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Sustainability International

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

Sustainability is harmony between humans and nature.

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

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

 

Become A Sustainability International Partner

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

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

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

 

 

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

 

 

Recycle & Reduce Waste

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

Water Management

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

Green Buildings

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

Energy and Emissions

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

EV Charging Stations

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

CATEGORIES

5 Reasons You Shouldn’t Use Homemade Laundry Detergent

I recently received an email from a journalist asking if I had a good recipe for homemade laundry detergent. If you’ve visited goingzerowaste.com before you know that I have a fairly extensive list of effective and easy homemade cleaning recipes and even more featured...

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...

Maven Moment: A Garden for Grandma Rose *

The garden that Grandpa Sal and Grandma Rose had in Queens was a sight to see! There were two fig trees, a raspberry bush, and all of the vegetables that Grandpa started including tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, basil, and long Indian squash that hung from the garage...

Ensure That Sustainability is Part of Your Business Plan *

Inject Sustainability into Your Business Plan   Sustainability will be handled differently for different companies.  Whether your company is a startup or an established company reevaluating your business plans matters.  You need to identify what the source...

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...

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...

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,...

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...

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...

Recycling Mystery: Antifreeze P

Antifreeze: Wise car owners have some stored in the garage to keep their engines running properly in extreme cold (and hot) conditions. What if it’s been sitting there too long? Can you recycle leftover antifreeze? The good news is that antifreeze is recyclable. What...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

We Earthlings: The CO2 Impact of Soda Pop Consumption

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

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

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

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...

Hot Year, Earth Overshoot Delayed, and COVID Fallout

Tune into the Earth911 Reader every Saturday for the week’s useful climate science, sustainability, and recycling articles from around the Web. We read so that you can read more efficiently. This week, we look at 2020’s track to becoming one of the three hottest years...

7 of the Best Compostable Trash Bags

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

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...

What’s the Difference Between Biodegradable and Compostable

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

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...

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...

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...

Dry Gardening for a Better Tasting Tomorrow *

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

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...

Don’t Just Look at Nature, Live With Her

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

How to Recycle Your Porcelain Bathroom Fixtures

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

Good, Better, Best: Shopping for Natural Fibers P

The fashion industry is responsible for 10% of annual global carbon emissions. That means it is a productive target for personal changes that can make a significant contribution to lowering overall human carbon emissions. You can use thredUP’s fashion footprint...

Unilever To Add Carbon Footprint Information on Packaging *

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

How to Save Money on Your Kitchen Electric Bill

Saving money and the environment is what I’m all about right now. I started a series all around this topic covering how to save money on your electric bill, your water bill, and, of course, going zero waste. I’ve been taking each of these series room-by-room through...

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,...

Is Your Electricity Greenwashed? *

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

Ditch Your Antiperspirant: 6 Natural Deodorants That Work P

Deodorant or antiperspirant is something most of us apply daily. We prefer to feel clean and fresh — not stinky. But many people are still unclear about the difference between deodorant and antiperspirant. Consequently, the majority of the populous is slapping,...

No Questions Asked Flowers Protect the Environment *

They’re decorative and often emit a pleasing fragrance, but flowers serve a much greater purpose than delighting our senses. They promote a healthy ecosystem and biodiversity, serve as a food source, and nourish their surrounding environment. Taking time to choose the...

20 Green Things You Can do in 20 Minutes

Think one person can’t make a difference? Think again. With every American producing 4.5 pounds of trash per day, the little things we do to reduce our impact can make a huge difference. Here are 20 little things you can do to help the environment and your world in...

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 Recycle a Broken Treadmill

If you have a home gym, it’s likely you own a treadmill. Too often, this kind of gym equipment goes unrecycled. Whether you use it regularly or not, your treadmill will eventually stop working. When mine was beyond repair, I was determined to recycle every part of the...

Earth911 Quiz #65: Know Your American Environmental History P

While the nation is ideologically divided on climate change, people throughout our history have acted to protect the land, wildlife, and humans from pollution. In this Earth911 Quiz, you’ll test your knowledge of the U.S. environmental leaders who have helped the...

Mosquitos Driving You Nuts? Attract a Bat Colony *

Is your yard swarming with mosquitos? An excellent way to keep flying insects at bay without harmful chemicals is to recruit bats to eat them. Providing bats with the right habitat encourages them to take up residence nearby. Bats like to live in tight crevices in...

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...

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...

Top 3 Misconceptions About Carbon Emissions

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

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...

3 Simple, Natural DIY Recipes To Repel Bugs *

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

Earth911 Quiz #54: Are You a Mobile Phone Recycling Expert?

The mobile phone has become an indispensable tool of modern life, and new models appear every year like automobiles in the 20th century. Old phones can pile up in the home or be recycled for cash, traded in on another phone, and sent through a variety of recycling...

Sustainability, Recycling, and Science News, Summarized for You

The Earth911 Reader summarizes the week’s sustainability, recycling, and science news, making it easy for you to stay up-to-date. Be sure not to miss this week’s opportunities to support environmental and sustainability projects. IN SCIENCE Hotter Climates May Turn...

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...

Earth911 Inspiration: The First Rule of Sustainability

Today’s inspiration is from environmentalist, entrepreneur, and author Paul Hawken: “The first rule of sustainability is to align with natural forces, or at least not to try to defy them.” Hawken is the founder of Project Drawdown, a nonprofit with the mission to...

The Biggest Pros and Cons of Electric Vehicles P

Electric vehicles (EVs) have made huge technological strides since they were first introduced, and they’re more popular than ever before. Yet some drivers are still hesitant to make the switch from traditional gas-powered cars, in large part due to misconceptions that...

You Can Recycle Cigarette Butts!

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

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...

Connection, Next Step in Employee Sustainability Engagement *

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

Graciela Chichilnisky on Distributed Carbon Capture Economies *

What is Carbon Capture, and Why is it Important?   Dr. Graciela Chichilnisky, co-founder and CEO of Global Thermostat, pioneered climate change policy and sustainable development planning, participating in the development of the Kyoto Protocol and as lead U.S....

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...

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...

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...

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...

Home “Eco”nomics — New Sustainable Landscapes

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

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...

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 —...

Smart Ways To Make Your Wardrobe Sustainable P

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

Understanding the Population Problem

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

Maven Moment: Have Extra Stuff? Bring It to Work

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

Quiz #87: Food Carbon Footprint Challenge

A few simple mental habits such as knowing how to quickly pick the foods with the least carbon impact, can help you make big strides in your personal sustainability. In this Earth911 Quiz, you’ll be presented a set of foods and asked to order them by their CO2...

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....

Another Reason to Recycle Cartons — and Other Materials

Good news to report: The COVID-19 pandemic has not stopped people from recycling. In fact, some people are recycling even more. According to research conducted by the Carton Council of North America, 56% of consumers say they have been recycling as much as they...

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...

Simple Steps To Recycle Your Own Paper P

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

What 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...

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 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...

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...

6 Durable Household Items Made From Recycled Plastic *

The ubiquity of plastic is a signature of the modern world, a polluting legacy we need to reverse by using fewer new plastic products and choosing recycled plastic for those household items we need. Half of all plastic produced is for single-use purposes, according to...

Earth911 Inspiration: For Future Generations

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

Your Business Has to be Committed to Sustainability *

You Need to be Committed to Sustainability   Concern for the environment and promoting a sustainability agenda are integral to the Better Business Alliance's activities and the management of our organization.  We follow and promote good sustainability...

Teaching Kids to Recycle

All parents want to leave the world a better place for their children. While it sometimes feels like we don’t have much control over what happens down the line, one of the best ways to ensure that there will be a healthy planet for future generations is to teach...

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...

Tips for Buying and Enjoying Sustainable Coffee

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

10 Tips for Naturally Improving Your Quality of Sleep P

Has the last year thrown off your sleep schedule or is it just me? I find myself consistently resisting bedtime, and I’ve fallen into a slew of bad habits. One of my goals this year is to create a healthier night time routine so I can sleep better.  I also want to...

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...

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...

Wildfire Prevention: Where Safety and Environmentalism Connect

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

How 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...

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...

Infographic: Plastic Pandemic in the Age of COVID-19 P

Recycling efforts have taken a backseat during the pandemic. Efforts to protect public health — from a huge increase in the use of disposable PPE to prohibitions against reusable bags and coffee mugs — are damaging the health of the environment. And plastic use has...

We Earthlings: Plant One Tree

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

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...

We Earthlings: The CO2 Impact of Streaming Video P

Video streaming has become a part of many people’s everyday lives and we’re here to help you learn about what that means for the environment. Every hour of video you stream emits 0.88 pounds of CO2. If you watch an average of six hours a day, your annual video carbon...

Buyers Guide: Choosing the Greenest Clothes Dryer P

People rarely shop for a clothes dryer by itself. It’s more common to buy washers and dryers as a pair. And usually, it’s the washer that gets more attention, even though dryers use more energy than any other home appliance. You could just get the dryer that matches...

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...

Backyard Chickens 101: Getting Started With Laying Hens *

Backyard chickens have skyrocketed in popularity. Keeping laying hens are an excellent way to fortify our relationship with our food and an ideal activity for people cooped up at home due to the pandemic. Laying hens make great companions for children, who will likely...

Developing Habits for a Sustainable Life *

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

Earth911 Inspiration: Trustees of the Earth

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

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...

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...

World Toilet Day Is Something to Celebrate

At first glance, the idea of World Toilet Day might be bewildering. But if you’ve ever needed a plumber, you know a working toilet is something to celebrate. World Toilet Day exists to remind us that 4.2 billion people – more than half of all humans – do not have...

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...

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...
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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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...

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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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