Home Our Mission Recycling Plastics Air Water Land Lifestyles Economy & Politics Media & Awards Home Our Mission Recycling Publications & Awards Air Water Land Lifestyles Economy Forum Deep Dive: Who Pays for the AI Boom? Lawmakers Push Back on Data Center Energy Costs The rapid expansion of AI and data centers has raised fundamental questions about who pays for the electricity infrastructure that supports them. Because there is no national or international mechanism for allocating these costs, households in regions with heavy data center development often bear higher electricity bills, while users across the United States and globally benefit from AI and cloud services without paying for the energy required to power them. Lawmakers Are Pushing Back and What They Want to Change As major technology companies expand data centers to support artificial intelligence and cloud computing, U.S. lawmakers are increasingly concerned that consumers are absorbing the resulting rise in electricity costs. Members of Congress and state regulators are questioning whether utilities are spreading the cost of grid upgrades, including new substations, transmission lines, and generation capacity, across all customers instead of requiring data center operators to pay for the infrastructure their facilities require. Proposed reforms focus on shifting a greater share of these costs to data center companies. Lawmakers are calling for clearer utility pricing, updated cost allocation rules, and, in some cases, temporary pauses on new data center approvals until regulators can determine how to prevent households and small businesses from subsidizing corporate electricity demand. The goal is to shield consumers from higher bills driven by energy-intensive computing growth. Data Center Electricity Use and the Role of Regional Transmission Grids Data centers are among the most electricity-intensive facilities in the United States, and their power use has increased rapidly with the expansion of AI. Federal and independent analyses estimate that U.S. data centers consumed approximately 206 terawatt hours of electricity in 2025 , up from about 176 terawatt hours in 2023. This represents roughly 5 percent of total U.S. electricity demand , making data centers one of the fastest-growing sources of load on the national power system. Electricity bills are determined not by proximity to a data center but by the regional transmission grid serving a customer’s area. These multi-state grid systems manage power generation, transmission, and reliability across large regions. When many data centers connect to a grid, utilities often must invest in additional infrastructure and generating capacity. Unless regulators assign those costs directly to the companies driving demand, they are typically spread across all customers within the grid. How These Energy Costs Affect Consumers, Including Non-AI Users Rising data center demand has driven significant increases in grid capacity and transmission costs, particularly in regions with dense clusters of facilities. Utilities recover these costs through customer bills, meaning households pay more regardless of whether they personally use AI tools or cloud services. Studies show that in some regions, billions of dollars in grid upgrade costs linked to data centers are being passed on to consumers. While monthly impacts vary, the core issue is structural. Electricity pricing reflects total system costs, not individual digital usage. As a result, families who do not use AI technologies still face higher electricity bills because they share the same grid infrastructure required to support data center growth. Graph posted by Enerdetics.com The Four Major U.S. Grids, Data Center Concentration, and Bill Impacts The U.S. electric system is divided into four major regional grids, along with several smaller ones. These four regions account for most data‑center development and therefore illustrate the clearest consumer impacts. PJM Interconnection (Mid-Atlantic and Midwest) PJM has the highest concentration of data centers in the United States, driven largely by Northern Virginia’s “Data Center Alley,” the largest cluster in the world. Rapid load growth from these facilities has contributed to rising capacity and transmission costs across the region. ERCOT (Texas) Texas is experiencing some of the fastest data‑center development in the country. Because ERCOT operates independently from other U.S. grids, all infrastructure and reliability costs remain within the state. When utilities build new generation, transmission lines, or backup resources to support large computing loads, those costs are passed on to Texas consumers through delivery charges and rate adjustments. CAISO (California) Data‑center growth in California is more moderate than in PJM, but the state’s already high electricity prices and strict clean‑energy requirements amplify the impact of new infrastructure investments. Meeting additional demand from large loads requires zero‑carbon‑compliant resources and flexible capacity to manage solar variability, both of which increase system costs. MISO (Central U.S.) Data‑center development in the MISO region is more geographically dispersed, but rising industrial and computing demand is increasingly shaping long‑term transmission and generation planning. As utilities prepare for higher load growth, the associated infrastructure investments are gradually incorporated into residential rate structures. Energy Grid Map created by PCI Energy Solution ( PCIEnergySolution.com ) Why Costs Are Not Shared Across Grids Although AI services are used globally, the electricity costs and energy use required to power data centers are not shared across grids. Regional grids bear the burden, leaving households in data-center-heavy areas to pay more while others benefit without contributing. As AI computing grows, this gap between who benefits and who bears the energy and cost burden could widen unless clearer policies are implemented. Policymakers should ensure transparency in grid pricing, explore frameworks for allocating costs more equitably, and encourage energy-efficient solutions to reduce overall demand. Clear national and international regulations are needed to address both cost allocation and the unequal distribution of energy use, preventing disproportionate burdens on specific regions while supporting sustainable AI growth. References Yahoo Finance. Big Tech’s Data Center Push Has Sent Electricity Bills Higher, Lawmakers Want to Slow Them Down. https://finance.yahoo.com/news/big-techs-data-center-push-has-sent-electricity-bills-higher-lawmakers-want-to-slow-them-down-144555492.html Pew Research. What We Know About Energy Use at U.S. Data Centers Amid the AI Boom. https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2025/10/24/what-we-know-about-energy-use-at-us-data-centers-amid-the-ai-boom/ Datacenter Frontier. Study Finds $4B in Data Center Grid Costs Shifted to Consumers Across PJM Region. https://www.datacenterfrontier.com/energy/article/55321163/study-finds-4b-in-data-center-grid-costs-shifted-to-consumers-across-pjm-region U.S. Energy Information Administration. Electricity Explained: U.S. Electricity Grid. https://www.eia.gov/electricity/ U.S. Data Center Power Demand Surpasses 150 GW, With PJM and ERCOT Accounting for 60% of the facilities https://www.enerdatics.com/insights/us-data-center-power-demand-surpasses-150-gw-with-pjm-and-ercot-accounting-for-60-of-the-facilities U.S. Grid Regions by EPA https://www.epa.gov/green-power-markets/us-grid-regions #datacenter #ai #energy #resources #electricbill #inflation #tech #computing #ctdp #connectingthedotsproject #energycost #reform #law #regulations ←Previous Next→

Home Our Mission Recycling Plastics Air Water Land Lifestyles Economy & Politics Media & Awards Home Our Mission Recycling Publications & Awards Air Water Land Lifestyles Economy Forum PFAS Contamination: Understanding the Risks and Challenges of Soil Remediation Recently, concerns over PFAS, known as "forever chemicals," have been making headlines since the initial report of a $10.3 billion settlement with 3M. PFAS is a group of human-made chemicals that have been widely used in various industrial and consumer products since the 1940s. PFAS is used to repel oil, grease, water, and stains, making them useful in non-stick cookware, stain-resistant fabrics, water-resistant coatings, and firefighting foams. Some studies suggest that exposure to PFAS may be linked to health issues, including kidney and testicular cancer, thyroid disease, low birth weights, immune system dysfunction, and developmental effects in infants and children. Today, let's think about the scenario if our backyard soil was contaminated with PFAS. I have been wondering how soil can be remediated after a house fire or fire fighting drills. First and foremost, it is essential to consult a specialist or the local EPA to get the soil assessed if you are concerned about contamination. The remediation processes are complex, extreme, costly, and often dangerous, as we are dealing with "forever chemicals." But that is how the chemical earned its notoriety with its characteristics to endure extreme conditions. Examples of currently known removal methods are the immobilization method using activated carbon (GAC), soil washing, thermal treatment (1000°C), deep excavation, and ex-situ methods. I must emphasize that these methods should only be implemented by professionals, so please DO NOT TRY THIS IF YOU ARE NOT A TRAINED SPECIALIST. Anyway, you may be wondering if raising the soil level can prevent contamination or you could still enjoy gardening veggies in your yard. Here is a summary of what I have read so far: raising the soil level in a garden will not directly address PFAS contamination. PFAS compounds can migrate through the soil and contaminate groundwater, which can then be taken up by plants. Simply adding more soil on top will not eliminate or reduce the presence of PFAS in the underlying soil. Therefore, if you live on or around contaminated grounds and wish to grow edible plants, it is advisable to use planting pots and avoid the use of well water for these plants. Sources: https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.est.0c03058 https://www.sciencedirect.com/.../abs/pii/S0301479719316147 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5954436/ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5954436/ ←Previous Next→

Home Our Mission Recycling Plastics Air Water Land Lifestyles Economy & Politics Media & Awards https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=61ydw2OIQec Dispose of or Recycle Used Cooking Oil and Grease Used cooking oil, fryer oil, bacon grease, meat drippings, butter, shortening, and other fats should never be poured down a sink, garbage disposal, toilet, storm drain, or onto the ground. Even when oil is liquid and warm, it can cool and harden inside pipes, causing clogs, sewer backups, costly plumbing repairs, and pollution problems. Rules and recycling options vary throughout the United States. Check with your city, county, waste hauler, wastewater utility, or household hazardous-waste program to learn whether your community offers cooking-oil collection or recycling. First: Cool the oil safely Do not handle, transfer, or dispose of hot oil. Turn off the heat and allow the oil or grease to cool completely in the pan or pot. Keep children, pets, and flammable materials away while it cools. Do not add water or other liquids to hot oil. Do not pour hot oil into a glass jar, plastic container, trash bag, or drain. If you need to speed cooling, follow safe food-handling and container instructions. Do not place a hot pan directly into a refrigerator or freezer. Once cooled, you can decide whether the oil can be reused, recycled, or placed in the trash. Reuse cooking oil when appropriate Cooking oil can sometimes be filtered and reused, especially after shallow frying or cooking at moderate temperatures. Do not reuse oil that is dark, sticky, foamy, smoky, rancid, unusually thick, or strongly flavored by the food cooked in it. To reuse oil: Let it cool completely. Strain out food particles through a fine mesh strainer, cheesecloth, coffee filter, or other suitable filter. Store it in a clean, dry, sealed container. Label the container with the type of oil and date. Keep it in a cool, dark location or refrigerate it if appropriate for the oil. Do not store used oil in a wet container, because water can create dangerous splattering when oil is reheated. Recycle used cooking oil if available Some communities, wastewater utilities, household hazardous-waste facilities, public-works departments, and private companies collect used vegetable oil for processing into biodiesel, renewable fuels, soap, or other products. Programs differ. Some accept only liquid, plant-based oils, such as vegetable, canola, corn, peanut, olive, or sunflower oil. Others may accept limited amounts of animal fats. Do not assume that a cooking-oil recycler accepts bacon grease, meat drippings, butter, shortening, lard, or food-contaminated oil. Before taking oil to a collection location, ask: Do you accept household cooking oil? Do you accept only plant-based oils, or also animal fats and grease? Must food particles be strained out? Is there a minimum or maximum quantity? Must oil be in a specific container? Is the service free, seasonal, appointment-only, or available year-round? Do you accept oil from homes only, or also from restaurants and businesses? How to prepare oil for a recycling drop-off Allow the oil to cool completely. Pour it into a clean, sturdy, leak-proof container with a secure lid, such as the original oil bottle or another nonbreakable container. Label the container, especially if it contains a mixture of oils or fats. Keep the container upright during transport. Do not use a plastic bag alone because it can leak. Follow the collection site’s instructions about filtering, container size, and whether to leave the container behind. Cooking-oil recycling is not available everywhere, but many municipalities offer seasonal or year-round programs. Earth911 recommends checking local waste and recycling providers, wastewater authorities, or household hazardous-waste programs for collection options. If recycling is not available If no local collection or recycling option is available, dispose of cooled cooking oil in household trash if permitted by your local waste provider. For liquid oil Let the oil cool completely. Pour it into a sturdy, sealable, nonbreakable container, such as the original oil bottle, an empty plastic container with a tight lid, or a disposable container approved by your waste provider. Seal the container securely. Place the sealed container in household trash, not recycling. Do not pour oil into a plastic bag because it can leak. Republic Services recommends using a sealable disposable container, such as an empty milk carton or takeout container, rather than a bag. For small amounts of grease For small quantities of bacon grease, pan drippings, butter, shortening, or cooking fat: Allow the grease to cool and solidify in the pan or a safe container. Scrape it into a sealed container or wrap it securely. Place it in household trash if local rules permit. Wipe greasy pans with paper towels before washing to reduce the amount of grease entering the drain. Do not place grease in curbside recycling or compost unless a local compost program specifically accepts it. Oils and grease can attract pests and interfere with composting processes. What not to do Do not pour used oil, grease, or fats into a sink, toilet, garbage disposal, floor drain, storm drain, or sewer. Do not pour oil onto soil, lawns, sidewalks, driveways, or into bodies of water. Do not mix cooking oil with motor oil, paint, chemicals, cleaning products, fuel, or other household hazardous waste. Do not put liquid oil into curbside recycling. Do not place hot oil in a glass container, plastic container, trash bag, or garbage can. Do not assume your household hazardous-waste facility accepts cooking oil. Call first. Do not use a grease-recycling program intended for restaurants unless it confirms that it accepts household quantities. Find a cooking-oil recycling location To find local options: Search online for “used cooking oil recycling near me” plus your city, county, or ZIP code. Contact your city or county solid-waste authority. Contact your wastewater utility, sewer district, or public-works department. Ask your household hazardous-waste facility whether it accepts used cooking oil. Check with your garbage and recycling provider. Search the Earth911 Cooking Oil Recycling Guide . Check whether local community, holiday, or turkey-fryer oil-collection events are offered. If you are in the Chicago area, Loyola University Chicago’s Institute of Environmental Sustainability has operated a used-cooking-oil donation program, but hours, accepted materials, and access can change. Confirm current instructions directly before visiting. Commercial kitchens and restaurants Restaurants, caterers, food trucks, schools, and other commercial kitchens usually have separate requirements. They may need grease interceptors, grease traps, used-oil storage containers, and contracts with licensed collection providers. Contact your local health department, wastewater utility, or commercial grease-recycling provider for business-specific requirements. Quick checklist Let oil cool completely before handling it. Never pour cooking oil or grease down drains, toilets, garbage disposals, or storm drains. Reuse oil only if it remains clean and suitable for cooking. Store cooled used oil in a clean, dry, sturdy, leak-proof container with a tight lid. Recycle through a local program if available. If recycling is unavailable, seal cooled oil in a nonbreakable container and place it in household trash if local rules permit. Keep food, chemicals, motor oil, and other contaminants out of cooking-oil collection containers. Confirm local acceptance and preparation requirements before transporting oil. Sources and Resources Earth911, How to Recycle Cooking Oil Republic Services, How to Dispose of Cooking Oil Recycle by City Chicago, Does Chicago Offer Cooking-Oil Recycling? SCARCE, Cooking Oil Recycling U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Managing Used Oil: Frequently Asked Questions for Businesses Safety and Legal Notice Connecting The Dots Project provides this guide for general educational and informational purposes only. It is not food-safety, plumbing, environmental, waste-management, recycling, hazardous-materials, legal, or emergency-response advice. Local disposal rules, recycling options, accepted oils and fats, container requirements, program hours, fees, and business regulations vary by location, waste provider, collection program, and the type and condition of the material. Before transporting, recycling, or disposing of cooking oil or grease, contact your local waste authority, wastewater utility, household hazardous-waste program, waste hauler, or receiving facility for current instructions. Do not handle hot oil or grease in a manner that could cause burns, fire, spills, or injury. Do not mix cooking oil with chemicals, fuels, motor oil, paint, solvents, cleaning products, or hazardous waste. If hot oil causes a fire, do not use water to extinguish it. Move to a safe location and call 911 or your local emergency number. Mention of any organization, facility, company, collection program, or service is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an endorsement, affiliation, recommendation, or guarantee of acceptance, service quality, safety, or environmental performance. Connecting The Dots Project does not guarantee that this information is complete, current, accurate, or suitable for every oil, grease, location, or situation. Use of this guide is at the reader’s own risk.

Home Our Mission Recycling Plastics Air Water Land Lifestyles Economy & Politics Media & Awards < Back PS (Styrene or polystyrene) Recycling code #6: PS (Styrene or polystyrene) Polystyrene, commonly found in disposable Styrofoam™ drinking cups, takeout containers, packing peanuts, and various other applications, can pose significant environmental and health concerns. While some forms of polystyrene can technically be recycled, most municipal recycling programs do not accept it, leading to its widespread presence in landfills. Additionally, polystyrene is lightweight and breaks down easily into small fragments, making it a major contributor to marine pollution and a hazard to wildlife that may ingest it. It has the potential to release styrene, a substance classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) as a possible human carcinogen, especially when heated in a microwave or exposed to hot foods and liquids.** (Those who are wondering how the usage of styrene for disposable cups for hot drinks. Click here for the FDA guidelines.) Previous Next

Home Our Mission Recycling Plastics Air Water Land Lifestyles Economy & Politics Media & Awards Disposal and Recycling Guidelines for CFLs, Fluorescent Tubes, LEDs, HIDs, and Other Light Bulbs Different light bulbs require different disposal methods. Compact fluorescent lamps, fluorescent tubes, and many high-intensity discharge lamps contain mercury and should be recycled through appropriate collection programs. LEDs do not contain mercury but may contain electronic components and can be recycled through certain e-waste or lighting-recycling programs. Do not place bulbs, tubes, or lamps in curbside recycling unless your local program specifically accepts them. Light-bulb glass is different from bottle and jar glass and can interfere with recycling equipment. Compact Fluorescent Lamps Compact fluorescent lamps, commonly called CFLs, are the spiral, twist, folded-tube, or small tube-shaped bulbs that became popular as an energy-efficient alternative to incandescent bulbs. CFLs can use up to 75% less electricity than traditional incandescent bulbs and can last up to 10 times longer, depending on the product and how it is used. They also generate less heat than incandescent bulbs, which can reduce indoor cooling demand in some situations. CFLs contain a small amount of mercury, generally about 2 to 10 milligrams, sealed inside the glass tubing. An intact bulb is designed to contain this mercury. If a CFL breaks, however, mercury-containing vapor and powder can be released. CFL disposal Do not place CFLs in curbside recycling. EPA recommends using local recycling options for CFLs and other mercury-containing lamps. Possible recycling options include: Household hazardous-waste facilities or collection events Local government bulb or lamp-recycling programs Participating hardware, home-improvement, or lighting stores Lamp-recycling companies Mail-back lamp-recycling programs Local solid-waste authorities Some states and local jurisdictions prohibit landfill disposal of mercury-containing lamps or require recycling. Check with your state environmental agency, city, county, waste hauler, or local household hazardous-waste program before disposal. Fluorescent Tubes Fluorescent tubes are commonly found in schools, offices, garages, basements, commercial buildings, and older residential fixtures. They may be straight, U-shaped, circular, or compact. Like CFLs, fluorescent tubes contain mercury and should be handled carefully. When broken, they can release mercury and other materials into the environment. Fluorescent-tube disposal Do not place fluorescent tubes in curbside recycling or ordinary household trash unless your local authority specifically allows it. Take tubes to: A household hazardous-waste facility A lamp recycler A municipal collection event A participating retailer, if it confirms it accepts the tube type and length A commercial universal-waste or hazardous-waste provider for business quantities Keep tubes intact in their original carton or another protective box. Do not transport loose fluorescent tubes where they can roll, break, or strike each other. HID, UV, Neon, and Specialty Lamps High-intensity discharge lamps include mercury-vapor, metal-halide, and high-pressure sodium lamps. Some UV, germicidal, black-light, neon, projector, aquarium, grow-light, and specialty lamps may also contain mercury or other materials that need special handling. Treat these lamps as specialty lighting and confirm disposal requirements with the manufacturer, local hazardous-waste facility, lighting supplier, or lamp recycler. HID lamps and some neon lamps may contain mercury and should not be placed in ordinary trash unless local authorities specifically permit it. LED and Smart Bulbs LED bulbs, LED tubes, and smart bulbs do not contain mercury. However, they can contain circuit boards, drivers, electronic components, plastic, metal, and solder. Do not place LEDs in curbside recycling unless your local program specifically accepts them. Recycling is preferable when a local e-waste or lighting recycler accepts LEDs, but disposal rules differ by jurisdiction. Possible options include: Electronics or e-waste recyclers Lamp or lighting recyclers Household hazardous-waste programs, if accepted Manufacturer take-back or mail-back programs Retailer recycling programs that specifically accept LEDs Some communities allow LEDs in household trash. Contact your local waste authority to confirm the correct option for your location. Incandescent and Halogen Bulbs Incandescent and halogen bulbs do not contain mercury. In many communities, they may be placed in household trash if local rules allow. Do not put incandescent or halogen bulbs in curbside recycling. To reduce injury risk: Let the bulb cool completely. Wrap broken glass in thick paper or place it in a rigid container. Follow local trash rules for disposal. If a CFL or Fluorescent Bulb Breaks If a CFL, fluorescent tube, or other mercury-containing lamp breaks: Have people and pets leave the room. Open windows or exterior doors. Turn off central forced-air heating or air conditioning if possible. Allow the room to air out for at least 5 to 10 minutes. Do not walk through the broken material. Do not use a vacuum cleaner. Do not use a broom. For a small break on a hard surface, EPA guidance generally recommends using stiff paper or cardboard to collect larger pieces, sticky tape for smaller fragments and powder, and damp paper towels or disposable wet wipes for the final cleanup. Place cleanup materials in a sealed container or bag as directed by local authorities. For bulbs broken on carpeting, upholstery, bedding, or other porous surfaces, or for a large break, contact your local health department, environmental agency, household hazardous-waste program, or a qualified cleanup provider for instructions. Where to Find Recycling Options Start with: Your city or county household hazardous-waste program Your state environmental agency Your local solid-waste authority or waste hauler A local lighting or lamp recycler A retailer that confirms it accepts your specific bulb type A manufacturer or mail-back recycling program Possible mail-back or commercial lamp-recycling services may include Republic Services, TerraCycle, EcoLights, LampRecycling.com , and WM LampTracker. These services may charge fees, have packaging requirements, and accept different lamp types. Verify current requirements directly with each provider before using a service. For Illinois-specific fluorescent-lamp recycling information, consult the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency’s fluorescent-lamp guidance and recycler listings. Sources and Resources U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Recycling and Disposal of CFLs and Other Bulbs That Contain Mercury U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Cleaning Up a Broken CFL Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, Compact Fluorescent Lights Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, Fluorescent Lamps ENERGY STAR, Recycle Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs LampRecycle, Lamp Recycling Information Safety and Legal Notice Connecting The Dots Project provides this information for general educational and informational purposes only. It is not legal, electrical, environmental, health, recycling, hazardous-materials, waste-management, or emergency-response advice. Laws, disposal rules, accepted lamp types, retailer participation, fees, packaging requirements, and recycling options vary by location, bulb type, condition, manufacturer, and receiving facility. Before transporting, recycling, or disposing of any bulb or lamp, contact the local waste authority, household hazardous-waste program, retailer, recycler, manufacturer, or receiving facility for current instructions. Do not intentionally break, crush, vacuum, sweep, burn, dismantle, or otherwise handle mercury-containing lamps, fluorescent tubes, damaged bulbs, or spilled mercury unless you are trained, authorized, and specifically instructed to do so by a qualified authority or receiving facility. If a bulb breaks and there is a fire, smoke, unusual fumes, a large spill, a medical concern, or another immediate danger, move people away from the area and call 911 or your local emergency number. For nonemergency cleanup questions, contact your local health department, environmental agency, household hazardous-waste program, or poison center. Mention of any retailer, company, recycler, program, certification, or organization is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an endorsement, affiliation, recommendation, or guarantee of acceptance, service quality, safety, or environmental performance. Connecting The Dots Project does not guarantee that this information is complete, current, accurate, or suitable for every bulb, lamp, or situation. Use of this information is at the reader’s own risk.

Home Our Mission Recycling Plastics Air Water Land Lifestyles Economy & Politics Media & Awards Clothes: Reuse, Upcycle, Recycle, or Dispose The best path for unwanted clothing is to keep it in use as long as possible. Wear, repair, share, sell, donate, upcycle, and textile-recycle before sending textiles to the trash. This matters because discarded clothing, shoes, towels, bedding, and other textiles are a significant waste stream. EPA estimates that 11.3 million tons of textiles went to U.S. landfills in 2018, while the recycling rate for textiles was 14.7 percent. Choose the right option Condition Best option What to do Clean and wearable Donate, sell, swap, or give away Wash items, check pockets, pair shoes, and confirm what the receiving organization accepts Needs a small repair Repair or upcycle Sew a button, repair a seam, patch a hole, replace a zipper, or alter the item Clean but too worn to wear Textile recycling or creative reuse Use a textile collection program, or turn it into rags, patches, stuffing, fabric yarn, or a project material Wet, moldy, contaminated, or unsafe Dispose according to local rules Do not donate moldy, heavily soiled, chemical-contaminated, or pest-infested textiles Do not put clothing, shoes, towels, or fabric scraps in your curbside recycling cart unless your local program explicitly accepts them. Textile materials can tangle recycling equipment and contaminate regular paper, plastic, metal, and glass recycling streams. Reuse and donation Donate only items that are clean, dry, and usable, unless the organization specifically says it accepts worn textiles for recycling. Call first, because acceptance rules vary by location. Potential reuse options include: Thrift stores and nonprofit donation centers Local shelters, mutual-aid groups, school clothing closets, and community organizations Clothing swaps with friends, schools, libraries, or neighborhood groups Consignment shops and resale apps Brand take-back programs Repair cafés, tailoring services, or mending events Many Goodwill organizations sort donations for resale and route some unsold or nonwearable textiles to recycling markets, such as wiping-rag or insulation manufacturing. However, policies differ among local Goodwill organizations, so verify accepted items before donating. Upcycling ideas Upcycling keeps fabric useful without requiring industrial processing. Good options include: Turn worn T-shirts into cleaning cloths, reusable produce bags, tote bags, or fabric yarn. Convert jeans into patches, aprons, tool rolls, pencil cases, or durable tote bags. Use old towels for pet bedding, cleaning rags, reusable mop pads, or packing material. Turn sweaters into mittens, hats, pillow covers, or draft blockers. Use fabric scraps for quilting, patchwork, stuffed toys, gift wrapping, or craft projects. Save buttons, zippers, elastic, and sturdy fabric panels for future repairs. Cook County specifically recommends making cleaning rags, fabric yarn, reusable market bags, and sewing projects from unwanted textiles, as well as participating in clothing swaps. 1803 Textile recycling Clothing that is stained, torn, mismatched, faded, or too worn for resale may still be useful to textile recyclers. Depending on material quality, textiles may be sorted for reuse, made into industrial wiping cloths, processed into fiber fill or insulation, or used in other manufactured products. Before using a textile recycler: Confirm it accepts worn or damaged textiles. Keep materials clean and dry unless instructed otherwise. Tie shoes together in pairs. Bag textiles securely for transport. Keep wet, moldy, chemically contaminated, or heavily soiled textiles separate. Ask whether the program accepts socks, underwear, bras, towels, linens, shoes, belts, bags, and fabric scraps. Some collection programs accept textiles in nearly any condition, but requirements vary. Alameda County, for example, reports that clothing, shoes, linens, towels, bags, and fabric scraps may be recoverable even when damaged, with materials potentially made into rags, insulation, stuffing, or padding. What to avoid Do not place clothes or shoes in curbside recycling unless specifically accepted. Do not donate wet, moldy, heavily soiled, pest-infested, or hazardous-material-contaminated textiles. Do not use donation bins without checking that they are legitimate and currently active. Do not assume every donation center has a textile-recycling outlet for unusable items. Do not discard wearable clothing without first considering repair, resale, donation, or a clothing swap. Simple sorting method Create four piles when cleaning out a closet: Keep or repair: Items you wear, love, or can easily mend. Sell, swap, or donate: Clean, dry, wearable clothing and shoes. Textile recycle or upcycle: Clean items that are too worn, stained, torn, or incomplete for resale. Dispose: Wet, moldy, contaminated, or unsafe textiles that no local recovery program accepts. Safety and Legal Notice This guide is for educational purposes only. Donation and textile-recycling requirements vary by organization and location. Confirm accepted items and preparation instructions directly with the receiving organization. Do not donate or recycle items that are wet, moldy, contaminated, or unsafe unless a program specifically accepts them.

Home Our Mission Recycling Plastics Air Water Land Lifestyles Economy & Politics Media & Awards Microplastic fibers to the stratosphere The stratosphere extends from roughly 12 to 50 kilometers (7.5 to 31 miles) above Earth's surface Recent research by scientists from the University of Vienna and the Max Planck Institute for Dynamics and Self-Organization in Göttingen has revealed that the shape of microplastic particles significantly influences their atmospheric travel distances. Unlike spherical particles, which tend to settle quickly, microplastic fibers can ascend to the stratosphere, potentially impacting global ecosystems. The study, published in Environmental Science & Technology , combined laboratory experiments with model simulations to assess how microplastic fibers behave in the atmosphere. Researchers discovered that these fibers settle substantially slower than spherical particles of the same mass, allowing them to be transported over vast distances. Fibers up to 1.5 millimeters in length were found to reach some of the most remote areas on Earth, including the stratosphere. This finding helps explain the presence of microplastics in isolated regions like Arctic glaciers and ice sheets, where atmospheric transport is the only plausible delivery mechanism. The study underscores the need for further research into the environmental implications of microplastics in the atmosphere, particularly concerning their potential effects on climate and ecosystems. The researchers emphasize that understanding the dynamics of microplastic fibers in the atmosphere is crucial for developing effective strategies to mitigate their environmental impact. This study provides a foundation for future investigations into the role of microplastics in atmospheric processes and their broader ecological consequences. Resources: More information: Daria Tatsii et al, Shape Matters: Long-Range Transport of Microplastic Fibers in the Atmosphere, Environmental Science & Technology (2023). DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c08209 Journal information: Environmental Science & Technology phys.org

Home Our Mission Recycling Plastics Air Water Land Lifestyles Economy & Politics Media & Awards LAND < Back Adapting to Adversity: Chernobyl Black Frogs and the Evolutionary Power of Melanin Photo by Germán Orizaola and Pablo Burraco In April 1986, the world witnessed one of the most catastrophic nuclear disasters in history when reactor four of the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant exploded, releasing massive amounts of radioactive material into the environment. The immediate impact was devastating, with severe repercussions for both the ecosystem and human health. However, amidst the tragedy emerged a remarkable tale of adaptation and resilience. Three decades after the disaster, researchers have been examining the long-term effects of radiation exposure on the wildlife of Chernobyl. Among their discoveries were the startling observations of Eastern tree frogs displaying a conspicuous change in their appearance. Instead of the vibrant green hue typical of their species, some frogs appeared noticeably darker, almost black in coloration. Melanin, the pigment responsible for skin coloration in many organisms, is known for its ability to absorb and dissipate radiation energy. However, its role in protecting against ionizing radiation, such as that emitted by nuclear fallout, was less understood until now. Through meticulous fieldwork and analysis, scientists, Germán Orizaola and Pablo Burraco uncovered a fascinating evolutionary response among the Chernobyl black frogs. Contrary to expectations, the dark coloration was not directly correlated with current radiation levels in the environment. In other words, it was not due to chemical reactions to the radiation such as burns. Instead, it appeared to be a heritable trait that had arisen in response to acute radiation exposure during the initial stages of the Chernobyl disaster. Their findings suggested that frogs with darker pigmentation possessed a survival advantage from the radiation exposure. Melanin not only shielded their cells from damage but also enhanced their reproductive success. This can ultimately lead to an evolutionary shift over generations. In summary, natural selection favored those individuals with heightened melanin protection, allowing them to thrive even in the aftermath of such a catastrophic event. Sources: Image credit: Germán Orizaola and Pablo Burraco https://scitechdaily.com/melanin-protection-chernobyl.../ https://www.livescience.com/black-frogs-evolution-chernobyl

Home Our Mission Recycling Plastics Air Water Land Lifestyles Economy & Politics Media & Awards Silicone Baking Mat & Baking Shell Recycling & Disposal ✅ Recyclable (Sometimes): Most curbside recycling programs DO NOT accept silicone baking mats or shells. Some specialty recycling programs (like TerraCycle) accept silicone kitchenware. Check with local waste management for drop-off locations that accept silicone. 🚫 Not Accepted in Regular Recycling Bins: Silicone is not classified as plastic and does not break down in the same way. Many facilities lack the infrastructure to recycle silicone properly. ⚠ Disposal & Alternatives: Repurpose old silicone mats as jar openers, non-stick liners for drawers, or pet food mats. If no recycling options exist, dispose of them in regular trash (silicone is non-toxic but will not biodegrade in landfills). Consider compostable baking paper as an alternative if looking for eco-friendly options.

Home Our Mission Recycling Plastics Air Water Land Lifestyles Economy & Politics Media & Awards Recycling and Disposal Guide: Charcoal and Ash Charcoal, briquettes, ash, and partially burned coals do not belong in curbside recycling, compost carts, or yard-waste bins. The main safety concern is fire: charcoal can remain hot long after grilling appears finished. Before handling or disposing of any charcoal, let it cool completely. A fire department safety guide recommends allowing coals to cool for 48 hours . If that is not possible, carefully douse them with plenty of water and stir to make sure the fire is fully out. Store cooled ash in a metal container with a tight-fitting lid, never in paper, plastic, wood, or other flammable containers. Identify the charcoal type Material Compost or garden use? Best disposal option Untreated natural lump charcoal or plain wood ash Sometimes, in very small amounts Compost or garden only if wood-based, additive-free, fully cooled, and appropriate for soil pH Charcoal briquettes Usually no Fully cool, contain, and place in household trash if local rules allow Self-lighting briquettes or briquettes used with lighter fluid No Fully cool, contain, and place in household trash if local rules allow Ash from treated, painted, stained, or manufactured wood No Trash or local hazardous-waste guidance, depending on material and local rules Unused charcoal Reuse for future grilling if dry and safely stored Do not put unused charcoal in curbside recycling Safely cool charcoal and ash Close the grill lid and vents, if applicable, to reduce oxygen. Allow coals and ash to cool for at least 48 hours whenever possible. If you need to speed cooling, slowly add plenty of water and stir carefully. Confirm there is no heat, smoke, glowing ember, or steam. Transfer the cooled material with a metal scoop into a noncombustible metal container with a tight-fitting lid. Keep the container outside on concrete, gravel, or another noncombustible surface, away from buildings, vegetation, vehicles, and flammable materials. Follow your local waste provider’s instructions for final disposal. Never place hot or warm charcoal in a plastic bag, cardboard box, paper bag, plastic bin, compost pile, recycling cart, or household trash can. Natural lump charcoal and wood ash Ash from untreated, additive-free wood or lump charcoal can sometimes be added in very small amounts to a compost pile or spread lightly over appropriate garden soil. Wood ash contains nutrients, especially potassium, but it is alkaline and can raise soil pH. Use it only when all of these are true: The charcoal was 100% natural wood or additive-free lump charcoal. No lighter fluid, self-lighting product, fire starter, painted wood, treated wood, or unknown material was used. The ash is completely cool. You understand your soil’s pH and nutrient needs. You use only small, scattered amounts and mix them thoroughly. Do not use wood ash around acid-loving plants, including blueberries, rhododendrons, azaleas, and similar plants. Do not place large piles of ash near plants or seedlings because concentrated alkaline material and salts can damage roots. Compost is primarily made from organic materials such as leaves, twigs, food scraps, grass clippings, and other plant matter. Ash is not a replacement for compost ingredients and should be treated only as a limited mineral amendment when appropriate. Charcoal briquettes and ash with additives Do not compost or spread ash from standard charcoal briquettes, self-lighting briquettes, briquettes used with lighter fluid, or unknown charcoal products. Briquettes may include binders, fillers, ignition aids, or other additives that are not appropriate for compost or garden soil. Once fully cooled, contain this ash and dispose of it in household trash if local rules allow. Char-Broil similarly advises that charcoal briquettes with additives or non-wood ingredients should be discarded, while only additive-free wood-based charcoal should be considered for limited garden use. Unused charcoal Keep unused charcoal dry in its original bag or a sealed, noncombustible container away from heat, open flames, children, pets, and moisture. Use it for future grilling if it remains dry and safe. Do not dump unused charcoal in parks, storm drains, waterways, gardens, or natural areas. Do not burn unused charcoal indoors or in an unapproved location. If you have old, damaged, wet, leaking, self-lighting, or unknown charcoal that you do not plan to use, contact your local solid-waste or household hazardous-waste program for instructions before placing it in the trash. What not to do Do not place charcoal or ash in curbside recycling. Do not dispose of hot or warm coals in household trash. Do not put ash in plastic, paper, or wooden containers. Do not compost briquette ash, self-lighting charcoal ash, or ash from charcoal used with lighter fluid. Do not dump ashes in storm drains, lakes, rivers, parks, woods, or vacant lots. Do not use ash around acid-loving plants or newly planted seeds. Do not burn charcoal indoors because of carbon-monoxide and fire risks. Safety and Legal Notice This guide is for educational purposes only. Charcoal disposal, fire-safety, composting, and waste-collection rules vary by product, local waste provider, fire code, and location. Always follow the grill manufacturer’s instructions, charcoal product label, and local fire and waste regulations. Charcoal, coals, and ash can remain dangerously hot for many hours or days. Do not handle or dispose of charcoal until it is completely cold. Never place hot or warm ashes in plastic bags, cardboard, paper, compost, recycling carts, trash cans, vehicles, or near buildings and flammable materials. Do not compost or spread ashes from briquettes, self-lighting charcoal, charcoal used with lighter fluid, treated or painted wood, manufactured fuels, or unknown materials. If you are unsure what type of charcoal or ash you have, contain it safely and dispose of it as household trash only if local rules allow, or contact your local waste or fire authority for guidance. If charcoal causes a fire or creates an immediate danger, move to a safe location and call 911 or your local emergency number. Sources Seattle Fire Department, Outdoor Grilling Fire Safety . This safety guidance advises allowing charcoal coals to cool for 48 hours before disposal. If waiting is not possible, it recommends thoroughly dousing and stirring coals to ensure the fire is completely out. Seattle Fire Department, Rooftop Fire Prevention . This resource repeats the 48-hour cooling recommendation for charcoal grills and warns against placing hot coals in trash containers. Oregon State University Extension, Can I Put Barbecue Ash in My Compost or Worm Bin? . This guidance explains that ash from untreated wood, rather than briquettes, can contain plant nutrients such as potassium but should be used carefully because it can raise soil pH. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Composting . USDA explains that composting transforms organic materials, such as leaves, twigs, and food scraps, into a soil amendment. Char-Broil, How to Dispose and Recycle Charcoal . This manufacturer resource distinguishes additive-free wood-based charcoal from briquettes containing additives and recommends disposal rather than composting for briquette ash. Athens Services, How to Safely Dispose of Charcoal and Ash . This waste-provider guide explains safe cooling and disposal practices intended to reduce fire risks from charcoal ash.

Home Our Mission Recycling Plastics Air Water Land Lifestyles Economy & Politics Media & Awards Recycling and Disposal of Solar Panels Solar panels should not be placed in household trash, curbside recycling, or standard e-waste bins unless a program specifically confirms it accepts photovoltaic, or PV, equipment. When panels are damaged, decommissioned, or reach the end of their useful life, they should be evaluated for repair, reuse, resale, refurbishment, recycling, or regulated disposal . Most solar panels have an expected service life of about 25 to 30 years. At end of life, federal waste rules apply, but recycling and disposal requirements can also vary by state and local jurisdiction. Start with repair or reuse A panel that is underperforming is not necessarily waste. Before disposal, contact the installer, manufacturer, warranty provider, or a qualified solar professional to determine whether it can be repaired, tested, refurbished, or reused. Potential reuse options include: Repair under a manufacturer or installer warranty Refurbishment and resale through a qualified solar-equipment provider Use in suitable off-grid, educational, or demonstration projects Donation to an organization that explicitly accepts and can safely test PV equipment Parts recovery by qualified solar or electronics recyclers Do not donate, sell, or give away cracked, electrically damaged, water-damaged, burned, recalled, or otherwise unsafe panels. Damaged panels can create electrical, fire, and handling hazards. Use a solar-panel recycler Solar panels contain valuable materials, including aluminum frames, glass, copper wiring, silicon, and sometimes silver or other metals. Dedicated PV recyclers can dismantle panels and recover a portion of these materials. The U.S. Department of Energy notes that recycling processes exist for both silicon and cadmium-telluride panels, and several U.S. facilities can recycle solar panels. However, recycling availability and cost vary by location. Find a recycler by using: SolarRecycle.org , a Solar Energy Industries Association resource with a national map of PV recycling partners, collection locations, and processing facilities. EPA Solar Panel Recycling , which links to the Department of Energy PV Manufacturing Map, Earth911, and SEIA recycling resources. Your installer, manufacturer, solar leasing company, electrician, or local solid-waste authority Before transporting a panel, ask the recycler: Do you accept residential panels or only commercial quantities? Do you accept intact, broken, cracked, damaged, or nonfunctioning panels? Do you accept crystalline-silicon, thin-film, cadmium-telluride, or unknown panel types? Do you accept inverters, batteries, wiring, racking, optimizers, and microinverters? Is an appointment, minimum quantity, fee, or pallet required? Do you offer pickup, packaging, freight, or decommissioning services? Do you require a hazardous-waste determination or test results? Disposal and legal requirements When discarded, solar panels become solid waste under the federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, or RCRA. Some panels may be classified as hazardous waste depending on the materials they contain and whether they exceed toxicity limits under the Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure, commonly called TCLP. State laws may impose additional requirements. Do not assume every solar panel is hazardous waste, but do not assume it is nonhazardous either. A recycler, manufacturer, waste authority, or qualified environmental professional may need to evaluate the panel type, condition, and applicable state rules. If recycling is not available, disposal may be allowed only through a properly permitted landfill or waste facility that accepts the panels. EPA advises homeowners to contact state and local recycling agencies for direction on solar-panel disposal and recycling. Solar-system components A solar system includes more than panels. Each part needs separate handling. Component Preferred option Do not do Solar panels Repair, reuse, PV recycling, or permitted disposal Do not place in curbside recycling or household trash Inverters and microinverters Electronics recycler or manufacturer take-back program Do not place in curbside recycling Lithium-ion battery storage Authorized battery recycler or household hazardous-waste program Do not put batteries in trash, curbside recycling, or fire Lead-acid batteries Auto-parts retailer, battery recycler, or hazardous-waste program Do not put in trash or curbside recycling Aluminum racking and frames Scrap-metal recycler, if separated and accepted Do not remove components from energized equipment Wiring, junction boxes, connectors, and optimizers E-waste recycler or qualified solar recycler Do not cut wiring or dismantle equipment while energized Never remove or handle battery storage equipment unless you are qualified and following the manufacturer’s instructions. Battery systems can retain energy and create shock, fire, chemical, and thermal-runaway hazards. Handling and transport Turn off and isolate the system only according to manufacturer instructions and with a qualified professional when needed. Do not disconnect energized panels, wiring, inverters, or battery systems yourself unless trained and authorized. Wear gloves, closed-toe shoes, long sleeves, and eye protection when handling damaged panels. Do not break panels apart to recover glass, metal, wiring, or other materials. Keep broken panels dry, protected from impact, and away from children, pets, and unauthorized people. Follow the recycler’s packaging and transport instructions. Do not stack or transport damaged panels loosely in a vehicle. Safety and Legal Notice This guide is for general educational purposes only. It is not electrical, legal, environmental, hazardous-waste, engineering, transportation, installation, decommissioning, or fire-safety advice. Solar panels and related equipment can involve electrical energy, sharp glass, heavy materials, toxic metals, damaged wiring, batteries, and fire hazards. Federal RCRA requirements and state and local rules may apply when panels are discarded. Requirements differ based on panel type, condition, quantity, waste classification, transport method, and destination facility. Do not place solar panels, inverters, solar batteries, wiring, racking, or electrical components in curbside recycling, household trash, waterways, or open fires. Do not cut, crush, puncture, dismantle, burn, modify, or intentionally break solar panels or battery systems. Do not disconnect, move, transport, or work on energized equipment unless you are trained, authorized, and following the manufacturer’s instructions and applicable codes. Contact the installer, manufacturer, leasing company, qualified electrician, solar recycler, state environmental agency, or local waste authority before removing, transporting, recycling, or disposing of solar equipment. If a solar panel or battery system is smoking, sparking, burning, leaking, damaged by fire or flooding, or creating an immediate danger, keep people away and call 911 or your local emergency number. Sources U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, End-of-Life Solar Panels: Regulations and Management . EPA explains that solar panels generally last about 25 to 30 years and discusses how discarded panels may be regulated under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, including hazardous-waste considerations. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Solar Panel Recycling . EPA provides information about recycling photovoltaic panels and links to national resources for locating recycling options. U.S. Department of Energy, End-of-Life Management for Solar Photovoltaics . DOE describes end-of-life options for photovoltaic systems and notes that recycling processes exist for silicon and cadmium-telluride solar panels. U.S. Department of Energy Solar Energy Technologies Office, Photovoltaics End-of-Life Action Plan . This action plan outlines federal research and coordination efforts intended to support safe, sustainable PV reuse, recycling, and disposal. Solar Energy Industries Association, End-of-Life Management for Solar Photovoltaics: Recycling . SEIA describes industry efforts to identify and develop solar-panel recycling partners across the United States. Solar Energy Industries Association, SolarRecycle.org . This national information hub includes a directory and map intended to help users find solar-panel recycling providers, collection locations, and equipment manufacturers.

Home Our Mission Recycling Plastics Air Water Land Lifestyles Economy & Politics Media & Awards Home Our Mission Recycling Publications & Awards Air Water Land Lifestyles Economy Forum Economic Benefits of Wind Power Wind power has emerged as a pivotal player in the global shift toward renewable energy, offering substantial economic benefits alongside environmental advantages. From job creation to local revenue generation, the integration of wind energy into power grids is reshaping economies worldwide. Economic Benefits of Wind Power Job Creation : The wind energy sector generates employment across various stages, including manufacturing, installation, and maintenance. In the United States, research indicates that for every megawatt (MW) of wind capacity installed between 2000 and 2008, approximately 0.5 jobs were created, contributing to local employment opportunities. Increased Personal Income : The presence of wind installations has been linked to rises in personal income within host communities. Studies have found that each MW of wind capacity corresponds to an annual increase of about $11,000 in total personal income for the local area. emp.lbl.gov Revenue for Landowners : Farmers and ranchers leasing their land for wind turbines receive consistent payments, providing a stable income stream that can be especially beneficial during periods of agricultural uncertainty. windexchange.energy.gov Local Tax Revenue : Wind energy projects contribute to the tax base, funding essential public services such as schools, infrastructure, and emergency services. This influx of revenue can lead to improved community services and facilities. windexchange.energy.gov Economic Diversification : Investing in wind energy diversifies local economies, reducing dependence on traditional industries and enhancing resilience against market fluctuations. This diversification can lead to more stable economic conditions and opportunities for growth. Challenges and Considerations While the economic advantages are compelling, the expansion of wind energy faces challenges: Policy and Regulatory Hurdles : Political opposition and policy changes can deter investment. For instance, in the United States, hostility toward offshore wind projects has led to investment cancellations, affecting the entire supply chain and potentially resulting in significant job losses and financial setbacks. reuters.com Community Opposition : In regions like La Guajira, Colombia, Indigenous communities have resisted wind energy projects due to concerns over environmental and cultural impacts, highlighting the necessity for inclusive and respectful development practices. apnews.com Economic Viability : Transitioning to renewable energy can entail higher costs. The Tomago aluminium smelter in Australia, for example, faces potential closure due to increased power costs associated with switching from coal to renewable sources, underscoring the need for competitive electricity pricing. Conclusion Wind power stands as a robust contributor to economic development, offering job creation, increased incomes, and diversified revenue streams. However, realizing its full potential requires navigating policy landscapes, engaging with local communities, and ensuring the economic feasibility of projects. Strategic planning and collaboration among stakeholders are essential to harness the economic benefits of wind energy while addressing associated challenges. Recent Developments in Wind Energy and Economic Impacts Sources: apnews.com Indigenous resistance stalls Colombia's potential renewable energy boom in La Guajira Today reuters.com Trump hostility to US offshore wind reverberates through supply chain 6 days ago theaustralian.com.au Power price hit threatens giant Tomago aluminium smelter Yesterday ←Previous Next→