Economics and Sustainability Series: The Science of Batteries
Abstract: The rising cost of cobalt may be of little interest to many, but in fact, has the potentialto affect nearly everyone. Cobalt is used in the construction of the…
How the Pandemic Changed Drive-Thrus and Takeout
As dining rooms closed across the country in 2020 because of the pandemic, restaurants started focusing their efforts on takeout and drive-thru orders. Many companies added new technology and logistical…
The Battle Over Bottling
After a 2-year legal battle, Seven Springs Water Co. was approved to pump 1 million gallons per day from Florida’s Ginnie Springs to supply water to Swiss food and beverage…
Luxury handbags…for your feet?
Photo by Modern Affliction on Unsplash Fashion collective recently announced they will be creating “(t)he most exclusive sandal ever made.” Known for their creative, avant-garde fashion designs, their latest creation…
Why Some Texans’ Electricity Bills Went Through the Roof
A couple of weeks ago, Texas’ power grid failed after a historic snowstorm and cold snap overwhelmed the state. As millions struggled without electricity or heat, those who had power…
Boxed Out: China’s Exports Pinched by Global Run On Shipping Containers
Abstract: Disruptions to global supply chains have taken on a new level of complexity in recent months, this time caused by a shortage of shipping containers. Despite estimates of as…
Economic Case Against Social Media’s Targeted-Ad Business Model
Photo by Brett Jordan on Unsplash Social media platforms like Facebook rely on a targeted-ad business model, which generates revenue by using detailed behavioral information to direct ads to individual…
The High Cost of Avoiding Baggage Fees
Photo by Alice Pasqual on Unsplash In 2008, American Airlines became the first major airline in the US to announce they would begin charging an additional fee for checked baggage. Initially, the fees…
My Cheesy Valentine
Photo by Clem Onojeghuo on Unsplash With Valentine’s Day right around the corner grocery and drug stores are starting to stock their shelves with many of the usual sights: Teddy…
GDP in 2020 Dropped to Lowest Point Since World War II
Last year, the U.S. economy shrank by 3.5 percent as Americans had their lives turned upside down by the coronavirus pandemic. This made 2020 the worst year for growth since…