The Rhode Island General Assembly looks to be getting a bit greener after last week’s elections.
This past Tuesday, September 8th, Rhode Island held our statewide primary election. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, this election looked a bit different than in past years. Usually, we know who the winners are by the end of the night or early the next morning but this year, we had to wait a few days. So we spent a few days biting our nails and constantly refreshing the Board of Elections results page. But it was worth the wait.
Introducing carbon nanotubes, a scientific wonder substance. You may not have heard of carbon nanotubes (or CNTs), but they are probably already part of your life. They may be in your cell phone or computer, where they are used as semiconductors, or part of your bike frame, where they provide strength without weight. They could even be in your tires, helping improve handling on slick roadways.
This summer, Frederick County proved itself to be an environmental leader.
The Clean Water Scorecard for the 116th CongressProtecting our water, health, and environment shouldn’t be a partisan issue -- but it has been, in the US Congress. For the fifth time since 2010, support for common sense legislation to safeguard our water, address the climate crisis, fix our democracy, and put people first broke down along party lines.
As part of the team that helps put together the letters and emails we send to our members, I’m also fortunate to get the occasional phone call from someone with a question, concern or compliment.
Clean Water Action’s ReThink Disposable team is excited to have received the Bow and Arrow award from the California Product Stewardship Council (CPSC). This award recognizes our program’s mission to bring together stakeholders in the restaurant industry to reduce the consumption of harmful single-use plastics. Creative partnerships are at the heart of our work and we are honored by this recognition.
In states across the country, Clean Water Action is tackling the PFAS pollution problem. PFAS (per- and polyflyoroalkyl substances) is known as the "forever chemical" because it persists in the environment and in our bodies. It is associated with a range of health harms from cancers to liver impacts to reproductive issues. PFAS can impact communities in a variety of ways so we will be share updates from spots across the country in the coming weeks to highlight some of these local impacts. Stay tuned and let us know if you'd like to get involved locally!
These days, you may find yourself spending more hours in and around your home due to COVID-19. While home, we can take some small steps now to reduce our exposure to environmental toxins to stay healthy and prep our homes for the winter months.
On August 6th, we co-released a report in conjunction with the Mind the Store campaign titled “Packaged in Pollution.” The report found that PFAS chemicals are used in food packaging and food service ware to repel grease and liquids so food wrappers for burgers, fries, sandwiches and molded fiber plates and bowls are likely culprits.
Mounting evidence shows that pesticide contamination has harmful effects in humans, pets, wildlife, birds, bees, and other beneficial insects. This summer, avoid pesticide use on lawns. Pesticides are not needed for a healthy, attractive lawn. Instead, take an organic approach to lawn care and accept that variety in a lawn is good.