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Bald eagles return to the southern Great Lakes after near extinction
The bald eagle population in southern Ontario has made a remarkable recovery after near extinction due to DDT, symbolizing hope for both wildlife and human health.
In short:
- The pesticide DDT nearly wiped out bald eagles in North America, causing their numbers to plummet in the mid-20th century.
- Decades of conservation efforts have led to a significant recovery, with Ontario declaring bald eagles no longer at risk in May 2023.
- Despite the success, bald eagles now face new threats from climate change and emerging contaminants.
Key quote:
"If we’re not paying attention to what we’re doing, if we’re not careful about what we’re putting into the environment, we’re just going to repeat the story over and over again."
— Jody Allair, Birds Canada
Why this matters:
The resurgence of bald eagles is a testament to the effectiveness of environmental regulations and conservation efforts. It speaks to a broader issue of how human activities impact both wildlife and human health, emphasizing the need for continued vigilance and action. Read more: Pesticide DDT linked to increased breast cancer risk generations after exposure.
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Top Story
Credit: MPCA Photos/Flickr
Plastics industry's recycling deception exposed
A new report uncovers decades of misleading claims by plastic producers about the viability of recycling, revealing it as a flawed solution for waste management.
- The Center for Climate Integrity's report uncovers that the plastics industry has promoted recycling as a viable option for decades, despite knowing its limitations.
- Recycling plastic is not economically or technically feasible due to the need for meticulous sorting and the degradation of materials upon reuse.
- Evidence suggests that the industry's misleading marketing campaigns about recycling may have violated consumer protection laws.
Key quote:
"It’s time to hold them accountable for the damage they’ve caused."
— Richard Wiles, president of the Center for Climate Integrity
Why this matters:
This exposé lays bare the profound disconnect between the plastics industry's public facade and its internal acknowledgment of recycling's limitations. Recycling plastics is extremely problematic due to toxic chemical additives.
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Newsletter
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California confronts plastic recycling challenges under new law
A recent report challenges California's approach to plastic recycling, citing concerns over illegal exports and the state's "Truth in Labeling" law.
- California's recycling law, aimed at accurate recyclability claims, faces scrutiny for potentially allowing misleading labels and illegal plastic waste exports.
- Environmental groups criticize the state's preliminary data, arguing it could mislead consumers and exacerbate plastic pollution.
- The controversy highlights the complex issues surrounding plastic recycling, including contamination and the global trade in waste.
Key quote:
"As a state, California is still misleading its own citizens and the world when it comes to pretending to be able to recycle most of our plastic wastes."
— Jan Dell, founder of The Last Beach Cleanup.
Why this matters:
With only 6% of plastics recycled nationally, the failure to manage plastic waste has a detrimental affect on global health and environmental sustainability. Every stage of plastic production and use is harming human health.
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Plastic chemicals linked to $249 billion in US health care costs in just one year, study finds
By contributing to the development of chronic disease and death, a group of hormone-disruptive plastic chemicals is costing the US health care system billions — over $249 billion in 2018 alone, a new study found.
Jane Muncke: "Perils of Plastic Packaging”
On this episode, toxicology scientist Dr. Jane Muncke joins Nate to discuss the current state of food production and the effects of ultra processed foods and their packaging on our health.
Credit: Demetri Dourambeis/Flickr
The plastic chemicals hiding in your food
CR tested popular fast foods and supermarket staples for some of the chemicals used to make plastic, which can be harmful to your health. Here's what we found—and how to stay safer.
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| Copyright: DaryaKom |
Tatiana Schlossberg: How to end plastic pollution for good
Scientists have figured out the fastest way to shrink, and ultimately eliminate, the stream of plastic waste.
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