Sustainable Consumption Stories
In a first, researchers have engineered marine bacteria to destroy plastics in seawater
By combining key traits of two bacterial species, the team created a novel bug that can break down plastics in salty conditions—at room temperature.
Working from home 1 day a week cuts carbon by 2%. 2-4 days up to 29%. Full-time 54%.
An unusually comprehensive study shows remote work is better for the climate, but mainly in large doses
What’s the Carbon Catch?
Most seafood is more climate-friendly than its terrestrial counterparts. But the latest controversies run deeper than simply wild-caught vs farmed.
Indoor lettuce produces double the yields, doubly fast
A first-of-its-kind meta-analysis shows that lettuce thrives indoors—pointing to climate-proofing the $3 billion salad industry.
Engineers close a circular economy loop by making stronger concrete with old coffee grounds
Their technique not only keep coffee grounds out of landfills, it also works as a replacement for dwindling sand resources.
What if carbon taxes were based on income linked to emissions—rather than consumption?
A new study suggests that a shareholder-based carbon tax might be more effective than a consumer-based one.
Succulence is one thing that meat alternatives lack. High-tech engineering could change that.
Researchers cracked the code using three main ingredients: plant proteins, water, and an artificial tongue.
Colorful paints could slash heating and cooling energy use
By reflecting infrared heat, these new paints could could keep buildings cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter without using energy.
Melatonin, a sleep aid, is a surprising treatment for food waste
By increasing produce’s tolerance to cold, melatonin staves off the damage done by the long, chilly journey from farm to fork.
The growing field of fungus in low carbon, sustainable building materials
Two new studies show how a lightweight construction material and a fire-retardant, both made from fungi, could be safe, sustainable alternatives to the chemicals, foams, and plastics in our homes.
