recycling Archives

The Shift in Recycling That No One Knew About

As a seemingly virtuous activity with a hidden downside, the impact of recycling is not what many of us expect.

Weekly Economic News Roundup and recycling revenue

Why We Should Care About Curbside Cardboard Crime

The recycling revenue that municipalities were receiving was shrinking and now, with some mystery surrounding cardboard, it’s getting worse.

Weekly Economic News Roundup and replacing single use cups

What's Trending

When Communal Mugs Are Like Gym Memberships

When companies replace single use cups with mugs and glasses, the employee response has been somewhat like our use of gym memberships.

weekly economic news roundup and Bethel's junk

Environment

The City That Has to Keep Its Garbage

Located in the middle of Alaska’s subarctic tundra, Bethel, Alaska has garbage problems because there is no easy way to ship its waste.

Economic Thinkers

Why the U.K. Wants a Latte Levy

Because the polyethylene in coffee cups prevents proper recycling, the British parliament is considering a latte levy to solve the problem.

Economic History

The Cost of Garbage

With landfills, recycling and composting the alternatives, garbage incineration that generates electricity has become increasingly popular.

Economic History

Why Doing Good is Not Always Easy

By recognizing the tradeoffs of recycling, preserving endangered species and improving world health, doing good could become more productive.

Everyday Economics: and garbage recycling regulation

Business

Why Recycling is More Expensive

Because recycling is a broad social norm, we do not differentiate between good and bad recycling and, as a result, have a higher cost.

Business

The Scrap Business is Underrated

Our Wednesday Environment Focus By Madeleine Vance, guest blogger and student at Kent Place School The “scrap” business is a lot more than just scrap. Once you drop your empty soda can into the recycling bin, it could even be…