Articles

Empowering Sustainable Recycling: The Influence of Startups and Awareness Among Generation Z

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Issues like urbanization, industrialization, and overconsumption have led to sustainability becoming a global priority. According to Schönherr & Pikkemaat (2023), social media, social norms, and the effects of COVID-19 played a role in shaping Generation Z’s environmental attitudes. Their dedication to sustainability manifests itself in low-emission travel, selective mobility, and waste management. Dobrowolski et al. (2022) and Schönherr & Pikkemaat (2023) are of opinion that Generation Z agrees that both consumers and businesses share the responsibility toward achieving sustainability. Nonetheless, applying ecological awareness toward concrete pro-environmental actions is an ongoing challenge for all sectors (Gazzola et al., 2020).

Even with Gen Z being highly environmentally conscious, barriers such as unclear recycling rules, insufficient systems, and complicated solutions prevent their ability to adopt consistent recycling practices.

Leveraging innovation, technology, and the entrepreneurial spirit, startups are tackling the recycling issues faced by Gen Z. With the help of mobile applications, AI, blockchain, and gamification, recycling becomes not only easier but more rewarding. Using incentive-based app recycling and smartphone waste collection systems, companies such as Trashie and RecycleSmart strive to make recycling more rewarding and convenient. Other than technological solutions, companies combine digital awareness campaigns alongside partnerships with government, industry, and educational institutions to make the public conscious of the negative impacts of waste on the ecosystem. This underscores the values of Generation Z regarding the need for honesty and responsibility in public concern over the environment.

This study focuses on the use of digital technologies by entrepreneurs and their deliberate attempts to investigate their role in promoting sustainable recycling among Generation Z. The goal is to find practical ways to increase Gen Z’s adoption of recycling by exploring the cooperation between entrepreneurs, legislators, educators, and the commercial sector. By encouraging the growth of a circular economy and long-term environmental accountability, the study ultimately hopes to support the larger sustainability goal.

From The Sea to Sustainability: Transforming Seaweed into High-Value Products for the Economic Resilience of Farmers Groups in East Nusa Tenggara

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Transforming seaweed from a basic commodity into a high-value product has paved a significant path for economic resilience among farmer groups in East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia. This study aims to (1) examine the potential of seaweed as a primary material in the production anti-corrosive coatings, (2) analyze the economic impact of seaweed product diversification on the income and economic resilience of seaweed farming groups in East Nusa Tenggara, and (3) develop a model for coastal community empowerment based on sustainable product innovation. Employing qualitative methods, including observation, in-depth interviews, documentation and focus group discussions, we investigated the impact of CSR-led training in improving the technical skills, economic opportunities, and environmental awareness of seaweed farming communities. This indicates that product diversification not only increases farmers’ incomes but also creates an economic ecosystem that protects them from the volatility of the raw seaweed market. Furthermore, this empowerment encourages sustainable practices that support the preservation of coastal ecosystems. The study highlights the importance of CSR in promoting social innovation, providing insights for policymakers to drive similar initiatives that strengthen economic resilience and Environmental Management in coastal regions.

The Future of E-Waste Recycling: Emerging Technologies and Practices Evaluating the Social and Economic Benefits of Advanced E-Waste Recycling Technologies

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The exponential development in electronic waste (e-waste) has become an urgent global concern, necessitating new and sustainable recycling solutions. Emerging technologies, including bioleaching, robots, and artificial intelligence (AI)-driven material recovery, present prospects to transform e-waste management by enhancing resource recovery, minimizing environmental impact, and boosting social and economic growth. This study assesses the effectiveness of these sophisticated recycling technologies, concentrating on their economic viability, environmental sustainability, and societal advantages. A mixed-methods approach, integrating quantitative data analysis and qualitative insights, gives a full appraisal of the revolutionary potential of these technologies in the context of a circular economy.

A Comprehensive Review of Engineering Strategies for Environmental Sustainability in Sustainable Waste Management

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Waste management and environmental sustainability are intricately linked aspects crucial for maintaining ecological balance and human well-being. This study synthesizes research findings and scholarly insights to underscore the significance of effective waste management practices in achieving environmental sustainability goals.  It examines waste treatment approaches, including recycling, waste-to-energy systems, and waste reduction strategies, highlighting their role in mitigating environmental impact. Additionally, the study explores the environmental consequences of inadequate waste management, emphasizing the urgent need for holistic solutions to address water, soil, and air pollution. Engineering solutions for sustainable waste management, such as the 3R principle (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle), thermal treatment methods, and landfill management, are discussed as essential components of a comprehensive strategy. By integrating these approaches, policymakers, industries, and communities can minimize waste generation, conserve resources, and safeguard the environment for current and future generations. Challenges like regulatory barriers, lack of awareness, and inadequate infrastructure pose obstacles to sustainable waste management practices. Thus, a collaborative effort involving governments, businesses, and civil society is crucial to implementing effective waste management policies and initiatives. Through concerted action, we can transition to a circular economy model that promotes resource efficiency, environmental protection, and human well-being on a global scale.

Green Hotel Practices and Sustainable Development Goals: An Indian Perspective

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This research paper delves into the critical intersection of green hotel practices and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) within the context of India. Focusing on four SDGs—Clean Water and Sanitation (SDG 6), Affordable and Clean Energy (SDG 7), Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12), and Climate Action (SDG 13)—the study explores the perceptions of environmental management representatives in India’s four and five-star hotels. Through a comprehensive analysis of survey data from 32 participants, the research uncovers a multifaceted landscape where proactive engagement with green practices is evident.

Key findings reveal that hotels in India have a commendable commitment to environmental sustainability, actively aligning with these SDGs. Notable practices include the adoption of energy-efficient technologies, waste reduction and responsible waste management, and proactive steps in climate change mitigation. However, challenges persist, particularly concerning the limited adoption of renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power.

This study offers a nuanced perspective on the hotel industry’s contribution to SDGs, underscoring both commendable achievements and areas for further improvement. The findings hold valuable implications for policymakers, hoteliers, and sustainability advocates, emphasizing the industry’s pivotal role in achieving global sustainability objectives.

 

Environmental Sustainability and the Anthropocene, A Dynamic Behavioral Approach

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Achieving environmental sustainability in our recent dynamic and complicated world requires a new thinking and innovative solutions, specially in the age of “Anthropocene” associated with damaging impacts of human practices on the global environment. Using a deductive qualitative appro ach, that is based on exploring the relevant literature and countries’ experiences along with analysing the designed survey, the current study aimed at analysing the role of behavioral insights in shifting human behavior toward more sustainable lifestyles regarding environment protection and resources conservation in both of households’ scale and organizational scale. The main conclusions of the study are supposed to be so helpful for policy makers in the context of improving environmental policies and maximising the expected outcomes of definite policy interventions.