Waste

"The Myth of Plastic Recycling"

"For many, recycling feels like a tangible way to personally combat climate change and to positively affect the environment. That's partially because of decades of public environmental campaigns, advertisements and even school education aimed at increasing recycling. But the reality is that only a small fraction of plastic is ultimately recycled."

Source: NPR, 12/13/2022

Bald Eagles Believed To Have Been Poisoned Near Minnesota Landfill

"More than a dozen dead or dying bald eagles were found near a landfill in Inver Grove Heights, suspected victims of poisoning by eating carcasses of animals that were chemically euthanized and dumped at the landfill, according to wildlife officials."

Source: Minneapolis Star Tribune, 12/12/2022

As Concern Over Methane Mounts, Emission Controls Yield Stories

While carbon dioxide is the greenhouse gas most often in the news, methane has greater warming power and accounts for a big chunk of the current increase in global warming. Now, growing regulatory pressure may help shift that focus and could drive more local environmental reporting, per the latest TipSheet. The backstory, plus reporting ideas and resources.

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"Waste Pickers Risk Their Lives To Stop Plastic Pollution"

"Globally, waste pickers are responsible for collecting and recovering—from homes, businesses and landfills—up to 60% of all plastics which are then recycled. These workers do more than any other people to prevent plastic contaminating the environment, yet their work is rarely valued and they struggle to earn a decent living."

Source: The Conversation, 12/02/2022

Treaty On Plastics Must Cut Production To Ease Pollution, Some States Say

"Countries have begun to discuss a future global plastics treaty which would cut pollution, some hope entirely by 2040, at U.N. talks in Uruguay this week, with many states calling for curbs on plastic production as a way to reach that goal."

Source: Reuters, 11/30/2022

Coal Ash — An Overlooked Toxic Story That Won’t Go Away

Obama-era regulation of the toxic waste product coal ash, which was watered down in the face of resistance from coal and electric utilities and further weakened by the Trump administration, has meant many coal-fired power plants simply ignore disposal requirements. That’s per a new report that the latest TipSheet writes can offer journalists useful ways to report an overlooked environmental story in their area.

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