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At creative reuse centers, old art supplies get a new life at a fraction of the cost

At creative reuse centers, old art supplies get a new life at a fraction of the cost

Creative reuse centers are keeping art supplies out of landfills by selling used materials for cheap
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Darling Ingredients Emphasizes Sustainability in Business Model

Darling Ingredients Emphasizes Sustainability in Business Model

Darling Ingredients Emphasizes Sustainability in Business Model
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Massive Clothing Waste in Chile's Atacama Desert Highlights Global Fast Fashion Crisis

Massive Clothing Waste in Chile's Atacama Desert Highlights Global Fast Fashion Crisis

In Chile's Atacama Desert, a significant environmental issue has emerged with the accumulation of approximately 60,000 tonnes of discarded clothing. This clothing mountain, visible from space, is a result of the global fast fashion industry. The garments, which include jackets, shoes, and children's wear, are primarily sourced from international second-hand trade. While some clothes find new owners, many remain unsold and are abandoned in the desert. The Atacama Desert, one of the driest places on Earth, has become a dumping ground for these textiles, reflecting the environmental challenges posed by overproduction and overconsumption in the fashion industry. The situation is exacerbated by the illegal abandonment and burning of unsold clothing, which releases hazardous compounds into the environment.
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New Jersey's 'Skip The Stuff' Law Aims to Reduce Plastic Waste in Takeout Orders

New Jersey's 'Skip The Stuff' Law Aims to Reduce Plastic Waste in Takeout Orders

New Jersey has implemented the 'Skip The Stuff' law, which prohibits restaurants from automatically including single-use items like plastic utensils and condiment packets in takeout orders unless specifically requested by customers. This law, effective August 1, 2026, is part of a broader initiative to reduce plastic waste and promote sustainable practices. The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) supports the law, emphasizing its potential to decrease litter and landfill waste. Businesses that violate the law face escalating penalties, starting with a warning and increasing to fines for repeated offenses. The law builds on previous measures, such as bans on single-use plastic bags and polystyrene foam containers.
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Ireland's Deposit Return Scheme Leaves €60 Million Unclaimed in 2025

Ireland's Deposit Return Scheme Leaves €60 Million Unclaimed in 2025

In 2025, Irish consumers left €60.1 million unclaimed in deposits for drink containers under the Government's Deposit Return Scheme. This figure represents a decrease from the previous year's unredeemed deposits of €66.7 million. The scheme saw a significant increase in participation, with 1.4 billion containers returned, up from 877 million in 2024, achieving a return rate of 76.4%. Re-turn, the company managing the scheme, reported a surplus of €34.4 million after taxation and noted a substantial increase in recycled material, with 30,917 tonnes returned compared to 18,893 tonnes in 2024. The scheme's Chief Executive, Ciarán Foley, praised the public's strong participation and return rates.
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New Jersey Implements 'Skip the Stuff' Law to Reduce Plastic Waste in Restaurants

New Jersey Implements 'Skip the Stuff' Law to Reduce Plastic Waste in Restaurants

New Jersey has enacted the 'Skip the Stuff' law, which prohibits restaurants from automatically including disposable plastic utensils and condiment packets with takeout orders. Customers must now request these items, and online and app orders will default to 'no utensils or condiments.' The law also mandates that full-service restaurants with at least 10 seats provide reusable, washable utensils for dine-in customers. Exemptions apply to certain establishments such as private schools, healthcare facilities, prisons, and food court vendors. Businesses that violate the law face warnings and fines, with penalties escalating for repeated offenses.
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Eurofragance Achieves Significant Sustainability Milestones with 41% Reduction in Emissions and Water Use

Eurofragance Achieves Significant Sustainability Milestones with 41% Reduction in Emissions and Water Use

Eurofragance Achieves Significant Sustainability Milestones with 41% Reduction in Emissions and Water Use
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Commercial Metals Gains Attention Amid Steel Market Developments

Commercial Metals Gains Attention Amid Steel Market Developments

Commercial Metals Gains Attention Amid Steel Market Developments
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Iondrive Advances North American Rare Earth Strategy with New Production Campaign

Iondrive Advances North American Rare Earth Strategy with New Production Campaign

Iondrive Advances North American Rare Earth Strategy with New Production Campaign
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EU Implements Ban on Destroying Unsold Clothing to Promote Circular Fashion Economy

EU Implements Ban on Destroying Unsold Clothing to Promote Circular Fashion Economy

The European Union has enacted a ban on the destruction of unsold clothing, accessories, and footwear, effective July 19, 2026. This regulation, part of the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR), mandates that large fashion companies prioritize resale, donation, repair, refurbishment, remanufacturing, or recycling over disposal. The initiative aims to reduce textile waste and encourage a shift towards a circular economy within the fashion industry. Medium-sized businesses will be required to comply by 2030, while small and micro businesses are currently exempt. The regulation allows destruction only in specific cases, such as when products are unsafe or damaged beyond repair.
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Designer Transforms Used Tennis Balls into Sustainable Footwear

Designer Transforms Used Tennis Balls into Sustainable Footwear

Designer Transforms Used Tennis Balls into Sustainable Footwear
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EU Implements Ban on Destroying Unsold Clothing to Promote Circular Fashion

EU Implements Ban on Destroying Unsold Clothing to Promote Circular Fashion

The European Union has enacted a ban on the destruction of unsold clothing, accessories, and footwear as part of the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR), effective July 19, 2026. This regulation mandates large companies to prioritize resale, donation, repair, refurbishment, remanufacturing, or recycling over sending items to landfills or incineration. The initiative aims to reduce textile waste and encourage a shift towards a circular economy within the fashion industry. Companies like EILEEN FISHER, Marimekko, and others are integrating recycled materials like CIRCULOSE® into their collections, reflecting a growing trend towards sustainable fashion practices.