Home Our Mission Recycling Plastics Air Water Land Lifestyles Economy & Politics Media & Awards < Back Have you seen these jumping carps? 😫 Invasive Jumping Carps in the Mississippi River: Depleting Food Resources for Native Species 🐢 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tR_l-PHa4Js These invasive carp originated in Asia, including silver, bighead, black, and grass carp, were initially introduced to U.S. aquaculture facilities with the intention of controlling algae and parasites in 1970s. However, they escaped during flooding events and spread rapidly through rivers and canals. The rapid invasion of invasive carp in Midwest rivers, with a 1,200 carp per river kilometer density, has significantly impacted the river ecosystem. Particularly, silver and bighead carp became dominant in the lower and middle Mississippi River, while black carp pose a threat to native mussels. They also compete with native fish for food, leading to declines in zooplankton populations and affecting the overall food chain. Native fish species such as Gizzard Shad and Bigmouth Buffalo that rely on similar food resources have declined, while invasive carp have become dominant. The presence of Invasive carp also alters the structure of aquatic ecosystems, disrupts habitats, and may contribute to disease transmission. Additionally, they feed on zooplankton near the water's surface and are highly sensitive to disturbances. When disturbed, they can jump up to 10 feet. Their jumping can lead to collisions with boats, causing injuries to passengers and water skiers. There have been numerous efforts to remove invasive carp from Midwest rivers involving physical barriers, commercial fishing, research and monitoring, public awareness campaigns, innovative technologies, and collaboration among various stakeholders. These strategies aim to prevent the spread of invasive carp, reduce their populations, and mitigate their ecological impacts. Sources: https://www.usgs.gov/faqs/what-are-invasive-carp https://www.nps.gov/miss/learn/nature/ascarpover.htm https://invasivecarp.us/ Video footage: 'Jumping Carps explained' by Discovery ←Previous Next→

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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 The Power of Timing: How Smart Energy Use Can Lower Your Bills Did you know that the cost of electricity often varies based on the time of day? Many utility companies use Time-of-Use (TOU) pricing , meaning energy rates fluctuate depending on demand. By being aware of these peak and off-peak periods, consumers can adjust their energy usage to lower their electricity bills and reduce strain on the grid. How Time-of-Use Pricing Works Rather than a flat rate for electricity, TOU pricing divides the day into different pricing periods: Off-Peak Hours: When demand is lowest, usually late at night or early morning. Electricity is cheapest during these hours. Mid-Peak Hours: Moderate demand periods where energy rates are slightly higher than off-peak. Peak Hours: When energy demand is highest, typically during late afternoon and early evening. Electricity costs the most during these hours. By shifting energy-intensive activities—such as running dishwashers, washing machines, or charging electric vehicles—to off-peak hours, consumers can significantly reduce their electricity bills. Time-of-Use Pricing in Action TOU pricing varies by location and utility provider. Here are some examples: Con Edison (New York City) Off-Peak: Midnight – 8 AM (Lowest rates) Peak: 8 AM – Midnight (Higher rates) Super-Peak (Summer Only): 2 PM – 6 PM, Monday – Friday (Highest rates) Source ComEd (Illinois) – Time-of-Day Pricing Plan Off-Peak: 10 PM – 6 AM (Lowest rates) Peak: 6 AM – 2 PM & 7 PM – 10 PM Super-Peak: 2 PM – 7 PM (Highest rates) Source PSEG Long Island Peak Hours: 4 PM – 8 PM, weekdays Weekends & Holidays: Off-Peak all day Maximizing Savings with TOU Pricing To take advantage of TOU pricing, consider: ✅ Running large appliances like dishwashers and washing machines during off-peak hours. ✅ Charging electric vehicles overnight when rates are lower. ✅ Using programmable thermostats to optimize heating and cooling based on energy rates. ✅ Checking with your utility provider for specific TOU plans and potential savings programs. Stay Energy Smart and Save! By being mindful of peak and off-peak hours, consumers can make informed decisions about energy usage, lowering their costs while contributing to a more stable energy grid. Since TOU pricing varies by region and provider, it’s always a good idea to check with your local electricity provider for details. Sources: https://www.coned.com/.../accounts.../your-bill/time-of-use https://www.ohmconnect.com/.../why-is-my-electric-bill-so ... https://www.nyseg.com/.../electricpricing/day-night-rate https://www.nyserda.ny.gov/Res.../At-Home/Energy-Saving-Tips ←Previous Next→

Home Our Mission Recycling Plastics Air Water Land Lifestyles Economy & Politics Media & Awards Disposing of Old Windows Old windows may be suitable for reuse, accepted for specialized recycling, or require disposal as construction debris. The appropriate option depends on their condition, frame material, glass type, coatings, and local requirements. Confirm acceptance with the receiving organization or facility before transporting them. Check for hazards If your home was built before 1978, treat painted window components as potentially containing lead-based paint unless testing establishes otherwise. Removing windows or disturbing painted surfaces can release hazardous lead dust and paint chips. EPA recommends hiring a lead-safe certified contractor for renovation work in pre-1978 homes. Paid work covered by the Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule generally requires a certified firm and appropriately trained workers. EPA or an authorized state or tribal program may administer these requirements. Wear protective gloves, safety glasses, closed-toe shoes, and long sleeves when handling windows. These precautions do not replace lead-safe containment and cleanup procedures. Avoid breaking glass or sanding suspected lead-painted surfaces, and securely contain renovation debris before transport. Follow applicable state and local disposal requirements. Reuse or donate first Consider donating windows that are complete, functional, and in good condition, without broken glass or known hazards. Building-material reuse centers and some Habitat for Humanity ReStores may accept usable windows, but donation policies vary by location. Before transporting windows, describe their age, condition, dimensions, and materials to the receiving organization. Disclose any known or suspected lead paint and confirm that the organization accepts the specific windows you intend to donate. Do not assume that acceptance at one location applies to another. Recycle or dispose of safely Contact your local waste authority, construction-and-demolition debris facility, transfer station, or specialized recycler for instructions. Ask whether it accepts complete windows or requires separate handling of glass and frames. Window glass that cannot be reused may require disposal rather than recycling, depending on available local services. Keep window glass out of standard curbside recycling unless your program explicitly accepts it. Programs that collect glass bottles and jars commonly exclude window glass. Ask whether a specialized drop-off or recycling option is available. Confirm acceptance of each material. Ask specifically about intact windows, broken panes, insulated glass units, and wood, vinyl, or aluminum frames. Do not assume that acceptance of one component means the entire window is accepted. Separate components only when safe and necessary. Before removing metal hardware or frames, confirm that a recycler accepts them. Avoid separation that could break the glass or disturb suspected lead-based paint. Check requirements for painted or treated wood. Tell the receiving facility about coatings, preservatives, and any known or suspected lead paint. Residential renovation debris containing lead paint is not automatically classified as hazardous waste under federal rules, but state and local requirements still apply. Secure broken glass according to local instructions. Ask your waste provider how to contain, label, and present it for collection or drop-off. A sturdy, securely closed box or rigid container may be required. Do not leave sharp edges exposed or place loose shards in collection containers. Window treatments Handle blinds, shades, curtains, and associated hardware separately from the window. Donate clean, usable treatments only after confirming that the receiving organization accepts them. Donation requirements vary by organization and location. Ask local recycling providers about metal hardware and other components. Do not assume that blinds, shades, or mixed-material treatments belong in curbside recycling. Follow local instructions for materials that cannot be donated or recycled. Safety and Legal Notice This guide provides general educational information and does not replace site-specific safety guidance or applicable legal requirements. Donation, recycling, and disposal rules vary across the United States by jurisdiction, material, and facility. Follow local instructions and consult an EPA-, state-, or tribal-program-certified lead-safe professional before work that may disturb lead-based paint.

Home Our Mission Recycling Plastics Air Water Land Lifestyles Economy & Politics Media & Awards Cooking Grills (Gas, Charcoal, Electric, & Pellet Grills) Disposal and Recycling of Cooking Grills Gas, charcoal, electric, and pellet grills are bulky mixed-material products made from steel, stainless steel, aluminum, cast iron, plastic, rubber, wiring, motors, electronic controls, and sometimes propane or batteries. Do not place a whole grill in curbside recycling. The best options are to repair, donate, sell, use a bulky-item collection program, or take the metal portions to a scrap-metal recycler. Always remove and manage propane tanks, batteries, pellets, charcoal, grease, and ash separately. Start with reuse Donate, sell, or give away a grill only if it is clean, safe, complete, and working. Confirm that the recipient accepts grills before transporting it. A reusable grill should have: Secure legs, wheels, handles, and lid Intact cooking grates and no sharp, rusted-through metal A working ignition system, burners, regulator, and hose if it is gas-powered No fuel leak, uncontrolled flare-up, damaged wiring, or electrical problem No unresolved recall or safety defect A clean grease tray and firebox Do not donate, sell, or give away a grill that leaks gas, has damaged hoses or regulators, has an electrical fault, is structurally unstable, has heavy grease buildup, or is subject to an unresolved recall. Scrap-metal recycling Most grill bodies, lids, cooking grates, frames, burners, and metal shelves are made from steel, stainless steel, aluminum, or cast iron. A scrap-metal recycler or municipal transfer station may accept these parts. Before taking a grill to a recycler: Call first and confirm it accepts grills or mixed scrap metal. Remove the propane cylinder from a gas grill. Empty charcoal, pellets, ash, grease, and food residue. Remove detachable batteries, cords, electronic controls, or lighting features, if the recycler requests it. Ask whether plastic handles, wheels, rubber hoses, side shelves, and nonmetal parts must be removed. Ask whether the facility accepts cast-iron grates, stainless steel, aluminum, and coated or painted metal. Some waste programs offer bulky-item collection, but rules, size limits, fees, and preparation requirements differ. Contact your waste provider before setting a grill out for pickup. Gas grills and propane tanks A propane cylinder must be removed and handled separately. Never place a propane tank in household trash, a dumpster, or curbside recycling. Even an apparently empty cylinder can retain flammable gas or vapor and may create a fire or explosion hazard if crushed. Propane tank options Exchange a serviceable standard barbecue cylinder through an authorized propane exchange retailer. Refill a serviceable cylinder through a qualified propane supplier. Take an empty, damaged, expired, or unwanted cylinder to a propane dealer, approved cylinder recycler, or household hazardous-waste program that confirms acceptance. Contact the retailer, recycler, or program before visiting. Not all locations accept all cylinder sizes or conditions. Do not puncture, drill, cut, crush, burn, vent, or remove the valve from a propane tank. Do not release propane to make a tank “empty.” The Propane Education & Research Council specifically advises never throwing cylinders in trash or dumpsters and never attempting to remove the valve or cut the cylinder. Store a propane cylinder upright outdoors in a well-ventilated area away from buildings, heat, ignition sources, and direct sunlight until it can be delivered to an authorized facility. Do not leave a propane tank attached to a grill being donated, recycled, or hauled away. Charcoal grills and ash For charcoal grills: Let coals and ash cool completely before handling them. Allow at least 48 hours for cooling when possible. Use a metal scoop and metal container with a tight-fitting lid. Keep ash away from buildings, dry vegetation, trash, and flammable materials. Do not put hot or warm ash in household trash, recycling, compost, paper bags, or plastic bags. Follow local waste instructions for fully cooled ash. Do not recycle charcoal, ash, or grill residue. If the ash came from briquettes, self-lighting charcoal, charcoal used with lighter fluid, or an unknown fuel source, contain it and place it in household trash only if local rules allow. Electric grills Electric grills contain cords, heating elements, thermostats, switches, circuit boards, and sometimes electronic displays. Do not put them in curbside recycling. Take an electric grill to: An electronics recycler that accepts small appliances A municipal e-waste collection event A retailer or manufacturer take-back program that confirms acceptance A scrap-metal recycler, if it accepts appliances with electrical components Do not cut the power cord or dismantle the grill unless the recycler directs you to do so. If it has an internal rechargeable battery, removable battery pack, or electronic ignition component, follow separate battery and e-waste instructions. Pellet grills Pellet grills may contain electric igniters, motors, fans, controllers, sensors, augers, wiring, and sometimes digital or Wi-Fi components. They should be treated as a combination of metal scrap and electronic equipment. Before recycling or disposal: Empty unused pellets and store them dry for future use if they are clean and usable. Remove ash and grease only after they are fully cool. Ask the recycler whether it accepts the whole grill or requires removal of the controller, wiring, motor, and hopper. Do not put wood pellets, pellet ash, or electronic components in curbside recycling. Grease and cooking residue Do not pour grill grease into sinks, toilets, storm drains, streets, soil, or waterways. Let grease cool and solidify. Scrape solid grease into a sealed container. Place it in household trash if local rules allow. Clean removable grates and trays before donation or recycling. Safety and Legal Notice This guide is for general educational purposes only. It is not fire-safety, propane-handling, electrical, mechanical, environmental, waste-management, or legal advice. Disposal and recycling requirements vary by grill type, fuel source, local fire code, waste provider, recycler, retailer, and facility. Do not place whole grills, propane tanks, charcoal, hot ash, wood pellets, grease, batteries, or electronic components in curbside recycling unless the receiving program explicitly accepts them. Do not burn, puncture, cut, crush, dismantle, or modify propane cylinders, electronic equipment, wiring, motors, or fuel systems. Do not transport, donate, sell, recycle, or dispose of a grill with a propane cylinder still attached. Do not attempt to vent propane, remove a cylinder valve, or determine whether a propane cylinder is safe by smell alone. Only qualified propane suppliers, authorized recyclers, and approved household hazardous-waste programs should manage unwanted propane cylinders. If you smell gas, hear a leak, see a damaged cylinder or hose, observe smoke or fire, or believe there is an immediate danger, move away from the area, avoid flames and electrical switches, and call 911 or your local emergency number. Sources Propane Education & Research Council, Propane Tank Disposal and Recycling . PERC advises consumers not to put propane cylinders in trash or dumpsters and not to remove valves, cut, puncture, or otherwise alter tanks. It recommends using authorized propane suppliers, recyclers, and disposal programs. Sierra Club, Where Can I Recycle Propane Gas Cylinders and Tanks? . This resource explains that even apparently empty propane cylinders may contain flammable gas or vapor and should be taken to appropriate propane, recycling, or hazardous-waste programs. Recycle Ann Arbor, Propane Tanks . This local recycling guide states that propane tanks must be completely empty before accepted recycling and must not be placed in curbside recycling carts. Wayne County Department of Public Services, Household Hazardous Waste Program . This program lists propane tanks among items accepted through household hazardous-waste collection services. Seattle Fire Department, Outdoor Grilling Fire Safety . This fire-safety guide recommends allowing charcoal coals to cool for 48 hours before disposal, or thoroughly dousing and stirring them if faster cooling is necessary.

Home Our Mission Recycling Plastics Air Water Land Lifestyles Economy & Politics Media & Awards < Back Puzzling case of the Pregnant Stingray 🌊 Puzzling case of the Pregnant Stingray 🐡 In early February, The Aquarium and Shark Lab by Team ECCO in North Carolina, found out that their female stingray, Charlotte, is pregnant. The peculiar thing about her case is that stingrays sexually reproduce; however, there is not another male stingray in the tank. According to Forrest Galante, biologist, and wildlife television host, there are three possible causes of the stingray's pregnancy: parthenogenesis, interbreeding, and sperm retention. Internet meme which shows Maury Povich's famous line "You are NOT the father." There are three possibilities in this case: ① Parthenogenesis This occurs when a female produces a clone of herself, which happens when a female gamete (egg) develops into an embryo without being fertilized. ② Interbreeding Charlotte shares her tank with two male bamboo sharks. It is possible for a shark to physically interbreed with a stingray. There was a bite mark on Charlotte, which could possibly be from the shark since they are known to bite their mate when breeding. ③ Sperm Retention A sperm from a male is reserved in the female body. Unfortunately, the answer still remains a mystery. So, what is your take on this? Sources: https://youtu.be/8vrbzZNEm1c?si=0ZD2Vs1Yw0Cvw5fk https://youtu.be/oYlu3YG6mOY?si=iDCzU7qbyitVRuIo https://www.sciencedirect.com/.../vete.../parthenogenesis ... . ←Previous Next→

Home Our Mission Recycling Plastics Air Water Land Lifestyles Economy & Politics Media & Awards < Back Scientists Uncover Highly Probable Causes of Shrinking Arctic Ice and Gray Whale Mass Die-Offs 🐳 Scientists Uncover Highly Probable Causes of Shrinking Arctic Ice and Gray Whale Mass Die-Offs 🐋 Climate change is affecting various ecosystems, especially with polar regions experiencing some of the most rapid changes. These changes have significant impacts on species and ecosystems, including even the largest animals on the planet. Gray whales are large marine mammals known for their lengthy migrations. They travel from warm wintering areas in Mexico to Arctic feeding grounds. Adult gray whales typically measure between 40 to 50 feet in length and can weigh between 30 to 40 tons. Over the years, more than 2,000 gray whales have been found dead off the Pacific coast in three unexplained mass die-off events. The most recent and ongoing mass die-off began in 2019 and has claimed the lives of 688 whales and counting. While the gray whale population had rebounded to around 25,000 individuals at its peak, it now stands at 14,500 and is declining due to these die-offs and diminishing birth rates. Climate change is causing the ice sheets in the Arctic to melt 4x faster, which is altering oceanic currents, warming water temperatures, and potentially changing the food supply for whales and other creatures. New research suggests that these unusual mortality events may be linked to shrinking Arctic ice, which has led to a decline in the whales' preferred food: coastal small crustaceans called amphipods. The shortage of food sources triggered by the deterioration of the ecosystem is likely to have caused thousands of gray whales to starve to death. In fact, major mortality events among gray whales coincide with periods of low prey biomass and restricted access to feeding areas. Also, any resulting changes in prey distribution could lead to changes in foraging behavior, nutritional stress, and diminished reproduction for gray whales. Additionally, changing water temperature and currents could impact the timing of environmental cues important for navigation and migration. The research on gray whales in the Arctic sheds light on the intricate relationship between environmental conditions, prey availability, and the dynamics of even long-lived, highly mobile species. Sources: https://oregoncapitalchronicle.com/.../unusual-deaths.../ ... . https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adi1847 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kp9PxNca-J4 ←Previous Next→

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Home Our Mission Recycling Plastics Air Water Land Lifestyles Economy & Politics Media & Awards < Back A Major Win for Ocean Cleanup: 220 Tons of Plastic Removed from the Pacific Garbage Patch Photo by The Ocean Cleanup Project The Ocean Cleanup project has reached a remarkable milestone, successfully removing 220 tons (nearly 450,000 pounds) of plastic waste from the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. This massive accumulation of marine debris, located between Hawaii and California, poses a significant threat to marine life and ecosystems. Founded by Boyan Slat, The Ocean Cleanup has been utilizing advanced technology to extract plastic pollution, preventing it from breaking down into harmful microplastics. A recent video showcases the latest cleanup efforts, demonstrating the project's effectiveness in tackling one of the world’s most pressing environmental issues. This achievement marks a significant step toward reducing ocean pollution, but the work is far from over. The organization continues to develop and scale up its cleanup systems, aiming for long-term solutions to restore the health of our oceans. ←Previous Next→

Home Our Mission Recycling Plastics Air Water Land Lifestyles Economy & Politics Media & Awards < Back Panama grants legal rights to sea turtles 🤓 Panama grants legal rights to sea turtles🐢 Panama's new law grants sea turtles the right to a pollution-free environment and recognizes their rights as living creatures. According to Erica Lyman, a clinical law professor and director of the Global Law Alliance for Animals, most wildlife protection laws are enacted based on perceived human benefits. However, Panama's law takes a different approach by prioritizing the needs of sea turtles and emphasizing the responsibility of humans to modify their behavior to accommodate those needs. These rights acknowledge their legal entitlement to exist and thrive, and the law permits lawsuits in case of any violations to these rights. The law enforces strict consequences for those disrupting sea turtle habitats, including canceling operating permits for irresponsible developers and tourism operators. It also prohibits all domestic and international commerce in sea turtles, parts, and eggs, except for subsistence use by select traditional communities. Sources: https://apnews.com/article/sea-turtles-panama-animal-rights-world-turtle-day-44cb77ff472ef99cbac7667bce51d38a?fbclid=IwAR2pEIbatmT-GgLE44PYHawrwohtdfAncopdbJJWzb2-tYpPtFPi8gmkr7A https://www.euronews.com/green/2023/05/26/turtle-power-panama-gives-legal-rights-to-sea-turtles-protecting-against-pollution-and-poa?fbclid=IwAR3lyw2qpZdxssOn9OiHymWGZLpTrI0ncDXMtRX4jRVgIzFPNJkomd0alXs ←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 How Germany became the champion of recycling Followed by #2 Austria, #3 South Korea, #4 Whales, and #5 Switzerland (top 5 countries of recycling) * Germany Has a recycling rate of over 67.1%, which is much higher than the global average of 19%!! They have implemented various programs and initiatives to promote recycling. Here are some examples. Green Dot System: Introduced in 1991, this system assigns responsibility for packaging waste to manufacturers and retailers. They must display the Green Dot symbol on their products and contribute financially to the recycling and waste management infrastructure. * Packaging Act: Germany has a packaging regulation called the Verpackungsgesetz (VerpackG) that aims to eliminate waste by requiring certain packaging materials to be recycled. The law affects all manufacturers and retailers that sell packaged goods to consumers in Germany, including companies shipping internationally. * Pfand System: The deposit system (Pfand) encourages the return of beverage containers, such as plastic bottles and cans, for recycling. Consumers pay a deposit when purchasing these containers, which they can reclaim when returning them to collection points. * Waste Separation: Households are required to sort waste into different categories, including paper, glass, plastics, and organic waste. Local municipalities provide color-coded bins for easy separation. * Dual System: The "Dual System" refers to a waste management approach that involves private organizations responsible for collecting, sorting, and recycling packaging waste from households and businesses. These organizations are known as "Dual Systems" because they operate in parallel with the public waste management system. * Curbside Collection: Many municipalities offer curbside collection services for different types of recyclables and organic waste. Collection schedules and guidelines are provided to residents. * Recyclinghof: These are recycling centers where residents can drop off items that can't be recycled through the regular curbside collection, such as furniture, electronics, and hazardous materials. * E-waste Recycling: Germany has specific regulations for the proper disposal and recycling of electronic waste (e-waste), ensuring that valuable materials are recovered and harmful substances are managed responsibly. * Composting: Many households engage in composting organic waste, which is collected separately or managed in on-site compost bins. The resulting compost is used for gardening and landscaping. * Awareness Campaigns: Ongoing educational campaigns raise awareness about waste reduction, recycling, and responsible consumption. These campaigns encourage citizens to adopt environmentally friendly practices. * Circular Economy Initiatives: Germany promotes the concept of a circular economy, which involves designing products for longevity, repairability, and recyclability. This approach reduces waste and resource consumption. * Plastic Bag Regulations: Starting from January 1st 2022, German stores are prohibited from providing plastic shopping bags. This ban applies to all types of bags with a thickness ranging from 15 to 50 micrometers, which used to be the common standard for shopping. However, thin plastic bags for unpacked fruits are still permitted. * Bottle Return Machines: Automated machines are located in stores where consumers can return beverage bottles and receive their deposits back. * Textile Recycling: Germany has initiatives for the collection and recycling of textiles, diverting clothing and fabrics from landfills. * Battery Recycling: Collection points for used batteries are available in various public spaces, making it easy for consumers to dispose of batteries properly. Germany's success in recycling is a testament to the importance of strong government policies, public awareness, and convenient recycling systems. These factors can be replicated in other countries to help them achieve higher recycling rates and reduce their environmental impact. Resources: https://deutsche-recycling.com/.../electronic-waste-in.../ https://www.bmuv.de/.../waste-electrical-and-electronic ... https://www.ecosistant.eu/en/green-dot-e-commerce/ https://prezero-international.com/.../german-packaging-act https://www.army.mil/article/143347/recycling_done_right ←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 200,000 Barrels of Radioactive Waste on the Atlantic Seabed ☢️ 200,000 Barrels of Radioactive Waste on the Atlantic Seabed From asbestos in homes to lead in cosmetics, history is full of practices once considered harmless that left lasting scars. Among the most staggering examples is the ocean dumping of radioactive waste. The History of Ocean Dumping Between 1946 and the early 1990s, thirteen countries across four continents disposed of radioactive waste at sea * Europe: United Kingdom, France, Belgium, Switzerland, Netherlands, Germany, Sweden * Asia: Japan, South Korea, former Soviet Union (Asian waters) * North America: United States * Oceania: Australia After WWII, France and the UK turned to the deep Atlantic as a nuclear dumping ground. Barrels containing low- and intermediate-level radioactive materials were encased in asphalt or concrete and sent to depths believed to be stable, barren, and vast enough to contain them permanently. Although the 1972 London Convention regulated ocean dumping, it only banned high-level radioactive waste while allowing low- and intermediate-level waste under permits. This ambiguity and uneven enforcement meant dumping continued into the late 1980s and early 1990s and ended only with a full ban in 1994. By the early 1990s, over 200,000 barrels rested on the seabed, some nearly 13,000 feet (4,000 meters) below the surface and hundreds of miles offshore from France. While the IAEA confirms that general site locations were recorded, many coordinates were poorly mapped, leaving thousands of barrels unaccounted for. Out of Sight, Out of Mind? Decades underwater have exposed the barrels to corrosion, deep-sea pressure, and shifting currents, raising concerns about leaks and long-term contamination. Although heavy and mostly stationary, sediment shifts and degradation have made precise locations uncertain. Project NODSSUM: A Modern Investigation To address these decades-old risks, Project NODSSUM was launched in 2025. Led by the French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS) with international partners, the mission focuses on mapping and assessing the barrels. * Phase 1: High-resolution mapping of about 6,000 km² of seabed to locate barrel fields * Phase 2: Sampling sediments, seawater, and marine life to measure radiation and assess ecological impact A Global Responsibility These Atlantic barrels are a stark warning about short-sighted decisions. Similar dumping sites exist in oceans and seas worldwide, from the Pacific to the Arctic. Comprehensive cleanup plans and ongoing monitoring are essential to prevent toxic waste from past generations becoming a permanent hazard. Photos: * Illegal dumping of radioactive waste along Somalia’s coast ( eterra.com.ng ) * Containers of radioactive waste off the coast of Italy ( bng.gal ) * Global low-level radioactive waste release locations ( stanford.edu ) * First recorded disposal off California, 500 meters deep ( stanford.edu ) * Decaying barrels found on the California coast by David Valentine/Jason ROV Sources: https://www.iaea.org/sites/default/files/31404684750.pdf https://www.cnrs.fr/.../CP%20EN_CNRS%20RADIOCEAN ... https://www.cnrs.fr/.../radioactive-waste-scientific ... https://maritime-executive.com/.../scientific-mission-to ... #nature #mystery #ocean #sustainability #sustainable #enviroment #marinebiology #ctdp #connectingthedotsproject #NODSSUM #nuclearwastes #worldwarII #WWII #atomicenergy #nuclear #radioactive #nuclearwaste #dumping #AtlanticOcean #pollution #somalia #italia ←Previous Next→