The ''Biodegradable'' label can be a powerful draw for shoppers concerned about the future of the planet. But they might not be aware of a critical drawback: As biodegradable materials break down in a landfill, which is where they usually end up, they can release methane, a potent greenhouse gas with climate warming effects upwards of 30 times that of carbon dioxide.
Mike Walker has just finished his lunch in the cafeteria at PCC Community Markets in the Green Lake neighborhood of Seattle. On the small table in front of him is a plastic sandwich wrapper, a potato chip bag and an energy drink can. Only one of those three is destined for a recycling bin. And even then, there's no guarantee that the can will end up recycled.
The death of filmmaker Andrew Nisker's father, Harold, of cancer in 2014 led him on a search for truth about golf courses and pesticide use.
Evidence linking animal cruelty and violence against people spurs authorities to toughen penalties and step up prosecutions.
The wireless industry has waged a high-powered legal battle to take down signs warning of radiation exposure due to cell phone use. In court filings, a major trade group has called the advisory “inflammatory” and has argued that signs violate cellphone store owners’ First Amendment rights.
When her black cat rapidly dropped from a healthy 14 pounds to a skeletal five pounds, it was natural for Arlene Blum to investigate whether a toxic chemical in her home might be to blame. The veterinarian's diagnosis raised that possibility, and Blum had expertise in the harm that chemicals can cause. Her research as a chemist in the 1970s helped reveal the possible health hazards posed by flame retardants used in children's sleepwear.
