Sustainability News

Chemical engineering student Natalie Bedolla-Mortensen is playing a role in reengineering tiny particles that could one day become cell tissues of 3D-printed organs. Her research is part of Rochester Institute of Technology’s work in the growing field of soft matter development.

The New York State Pollution Prevention Institute (NYSP2I) has announced selections for the inaugural year of its Community Impact Accelerator Grant Program, a new funding opportunity designed to advance scalable, community-led pollution prevention initiatives across New York State.

In his State of the University address, RIT President Bill Sanders outlined a vision for RIT centered on investing in people, programs, and strategic priorities to sustain the university's momentum and impact.

Alternatives to plastics are being created by researchers at RIT using plant-based starch, a plentiful and highly sustainable material.

RIT once again made The Princeton Review Best Colleges list and was ranked among the top 50 schools for “Colleges that Create Futures” in its Best 392 Colleges 2027 edition.

The Seattle Times speaks with RIT environmental science professor Christy Tyler about the potential health risks of microplastics released from plastic cutting boards and what consumers should consider when choosing between plastic and wood. (This content may require a subscription to view.)

Chemical manufacturers can now access free green chemistry workshops led by Dr. John Warner and hosted by NYSP2I and NYS DEC. The Creating Competitive Advantage workshop series will offer practical strategies to reduce hazards, prevent pollution, and strengthen operational efficiency across priority subsectors. Participants will also learn about technical assistance and funding resources available to support safer, more sustainable practices.

The Conversation publishes a piece by Israa Ameen Thiab, pollution prevention engineer in the Golisano Institute for Sustainability, and Clyde Eiríkur Hull, professor in the Department of Management, showing that entrepreneurs are more likely to adopt sustainable business practices when they strengthen competitiveness and profitability rather than being framed as environmental obligations.

The Floating Pavilion, part of a Floating Garden food forest envisioned by New York-based interdisciplinary artist Mary Mattingly, was created by RIT students.

The New York State Pollution Prevention Institute (NYSP2I) has announced selections for its 2026-2027 Community Grants Program as part of the organization’s ongoing efforts to continue improving the health and environmental quality of New York State.

The Conversation features an essay by Eric Williams, professor of sustainability, and Payam Saeedi, Ph.D. candidate in sustainability, examining why many consumers keep old electronics stored in drawers instead of recycling, reselling, or donating them.

Quartz speaks to Callie Babbitt, professor of sustainability, about how a patchwork of state e-waste laws is creating barriers for companies trying to scale electronics recycling businesses across the United States.