Articles tagged with Sustainability
Researchers from the University of Michigan found that line drying clothes could save households up to $2,100 in energy costs over their lifetime. The study also highlighted the importance of behavioral changes, such as running dryers during off-peak hours, and the varying emissions due to different regions' energy sources.
A study by MIT researchers found that climate change can cause the thermosphere to shrink, reducing atmospheric drag and allowing space junk to remain in orbit for decades. This could lead to increased collisions and debris, threatening the sustainability of satellite operations.
The new guide aims to eliminate wasteful designs and promote durable fashion. By focusing on maximising product lifespan and materials, the guidelines enable businesses to implement circular clothing design.
A new study from the University of Surrey suggests that hotels can significantly reduce their environmental impact by prioritizing vegetarian and plant-based options on restaurant menus. By strategically framing these dishes as first choices, hotels can guide guests toward more sustainable food choices.
The UK's top earners contribute disproportionately to carbon emissions, yet they can drive systemic change through their purchasing power and influence. Wealthy individuals are more likely to adopt green technologies, but their lifestyles remain high-emission due to frequent flying and luxury consumption.
Vent-Axia wins two environmental industry awards for its groundbreaking manufacturing transformation and innovative partnership with electrical retailer AO. The company's new materials testing database, created by University of Bath student Roben Els, has enabled product certification and third-party accreditation.
Researchers found that polymers used as flame retardants can break down into dozens of smaller molecules, causing mitochondrial dysfunction and developmental harm. The study also detected these pollutants in soil, air, and dust near electronic waste recycling facilities.
Researchers from UC San Diego will present cutting-edge solutions to address global challenges such as climate change and human longevity. The event features a film premiere and thought-provoking presentations on topics like capturing carbon and democratizing health data.
Researchers are calling for a reduction in toxic chemicals used in plastics manufacturing and a complete ban of hazardous chemicals. The study highlights the need for improved reporting, transparency, and regulation of chemicals throughout the plastics life cycle.
Researchers develop plant-based adhesives, self-bonding bamboo fiberboards, thermally insulating cardboard foams, and wood-derived hydrogels for repairing joints, offering promising solutions to recycling challenges in furniture and building insulation.
A new study from the University of Surrey, Accor, and Booking.com has identified four key ways to engage guests in sustainable travel. The report highlights the importance of clear sustainability messaging, balancing appeals to pleasure and comfort, empowering guests, and helping them act responsibly while away.
The 5th International Polar Year (IPY-5) aims to study the Arctic and work towards climate solutions. Research emphasizes science diplomacy and international cooperation to address the climate emergency.
Unplanned oil supply outages caused by geopolitical instability are throwing airline stock markets into chaos, making it more expensive to fly. The study highlights the potential impact on investment strategies, stock market stability and long-term financial planning in the aviation sector.
The increasing extraction of sand across the world is causing significant harm to marine ecosystems, leading to coastal erosion, habitat destruction, and the spread of invasive species. Integrating sand mining into broader environmental policies is crucial to mitigating its impacts.
Researchers at NC State University have developed a new technique to tune the optical properties of quantum dots using light, reducing energy consumption and environmental impact. This method allows for precise control over the bandgap, enabling the creation of high-quality perovskite quantum dots for optoelectronic devices.
The INSEAD webinar focuses on Access Afya's journey to scale its affordable healthcare model while maintaining its mission. The company will share insights into its innovative approach and sustainable impact through a discussion with CEO Daphne Ngunjiri and Commercial Growth & Finance Director Danny McCabe.
A new study suggests adjusting VAT rates on food groups based on health and environmental impacts could lead to healthier diets, reducing cases of diet-related diseases. The proposal aims to cut greenhouse gas emissions and generate significant revenue for governments.
A £1 million grant-funded project aims to advance production of next-generation, paper-based packaging for liquids. Researchers will develop novel coating processes, mechanistic modelling, computer vision, and AI to create 'dry' spray coatings that are food-safe, degradable, and environmentally friendly.
A new study reveals that marine reserves on the Great Barrier Reef supply nearly half of the region's coral trout catch, contributing significantly to sustainable fishery yields. The protected areas also ensure a higher reproductive output and more resilient coral reef ecosystems.
A team of researchers recommends incorporating principles like collective benefit and ethical governance into ecological data practices to align with existing data infrastructures. They suggest establishing collaborative relationships with Indigenous rights holders and exploring how data can be aligned with Indigenous expertise and wor...
A new Stanford study suggests refining how we assess natural carbon storage strategies to ensure the technology lives up to its potential as a climate change solution. The researchers propose a two-step evaluation process to unlock additional project value and improve data for predictive modeling.
Nanomaterials are being studied for their potential in combating marine oil spills, with promising results showing improved removal efficiency and reduced toxicity. The researchers emphasize the need for eco-friendly and sustainable approaches to minimize environmental risks.
Farmers in African mountains reported increased temperatures, reduced fog, and changes in rainfall patterns, leading to lower crop yields, livestock production, and human health concerns.
Researchers found that sustainability certificates improve cocoa yield and income for small-scale producers, but have no effect on biodiversity in plantations. The study suggests that further biodiversity conservation measures are needed to achieve tangible environmental benefits.
The Ecological Society of America's new Open Access journal, Earth Stewardship, fosters a broad foundation for Earth stewardship through applied and theoretical research. The journal invites submissions from diverse fields and promotes inclusive research to reshape our relationship with the environment.
Researchers at the University of Surrey have discovered a unique mix of lipids in polar bear fur that drastically reduces ice adhesion, paving the way for safer and more sustainable anti-freezing solutions. The study found that specific lipids, such as cholesterol and diacylglycerols, exhibit low adsorption energies on ice.
The University of Bath's RENEW research center has published a manifesto on regenerative design and engineering to address the climate crisis. The guidebook provides a framework for creating 'Net Positive' buildings, technologies, and systems that renew unity with nature.
A new study from DTU National Food Institute finds that temperature and light intensity play a crucial role in the yield of various nutrients produced by the microalga Nannochloropsis oceanica. The research suggests a two-stage cultivation process to optimize nutrient production, paving the way for sustainable food production.
A £2 million project, led by Anglia Ruskin University, is working to identify vulnerabilities in the UK's food system and prioritize areas for improvement. The project will analyze potential pathways leading to civil unrest and work with stakeholders to build resilience and address early-stage problems.
Researchers developed an interactive tool to compare the efficiency of four sustainable propulsion systems: e-SAF, battery-electric, hydrogen fuel cell, and hydrogen combustion. The tool considers factors like renewable electricity required, sustainability, and cost. It aims to provide a strategy for thinking about sustainable aviation...
The Tule River Tribe is facing mounting environmental hazards such as wildfire, drought, and flooding. A new study sheds light on how a range of strategies can address these compounding hazards and achieve the community's goals to strengthen its physical, mental, spiritual, and environmental health.
Researchers suggest that understanding the science behind umami and koku could make plant-based eating more palatable. The authors reveal that key components of umami include free glutamate and nucleotides, while koku is related to small pieces of proteins called dipeptides and tripeptides.
A new study finds that battery-powered electric vehicles (BEVs) have improved significantly in reliability over the years, matching the lifespans of traditional cars and vans with internal combustion engines. BEVs now have an average lifespan of 18.4 years and can travel up to 124,000 miles.
Sockeye salmon raised through land-based aquaculture have reached their shipping stage, marking a significant leap toward the world's first business-based commercial farming of this species. The project's success is attributed to the combination of Okayama University of Science's expertise and NTT East Japan's ICT solutions.
The PREPSOIL project highlights the importance of soil literacy among young people, equipping educators with inspiration and ideas to foster essential knowledge. The upcoming webinar will bridge the gap between young citizens and soil health, empowering the next generation to take informed actions.
A new project, GP4Streets, provides tailored 'greening prescriptions' for UK streets to adapt to local climate challenges. Communities will be equipped with monitoring tools and DIY greening kits to improve air quality, temperature, and biodiversity.
Furan fatty acids have been found to exist in all samples of rubber tree latex, with varying concentrations. The study identifies specific genotypes with high FuFA content, offering potential for enhanced economic value and sustainability.
Researchers at Seoul National University of Science & Technology have made a breakthrough discovery in the catalytic recycling of polyolefins, enhancing conversion rates with the addition of water. The study reveals improved process efficiency, extended catalyst lifespan, and reduced operational costs.
A team from the Research Institute for Sustainability finds that supply structure changes, geopolitical competition, and decarbonization drive fertiliser market shifts. To address these challenges, coordinated measures are needed, including promoting sustainable fertiliser management practices and reducing synthetic fertiliser use.
The article reveals that larger EVs are weighing more than conventional cars and require greater critical minerals to produce, delaying efforts to decarbonize the electricity grid. The growing size of EVs is also making waste processing and recycling hazardous
Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology found that biochar significantly reduces DDT uptake by earthworms in contaminated soil, halving the toxin's presence. This method could enable farming on land deemed unusable due to environmental risks.
A Politecnico study proposes a global model that optimizes agricultural and water resources, making the EAT-Lancet diet a sustainable possibility. The model suggests crop redistribution and trade flow improvements could reduce global cropland by 37-40% and irrigation water use by 78%.
A collaborative project between ASU and industry partners aims to develop a regional Direct Air Capture Hub in the Four Corners area, with the goal of removing at least 1 million metric tons of CO2 from the atmosphere each year. The project will also create jobs, stimulate local economies, and support climate change mitigation efforts.
Researchers developed a novel bioconversion system using mealworm and black soldier fly larvae to transform plastic waste into valuable by-products, including biochar and compost. The system has potential for large-scale adoption in sustainable waste management industries.
A recent study published in the International Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction found that US homeowners take proactive steps to protect their properties before and after hurricanes, but often fall short due to inadequate regulations. The study's methodology provides a framework for future research on incentivizing comprehensive prote...
The Ecological Peace Corridors concept aims to connect fragmented protected areas across international borders, promoting cooperation and minimizing disputes over resources. By leveraging artificial intelligence and zoning systems, these corridors could foster peacebuilding before conflicts escalate or in post-conflict efforts.
Researchers developed a new data assimilation algorithm using the LETKF technique to enhance global precipitation estimates. The model improved accuracy and computational efficiency, making it suitable for large-scale applications, particularly in mountainous regions.
Researchers from the University of Guelph studied plant-based proteins and their interaction with fat matrices to improve the quality of vegan cheeses. They found that a blend of pea protein, sunflower oil, and coconut oil created a cheese with a firm texture and lower saturated fat content.
A University of Houston study found that different genotypes of hemp have unique microbial communities that impact CBD production and fiber quality. The research, published in Nature, highlights the potential for microbiome diversity to inform more sustainable farming practices.
The study reveals five groups of barriers reinforcing each other, including corporate dominance and institutional shortcomings. A comprehensive framework is proposed to address these systemic challenges, emphasizing the importance of integrated political responses and context-sensitive solutions.
The Consumer Food Insights Report finds a 9.5% out-of-stock rate for foods in 2024, down from 12.3% in 2023 and 19.3% in 2022. Consumers are motivated to improve their health through diet changes, with two-thirds of those making resolutions doing so for health reasons.
Researchers at Max Planck Institute for Sustainable Materials have developed a novel method to create lightweight, nanostructured porous martensitic alloys by harnessing dealloying and alloying processes. The approach enables CO2-free and energy-saving production of high-strength materials.
Climate change advocate Kelley T. Lê argues that schools are crucial in mobilizing a global response to the climate crisis. Her new book provides practical tools to equip teachers with the knowledge to teach climate science and inspire students to take action.
MIT engineers developed a nanofiltration process to capture aluminum ions from cryolite waste, reducing hazardous waste and improving efficiency. The membrane selectively captured over 99% of aluminum ions, enabling the recovery of aluminum and reducing the need for new mining.
Researchers from The Hebrew University of Jerusalem have pioneered the use of metamaterials to replicate the texture and structure of traditional meat. Their novel approach enables the mass production of whole cuts of meat at a cost of $9 per kilogram, making sustainable protein alternatives more accessible.
The Arkansas Clean Plant Center is leading a global effort to remove over 120 'phantom agents' from pathogen regulatory lists. These outdated agents impede access to clean plant materials, hindering crop production and food security. The center's efforts aim to streamline global germplasm exchange using modern molecular techniques.
A pioneering study at Guildford's Sandfield Primary School demonstrates the benefits of protective green infrastructure in reducing particle pollution levels and traffic-related noise. The 'living school gate' installation showed a nearly one-third reduction in air pollution, as well as a 5-decibel decrease in distracting traffic noise.
A new study has developed a sustainable approach for fully inkjet-printed, eco-friendly e-textiles that are both biodegradable and durable. The researchers used a textile called Tencel and conductive materials like graphene and PEDOT: PSS to create the fabric.
A new study reveals a significant overlap between high-priority conservation habitats and areas suitable for large-scale solar energy development in the arid Southwest. The research emphasizes the urgent need for strategies that balance renewable energy growth with conservation priorities.
Researchers estimate that human-made products store around 400 million tons of fossil carbon annually, equivalent to 9% of extracted fossil carbon. Recycling and increasing product lifetime can help reduce waste streams, while enacting policies to minimize landfill discharge is crucial.