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

Infographic: 5 Ways To Go Zero Waste

Every day, the average American creates about 4.4 pounds of waste — adding up to 258 million tons in landfills yearly. Kathryn Kellogg, founder of Going Zero Waste, can fit all the trash she’s thrown away in the past two years in one Mason jar. Here are her tips for...

Who Said It? Environmental Quotes To Remember P

Are you good at remembering quotations? In this week’s quiz, see if you can identify the individuals who made these five memorable statements about the environment and humans’ capability to bring about positive change.   Earth911.com Quiz #28: Who Said It?...

Action! The Final Step to Employee Sustainability Engagement *

Action!  The Final Step to Employee Sustainability Engagement   Note: This is the fourth installment in a five-part series on engaging employees around sustainability. The first part introduces the four stages of employee engagement; the second...

Maven Moment: Safe and Natural Baby Products

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

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...

Maven Moment: Refrigerator Magnets

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

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...

Why is There Such a Sudden Interest in Ocean Plastic? *

Why the Sudden Interest in Ocean Plastic?   Over the last year, there has been a surge of interest in the problem of ocean plastic pollution. The media drumbeat began with the now-infamous turtle video, showing the removal of a plastic straw embedded...

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....

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...

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...

Easy Carbon Sequestration You Can Do Yourself P

As any sci-fi fan can tell you, human survival depends upon an Earth-like atmosphere that’s 78% nitrogen, 21% oxygen, 0.9% argon, and 0.03% carbon dioxide with traces of other elements. There is some wiggle room in the tiny percentage of carbon in the air. There were...

Can You Clean Up Your Amazon Purchases Carbon Footprint?

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

Nature’s Gifts That Help Us Thrive *

How valuable is nature? A recent study of the economic value that could be created by protecting 30% of the world’s land as wilderness, which absorbs carbon from the atmosphere and provides biological diversity, found that the cost would be repaid by more than 500%....

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...

10 Relief Remedies Using Essential Oils

All across the globe, people suffer from ailments such as headaches, anxiety, insomnia, nail fungus, minor cuts and more. Relief usually comes in the form of pharmaceuticals or, alternatively, essential oils. Derived from Mother Earth, essential oils can provide...

Alternatives to Tree Removal P

Homeowners remove trees for many reasons, but there are often better solutions – you really can plant your tree and keep it, too. And yet, urban tree cover is declining all over the United States, and new development projects don’t account for all of the tree loss...

Entrepreneurs Embracing Sustainability Become Ecopreneurs *

Is Sustainability A Good Choice For Your Business?   Beginning in the 1980's eco-awareness grew from the growth in pollution during the 1960's.  Today growing consumer demand has brought sustainability into the main stream in business practices....

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....

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...

12 Tips for All Natural, Zero Waste Curly Hair P

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

Earth911 Quiz #50: The Circular Life of LED Bulbs

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

Carbon Neutral Universities in the United States P

Fewer than 10 colleges and universities have achieved carbon neutrality in the United States. This means that their input of energy, water, food, and so forth is equal to or less than their output. In other words, they have a “net-zero” carbon footprint. Many...

EV Savings, Cooling Clothing, Saving $50 Trillion Over 30 Years P

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...

How Will We Ever Control Our Growing Waste Problem? *

Why Do We Create So Much Waste?   Waste is not a new phenomenon.  Throughout our history as our societies developed and matured we have created increasing amounts of waste for disposal.  Examining what we dispose, is actually a good method for...

How To Care for Cast-Iron Cookware P

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

How To Finance Your Energy Efficiency Upgrades for Free

As many environmentalists know, the falling price of renewables and energy-efficient appliances has made it possible to reduce your carbon footprint and save money too. According to the Department of Energy, the average homeowner can save $200 to $400 per year on...

7 Unexpected Things You Can Compost P

Composting is the best way to get rid of your kitchen scraps without sending them to the landfill. And if you’ve been composting for a while, you may have already started experimenting with composting other items you don’t usually see in a list of materials you can...

Careers in Solar Energy P

The solar energy industry is expanding across the United States and beyond as more countries transition to renewable energy. In the U.S., 855,000 people were employed in the renewable energy industry either directly or indirectly in 2018. Over 240,000 of these people...

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

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

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...

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...

A Gift Guide to Sustainable Skin Care P

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

GreenerCars Ranks the Greenest Vehicles for 2021 P

Released annually by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE), the GreenerCars ratings for 2021 are now available. And it probably won’t surprise you to learn that the highest-ranking (“greenest”) vehicle is electric and the lowest-ranking...

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...

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....

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...

7 Steps to Reducing Your Business Carbon Emissions *

Reducing Carbon Emissions is Good for Business   It's time for all of us to examine the roles that our homes and businesses play in the growing climate change crisis.  Our future doesn’t have to be bleak if we take action now. The first step to...

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...

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...

Maven Moment: Icebox Cake *

My grandmother’s “icebox cake” was one of my favorite desserts growing up. She made it by layering graham crackers and warm pudding in a pan and setting the pan in the refrigerator so the mixture could set up. After a few hours, the cracker layers had absorbed some of...

How To Avoid ‘Revenge Pollution’ While Reviving the Economy P

As the economy reopens and we venture out into the world we once knew, it is tempting to try to make up for lost time — that time we could have spent traveling, shopping, and restaurant and bar hopping. Perhaps you have already made a list of things you wish you had...

8 Sustainable Denim Brands That Make the Best Jeans

There’s nothing quite like a pair of denim jeans that fit you just right. Denim is truly timeless and a classic staple in most of our wardrobes, but how eco-friendly or sustainable is this material? Do you know how much water it takes to make just one pair of jeans?...

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...

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...

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 —...

10 Easy Ways to Reduce Food Waste at Home *

Food is too good to waste, and yet one third of food produced for human consumption is wasted or lost globally. In the US, we waste 40% of all our food – that’s nuts! Food waste might seem like something small, but it adds up to a massive… and I mean MASSIVE impact....

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...

Earth911 Quiz #39: Wishful Recycling

The U.S. recycling system uses a “single-stream” model that focuses on the big blue curbside bin. Unfortunately, people throw all sorts of unrecyclable items into the bin in the hope that they will be recycled. Known as “wishful recycling,” this results in...

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,...

Humane Approaches to Spring Babies on Your Property P

In nature, baby season usually rolls into full swing during spring. Squirrels, raccoons, ducks and other wildlife parents are nosing around for a suitable space to set up their nursery. Perhaps that’s under your porch. Or in a shed. Or up in your attic. Animals simply...

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....

The Plastic Straw Problem, Bans Ignore Accessibility Issues *

The Plastic Straw Ban Problem Ignores Accessibility   For many, plastic straw bans are representative of the progress in the movement against single-use plastics.  However, the bans have drawn criticism for their negative impact on individuals with...

Where to Shop Online That Isn’t Amazon P

It’s no secret that online shipping is booming, and a lot of that money is flowing directly to Amazon. So, I wanted to round up a few ethical and sustainable retailers where you can shop online that isn’t Amazon. There are so many eco-friendly e-commerce marketplaces...

4 Ways to Have the Greenest Christmas Tree

‘Tis the season to start looking for the perfect Christmas tree to light up your home for the holidays. Today, most people consider live trees to be a greener option than artificial trees, which are often manufactured with polyvinyl chloride (PVC), a...

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...

Where Does Environmental Justice Fit? *

The year 2020 has been dominated by the twin terrors of the COVID-19 pandemic and police violence. The first of these is a new natural threat. The second is as old as our nation, produced by the racism baked into our societal structures. But these issues are more...

Landscaping for Fire Resistance

Lately, it seems like every year is a bad year for wildfires. If you live in an area prone to wildfires — most of the American West — you naturally want to minimize that risk. And there are natural ways to do so. A wildfire-resistant landscape won’t necessarily...

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...

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...

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...

Do Your Appliances Use Refrigerants the UN Wants To Ban?

A recent UN report suggests solutions to one of the most challenging problems facing the planet, how we keep our homes cool. The report found that the cooling sector — air conditioning and refrigerants — produces about 8 billion tons of greenhouse gas emissions per...

Earth911 Podcast: How To Talk to the Other Side

The time to talk about climate change and social equity is now. Author and sustainability consultant Kevin Wilhelm has a valuable new guide to bridging the political, social, and ideological chasms that keep that discussion from happening, How to Talk to the “Other...

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...

The “Spaving” Dilemma: Avoid These Wasteful Spending Traps P

In a world largely driven by consumerism, it’s important to realize the power we each have to help the planet by spending and buying less. Our personal habits as consumers can help make a positive change or inadvertently create more waste in the world. Unfortunately,...

Earth911 Inspiration: Nature Has the Power

Today’s inspiration is another quote from Helen Keller’s 1933 article, “Nature’s Storehouse of Health.” She wrote, “I have always the feeling that nature has the power to renew and refresh our minds, our bodies, and our spirits.” Earth911 inspirations. Post them,...

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...

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...

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...

3 Upcycled Dog Toys You Can Make P

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

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...

Hydrofluorocarbons in Your Kitchen and Bathroom P

Making changes to heal the hole in the ozone layer that developed over Antarctica in the 1980s is one of the great achievements of the past quarter-century. Humans paid attention to the growing threat of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), responded with global policy, and...

Urban Greening Post COVID-19: What It Means for Business

We’re at a time of crisis; how do we rebuild our economies after COVID-19? Humans have caused the annihilation of 83% of all wild animals and half of all plants. We’re disrupting a natural climatic balance, pushing us into a future projected to be 39.38-40.64 °F...

Sustainability Conversation With Space of Never Not Nothing

Earth911 talks with Space, keyboardist and guitarist of Never Not Nothing, (“NNN”) a rising British duo that takes sustainability seriously. Space discusses the band’s philosophy of positive nihilism and how they contribute to sustainable culture through direct...

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...

Choosing Safer Food Storage Containers P

Many of us grew up in the Tupperware age. Our parents’ fridges were full of plastic food storage containers, and we even kept plastic margarine tubs for storing leftovers! A lot has changed since then, and more and more research is showing that plastic leaches...

Earth911 Inspiration: How Can I Help the World Today?

Today’s Earth911 inspiration is from American environmental activist Julia Butterfly Hill: “I wake up in the morning asking myself what can I do today, how can I help the world today.” Earth911 inspirations. Post them, share your desire to help people think of the...

Skip These Foods and Reduce Your Carbon Impact

The average American life produces 34,162 pounds of carbon dioxide (CO2) annually. If you consume any of the foods shown in the image below daily, drop it from lunch all year to reduce your carbon footprint by the percentage indicated compared to the national average....

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...

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...

Earth911 Quiz #47: Battery Recycling Challenge

Americans buy about 3 billion batteries each year, half of which are AA and 30 percent AAA batteries for small electronics. Do you know which states require battery recycling? Do you know the different requirements for recycling rechargeable and single-use batteries?...

Green Websites and Online Games for Kids *

Young people are spending more and more time on devices. Kids between the ages of eight and 12 spend nearly six hours online daily on average. Although this statistic seems quite high, it is important to consider what children are doing online. There are many...

Earth911 Inspiration: The Choice To Use This Gift

Today’s quote is from scientist Jane Goodall: “We have the choice to use the gift of our life to make the world a better place — or not to bother.” How will you use your gift? Earth911 inspirations. Post them, share your desire to help people think of the planet...

Maven Moment: School Bags

My sister and I went to a Catholic elementary school, so instead of getting new outfits for the school year, we had school uniforms. But we could get a new school bag to start the year! In those days, we didn’t have backpacks. Instead, we used colorful briefcase-style...

Dig Into the Roots of Environmental Nonfiction *

Half a century ago, we didn’t know the full impact of what we were doing to the environment. But even then there were people who knew our actions were unsustainable. Those prescient voices gave us warning, and now we know they were right. If you want to understand how...

Eco-Friendly Holiday Gift Guide: Men’s Edition

The men on your gift list may not always be easy to buy for, and they may not give you a lot of clues about what they want, but thoughtful eco-friendly gifts are sure to make them happy. This round-up of sustainable holiday gifts for men satisfy the weirdness of 2020...

6 Easy Eco-Actions That Your Kids Will Love

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

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...

How Does Your Business Litter Factor Affect The Environment? *

Your Latte Factor Equates Your Litter Factor   Have you heard of the Latte Factor?  It's a phrase that was created as a metaphor for all the little things we spend money on during the course of a typical day.  These purchases are usually done with little thought...

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...

We Earthlings: Let’s Recycle More Aluminum

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

You Need to Know How Sustainability Embraces Circularity *

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

Maven Moment: Donations to Veterans’ Organizations P

Mom’s friend Hannah (who was of the same generation as Grandma Jennie) was very patriotic. Hannah’s husband Fred served in the Pacific during World War II, and although she didn’t regularly donate to charities, she had a soft spot for veterans. She always sent them...

How Will We Save Our Amazing Oceans and Wildlife? *

How Much Plastic Pollutes Our Ocean Environment   Every year, an estimated 8 million tons of plastic goes into our oceans. That's an awful statistic, but it's legacy is even worse.  Each year the scope of the problem grows with more plastic...

This Easy DIY Dry Shampoo Recipe Rinses Away Dirt

No matter whether you like a dry or wet shampoo, the objective remains the same — clean, fresh hair.  If dry shampoo is your thing, we have just the DIY recipe for you! Even if you’re skeptical, give it a try. In this episode of Earth911TV, we show you how easy it is...

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...

A Realistic Guide to Recycling in an Apartment P

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

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...

How To Plan Home Energy Upgrades Based on an Energy Audit P

Did you know that homes and businesses use 40% of the total energy consumed in the United States? Does your home have high energy bills, cold floors, or drafts? If so, a home energy audit is the first step in improving home comfort, cutting your energy bills, and...

Is Seaweed a Suitable Ingredient in Sustainable Packaging? *

Concern for single-use packaging and plastics in the oceans has skyrocketed in recent years as the consequences of our throwaway culture have become evident in all parts of the world. In fact, studies have shown that the American public is equally or even more...

Maven Moment: Safe and Natural Baby Products

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

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Will Your Next House Be a Tiny Home?

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...

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How To Make Less Trash the Simple Way

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...

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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,...

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How To Build a Gardening Cold Frame P

Autumn may be here, but the change in seasons doesn’t require a complete halt to your gardening. By installing a cold frame in your garden, you can extend your growing season and grow seasonal plants in cooler weather. What Is a Cold Frame? A cold frame consists of a...

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Quiz #86: Composting Challenge P

By composting, you can reduce the amount of waste in your garbage can and turn your food scraps and lawn clippings into a rich soil amendment for your garden. Do you know what goes in a home compost bin? Challenge your composting knowledge and learn new composting...

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Earth911 Quiz #52: One Year, 10 Questions P

The Earth911 Quiz wrapped up its first year in March 2019 with 10 challenging questions from the past. Here it is again, give it a try! Test your knowledge about climate change, recycling industry trends, policy, energy-efficient companies, and much more. Can you...

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The 411 on Conducting a Home Waste Audit P

The 411 on Conducting a Home Waste Audit P

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

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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...

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Infographic: Pens and Pencils by the Numbers P

As we try to reduce our environmental impact, it’s easy to forget that smaller items — like pens and pencils — can add up to a lot of waste. How many disposable ballpoint pens do you have cluttering your drawers, desk, or pencil holders? Do you throw away pencils when...

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10 Ways to Make Your Home More Sustainable P

Making your home more energy and water efficient is one of the best ways you can have a positive impact on the environment so I wanted to round up a few ways you can make your home more sustainable and eco-friendly. 2020 has me dreaming of a little house to call my...

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Fun Ways to Reuse Wine Bottles and Corks P

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...

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The Problem With That Wood Smoke Smell P

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

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Where to Shop Online That Isn’t Amazon P

It’s no secret that online shipping is booming, and a lot of that money is flowing directly to Amazon. So, I wanted to round up a few ethical and sustainable retailers where you can shop online that isn’t Amazon. There are so many eco-friendly e-commerce marketplaces...

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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,...

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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...

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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...

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Nature Is Not a Place To Visit. It Is Home. P

This week’s quote is from poet Gary Snyder: “Nature is not a place to visit. It is home.” Earth911 inspirations. Post them, share your desire to help people think of the planet first, every day. Click to get a larger image. This post was originally published on July...

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Alternatives to Tree Removal P

Homeowners remove trees for many reasons, but there are often better solutions – you really can plant your tree and keep it, too. And yet, urban tree cover is declining all over the United States, and new development projects don’t account for all of the tree loss...

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5 Energy-Saving Tips for Colder Weather P

The days are getting shorter and winter will be here before you know it, so it’s a good time to prepare your home for the colder weather. Tempting though it may be to crank up the central heating as soon as you feel a chill, you’d be wise to give some thought to...

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Simple Steps To Recycle Your Own Paper P

Simple Steps To Recycle Your Own Paper P

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

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Your Food Waste Has Global Impact P

You probably feel a little guilty about tossing leftovers. Throwing out uneaten food is a waste of the money you spent to buy it and the resources it took to grow and prepare it. But did you know that wasted food is so harmful that the United Nations has a campaign...

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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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