Sustainability News

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.

WIVB-TV reports on the Floating Garden project in Medina, featuring collaboration from students at RIT who contributed architecture, engineering, film, and industrial design expertise to the floating edible art installation on the Erie Canal.

Imagine RIT: Creativity and Innovation Festival on Saturday features more than 450 exhibits, including electric vehicles, AI robots, and assistive technology.

WROC-TV speaks to Eric Hittinger, chair of the Department of Public Policy, about the costs and benefits of installing solar panels, including guidance on net metering and staying connected to the electrical grid.