National Geographic's plastics issue is a huge wake-up call

Andrea James 5:00 am Wed Jun 6, 2018

This video accompanies National Geographic's terrific reporting on the global plastic waste crisis. it shows how America became a plastic-addicted throwaway culture, and how the earth is now paying for humanity's short-sighted sin.

For the special edition, check out Planet or Plastic? They even have a plastic pledge you can take to reduce your use of single-use plastics like straws, bags, bottles, and cutlery.

• A Brief History of How Plastic Has Changed Our World (YouTube / National Geographic)

The horrors floating around in your home

Mark Patrick Taylor, Chief Environmental Scientist, EPA Victoria and Honorary Professor, Macquarie University; and Gabriel Filippelli, Chancellor's Professor of Earth Sciences and Executive Director, Indiana University Environmental Resilience Institute, IUPUI, wrote a piece earlier this year for The Conversation, where they discuss their research on the numerous contaminants people are exposed to in their own… READ THE REST
Hawaii stream that smells like beer turns out to be alcoholic

There's a stream in Waipio, Hawaii on Oahu that reportedly smells so much like beer that a representative from Envirowatch Inc said: "You would think it was a beer pub that hadn't opened its doors for three or four days." Scientists recently analyzed the flowing water and, indeed, it turned out to be 1.2 percent… READ THE REST
New ProPublica investigation reveals racist environmental "sacrifice zones"

In a new investigation, ProPublica reporters Lylla Younes, Ava Kofman, Al Shaw, Lisa Song, and Maya Miller used EPA data processing software to examine the spread of cancer-causing chemicals and other hazardous air pollutions in communities across the United States. At the map's intimate scale, it's possible to see up close how a massive chemical… READ THE REST
Missed Cyber Monday? You can still get this Microsoft Surface Pro 5 for $400

We thank our sponsor for making this content possible; it is not written by the editorial staff nor does it necessarily reflect its views. It's time for some holiday shopping, and if you're not doing it online, you'll be, well, in line. Since there aren't many folks who find hanging out at big box stores… READ THE REST
Cyber Monday Extended: Get a refurbished iPad Mini 4 for under $300

We thank our sponsor for making this content possible; it is not written by the editorial staff nor does it necessarily reflect its views. Tablets sit in an interesting segment. Larger than a smartphone but more portable than a laptop, they offer plenty of power for day-to-day tasks without consuming too much bag room. So if… READ THE REST
Cyber Monday Extended: Win big with two copies of The 2 Million Dollar Puzzle for $40

We thank our sponsor for making this content possible; it is not written by the editorial staff nor does it necessarily reflect its views. This year, instead of giving to others, it's time to think of yourself. You can't be reliant on your goodwill alone to feel fulfilled, and cash can usually fill that void… READ THE REST