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

Maven Moment: Good Old-fashioned Bar Soap

Grandma Jennie used bar soap all of her life. When she was young, there was a bar of soap that was used for laundry and household purposes. She used a bar of Castile soap for her hair and body. I’ve seen pictures of Grandma when she was young and she had the most...

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...

Earth911 Inspiration: Invitation To Be What We Are P

This week’s quote is from American author Gretel Ehrlich: “Everything in nature invites us constantly to be what we are.” Earth911 inspirations. Post them, share your desire to help people think of the planet first, every day. Click to get a larger image.   The...

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...

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...

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...

Can We Innovate Our Way Out of Our Environmental Mess? *

Can Innovation Solve Our Problems? Innovation is an abused business buzzword that is often applied to the topic of sustainability.  Online literature is full of articles and reports on sustainability and innovation, sometimes converged into "sustainable...

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...

How the First Net-Zero Energy Communities in the U.S. Operate *

As with any brilliant innovation, net-zero energy communities were an idea first, and then came the hard work on making the idea a reality. Their goal was to operate without drawing any non-renewable energy from the local power grid. Making a single building net-zero...

Can You Recycle Number 5 Plastics?

Recycling isn’t the same as it used to be. A few years ago, China accepted much of the world’s plastic, textile, and paper recycling. But in 2018, China tightened restrictions on what it would accept due to the high level of contaminated material sent by the U.S. Now,...

5 Sustainable Fashion Lines for Women P

Fashion carries a heavy environmental price, but it does not have to. With spring and summer coming, you may be thinking about refreshing your wardrobe. But before you shop, consider these five fashion lines that have increasingly sustainable approaches to making and...

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...

Will New BioPlastics Destroy Sustainability Growth? *

Bioplastics are plastics made from renewable biological sources, whereas traditional plastics are made from fossil fuels.    Are Plant Based Plastics Our Environmental Answer?   Since about 40 percent of the plastic produced is used in disposable...

Embrace Natural Cleaning and Avoid Harsh Chemicals *

Protect the Environment with Eco Friendly Cleaning Products   Switching from conventional cleaning products to green alternatives can benefit both the environment and your well-being.  Many companies don’t advertise this fact, but the traditional...

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...

6 Steps Your Business Takes to Embrace Sustainability! *

6 Steps to Business Sustainability! Most business sustainability programs are started to encourage employees and customers to embrace green initiatives.  The reasons to do so can include improve company culture, encourage employees to work green and to...

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...

5 Strategies To Develop a Sustainable Diet You Can Stick With

Do you want to make your diet more sustainable but you’re not sure where to start? Maybe you’ve already started by reducing food waste or integrating Meatless Mondays into your weekly meals. Whether you’d like more ideas to help you develop a more sustainable diet —...

How To Choose Eco-Friendly Fabrics

How green are the clothes you are wearing? It can be challenging to discern this information, even from product labels. Yet a growing variety of environmentally friendly textiles are available for the choosy shopper. As a general rule, you can read the labels to find...

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...

What is Fast Fashion?

Fast. Faster. Fastest. I’m sure you’ve heard of fast food, but what about fast fashion? If you’ve been in the eco space for a while, then you’ve probably heard the term A LOT. If you’re new to the eco space, well, welcome! Check out my blog posts for beginners which...

Our Plastic Crisis Has Made NIMBYism Global P

For decades, the U.S. has been exporting its plastic for recycling. It’s easier and cheaper to send it to countries where labor costs are low than to develop an infrastructure that can process the quantity of plastic waste we generate. But is it really due to costs...

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...

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...

Can Face Masks Be Recycled? P

There is not a lot of data about how much waste the use of face masks is generating in the U.S. But according to one estimate, if everyone in the U.K. used a disposable mask each day for a year, it would create 66,000 metric tons of contaminated waste and 57,000...

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...

Doctors Prescribe the Great Outdoors P

As the wellness movement grows, more and more of us are prioritizing natural health care. Products like probiotic tinctures and vitamin supplements labeled as natural, organic, or vegan are flying off the shelves. According to the Global Wellness Institute, the...

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...

Hacks to Stay Cool: Beat the Heat Using Less Energy *

According to a study from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), air conditioners account for a full 6% of U.S. energy consumption. It’s a huge number, and a large issue for those concerned with global warming. This massive consumption is compounded by the...

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...

12 Eco-Friendly Gifts for Babies and New Parents P

Let’s be real – being a parent is tough work. If you’re about to have a baby or know someone who is, I wanted to round up a few eco-friendly gift ideas for babies and new parents! I hope these gifts will make a sustainable lifestyle a little bit easier all while...

Can We Innovate Our Way out of This Environmental Mess? *

Can Innovation Solve Our Sustainability Problems?   "Innovation" is a much-used buzzword in business, and even more so then it comes to sustainability. Online sources are full of articles and reports on sustainability and innovation.  Sometimes this...

Do Consumers Understand What the ‘Circular Economy’ Is? *

Circularity is a Hot Topic   Circularity is a hot topic today, it’s almost impossible to avoid.  Just look at all the Loop articles and ads you’ve seen in recent months about the circularity of consumer goods.  It practically flooded newsfeeds on...

We Earthlings: Rethink Air Travel

The coronavirus pandemic has proven that we can decide not to travel if it’s not essential. Before you book your next flight, consider this: Air travel contributes 4.9% of the greenhouse gas emissions that are the leading cause of climate change. Data source: What...

3 Big Reasons “Wishcycling” Is Always a Bad Idea *

We’ve all been there. You’re standing in front of the recycling bin with something in your hand — perhaps a beverage cap, crinkly cellophane wrapping, the tinfoil lid from a sour cream container, or a pizza box. You’re not entirely sure whether you can recycle it, but...

Home “Eco”nomics — Should You Buy a New Car?

Do you need a new car? Are you considering choosing an electric vehicle over a gas-powered car? It’s one of the most impactful environmental decisions you will make in your life — in fact, Americans buy an average of 9.4 vehicles during their lives. You have plenty of...

Why Your Business Should Openly Embrace Sustainability! *

Sustainability Programs Encourage Green Choices   Visitors to your business, whether online or to your physical location all arrive with their own set of values.  When we shop, each of us applies our personal values as part of the equation that determines who...

Replace Disposable Batteries With These Rechargeable Ones

In the United States, we purchase nearly 3 billion single-use dry-cell batteries a year. Many of these wind up in the landfill despite the fact that they can leach toxic metals, such as lead and mercury. People could recycle them, but the ideal solution is to abandon...

Which Approach to Minimalism Is Right for You?

Minimalism, reducing one’s consumption to the essentials, is one way to reduce your resources consumption and limit your consumer spending. By reducing what you buy, what you consume, and what you ultimately throw away, you’ll waste fewer resources, reduce energy...

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...

Building Local Food Resilience *

Before the coronavirus pandemic reached the United States, between 30 to 40 percent of our food supply was thrown away. Since lockdowns started, however, we’ve seen this play out on a much larger scale. Widespread restaurant, hotel, and school closures have greatly...

Medicine Disposal – National Prescription Drug Take Back Day

October 24, 2020, is the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency’s nineteenth National Rx Take Back Day, an opportunity for Americans to return unused drugs safely. During last year’s event, 882,919 pounds — 441.5 tons — of potentially dangerous expired, unused, and unwanted...

How Urban Outdoor Landscapes Present a Wealth of Opportunity *

How Outdoor landscapes are Critical to Our Cities Survival   A vital component of our cities, urban outdoor landscapes present a wealth of opportunity when it comes to water sustainability and climate resilience.  Whether it’s outside a home, a store,...

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...

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...

20 Staggering E-Waste Facts in 2021 P

It feels as if electronics were made to be thrown out every year, right? From mobile phones that just happen to die right when your contract is over to televisions that become obsolete as soon as a larger, thinner version debuts. While every generation of electronics...

8 Things You Should Know BEFORE Going Zero Waste

Zero waste living has become quite popular over the last few years, and I wanted to write an article about the things you should know before going zero waste. AKA all the things I wish someone had told me! Currently, most of the influential people in the zero waste...

Bad, Better, Best: The Climate Impact of Meat

The average American eats 220.9 pounds of meat per year. Food accounts for 14% of our household carbon emissions, and meat accounts for more than half of that. Although a vegan diet may be the single most effective way for individuals to minimize their environmental...

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...

Embrace Being Green, Plastic Is Out, Sustainability Is In *

Plastic Is Out, Sustainability Is In   The days of single-use plastics are numbered.  Seattle, in 2018 became the first US city to ban single-use plastic cutlery.  Starbucks joined them adopting a plan to eliminate plastic straws by 2020.  Several...

Recipes With Plant-based Substitutions for Eggs and Dairy P

Perhaps you’re eating healthier. Or you’re shifting to plant-forward foods to support a sustainable planet. Or you’re simply out of fresh eggs. Good news: Plant-based substitutions are healthy and plentiful. While vegan dairy and egg replacements are on store shelves,...

Wow, You Can Recycle That?

We hear all the time about recycling plastic bottles and aluminum cans, but what about some of the lesser mentioned items? In response to reader queries, we’ve assembled a list of some odd items that may have you saying, “Wow, you can recycle that?” Blue Jeans You...

Earth911 Quiz #56: Does This Go in the Blue Bin?

Editor’s note: “Does This Go in the Blue Bin” is one of our most-popular quizzes. We’re giving you another chance to challenge your knowledge of good recycling decisions. Across the U.S., one of the biggest influences on recycling success is your decision about what...

Earth911 Inspiration: We Belong to the Earth P

Today’s Earth911 inspiration is from Chief Sealth of the Suquamish and Duwamish tribes that lived around Puget Sound: “This we know: The earth does not belong to man — man belongs to the earth. This we know. All things are connected like the blood that unites one’s...

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 Happens to E-Waste When It Gets Recycled? *

You Need to Know How Much E-Waste Gets Recycled?   Worldwide, electronic waste makes up more than 5 percent of all municipal solid waste. Commonly called “e-waste,” these discarded electronic products often end up in the landfill — but they shouldn’t. Some of...

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...

The Week’s Sustainability, Recycling, 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 Arctic Sea Ice Loss May Set Off Accelerated Global Warming...

Home “Eco”nomics – Vegetable Gardens

From the Victory Gardens of World War II to the back-to-the-land-movement of the ‘60s to the present day, a home vegetable garden has symbolized healthful and sustainable living. But gardeners are not guaranteed cheaper, more environmentally friendly vegetables. There...

We Earthlings: Rising Sea Levels and Disappearing Beaches

We can expect big changes in our coastlines as climate change causes sea levels to rise. Research predicts a loss of nearly half of the world’s sandy beaches by 2100. Let’s cut our greenhouse gas emissions so that future generations can enjoy the beaches. Source:...

Clever Reuse Ideas for Insulated Food Delivery Bags P

Perhaps you’ve placed an order and they’re standing right outside your front door. Shiny. Pretty. Insulated bags loaded with yummy items. Amazon Prime, which offers doorstep drop-offs from Whole Foods, uses silvery plastic padded bags when packing up refrigerated and...

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...

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...

Earth911 Inspiration: Nature Is Hinting at Us

Today’s quote is from American poet Robert Frost, who wrote: “Nature is always hinting at us. It hints over and over again. And suddenly we take the hint.” Earth911 inspirations. Post them, share your desire to help people think of the planet first, every day. Click...

Earth911 Inspiration: Add to the Sum of Accurate Information

Today’s Earth911 inspiration is from American anthropologist Margaret Mead. She said, “I was brought up to believe that the only thing worth doing was to add to the sum of accurate information in this world.” Earth911 inspirations. Post them, share your desire to help...

Playing at the Park *

When my siblings and I were kids, one of our favorite places to go was the nearby park. Accompanied by our cousins on many of those visits, we had plenty to keep us occupied playing at the park. Although the park was a woodland area and a reservoir, we stayed mostly...

The single biggest thing you can do to stop climate change *

Wondering what you can do to stop climate change? Many people feel powerless when they think about global warming. Simple switches like reusable water bottles and saying no to plastic bags feel too small. Writing to MPs feels pointless when the turnout for climate...

Earth911 Inspiration: Waste Can End With You P

This week’s inspiration: “Waste starts with people and can end with you.” We can make changes to reduce our waste by precycling when we shop, reducing what we purchase, reusing items to get the most use out of them, and recycling when possible. But when we have items...

Inspiration: The Advertiser’s Business — Madeleine L’Engle

American author Madeleine L’Engle provides today’s Earth911 Inspiration. In her memoir, A Circle of Quiet, she wrote, “A pitch to make us buy a new car or a new stove when our old one is perfectly good, so that we’ll have a better ‘image’ of ourselves, doesn’t make...

Plant-based Recipes: Sustainable Meals for Healthy Kids

This year has been a wild one, and when life gets busy, it can be hard to put your focus on what you are feeding your family. Eating plant-based meals is not only beneficial for long-term health — it’s also a much more sustainable way to eat for the health of our...

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....

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...

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...

Infographic: How To Compost at Home

Are you composting at home yet? If not, you might want to consider it. We generate more than 267.8 million tons of trash annually in the U.S. and more than 40.6 million tons of this is food waste that could be composted. According to the Environmental Protection...

Closing the Loop With Architectural Salvage

When you’re doing home repairs, remodels, or even new home construction, many of the building materials you use can be recycled. If you are very conscientious, you can recycle almost everything in your entire building. Recycling waste is only one way to close the...

Eco-friendly Experience Gifts for the Quarantines

From Black Friday to Super Saturday, advertisers bombard us with messages to buy a seemingly endless stream of items for the holidays — particularly gifts. And while buying less stuff helps curb your consumer carbon footprint, it’s easy to give in to the pressures of...

Maven Moment: Grandma Rose’s Frozen Treats *

My mother-in-law loved to tell me stories about growing up in Brooklyn in the 1930s and 1940s. The current heatwave in Brooklyn reminded me of some stories about her mother, Rose. Despite the scarcities of the Depression and World War II years, Rose managed to find a...

Home “Eco”nomics — Should You Buy New Appliances?

When you’re trying to live a greener life, buying more efficient home appliances may seem like an obvious choice. But not so fast. The financial and environmental gains of upgrading home appliances don’t always pay for themselves. You might want to question whether...

Eco-Friendly Ways To De-Ice Your Sidewalk P

When the snow starts falling, it’s tempting to retreat into the house and hibernate until spring. But no matter how tempting, it is unfortunately not possible. Even if we didn’t have to go to work, regulations in most communities hold individuals responsible for...

Strategies for Waste-Free Gift Wrapping

It’s gift-giving season! With Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, winter solstice, New Year’s celebrations, and winter birthdays upon us, you’re likely thinking about finding the perfect gifts for your loved ones. And before you hand over your gift, you are probably going...

Thrift and Vintage: 12 of the BEST Secondhand Shops Online P

Did you catch my last post how to master second hand shopping? Be sure to check it out because #4 is extra important when it comes to shopping with online thrift stores. I know a lot of people lack access to quality thrift stores or the time to search through hundreds...

Earth911 Quiz #66: The Social Cost of Carbon

The National Academies of Sciences recently released a comprehensive review of the current science related to the social cost of carbon. In this Earth911 Quiz, you’ll test your knowledge of the cost of a ton of carbon, the CO2 debt now looming over our children’s...

Maven Moment: Waste-Free Shaving

I can vividly recall my dad’s Old Spice shaving soap mug. The white mug with the little boat on it contained a small puck of shaving soap and always sat on the bathroom sink along with his shaving brush. He would wet the fine-haired brush to lather up the soap in the...

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...

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...

5 Captivating Recycling Books for Kids 5 and Under

The idea of recycling or repurposing things comes naturally to young children, as most are very crafty and resourceful. Capitalize on that interest by reading them books with a recycling theme — these five present this all-important topic in a fun, colorful manner....

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 Eco-tech Can Help Us Tackle Global Carbon Emissions *

In recent years, global carbon emissions have been rising despite many countries’ concerted efforts to limit them. Despite all the downsides of the current pandemic, the imposed lockdowns have brought some good news: Daily global carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions dropped...

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...

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...

Oxgut Hose Co.: Upcycled Products With a Heroic Past

It seems that every day, someone is figuring out how to upcycle another product that would otherwise get thrown away. For the Oxgut Hose Company, that product is old fire hoses. Fire departments can dispose of many thousands of fire hoses every year depending upon...

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...

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...

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...

Moringa: Versatile Tree With Sustainable Superfood Powers

Are you familiar with the moringa tree? Every part of this special tree offers unique benefits. Parts of the moringa plant have been used for medicinal purposes for centuries. Among its many healing benefits, it is used for antifungal, anti-inflammatory, 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...

Does Your Business Embrace the Worst Sustainable Practices *

Your Worst Sustainable Business Practices   Following are several ways that businesses fail when they are attempting to conduct their business in a sustainable manner.  After reading my list, can you think of any other ways that a business fails to...

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...

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...

Why Use Recycled Paper? P

Making the case for recycled paper From protecting forests to curbing climate, recycled paper use is essential for sustainability. With the below reports produced by Green America and our allied organizations, we make the case for using recycled paper, including the...
How To Grow Vegetables With Aquaponics *

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...

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4 Zero-waste Indoor Plant Fertilizers *

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...

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What are the Pros and Cons of going Solar *

What are the Pros and Cons of going Solar *

A growing number of home and business owners are using solar power. As the solar energy industry matures, there are new ownership models and technology. This also means that the decision to go solar is a complex one with numerous pros and cons. Let’s explore some of...

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What are the Recycling Mysteries About Tires *

What are the Recycling Mysteries About Tires *

Let’s be honest: Tires make the world go ’round. Unless you’re a professional speed walker, your method of transportation probably involves tires of some sort. But these tires don’t last forever. Whether it’s an irreparable flat or loss of tread, eventually tires need...

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How Sustainable Is Lab-Grown Meat? P

How Sustainable Is Lab-Grown Meat? P

Cultured meat is widely hailed for its potential to spare animal lives, cut greenhouse gas emissions, and help solve the global food crisis. It’s an advanced technology that offers an alternative to climate-warming meats, but is it sustainable? Lab-grown meat is a...

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Why Use Recycled Paper? P

Why Use Recycled Paper? P

Making the case for recycled paper From protecting forests to curbing climate, recycled paper use is essential for sustainability. With the below reports produced by Green America and our allied organizations, we make the case for using recycled paper, including the...

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Predicting 2021’s Environmental Trends P

Predicting 2021’s Environmental Trends P

For the past couple of years, Earth911 has made predictions about the biggest environmental trends in the New Year. Some of our predictions have been accurate. Beyond Meat stocks are up more than 80% over last year, while electric vehicle sales increased 91%. But as...

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The Complicated Choices in a Cup of Coffee P

Coffee can be complicated, and I’m not even talking about the heated debates over cold-brew versus percolator. Coffee is made from the beans of a tropical tree that may be grown in small family farms or vast monoculture plantations. Your coffee beans pass from farmers...

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Is your tree planting scheme really green? P

Is your tree planting scheme really green? P

Could you be accidentally greenwashing by promoting a tree planting scheme? Tree planting can feel like a “quick win” when it comes to Corporate Social Responsibility and sustainability – especially with so many charities now making it accessible for individuals and...

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What are the Differences in Bioplastics? P

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...

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The Best Electric Vehicles on the Market P

The Best Electric Vehicles on the Market P

Thinking of abandoning your internal combustion engine for an EV? There are more electric vehicles on the market than ever before. After almost a decade during which Tesla made almost all the EV options, you have many body styles and features to choose from. Advances...

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Doctors Prescribe the Great Outdoors P

Doctors Prescribe the Great Outdoors P

As the wellness movement grows, more and more of us are prioritizing natural health care. Products like probiotic tinctures and vitamin supplements labeled as natural, organic, or vegan are flying off the shelves. According to the Global Wellness Institute, the...

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The Art of Land Restoration P

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...

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With How Little Nature Will Be Satisfied P

This week’s quote is from French writer and philosopher, Michel de Montaigne: “It is wonderful to see with how little nature will be satisfied.” Earth911 inspirations. Post them, share your desire to help people think of the planet first, every day. Click to get a...

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8 Ways To Green Your DIY P

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...

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6 Issues Facing Electric Vehicles P

Fun to drive and cheaper to operate, electric vehicles have grown in popularity considerably in recent years. However, automakers still need to overcome some hurdles before they’re broadly adopted. It’s important to consider these issues before buying an electric...

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20 Staggering E-Waste Facts in 2021 P

20 Staggering E-Waste Facts in 2021 P

It feels as if electronics were made to be thrown out every year, right? From mobile phones that just happen to die right when your contract is over to televisions that become obsolete as soon as a larger, thinner version debuts. While every generation of electronics...

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There Is Always Some Beauty Left P

This week’s inspiration comes from Anne Frank: “I’ve found that there is always some beauty left — in nature, sunshine freedom, in yourself; these can all help you.” The quote comes from the diary Frank kept for two years while she and her family were hiding from the...

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Can Face Masks Be Recycled? P

Can Face Masks Be Recycled? P

There is not a lot of data about how much waste the use of face masks is generating in the U.S. But according to one estimate, if everyone in the U.K. used a disposable mask each day for a year, it would create 66,000 metric tons of contaminated waste and 57,000...

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There’s No Free Lunch in Nature P

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...

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Glass Recycling Helps the Environment P

What connects us all? Nature and our shared relationships through nature. Share how you can help reduce air and water pollution by doing your part to recycle glass containers. Glass that’s produced from recycled glass reduces related air pollution by 20% and related...

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Let’s Restore the Forests To Remove CO2 P

Paul Hawken’s important book Drawdown is a blueprint for reducing humanity’s carbon footprint. Did you know that restoring 751 million acres of forest that have been cut down in the past few decades would remove 61.2 gigatons of CO2 from the atmosphere by 2050? This...

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Tips for Starting Your Garden From Scratch P

Tips for Starting Your Garden From Scratch P

As the spring flowers start to appear and the days get longer, my inspiration for gardening returns. You don’t have to wait for warmer weather to get your hands dirty. Starting plants from seed is a great way to extend your relationship with your garden, have more...

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5 Sustainable Fashion Lines for Women P

Fashion carries a heavy environmental price, but it does not have to. With spring and summer coming, you may be thinking about refreshing your wardrobe. But before you shop, consider these five fashion lines that have increasingly sustainable approaches to making and...

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Earth911 Inspiration: Waste Can End With You P

This week’s inspiration: “Waste starts with people and can end with you.” We can make changes to reduce our waste by precycling when we shop, reducing what we purchase, reusing items to get the most use out of them, and recycling when possible. But when we have items...

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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...

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Electric Vehicles and Power Outages P

The planned power outages of 2019 to prevent wildfires in Northern California highlighted a critical issue for electric vehicle (EV) owners. An unstable power grid makes it difficult to charge vehicles. Given that nearly half of U.S. EVs are in California, the issue...

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Yes, You Can Recycle Cooking Oil P

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...

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How To Quit Fast Fashion for Good P

How To Quit Fast Fashion for Good P

The MO of “fast fashion” brands is to mass-produce trendy designs at a low cost. While some brands are working on a greener selection, we know that greenwashing, waste, and human rights violations abound in the fashion industry. Emma Mathews, founder of the...

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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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