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India has a big trash problem. TrashBot is trying to help.

Rishika Pardikar

May 09, 2019 |

The Christian Science Monitor |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: India, Bengaluru

Separating mixed waste efficiently with technology can help where waste segregation policies are lacking. In Bangalore, India, a machine called Trashbot sorts mixed waste into biodegradable and non-biodegradable components. Properly recycled waste can then be sold, avoiding landfills.

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World in Progress: Garbage solutions and restored treasures

Chelsea Wald

May 06, 2019 |

Deutsche Welle (DW) |

Radio |

5-15 Minutes

Response Location: Indonesia, Surabaya

In Surabaya, Indonesia, an unusual approach to composting is helping reduce waste. BSF technology is short for “black soldier fly,” a type of maggot that devours organic waste. Once it grows, it acts as a food source for livestock. Pending government regulation, people will be able to sell maggots and profit from the waste-saving process, helping the environment in the process.

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Some states reuse tons of unused prescription drugs; Maine burns them

Jon Chrisos

April 29, 2019 |

WGME-TV |

Broadcast TV News |

3-5 Minutes

Response Location: United States, Iowa

Every year, unused medications are thrown away costing states millions of dollars. A program in Iowa that has now spread to other states throughout the nation is tackling this issue by recycling and repurposing these drugs so that they can be distributed to populations that wouldn't otherwise be able to access them.

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Biogas saves money at wastewater treatment plant

Olivia Fecteau

April 26, 2019 |

WEWS-TV |

Broadcast TV News |

Under 3 Minutes

Response Location: United States, Medina, Ohio

Turning sewage sludge into usable biogas helps make wastewater treatment more efficient. A water treatment plant in the city of Medina, Ohio, produces net energy from sludge. The plant uses anaerobic bacteria and a thermal hydrolysis process to convert wastewater and sludge into usable byproducts, like biogas.

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Can rice husk briquettes stem the tide of mangrove deforestation in Myanmar?

Wudan Yan

April 23, 2019 |

Mongabay |

Multi-Media |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: Myanmar, Kyaiklat

Recycled waste from rice mills offers an alternative to mangrove forests as a fuel source. In the Irrawaddy Delta in Myanmar, rice mills are beginning to use their byproducts to create rice-husk briquettes. The logs, made from byproducts previously discarded by rice mills, provide a fuel source for individuals and other businesses that traditionally rely on charcoal. Using recycled rice husks reduces waste and offers a way to alleviate the exploitation of mangrove forests, which act as a vital natural barrier against cyclones.

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From Fatal Shots to Farm Plots: These Guns Are Given New Meaning

Monica Humphries

April 23, 2019 |

NationSwell |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States

For people wanting to dispose of their firearms, RAWtools offers a unique opportunity. Understanding that the process can be challenging and emotional, they recycle weapons into gardening tools through their Swords to Plowshares initiative. By offering this, the faith-based organization seeks to shift the narrative around gun ownership and find new ways to address conflict.

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Paying and Scraping in Pursuit of Zero Waste

James A. Anderson

April 22, 2019 |

Next City |

Text |

Over 3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Worcester, Massachusetts

Pay-as-you-throw (PAYT) is a model that charges residents of a given city for the trash they throw away, aiming to spur people to decrease the amount of waste they dispose. Acting like a utility payment, this model has been successfully implemented in a handful of cities, even decreasing trash by half in Worcester, Massachusetts. Some cities have even aimed for zero waste by adding in composting programs - though there’s still a long way to go.

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The zero-waste revolution: how a new wave of shops could end excess packaging

Stephen Moss

April 21, 2019 |

The Guardian |

Text |

Over 3000 Words

Response Location: United Kingdom, Crickhowell

All across the UK, zero-waste shops are gaining traction, with over 100 stores popping up in the last two years. They encourage shoppers to buy in bulk, minimize plastic waste, and ponder the power they have as consumers in where they shop. It’s part of a broader trend of reuse and repair that is making it easier to shop and live in an environmentally friendly way.

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Upcycling Guns

Jessica Press

April 16, 2019 |

The Philadelphia Citizen |

Text |

Under 800 Words

Response Location: El Salvador

Giving guns a nonviolent afterlife can also increase economic opportunity for struggling communities. In El Salvador, IM Swedish Development Partner, a nongovernmental organization, is addressing the issue of guns and violence by creating new partnerships and opportunities. Through the Humanium Metal program, confiscated guns are recycled into raw material and then sold to companies that produce finished products like watches, jewelry—and even toys. The funds from the project go back into funding efforts to further reduce violence in El Salvador’s communities.

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Cardboard Bombay cafe by Nudes is made entirely from cardboard

India Block

April 13, 2019 |

Dezeen |

Text |

Under 800 Words

Response Location: India, Mumbai

A new cafe in Mumbai is made entirely of cardboard to showcase the material's structural stability and dynamism, as well as its environmental sustainability. Everything from walls to chairs, and tables to lampshades, has been crafted from cardboard. The architecture firm is just one of many around the world experimenting with cardboard.

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