Microplastics are now in our food, baby placentas, and in the brains of teens who use plastic aligners. They are blowing in the wind getting to our lungs, they are in the fish and plants and food we eat and the impact is just being noticed and understood in areas like cancer and dementia.

Microplastics are bits of plastic smaller than 5mm, and while we follow people like Boylan Slat and the Great Ocean Cleanup, the amount of plastics rolling around on farmland isn’t that well studied. These particles can disrupt soil structure, alter microbial communities that help transport soil nutrients to the plants, and even protect them. The plastic can be eaten by wheat and corn and beans, entering the food chain.

Conventional detection methods, such as sample taken and looking under a microscope to count the bits is time-consuming, labor-intensive, and often ineffective at identifying small particles, making them impractical for large-scale monitoring.

But science to the rescue. Researchers at Clemson University and the USDA Agricultural Research Service have developed a new kind of space age glasses for seeing plastics in farms from above. The glasses “see” using what they call a hyperspectral imaging technique.

The scientists study tested two types of short-wave infrared sensors on soil samples spiked with microplastics and evaluated their performance using advanced machine learning models. This system stood out for its ability to detect both polyethylene and polyamide particles – even at extremely low levels of 0.01-0.1% – offering a fast, accurate, and field-adaptable method for identifying soil microplastic contamination.

Why is this important? Many farmlands rely on mulch that is full of plastic. Think about the organic recycling programs that accept adult and baby diapers in the compost. This goes back to farming fields. Think about irrigation pipes and plastic sheets put on strawberry fields. Knowing what’s in the ground can help science and policy makers figure out how to stop negative effects.

“This study marks a significant advance in our ability to track microplastic contamination in terrestrial ecosystems,” said Dr. Bosoon Park, “The ability to screen soils quickly and non-destructively holds great promise for agricultural sustainability and environmental protection.”

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If you picture an eco-village, you might imagine a simple dwelling with permaculture gardens and a very slow, rural pace of life. While often true, this rustic image undermines the technology that is increasingly being used to achieve their sustainability – technology that we shouldn’t be frightened of or avoid, but use to harness a greener way of life.

Energy solutions

Energy independence is a big part of eco villages. While solar panels are the visible, sung heros here, the real magic lies in integrated systems underpinning them. Smart microgrids are used to manage locally generated power from diverse mix of sources like solar, micro-hydro, or even wind. They balance loads and incorporate battery banks for storage, which reduces the reliance on external grids. 

Advanced solar integration can be expressed through Building-Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV), in which the solar cells become part of the building fabric itself. The real MVPs, though, are the energy efficiency monitoring systems, such as smart meters and community dashboards, which can track both generation and consumption. Through finding patterns, or possibly using machine learning, it’s possible to better align the two so there’s no waste (this is even more important when many dwellings share energy).

Intelligent water management systems

Water is life, and eco-villages treat it as such through age-old conservation and reuse techniques. Rainwater harvesting isn’t just barrels, it means having integrated roof catchments feeding into systems with first-flush diverters that automatically discard the initial, most contaminated runoff. Water then passes through staged filtration, like sediment traps, then by sand or gravel, before collection in large cisterns. Again, IoT sensors are often used to help determine and notify of capacity and cleanliness levels.

For accessing this water, particularly for irrigation, choose a submersible pump for its efficiency – this can quickly transfer water in a reliable way. Further along the cycle might be constructed wetlands, which are carefully designed shallow beds. They’re planted with aquatic vegetation and use natural microbial processes within their gravel and sand substrates to purify greywater (sometimes even pre-treated blackwater), making it safe for irrigation with minimal energy input.

Waste not, want not

“Waste” is a resource that’s awaiting transformation. Composting techniques like vermicomposting (using worms) or Bokashi (fermentation) help process organic matter into rich soil amendments. Of course, these are old techniques that don’t require much technology.

However, investing in some innovative technology can open more doors to transformation, as not all transformation can be naturally captured. Some communities employ anaerobic biogas digesters, which are sealed tanks that break down food scraps and animal manure in an oxygen-free environment. This produces methane gas for cooking or heating as well as a nutrient-rich liquid fertilizer. IoT sensors, again, can track microbial activity to help boost gas yields.

Technology as the invisible foundation

Energy, water, and waste are the three flows that need to be managed by intelligent technologies. This infrastructure is frequently “unseen” because it’s designed to be integrated and harmonious with natural systems, rather than intrusive (it’s not consumption-led). Harmony between dwellings can be difficult, and this is where integrated systems can communicate. It goes to show that such communities are not anti-technology, but instead are simply selective about only using technology that benefits them and aligns with their values. 

The post The unseen tech behind eco villages appeared first on Green Prophet.

What happens when high-tech materials meet heartfelt design? Colombian designer Neyla Coronel has an answer—and it comes in the form of a bra. Made using Balena.Filaflex, a flexible, bio-based and fully compostable filament co-developed by Balena and Recreus, Neyla’s creation is challenging everything we thought we knew about intimate apparel, sustainability, and the power of design to liberate the body.

At Green Prophet, we’ve followed how Balena is reshaping the fashion industry—literally. The brand has already made headlines for its partnership with Stella McCartney, producing fashion-forward, circular solutions that don’t compromise on ethics or style. Their fully compostable slip-on shoes turned heads in Paris and New York, proving that sustainable fashion doesn’t have to look like a compromise.

But Neyla’s latest work adds something deeper: the personal. It’s a a bra designed by—and for—the body

Raised in a culture of rigid beauty standards, Neyla says her design process began with a reckoning. “I realized my body was never the problem,” she shares. “It was the fashion industry’s limited offerings.”

Working with 3D scanning, parametric modeling, and computational geometry, Neyla flipped the traditional fashion script. Instead of forcing bodies to conform to garments, she made garments that move, grow, and shift with the human form. At the heart of her design is an auxetic structure—an architectural pattern that flexes in sync with the body. “It’s not just about aesthetics,” she explains. “It’s about function, inclusivity, and emotional comfort.”

To bring her vision to life, Neyla needed a material that could stretch, adapt, and biodegrade—without sacrificing comfort. Early prototypes in PLA and TPU lacked the elasticity and sustainability she craved. Then came Balena.Filaflex.

“Working with Balena.Filaflex was a breakthrough,” Neyla says. “It’s soft, it’s strong, and it supports movement close to the skin. But more than that—it’s compostable and biobased. It made the piece not just wearable, but meaningful.”

Balena.Filaflex has already been used in everything from fashion-forward sneakers to performance-ready slides. Designers across the globe—from high fashion to independent creators—are exploring its potential as a circular solution to fast fashion waste.

Co-Creation and Circularity

What sets Neyla’s project apart is the ethos of collaboration—not just between designer and material, but between designer and wearer.

Using open-source design principles, each piece can be tailored by the end user. Pattern density, strap length, and shape flexibility are all customizable. “I don’t want this to be just my design,” Neyla says. “It’s something to be shared—designed by one woman, for all women.”

Neyla is already experimenting with new applications for Balena.Filaflex—from personalized footwear to ergonomic furniture. “Each new project is a chance to learn,” she says. “Balena’s material gives me the freedom to imagine design that’s deeply human and deeply sustainable.”

At Green Prophet, we believe these are the collaborations that matter—where material science meets soul, and where design becomes a tool for regeneration.

The post A 3D bra and intimates printed just for you –– and they decompose after use! appeared first on Green Prophet.

In the heart of Europe, quirky grassroots movements are turning everyday spaces into stages for creative climate action. From the steamy heat of Finnish saunas to the grassy lawns of Ghent, communities are blending tradition with innovation to tackle environmental issues. Imagine discussing decarbonization strategies while wrapped in a towel or racing snails to protest urban sprawl? These playful yet purposeful initiatives are sparking change and challenging us to rethink how we interact with our environment. Welcome to the new wave of eco-activism where you can participate locally and meet like-minds that feel globally.

The Climate-Fighting Saunas of Helsinki, Finland

In Helsinki, Finland, a city that we travelled to meet cleantech and loved, the traditional Finnish sauna is being reimagined as a hub for social innovation and environmental policy discussions. Communal saunas, such as the Kyro Sauna Bar, have become venues where locals gather to brainstorm and develop strategies for decarbonizing their neighborhoods. Finns meet in the sauna to discuss everything, including the economy. In fact, you can hear them talk about the cost of something in terms of “how many saunas”.

The Kyro Sauna Bar, as a pop-up bar/sauna, offers a relaxed setting where patrons can enjoy drinks in their bathrobes, fostering an atmosphere conducive to open dialogue and creative thinking.

This initiative leverages Finland’s deep-rooted sauna culture to address pressing climate issues, demonstrating how traditional practices can be adapted for modern challenges. ​

Goat-Led Urban Landscaping in Ghent and Kent and by Google

In Ghent, Belgium, an innovative approach to urban landscaping involves employed goats to manage overgrown vegetation in public spaces. This method utilizes the natural grazing habits of goats to clear invasive plants and maintain green areas. Goats are particularly effective in accessing difficult terrains and can consume a variety of plant species, making them ideal for ecological land management. We have done the same with chickens but they are harder to contain. 

The goat idea caught on in the UK where residents have an opportunity to “adopt a goat,” to create a sense of ownership and connection to local green spaces. This approach enhances biodiversity, promotes sustainable urban development, and serves as an educational tool, raising awareness about alternative land management practices and the importance of ecological balance in urban environments. Over in the US you can rent a goat for about the same purpose. And apparently Google does this too. ​

Snail Racing to Protest Urban Sprawl –– Ready, Steady, Slow!

In Provence, France, and also in places like Norfolk, UK, residents have devised a whimsical yet impactful method to protest against urban sprawl and the expansion of highways: snail racing events.

In France, participants bring their own snails, and the events are accompanied by local wine and cheese, fostering a festive community atmosphere. Signs with slogans like “Slow is Beautiful” emphasize the message. This form of protest draws attention to the environmental and social consequences of rapid urban expansion, encouraging policymakers and developers to prioritize sustainable and community-friendly planning.

The snail races have garnered media attention, highlighting the power of creative, grassroots activism in influencing public discourse and policy decisions. At some race locations in France those who don’t win make it into the cooking pot. Ouch. ​

Paris’s Guerrilla Commuter Choirs

In Paris, France, guerrilla commuter choirs are rumored to have emerged as a form of spontaneous musical activism within the city’s metro system. These secret choirs assemble during rush hours, performing songs that focus on climate change, environmental awareness, and the beauty of nature. (Riding the train in Europe is an ecological thing –– find out about the Techno trains, sauna trains and folk trains here).

Anyone can confirm this happening?​

Birdsong DJ Battles – Berlin, Germany

There are artistic initiatives in Berlin that blend music and nature to raise awareness about local bird species and environmental issues.​ For instance, the Museum für Naturkunde Berlin collaborated with techno DJ and ecologist Dominik Eulberg to create “biodiversity sound shows.” These performances combine electronic sounds with natural science, aiming to inspire audiences to appreciate and protect biodiversity. ​

Artists Janosch Becker and Hanna Komornitzyk have organized events like “To sing like a nightingale,” where they invite participants to explore urban spaces to listen to and learn about the songs of nightingales and skylarks in Berlin. These events highlight the presence of these birds in the city and encourage reflection on urban biodiversity. ​

In Berlin, Germany, can we imagine a future where the fusion of music and nature has given rise to Birdsong DJ Battles. Young DJs incorporate real-time birdsong samples into their sets, performing in community gardens and green spaces.  Residents gather to enjoy the music and vote for the best “eco-mix,” with winners awarded plots to grow their own food? ​

​The Bicycle Repair Raves – Amsterdam, Netherlands

Community and bike building: Located in Amsterdam Oost, Fietskliniek is a socially engaged bike workspace situated within the social-political center NieuwLand. They focus on recycling and repairing various types of bicycles using secondhand parts. The workspace offers DIY nights, allowing individuals to repair their bikes with provided tools and guidance. These sessions foster community involvement and promote sustainable practices. ​

The “Build Your Own Bike” program in Tel Aviv is a real and impactful initiative. Operated by Pnimeet, a community-focused organization, the program offers workshops where individuals can repair and construct their own bicycles. For an annual fee of 150 shekels, participants gain access to tools, spare parts, and guidance from volunteers, promoting sustainability by reducing waste and fostering a sense of community. ​

The post Quirky, European grassroots projects to change the world – from saunas to snail racing appeared first on Green Prophet.

Asheville, North Carolina, is known for its picturesque landscapes, vibrant arts scene, and a strong commitment to environmental sustainability. The city’s progressive attitude towards waste management has become a model for other regions seeking to implement eco-friendly solutions. One key area where Asheville shines is its waste management practices, with initiatives focused on reducing landfill waste, promoting recycling, and supporting sustainable businesses.

In particular, the availability of services such Ashville’s blended compost is an example of an amazing local company doing good for the planet. This is a project providing environmentally conscious solutions for residents and businesses. By understanding the city’s approach to waste management, we can gain insights into how Asheville is leading the charge in the green movement.

The Rise of Zero-Waste Initiatives in Asheville

Asheville has set itself apart as a leader in the zero-waste movement. The city aims to divert as much waste as possible from landfills and dumpsters by encouraging recycling, composting, and reusing materials. Zero-waste initiatives are centered around the idea that all materials can be reused in some form, reducing the need for new raw materials and decreasing the environmental impact of production. Many businesses in Asheville, including local restaurants and shops, have adopted zero-waste principles by minimizing their use of single-use plastics and packaging. Composting programs are also gaining popularity, allowing residents to dispose of organic waste in a way that enriches the local soil instead of contributing to landfill mass.

The city’s waste management services support these efforts and are designed to facilitate recycling and composting on a larger scale. The city’s curbside recycling program and recyclable drop-off locations ensure that materials such as glass, paper, and plastics are properly processed and reused. Composting bins are also available for residents who want to manage organic waste at home, contributing to Asheville’s zero-waste goals. The local waste management infrastructure supports individuals in their sustainability efforts and encourages businesses to adopt eco-friendly practices.

Collaboration with Green Businesses and Innovations in Waste Management

Asheville’s waste management practices are not just about reducing the amount of waste generated but also about innovating new ways to handle and repurpose waste. One of the city’s more notable initiatives is the growing collaboration with green businesses that provide waste reduction and recycling solutions. Local companies have developed systems that help residents and businesses minimize their environmental impact by providing services such as paper shredding, e-waste disposal, and hazardous waste collection. These services are both environmentally responsible and convenient, allowing Asheville’s residents to dispose of materials in a way that does not contribute to pollution or waste accumulation.

Another innovation area is waste-to-energy technology, which converts non-recyclable waste into energy. This technology is being explored to reduce landfill waste further while providing the community with renewable energy. As part of these efforts, Asheville has invested in state-of-the-art waste treatment facilities that employ environmentally responsible methods to handle waste. These facilities are part of the city’s broader strategy to reduce reliance on traditional waste disposal methods while increasing the efficiency of waste management systems.

Furthermore, Asheville is home to a growing number of businesses that offer eco-friendly waste management solutions, such as roll-off dumpsters designed to minimize the environmental impact of waste disposal. These companies work with local governments and individuals to ensure that large-scale projects, like construction and renovation, are handled eco-consciously, allowing clients to dispose of debris responsibly. This collaborative effort keeps Asheville’s streets clean and strengthens the local economy by supporting businesses dedicated to sustainability.

Public Awareness and Education: Empowering Residents

A crucial component of Asheville’s successful waste management system is its emphasis on public education and community involvement. The city works hard to raise awareness about the importance of waste reduction, recycling, and composting through various programs and outreach initiatives. Schools, local organizations, and community groups significantly educate residents about sustainable practices and waste management. Workshops, seminars, and informational campaigns teach people what can be recycled, the benefits of composting, and how they can reduce their overall waste footprint.

Here are five eco-friendly projects in Asheville focused on waste reduction and composting:

​

1. Food Scraps Drop-Off Program: Initiated in 2021, this collaborative effort between the City of Asheville and Buncombe County provides residents with free drop-off sites for food scraps. As of January 2024, over 671,000 pounds of organic waste have been diverted from landfills through this program.

2. Composting at Thomas Wolfe Auditorium: Launched as a pilot program, the Thomas Wolfe Auditorium introduced triple-stream waste stations to collect compostable materials during events. This initiative aims to divert an estimated 11 tons of waste from landfills annually.

3. Residential Composting Services by Compost Asheville: Compost Asheville offers a convenient service for residents to compost household food waste. They provide weekly pickups and ensure that the organic waste is transformed into nutrient-rich compost, supporting local sustainability efforts via Compost Asheville

4. Home Composting Workshops: In partnership with Asheville GreenWorks, the City of Asheville offers free workshops to educate residents on effective home composting techniques. These sessions aim to empower individuals to recycle organic waste and enrich their gardens. ​

5. Buncombe County Landfill Gas-to-Energy Project: This project captures methane gas produced by decomposing waste in the landfill and converts it into electricity. The generator produces 1.4 megawatts of electricity, enough to power approximately 1,100 homes annually, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and harnessing renewable energy. ​

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We’ve all had that moment of feeling good about recycling—disposing of that coffee cup or takeout container thinking we’re doing our part. And we learn that most recycling never actually gets recycled. But, as with all good intentions, our optimism can sometimes be misguided. Some items we toss in the recycling bin, thinking we’re helping the environment, may in fact be hindering the process.

The reality is that not everything can be recycled, depending on where you are. Certain papers, glass, and plastics simply don’t make the cut. It’s essential to check with your local service provider for specifics, but here are some general offenders—and suggestions on what you can do instead.

Aerosol Cans
They may be made of metal, but the chemicals and propellants inside make these cans hazardous, so most recycling centers treat them as such.

Batteries
Batteries are another item best kept separate from regular trash and curbside recycling. Find a designated drop-off for proper disposal.

Brightly Dyed Paper
The intense dyes in colored papers behave just like that red sock in your white laundry—rendering the whole batch un-recyclable.

Ceramics and Pottery
Items like coffee mugs, while sturdy, are not recyclable. Try reusing them in the garden, where they can have a second life.

Diapers
It’s simply not cost-effective to recycle disposable diapers, which are a mix of paper and plastic. In some communities like in Canada, diapers are collected as compost and are shredded into a kind of compost. But just think of all the microplastics going back into the system. Buy reusable, cloth diapers instead.

Hazardous Waste
This includes things like household chemicals, motor oil, and antifreeze. Motor oil is recyclable, but be sure to handle it separately—your community likely has specific guidelines for hazardous waste.

Household Glass
While food containers like bottles and jars are recyclable, items like mirrors, light bulbs, and window panes aren’t suitable for the recycling bin. Compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) can be recycled but should be disposed of carefully due to their mercury content.

Juice Boxes & Coated Cardboard Containers
Some newer models are recyclable, marked specifically for reprocessing, but many aren’t—especially those disposable coffee cups from your favorite café. They might look like paper cups but they are lined with plastic.

Medical Waste
Items like syringes and tubing fall into the biohazard category and should be disposed of through special channels.

Napkins & Paper Towels
These have absorbed too much residue to be recyclable, but you can compost them instead.

Pizza Boxes
The grease in pizza boxes makes them unsuitable for recycling. Some composting experts accept them, though others advise against it. Either way, it’s either the compost or trash.

Plastic Bags & Plastic Wrap
These are notorious for clogging recycling machinery, but they can often be reused or returned to your grocery store for proper recycling. Look for bioplastics made from algae or sugarcane.

Plastic-Coated Boxes & Non-recyclable Plastics
Plastic-coated containers and certain plastics without recycling marks can’t be processed by most systems. Dispose of them properly.

Plastic Screw-On Tops
Though your plastic bottle might be recyclable, small plastic caps aren’t—dispose of these separately, and remember, they can be a choking hazard.

Shredded Paper
Shredded paper is tough to recycle, as it’s hard for facilities to identify the type of paper. Compost it, or use it in your garden as mulch.

Styrofoam
Check if your community has a special facility for Styrofoam recycling—otherwise, it’s trash.

Takeout Containers
Plastic containers can be recycled if properly cleaned. Oily residue left behind makes them unrecyclable, so rinse them thoroughly before tossing them in the bin.

Tires
Tires require separate disposal, often with a fee collected at the point of sale.

Tyvek Shipping Envelopes
These are often made of non-recyclable material. Find alternative ways to reuse or dispose of them properly.

Wet Paper
Waterlogged paper is a no-go in most recycling systems. The fibers become damaged, leading to contamination risks.

Wire Hangers
Most recycling centers don’t handle wire. Take them back to your dry cleaner, who will likely be happy to reuse them.

Yogurt Cups
Plastics with recycling numbers three through seven are often not accepted by most systems, including those yogurt cups and other food containers.

Every community’s recycling system has its own set of guidelines, and some may be stricter than others. It’s always worth checking in with your local service provider for clarity, and many municipal programs are happy to provide written instructions. If you find that your local system doesn’t handle an item reach out to your local eco NGOs to get something started – maybe a new business opportunity, like ReNuble.

Recycling may seem simple, but it’s a process that demands our care. When in doubt, don’t just recycle—reuse, repurpose, and give the earth a second chance to breathe.

The post A list of 23 things you can never recyle appeared first on Green Prophet.

Vivobarefoot is a wildly popular shoe brand founded by Galahad and Asher Clark of the Clark shoes empire. The shoes are outrageously expensive ––about twice the price of leading fashion sports brands such as Nike, yet loyal customers come back time and time again to buy shoes that give the most true-to-barefoot experience in a shoe.

Vivo is now collaborating with an Israeli-Italian company Balena which is making a method and material so that shoes at the end of their lives will compost. It should be said that even the plastic parts of Vivo’s shows start to disintegrate anyway after a year.

What are barefoot shoes?

They have wide area for your toes to open out. The soles have zero padding, and just a thin layer of rubber between your foot and the world. No support. Because “you are the technology” as the slogan goes. Our feet, essentially, are built to support our backs and bodies. Modern shoes, Vivobarefoot claims, can actually damage your feet and body by changing your gate, and by putting pressure on areas of your body when running like your knees.

My son has been wearing Vivo shoes for 7 years and so have I. The rubber on the soles of the shoes wear out before the rest of the shoe. So if rubber and plastics aren’t going to last a lifetime, we can say it’s time to usher in the idea of footwear that can melt back to the earth.

Vivobarefoot says they have been prototyping 3D-printed footwear since 2019. Brand co-founder Asher Clark previously called the development of a 3D-printed shoe “an obsession”. The process involves 3D-printing the harder parts of the shoe such as the sole, then 3D-knitting the upper part. By 3-D printing, essentially shoes can be customized to a customer’s foot in the color choice they want.

Read related: the 10 best marathons in the Middle East

By making shoes to measure, less material is wasted and product longevity is likely enhanced due to the shoes fitting the wearer perfectly. This translates to reduction in energy use and greenhouse gas emissions across the product value chain, according to companies that assess product life cycle.

Through its new partnership with Balena, Vivobarefoot is aiming to create 3D-printed shoes made with material that is both compostable and recyclable. Balena will apply its ‘BioCir flex’ material to the partnership. This material includes at least 50% bio-based content.

VivoBarefoot’s Clark said: “The world doesn’t need new shoes. We need a new system and new materials.”

Banela’s founder David Roubach said that there “is a need to advocate for a clearer circular economy model with a fundamental change in the materials we use” to reduce waste in this sector.

Billions of pairs of shoes are made globally each year. And most of these get thrown out as a by-product of fast fashion. That’s why there are so many flipflops in the Syechelles. If you have a business idea to work with a biodegradable material for rubber ducks and flipflops on a cruise line, you have a new impact company.

More on Balena here.

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With growing environmental concerns and heightened awareness among consumers, businesses that prioritise sustainability gain a competitive edge. They stand to gain not just environmentally but economically as well. Embracing sustainable practices can lead to cost savings, improved brand loyalty and happier customers. However, it is important to note that being sustainable is only beneficial if your customers can see and appreciate your efforts. Here are some practical ways to boost your business’s sustainability and ensure your customers notice.

Publish A Sustainability Report

One of the most effective ways to demonstrate your commitment to sustainability is by publishing a sustainability report or statement. This document allows you to outline your environmental goals, achievements and ongoing efforts. It can cover a range of topics, from reducing carbon emissions to promoting fair trade and conserving resources.

A great way to get this message across is by promoting it on social media. Extract key points and statistics to share on social platforms such as LinkedIn and Instagram. By consistently communicating your sustainability efforts, you reinforce your brand’s commitment to the environment. You will be keeping the topic at the forefront of your customers’ minds.

Install Solar Panels

Installing solar panels is a highly visible and impactful way to showcase your dedication to renewable energy. Solar panels are becoming increasingly popular due to their efficiency and the long-term savings they offer on energy costs. Companies like AR Power provide a range of options, including ground mounted panels and solar carports. These make it easier for businesses of all sizes to adopt solar energy.

Not only do solar panels reduce your carbon footprint, but they also serve as a powerful visual statement. Promote your solar installations through photos and videos on your website and social media platforms. You can even host events or offer tours to show customers and stakeholders your green energy initiatives in action.

Use Recycled Packaging 

For instance, using eco-friendly food wrapping paper offers a sustainable choice for packaging, helping to reduce environmental impact while maintaining product freshness. Searching for terms like “food wrapping paper Australia” or “eco-friendly packaging near me” should already provide a list of manufacturers that you can check out.

Packaging is often the first physical interaction a customer has with your product. This is a prime opportunity to communicate your environmental values. Switching to recycled packaging materials is a straightforward way to make a significant impact. Ensure that your packaging is not only made from recycled materials but is also recyclable, compostable or biodegradable.

Include clear information on your packaging about its sustainable attributes and how customers can recycle it. This transparency not only helps the environment but also builds trust with your customers. Highlighting these details in your marketing materials and product descriptions can further enhance your eco-friendly image.

Provide Electric Company Vehicles

Transportation is a major contributor to corporate carbon emissions. If your business uses company vehicles, consider transitioning to electric cars. EVs produce zero emissions and can significantly reduce your company’s environmental impact. Moreover, they act as mobile billboards for your sustainability efforts, especially if they carry your company branding.

The visibility of electric vehicles in your fleet sends a strong message to the public and your clients about your commitment to reducing emissions. Promote your EVs through social media posts, blog articles and press releases. You can also encourage employees to share their experiences driving electric vehicles to add a personal touch to your sustainability narrative.

In Conclusion

Improving your business’s reputation for sustainability requires both action and communication. While implementing eco-friendly practices is important, it is equally important to ensure your customers are aware of these efforts. Avoid the pitfall of greenwashing—making false or exaggerated claims about your sustainability. Instead, be transparent, honest and consistent in your communications.

The post The Easiest Ways For Businesses To Improve Their Reputation For Sustainability appeared first on Green Prophet.

Tel Aviv–Jaffa is constantly growing with massive construction and infrastructure projects. Preserving urban nature and connecting residents to it, maintaining and increasing the quality of life in this intense urban growth are significant challenges. The south Tel Aviv Shapira neighbourhood is located has been identified as a vulnerable neighbourhood in the climate change era dealing with more extreme heat waves and potential floods.

Related: vertical gardens in the city

Meet Tel Chubez, an urban agricultural farm located in the Shapira operating on principles of a circular economy. This vacant city land was transformed three years ago into a farm, providing residents with a green, productive space within the city, increasing wellness and access to fresh and healthy food while strengthening community resilience and increasing biodiversity.

The initiative was led by activists who engaged the municipality and local businesses. The vision to connect people to the land, the environment and each other exceeded expectations. Residents and businesses separate their organic waste and deliver it to community composting sites. In exchange, they receive ‘Lira Shapira,’ a local currency accepted at neighbourhood businesses, community centres, individual freelance, and more.

Related: Hydroponic rooftop gardens for food not cannabis and CBD

The residents can buy fresh vegetables growing at Tel Chubez with Lira Shapira. The compost returns to the farm to enrich the soil and plants. The farm, occupying four dunams, is being maintained by city employees, Lira Shapira NGO and volunteers. The cultivation method incorporates principles from permaculture and Biodynamics without any pesticides, focusing on growing local species following the seasons and a variety of over 60 fruit trees and local wildflowers that create an ecological system and habitat for birds and insects.

The farm includes workshop plots where courses and training sessions are held to transfer the practices to participants’ yards to improve biodiversity and attract butterflies and honeybees.

Tel Chubez became a green anchor for residents, plants and animals within a relatively short time. A model for collaboration internally in the municipality and externally with non-profits and businesses working together to build a new nature-based platform where environmental, social, economic and health positively impact.

::Lira Shapira

The post People get paid to compost at this urban garden appeared first on Green Prophet.

My mom is a composting and recycling enthusiast. When my family cleans up from dinner, we properly compost and recycle our food and materials. Every family can make an impact in their way.

Home composting

Composting plays an essential role in our efforts to manage organic waste. Home composting is gaining popularity in countries like Israel, with many households adopting composting practices to reduce organic waste sent to landfills. You can compost through a few methods, such as backyard compost bins or, if you are feeling adventurous, worm composting (vermicomposting); home composting allows individuals to turn their kitchen scraps, yard trimmings, and other organic materials into nutrient-rich compost for their gardens or potted plants.

You can compost food scraps, except for meat and dairy products. You can dispose of it at home. You can get a subsidized home composter from the Municipality to help with composting.

With the subsidized home composter, you can throw your organic food scraps into it and cover them with dry materials like branches, leaves, or grass. The composting process turns the organic waste into high-quality fertilizer for your garden or somebody else’s.

Composting organic waste is a simple and effective way to reduce landfill waste and help the environment. It also eliminates the hassle of dealing with heavy, smelly trash bags. Plus, your plants will benefit from excellent fertilizer.

Recycling 

Each local government has its system for collecting and recycling waste. You must visit your Municipality’s website to know the specific color bins provided and the types of waste your area recycles. Refer to the chart below to understand which trash belongs in each color bin.

Figure out locally what material goes into what color bin. 

You can recycle various packaging materials like plastic containers for dairy products and salads, bags for dry food and snacks, metal containers, and beverage cartons, except for glass and cardboard.

What happens to each type of material?

Metal is recycled into raw material for the construction industry by companies that you will find locally.

Rigid plastic and plastic bags are converted into rubber sheeting for the construction industry at recycling plants.

Plastic bottles and beverage cartons are sent overseas for recycling. The plastic industry turns Plastic bottles into raw materials.

Important tip:

Remember only to discard empty containers in the recycling bins. Wet waste like food scraps or dirty diapers can harm the recycling process. Some countries like Canada accept diapers as organic waste and they go into the organic waste bin. Make sure to clean your containers thoroughly. And keep them sealed to keep out rodents and raccoons.

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