The Clean Fairfax Council Blog

Sustainable Spotlight – #1
by Eleanor Kluegel February 22, 2024

Embracing Low-Waste Living: Discover Virginia Mercantile in Clifton, VA

Nestled amid the rolling hills and lush wooden landscapes in the town of Clifton, Virginia, lies a hidden gem for eco-conscious and eco-curious shoppers – Virginia Mercantile. This sustainable haven is more than just a store; it’s a commitment to mindful living, environmental stewardship, and community investment in support of small & local makers and business, as well as the planet.

We were intrigued by Virginia Mercantile’s sustainability mission, their engaging posts on social media, and many of the products showcased online, so we decided to take a field trip to Clifton to check it out. We were moved by the friendly and inspiring conversations we had with employees and the owner, Robin Moser, about the store’s commitment to eliminating plastic packaging, lifting up local makers and their products, as well as fostering a community of learning and practice around sustainable habits (from bringing your own bag, to sorting your recycling, to refilling beauty, home, and cleaning products at their refill station). We are excited to announce Virginia Mercantile as the very first feature in our new Sustainable Spotlight series!


About the Store

At Virginia Mercantile, you’ll find a carefully curated selection of products that prioritize sustainability, durability, and ethical sourcing. From reusable household items and zero-waste essentials to locally crafted goods and organic pantry staples, every item on the shelves reflects a dedication to reducing waste and supporting eco-friendly practices. There’s even a Refill Station–with bars, cleaners, soaps, lotions, shampoos and more boasting scents that rival salons and clean ingredients you can trust! The shop truly embodies their vision that sustainability is for everyone; it doesn’t require radical behavior changes, just small adjustments; and it doesn’t mean sacrificing beauty or function for an eco-friendly alternative.

The refill station at Virginia Mercantile’s store in Clifton, VA.

Greater Goals

The low-waste movement is gaining traction across the country, especially as concern for the climate grows, and sobering truths about the state of recycling and plastic, microplastic, and water pollution emerge. Many brands are facing pressure from consumers to answer to their environmental impact, and consequently, the market has seen a wave of new, greener alternatives to everyday products. But what sets Virginia Mercantile apart is its unwavering commitment to fostering a low-waste lifestyle beyond just the products it sells. The store serves as a hub for educational information, community events, and initiatives aimed at empowering individuals to make environmentally responsible choices in their everyday lives. It was clear to us early on that Virginia Mercantile seeks to meet customers where they are on their sustainability journey–something that resonated with us and our mission of encouraging environmental stewardship and urban sustainability in an increasingly complex information landscape and a fast-paced and growing Fairfax County. 


So whether you are a seasoned eco-warrior or just beginning your journey towards sustainable living, Virginia Mercantile welcomes you with open arms. We implore you to step inside, explore the aisles filled with eco-friendly treasures and Virginia-made goods, and join us and the folks at Virginia Mercantile in our shared mission to create a greener, cleaner Fairfax County & planet for generations to come!

A display of natural home products and candles.
An array of sustainable and reusable alternatives to sponges, loofas, produce bags, & more!
The “Cook” section of the store features neat and natural products for home chefs & bakers.
Gifts That Keep on Giving: A Sustainable Holiday Gifting Guide
by Eleanor Kluegel December 11, 2023

Happy Holidays from Clean Fairfax!!

The holiday season is a time of joy, celebration, and gift-giving. But amidst the festivities, it’s important to consider the environmental impact of our choices–from the items themselves, to their packaging, transport, and eventual disposal. Sustainable gift giving is not only a responsible way to celebrate the holidays, but also a meaningful way to express your love and thoughtfulness for the people in your life and the planet we all call home! In this guide, we’ll explore some ideas for sustainable holiday gift giving that align with eco-friendly values.

1. Experiences Over Things:

Consider giving the gift of experiences instead of material possessions. Tickets to a concert, an art or cooking class, or a weekend getaway not only create lasting memories but also minimize the carbon footprint associated with the production and disposal of physical items. In Fairfax County, we are fortunate to be situated close to city attractions, charming historic towns, the outdoors and adventure escapes, and a breadth of cultural and culinary experiences–we encourage you to look locally at all that our great region has to offer!

2. DIY and Upcycled Gifts:

Tap into your creative side by making DIY gifts or repurposing items you already have this season! Handmade candles, personalized recipe books, thrifted or upcycled clothing can all be thoughtful and unique presents that demonstrate your dedication to sustainability. It’s a win-win!

3. Give the Gift of Time:
Offering your time can be one of the most meaningful gifts. Volunteering for causes that improve your community is truly a gift that keeps giving! Alternatively, creating personalized “coupon” books with offers for things like a home-cooked meal, a day of babysitting, or a garden makeover not only reduces consumption, but strengthens relationships.

4. Support Local Artisans:

Whether it be at the farmers market, craft & artisan fairs, brick & mortar shops, or online, we are big fans of supporting local makers and small businesses. Handcrafted items often have a smaller environmental impact compared to mass-produced goods, plus a lower transportation cost to get to you. Whether it’s a piece of jewelry, pottery, artwork, or baked goods and craft beverages, you’re not only giving a unique gift but also supporting the local economy.

5. Eco-Friendly and Sustainable Products:

When shopping for items to give, opt for gifts that prioritize sustainability. Look for items made from recycled or organic materials, such as bamboo utensils, reusable straws, bags, and containers or eco-friendly clothing. Use your power as a consumer to support brands and products from companies that are committed to ethical and environmentally friendly practices. Moreover, be conscious of product packaging and when you can, skip the bag!

To help get the sustainable gifting going, we’ve put together a handy gift guide featuring some of our favorite gift ideas from environmentally-friendly cleaning products, to reusables, at-home composting, produce gifts and more!

  • Reusable produce bags: perfect for the farmers market and the produce section at the grocery store!
  • Reusable sandwich and snack bags: such as these from Stasher.
  • Countertop compost bin & compostable bag can liners: The EPA estimates that food constitutes as much as 24% of our municipal solid waste, composting can help divert and reduce some of that waste as well as return valuable nutrients to the soil! Many brands offer countertop bins, such as this one from Utopia Kitchen, which is a convenient and simple way to get started. If you have a curbside collection service or local dropoff option, be sure to grab some compostable can liners too (TIP: look for certification seals on bags such as the BPI certification. Certifications ensure that products are actually compostable at commercial composting facilities, but they do not necessarily mean bags will break down in backyard compost piles).
  • Swedish dishcloths: replace paper towels with this washable, absorbent cloth!
  • Check out the Clean Fairfax storefront for more sustainable product ideas!
  • Eco-friendly cleaning products, concentrates and refillables: companies like Blueland, Grove, and the Zero Waste Store offer a variety of home cleaning products, oftentimes with minimal packaging and easy concentrates to refill your bottles at home. 
  • Reusable containers and bento boxes: perfect for meal prep, lunch boxes, leftovers, and even carryout from your favorite restaurant! There are many plastic options on the market, though we love lightweight metal ones for their durability and ease of travel. Glass containers are also great options for at-home. Check out these options from ECOlunchbox and black + blum!
  • Reusable straws and utensils: glass, metal, and bamboo all make durable alternatives for these common single-use plastic items.
  • Community-Supported Agriculture (CSA) memberships: support local farmers by gifting or subscribing to a CSA program! In exchange for your membership “share” you receive a box of seasonal produce or other farm goods throughout the farming season–perfect for the home chefs and foodies in your life! Explore CSA programs near Fairfax County here
  • Refillable and low-waste stores. We are lucky to have two low-waste stores offering sustainable items, bulk goods, and refills on products like soap, shampoo, cleaning products, etc. in Fairfax County: Trace – Zero Waste and Virginia Mercantile. Some organic grocery stores (e.g., Whole Foods, MOM’s, Fresh Market) also have bulk food sections and carry refillable products, so be sure to check out the locations near you–and bring a container!

6. Charitable Donations:

In lieu of traditional gifts, make a donation to a charitable cause in the recipient’s name. Choose organizations that align with their values, whether it’s environmental conservation, education, or healthcare. This thoughtful gesture contributes to positive change in the world.

7. Reusable Wrapping and Packaging:
Extend your commitment to sustainability by using reusable gift wrap or fabric gift bags. Traditional wrapping paper is often not recyclable, contributing to unnecessary waste. Be creative with your packaging, using newspapers, fabric, or existing containers to add a personal touch.


This holiday season, let’s embrace the spirit of giving in a way that respects our planet. Sustainable gift giving is not only environmentally responsible but also is an opportunity to inspire others to make conscious choices. By prioritizing experiences, supporting local businesses, and choosing eco-friendly products, we can create a holiday season that reflects our commitment to a more mindful & sustainable way of living. Let’s celebrate the joy of giving while leaving a positive impact on the Earth for future generations!

Environmental News Round-Up: “Compostable” Caveats
by Eleanor Kluegel September 27, 2023

“Compostable,” “made from plants,” “biodegradable,” “plant-based” and “bio-” plastic — surely all of these mean the same thing, right? That we can chuck that coffee cup, that plastic spoon, and our green plastic bags in the compost pile and they’ll naturally biodegrade there?

I wish, but no.

Image credit: https://impakter.com/compostable-plastics-making-the-plastic-crisis-worse/

High levels of waste production have spurred a resurgence of composting in the DMV area. Expansion of food-scrap collection locations in Fairfax County, and the rising popularity of curbside collection programs (such as Compost Crew—which recently signed a contract to pilot curbside residential compost collection in Alexandria City), have given even more residents options to divert some of their waste, without having to compost at-home. Yet as composting becomes more popular, concerns of contamination and wishful composting—not unlike wishcycling—are bound to arise. Chiefly, as more consumers, businesses, and municipalities look to make changes in their purchases and perhaps lessen their reliance on pesky and highly-polluted single-use plastic, they may turn to the shiny new thing being pushed by the plastics manufacturing industry: bioplastics [aka: any of the synonyms listed above].

This is a good thing right? Bio-plastic sounds so clean and green! And the marketing behind many of these products does a fantastic job reinforcing these impressions. Yet, just because a plastic item was “made from plants,” does not mean it wasn’t also made in-part from or using fossil fuels. In fact:

Plant-based plastic is a type of bioplastic that is created from agricultural scraps, often from corn, sugarcane, wheat or food waste. The term ‘plant-based’ refers to the source of the material itself, not how the resulting plastic will behave after it’s been thrown away.

But, there’s a catch! Only 20% of the ingredients need to be from renewable, organic materials in order for a plastic to be labelled ‘plant-based’. This means the resulting plastic could still be non-biodegradable and be made from up to 80% fossil fuels!

Not so green after all…

Natracare, 2023.

Compostable plastic alternatives (and confusion) on the rise

Walmart just announced that it plans to offer an alternative to single-use plastics with the launch of a Great Value (their store brand) commercially compostable cutlery product line. Similarly, the spirit-maker Bacardi is introducing biodegradable bottles for its products, and Mars-Wrigley will debut Skittles with biodegradable wrappers in the U.S. this year (Vaughan, 2023). Around the globe, bioplastic straws, bags, wrappers, packaging, and other substitutes for plastic items are flooding the market, promising a way to make single-use use more sustainable.

Yet, there is an important caveat to these products that appear to be biodegradable, and even claim to be compostable. Oftentimes, these items must be composted in a commercial facility—i.e., they cannot just go on the food scrap pile in the backyard, or worse, chucked on the ground.

A survey from BPI and Closed Loop Partners’ Composting Consortium found that consumers often struggle with the “compostable” and “biodegradable” messaging on packaging. Confusing, misleading, and differentiated messaging are all significant hurdles in successful, large-scale consumer and commercial composting.

Some highlights from the study include:

49% of respondents had trouble distinguishing between the terms “biodegradable” and “compostable”; up to 50% of respondents thought they could compost packaging labeled “made from plants”; and nearly one-third of respondents said they would incorrectly put compostable packaging in a recycling bin. 

Labeling and design impact how consumers dispose of packaging…Improper end-of-life disposal can result in compostable products ending up in recycling streams or landfills instead of being processed as organics. It can also result in organics contamination, a costly issue that can result in commercial processors rejecting entire loads of organic material.

Consumers frequently do not understand the differences in materials that can be composted in commercial programs as opposed to at-home systems. Plus, “compostable” products are “biodegradable,” but the inverse is not always true; biodegradable is a broader term that means materials will break down but not necessarily at the speed needed for successful composting.

A graphic depicting how compostable product design causes confusion among consumers.
Consumers often are confused about “biodegradable” and “compostable,” according to the report “Unpacking Labeling and Design: U.S. Consumer Perception of Compostable Packaging.” 
Pyzyk, K. (2023, July 11). Consumers don’t understand ‘compostable’ messaging on packaging, survey finds. Industry Dive. packagingdive.com.

The study concluded with recommendations that increased clarity and education needs to accompany production of these products. Specifically, they hope that manufacturers and policymakers will promote labeling consistency and standardization to help reduce contamination in recycling and organics collection streams. As a consumer, be sure to look for items with the BPI certified-compostable label on them!

Looking local

A current example of this compostable confusion in Fairfax County can be found at local Farmers Markets and the produce/meat sections of some grocery store chains. Here, we’re finding plastic bags (often tinted green) with claims of compostability printed on them. These products represent a well-intended alternative to the single-use plastic “t-shirt” bags, yet there is not always clarity on how and where to dispose of the bags. Be sure to read the fine print here! Again, these items must often be composted at an industrial/commercial facility, or can only be “recycled” at grocery store collections. So, if you find yourselves with these “green” bags, certainly dispose of them properly in your curbside compost collection, bring them back to the food scrap/compost collection tents at the Farmers Markets, or take them directly to the I-95 Landfill Complex or the I-66 Transfer Station compost area!

EcoPrint Features Clean Fairfax in June Article
by Eleanor Kluegel July 11, 2023

Ever wonder what exactly it is we do at Clean Fairfax? Or how we possibly get it all done? Our Executive Director, Jen Cole, sat down with EcoPrint last month for a feature article about the Council on its blog, which you can find here!

https://www.ecoprint.com/blog/2023/06/clean-fairfax-makes-environmental-clean-up-easy/

Environmental News Roundup: Summer Edition
by Eleanor Kluegel May 30, 2023

This past Memorial Day Weekend officially kicked off the start of summer 2023, and with a new season comes new environmental news!

Open (Farmers Market) Season!

The time has finally come when all 20 farmers markets in Fairfax County are open for business!

The County’s Park Authority operates half of those, the remaining 10 are either FreshFarm-run or independent markets. Fortunately, there is a market open every day of the week (expect for Mondays), so you are sure to find local produce and products anywhere across the county.

If you find yourself outside of Fairfax County, you’ll be met with no shortage of options for markets. In fact, the Northern Virginia area will have a whopping 50+ markets open this season—you can find their locations and hours at this Fun in Fairfax article.

And as always, don’t forget to bring your reusable bag or container with you, especially as some of these markets seek to phase out those plastic bags supplied by vendors during the 2023 season.

Clean Energy Investment Milestones

Global investment in clean energy is set to outpace that in fossil fuels for the first time, according to a report from the International Energy Agency (IEA). According to the report, about “USD 2.8 trillion is set to be invested globally in energy in 2023, of which more than USD 1.7 trillion is expected to go to clean technologies – including renewables, electric vehicles, nuclear power, grids, storage, low-emissions fuels, efficiency improvements and heat pumps – according to the IEA’s latest World Energy Investment report. The remainder, slightly more than USD 1 trillion, is going to coal, gas and oil” (Browning, 2023).

In short, “For every dollar invested in fossil fuels, about 1.7 dollars are now going into clean energy. Five years ago, this ratio was one-to-one” (Browning, 2023). While this spending trend is moving in the right direction, “current fossil fuel spending is significantly higher than what it should be to reach the goal of net zero by mid-century,” according to an IEA spokesperson (Browning, 2023). Moreover, demand for these traditional polluting energy sources is set to reach an “all-time high or six times the level needed in 2030 to reach net zero by 2050” while investment in new fossil fuel supply will increase 6% in 2023 (Browning, 2023), thus demonstrating the difficulty of weaning an industrialized world off of oil and coal, and the uphill battle that remains in the global decarbonization fight.

Plastic Pollution Treaty Talks begin in Paris

Over 2,000 participants gather in Paris this week to continue discussing a proposed treaty to tackle the global plastic pollution crisis. The group, known as the The Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee for Plastics, “is charged with developing the first international, legally binding treaty on plastic pollution, including in the marine environment. This is the second of five meetings due to take place to complete the negotiations by the end of 2024” (Adamson and McDermott, 2023). The focus of this session is to make critical decisions about “the objectives and scope of the text — such as what kind of plastics it will focus on” (Adamson and McDermott, 2023).

As “humanity produces more than 430 million tons of plastic annually, two-thirds of which are short-lived products that soon become waste, filling the ocean and, often, working their way into the human food chain,” there is an increasingly urgent need to address the plastics problem (Adamson and McDermott, 2023). Solutions however, vary wildly by who you ask—with industry representatives, manufacturers, public health professionals, government officials, and environmental groups & leaders all bringing their own perspectives. Each of these perspectives may steer the treaty talks in very different directions. Some of these possibilities include:

[A] focus on human health and the environment, as desired by the self-named “high ambition coalition” of countries, led by Norway and Rwanda, with limits on plastic production and restrictions on some of the chemicals used in plastics. The coalition is committed to an international, legally binding instrument to end plastic pollution by 2040. It says that this is necessary to protect human health and the environment while helping to restore biodiversity and curb climate change.

Alternatively, the treaty could have a more limited scope to address plastic waste and scale up recycling, as some of the plastic-producing and oil and gas exporters want. Most plastic is made from fossil fuels. Countries supporting this plan include the United States, Saudi Arabia and China. The U.S. delegation in Uruguay said national plans would allow governments to prioritize the most important sources and types of plastic pollution. Many plastics and chemical companies want this approach, too, with a plastic waste treaty that prioritizes recycling.

The International Council of Chemical Associations, the World Plastics Council, the American Chemistry Council and other companies that make, use and recycle plastics say they want an agreement that eliminates plastic pollution while “retaining the societal benefits of plastics.” They’re calling themselves the “global partners for plastics circularity.” They say that modern plastic materials are used around the world to create essential and often life-saving products, many of which are critical to a lower-carbon, more sustainable future.

Adamson and McDermott, 2023

It looks like an ambitious treaty and first-of-its-kind commitment to curbing global pollution is in sight, climate activists just hope it is not poised to be weakened by the powers of the plastic and oil industry lobbying…Stay tuned for an update soon!

Fairfax Folks Pick Up
by Eleanor Kluegel April 18, 2023

Spring has sprung in Northern Virginia, and so has spring cleanup season!

We’re very excited to report we’ve had a lot of requests for cleanup supplies from individuals, families, Fairfax businesses, neighborhood & HOA groups, Girl Scout troops, school SACC groups, Honor Societies, and students of all ages. All of these volunteers have cleaned up residential and commercial communities, schools, and parks wide & far across Fairfax–which means our communities are looking beautifully green and pristine! (To keep it that way takes effort from all of us to use and waste less, and to ensure our trash is properly disposed of and contained!!)

By the numbers

So far this spring, we’ve supported 36 cleanups, with over 1,000 volunteers putting in nearly 100 hours of work improving their communities!


Celebrating Earth Month+ 2023
by Eleanor Kluegel April 12, 2023

We love the Earth so much, we needed a little more than one day to celebrate! Which is why we launched Earth Month+ again this year, and are sharing a whole bunch of Earth-loving activities & events to help you get outside, appreciate nature, learn about how and why we can protect it, and well…celebrate Earth!

But first, a shameless plug: our Earth Daze event is back and better than ever! We look forward to Earth Month and this event specifically for most of the year, and we hope you’ll join us for fun activities, sustainability information, amazing vendors (see list below) and the launch of our special collab with Aslin Beer Company: the Earth Daze Hefeweizen brewed with toasted coconut!

Some of the amazing vendors we have this year include low-waste stores, nonprofits, and handmade & natural artisans from across Virginia!

Additional Earth Month+ Opportunities and Events

To celebrate Earth Day, there are many festivals and events across Fairfax County which are free to the public, including:

  • Providence District Earth Day Celebration with Supervisor Dalia Palchik – Friday, April 21 from 2-5pm at Providence Community Center
    Hosted by the Providence Supervisor’s office, join the community center staff, Fairfax County Park Authority, Merrifield Garden Center, Citizens Climate Lobby, Green Springs Gardens, former tree commissioner Laura Beaty, and others to honor and learn about Earth. There will also be activities and donations collection!
  • Fairfax City HisTree Day – Saturday, April 22 from 10am-4pm at Historic Blenheim
    This new city event will combine living history presenters and music with learning and exploratory activities celebrating both Fairfax history and Earth Day. Earth Day-specific activities will run from 11am-2pm. Free admission!
  • The 5th Annual Environment Expo –  Saturday, April 22 from 10am-2pm at Fort Hunt Park
    A free family-friendly festival featuring loads of activities and exhibitors sharing information about climate action, environmental challenges we face and solutions we can participate in to make Fairfax County, and the world at large, a healthier, more sustainable place. Attendees will be treated to workshops, live music, live reptile and raptor demonstrations, nature walks, giveaways, solar cooking and robot demonstrations, and more.
  • Healthy People, Healthy Planet: Earth Day Fairfax Event – Saturday, April 22 from 10am-4pm at Sully Historic Site
    This Fairfax County Park Authority event will feature entertainment, activities, food vendors, Touch-A-Truck and prizes and more.

And in the remaining weeks leading up to Earth Day, there are plenty of opportunities to get involved in group clean ups across the DMV region. For example:

What’s in Your Bottle?
by Eleanor Kluegel March 6, 2023

Tests by Consumer Reports (CR) revealed dangerous levels of lead in the storage compartment on the viral “sip and stash” water bottles. Lead is “toxic to both kids and adults; exposure to it can cause reproductive harm, increase cancer risk, and hurt brain and nervous system development. If pregnant people come into contact with lead, it can affect the development of their babies or even cause miscarriage or stillbirth” (Consumer Reports, 2023).

According to the report, the “sealing dot” at the bottom of the storage compartment of the bottle (see embedded TikTok video) contained “exposed lead levels that are approximately 1,100 times that of the levels legally allowed in many consumer products.” A separate CR test found traces of BPA on the outside of 2 of 3 tested bottles, despite Bindle’s claim that their products are “100% BPA-free.” The Bindle bottle was recalled February 17 for health and safety risks, and Bindle is suspending production of bottles until they can ensure a safe product for consumers.

However, Bindle is not alone; in fact, the reusable bottle and containers industry has long struggled with consumer health concerns. According to CR, the “sealing dot” is a common feature of many modern reusable bottles, though they are usually covered in some other food-safe coating to eliminate direct contact to the chemical. Nonetheless, many consumers may not know that there is lead embedded within their bottles.

@consumerreports Our tests found the storage compartment of the “sip and stash” bottle contained over 1,000 times the amount of lead allowed in many consumer products. #bindlebottle #productrecall ♬ original sound – Consumer Reports

Likewise, the harmful Bisphenol A (BPA) is a familiar concern for those with plastic bottles and containers. From single-use plastic beverage bottles, to hard plastic Nalgene bottles, to infant bottles and sippy cups, BPA is still found in many consumer products, despite awareness and calls on the FDA to restrict its use. In fact, the report explains that “colored powder coating [on the exterior of bottles], such as that on those two Bindle bottles, often contain BPA” and “because this powder coat is in direct contact with our skin while holding the bottle, this exposure to BPA may harm the female reproductive system” (Consumer Reports, 2023).

The “bio-“greenwashing of plastics 
by Eleanor Kluegel February 2, 2023

Most of us are very familiar with the prefix “bio.” It often indicates a reference to living plants or creatures, and it connotes images of the earth, its many life forms, and perhaps a few scenes from Planet Earth or National Geographic images. But the prefix bio as it’s used in the marketing of new plastics–think: “bioplastics,” “biodegradable plastics,” etc.–is not the innovative, earth-friendly process it sounds like. This is yet another case of greenwashing in the plastics industry. 

To businesses, the green aura given off by bioplastics is an advantage, helping to reconcile busy consumers to the polymers we use every day. In environmental terms, that’s precisely the problem: they risk absolving us of the need to carry out the basic work of reducing, reusing and recycling. Ultimately, that’s the only way that we’ll deal with our plastics addiction.

David Fickling, Bloomberg

A recent article from Bloomberg highlighted how biodegradable plastics may in fact do more harm than good. According to the article, some types of bio–or plant-based–plastics may release more carbon in degradation than their fossil fuel-derived counterparts. Moreover, the author notes how the degradation of plastic is an invisible process, which doesn’t quite evoke the same response as oceans and lands visibly littered with plastic. Without public knowledge of the drawbacks and consequences of plastics sent to indefinitely degrade in landfills (including the majority of innovative plant-based ones), the out-of-sight, out-of-mind mentality will remain securely in place in our high-consumption society.

Emissions from plastic degradation — an invisible process taking place deep underground, and producing no emotive imagery of floating debris, tangled turtles or overflowing waste dumps — may be far more insidious. Bioplastics “are not permanent solutions because they still reaffirm the take-make-waste linear economy mindset,” said Alice Zhu, a researcher into plastic pollution at the University of Toronto.

David Fickling, Bloomberg

Again, the solution to the plastic problem is not to continue to produce more or different types of plastic, it’s to produce less. To cut off this stream of pollution at the source. To turn off the tap!

A helpful graphic from European Bioplastics which categorizes the different types of plastics commonly used today by degradability (x-axis) and type of feedstock (y-axis). 

Crossword Puzzle Day!
by Eleanor Kluegel December 21, 2022

December 21st is National Crossword Puzzle Day, so we invite all you cruciverbalists out there to try your hand at our’s: Let’s Get Green and Clean (Fairfax)!


This crossword puzzle was created with https://crosswordlabs.com tool.