Research on more sustainable materials and systems. Covers nature-inspired manufacturing, resource disparities, mood-supporting materials, and low-carbon concrete.
The MIT Press has received a three-year $850,000 grant from Arcadia to develop and pilot an open access monograph publishing framework. The project will explore alternatives to traditional market-based business models for professional and scholarly monographs, with the goal of increasing their availability and impact.
Researchers propose introducing sustainability criteria in bank loan agreements and stock exchange listing rules to reduce pressure on seafood resources. This could impact the majority of largest listed seafood companies worldwide, with half of external finance coming from bank loans or stock exchanges.
A new research special issue analyzes landscape patterns to understand their effects on resource sustainability, ecosystem health, habitat connectivity, and other societal values. The study highlights the importance of measuring and monitoring these patterns to ensure sustainable landscapes.
A new special issue of Landscape Ecology assesses the state of science on landscape pattern analysis, highlighting its implications for resource sustainability and ecosystem health. The issue includes articles on current problems, new approaches, and promising research directions.
A study compared phenolic profiles of 'Brown Snout' juice and cider apples harvested by hand or machine, finding similar quality at reduced labor costs. The results suggest that over-the-row machine harvesting offers a cost-effective option for commercial sustainability in cider apple operations.
Connected areas of high-quality forest running through oil palm plantations may help support increased levels of biodiversity and protect species like orangutans. The researchers recommend improving the quality of these set-asides to contribute to landscape connectivity.
A recent paper by Montana State University researchers highlights the need for communities to adapt and transform themselves to be more resilient to wildfires. The authors argue that current approaches are not working, especially as fire seasons get warmer and longer.
The Ecological Society of America donates over $13,800 to Louisville Grows to support its urban agriculture and forestry programs. The organization's efforts prioritize inclusion and diversity in promoting sustainable communities.
A Michigan State University team applied metacoupling to analyze socioeconomic and environmental interactions in global soybean trade. The results show that Chinese demand for foreign soybeans affects not only Brazil but also neighboring countries like Paraguay and Argentina.
A new study suggests combining biomass with waste materials can improve the sustainability of manufactured soils by reducing nutrient loss. The research found that adding biochar reduces essential nutrient retention, improving conditions for plant growth and lowering fertiliser reliance.
Paul Westerhoff, an ASU Regents Professor, has been awarded the 2019 Clarke Prize for his contributions to water science and technology. He will receive a medal and a $50,000 prize, recognizing his work on nanomaterials and machine learning in solving global water problems.
Researchers studying Barilla Sustainable Farming in Italy found that partnering with different stakeholders can promote sustainability in agri-food supply chains. A two-level approach to implement crop diversification and sustainable management practices is suggested to achieve a more sustainable agricultural system throughout Europe.
A team of researchers suggests adopting a holistic approach to understanding environmental risks, considering social history, power relations, and environmental ethics. This perspective challenges traditional views on complex environmental risks, highlighting the importance of taking a broader approach to navigate new risks.
Researchers identified social norms and self-efficacy as the primary drivers of population-wide dietary shifts towards sustainable diets. The study found that these factors, particularly in young populations and among females, play a crucial role in shaping behavior influencing diet changes.
A new study reveals Americans are drilling deeper than ever to access freshwater, but this trend is not a long-term solution to groundwater depletion. Deeper well drilling can be expensive and requires more energy, and it may not address the root cause of water scarcity.
Researchers at the University of Lincoln's National Centre for Food Manufacturing have developed new methods to dehydrate fruit and vegetables, producing flours that can be used in bakery and snack products. This technology extends shelf life and reduces food waste.
A new study from the University of Göttingen reveals that Fairtrade certification benefits employees in agricultural cooperatives, but not smallholder farm workers who are often disadvantaged. The study found no effects on the livelihoods of farmworkers despite improved wages and labor conditions for cooperative employees.
Companies like Stora Enso and Kemira are using sustainability-linked loans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve resource-use efficiency. This approach is gaining traction, with banks increasingly considering environmental factors in loan decisions.
A study published in Oryx highlights 85 conservation projects protecting the critically endangered South American River Turtle (Podocnemis expansa) in the Amazon and Orinoco river basins. These efforts have successfully protected over 147,000 female turtles across the basin.
A new family of enzymes has been engineered to break down lignin, a key component of plants, enabling the production of sustainable materials such as nylon and bioplastics. This breakthrough could reduce reliance on oil and lower CO2 emissions.
Researchers propose a new method to identify the key relationships between people and nature that underpin environmental problems. This approach can help find new solutions to complex social-ecological interdependencies.
A multinational research team developed an innovative application of electronic fish-finders to predict the mix of sizes and species in tuna aggregations. This technique uses acoustic signatures, which vary by species, to distinguish between sustainable skipjack tuna and other species like yellowfin and bigeye.
Jia Niu received a four-year, $600,000 Beckman Young Investigator Award to support his research on sustainably-oriented polymers. The award will enable him to develop novel precision macromolecules with tailor-made structures and sequences for biomedicine, materials, and environmental sciences.
Researchers Mark Lawrence and Stefan Schäfer of the Institute for Advanced Sustainability Studies (IASS) warn that the Paris Climate Agreement's centralized approach to addressing global warming has failed. They argue that a more democratic engagement is necessary to reanimate global climate politics.
Big food brands invest in soil health programs to help farmers improve sustainability, cut costs and reduce environmental impact. These programs provide education and data gathering tools for farmers to adopt strategies such as organic production, cover crops and cost-sharing initiatives.
A new method called plainification aims to enhance material properties by creating stable interfaces between grains at different scales, using fewer or no alloying elements. This approach could lower material costs, increase resource independence, and boost recyclability, paving the way for more sustainable materials development.
A team of international scientists has recommended ways to manage the devastating spread of Prosopis juliflora in Baringo County, Kenya. The study calls for urgent implementation of coordinated and sustainable management to control its spread and protect rural livelihoods.
A recent study by Michigan State University researchers found that nature reserves close to cities are more effective at preventing deforestation than remote areas. The study evaluated China's protected areas and concluded that these reserves can sequester significant amounts of carbon dioxide, helping to combat global deforestation.
The World Economic Forum has announced a new Space Sustainability Rating system to address growing space traffic and debris in Earth's orbit. The rating will assess satellite operators' environmental impact, with the goal of reducing congestion and promoting sustainability.
A recent study published in PeerJ: Life & Environment found that urban biodiversity still strongly reflects regional species, despite similarities across cities. The study analyzed over 65,000 wildlife observations and documented 5000 species across 14 US cities.
Consumer demand for natural ingredients challenges perfumers to find sustainable scents. Many natural ingredients lack responsible sources, driving prices and supply fluctuations.
A recent study by Duan et al. has shown that human influence on climate change can be traced back to the late 19th century based on summer-winter temperature difference. The amplitude of seasonal temperature fluctuations has been decreasing widely, and this trend can be traced back to the 1860s.
A new system of measurement called CSAS aims to comprehensively assess community sustainability by addressing three pillars: economic vitality, environmental quality and social equity. The researchers propose a multi-level approach to measure sustainability, starting from neighborhoods and moving up to regions and greater levels.
Researchers at UTA work with TxDOT to improve soil monitoring and predictive modeling, reducing slope failures and increasing road resilience. The projects also aim to enhance the transportation system's reliability and safety.
Researchers at Newcastle University found a significant discrepancy between reported and actual catches of vulnerable species like sharks and rays in small-scale fisheries. The study highlights the urgent need for global efforts to assess their impact on the environment.
The new commentary on the 'Warning to Humanity' paper emphasizes that societies in developing countries are more dependent on natural resources while being less responsible for the ecological crisis. The authors argue that excessive resource consumption and ecosystem-destructive practices in Western lifestyle are prioritized over addre...
The report identified major barriers to influenza immunization among racial minorities, including older adults with low socioeconomic status and chronic health conditions. To address these gaps, Sustainable Healthy Communities launched a population health initiative, DRIVE, aiming to improve immunization rates in underserved communities.
A study found that consumers' purchasing intentions for sustainable chocolate are influenced by the 'warm glow' of giving, with fair-trade labels being particularly effective. The price is also a key factor, followed by country of manufacture and ethical claims.
A study found that people who use ride-hailing are willing to pay more to avoid driving, including parking stress, which could lead cities to reconsider parking infrastructure. Researchers suggest cities should allocate curb space for walking, biking, and transit, and monetize car trips to meet sustainable goals.
Researchers found that people opt for 'greener' meals over 'healthier' options when presented with two traffic lights indicating environmental friendliness and healthiness. The study showed that providing additional information about daily calorie intakes and carbon emissions boosts the positive effect on consumer meal choices.
A new study by McGill University researchers suggests that global shipping traffic could lead to a three-fold to 20-fold increase in marine invasion risk between now and 2050. The study projects that shipping growth will far outweigh climate change as the primary driver of bio-invasions.
A recent study found that more than 1400 Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) labeled products showed less than 1% species mislabeling rate, significantly lower than the global average of 30%. The study suggests that the MSC's ecolabeling and Chain of Custody program is an effective deterrent for deliberate species substitution and fraud.
A study by University of Göttingen researchers found that the village of Heckenbeck in southern Lower Saxony has successfully implemented sustainable infrastructure and initiatives to improve quality of life and create conditions for sustainable consumption, mobility, and education. Regular meetings between pioneers and residents have ...
A new survey of 929 GPs found that workload is the most significant issue, with 51% reporting longer hours than in 2014. The survey also revealed a worsening crisis in general practice, with many GPs feeling demoralized and looking towards retirement or reducing their hours.
A review of research found that personal and social factors, such as support from line managers and co-workers, positive attitudes, and self-efficacy, are crucial for a sustainable return to work. Younger employees with higher levels of education were also more likely to recover.
A study by University of Toronto researchers found that four crops (soybeans, wheat, rice, and corn) now dominate globally, with only 152 out of 153 main crops being grown. This trend has implications for regional food sovereignty, ecological resilience, and pest/disease management.
A study by Lancaster University tested six acoustic guitars with different back and side plate materials, finding similar sound quality ratings among all instruments. Despite this, experts suggest using sustainable woods as substitutes for expensive and endangered ones to minimize environmental impact.
The study models environmental impacts of adopting Bonsucro Voluntary Sustainability Standards, finding a potential reduction in sugarcane production area and water use. By focusing on 10% of current production area, most benefits can be achieved
Paying a living wage to garment industry workers in BRIC countries may increase Western European clothing prices by 12.5%, but could lead to more jobs and less poverty, while keeping global carbon emissions roughly the same. The study challenges conventional wisdom that higher wages are bad for the environment.
A recent study by Anglia Ruskin University found that many women are shocked to discover the amount of plastic in commonly-used disposable menstrual products. The research suggests that raising awareness is key to changing behavior and encouraging the adoption of more sustainable alternatives, such as organic pads and reusable cloth pads.
The Society for Nutrition Education and Behavior recommends including environmental sustainability considerations in future federal dietary guidance. The authors make recommendations to promote behavior change among consumers by discussing the health and environmental impacts of food choices.
A new study from the University of Cambridge found that while British consumers are aware of the environmental impacts of palm oil, they are largely unaware of certified sustainable options. The researchers suggest that governments and companies can promote sustainable palm oil consumption by requiring transparent supply chains and pub...
A new case study examines the planning processes behind Chicago's 606 Trail and concludes that nonprofit coordination multiplied gentrification risks due to fragmentation. The trail's $95 million project converted an abandoned rail line into a multi-use path, but ignored displacement concerns and accelerated environmental gentrification
Researchers developed a new length-based risk assessment method to evaluate the sustainability status of popular reef fish species. The study found that only one species had a sustainable risk score, while others had estimated risks of over 95 percent.
Researchers found that complex adaptive systems with self-organizing processes and low population densities can lead to sustainable resource use. Freedom of movement and an ethos of sharing are key conditions necessary for successful sharing.
Hal S. Alper's research focuses on creating new molecules for plastics, drugs, and other products using sustainable methods. His work has the potential to significantly reduce pollution in the chemical industry.
Research at Michigan State University found that better biodiversity leads to more tourists visiting protected areas. A 1% increase in biodiversity results in a 0.87% increase in annual visitors. Strategic management and local community participation can enhance economic development and livelihood benefits.
New research reveals modern slavery promotes overfishing by allowing distant-water fishing fleets to remain profitable, with crews from China, Taiwan, and Russia facing high risk of labour abuses. Global marine fish catches are declining at a rate of 1.2 million tonnes per year.
The Water Scarcity Atlas provides an interactive map visualizing water scarcity around the globe, highlighting its evolution over the past century. The tool enables users to explore how their daily choices, such as diet and food waste, affect water resources worldwide.
The special issue explores composite materials' potential for sustainable applications, including biodegradable composites for packaging and recycling of plastic waste.