Plastic WasteHow recycled plastic for 3D printing will drive sustainability and improve social consciousness. 3D printers have arrived, and are becoming more commonplace, an perhaps one day will be in every home that uses a computer printer. The basic input, as opposed to ink or toner in conventional printers, is plastic for the 3D printers. Americans throw out over 33 millions tons of plastic, of which less than 7% is recycled. 3D printers offer an opportunity to re-purpose plastic from the trash heaps into usable products via 3D printing. In addition to the direct environmental benefits, some companies are helping impoverished countries by employing their people to pick through the trash to recover the type of plastic that can be recycled and processed for use in 3D printers. Read about this substantial potential by clicking here.

About the Author: Lauren Boitel

Lauren Boitel is the Executive Director of ImpactNV, a statewide sustainability NGO convener and coalition builder that drives systemic change around economic, environmental, and social sustainability in the Silver State. Lauren has 12 years of experience as a Sustainability Professional in Southern Nevada and teaches Sustainability & Entrepreneurship for the Lee Business School at UNLV.