Environmental Sustainability Benefits Research Articles

Trade effects of voluntary sustainability standards in tropical commodity sectors

This article investigates the trade implications of voluntary sustainability standards (VSS) in tropical commodity sectors. VSS are increasingly important, not only in corporate sustainability strategies, but also in trade policy, thereby shifting the responsibility for the governance of sustainability in the food system from the public to the private sector. There is no regulatory framework assuring that VSS do not distort trade while effectively delivering environmental and social sustainability benefits, and conclusive evidence on the trade effects of VSS is lacking. We compile an innovative database of country-level VSS coverage for five tropical commodities, seven VSS observed for seven years, and use a multi-country, -sector and -standard augmented gravity analysis to estimate the trade effects of VSS adoption. Our results confirm a general trade-enhancing effect of VSS, with on average a one pp increase in VSS coverage resulting in a 1.8 to 3.3% increase in export value. Effects are largest for banana, followed by coffee and tea – and are insignificant for cocoa and palm oil. The trade-enhancing effect of VSS certification does not vary with the income level of the exporter but increases with the income level of the importer and with the income gap between trading partners. Our results imply that VSS can be an effective tool to overcome the trade-inhibiting effect of governance distance between countries. Yet, for VSS to effectively reconcile international food trade with sustainability goals, policy attention is needed to VSS adoption and impact in the poorest countries.

The Influence of Green Consumption Values on How Consumers Form Overall Sustainability Perceptions of Food Products and Brands

Recently, increasing numbers of consumers have embraced higher green consumption values and expressed environmental concern through their shopping behavior. These consumers are a promising target group for sustainable products. However, especially in the food sector, it is challenging for consumers to recognize these products because of a multitude of sustainability indicators. Therefore, it is important to understand how green consumers form their perception of product sustainability based on the information provided. This research draws on means–end chain theory and the elaboration likelihood model (ELM) to explain how green consumers form an overall product sustainability perception by considering environmental and social product sustainability benefits. To provide preliminary evidence, we analyzed the survey data of 1,577 European consumers who assessed three different food products. Using structural equation modeling, we found that consumers with higher green consumption values perceive environmental and social sustainability product benefits to a greater extent than those with lower green values. Increased perceptions of environmental sustainability benefits, in turn, enhance overall product sustainability perceptions, ultimately leading to a higher perceived brand sustainability. By integrating and applying means–end chain theory along with the ELM in a green product consumption context, our study provides insight on the impact of environmental and social product sustainability benefits on consumers’ product sustainability perceptions. As such, the results offer a valuable starting point for further investigation of sustainable marketing strategies and consumers’ product sustainability perceptions. Additionally, our findings provide guidance to food marketers seeking to promote sustainable products.

The cloning and expression of the two types of kisspeptin gene in hard-lipped barb (Osteochilus vittatus)

Abstract. Prayogo NA, Rahayu SC, Sugito PPA, Meyanadewi SB, Sukardi P, Rositas RE, Bessho Y. 2023. The cloning and expression of the two types of kisspeptin gene in hard-lipped barb (Osteochilus vittatus). Biodiversitas 24: 2797-2804. Hard-lipped barb (Osteochillus vittatus Valenciennes, 1842) is a native Indonesian species with many benefits for economic, aquaculture, and environmental sustainability. Several studies showed that the species had high reproductive potential, with kisspeptin gene playing a role in reproductive hormone production and GnRH secretion. Kisspetin gene is also important for gonad maturation in fish. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the structure of Kiss-1 and Kiss-2 genes, as well as the expression of the kisspeptin gene in the hypothalamus and gonads in each phase of female hard-lipped barb development.The study procedure involved several stages, including organ preparation, isolation, sequence identification, and measurement of cGnRH gene expression. The structure of Kiss-1 gene in hard-lipped barb was obtained, and the nucleotide sequence had a product length of 213, coding for 89 amino acids. Meanwhile, Kiss-2 consisted of 230 nucleotides, coding for 76 amino acids, and the sequences observed had 70-80% with other fish species. The results showed that the expression values of Kiss-1 and Kiss-2 genes in the hypothalamus were higher compared to the gonads, with the lowest in the adult phase and the highest in the Juvenile phase. This information will lead us to use the kisspeptin gene to increase hard-lipped barb reproduction.

Plastic Waste-Derived Carbon Dots: Insights of Recycling Valuable Materials Towards Environmental Sustainability.

Carbon dots (CDs) or carbon quantum dots (CQDs) have emerged as rising stars in the carbon family due to their diverse applications in various fields. CDs are spherical particles with a well-distributed size of less than 10nm. Functional CDs are promising nanomaterials with low toxicity, low cost, and enormous applications in the field of bioimaging, optoelectronics, photocatalysis, and sensing. Plastic is non-biodegradable and hazardous to the environment, however extremely durable and used in abundance. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the use of plastic waste, particularly masks, goggles, face shields, and shoe cover, has increased tremendously. It needs to be recycled in a productive way as plastic wastes take hundreds or thousands of years to degrade naturally. The conversion of plastic waste into magnificent CDs has been reported as one of the key alternatives for environmental sustainability and socio-economic benefits. In this review, synthetic routes for the conversion of plastic wastes into CDs utilizing hydrothermal, solvothermal, pyrolysis, flash joule heating, and characterization of these CDs using different techniques, such as Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and transmission electron microscope, have been discussed. Furthermore, potential applications of these plastic-derived CDs in sensing, catalysis, agronomics, and LED lights are summarized herein.

ASSESSING THE IMPACT OF MANGROVES IN TRADITIONAL SHRIMP FARMING IN THE MAHAKAM DELTA USING A COST BENEFIT ANALYSIS

Mangroves began rapidly converting into shrimp-farming ponds in the Mahakam Delta, East Kalimantan, Indonesia. In 2000, the government launched the mangrove reforestation project, but the expected outcome was not achieved. Evaluation and recommendations are needed to attain the economic and environmental sustainability benefits of ponds with planted mangrove plants mandated by the government. This study examined the feasibility indicators of ponds with and without mangrove systems and analysed the feasibility of aquaculture pond performance. The results showed that the polyculture ponds with mangroves were more beneficial than the other pond systems, accruing more than 3.55 million IDR/ha/yr in net income. The polyculture pond with 10% mangroves showed the highest feasibility and benefits. The NPV, IRR, BCR, and PP were IDR72 million/ha/yr, 22%, 2 and 4.8 years, respectively. Therefore, the polyculture ponds with 10% mangroves were the best recommendation for farmers for the next 25 years. Government policy should facilitate improving environmental quality and sustainability in the Mahakam Delta.

A decision support tool for e-waste recycling operations using the hen-and-chicks bio-inspired optimization metaheuristic

E-waste from end-of-life electrical and electronic devices is one of the fastest growing waste streams from households and businesses. E-waste recycling yields environmental sustainability and economic benefits. Due to continuous changes in e-waste types and compositions, recycling businesses face challenges to optimize their operational configuration to achieve better economic and environmental performance. To help e-waste recyclers mitigate this problem, we have developed a modular decision support tool called the Comprehensive Manufacturing Assessment Tool (CMAT) that can simulate both e-waste recycling operations and economics. This tool can give valuable insights regarding the profitability of the entire operation and different e-waste types. In addition, a new bio-inspired metaheuristic optimization algorithm, hen-and-chicks optimization (HACO), was developed to assign manpower to different workstations to maximize operational efficiencies. According to the results of our case study, laptops, desktops, and computer peripherals are the three electronic waste products that produce the most profit. Our examination of the sensitivity of material prices shows that the price of steel has the most significant influence on total profit, because it is the most widely used material in the majority of electronic devices. We have released the decision support tool as open-source software under a general public license. It could be customized for other recycling industries beyond e-waste to achieve business sustainability by making their operations more efficient.

Perspectives for the Development of a Circular Economy Model to Promote Ship Recycling Practices in the European Context: A Systemic Literature Review

The recovery of materials and components from end-of-life (EoL) ships necessitates the comprehensive demolition of vessels and the implementation of reuse processes to achieve the “circularity” of raw materials, which has potential benefits for economic and environmental sustainability. The European Union’s (EU) legislative policy, as reflected in the Ship Recycling Regulation, has been shifting towards the establishment of green markets for ship dismantling. Various literature reviews have focused on investigating EoL management and demolition activities for ships, as they play a crucial role in promoting sustainability in the ship value chain. This research aims to enhance the current state of knowledge by linking ship recycling and life cycle management activities with circular economy models. The goal is also to introduce a conceptual framework for the effective recirculation of components and raw materials. Scientific publications have been collected, reviewed, and categorized into strategic clusters to identify current and future challenges, to establish a path for potential developments in a circular economy model for ships, and to suggest future research directions that would support the implementation of a circular economy system for ship eco-design, life cycle management, and recycling. Findings provide valuable insights, particularly regarding the recognition of environmental benefits, business opportunities, and the opening of green markets in the context of ship recycling in the EU.

Environmental Sustainability and Foreign Direct Investment in East Africa: Institutional and Policy Benefits for Environmental Sustainability

Persistent drought is not a unique phenomenon in East African countries, different research findings cite different reasons for it, but the environmental problem is currently a major concern worldwide and in East African country (EAC) the problem is not an exception to this phenomenon; policymakers and researchers are interested in knowing the cause in order to mitigate environmental degradation and support policies and institutions for environmental sustainability. Therefore, this study examines the environmental sustainability laws and institutions in 18 EAC to determine the relationship between foreign direct investment and environmental quality. Using the generalized method of moments for analysis, the results show, among other things, that foreign direct investment, when associated with environmental sustainability policies and institutions, improves environmental quality in the long run while degrading it in the short run. Long- and short-run environmental improvements in EAC are also enabled by domestic investment, environmental sustainability institutions, and policies. The study, therefore, concludes that environmental sustainability institutions and policies are critical in EAC because they improve environmental quality and interact with foreign direct investment in the long run. Therefore, the study recommends that policymakers and other stakeholders in EAC take action to improve environmental quality and sustainable economies.

Artificial Intelligence in Green Management and the Rise of Digital Lean for Sustainable Efficiency

Artificial intelligence (AI) is a powerful management technology that offers analyzes and insights superior to those made by humans. It cuts costs and saves time by automating repetitive processes, forecasting customer demand and optimizing supply chains while taking into consideration their impact on sustainability and the environment. Organizations become more efficient through the integration of AI, which increases performance and decision-making. This essay examines the use of AI in management and the advent of digital lean, which combines lean manufacturing with technological innovation. The environmental benefits of AI, including energy efficiency and sustainable manufacturing, are also advocated. To realize the environmental sustainability benefits of AI, issues such as data privacy and scalability, as well as the need for responsible AI cooperation and practices, are highlighted.

Superporous nanocarbon materials upcycled from polyethylene terephthalate waste for scalable energy storage

Plastic pollution is becoming a universal threat affecting wildlife, marines, the atmosphere, soil, and human wellbeing. The insufficient waste management traditions, along with a growth in the “throw-away” and “single-use” culture, exacerbate the problem. Meanwhile, the fast-growing energy storage industry, such as the lithium-ion battery (LIB), requires renewable resources to provide a steady and reliable production supply chain. This work introduces a scalable industrial mature route to transform polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic waste into a superporous activated carbon material for rechargeable LIBs. We characterized the analytical properties of the waste-derived carbon material and used it to develop LIB anodes. Then, we generated carbon‑silicon composite anodes by impregnating silicon nanoparticles (SiNPs) into the superporous connected architecture network. We conducted density functional-based tight-binding (DFTB+) quantum chemical calculations to elucidate the binding interactions between PET and SiNPs. By implementing electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), galvanostatic intermittent titration technique (GITT), and differential capacity analysis (DCA), we investigated the root causes of the degradation mechanisms of the material. Finally, our techno-economical study highlights the merits of a sustainable approach for transferring waste materials into valuable products such as energy storage. This work can create further research and development for recycling plastic wastes towards scalable stationary battery storage with the benefits of environmental sustainability and circular economics.

Koomey's law forevermore? A document analysis of the production and circulation of the promise of ‘green 5G’

We conduct an analysis of a UK-focused corpus of documents that represent key sites through which the promise of green 5G is produced, circulated and challenged. By the promise of green 5G we refer to an emerging, overarching, dominant expectation that 5G will produce environmental sustainability benefits of various kinds. We employ an analytical approach informed by the sociology of expectations and the concept of technoscientific promises to identify: the various types of expectations and promises upon which the promise of green 5G is built, the ways that the legitimacy and credibility of this promise are boosted, the negative expectations that challenge it, the different ways in which 5G is positioned in relation to the problem of expected traffic growth and how such problematisations direct attention to different solutions, and, finally, a number of other performative effects of the promise of green 5G. The promise of green 5G directs attention towards technological options that aim to render traffic growth sustainable through energy efficiency improvements and away from alternative approaches. This dominant expectation that traffic growth can be rendered sustainable through technological innovation suggests strong commitments to the environmental discourses of ecological modernisation and Promethean environmentalism within this technological community.

Chardonnay Marc as a New Model for Upcycled Co-products in the Food Industry: Concentration of Diverse Natural Products Chemistry for Consumer Health and Sensory Benefits.

Research continues to provide compelling insights into potential health benefits associated with diets rich in plant-based natural products (PBNPs). Coupled with evidence from dietary intervention trials, dietary recommendations increasingly include higher intakes of PBNPs. In addition to health benefits, PBNPs can drive flavor and sensory perceptions in foods and beverages. Chardonnay marc (pomace) is a byproduct of winemaking obtained after fruit pressing that has not undergone fermentation. Recent research has revealed that PBNP diversity within Chardonnay marc has potential relevance to human health and desirable sensory attributes in food and beverage products. This review explores the potential of Chardonnay marc as a valuable new PBNP ingredient in the food system by combining health, sensory, and environmental sustainability benefits that serves as a model for development of future ingredients within a sustainable circular bioeconomy. This includes a discussion on the potential role of computational methods, including artificial intelligence (AI), in accelerating research and development required to discover and commercialize this new source of PBNPs.

Green finance development and environmental sustainability: A panel data analysis

This study considers five regions, i.e., South Asia, South-East Asia, China, Middle Eastern countries, and European countries, and took their data for 15 years. This study makes a significant contribution to the literature by examining the impact of green finance on environmental sustainability. Green finance development is represented by GDP, investment in renewable energy sources, investment in research and development (R&D) for eco-friendly projects, and public–private partnership investment in renewable energy projects. Green financing development in the chosen panel exhibits a distinct geographical cluster effect, with significant regional variances. The most important influencing elements are regional GDP, regional innovation level, and air quality, whereas the degree of financial development and industrial structure optimization are insignificant. The degree of financial development and industrial structure optimization are related to the amount of green finance development mostly via spillover effects. The degree of financial development has a positive spillover impact, but industrial structure optimization has a negative spillover effect. This study reveals that an increase in the production of energy from renewable sources, an increase in R&D, and the evolution of public–private partnership investment in renewable energy reduce CO2 emissions. It is evidenced that green finance in renewable energy sources is necessary to achieve environmental sustainability. There is a strong need to increase green finance in renewable sources to target the minimization of global CO2 emissions. There should be cross-border trade of renewable energy between regions/countries to mitigate CO2 emissions globally. Moreover, this study ranks the regions based on environmental sustainability, which may help researchers and decision-makers to entice foreign direct and private investment in these regions. The implications of the findings of the study suggest that environmental sustainability benefits greatly from green financing and investing in renewable energy sources through public–private partnerships, which represents one of the best ways to ensure environmental sustainability.

Determining acceptance and rejection of nano-enabled agriculture: A case study of the New Zealand wine industry

This paper gathers gatekeeper views and perceptions on nano-enabled viticulture in Aotearoa New Zealand. While the science of nanotechnology is indicated to offer improvements to conventional vineyard inputs and operations, its acceptability by potential users and consumers has an impact on the governance of nano-enabled agriculture. This governance takes place not just at the state level through regulation and policy, but also through corporate, and community sectors' use of branding and narratives about nanotechnology and nano-based agrichemicals, and the (non)consumption of nano-enabled products. This paper investigates the technical and market acceptability, or governance, of nanotechnology by elucidating the attitudes of industry gatekeepers towards wines grown with nanotechnology. This necessarily informs the ‘market permissibility’ of such technologies, and illuminates sensitivities, concerns, and consumer-based barriers to adoption. We conducted 15 semi-structured, key informant interviews and a thematic data analysis. Our results suggest a high level of technical acceptability, particularly if environmental sustainability benefits are made clear. Wine producers are interested in nano-solutions to labour, pest and disease, and cost of production issues. However, key actors in the production-consumption network of New Zealand wine have concerns about nano-enabled approaches. Regulatory approval and safety assurances are expected prior to adoption in food or wine. Respondents argue that consumer acceptability is less clear, and that thought leaders like wine writers, intermediaries and ‘influencers’ will be critical in shaping public opinion. This research highlights the potential risks of nanotechnology development and adoption.

Paying for the Greater Good?-What Information Matters for Beijing Consumers' Willingness to Pay for Plant-Based Meat?

Promoting the transition from animal meat to plant-based food consumption has significant benefits for public health and environmental sustainability. This study, involving 526 consumers from Beijing, China, explores how food attributes and information may affect consumers’ food choices concerning plant-based meat products. A discrete choice experiment was conducted using burgers with five attributes (meat patties, flavor, sodium content, energy, and price) as the focal product. Separate messages on nutrition, food safety, and the environmental issues related to plant-based meat consumption were also randomly provided to consumers to help examine the role of information. Our findings suggest that Beijing consumers’ awareness of plant-based meat is relatively low at present, and they show a negative preference toward plant-based meat consumption relative to that of conventional meat. However, consumers’ willingness to pay for plant-based meat significantly increased after nutrition information was provided, but it was not responsive to the provision of food safety or environmental information. These findings suggest that to promote plant-based meat consumption, information closely related to consumers’ personal interests rather the “greater good” should be provided, at least in the context of Beijing, China.

Urban Policy Sustainability through a Value-Added Densification Tool: The Case of the South Boston Area

Over the past decade, urban density has been growing faster than ever, forcing high-density expansion. The aim of this study is to verify whether urban density is accepted as a sustainable value-added quality, internalized in the willingness to pay on a buildable per square feet basis. To explore the relationship between land prices and densification processes, this study focused on a low-density area, which recently went through a densification policy process with the approval of a new zoning tool. The study analyzes land price trends on a 144-Acre of area, located in the South Boston Submarket, identified as the Dorchester Ave Area. I analyzed land transactions in this area between 2012 and 2021. I also examined land price variations before and after the approval of a densification plan in correlation with the overall trend of the real estate market in that area. The results suggest that density is a value-added feature that affects land prices. Indeed, a higher density leads to higher values per buildable square feet. Densification policies have a strong positive impact on land transaction prices. Community and developers valued density with a greater willingness to pay, internalizing the economic, social, and environmental sustainability benefits. This phenomenon should be taken into consideration by local public authorities implementing their zoning tools.

Sweet basil can be grown hydroponically at low phosphorus and high sodium chloride concentration: Effect on plant and nutrient solution management

Agronomic inputs in agriculture easily exceed crop needs causing environment pollution. Phosphorus (P) is a macronutrient largely used in agriculture as a mineral fertilizer that requires an accurate management because it is a finite and non-renewable resource. Growing plants hydroponically can optimize plant nutrition achieving high crop nutrient use efficiency. However, irrigation water of poor quality (saline) interferes with crop performance. In this study, the effects of different P and NaCl levels in the root zone were evaluated on basil plants grown in a deep liquid culture system in a growth chamber. Two experiments with different P (from 0.1 to 1.0 mol m−3) and NaCl (from 0 to 60 mol m−3) concentrations in the nutrient solution were carried out. Plant growth, leaf gas exchanges and fluorescence, uptake of minerals and water, and leaf quality (content of minerals and pigments, and antioxidant capacity) were analysed. The most relevant morphological plant response to the low P (i.e., roughly 0.1 x of a standard nutrient solution) concentration consisted in a greater root/shoot ratio. However, plants growing at low P concentration did not show any reduction in yield and quality. Sodium chloride did not significantly affect plants yield and quality up to a concentration of 30 mol m−3 confirming the tolerance of basil to moderate saline stress. Significant reduction in the total biomass, water uptake and photosynthesis instead occurred at NaCl 60 mol m−3. These results confirmed the hypotheses that basil can be grown hydroponically at low P and high NaCl concentration with proper management of the nutrient solution. The absence of significant interactions between P and NaCl suggests that these two factors can be managed independently with potential benefits for crop economic and environmental sustainability.

Systematic review of the impact of a plant-based diet on prostate cancer incidence and outcomes.

Plant-based diets are increasingly popular and have many well-established benefits for health and environmental sustainability. Our objective was to perform a systematic review of plant-based diets and prostate cancer. We performed a systematic database and citation search in February 2022. Studies were included if they reported primary data on plant-based dietary patterns (i.e., vegan, vegetarian, plant-based) and incidence among at-risk men for prostate cancer, or oncologic, general health/nutrition, or quality of life outcomes among patients with prostate cancer or caregivers. A total of 32 publications were eligible for the qualitative synthesis, representing 5 interventional and 11 observational studies. Interventional studies primarily focused on lifestyle modification including plant-based diets for men on active surveillance for localized prostate cancer or with biochemical recurrence after treatment, showing improvements in short-term oncologic outcomes alongside improvements in general health and nutrition. Observationalstudies primarily focused on prostate cancer risk, showing either protective or null associations for plant-based dietary patterns. Studies of the vegan diet consistently showed favorable associations with risk and/or outcomes. Gaps in the current literature include impact for long-term disease-specific outcomes. Interventional studies showed generally favorable results of lifestyle modifications incorporating a plant-based diet with prostate cancer outcomes as well as improvements in nutrition and general health. Observational studies demonstrated either a lower risk of prostate cancer or no significant difference. These results are encouraging in light of the many benefits of plant-based diets for overall health, as well as environmental sustainability and animal welfare.

Upgrading Strategy, Warranty Policy and Pricing Decisions for Remanufactured Products Sold with Two-Dimensional Warranty

The environmental sustainability and business benefits of end-of-life products have led to worldwide growth in the remanufacturing market. However, customers are often sceptical about the quality and durability of remanufactured products. To ensure a risk-free customer experience, dealers carry out some upgrading actions on the most critical components and offer a reasonable warranty period on products at the time of resale. It is crucial for dealers to consider customers’ attitudes and preferences when deciding on an upgrading strategy, warranty coverage, and sales price for remanufactured products. This paper aims to establish an equilibrium between customers’ expected costs and dealers’ expected profit for remanufactured products sold with a two-dimensional warranty and post-warranty service. In our model, customers make their decisions based on cost–benefit balance, whereas dealers make decisions that maximise their profit margin. Owing to the nature of the conflict between the dealer and customers, a Stackelberg game model is developed to optimise the upgrade strategy, warranty policy, and pricing decisions for remanufactured products. The Karush–Kuhn–Tucker (KKT) optimality condition of the lower-level problem is used to solve the model. Finally, a numerical example is provided to illustrate its applicability.

Depolymerase-Catalyzed Polyethylene Terephthalate Hydrolysis: A Unified Mechanism Revealed by Quantum Mechanics/Molecular Mechanics Analysis

The exponential growth of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic waste has caused global environmental problems. Enzymatic transformation has become an emerging and promising strategy for PET depolymerization and recycling. Here, we systematically explored the catalytic mechanism of five representative enzymes, namely, IsPETase, RgPETase, BurPL, PET2, and LCC, and evidenced that they all follow the same process which involves four concerted steps. The calculated average energy barriers for these enzymes are 16.2, 15.8, 13.1, 14.5, and 14.1 kcal/mol, respectively. A dynamic hydrogen-bond network was identified to regulate the PET depolymerization process for all of the investigated enzymes. In addition, the correlations between vital structural/charge features and energy barriers were screened, and key features (e.g., charge Ser@O1, angle PET@C1–H2O@O3–H2O@H3) that significantly impact enzyme efficiency were identified. We clarify that the originally proposed structural features like Ser@O1-PET@C1 are not likely to be the dominating features that influence the enzyme efficiency. These new insights collectively offer a key basis for a rational enzyme engineering strategy for benefits of environmental sustainability and production of value-added products.