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

Home “Eco”nomics – Window Replacement

Getting new windows is one of the most satisfying ways to improve your home’s efficiency. You save energy and your whole house will look nicer both from the street and indoors. But unless you have really old single-pane windows, window replacement is probably not the...

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,...

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,...

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...

Earth911 Inspiration: Trustees of the Earth

Today’s Earth911 inspiration is from J. Sterling Morton, founder of Arbor Day: “Each generation takes the earth as trustees.” As trustees of the earth, what can we do to ensure future generations can enjoy the many benefits of this beautiful planet? Earth911...

Earth911 Quiz #67: Do you know the paint recycling steps?

Paint is a common household and workplace material that can be recycled, donated, or disposed of responsibly. Oil- and water-based paints pose different challenges when recycling, and you can extend the use of paint by storing it safely and passing it along to someone...

Maven Moment: Have Extra Stuff? Bring It to Work

Sometimes, when I was cleaning or decluttering, I found multiples of the same type of item. This might be anything from umbrellas to reusable takeout food containers to pens and note pads. What to do with the extras? Mom’s answer was simple and smart: “Bring it to...

What Is Greenwashing? P

Most people make at least some effort to minimize their impact on the planet’s ecosystems. Recycling and saving energy are mainstream practices now, and most of us try to buy more sustainable products. Buying sustainable products does make a difference, but it’s...

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...

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...

5 Easy Solutions to Narrow the Green Gap in Your Home

“Green” has quickly become one of today’s hottest buzz words, so it may seem a safe assumption that more and more people are focused on living a green, eco-friendly lifestyle. After all, it’s becoming easier and easier to find products that simplify that goal....

The U.S. Recycles Only 34.6% of Its Waste P

The U.S. recycles only 34.6% of its waste. If recycling were an Olympic sport, we would come in 25th. Germany, the world’s leader in recycling, recycles 66.1% of their waste. Let’s go for the gold and catch them by 2030. Data source: Recycling – Who Really Leads the...

Tips for a Green Dorm Move-In Day and Sustainable College Year

College may not nearly as social this year but you can still make it a sustainable experience. If you (or your kids) are heading to college this upcoming semester, it’s going to be a bit of a different experience than it has in the past. Some institutions of higher...

This Air Duster Is a Better Alternative to That Canned Stuff

We live in a world where it’s very easy to create waste but very hard to get rid of it. Unfortunately, so many of our home, office, and now home office needs often require us to use products that can contain pollutants and that we can’t easily dispose of—like canned...

Maven Moment: Holiday Gift Wrapping

It was so exciting to see the beautifully wrapped boxes under the tree when I was a child! I couldn’t wait until Christmas morning when I would tear them open and toss the gift wrapping aside. My family’s gift wrapping tradition started with a walk to our local shops....

Some U.S. metro areas could grow all needed food locally P

Some but not all U.S. metro areas could grow all the food they need locally, according to a new study estimating the degree to which the American food supply could be localized based on population, geography, and diet. The modeling study, led by Christian Peters at...

Will Going Solar Increase My Property Value? *

Solar energy accounted for 43% of new electricity-generating capacity last year in the United States, according to the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA). As more and more homeowners install solar panels on their roofs, they weigh the pros and cons. Whereas...

How To Grow Vegetables With Aquaponics *

If you’re interested in starting a small garden with a minimal carbon footprint, aquaponics is a great method to try. Compared to normal gardens, aquaponics systems use less water, generate less waste, and yield just as much produce. Nitrification is at the heart of...

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....

U.S. Flood Risk Is 67% Higher Than Historic Projections *

Will your home face flooding due to climate change? A new study by the New York-based nonprofit First Street Foundation found that 67% more American homes than previously estimated face a high risk of flooding during the next 30 years. It could save your life and can...

Earth911 Reader: Amazon Packaging, BP Bails on Oil, Glacier Mass-loss, and More

Keep ahead of the crowd with Earth911 Reader, a curated collection of must-read articles about sustainability, recycling, and the science of climate. Dive into stories about Amazon packaging, Brightmark’s plastic recycling revolution, BP’s pivot to renewables, Glacier...

Home “Eco”nomics — New Sustainable Landscapes

How can we improve the carbon footprint of our yards and gardens? The traditional tools and designs of American landscaping need to change to become sustainable, so let’s take a look at the factors that are easy and harder to change at our own homes. Small gas-powered...

Tips for Buying and Enjoying Sustainable Coffee

Heading up coffee purchasing at Equator Coffees, a company focused on quality, sustainability, and social responsibility, I often field the question, “What coffee should I buy to ensure the farmers are getting a fair deal?” This sort of question could easily expand...

8 Ways To Green Your DIY P

Getting ready to start a DIY project around the house? Winter is a great time to refresh some old furniture, put oil in the car, fix your dryer (after all, it’s been making weird sound for at least a few weeks now), and make a new sweater for little Chloe, your...

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...

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...

Beverage Container Showdown: Plastic vs. Glass vs. Aluminum

When you’re shopping for beverages, what kind of container do you choose? You have a few options: plastic bottles, glass bottles, or aluminum cans. What to choose? The decision can be daunting for environmentalists. We’re here to give you the lowdown on which of these...

3 Simple, Natural DIY Recipes To Repel Bugs *

Summer is here, bringing along a slew of insects and bugs. To keep these pests at bay, you need look no further than these three simple DIY recipes — for people, pets, and the home — courtesy of this episode of Earth911TV. DIY Recipes To Repel Bugs This article...

Buyers Guide: Clothes Washers P

Home appliances like clothes washers are responsible for about 15% of your home’s carbon footprint. While there are human-powered appliances that don’t use electricity, for most people, living without a clothes washer is not an option. They are a major purchase,...

Greenwashing: Exposing Untruth in Advertising P

Since the first market sellers shouted out the merits of their wares to passersby, untruth in advertising has been a problem. Unscrupulous businesses have adapted to the times, and as consumers have become more concerned about the environment, greenwashing has become...

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....

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...

Deterra’s Nancy Devine Talks About Safe Drug Disposal

Pharmaceuticals represent a growing source of pollution that impacts the water in our streams and can eventually make its way into the bodies of animals, fish, and humans. Earth911 talks with Nancy Devine, chief operating officer of Deterra, a Verde Environmental...

20 Organic, Zero Waste Skincare Brands

When I first started trying to reduce my waste in 2014, there weren’t many organic, zero waste skin care brands on the market. While the organic skin care market was doing pretty well, I wasn’t enticed by a lot of their packaging. It’s not that they didn’t care about...

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...

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: 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....

Maven Moment: the Old Coffee Pot P

A good cup of coffee to start your day … what could be better? Mom always made Dad a nice cup of espresso every morning in her little stovetop pot. The top and bottom of the pot screwed together with a coffee filter (a metal funnel) with coffee grounds between the two...

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...

5 Eco-Friendly Ideas for Your Home Office

As many of you know, Justin and I recently moved. In our old space, my office was a large, open concept area that was used for workouts, reading/lounging, and dancing – lots of dancing. Our new apartment is about the same size as the last place, but far less open...

Fun Ways to Reuse Wine Bottles and Corks P

Hey, wine lovers! Curious about what you can do with your empty bottles and corks? Surprisingly, there are loads of things you can make — from upcycled glassware to home décor. Before you peruse our list, note that some of these bottle projects are not for the faint...

The 10 BEST All-Natural, and Eco Friendly Laundry Detergents P

Not all eco-friendly laundry detergent is made equal. If you want to pick a good one that will actually clean your clothes, you’ve come to the right place. In my experience a lot of eco-friendly laundry detergents are actually just laundry soap. And trust me, that can...

How To Make Less Trash the Simple Way

What the heck does it mean to live a zero waste lifestyle? Can I really not make any trash? Don’t let the term fool you. Zero waste is an industrial term referring to a circular economy in which all processes of design (the plan for how it’ll be made), manufacturing...

Earth911 Quiz #53: Recycle Motor Oil the Right Way

Everyday recycling takes a little extra time — and will until the companies that make what we buy integrate recycling into their product life cycles. So, it’s important to keep simple steps in mind. In this Earth911 Quiz, you’ll find the keys to recycling automotive...

Start Thinking About Your Spring Garden Now

The common practice of cleaning gardens in fall and planting them spring has more to do with psychology than sound horticultural practice. Many common fall garden chores do not benefit plants. However, you can do a lot in the fall to prepare your garden for the best...

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...

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...

Clear the Clutter: Stop Organizing and Just Have Less Stuff

If you’re a Pinterest person, as I am, then no doubt you have read hundreds of intricately detailed tips about how to organize your stuff. These run the gamut from color-coded bins and meticulously organized junk drawers to hidden shelving units tucked neatly into the...

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...

We Earthlings: 4 Questions for Conscious Shopping P

Before you make your next purchase, ask yourself these four questions for conscious shopping: Do I need this? Can I make it? Can I borrow it? Is it the best quality I can afford? Don’t let the advertisers fool you that more is better. Conscious consumers understand...

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...

10 Green Apps To Help You Live More Sustainably

Most of us strive to use less energy, consume fewer unnecessary products, reduce our contribution to pollution, and take care of our natural ecosystems. But it isn’t always easy. So, it’s nice to know that with the right mobile apps, you can get recommendations, track...

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,...

Yes, You Can Recycle Cooking Oil P

After you’ve fried the chicken or sautéed the veggies, don’t pour the leftover cooking oil down the drain. While it may seem harmless, pouring used oil down the drain can wreak havoc on your home’s plumbing and local sewage systems. Collect Your Cooking Oil If you’re...

How to Embed Sustainability Within Your Company Culture *

Employee Sustainability Engagement Stage 1   Note: This is the second 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 raising...

Rising CO2 Shortens Growing Seasons and; More News

We keep an eye on the news for useful information about science, business, sustainability, and recycling to save you time. This week, the Earth911 Reader summarizes the effect of rising CO2 levels on growing seasons, promised recyclable toothpaste tubes, the risks of...

What You Should Know About Chlorinated Fluorocarbons

Home is supposed to be a safe haven. But if your home contains dangerous and toxic materials, it could be a threat to your health and the planet’s. The Red List is a list of “worst in class” materials, chemicals, and elements the green building industry tries to...

We Earthlings: The CO2 Impact of Soda Pop Consumption

What connects us all? Nature and our shared relationships through nature. Share the carbon dioxide impact of soda pop consumption. One 20-ounce bottle contributes 3.3 ounces of CO2 and all Americans’ soda drinking contributes 19.5 billion pounds of CO2 a year. Know...

DIY Thanksgiving Decor Made by Upcycling

If you’re looking to reduce waste and save some money on your Thanksgiving decor, what better way to pull it off than by decorating with trash? To help you deck your halls the eco way, Earth911 rounded up these five creative decor ideas made from waste items and a few...

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...

Fall Farm-to-Table Brunch Recipes P

Depending on where you call home, autumn may seem like a tricky time to find seasonal fruits and vegetables that are native to your area. But despite chilly temperatures, there’s still plenty of tasty, in-season produce that’s ripe for the picking. To get better...

Green Universities Offering Sustainability Degree Programs

Green Universities Offering Sustainability Degree Programs The pursuit of sustainability has become a critical goal for institutions worldwide, and universities are leading the charge by integrating green practices into their campuses and curriculum. With a growing...

Cannabis Industry’s Eco-Friendly Hemp Packaging Alternative *

Hemp packaging may provide an eco-friendly packaging alternative Today, marijuana is legal for some or all adults in more than half of U.S. states.  The cannabis industry has the potential to deliver a product with minimal environmental impact.  Hemp packaging may...

What Happens When Sustainable Farming Meets Urbanization

What is an Agrihood?  Why are They Sustainable?   Agrihoods are residential housing developments with a professionally managed farm as its centerpiece. Considered healthy-lifestyle communities, agrihoods are designed with a purpose — to connect people with the...

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...

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 and better was...

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...

125+ Household Items You Can Compost P

What is compostable? The answer: A LOT OF THINGS! Things you probably haven’t even thought of before. I love composting, and it’s one of the best ways you can reduce your household waste. According the EPA a household can reduce their trash from 30-60% just by...

Goodbye Plastic Thanksgiving Tips

Did you know that turkey day is actually a very trashy day? Studies have shown that every year, Americans throw away 25% more trash between Thanksgiving and New Year’s than any other time of year. Too much plastic is needlessly purchased for the holidays. But it...

Restore Our Earth With Climate Literacy P

April 22 marks the 51st Earth Day with the theme Restore Our Earth. That theme seems appropriate for 2021 as a whole, as we begin looking at how to restore normalcy and functionality to governments and communities. EARTHDAY.ORG is determined that the normal we restore...

Beware of the Red List – Top Materials to Avoid in Your Home

The Red List is a list of “worst in class” materials, chemicals, and elements that the green building industry tries to avoid. Even if you are not a construction professional, knowing about these materials and which products are made from them can help you make your...

We Earthlings: Global Social Cost of CO2 Emissions

The “social cost of carbon” represents how much it will cost to remove the CO2 we are pumping into the atmosphere. It’s like the national debt, which can prevent future generations from thriving. In 2019, global emissions were 33 gigatonnes, according to the...

Cargotecture: Another Future Path for Modern Architecture P

The world is heading towards sustainability, which includes making the old new again to extend the useful life of manufactured materials. From fashion to industrial manufacturing and even agricultural technology, sustainable designs are gaining more popularity and are...

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...

Maven Moment: Rags and Textile Waste P

I still laugh when I remember the Easter when Grandma Jennie used rags to curl my sister’s and my hair. Using strips of fabric, she tied each strip at the end of a section of hair. Next, she twisted the hair, rolled it down to the scalp, and tied the rag tightly. Then...

Changing the Economy With Sustainable Investments P

Daily, you make decisions that influence humanity’s impact on the Earth’s environment. Those choices may feel small, but combined with others’ decisions, they ultimately determine the strategies selected by companies. In previous quizzes, we’ve explored the positive...

Have You Thought About Joining a Community Garden?

If you live in an apartment building or have a shaded yard, growing some of your own food might seem nearly impossible. However, there might be a great solution – joining a community garden. These shared spaces are a simple solution to promote local food production...

Coronavirus Environmental Impacts and Opportunities *

How is the novel coronavirus, COVID-19, reshaping humanity’s environmental impact? In this Earth911 Quiz, you’ll be challenged with questions about how consumption and pollution are changing in response to the pandemic, as well as how it may point to humans’ ability...

Greenest Insulation Products for the Home

Pliny the Elder was the first to write that home is where the heart is, but many older homes are drafty and have cold floors and uneven temperatures that can chill an environmentally aware heart. Do you remember the nursery rhyme about a cold, old house where even the...

Understanding the Population Problem

When the global population reached 5 billion in 1987, that number seemed almost inconceivable. But today, there are almost 8 billion people on the planet and by 2056, we could reach 10 billion humans. Without technical innovation and changes in human behavior, Earth’s...

Inspiration: As if We Are To Live on This Earth Forever P

Today’s inspiration is from Australian environmentalist and politician Arron Wood: “Sustainability is treating ourselves and our environment as if we are to live on this earth forever.” Earth911 inspirations. Post them, share your desire to help people think of the...

4 Natural Ways To Tackle Carpet Stains P

You can’t always avoid it. Your beautiful carpet is likely to get stains, no matter how much care you put into it. But can you remove carpet stains naturally, without exposing your family to harsh cleaning chemicals? Removing carpet stains can be a difficult task. If...

So, You’ve Audited Your Waste, Now What?

In part one, Conducting a Home Waste Audit, you learned to audit your household waste for a week. Now it’s time to analyze the waste and make changes. In my waste audit example, I categorized 150 items for disposal. Of those items, I could put 77 items in the...

Good, Better, Best: Leather and Leather Alternatives P

Leather has a tremendous environmental impact, not to mention the ethical concerns surrounding animal agriculture. But it’s hard to replace this durable and versatile material – just try shopping for a pair of vegan work boots. Unfortunately, “vegan leather” is not...

Wildfire Prevention: Where Safety and Environmentalism Connect

In the past, every American could quote Smokey Bear, “Only you can prevent forest fires.” This message from U.S. Forest Service’s 76-year-old mascot is often lost in the digital noise today, but it is more relevant now than ever. In the first nine months of 2020 in...

How to Write Your Business Sustainability Policy *

What Should You Include in Your Sustainability Policy?   How Should You Define Sustainability for Your Business? Sustainability is the ability to meet our present needs without compromising future generations needs by preserving and protecting our...

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...

Earth911 Podcast: Sustainable Home Shopping With Loop

Are you thinking about shopping with home delivery during the lockdown? You need to know Loop, the home grocery delivery service that picks up and recycles what you buy when you are done. Earth911 talks with Benjamin Weir, North American business development manager...

This Week’s Sustainability, Business and Science News

The Earth911 team combs news and research for interesting ideas and stories about the challenges of creating a sustainable world. We call it the Earth911 Reader and we hope you find it useful. IN SCIENCE EU’s Green Deal Sends Environmental Impacts To Energy Nations...

How to Turn Your Yard Into a Pollinator Paradise

Did you know that almost all of the world’s plants need to be pollinated?  Bats, birds, beetles, bees, butterflies, wasps, and moths all play this essential role in ecosystems and are crucial in the reproduction of two-thirds of all crop species. Sadly, pollinators...

Maven Moment: Refreshing Drinks for Mom

When I was a little girl, we didn’t worry about staying hydrated. We didn’t know the science of hydration. If you were thirsty, you drank a cool beverage. My mother kept a pitcher of tap water in the fridge and sometimes we had soda and, occasionally, lemonade. We...

Embracing Business Sustainability Has Challenges and Rewards *

What is a Sustainable Business?   A Sustainable business or green business, is a business that has minimal negative impact on the global or local environment, community, society, or economy.  A sustainable business embraces the concept of the triple...

Responsible Mushroom Hunting

A time-honored autumn pastime for locavores that neatly fits into the trending cottagecore aesthetic, mushroom hunting encourages people to experience the natural world and eat healthy, local food. As wilderness hobbies go, foraging is generally simple and safe. But...

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...

We Earthlings: Precycling Is Thinking Before You Buy!

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). This post was originally published on July 3, 2019.   The post We...

Native Plants: the Key to Eco-Friendly Gardening P

After a dreary winter, spring has finally arrived! It’s time to shed our winter coats, trade them in for a sun hat and a pair of gardening gloves, and go dig into the dirt. Spring is a time for growth, renewal, and, best of all, gardening. What will you plant this...

20 Reef Safe Sunscreens to Keep You Protected *

All natural, organic, eco-friendly, low-waste, and reef safe sunscreens are becoming easier to find! *PRAISE* My mom harped on me wearing sunscreen as a kid, and I can count on two hands the amount of times I’ve been burned. She would always slather me in the stuff...

There’s No Free Lunch in Nature P

Earth911 inspirations. Print them, post them, share your desire to help people think of the planet first, every day. This poster was originally published on May 10, 2019.     The post Earth911 Inspiration: There’s No Free Lunch in Nature appeared first on...

What’s New in the Bioplastics and Biomaterials World? *

Look at the Amazing New Biomaterials Categories Being Discovered   Edible seaweed pods that hold drinking water.  Inedible banana leaves around perishable food.  3D printing from corn starch.  Diapers made from eucalyptus wood.  Those are just a few...

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...
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...

read more
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...

read more
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...

read more
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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