint P

Try our meatless breakfast and lunch strategy, with a food-waste elimination twist, to make your footprint transition a success. Cutting meat from your diet and replacing it with plant-based protein is the most impactful change you can make for the planet. But going...

Three Times the Action: Build Your Own Triple Compost Bin

What’s a triple compost bin, and why might you need one? Good question. Most people don’t even have one compost bin. That’s according to a 2014 National Waste and Recycling Survey that found that 72 percent of Americans do not compost. More than 40 million tons of...

Can You Clean Up Your Amazon Purchases Carbon Footprint? *

Have You Thought About the Amazon Boxes on Your Porch? Most of us have those boxes, delivered by Amazon, stacking up on our porches.  Have you thought about what the carbon footprint is of those deliveries?  Amazon's boxes are doing more than just piling...

World Benchmarking Alliance Reports on Energy Carbon Footprint

The World Benchmarking Alliance (WBA) monitors the sustainability and environmental responsibility performance of the world’s largest countries. Charlotte Hugman, a researcher for the climate and energy programs at WBA shares the results of the organization’s July...

The Problem With That Wood Smoke Smell P

Nearly everyone loves the smell of wood smoke. It evokes carefree summer nights under the stars and cozy winter evenings relaxing in front of the fireplace. But the smoke storms caused by extreme wildfire seasons in recent years have been a stark reminder that there...

Plastic Is In People, Women Suffer More From Climate Change

Start your environmental and sustainability reading with us! We read a lot so you don’t have to. Every week, Earth911 Reader delivers the must-read articles around the web you should know to be up-to-date on stories that share our understanding of the issues. This...

Recycling Mystery: Meat Packaging

If you buy meat in a grocery store, it likely comes in a plastic foam tray, on top of a plastic pad, wrapped in plastic wrap. Meat packaging produces a lot of plastic waste. Can it be recycled? Not all of it, but here’s what you can do. We know how you feel. Walking...

Small Business Boosted Green Product Sales During Recession

Small Business Boosts Green Products Sales Rainforest Alliance logo on cup image by Alpha via Flickr In the first major survey to look at the green economy from the perspective of small business owners, 75 percent say sales of green products actually rose...

8 Cool Brands Offering Sustainability With Style

Old-school environmentalists, with their emphasis on function over form, have a certain aesthetic that can read as virtue-signaling – or worse, frumpy – outside of the environmental movement. There is an inherent benefit in buying less, but you can care about the...

10 Sustainable Mattress Companies: Choosing Your Green Sleep P

Earth911 Mattress Ranking research is sponsored by Avocado Brands Sleep is bliss, but it isn’t always environmentally responsible. Many mattresses contain a toxic brew of chemicals — from flame-retardant chemicals like polybrominated diphenyl ethers to formaldehyde...

Don’t Just Look at Nature, Live With Her

Today’s quote is from Irish poet and playwright, Oscar Wilde: “It seems to me that we all look at nature too much, and live with her too little.” Earth911 inspirations. Post them, share your desire to help people think of the planet first, every day. Click the poster...

Finding the Real Green Thing *

Most Americans want to buy sustainable products. But it isn’t easy to separate the green from the greenwashed. Even though marketing studies show that 78% of Americans believe companies should be environmentally responsible and 64% say they feel happy when buying...

Rejoice! 4 Ways To Repurpose Old Christmas Cards

Ever feel a slight pang of guilt when throwing away a Christmas card? If you have a sentimental collection that desperately needs a new purpose, I have plenty of ideas that’ll keep you (and your kids) busy and give you peace of mind, too. Rather than tossing them in...

Earth911 Inspiration: Clothing Clutter

Today’s quote is from Elizabeth Cline, an expert on consumer culture, fast fashion, sustainability, and labor rights in the apparel industry: “Consumers buy twice as much clothing as they did 20 years ago, and most of it ends up as clutter.” Cline’s book,...

Earth911 Reader: 2020 Ties Hottest Year Record

The Earth911 Reader collects and comments on useful news about science, business, sustainability, and recycling to save you time. IN SCIENCE The Stratosphere Is Reshaping Extreme Weather Globally The polar vortex, a frigid weather pattern that circles the North Pole,...

Largest Solar Project in US Underway in Texas P

U.S. solar generation capacity is soaring. Construction began recnetly on the Samson Solar Energy Center, the largest planned solar energy farm in the United States. When completed, the solar farm will have 1,013 megawatts of generating capacity. This solar farm will...

Maven Moment: Safe and Natural Baby Products

My mother-in-law Lucy had four children. They were born in the 1950s and the early 1960s. Like many mothers during that time in the U.S., she fed her children formula or condensed milk and she used cloth diapers and products like Johnson’s Baby Shampoo for their hair....

Charge Your Electric Vehicle at Home — and on the Go P

If you don’t already own an electric vehicle (EV), you might soon. Most automakers are ramping up the development and production of electrified models, including SUVs and pick-up trucks. EV ownership is predicted to skyrocket in the next few years. Because these...

6 Ways to Save Money on Your Electric Bill in the Bathroom *

With more people at home, electricity bills are spiking. So, I wanted to round up a few ways you could save money on your electric bill. Whether you’re binging Netflix, helping your kids with online classwork, or just attending the 5,000th zoom meeting, a lot of...

What Oatly’s investors tells us about conscious consumerism

Controversial news has come to light in the sustainability community this week which again highlights the need for systemic change vs ‘conscious consumerism’ and individual action. Back in July 2020, Swedish alt-milk brand Oatly sold a minority $200m stake to a group...

The Art of Land Restoration P

We have the opportunity to bring several billion acres of desertified and depleted land back to its natural state. Increasingly understood by agriculture scientists, low-cost natural permaculture practices that replicate pre-industrial grazing and water management...

Unilever To Add Carbon Footprint Information on Packaging *

Unilever, the industrial giant behind the Seventh Generation, Dove, Ben & Jerry’s, Lipton, and dozens of other familiar brands, will add carbon footprint labels to its packaging. It’s an important change that will let you track the company’s progress toward its...

3 Upcycled Dog Toys You Can Make P

We all want the best for our dogs. And, when we go to the specialty store to buy the best organic and high quality dog food, we also see all of the latest dog toys that can help stimulate our dogs mentally and physically. But before you spend your money on a brand new...

Quiz #88: Coal-fired Energy Reduction Challenge

Coal still powers 42% of U.S. electric generation capacity as of 2019, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. If you live in a coal-powered region, your electricity use contributes more CO2 emissions than regions that rely on renewable energy and...

Earth911 Quiz #55: Environmentally Smart Shopping P

Sustainable living requires forethought and reflection on the impact of a product or service on the planet. Learning to stop, review the facts, and make a smart choice for the environment will also give you power to influence corporate decisions with your spending....

Plant-Based Soups — Super for You and the Planet P

Warm, rich, and hearty. Light and refreshing. Spicy and silken. The styles, flavors, and textures of soups are limitless. Even if you’re ditching dairy. Or blowing off beef. Lucious plant-based soup recipes are plentiful, from traditional favorites to enticing...

Simple Steps To Recycle Your Own Paper P

Paper recycling might seem like the sort of thing best left to the recycling experts, but did you know you can recycle your own paper at home without too much trouble? You’ll be able to eliminate some household waste — like junk mail, used printer paper, or old...

What Makes a Product Sustainable and Why Should We Care? *

What is Sustainability, and Why is it Important?   We talk a lot about the importance of sustainability and making sure the products we purchase are sustainable. But what is it, exactly, that makes a product sustainable? As you might suspect, “sustainable” can...

How You Can Help Protect Our Oceans

A healthy ocean means healthy humans.We depend on the ocean for such fundamental conditions of life as climate regulation, food, and even oxygen (for every second breath you take, thank the oceans’ plankton), but our misuse of single-use plastics is harming our...

Home “Eco”nomics — Green Choices That Always Make Sense *

It’s an old complaint that environmentally friendly products cost more. Plus, it can be hard to tell the difference between green products and greenwashing. Research usually reveals complex tradeoffs that make it hard to determine the greenest choice. Add to that the...

Good, Better, Best: Home Heating Systems

There are a lot of ways to heat a home, and the chances are you haven’t thought too much about them. After all, unless you are building your own home, you probably never had much choice. But home heating and cooling generate 17% of Americans’ carbon footprint – more...

How to Bring Discipline to Your Sustainability Initiatives

Why Your Business Should Embrace Sustainability   Sustainability has become a part of life for many companies.  For many, it’s simply a matter of meeting demands from customers seeking socially responsible goods and services.  For others, it’s about...

Maven Moment: Refrigerator Magnets

Mom’s friend Louise loved her refrigerator magnets. She had all kinds and each one came with a memory or a photo attached to it. There were pictures of her younger self, magnets that represented saints or had prayers on them, and souvenir magnets that she got on her...

Paying for the Costs of Dealing With Pollution P

Today’s Earth911 inspiration is from economist Ha-Joon Chang: “People ‘over-produce’ pollution because they are not paying for the costs of dealing with it.” If we were charged fees to clean up the mess every time we polluted, would we pollute less? Earth911...

A Realistic Guide to Recycling in an Apartment P

Five years, five apartment complexes, and only one with a recycling bin. Yeah, I move way too much. In all that moving, it’s surprised me how few apartment complexes offer any kind of recycling. In addition to the places I’ve lived, I’ve toured dozens of complexes and...

Eco-Friendly Products and the Trickle-Down Effect

It’s easy to sit back and think, “I’m just one person. How can my choices really affect the whole eco-system?” Well, you are just one person, but you are one person that can make small changes. One simple choice you can make is to choose eco-friendly products....

Which Car Brands Emit the Most Carbon Dioxide? *

Do you know how your car’s carbon dioxide emissions compare to those emitted by other cars? Are some car brands bigger CO2 emitters than others? And do all new car models really produce fewer emissions than the older models on the road? The world saw air quality and...

4 Zero-waste Indoor Plant Fertilizers *

Plants vitalize our homes and offices. They filter toxins from the air we breathe and even help boost our mood and reduce stress. Impressively, plants can even help us minimize waste in the kitchen when we apply these zero-waste plant fertilizers. Mulch With Coffee...

Can Solar Farms Promote Food Security, Wildlife Habitat? P

A big concern with large-scale solar farms is the impact on land use. Solar developers often site projects on agricultural land that is taken out of production. Also, the vegetation around solar panels needs to be maintained to prevent shading. In some cases,...

Green Giving: 5 Nonprofits Clobbering Climate Change P

Thinking about year-end donations to nonprofits focused on issues related to climate change? A lot of organizations are working in this area and evaluating them is tough. How do you measure carbon not produced? Which nonprofits should you support? From pillars of the...

You Can Recycle Cigarette Butts!

Did you know cigarette butts are not fully biodegradable? TerraCycle, the company that strives to find a way to recycle everything, offers a free Cigarette Waste Recycling Program. Just sign up with TerraCycle, collect the waste, and ship it to them for recycling....

What Can You Do With Your Old Electrical Wires and Cables?

Do you have a box of old electrical wires and cables lying in a corner of your house? You’re not alone. Around the globe, human beings throw away around 40 million tons of electrical waste per year. Electrical construction material, including the types of wires and...

Why You Should Ditch Balloons if You Love the Environment *

After writing an article on traditions that are terrible for the environment, I received overwhelming feedback that balloon releases should have been included on the list. Never one to disappoint, I decided to do some research on the topic and what I found was...

Eco-Friendly Benefits of Buying or Repurposing Used Furniture P

Demand for furniture is rising in the United States and is expected to reach $68.8 billion in 2022. Although it’s convenient to purchase a brand new furniture item online, buying new furniture is detrimental to the environment. Although some companies are committing...

We Earthlings: We Love Being Cooped Up

What connects us all? Nature and our shared relationships through nature. Share We Earthling posters to inspire others with your stories (click the image for a larger, high-resolution poster).     The post We Earthlings: We Love Being Cooped Up appeared...

Six Greener Alternatives to Plastic Trash Bags P

Are you on your way to a zero waste household? If you haul your trash to the curb every week in a plastic trash bag, figuring out a more sustainable alternative to that plastic bag can be challenging. We’ve rounded up a few greener trash bag alternatives for your...

Is Your Business Guilty of the 7 Sins of Greenwashing?

The Seven Sins Of GreenWashing!   Greenwashing is the deceptive use of  green marketing or green PR to promote the perception that an organization’s products, services, or policies are environmentally friendly. Greenwashing can be as simple as mislabeling a...

Quiz #89: Recycling Everyday Things Challenge

You’ll find unused stuff everywhere in the house, in drawers, closets, and the attic. What do you do with electric cables, paint cans, unused books and encyclopedia, and myriad other everyday things? Do you know how to recycle or reuse them? What if they are not...

How To Care for Cast-Iron Cookware P

Are you considering making the switch to a cast-iron skillet or other cookware? Extremely durable and virtually indestructible, this cookware lasts decades with proper care. But some people may avoid cast iron because they’re not sure how to care for it. Is it hard to...

How can we reduce our metal waste? *

Metal is the fifth most common material in household garbage, after paper, food, plastic, and yard waste. Unlike the other top items, metal is inert in a landfill and cannot be burned. Mining metal is among the world’s most environmentally damaging industries....

Good, Better, Best: The Climate Impacts of Milks *

Milk may do a body good, but it’s not so kind to the planet. Milk’s ethical and environmental drawbacks have led many people to look for alternatives. And although these are not the only factors, dairy milk sales have dropped 13% in the last decade. The dozens of milk...

Connection, Next Step in Employee Sustainability Engagement *

Connection in Employee Sustainability Engagement   Note: This is the third installment in a five-part series on engaging employees around sustainability. The first part introduced the four stages of employee engagement; the second part discussed...

Repurposing of Gift Cards, Credit Cards, and Rewards Cards

You’re probably sporting a few of them right now in your wallet. Or they’re stacked inside a random kitchen drawer. Flat and featherweight, these plastic rectangles pile up. You use them for shopping. For banking. Gifts. Earning rewards points. You may even receive...

Will Your Next House Be a Tiny Home?

Although the American dream used to involve a white picket fence and a nice-sized home, some are opting for a pocket-sized alternative. As many people look to simplify their lives and rethink their priorities, living in a dramatically smaller home is appealing to an...

International Young Eco-Heroes Inspire a Brighter Future

Young people around the world are powerful players in protecting the planet. These youthful eco-heroes promote fresh ideas for sustainability, such as “eco bricks” from discarded plastic. They work to protect pollinators, frogs, and other precious wildlife. They speak...

6 Easy Eco-Actions That Your Kids Will Love

When you think about moving toward a greener lifestyle, recycling often tops the list — and for good reason. However, there are many more ways to incorporate eco-friendly actions into your family life. Below are six easy, kid-friendly activities you may not have...

What’s the Difference Between Biodegradable and Compostable

The idea of composting is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint and go green, but unless you know the difference between biodegradable and compostable, you might not be doing all that you can. Yes, they are two entirely different things! So, what sets them apart...

We Earthlings: Let’s Recycle More Aluminum

What connects us all? Nature and our shared relationships through nature. Mining the bauxite that we use to produce aluminum is harmful to the earth, plants, and animals. And the process of converting raw bauxite into aluminum consumes a lot of energy. Thankfully,...

Earth911 Inspiration: We Must Decide

Today’s quote is from American author Barry Lopez: “The land gets inside of us; and we must decide one way or another what this means, what we will do about it.” Earth911 inspirations. Post them, share your desire to help people think of the planet first, every day....

How Can You Calculate Your Business Carbon Footprint? *

Understand Your Environmental Impact   Do you understand your impact on the environment?  So many of our daily actions add greenhouse gases to the atmosphere and it's not all our fault.   Much of the technology which makes our lives more comfortable...

Can Going Green Improve Your Mental Health?

Spending time in green spaces is clinically proven to be good for your health. But what about going green at home, can it help to remedy the impact of stress in modern life? It’s not just knowledge about the effects of climate change on our planet that’s affecting...

8 Ways to Save Money on Your Bathroom Water Bill

I’m really super excited to be kicking off another post in my series all about saving the planet and saving money! This post is focusing on all the ways you can save money on your water bill… in the bathroom! You might be wondering, “Why specifically the bathroom?”...

Cricket Protein Promises a More Sustainable Dog Food *

What if there was a healthy alternative to mammal- or fowl-meat pet food? Would you consider feeding bugs to your beloved dog? As it turns out, insects like crickets are not only a great protein alternative to traditional animal proteins, they’re also a more...

Recycling, Sustainability, and Science Stories You Should Read

We read a lot so you don’t have to comb for useful information. Keep ahead of the crowd with Earth911 Reader, a curated collection of must-read articles about sustainability, recycling, and the sciences of climate, materials, and more. Here are the stories worth your...

Why air conditioning is a vicious circle

Pumping heat from our cars and buildings into the outside world adds to climate change, increasing the need to stay cool Air conditioning was a luxury 40 years ago, but the long hot summer of 1976 changed that. The scorching heat that summer lasted two months and most...

Earth911 Quiz #50: The Circular Life of LED Bulbs

The light emitting diode, or LED, has roared into our lives after starting out as a telecommunications technology and curiosity. But these long-lasting lights present a future recycling challenge for which we must prepare. This week’s quiz will help you understand how...

How to Make Your Own Natural Bee Repellent *

As the weather warms and you start thinking of picnics and barbecues, your thoughts may also go to typical outdoor summer pests. The last thing anyone wants to see once the grill is fired up is bees and wasps buzzing around your guests. The problem is that commercial...

How to Recycle Your Porcelain Bathroom Fixtures

If you’ve ever renovated a bathroom, you’ve probably faced the challenge of recycling porcelain fixtures. Whether it’s a toilet, sink, or even porcelain tile, recycling these items can prove problematic. Because most individuals don’t generate a steady stream of...

What are the Differences in Bioplastics? P

 by, theoretically, breaking down in weeks rather than centuries. It’s an important step forward for single-use packaging, but we still encourage you to look for plastic-free options. Let’s dig into the realities of biodegradable plastics. Despite high hopes for these...

We Earthlings: Plant One Tree

Plant one tree and it will capture about 13 pounds of CO2 in its first year; when it matures, it will capture 48 pounds a year. That means by planting one young tree, you can offset the CO2 from shipping an average online shopping order. Or, if you plant 390 trees and...

A Gift Guide to Sustainable Skin Care P

Winter is a tough time for our body’s largest organ, which is why personal care products can make great holiday gifts. In this guide, we highlight eco-conscious companies focused on sustainability and social welfare. There’s something here for every step of your...

You Need to Know How To Recycle Nitrogenated Beer Cans *

You See How Science Puts a Head on Your Canned Beer   Beer lovers know the joys of nitrogenated canned beers. A polypropylene nitrogen “widget” in the can releases its gas you pop the top, producing a rich creamy head on the beer. But does the plastic widget make...

The Ultimate Guide to Bulk Food Stores

It seems nothing, not even 2020, can hold back zero waste grocery shopping. There’s been a huge rise in co-ops, natural food shops, and farmers’ markets that allow you to use your own containers to buy fresh produce by the pound and help you reduce single use...

4 Things You Can Happily Live Without at Home

Do you buy things just to throw them away? Eco-friendly living is as much about what you don’t buy as what you do. Reducing your consumption, especially of one-time-use or plastic items, is vital to reducing your ecological footprint. It’s time to rethink disposables....

Top 3 Misconceptions About Carbon Emissions

  According to climate scientists, we have the best chance of avoiding a 2 degrees Celsius rise in global temperatures if the average annual carbon footprint per person drops under 2 tons by 2050. That would require a big change from today’s global average of 4.8...

We Earthlings: Don’t Be a Hoarder, Reduce Food Waste *

Did you know that Americans waste more than 40% of the food produced annually? And stockpiling food, as many have done during the pandemic, often results in more food wasted. Don’t be a hoarder; buy only foods that you are sure you will use. Find tips about how to...
7 of the Best Compostable Trash Bags

7 of the Best Compostable Trash Bags

Using compostable trash bags will help you in your efforts to compost food. Food scraps don’t break down in landfills, so by composting them, you’re actually helping the environment. Compostable bags are designed to break down quickly in a compost. As someone who has...

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Why air conditioning is a vicious circle

Why air conditioning is a vicious circle

Pumping heat from our cars and buildings into the outside world adds to climate change, increasing the need to stay cool Air conditioning was a luxury 40 years ago, but the long hot summer of 1976 changed that. The scorching heat that summer lasted two months and most...

read more
What is Hemp Fabric and is it Sustainable?

What is Hemp Fabric and is it Sustainable?

As the fashion industry becomes increasingly interested in sustainable textiles, many eco-friendly alternatives have emerged. Designers and consumers are now more aware of the environmental impact of common fabrics like polyester. In response, they are turning to...

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How to Plant a Garden for the Birds

How to Plant a Garden for the Birds

Planting a Garden for the birds Birds are the most welcome wildlife in the landscape garden. They are beautiful, musical, interesting to watch. Unlike deer and other large visitors that eat plants, birds can even protect your garden by eating harmful bugs. There are...

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6 Simple DIY Green Cleaning Solution Recipes

6 Simple DIY Green Cleaning Solution Recipes

When you’re shopping for home cleaning solutions, the variety of available options can be overwhelming — even more so when you start reading the ingredients on the label. For example, does “natural” mean the product is nontoxic? What are the ingredients that make up...

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How Many Times Can That Be Recycled? *

How Many Times Can That Be Recycled? *

I used to think that plastic water bottles could be infinitely recycled, that every time I tossed one into the blue bin, it eventually came out to be another plastic bottle. As it turns out, that’s not the case. Some materials can be recycled infinitely, but plastic...

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The Ultimate Guide to Bulk Food Stores

The Ultimate Guide to Bulk Food Stores

It seems nothing, not even 2020, can hold back zero waste grocery shopping. There’s been a huge rise in co-ops, natural food shops, and farmers’ markets that allow you to use your own containers to buy fresh produce by the pound and help you reduce single use...

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Developing Habits for a Sustainable Life *

Developing Habits for a Sustainable Life *

It takes practice to live sustainably and it doesn’t happen overnight. Over time, small daily actions can become habits. But where should we start? By identifying the values that drive us, we can focus on actions that support those values. Sustainable habits that...

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Easy DIY Projects to Weatherize Your Home *

Heating and cooling account for nearly half of all U.S. energy use. One of the best ways to save energy and reduce utility bills is to do a few simple weatherization projects. Although some, such as insulating the attic or installing a new HVAC system are quite...

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Succession Planting for a Successful Garden *

Succession Planting for a Successful Garden *

The combination of increased time at home and growing food insecurity — whether through lost income or the threat of supply chain disruptions — has a lot of people planting a vegetable garden for the first time this year. Most nongardeners imagine that planting a...

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Eco-Friendly Holiday Gift Guide for Kids *

Need some help making a list of eco-friendly holiday gifts for kids? We have some ideas for you. Kids are not hard to please. Parents though, especially environmentally focused ones, can be a tougher audience. Whether you’re giving gift suggestions to grandparents or...

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Dry Gardening for a Better Tasting Tomorrow *

Dry Gardening for a Better Tasting Tomorrow *

If your summer water bills – or your local government’s water use restrictions – have you doubting your future as a vegetable gardener, take hope. Farmers in dry climates have developed a suite of strategies to grow crops with little to no irrigation. Called dry...

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Should You Move Before Sea Levels Rise? *

Should You Move Before Sea Levels Rise? *

Humans are beginning to adapt in response to climate change, and sea level rise represents the biggest potential impact for the 94.7 million Americans who live along our coasts.  You may want to sell your coastal home now if you’re afraid of losing property value as...

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3 Ways To Reduce Your Carbon Footprint *

3 Ways To Reduce Your Carbon Footprint *

What we eat, the food we waste, and how we travel all contribute to global warming. Although we can’t stop eating or traveling completely, we can make simple changes that will make a big difference to our impact on the environment. Here are three impactful steps to...

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Explore the Wide World of Sustainable Wine *

Explore the Wide World of Sustainable Wine *

Even casual wine drinkers know there is no such thing as a typical bottle of wine; there are hundreds of kinds of wine, and even the same wine tastes subtly different from one bottle to the next. When every small decision made in wine production affects the final...

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Have Fun Riding Your Bike to a Better World *

Have Fun Riding Your Bike to a Better World *

With everything else that’s going on, you may not have even noticed that June 3 was World Bicycle Day. And who can blame you? No one could argue that celebrating the bicycle should draw attention away from the major issues of pandemic and institutional racism that are...

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Is Your Electricity Greenwashed? *

Is Your Electricity Greenwashed? *

Dozens of electrical utility companies across the country have pledged to become “carbon neutral” by 2050. But recent Sierra Club research shows that hardly any of them are making significant changes to move toward clean energy. Are they greenwashing our electricity?...

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How To Create a Rain Garden *

How To Create a Rain Garden *

In natural landscapes, rainwater and snowmelt filter down into the ground slowly. This slow infiltration recharges groundwater and filters out contaminants, promoting water quality. A rain garden in your yard can capture and keep vital moisture available for your...

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How can we reduce our metal waste? *

How can we reduce our metal waste? *

Metal is the fifth most common material in household garbage, after paper, food, plastic, and yard waste. Unlike the other top items, metal is inert in a landfill and cannot be burned. Mining metal is among the world’s most environmentally damaging industries....

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Tips for an Eco-Friendly Pregnancy *

You’re pregnant. Congratulations! This exciting time will require a lot of preparation. There’s about to be a new addition to your family, and you need to get ready. While you have lots to think about, you don’t have to abandon your sustainability goals. With a bit of...

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How To Get Kids Involved in Gardening *

How To Get Kids Involved in Gardening *

Spring is already pushing its way out whether you are ready for it or not! I am definitely ready to welcome the birds, the buds, and the scent of freshly turned earth back again. And if you’re like me, you’re anxious to get your garden started. This year, is it time...

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Shopping for the Best Solar Panels *

Shopping for the Best Solar Panels *

Technological advances have transformed the solar energy industry in recent years. Solar panels are significantly more efficient, producing more power in the same amount of space. Meanwhile, prices continue to fall, reducing the cost of solar electricity. But with the...

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Can We Break Free From Plastic Pollution? *

Can We Break Free From Plastic Pollution? *

In a world where plastic manufacturing is ever-increasing and single-use plastic items are the norm, it’s not surprising that plastic pollution is a major environmental issue. Instead of being the country with the highest per capita rate of plastic waste generation,...

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Finding the Real Green Thing *

Finding the Real Green Thing *

Most Americans want to buy sustainable products. But it isn’t easy to separate the green from the greenwashed. Even though marketing studies show that 78% of Americans believe companies should be environmentally responsible and 64% say they feel happy when buying...

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How to Make Your Own Natural Bee Repellent *

How to Make Your Own Natural Bee Repellent *

As the weather warms and you start thinking of picnics and barbecues, your thoughts may also go to typical outdoor summer pests. The last thing anyone wants to see once the grill is fired up is bees and wasps buzzing around your guests. The problem is that commercial...

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Zero-Waste Cleaning and Laundry Tips *

Zero-Waste Cleaning and Laundry Tips *

Similar to a forest ecosystem, zero-waste cleaning systems produce nothing that can’t be reused and repurposed. Waste to one system is food for another. This concept is inspiring to many people wishing to make their lives more sustainable and is gaining in popularity....

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Green Business Practices

Sustainability International Partners green practices through the use of sustainable purchasing, electronics stewardship, transportation, waste diversion, and pollution prevention help in creating the harmony between business and nature necessary to protect our environment.

Sustainability International Partner’s Green Initiatives

 

  • Recycle & Reduce Wastes:  Use of highly visible and well marked recycling containers in all visitor areas to recycle glass, metal, and paper.
  • Efficient Water Use:  Have a plan for conserving water.
  • Efficient Energy Use:  Have a plan for reducing energy consumption.
  • Support Green Events:  Offer a Green environmentally friendly package for all events.
  • Minimize use of Disposable Products:  Use products made from bio-based or renewable resources and recycle or compost these items.
  • Minimize Chemical Use:  Have a plan to minimize the use of pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, and fertilizers.
  • Recycle Grease:  Dispose of grease in an environmentally friendly manner.
  • Promote Green Practices:  Use unique opportunities to educate guests about their environment and how they interact with the environment.
  • Promote Green Partners:  Feature your green partners and promote their environmental sensitivity to your guests.
  • Minimize Printed Materials:  Use digital marketing and web presence to spread your message.

Why Should My Business Become A Sustainability International Partner?

Sustainability International Partnership shows potential customers that your business has a commitment to helping keep our environment clean.  

By adopting our voluntary Green Initiatives as your business practices, your business signals your commitment to a sustainable and green environment.

 

Become A Sustainability International Partner

Sustainability International Partners understand the importance of conducting their business in an environmentally sensitive and sustainable manner.  

Your customers are searching for businesses who embrace sustainability, and green initiatives and there is nothing more important to your business than connecting to every customer possible.  

The partnership is FREE, learn how easy it is to become a Sustainability International Partner and enjoy the benefits of being a Sustainability International Partner.

 

 

Support Sustainability and protecting our environment, subscribe today for your FREE membership to Sustainability International.

 

 

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