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Tag: carbon emissions

TreeTote: The Tote Bag That Saves +1100 Liters of Water

Posted on by dishanth
TreeTote: The Tote Bag That Saves +1100 Liters of Water

Did you know that a cotton tote bag consumes +1141 liters of water to be produced?

Cotton tote bags have flooded the market. Originally manufactured to combat single-use bags, this bag has become a trendy accessory. Brands have turned it into a true cult accessory. Yet, cotton tote bags are an ecological disaster. Cotton production involves astronomical amounts of water and pesticides, leading to soil drought and the development of dead marine zones.

In recent years, the “ fiber gap” phenomenon has appeared. Demand for cotton continues to rise while supply decreases. The consequence is skyrocketing prices. Natural fibers like cotton are increasingly being replaced by fibers derived from fossil resources. Cotton is predominantly produced in Asia and requires intercontinental transportation. Off-centre cotton supply chains release large amounts of CO2.

Organic growing systems are better for the soil as they maintain a higher soil quality, which reduces the runoff into local rivers. The soil is also much more resilient and can withstand extreme weather. Healthy soil acts like a sponge – it can absorb and retain water for longer periods, including droughts. This leads to a much lower consumption of organic cotton though it remains 90% higher than our lyocell wood fibre.

The Tree Tote

The TreeTote, a 100% wood fiber tote bag, was developed to address these challenges. Our totes are made from 100% European production. We keep our supply chain as close as possible to reduce CO2 emissions related to transport while producing a socially responsible and affordable bag. Our supply chain is exclusively European and includes three streams: Made in Europe, Made in the Alps and Guaranteed French Origin. The entire supply chain is traceable via the Respect Code on all our bags. By scanning the QR codes on our bags, you will see the entire journey from research to development, raw materials, production, distribution and use.

The prime material for our bags is timber, and they are made from 100% wood fibre from sustainable sources. Of the tree species used in the sourcing of wood for the TreeTote, the main contender is Beech. Beechwood availability is increasing as forests are being returned to a more natural species mix. Rising temperatures are also increasing its growth rate. This beech wood comes purely from PEFC/FSC-certified sources.

The material is generated by thinning or damaged wood left over from other operations. Almost all of the wood used to produce the TreeTote comes from Austria, where the fibre is produced. The rest comes from neighbouring countries, minimising transport and therefore the carbon emissions that come with it. Transport is highly optimised to keep our carbon footprint to a minimum. Shared transport is used whenever possible and, for longer distances, low-emission transport such as trains is prioritised.

Over 99% of the solvent used is recovered and recycled, and water consumption is reduced drastically. Even sustainable bags use plastic thread and tags, which are cheaper and widely available. We stray from plastic and only use TENCEL accessories to make our TreeTote 100% wood fiber. We also don’t add any extra mechanical or chemical steps to the line after weaving, which is rare in textile production, to save energy and water.

Regarding the water used to produce our tote bag, we achieved a 90% reduction in water consumption. If we compare our tote bag to a conventional cotton bag, which uses about 1200L of water, we reduce consumption by 99%. In the case of organically grown cotton, the reduction reaches 90%. Over 39,158,595 liters of water have been saved by TreeTote so far as a replacement for cotton bags.

Because dyeing, and the processes that come with it, have an enormous impact, especially due to water use for the dying itself and the washing steps that follow. We, therefore, choose to work with the fabric in its natural white colour.

OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 is one of the world’s best-known labels for textiles tested for harmful substances. It stands for customer confidence and high product safety. TreeTote has been awarded Class I certification, complying with the label’s strictest requirements.

After using the tote bag as many times as possible, we recommend recycling it with textiles as this is the highest value disposal. The Tree Tote is also 100% compostable.

 

 

 

 

Source   Happy Eco News

Creating Biochar to Sequester Carbon and Fertilize Plants

Posted on by dishanth
Creating Biochar to Sequester Carbon and Fertilize Plants

The slash-and-burn agriculture technique grows food whereby forested land is clear-cut, and any vegetation is burned. The resulting layer of ash from the burnt vegetation provides a newly cleared land with a nutrient-rich layer that helps fertilize crops. Traditionally, the area was left fallow and reverted to a secondary forest of bush. Cultivation would then shift to a new plot.

Unfortunately, as we’ve shifted towards a fast-past world, these techniques are deemed harmful to the environment as modern slash-and-burn techniques are a significant source of carbon dioxide emissions, especially when used to initiate permanent deforestation. Moreover, many of these plots do not get replanted.

On a smaller scale, farmers are turning to create biochar to sequester carbon emissions and aid in growing their crops. Biochar is similar to slash-and-burn techniques, except it is created artificially through a process called pyrolysis. It is made when biomass, such as fallen tree branches and crop residue, is heated at 200-400°C with little or no oxygen.

Various types of biomass have been used on a commercial scale to produce biochar. This includes agricultural and forestry by-products (such as straw or tree bark), industrial by-products (such as paper sludge and pulp), animal wastes (such as chicken litter) and sewage sludge. Converting biomass to biochar offers an excellent method for reducing waste and using these by-products.

This process decomposes the organic waste into a solid residue of carbon. Farmers can apply it to the field where around 50 percent of the carbon is stored in stable forms as a soil additive to improve drainage, aeration, plant health, crop yield, and water and nutrient retention. Biochar helps process things that settle on it, such as soil’s water and nutrients that the plants can access when needed. Biochar can also absorb heavy metals, reducing the plants’ risk of accessing them.

There are a number of ways that small farmers can use biochar to sequester carbon:

  • Incorporate it into their soil: Biochar to sequester carbon can be added as a soil amendment. This can be done by broadcasting it on the soil’s surface or by mixing it into the soil.
  • Use it as a fertilizer: Biochar can be used as a fertilizer by mixing it with compost or other organic materials. This can help to improve the nutrient content of the soil and increase crop yields.
  • Use it to produce energy: Biochar can be used to produce energy by burning it in a stove or furnace. This can provide farmers with a renewable source of energy.

This process reduces emissions from organic waste that is burned or left to decompose, producing greenhouse gases. Studies have shown that only about 10 to 20 percent of the residue carbon is recycled into the soil when crop residue is left to decompose on its own.

Biochar increases soil fertility more than simple plant matter and reduces nutrients from leaching from the crop root zone, meaning they would have to use less chemical fertilizers to grow their crops. Using biochar to sequester carbon will also benefit farmers who cannot afford to buy fertilizers or invest in organic cultivation techniques that take a long time to establish. It also helps establish independence among smaller farmers as they would not have to depend on chemical fertilizer companies.

Creating biochar to sequester carbon is a sustainable way to fertilize plants and actively remove carbon from the atmosphere. According to the IPCC, biochar is one of the safest, most durable ways to remove carbon from the atmosphere. It helps create nutrient levels in the soil that are more stable and resistant to environmental degradation. This allows farmers to save money and resources, reducing their environmental impact.

 

 

 

 

Source  Happy Eco News 

Toyota’s smart, sustainable concept city of the future

Posted on by dishanth
Toyota’s smart, sustainable concept city of the future

The seeds of the Woven City were sown in 2011, after the Great East Japan Earthquake decimated the area of a manufacturing centre and the Higashi-Fuji Plant was moved to the Tohoku area. Before the move, the plant had produced over 7m vehicles and was a “a driving force in the motorization of Japan.”

Toyota has been present in Japan for over 50 years, with manufacturing centers and corporate bases in the country creating employment and investing in community – The Toyota School programme, established in 1977 has educated over 40,000 young minds.

The plant relocation inspired the creation of Woven City, a hub of sustainability, community and mobility designed by Danish architect Bjarjk Ingels and inline with Toyota’s global sustainability promises.

Electricity for the Woven City is primarily generated by hydrogen powered fuel cells, like Toyota’s Mirai vehicle, in an effort to reduce emissions.

“Building a complete city from the ground up, even on a small scale like this, is a unique opportunity to develop future technologies, including a digital operating system for the city’s infrastructure,” says Akio Toyoda, president, Toyota Motor Corporation. “With people, buildings and vehicles all connected and communicating with each other through data and sensors, we will be able to test connected AI technology… in both the virtual and the physical realms… maximizing its potential.”

The Woven City, named for Toyota’s belief that sustainability and technology needs to be woven into the fabric of our future, has begun as home to around 300 residents but will swell to thousands.

The development of the city, despite looking firmly to the future, featured many traditional Japanese woodworking techniques and recycled wood and other materials.

Sustainable tourism for Thailand

Toyota has just partnered with Pattaya City to develop the city as an electric tourism hub, utilizing the development of sustainable energy to enhance service efficiency, reduce costs, and minimize the ecological impact of the city’s operations.

Sustainable transport lies at the center of the city’s developments, including electric buses as the city trials electric baht-busses.

The undertaking falls under criteria from the decarbonized Sustainable City Development Project, created in 2020 to promote sustainable urbanization

Following in the footsteps of the Woven City’s fuel generation, Toyota and Pattaya City aim to establish Thailand’s first hydrogen refueling station for fuel cell electric vehicles, establishing infrastructure for longevity for the development. As electric vehicles grow in popularity, the consistent question is how the infrastructure of charging stations can keep up with the demand.

The partnership aims to pave the way for sustainable tourism developing globally, encouraging profitability without costing the planet.

 

 

 

 

 

Source Sustainability

SAY Carbon is creating the coolest sustainable boat brand

Posted on by dishanth
SAY Carbon is creating the coolest sustainable boat brand

BizClik Media and Sustainability Magazine CEO Glen White had first-hand experience aboard a luxurious, environmentally-friendly yacht made by SAY Carbon Yachts.

The business, founded in Germany, produces cutting-edge, technologically advanced yachts, which are built using carbon fibre. Featuring three luxurious yachts – the SAY 29 (E), SAY 42 and SAY 52 – the business prioritises comfort, luxury and sustainability. While enjoying a trip to Ibiza, Spain, White got up close and personal with the SAY 42.

SAY 42: Ultra-low-emission engines combined with maximum comfort

Boasting low emissions and high performance, the SAY 42 demonstrates that stylish, luxurious and sustainable boating is possible – even for those who want to enjoy the seas with their family and friends

The SAY 42 is equipped with two certified ultra-low-emission V8 engines (860 hp) that consume up to 50% less fuel compared to conventional motor yachts, all while maintaining the same renowned performance.

The SAY 42 is ideal for those who appreciate extravagance. Each yacht is characterised by a modern design, featuring striking and unique lines and is equipped with state-of-the-art technology, including a digital cockpit, Seakeeper 2 stabilisers, pop-up showers, a retractable table and an owner’s cabin with a fully-equipped bathroom.

To ensure the yachts meet the highest possible sustainability standards while continuing to ooze luxury, CEO Karl Wagner, maintains control over every aspect of the manufacturing process. Every SAY Carbon Yacht is meticulously crafted to bring the customer’s vision to life, designed to be user-friendly while promoting maximum comfort.

 

SAY Yachts leading carbon fibre adoption

While working with his previous business, Carbo Tech, Wagner became a leading producer of carbon-fibre-reinforced components for the automotive industry. Its customer base included prominent names from Formula 1, including Aston Martin, McLaren and Porsche.

The numerous advantages of carbon fibre have led to its widespread popularity in various industries, including aviation, construction and motorsports. As pioneers in the pursuit of lightweight design, Wagner and his team demonstrate their expertise in manufacturing innovative motor yachts by utilising the properties of carbon fibre.

“Our expertise in lightweight constructions enables us to achieve a unique combination of acceleration, design and agility while lowering fuel consumption and extending range,” Wagner comments.

Consequently, SAY Yachts has emerged as an international, established manufacturer of luxury motor boats, offering only the highest quality available.

 

 

 

 

Source  Sustainability

According To New Study, Dust Absorbed By Phytoplankton Benefits Them

Posted on by dishanth
According To New Study, Dust Absorbed By Phytoplankton Benefits Them

Carbon prevention or carbon capture?

A significant amount of the conversation surrounding climate change concerns the release of carbon dioxide into our atmosphere. While this is important, the priority is most concerned with reducing or eliminating fossil fuel emissions.

While achieving this goal is paramount in creating a clean, eco-friendly world, the topic of carbon sequestration has been under the radar until recently. When most think of carbon sequestration, they imagine carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology or think of trees.

Both are valuable and productive carbon sequesters; however, they are not the only areas or mechanisms useful for reducing carbon dioxide in our atmosphere. Our world’s oceans are single-handedly the largest carbon sinks we have, and many marine organisms participate in this important process.

Phytoplankton makes up an important role in carbon deposition onto the ocean floor. In recent years, they have been thriving due to mass amounts of dust being created and deposited.

Carbon sinks and carbon eaters.

In the ocean, there are multitudes of different organisms sequestering carbon. Seagrass is one of the largest carbon sequesters and provides large habitats for other fish and marine animals to thrive in.

However, despite the outsize role that some marine organisms play in carbon sequestration, phytoplankton also makes up a key role.

Phytoplankton generally pulls up their nutrients from the ocean and use those nutrients to turn carbon dioxide into organic matter, which then gets deposited back onto the ocean floor.

Due to climate change-induced wildfires and natural disasters, phytoplankton have been thriving in recent years. According to a new study published in Science Magazine and led by Toby Westberry out of Oregon State University, there is a direct correlation between the amount of dust being brought into the ocean and the numbers and health of phytoplankton in the area.

They used satellite imaging to observe the differences in the coloration of the water before and after a major dust storm or wildfire occurred. They noticed that the water in the affected areas began to turn green, indicating larger numbers of phytoplankton.

The researchers also found that depending on the altitude of the marine environment, there is an observed difference in the health and numbers of phytoplankton. In lower altitude areas, there were fewer phytoplankton despite being healthy, and in higher altitude areas, there were more phytoplankton as well as being more healthy.

It all adds up.

Phytoplankton, while important, doesn’t make up as much of an impact on climate sequestration as one might hope. This is because dust-related phytoplankton growth only makes up 4.5% of the global yearly carbon dioxide absorbed by the ocean. Though, in some areas, the amount of carbon absorbed can reach highs of 40% of the total amount.

Nonetheless, It is important to be aware of the multitudes of different ways carbon sequestration can occur. These systems are large and complex and take up many different forms. To address the issue of storing carbon and removing it from our atmosphere, we must understand it won’t be a “one-size-fits-all” approach that is successful. It will take multiple different mechanisms working together and complementing each other to save our world. Phytoplankton, it seems, will be playing an important role in this.

 

 

 

 

Source Happy Eco News

Berrow-Zeice Hydrogen; Clean Retrofits for Diesel

Posted on by dishanth
Berrow-Zeice Hydrogen; Clean Retrofits for Diesel

Berrow-Zeice Hydrogen System is Emissions Free

Steve Berrow, who is located in South Wales, has expressed his elation about Innovate UK’s involvement in the project. He claims that the Berrow-Zeice hydrogen system, with its zero-emissions technology using hydrogen, is a “thing of great beauty.” Integrating the fuel system into a conventional combustion engine can provide an emissions-free solution, significantly reducing carbon emissions. The system’s practical applications are enormous, making it a game-changer in the field of hydrogen fuel technology.

Unlike a hydrogen fuel cell, which is a device that converts hydrogen into electricity that can then be used to power an electric motor, the Berrow-Zeice hydrogen fuel system is a unique hydrogen-powered fuel system that can be applied to any petrol or diesel engine. It takes in no air and delivers no exhaust resulting in zero emissions, making it a game-changing emissions-free system. The technology ensures greater efficiency for drivers than other current zero-emission offerings and has the potential to reduce carbon emissions significantly.

This innovation can potentially revolutionize the over 2 billion internal combustion engines currently in use worldwide, creating several multitrillion-dollar revenue streams by converting current rolling stock to this emissions-free system. The system’s potential to be applied to the 2 billion plus internal combustion engines already in existence presents a massive revenue stream opportunity for investors.

Innovate UK’s substantial grant further validates the patent-pending innovation, providing increased confidence for potential investors. Overall, the potential for the Berrow-Zeice fuel system to create a massive reduction in carbon emissions while providing a more efficient and cost-effective solution for drivers presents a compelling investment opportunity.

Most current zero-emission vehicles run on either lithium batteries or hydrogen cells, both of which have negative environmental consequences when manufacturing new automobiles. In addition, there is the issue of “electric stress” caused by batteries and the high cost of hydrogen cells for consumers.

The BERROW-ZEICE system offers a “100% fuel burn” to the engine, which provides greater efficiency for drivers than other current zero-emission solutions, potentially reducing carbon emissions worldwide. This technology will significantly impact public health and the environment by reducing the harmful effects of emissions like Carbon dioxide (CO2), Carbon monoxide (CO), Nitrogen oxides (NOx), Particulate matter (PM), and other unburned toxins in the breathable environment.

For more information on Berrow-ZEICE, visit their website at www.berrow-zeice.com.

Innovate UK is a UK-based innovation agency that provides financial and advisory support to clean technology startups and other innovative businesses. The agency has supported the Berrow-Zeice hydrogen fuel system with a substantial grant, which will facilitate the conversion and commercialization of a large power generator, paving the way for a wider commercial rollout across static and mobile applications.

Innovate UK’s support for Berrow-Zeice underscores its commitment to fostering the growth of the clean technology sector and driving economic growth by supporting innovative ideas and solutions. By connecting businesses with partners, customers, and investors that can help them turn their ideas into successful products and services, Innovate UK plays a crucial role in helping to realize the potential of new technologies that can address global challenges such as climate change and air pollution.

 

 

 

 

Source  Happy Eco News

Etihad Airways plans to use sustainable fuel made from CO2

Posted on by dishanth
Etihad Airways plans to use sustainable fuel made from CO2

UAE-based airline Etihad Airways has partnered with Twelve, a carbon transformation company, to promote sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) produced from CO2 and renewable energy.

Twelve combines renewable energy and water to convert CO2 into vital chemicals and materials derived from fossil fuels. This innovative formula reduces lifecycle emissions by 90% compared to traditional fossil-based fuels and is compatible with current aircrafts.

Etihad’s sustainable mission

The new partnership aligns with Etihad’s sustainability goals of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 and converting waste into fuel, with a target of diverting 75% of waste from landfills by 2025. The collaboration is driven by the growing demand for SAF among various airlines.

In 2019, the airline introduced the Etihad Greenliner Program, which allocated a Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner to focus on sustainability initiatives. The programme aims to identify and tackle key sustainability challenges through partnerships with Boeing and engine manufacturer GE.

SAF aligns with Etihad’s commitment to driving innovation and transforming the aviation industry towards sustainability, and the new partnership reinforces Etihad’s mission and sustainability efforts.

“Etihad Airways is working hard on its sustainability strategy and deploying a range of initiatives across the spectrum of sustainability to achieve that,” Mohammad Al Bulooki, Chief Operating Officer at Etihad said. “Collaborating with sustainable aviation fuel makers like Twelve to advance products like E-Jet fuel is an important part of that drive.”

A long-term solution for addressing aviation emissions

Twelve has developed a low-carbon jet fuel, E-Jet fuel, produced using carbon transformation technology, which has been tested and verified by the US Air Force.

By joining forces, the two businesses aim to plan international demonstration flights to promote SAF in the global market.

Twelve’s CEO, Nicholas Flanders, describes the partnership as an “honour” while highlighting the company’s progress towards a supply of drop-in jet fuel made from air and not oil.

Flanders continues: “Our E-Jet fuel allows airlines like Etihad to reduce emissions by up to 90% with their existing aircraft fleet, which will be critical to achieving the United Nations’ 2050 net-zero emissions target in aviation.”

 

 

 

 

Source  Sustainability

Xbox Initiatives to Reduce Waste and Carbon

Posted on by dishanth
Xbox Initiatives to Reduce Waste and Carbon

As part of Microsoft’s goal to be carbon negative, water positive and zero waste by 2030, its gaming console division Xbox is working towards reducing its carbon footprint through research, innovation, strategic investment, and accountability. Xbox is looking at ways to use less new plastic, minimise waste and reduce its carbon footprint.

Reducing Waste

The company has released a collection of controllers that contain 20% or post-more consumer recycled resins. The newest controller is the Xbox Remix. This controller is made from recycled plastics and includes the company’s leftover Xbox One generation controller parts. The old parts are reground and mixed with virgin plastic to make the controller. The post-consumer plastics used to make the new controlled include CDs, plastic water jugs and automotive headlight covers.

The company started incorporating post-consumer recycled resins into its controllers in 2021 when it introduced the Daystrike Camo and Electric Volt controllers. The Remix Special Edition is the first to include regrind (a term for ground industrial plastic waste) from other controllers. The controller also includes a rechargeable battery pack, allowing players to move away from disposable batteries.

Another way Xbox is reducing waste is by offering refurbished consoles. The consoles undergo a rigorous certification process and are tested to confirm they are working correctly and are inspected for hardware and cosmetic quality. This is an excellent alternative to buying brand-new consoles.

Carbon Aware

Xbox has also announced that they are the first to release dedicated energy and carbon emissions measurement tools designed for game creators. When the console is plugged in and connected to the Internet, and if regional carbon intensity data is available, Xbox will schedule game, app and OS updates at specific times during the night that may result in lower carbon emissions. The console will wake up and perform maintenance at a time when it can use the most renewable energy in the local grid. The company also considers updating consoles to the Shutdown (energy-saving) power mode. The Shutdown can cut power use by up to 20x when it is off compared to Sleep.

Another energy setting update is the “Active hours” setting which will allow the console to boot up and be available for remote wake during the selected active hours. It will fully shut down once the active hours are over.

Xbox also introduced their Xbox Developer Sustainability Toolkit, which includes analytical and visual systems, measurement tools, and resources to help creators make informed decisions about energy consumption and carbon emissions associated with their game designs. The Toolkit includes energy consumption feedback, certification reports, dashboards that show the carbon footprint and total energy consumer during gameplay, guidance, best practices and case studies.

Xbox is taking important measures to reduce its impact and is leading as an example to other game console companies. At the rate they are going, they will reach Microsoft’s carbon goals by 2030.

 

 

 

 

Source Eco Hero News

Decarbonizing Aluminum; a Low-Carbon Future for a Versatile Metal

Posted on by dishanth
Decarbonizing Aluminum; a Low-Carbon Future for a Versatile Metal

What is aluminum, and what is it used for?

Aluminum is a silvery-white, soft, nonmagnetic metal. It has good electrical and thermal conductivity and is used in many products, from cars and airplanes to packaging, foil and cans. It is a highly versatile metal, but many people don’t realize that it’s also one of the most carbon-intensive metals to produce.

Because it is used in so many diverse applications, the aluminum industry has a big environmental footprint. Aluminum production emits about 1% of global man-made greenhouse gas emissions. Most of these emissions come from using fossil fuels to make aluminum oxide (alumina), which is then reduced to aluminum metal in smelters.

The aluminum industry is working on ways to reduce its emissions. One promising technology is “carbon-free” or “green” aluminum production. This process uses renewable electricity – instead of fossil fuels – to produce alumina, which can then be turned into aluminum metal using existing smelting technology.

Several companies are already using or testing this technology, including Rio Tinto, Alcoa, Hydro and China’s Chalco. These companies are betting that carbon-free aluminum will be in high demand from industries and consumers who want to reduce their emissions footprints.

 

Why is aluminum production carbon-intensive?

There are two main reasons why aluminum production is so carbon-intensive. First, alumina, the raw material used to produce aluminum, is derived from bauxite ore, typically found in tropical regions. The process of mining and refining bauxite ore releases large amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.

Second, smelting alumina to produce aluminum metal emits significant amounts of carbon dioxide. Smelting is responsible for approximately two-thirds of the total emissions associated with aluminum production.

 

How will the industry decarbonize aluminum?

The most common method of producing aluminum involves the electrolysis of alumina in a high-carbon anode, which results in significant emissions of greenhouse gases. The industry is developing low-carbon technologies to reduce or eliminate these emissions.

Another promising technology is using renewable energy to power the electrolysis process. This would significantly reduce the carbon footprint of aluminum production. Solar, wind, and hydroelectric power can all power these processes while significantly reducing or eliminating emissions.

Recycled aluminum requires less energy to process and emits far less carbon dioxide than virgin alumina.

Each of these options comes with its challenges, but the aluminum industry is committed to finding ways to reduce its environmental impact. For example, Rio Tinto is investing in research into new smelting technologies that could significantly reduce emissions. Alcoa is working on a project to power its operations with renewable energy from forest biomass waste.

 

Will the quality of low-carbon aluminum be lower?

Decarbonized aluminum is made using low-carbon methods, which results in a lower carbon footprint. However, some worry that this type of aluminum will be of lower quality than regular aluminum.

No evidence suggests that decarbonized aluminum is any less strong or durable than regular aluminum. In fact, it may even be of higher quality due to the extra attention to the manufacturing process and modern innovations in the process. Low-carbon methods often result in a cleaner and more pure product.

A study by the International Aluminum Institute found that, when using best practices, there was no significant difference in the quality of low-carbon aluminum and regular aluminum. The study found that, in some cases, low-carbon aluminum had superior properties.

This is because environmental regulations are becoming more stringent, forcing producers to innovate and find ways to reduce their carbon footprint without compromising on quality.

 

 

 

 

Source  Happy Eco News

UK to join global coalition to combat food waste

Posted on by dishanth
UK to join global coalition to combat food waste

The UK has this week confirmed its intention to join the UNFSS, which commits members to halve food waste globally by 2030. The UK joins the likes of Italy, Australia and the US in becoming a member.

An estimated 9.5 million tones of food are wasted every year in the UK, while more broadly, more than one-third of all produced food is wasted. The UK will share its expertise, namely through the research and workings of WRAP to help combat food waste at home and abroad.

Minister Rebecca Pow said: “The UK, where food waste has fallen 21% per person since 2007, is rightly recognised as a global leader in tackling both domestic and international food waste. Joining the UNFSS Coalition will enable us to work further with other countries to solve this enormous issue.”

The commitment forms part of the government’s Environmental Improvement Plan to build a “truly circular and sustainable economy”.

The Government published its food strategy in June 2022. The UK Government has maintained that the strategy does address the biggest systemic challenges across the food value chain, including rising food costs, childhood hunger, public health and environmental sustainability.

To this latter point, agriculture was the source of 10% of the UK’s emissions in 2019 and 47% of England’s methane emissions specifically in 2019, according to official Government figures. This makes it a key challenge on the road to net-zero. With 70% of England’s land used for farming, farming approaches also have a major knock-on impact on the state of nature across the country.

More than 200 large food businesses already measure their food waste as part of the WRAP-IGD Food Waste Reduction Roadmap and the strategy is consulting on ways to improve reporting on this topic for larger businesses.

Commenting on the announcement, Liz Goodwin, senior fellow and director of Food Loss and Waste at the World Resources Institute, said: “The UK has been a clear leader in tackling food loss and waste for many years, so I am delighted that it is joining the Food is Never Waste Coalition where it will be a clear role model for others and will help promote focus on this important issue.

“We are now just seven years away from 2030 and it is imperative that we all scale up our efforts to reduce food loss and waste, which is essential if we are to meet climate agreement targets and create a sustainable, resilient food system.”

 

Disposal discretions

The announcement is timely. New research based on a survey from Waitrose warns that almost three million households across the UK may not be disposing of food waste responsibly.

The survey found that while 61% of UK households acknowledge that food waste is damaging to the environment, just 21% have access to curbside food waste collection and therefore throw leftover food into general waste streams.

Almost half (43%) claimed that they mistrust their local authorities to deal with waste responsibility, while 29% claimed that separating food waste was “too much effort”.

John Lewis Partnership’s director of ethics and sustainability, Marija Rompani said: “When we throw food away, we waste the precious resources it’s taken to grow, package and transport it – and as it rots in landfill, it produces methane, a greenhouse gas more potent than carbon dioxide.

“The simple action of throwing food in the bin is therefore more damaging to our planet than people often realise. Ideally, we should strive to eliminate food waste entirely but if necessary, it’s critical that households that have access to curbside food waste collection actually use it.”

 

 

 

 

Source edie