Special Interest
In general, microplastics are synthetic polymer compounds that form when large plastic materials are fragmented and micronized to a size ≤5 mm. (Lee) When considering large scale environmental and human health impacts of microplastic, it is important to know where it is coming from to get at its source. In
Science & Tech
Plastic waste is one of the most urgent environmental issues of our time. Less than 10 percent of the plastic we use is recycled, and there’s currently an estimated 100 million tons of plastic in oceans around the world. But what would happen if we stopped thinking of plastic
Science & Tech
This article goes over some alternative products that promote environmentalism over more common disposable products. This piece is functioning like an ad for environmentally conscious consumers. Seeing what consumers enjoy now will help grow the understanding of how our current technology is meeting needs and some ways it may be
Science & Tech
As designers, it is important to consider how long our work will be around and the different context it may be encountered in. A wholistic view of these impacts is important to keep in mind. Sometimes little things slip through the cracks of our perception which requires empathetic and proactive
Science & Tech
The Local Loops project has a focus on plastic recycling, but is plastic always the best material to use? I have many questions about when plastic should and should not be implemented. This article gives a glimpse into alternative materials and their applications. Being able to ensure freshness, convenience and
Science & Tech
A big question I have at the start of my project is how waste can be collected for recycling purposes. This article looks at an innovative technology that works in a marine environment to collect litter. I am curious to explore its capabilities and limitations. Multiple robots coordinate to collect
Arts & Lifestyle
The iconic artwork was installed in central Ohio in 1994. It features 109 human-sized ears of corn standing upright in row patterns in a field, a symbol of the community's agricultural history. (Associated Press) The Dublin corn is a local story that shows a public installation piece that
Business
Overproduction is a massive contributor to ecological destruction. For my capstone focusing on recycling methods and reducing waste understanding the issues that lead to our landfills could influence my solution space. Every week Amazon – the world’s biggest online retailer – sends tens of thousands of brand new laptops, TVs, books
Business
I was interested in Lego as a business because they managed to create products from recycled materials while maintaining their brand quality. This article dives into their current success. “It’s the best first half ever,” Lego CEO Niels Christiansen told CNBC. “It’s a record on revenue, a record
Business
Consumers have a positive attitude towards products made from recycled materials; however, they frequently end up not purchasing them. To shed light on the factors that influence consumer preferences and acceptance of products made from recycled materials, a scoping review was conducted with the following objectives: (1) to explore which
Business
3D printers use various materials, including plastics, polymers, steel, titanium, gold and ceramic. This versatility means 3D-printed models can create numerous objects, including artistic sculptures and airplane components. Some 3D printers can print proteins and chemicals, enabling the devices to create food and medicine. (Conlin) As this project focuses on
Business
Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Scott Turner joined the senators in Columbus for a roundtable with opportunity zone leaders, according to a release. (Petcash) This article highlights local needs in the Columbus area, the same sphere which my capstone project will be working in. Seeing the solutions currently