This Week in Waste: Top Stories July 18- 22

1. The Chinese Banned Our Recyclables: What Happened Next

Chaz Miller

After announcing a bill in 2017 to ban the import of 24 different recyclable materials, the Chinese government followed through with this legislation in March of 2018. The ban has had numerous different implications for Chinese companies and citizens, as well as other countries such as the U.S. This commentary piece by Miller explores his own experiences and opinions on the matter. 

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2. FRISKMEGOOD Redesigns Luxury Fashion with Use of Recycled Shoes

Jonathan Pierron

As the push for clothing brands to be more cognizant of their environmental impacts and act accordingly continually rises, luxury and high fashion brands are falling behind in these expectations by customers. While difficult, it is not impossible for a luxury fashion brand to achieve esteemed levels of sustainability efforts, as displayed by FRISKMEGOOD by Cierra Boyd. The fashion label was founded upon these standards and has shown that it is not only possible but has the potential to be an explosive success.

Read the full story here.

3. Is Climate Change Responsible for Our Worst Fire Month on Record?

Ryan Fogelman

Fogelman, writer and reporter for waste and recycling facility fire incidents, has noticed stark increases in these events since his start in 2016. With hot and dry environments being a primary component of these incidents occurring, the writer and researcher points to climate change as the potential culprit for the 50 fire incidents reported at facilities in the month of June 2022, the highest statistic on record.

Read more here.

4. Minnesota Stakeholders Work Toward Circular Economy for Flexible Film

Arlene Karidis

A coalition being called MBOLD –CEOs has made major steps in their efforts to create a circular economy for flexible film in the Upper Midwest. Today, the rate of flexible film recycling sits at 5% for the nation. With most of the collected recycled film from the midwest being shipped to either coast to complete its process, the coalition hopes to eliminate this barrier and establish circularity for the product in the region surrounding Minnesota.

Read the full story here.

5. Food Donation Legislation Gets a Shout Out at the Nation’s Capital

Arlene Karidis

In mid-July 2022 a rally in support of the Food Donation Improvement Act was held in the country's capital, with nonprofit and for-profit organizations alike taking part. The goal of the proposed law is to reduce waste, decrease food insecurity, and increase food donations. The act has yet to pass but remains heavily supported by individuals in all sectors of the food industry and politics.

Read more here.