Numbers
The first round of survey data was collected between September 17th through the 25th and there were 24 total participants. Our analysis focusses on 18 participants who answered every question on their form. The sample size was near 1,000, and was sent through the Neighborhood design center's
Opinion
The subject of plastic pollution raises a broad spectrum of questions. Based on emerging data from microplastics research, the temptation is to frame plastics as an existential threat to us all. While some groups lobby for total or near total bans on plastic production, it is not entirely helpful to
Business
This article from Earthday.org provides a number of concerning statistics about the plastic industry and recycling initiatives. While these observations make for an accurate diagnosis, the article errs in its prescription. Plastic consumption has quadrupled in the past 30 years, and is expected to triple in the next 30.
Business
Baltimore Maryland has its own neigborhood design center. One big part of its operations is addressing what is known as hostile architecture. While the term is typically used to describe features that discourage homeless populations from using / settling in public spaces, this article from NDC Baltimore expands the definition to
Special Interest
This article from Cultural Survival makes the case that the topic of sustainability must not be limited to material lifecycles only. Products are the result of human needs, and therefore how companies source, create, and dispose of said products are going to have affects beyond materialism alone. We pass on
Arts & Lifestyle
Artists Yong-Ho and the Guerra de la Paz duo convert everyday objects into unique items that challenge the public perception of waste. Ji Yong-Ho is a contemporary Korean sculptor who uses tires to create fantastic creatures inspired by mythology and science fiction. Throughout his figural sculptures, he depicts
Science & Tech
The Marble Plastics company, who is partnering with the Local Loops capstone team, relies primarily on recycled HIPS plastic for their products. Differing from base Polysterene (resin code #6), high-impact polysteryene introduces an additive impact modifier that is useful for the product's material properties. High-impact polystyrene
Science & Tech
This study explores the challenges of mobilizing solid waste through urban communities while also documenting the insights of field professionals. While the exact kinds of solid waste are not explicitly disclosed, the article does refer to demolition debris, waste that can be recycled, and organics for composting. The Regional Waste
Arts & Lifestyle
Matty and Jonny are two brothers who grew up in the Uk. Their shared love for creativity, adventure, and spending time outdoors forged a deep friendship that has lasted a lifetime. Growing up, we’d spend all our time in the forest, collecting wood to make bows, swords and dens.
Special Interest
Bavuso's chapter on defining modalities shed's light on the otherwise invisible incentives people living in the middle-ages may have had to justify circular material practices. The specific cases highlighted by the author in this chapter have to do with Jewlery. Although reuse and recycling are
Special Interest
Long before the term "recycling" was coined, communities across the world have found value in collecting discarded items and giving new life to them. This was primarily driven by scarcity, but also to curb the collection and manufacturing of virgin materials. This article by American plastics company, Gladson,
Science & Tech
Polymers are generally categorized into two groups: thermoplastics and thermosets. The defining characteristic between these two types of polymers are how individual monomer chains are bonded to each other. Thermoset plastics contain polymers that cross-link together and create an irreversible bond, meaning they can’t be remelted - once they