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What corporations can learn from grassroot non-profits to achieve true sustainability

Posted on December 20, 2023December 20, 2023 by dishanth

In this thought-provoking article, Benjamin Western, Head of Sustainability at certification, assurance, and expert trainer LRQA, explores the surprising synergy between non-profits and large-scale enterprises in the pursuit of sustainability.

In the Greek island of Lesvos during the refugee crisis, thousands of people forced into the life of being a refugee, found temporary shelter before moving on to somewhere more permanent. Many were provided with blankets provided by large global non-governmental organisations (NGOs). It was here, while working with a charity I was part of founding called Indigo Volunteers, that I saw a grassroots idea that has impacted how I see the world.

As people moved to other locations, most were unable to take their donated blankets with them due to having such limited space to carry belongings. Add to that the fact the blankets were not designed for reuse, and the vast majority ended up going to landfill, despite only being used a handful of times. Thankfully, we came across a remarkable grassroots charity that tackled this challenge head on.

The group called themselves “The Dirty Girls” and had a mission to help those in need while reducing the amount of waste that went to landfill. They did this by collecting abandoned blankets and cleaning them for redistribution. It’s a story of how a group of independent volunteers, without the funds or infrastructure of large NGOs, built something from the ground-up that saved significant money, and prevented further waste going to landfill. The lesson here is about collaboration, innovation, and integrity.

Integrity is doing the right thing, not finding the easiest solution. In this situation it is far easier to distribute single use blankets. This is what the large NGOs did. This is what almost all corporations would do. But the team knew it needed to address the infrastructure to find a solution that was cheaper and had a lower environmental impact.

The Dirty Girls did this through collaboration with the dozens of other grassroot organisations on the Island, as well as large NGOs. They built a network with small businesses who were willing to help at a reduced price, and of course, in understanding the reality and context of people forced into the life of a refugee.

Honesty and transparency: key to progress

In the corporate world, the work I am part of drives meaningful action on sustainability, in large part by finding those overlapping areas between environmental and business goals. I’ve seen how internal transparency can help avoid accusations of wrongdoing and accelerate corporate progress on environmental issues.

Honesty within business is required to better understand what’s working well, what’s not, and why that might be. Proactively sharing knowledge and experiences in an interdepartmental setting are fundamental for working towards a collective goal, and transparency, even in cases of failure, must become standard practice. In these cases, transparency about why shortcomings have happened – and the thought processes and decisions that led to that outcome – is key to progress.

Best practices

It’s impossible to properly consider a company’s ESG progress as if it exists in a vacuum. Every company has suppliers, and there’s a level of interdependency when it comes to sustainability. If one company can reduce its own emissions to zero, the reality is that, without helping the supply chain make progress, we’ll barely scratch the surface.

We can lead the way, though. Establishing best practices internally can set a company up for environmental success. These best practices include establishing a means of sharing successes and failures – and the thinking that lead to them – so good ideas can spread and less helpful ones can be avoided.

My hope is that departments and leaders can learn from one-another when it comes to reducing their impact on the environment. As one sub-team figures out what works, they can share that knowledge, and others within the business can follow suit. Similarly, if a particular practice is found to be ineffective, others can learn from them and work towards finding methods that advance their environmental goals.

Collaboration is the cornerstone of the approach that we take at LRQA. Our stance is clear: in a connected world, integrity, innovation and collaboration are vital. Companies must pool their insights to navigate global challenges. To do that, there needs to be a shift in corporate mindsets – one that recognizes transparency as a step toward stronger businesses rather than a reveal of vulnerabilities.

Long term thinking

Another practice that helps is taking a long-term view. Many of us think in three-month cycles, as that’s when quarterly reports are due to shareholders. If we have a bad quarter, it can be easy to move sustainability down the list of priorities as we extend all efforts to make sure the next quarter is better.

Playing the long game can mean persuading shareholders that changing from quarterly to annual reporting is better as it allows staff to focus on long-term progress in business and sustainability, and not get distracted by one underperforming period.

This long-term view is one way that I’ve seen the benefits of from a business perspective. It’s the same principle I learned from the Dirty Girls on Lesvos, and I try to apply it in all discussions about business practices.

With increased internal transparency and the proactive sharing of what works and what doesn’t, businesses can make better progress on emissions and energy reduction than they can by keeping their ideas siloed. Thinking longer term helps us stay focused on environmental and business goals, rather than periodic reports which can ultimately be a barrier to success rather than a tool.

Ultimately, the way we do business needs to change. The health of the planet is not something that we can take for granted and if we allow ecosystems to be damaged, it won’t be long until it impacts our supply chains and makes it impossible for many companies to stay afloat. Good environmental practice is good business practice, and we must make that part of our common thinking at every level of business.

Source Sustainable Future News

Diesel introduces sustainable denim collection made from scrap materials

Posted on December 19, 2023 by dishanth

Italian clothing retailer Diesel has launched the collaborative initiative “DIESELOVES,” emphasising community engagement and environmental responsibility. Designer Glen Martens spearheads a program inviting denim brands to create impactful collections addressing environmental waste. These collaborative creations use scrap materials to blend distinct brand aesthetics into celebratory offerings. Diesel’s partnership with American denim brand Lee marks the debut capsule, showcasing the fusion of both brands’ denim styles.

Individually-souced fabrics are pinned together across upcycled bottoms split by brand. Light and dark washes intertwine along frayed seams, resulting in diverse and unique fits. Each pair comes with “DIESELOVES Lee” badges, available in straight, flared, and bootcut designs.

The collection’s European and Japanese releases via Diesel are available, with a global launch scheduled for March 2024.

Diesel’s commitment to sustainability is evident in their recent endeavours. For instance, this year’s Diesel Rehab Denim collection focused on circularity, featuring specially crafted jeans incorporating denim scraps from Diesel’s own cutting waste. Additionally, Diesel collaborated with UNIDO (United Nations Industrial Development Organization) on a pilot project aimed at establishing a closed-loop recycling system for fabric scraps, showcasing the brand’s dedication to sustainable practices.

Source Apparel Resources

Sahara Circular Gardens Stop Desertification, Provide Food Security

Posted on December 14, 2023 by dishanth

In the vast expanse of the Sahara Desert, a transformation is taking root—quite literally. Amidst the golden dunes and arid landscapes, Sahara circular gardens are emerging as oases of hope, pointing to a sustainable way forward in the face of increasing desertification. These meticulously designed green patches are symbols of human ingenuity and active combatants against the degrading soil and challenging climatic conditions of one of the world’s most unforgiving terrains.

Desertification refers to the process where previously fertile land degrades into desert. While natural climate fluctuations play a role, human activities—such as unsustainable farming practices and deforestation—have significantly accelerated the process. The Sahara, already the third largest desert globally, continues to expand, threatening local ecosystems and the livelihoods of millions.

This environmental phenomenon doesn’t just result in a loss of usable land. It disrupts local ecosystems, diminishes water resources, reduces agricultural productivity, and can lead to increased regional conflicts over dwindling resources.

Enter the circular gardens—concentric circles of vegetation that stand defiantly against the vastness of the desert. Here’s a breakdown of why and how Sahara circular gardens represent a beacon of hope in various ways.

Efficiency is paramount in regions like Senegal, where water is more valuable than gold. The design of Sahara circular gardens allows for a central water source, distributing the precious resource evenly to all plants. This hub-and-spoke model ensures that every drop is utilized to its maximum potential. The gardens, known locally as tolou keur, are the most recent incarnation of The Great Green Wall project.

These gardens are more than just a sum of their parts. Together, the plants work in harmony to create a relatively cooler micro-environment that maintains a higher humidity level than the surrounding desert. This microclimate is conducive to plant growth and offers a small reprieve from the otherwise harsh conditions.

The Sahara circular gardens’ genius lies in combining traditional desert farming techniques with modern agricultural knowledge. Local communities have long recognized the value of growing in concentric patterns, but today’s farmers are enhancing these methods with contemporary technology and insights.

Against the monochromatic backdrop of the desert, the Sahara circular gardens are vibrant hubs of life. They host a range of plant species, attracting essential pollinators and beneficial insects. This biodiverse setup supports the garden’s health and strengthens its resilience against pests and diseases.

Beyond the environmental benefits, these gardens have profound socio-economic implications. They provide local communities with a sustainable source of food and income. In an environment as challenging as the Sahara, the success of these agricultural initiatives can make a considerable difference to the economic well-being of the local populace.

Every plant in these gardens plays a role in healing the soil. As plants grow, decay, and get replaced, they return essential organic matter to the ground. Over time, this continuous cycle can restore the soil’s structure and fertility, combating the effects of desertification.

The gardens show that sustainable farming is possible even in adverse conditions. With carefully chosen plants, including those that naturally enrich the soil, these gardens can thrive with minimal external intervention.

The emergence of Sahara circular gardens is a testament to human adaptability and resilience. However, their proliferation also highlights the urgency of our environmental challenges. While these gardens offer localized solutions, they also underscore the need for global action against climate change and land degradation.

Researchers, environmentalists, and local farmers are keenly studying the potential and limitations of these gardens. As knowledge grows, techniques are refined, ensuring these green oases become even more effective in their mission.

The Sahara circular gardens are more than just innovative agricultural projects. They symbolize hope, resilience, and the indomitable human spirit. In the face of global challenges, they remind us that with ingenuity and collaboration, solutions can be found—even in the most unexpected places.

Source Happy Eco News

These Maasai women have developed an eco-friendly way to turn invasive cacti into bio-fuel

Posted on December 13, 2023 by dishanth

In Kenya, Maasai women have found an eco-friendly solution to an invasive and hazardous plant.

Parts of the opuntia cactus are edible, but its outer layers are covered in spikes and harmful to livestock which try to graze on it.

A group of women are now transforming the prickly pear into a bio-gas and preserves.

It is bringing them a form of employment and a method of empowerment.

Kenya’s livestock threatened by invasive cactus

The wilderness of Laikipia County, near Nairobi, is home to goats and cattle that roam freely.

They are frequently attracted to grazing on prickly pears, but these are an invasive species which threaten the natural environment.

The cacti were introduced by colonialists in the early 1900s as a natural fence and have morphed into an invasive menace that outcompetes native plants.

Its seed gets widely dispersed by the wind and the animals that pass through.

The hairs which cover the fruit can cause internal obstructions when eaten by animals, posing a significant threat to livestock.

Local farmers say the cactus now competes for critical resources, jeopardising community lands, wildlife reserves and livestock ranches.

Its encroachment also hinders wildlife navigation as well as reducing grazing areas.

Naimadu Siranga, a 65-year-old herder, has witnessed the devastation of the cactus firsthand, leading to the loss of over 150 of his goats and sheep.

“I once maintained a herd of more than 100 goats. Unfortunately, a series of losses ensued when they started consuming cactus plants, which led to mouth injuries, severe diarrhoea, and ultimately, the demise of my livestock,” he says.

“These circumstances have inflicted significant financial setbacks.”

Women’s group transforms cacti into bio-fuel

Now a women’s group in Laikipia County is transforming the cacti from a problem into a new enterprise.

They harvest the prickly pear and turn it into biogas which they can use in their homes.

The Iloplei Twala Cultural Manyatta Women Group has 203 members who are now employed in converting the cactus pulp into fuel.

This approach not only eradicates the cactus but also promotes environmental conservation and offers an alternative livelihood for the women.

“We came together because in Maasai culture, women do all the domestic work and own nothing at home,” says Rosemary Nenini, a member of the group, “so we want to empower ourselves.”

The fruits from the cactus are edible for both humans and animals if separated from their sharp spines.

So the Twala women at Laikipia Permaculture are also using the fruit to create a range of products including jams, cosmetics and juices. This generates an independent income for them.

Cacti pose a danger to baby elephants

Loisaba Conservancy, a 58,000-acre wildlife habitat in northern Kenya, home to iconic species such as lions and wild dogs, also grapples with the invasive cactus.

Animals unwittingly facilitate the spread of this invasive plant. Baboons, elephants, guinea fowl, and tortoises consume the sweet fruit and disperse the seeds.

However, elephants, while skilled at extracting the fruit from the spiny thorns, sometimes suffer from digestive issues due to the fruit’s small hairs.

“If the elephant is young, the hairs of the fruit can irritate the gut lining, create diarrhoea and sometimes even irritation in the gut,” says Tom Silvester, the Conservancy’s Chief Executive.

Combatting this invasive species proves challenging, as it spreads aggressively, even on barren rock.

Traditional removal methods, like manual labour and burning, have proved ineffective.

Teams now use heavy machinery to uproot the cactus, transferring it to designated areas and burying it in deep pits to minimise carbon emissions during decomposition.

This strategy results in fertile zones where native plants can regenerate and flourish.

As of June 2023, Loisaba Conservancy successfully cleared 3,100 acres of opuntia, marking a significant step in the fight against this environmental menace.

Research scientist Winnie Nunda from the Centre for Agriculture and Bioscience International says it’s a step towards preserving the country’s biodiversity.

Source euronews.green

Technology Helps City Air Purifiers Run at Scale

Posted on December 12, 2023 by dishanth

As urban air pollution increases globally, cities of all sizes are getting creative with technologies to literally filter out the smog. In 2017, China unveiled what it dubbed the “world’s biggest city air purifier” – a nearly 100-meter tall tower in northern China designed to reduce air pollution. While its effectiveness has limits, the towering structure demonstrates the growing interest in large-scale air filtration. Beyond this eye-catching prototype, cities worldwide are testing various innovative technologies to clean their skies.

In Xian in Shaanxi province, residents breathing some of China’s most polluted air are getting a reprieve thanks to their new neighbor – a 60-meter tall city air purifier tower. The structure’s interior has multiple filtration layers to catch particulates as air passes. An interior glass enclosure helps contain airflow so polluted air can fully pass through the system.

Since becoming operational in 2017, the city air purifier tower has noticeably cut harmful PM2.5 particles in the surrounding 2.6 square mile area. Cities like Xian regularly suffer from winter smog, blanketing entire regions. While not eliminating pollution, the tower provides cleaner air in its immediate vicinity.

The concept behind the city air purifier is similar to industrial scrubbers cleaning factory exhaust. Scaling up the technology, its designers hope such towers could eventually clean the air across entire cities. Of course, a limitation is that people must be close to the towers to benefit. And the structures are costly to build and operate. Still, China’s prototype tower has spurred interest in exploring larger-scale air filtration to supplement other anti-pollution measures.

While China goes big, other pollution fighters use buildings as filters. High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filtering systems installed in central air ventilation systems are increasingly common. HEPA filters use densely packed fibers to catch over 99% of particulates, pollen, and other pollutants. Similar city air purifiers at the street level are also possible. Smog halting benches designed in Paris contain a HEPA filter, sucking in air as pedestrians sit.

Living walls of plants built onto building exteriors also naturally filter gases. One study found adding 172 square feet of plants per person in London could remove all PM10 particulates. Mosses are especially effective pollutant absorbers.

Specialized building materials also react with and neutralize air pollutants when exposed to light. Concrete can be coated with titanium dioxide, which oxidizes nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds into safer compounds. Hydrophilic coatings help droplets absorb particulates.

Researchers are working on incorporating similar photocatalysts into road asphalt. These chemically treated roads could reduce tons of air pollutants daily if widely adopted.

Green algae may also hold the potential for clean city air through bioreactors. Experimental units in Hamburg use circulated airflow to filter exhaust fumes through an algae facade. The algae neutralize airborne pollutants while multiplying and producing biomass that can be harvested for biofuels.

What works in lab prototype city air purifiers, however, often proves challenging to execute citywide. Costs, aesthetics, and maintenance frequently impede adoption. Visible additions like green roofs require public acceptance. Passive approaches like photocatalytic paints, while hidden, need reapplication over time.

Scaling across metro areas also poses hurdles. Shanghai officials planned a network of small purifier towers across the city, but only a few ever materialized. Even proven concepts like roof gardens struggle to spread, as few developers want to trade rentable space for plants.

While technical solutions can filter pollution already in the air, reducing emissions at the source remains vital. You can’t plant your way out of bad air.

Despite obstacles, experts forecast continued innovation and cost reductions, improving feasibility. Market growth also brings economies of scale. Global green walls are forecast to be a $7.5 billion industry by 2030. Modular green facades and roofs can now be delivered as easy-install kits.

Policy measures like subsidies, tax incentives, and mandates will likely be needed, however, to spur mass adoption. Many cities now require mechanically ventilated buildings to install city air purifiers through filtration. While these are intended to protect building occupants from pathogens such as coronavirus, they also have the net effect of reducing particulate and other toxins from the air. Building codes could similarly require passive air-cleaning coatings and surfaces.

Though major pollution sources like autos require parallel efforts, creative technologies can help cities breathe easier. China’s massive air purifier may be just the start of a cleaner air movement. The scale of the air pollution crisis demands big, visible solutions to jolt public awareness.

While towering city air purifiers or algae bioreactors may capture headlines, addressing urban air pollution requires a multi-faceted approach. Technical fixes can target existing pollution, but cities must also prevent pollution at the source by transitioning to cleaner energy, transport, and waste systems.

Public awareness and policy measures are equally vital to drive large-scale adoption of innovative city air purifier concepts. Financial incentives, tax breaks, and inclusion in building codes could help technologies like photocatalytic coatings and surfaces become mainstream. Grassroots activism also plays a crucial role in keeping air quality high on urban agendas.

Though critical, bold engineering feats like China’s massive city air purifier tower should be viewed as supplementary elements of long-term solutions rather than silver bullet fixes. As much as cities need breathable air, those relying on singular grand gestures risk short-changing public health. Lasting solutions require a patient, systematic transition toward deeper sustainability.

Still, visionary projects like China’s offer hope by viscerally demonstrating the scale of what’s possible. Initial results and statements suggested the tower can produce over 10 million cubic meters of clean air daily. If we were to use this figure as a rough estimate, it would translate to about 3.65 trillion cubic meters of clean air annually, having a positive effect on the health of those living near it.

When paired with holistic strategies to address transport, energy, and waste systems, creative pollution mitigation technologies can steadily help clear the air. Cities have a responsibility to use every tool and innovation at their disposal to ensure citizens can simply breathe clean air.

Source Happy Eco News

UAE joins Powering Past Coal Alliance

Posted on December 8, 2023 by dishanth

The UAE and Malta have today (5 December) announced that they have joined the Powering Past Coal Alliance (PPCA), committing to transition from unabated coal power generation to clean energy.

It marks a key step for the COP Presidency, which is still facing accusations that it is using the climate summit to boost its oil and gas exports.

For all the size of its oil and gas economy, which makes up 40% of government revenue, the UAE does not have any coal reserves and operates only one coal-fired power station. Indeed, the UAE stopped using coal in power generation in 2022.

Malta is not a major coal player, with no domestic coal extraction. It does import some coal for heavy industry from markets including the EU. Malta phased out coal power in 1996.

Malta and the UAE bring the total number of new PPCA members announced at COP28 up to nine. Other members include the US, the Czech Republic, Cyprus, Dominican Republic, Iceland, Kosovo and Norway. The PPCA now covers 59 countries.

The PPCA argues that the UAE joining the Alliance sends a strong signal for a complete coal phase-out to be included at COP, which its members have also been advocating for.

Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, COP28 President-Designate, United Arab Emirates said: “Today I am delighted to announce that the United Arab Emirates has joined the Powering Past Coal Alliance. Since COP23, this Alliance has been a leader in driving global momentum to move beyond coal and towards cleaner forms of energy.

“The path to decarbonisation must involve a transition away from unabated coal towards renewable energies. We are clear on the course of action needed and are determined that COP28 provides actionable solutions to enable progress.”

The Alliance is also launching a call to include a commitment in the cover decision of the Global Stocktake to end unabated new coal and phase it out in line with 1.5C. Draft texts of the Global Stocktake emerged at COP28 overnight.

The 12-page document, “welcomes” that the Paris Agreement has “driven near-universal climate action by setting goals and sending signals to the world regarding the urgency of responding to the climate crisis”.

However, the draft text “notes with significant concern” emissions are not in line with modeled global mitigation pathways consistent with the temperature goal of the Paris Agreement. It warns of a “rapidly narrowing window to raise ambition and implement existing commitments” in order to limit warming to 1.5C.

The document is currently light on mentions as to how fossil fuels should be phased-out and also lacks detail on key biodiversity mechanisms such as combatting deforestation and championing nature-based solutions.

Source edie

AstraZeneca’s first AI-monitored tree-planting programme

Posted on December 7, 2023 by dishanth

The Republic of Kenya is focused on regenerative action as it builds towards a more sustainable future through tree-planting—rebuilding ecosystems to sequester carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. We saw this in November 2023 where authorities granted a national holiday for the purpose of planting 100 million trees across the country, which will play a major role in regenerating its land, but also encouraging its people to take ownership of climate change.

In fact, tree planting is perhaps one of the most selfless ways to reduce climate change, by taking accountability as a nation rather than pinpointing global warming on a specific group. Implementing ways in which the population can contribute is one of the most impactful steps that gets everyone moving.

The role of AI in regenerative projects

AstraZeneca, the pharmaceutical research company, is also taking on such a challenge, only technology will be instrumental in its results. At this year’s COP28 in Dubai, the organisation uncovered its latest strategy for global impact—a tree planting project that will be monitored by artificial intelligence (AI).

It’s called the AZ Forest programme andis a project in collaboration with experts at Earthbanc and the Green Planet Initiative 2050 Foundation, to cover 3,500 hectares of land across six counties of Kenya adjacent to the Rift Valley.

“The link between planetary and human health is clear. Investing in our natural world through tree planting and conservation, and limiting deforestation, are some of the most effective preventative health steps we can take,” says Juliette White, Vice President Global Sustainability, AstraZeneca. “By expanding AZ Forest to Kenya, we are progressing our commitment to deliver reforestation at scale, with a science-led approach that benefits both the environment and local communities.”

AI will play a major role in assessing the health of the plants as they establish themselves as major, carbon-sequestering organisms, which will increase biodiversity across the country. This requires a feed of data in the form of drone footage and satellite imagery to paint a full picture of the plants’ life cycle.

Also showing appreciation for the efforts of the three organisations, Her Excellency Rachel Ruto First Lady of the Republic of Kenya says: “Climate change affects us all and tackling it requires concerted action from governments, individuals, and business.

“We welcome AstraZeneca’s approach to reforestation: working with local communities to ensure economic benefits for people that match the positive impact on the planet. This initiative will contribute towards Kenya’s goal to plant 15 billion trees over the next decade.”

Particularly in tree-planting, AI can play a major role in analysis and monitoring data as they grow. So, why is it important to monitor a natural process? Firstly, we imagine this is to encourage a successful growing period for the trees—reporting the success of AstraZeneca’s overall commitment to planting 200 million trees across six continents by 2030.

“This land regeneration project in Kenya is a very exciting opportunity that we are pleased to support in collaboration with our partners,” says Tom Duncan, CEO, Earthbanc.

“Earthbanc is committed to bringing private sector climate finance to accelerate and scale reforestation to meet the challenge of climate change. The AZ Forest initiative brings significant co-benefits with its focus on circular bioeconomy, sustainable communities, ecosystem health and sustainable markets. We are looking forward to this project launch and demonstrating that we can all play a part in the global effort towards planetary regeneration.”

AstraZeneca’s global portfolio of regenerative projects

This project builds upon AstraZeneca’s efforts in Ghana and Rwanda—to name its African projects—as well as Australia, Indonesia, France, the UK, and the US.

Australia: A collaboration with Greening Australia and One Tree Planted has resulted in over four million trees being planted, aiming for a total of 25 million. This includes 260 types of native trees, aiding in the protection of vulnerable and endangered wildlife.

Indonesia: Working with One Tree Planted and Trees4Trees, the initiative has led to the planting of over three million trees. Additionally, in 2022, over 13,000 farmers participated in agroforestry activities.

Ghana: Through the “Living Lab” project, in collaboration with CBA, over three million trees have been planted to enhance ecological and community resilience.

France: At the Palace of Versailles, 450 rare oak trees, lost in the storms of 1990 and 1999, have been replanted. These oaks create habitats for various wildlife like butterflies, birds, and mammals, increasing biodiversity and rejuvenating the famous Versailles gardens.

UK: In partnership with Forestry England and Borders Forest Trust Scotland, over 470,000 trees have been planted in Scotland and England. These efforts are focused on developing high-quality woodlands, contributing to physical and mental health through additional green spaces.

US: In a joint effort with the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, over 100,000 trees have been planted, restoring more than 100 km of riverside woodland areas.

Source Sustainability

Larger Cargo Bikes in NYC Transport More Goods

Posted on December 6, 2023 by dishanth

City is considering larger cargo bikes in NYC to transport more goods in more places.

New York City may soon permit larger cargo bikes in NYC to legally operate on its streets in a move that could substantially grow urban freight delivery by cycling. The NYC Department of Transportation proposed new rules that would legalize pedal-assisted electric cargo trikes up to 10 feet long and 10 feet high.

If adopted, the larger trike dimensions would enable more goods to be transported by bikes rather than vans and trucks. Advocates say embracing cargo bikes tailored for commercial uses can reduce traffic, pollution, noise, and curbside congestion caused by urban delivery vehicles.

Under current regulations, only smaller cargo bikes meeting dimensions for standard bicycles are street-legal in NYC. Larger cargo bikes in NYC are all but inevitable; cargo trikes exceeding those size limits have become popular for urban logistics in other US and European cities.

The proposed guidelines for larger cargo bikes in NYC would align with size allowances for cargo trikes in cities like Seattle, Detroit, and Philadelphia. The NYC DOT stressed cycling freight remains supplementary to traditional truck delivery but offers environmental benefits.

Larger cargo bikes in NYC can “provide increased hauling capacity compared to smaller bicycles…potentially reducing reliance on truck trips and promoting a more sustainable city,” the agency stated.

Expanding cargo bike delivery supports sustainability goals in New York City’s 25-year master plan released in 2021 aimed at equitable climate action. The plan’s transportation section calls for transitioning to cleaner freight options to reach carbon neutrality.

Advocates say allowing larger cargo bikes in NYC tailored for commercial uses would align with the master plan’s priorities. They argue substituting just one fossil fuel-powered delivery truck or van with an electric-assisted cargo trike prevents significant emissions over time. Each trike potentially displaces those larger, polluting vehicles that are worsening both congestion and air quality on NYC streets.

Wider cargo bike adoption can make a meaningful dent in transportation emissions, accounting for nearly 30% of New York City’s total carbon footprint. Cargo bikes also alleviate other pressures urban delivery vehicles create, such as noise, parking limitations, road safety concerns, and decreased public space. Unlocking the potential of micro-mobility freight options like cargo trikes is key to reaching the sustainability vision outlined in the 25-year plan.

The larger cargo bikes in NYC would utilize electric assist motors to haul substantial loads up to 500 pounds with minimal strain compared to pedaling those heavy full loads. Their three-wheeled stable design and sturdy hauling strengths make these cargo trikes ideal urban delivery vehicles for short distances or last-mile trips from distribution hubs. Cargo bikes’ small size, maneuverability, and zero direct emissions also let them nip through urban traffic easily for swift point-to-point goods movement.

Commercial cargo trike models can have front buckets or storage bins to securely transport goods, food orders, packages and more. Some designs allow custom boxes or refrigerated containers to be attached.

Logistics companies like Amazon, UPS, and FedEx already use cargo trikes in a few American cities to shortcut traffic in dense areas. Smaller NYC firms have recognized their benefits as well. For example, Gotham Greens, an urban produce grower, relies on a fleet of cargo bikes to distribute fresh salad greens to local restaurants and stores from their rooftop greenhouses. Beer distributor TriBeca deployed heavy-duty e-trikes last year capable of carrying 800 lbs of beer kegs to pubs and restaurants. They aim to replace several delivery vans to cut diesel emissions.

Experts say each switched delivery from vans to bikes eliminates, on average, about 7 tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually. Less truck traffic and parking also create safer, quieter streets.

But despite their promise, cargo bikes presently make up a tiny fraction of urban goods movement. Questions remain over whether larger cargo bikes in NYC could substantially dent air pollution and congestion woes created by the over 65,000 daily truck trips.

The NYC DOT will collect public feedback on proposed cargo trike regulations this spring before finalizing new rules. Customized trike manufacturers and logistics firms will be watching closely.

Larger cargo bikes have carved growing niches abroad in Amsterdam and London. For cycling advocates, allowing them in New York City could be a critical step to build momentum for sustainable urban freight.

Source Happy Eco News

Recycle Plastic Bags into Oil with New Machine

Posted on December 1, 2023 by dishanth

A Japanese inventor learned how to recycle plastic bags into oil with a new machine.

A Japanese inventor has designed an innovative machine that can recycle plastic bags into oil. 70-year old Akinori Ito created the recycling device to process hard-to-recycle plastic waste into usable fuel.

Ito’s machine shreds plastic bags into flakes and then melts them at high heat, producing an oil liquid similar to light crude. The unconventional recycling method aims to reduce waste while generating income for local communities. The machines come in a variety of sizes, from desktop-sized to community-scale.

“I don’t want this equipment to just be used by major companies. I want it to be used in small towns and villages,” Ito shared.

His compact recycling unit measures around 4.5 meters long by 2.5 meters wide with various control stations. Up to 1 kilogram of plastic bags can be loaded into the shredder per hour.

The shredded plastic is then fed into a hot furnace, melting the material at temperatures up to 430 degrees Celsius. The intense heat decomposes the hydrocarbons and will recycle plastic bags into oil.

Different grades of fuel oil can be created depending on the temperature and components used. Higher heat produces lighter oils akin to diesel or gasoline. The oil can then be sold to buyers as recycled petroleum products.

Japan generates over 9 million tons of plastic waste annually but recycles only 22% of it, government statistics report. The country imports much of its energy and previously recycled most plastics into lower-grade uses like concrete filler. The ability to recycle plastic bags into oil is something that Japan needs.

Motivated by both the waste and energy issues, Ito spent over 20 years perfecting a system to upcycle plastics into usable crude oil.

After testing various methods, the retired electronics engineer pioneered the pressurized hot furnace technique to recycle plastic bags into oil.

“I didn’t expect oil made from plastic bags would be such good quality when I first produced it,” shared Ito. “The quality of oil is high enough to be sold to consumers.”

By selling the oil produced, local groups and municipalities can fund new recycling efforts in a self-sustaining loop. “I hope more people will use the machine in their community,” said Ito.

Several Japanese municipalities have already installed Ito’s invention to process hard-to-recycle plastic films, bags, wrappings, and other waste into oil.

The city of Akita estimates they can convert several hundred kilograms of plastic waste per day into nearly $500 worth of oil. Some groups report producing over 80 liters of oil daily.

But challenges remain in scaling up the niche recycling concept. Collecting sufficient plastic volumes is difficult in smaller towns. Removing ink and labels from plastic bags is an added step. The systems also require maintenance of technical equipment.

Still, supporters believe Ito’s invention provides an important outlet to reduce unrecyclable plastics piling up in Japan and other countries. His machine offers a rare solution for polyethylene films that lack recycling markets globally.

If expanded, systems that recycle plastic bags into oil could reduce environmental and crude oil imports for countries while generating income. With further development, experts envision entire localized supply chains optimizing the plastic-to-fuel concept.

For his innovation, Ito was awarded the Medal of Honor from Japan’s Ministry of Environment in 2018. His persistence in creating a real-world solution also highlights the power of grassroots initiatives to spur change.

Said Ito: “I don’t want my technology to end up sitting on the shelf. I want it to be used practically to help communities.”

Source Happy Eco News