A UN report says that less than one-third of metals are recycled at a rate of more than 50 percent worldwide, and many are hardly re-used at all, a trend that could jeopardize the emerging green technology sector.

In a study of how 60 “inherently recyclable” metals are collected, processed and re-used, the report by (more…)

So you consider yourself a fairly ‘green’ person. You may install compact fluorescent light bulbs, monitor your water use, unplug unused household appliances, recycle what you can and even use public transportation or ride a bike to work. Whatever your action of choice, you’re doing your part to reduce (more…)

The incredible amount of waste modern civilization produces needs to go somewhere. But where?

In some parts of the world, garbage is incinerated, especially in Europe. In other parts, it goes to landfills. Both methods attract criticism.

Why Files has an in-depth article on the (more…)

Scotland is introducing a new recycling program targeting materials that cause the most environmental damage — including food waste, plastics, and textiles — rather than simply focusing on weight.

Beginning in 2013, local communities and households will be asked to increase recycling of waste materials that have “high (more…)

New Jersey’s universities have been making significant strides to become greener facilities, and Kean University (Kean) prides itself on being at the forefront of that effort. Kean has signed an agreement with the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to enhance sustainable environmental practices at the school. As part of the agreement, Kean has pledged to reduce (more…)

This week I’ve been examining the rare earth materials critical to a host of clean technology applications. The intention is to produce an accurate forecast of rare earth demand from the clean technology industry.

As we’ve talked about before, several rare earth metals with unique chemical and (more…)

Some people claim that women tend to be greener than men when it comes to everyday actions we can take to mitigate our impact on the planet. For example, women are more likely to be vegetarian (60 per cent more) than men; they’re also more consistent with their recycling.

The fact is that in the U.S. women control 85 per cent of all purchasing decisions, which means it’s in their (more…)

(Reuters) – The European Parliament proposed stricter rules on Thursday to halt what has become Europe’s fastest growing type of waste: discarded mobile phones, computers and other electronic devices.

European Union lawmakers said they wanted member states to collect at least 85 percent of discarded electronics by 2016, compared with only 33 percent today. (more…)

The plastic booms used to absorb oil spilled into the Gulf of Mexico earlier this year will be recycled for use as parts in the plug-in electric Chevrolet Volt. General Motors officials say the recycled oil extracted from the booms will be converted into 100,000 pounds of plastic resin pellets that will ultimately be mixed with recycled tires to create the parts that protect the Volt’s (more…)

Cereplast, a company that makes starch-based renewable plastics, wants a new bioplastic symbol and has launched a competition that will give $25,000 to the winner. More details will be announced on January 3rd, 2011.

Applications will be judged by none other than Gary Anderson, the designer who in (more…)