TELLUS: A BUSINESS DRIVING THE WORLD’S TRANSITION TO SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTS

ECU Author/Contributor (non-ECU co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)

Rachel E Watkins (Creator)

Institution

East Carolina University (ECU )

Web Site: http://www.ecu.edu/lib/

Abstract: Tellus is a business founded in the HNRS 2000/3000 courses with a mission of driving \nthe world’s transition to eco-friendly products. Initially, Tellus targeted the waste generated by \nplastics in the medical field, such as otoscope specula\; however, after the onset of the COVID-19 \npandemic, Tellus pivoted to tackle a more prevalent issue - the waste generated by PPE. \nPreliminary research revealed that “around 75% of the used masks, as well as other pandemic-related waste, will end up in landfills, or floating in the seas” (“Five Things,” 2020). \nFurthermore, it was found that surgical masks contribute to microplastics in the environment, \nand cloth masks release harmful dyes, chemicals, and methane when sitting in the landfill \n(Fadare & Okoffo, 2020\; Rossignol, 2014). Acknowledging this fact, Tellus hypothesized that if \nbiodegradable facemasks are introduced into the mask market, then the environmental harm \ncaused by facemasks will be significantly reduced. Therefore, in order to begin its impact, our \nteam, Tellus, took initiative through our HNRS 4500/4550 courses and third-party programs to \nintroduce biodegradable, disposable face coverings called Tellus Masks into the mask industry. \nThroughout this process, it was discovered that there is a desire for biodegradable facemasks, but \ngiven they are made of high-quality wood pulp, there are concerns about their effectiveness. \nMoreover, our attempts to acquire funding were unsuccessful, which inhibited us from \ncompleting a manufacturing run. With this being said, future attempts should focus more on \nmarketing the quality of Tellus Masks and expend more effort on obtaining seed money.

Additional Information

Publication

Thesis

Language: English

Date: 2023

Subjects

business;sustainable

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