With 2017 in the books, we’re taking a look back at a year of amazing ideas, discussions, innovations, and changes in the waste industry. Now is the perfect time to look back at the previous 12 months and take note of what truly resonated with our readers. So we took a look at which articles on the Rubicon blog were most popular this year.
What did we find? Our readers really, really enjoy lists.
6 Most Common Recycling Questions, Answered
Recycling can sometimes seem more complicated than it’s worth. It should be as simple as just dropping waste into a bin – but, which waste? And which bin?
And does it actually get recycled and help the environment like “they say” it does?
Waste and Recycling Trends to Watch in 2018
Waste and recycling trends of the past year have set a precedent for the challenges and opportunities faced by our industry, customers, communities, and environment in the years ahead. Advancements in technology are forging the way for a better future, meanwhile continued setbacks in infrastructure and the growing amount of ocean pollution threaten our vision for tomorrow. As we look to 2018, stakeholders around the world are eager to predict the future of smart cities, the circular economy, autonomous vehicles and so forth.
We sat down with Rubicon’s VP of Sustainability, David Rachelson, to gather insights and intel as to the waste and recycling trends to watch for in 2018. You might be surprised as to what he had to say.
50 Statistics That Will Make You Think Twice About Your Trash
Landfills are pretty ugly. And although they are camouflaged fairly well in most circumstances, the negative issues that accompany them remain…despite how hidden they may seem.
Underneath the makeup that’s been plastered on landfills, lies toxins, greenhouse gases, and leachate – all of which present concerning threats to our planet. If we want to leave this planet for our future generations, it’s critical that we have a proactive recycling plan in place – whether that’s in the office, in your community, or in your home.
Zero Waste: 10 Companies Leading the Charge
What do 10 companies that are known for their ingenuity, efficiency, economic responsibility, and ethical vision all have in common?
The answer might not be what you’d expect, but it is one that is gaining recognition as our societies focus more on sustainability and their own global responsibilities.
The answer is zero waste.
By developing programs and policies for reducing, reusing and recycling materials that would otherwise be destined for less desirable outcomes, these companies are leading the zero waste charge.
7 Common Waste Myths, Debunked
You’ve likely come to realize that there are a lot of misconceptions out there about trash and recycling. The truth is, it can be difficult to determine what’s fact and what’s fiction.
We wanted to set the record straight by addressing some of the common waste myths and misconceptions taking up precious, unwanted space in between your ears – and provide you with the real truths that lie behind them.
Ocean Pollution: 14 Facts That Will Blow Your Mind
The ocean remains one of the most vast, mysterious and diverse places on our planet. But as we’ve learned, it’s vulnerable to something as simple as the human touch.
Every day our oceans are being threatened by pollution and as you might expect, marine life is suffering at an alarming rate.
The numbers to support this? Flat out scary.
How Can College Campuses Reduce Food Waste?
University buffets are inherently catered to students. But without knowing how many students will dine, how much they will eat, and how often they will come, food waste becomes a major concern.
The numbers are astonishing really. A 2017 report shows that the average American doesn’t eat 40% of their food. And as astonishing as that figure is, it gets worse when you realize that food waste causes significant greenhouse gas emissions when left to decompose in a landfill.
Students and universities can take action.
2017 ‘Best Small Business in America’ Finalists
We had a chance to learn about some of the amazing things small businesses are doing in their communities, as well as hear about those “crossing the Rubicon” moments they’ve experienced as business owners – explaining the trials and tribulations of owning/operating a small business.
After much deliberation, we chose ten finalists for Rubicon’s “Best Small Business in America” competition. From ice cream to recycled furniture and everything in between, these 10 brick and mortars represent the nation’s best in innovation, sustainability, and spirit.
Reducing Waste: 18 Best Tips for Small Businesses
Reducing waste in your small business is not just good for the environment, it’s also good for cutting down costs.
Anyone you do business with, you’re likely to share waste with. So how can you manage waste across your small business in a more environmentally and fiscally responsible way?
>>Here are a dozen and a half ways to get started
David Plouffe: ‘Cities Are Getting Smarter About Their Trash’
The smart cities movement is all about doing more with less. It’s about making our cities run more efficiently and effectively. At Rubicon, we’ve developed RUBICONSmartCity – a solution that helps local municipalities improve their waste and recycling programs. With data and analytics, we can make our cities safer and healthier by reducing our environmental impact (and save some cash along the way).
Political strategist and former Uber executive David Plouffe recently stopped by our office to talk trash.
That’s it. Those are our 10 most popular blogs of 2017.
As we transition into the new year, we’d like to thank you, the reader, for reading, sharing and subscribing. We hope you enjoy the blog, find its value and practicality, and have a great, learning-filled 2018.
Want to read more articles like the ones listed? Subscribe to our blog’s weekly newsletter.
