2026-27 Capstone
An important factor to consider when trying to develop a circular economy is the need to add incentive and value to all that participate in such a system. Traditionally, this model has focused on small closed loops that prioritized physical commodities that could be directly used and shared amongst specific
2026-27 Capstone
Most of the recycling that is done in the United States is done so through a mechanical process: Material that comes into a recycling center is sorted, broken down mechanically into a pulp or small pellet sized materials, and then through a process such as heat, water, etc, is reconstructed
2026-27 Capstone
When it comes to recycling plastics back into useful material, most of the energy in developing this technology goes towards the actual physical processes that are required to take the material and transform it into a consistent material that is also usable. Absent in this line of thinking however, is
2026-27 Capstone
Despite what our individual perception might usually consider, the recycling process does not stop when you simply place an object into a recycling bin. From there, there is a whole infrastructure surrounding this object's journey from the recycling bin, to its eventual place in a new object. A
Science & Tech
When it comes to designing for sustainability, one of the most common and talked about design methodologies for creating repairable products lies in the ability to swap out defective pieces of the design for a new piece, that would go on to extend the overall lifespan of the product. In
2026-27 Capstone
In the face of talking about what would be considered the "best" answer to our waste problem, most individuals would initially answer that it is to recycle. If we can take everything we use, and have that be made into something new, such as new materials, fuel, etc,
Special Interest
People like owning things. Today, we most often see evidence of this on the internet, particularly on social media, that is filled with ads to buy things and people showing off their possessions, especially those of a high value, as a means of expression of personal success. Western philosophers have
Special Interest
When it comes to the topic of consumer-driven recycling, it is no secret that there is a large amount of responsibility placed on individuals to handle their own recycleables. In practice, however, we see a disconnect in how willing people generally are to participate in recycling programs, and how
Special Interest
As globalization and population increase, so has our textile production. In combination with innovations in fiber production, the amount of clothing and textiles that we produce has become a huge contributor towards our global waste issue. In 2024, discarded clothing worldwide reached 120 million metric tons—a clear indication of
Special Interest
When it comes to consumer products, we tend to associate a recycled label with having a positive impact on the environment. When it comes to recycled textiles, however, and in particular, recycled polyester, this clear definition of positive environmental impact begins to blur. Polyester fabric is created by using plastic,
Business
Textiles are one of the largest contributors to a growing waste problem that we deal with today. In a society that often values having things that are new and trendy, the fast fashion industry has taken over. Each year millions of tonnes of clothes are produced, worn, and thrown away.
Business
Medium-Life Bulky Products, or MLBP's, such as mattresses, carpets, and cushions, contain a large amount of material that, at the end of its life, is ultimately taken to the landfill. In addition to the sheer amount of material waste, the materials themselves often contained chemicals that would