Vaping Is Not Just a Health Hazard but an Environmental Threat

– Lane Simond: Vaping has increased dramatically in Canada, especially among teenagers, and while the emphasis in recent years has been on the negative impacts on the health of those who vape, there is a major environmental threat as well. We keep hearing about government attempts to reduce use of plastics, but there is a […]

Electronic Waste in Canada has Tripled – What Does this Mean to Sparta?

– Teresa Madaleno: Researchers at the University of Waterloo report that Canada’s electrical and electronic waste has more than tripled over the last two decades. The increase is being attributed to consumer habits and a growing Canadian population. What does this mean to a company like Sparta Group that has an e-waste recycling facility? To Sparta […]

How Sensors Are Advancing the Energy Sector and Sparta Group

–  Lane Simond: Solutions powered by IoT are transforming the energy sector in ways many engineers would not have imagined years ago. IoT applications that involve sensors are improving asset and industrial efficiency, leading to increased revenue, and more effective use of resources. However, these benefits appear to be just the beginning. Sparta Group’s Energy division […]

The Difference Between Recycling, Upcycling and Downcycling

– Teresa Madaleno: Television personality Fred Rogers, better known as Mr. Rogers, once said, “Often when you think you’re at the end of something, you’re at the beginning of something else.” It’s doubtful he was thinking about waste recycling or upcycling when he said this, but at Sparta Group, we think the quote applies. Sparta’s Environment […]

How AI Helps Brace Us for Extreme Weather Events

– Teresa Madaleno: Scientific research supports the notion that extreme rain, droughts, and forest fires have become more frequent and more severe because of climate change. It is crucial that steps be put in place to protect structures from hurricane-force winds, but designing buildings with extreme weather has been difficult until now. Researchers at the National […]

Technology and a Mix of the Right Foods Could Be a Path to Good Health

– Lane Simond: Today, there are all kinds of technologies at our fingertips that focus on preventative health, including remote patient monitoring and artificial intelligence, but technology alone is not going to keep us in perfect condition. Some scientists, including those who focus on nourishment, are still promoting the consumption of certain foods to prevent […]

Unlocking the Hidden Value in E-Waste

– Teresa Madaleno: The phrase “Spring Cleaning” is familiar to a lot of us. Some people call it a time for “getting rid of junk”. However, when it comes to those drawers that are full of obsolete gadgets or that corner in your garage that is home to old computers and broken appliances, the word “junk” […]

Bird Flu Spillover: What Does it Mean for Human Health?

– Teresa Madaleno: People all around the world seem relieved to hear that the COVID-19 pandemic may soon be declared “over”.  However, while there is no need to panic, scientists and health agencies want people to be aware that the next virus could already be percolating. Bird flu is starting to cause concern because there seems […]

Sustainable Crypto Mining Through Carbon Credits

– Teresa Madaleno: Cryptocurrency assets like bitcoin require a significant amount of electricity, which leads to an increase in greenhouse gas emissions. However, all signs point to cryptocurrency demand growing. According to Grandview Research, the global cryptocurrency market was valued at USD 4.67 billion in 2022 and is likely to expand at a compound annual growth […]

Sparta Technology That Protects in More Ways Than One

– Teresa Madaleno: Most people are aware of the strain on our hospitals. Physicians and healthcare administrators have said the problems plaguing the system have been around for a long time, but the COVID-19 pandemic made it worse. Experts in healthcare have also indicated that they are willing to look at all safe steps to […]