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Author Archives: Ann Thorpe

The Sharing economy – is it green?

The Sharing economy – is it green?

Intuitively the sharing economy seems greener than the conventional economy. After all, it is about using existing capacity more efficiently–rather than buying new to own (and then having to discard and update and so forth). But does the sharing economy have a “rebound” effect? In Switerland, stickers on your mailbox show what you’re willing toContinue Reading

fashion and technology combine for sustainability

100% recycled cotton dress This month I refer you to several interesting “threads” from the Guardian Sustainable Business Network: – A new Swedish fabric made of 100% recycled cotton using a process that is highly scalable – Solar fiber, that harvests solar energy through a photovoltaic fibre woven into fabrics – And finally, fiber madeContinue Reading

Can 3D Printing be Sustainable?

Despite all the wonderous news about 3D printing — artificial body parts, food, toys, buildings! — there is an environmental underside to it that isn’t as widely publicized. One recent article (in 3DPrint.com) points out heavy metal (antimony) content in 3D print filament. Another article (in TechRepublic) gives us “10 things to watch” including energyContinue Reading

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