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Home Our Mission Recycling Plastics Air Water Land Lifestyles Economy & Politics Media & Awards Recycling & Disposal:Used cooking oil and lard Used cooking oil and lard should never be poured down the drain as they can clog pipes and harm the environment. Also, do not handle while they are hot. You can sustain burn injury. Here ’s how to dispose of them properly: Cooking Oil Recycling Programs – Some cities have drop-off locations or collection programs where used cooking oil can be recycled into biodiesel or other products. Household Hazardous Waste Facilities – Many areas accept used cooking oil at hazardous waste collection sites. Solid Waste Disposal – If no recycling options are available, let the oil cool and solidify, then place it in a sealed, non-recyclable container and throw it in the trash. Composting (Small Amounts Only) – Some plant-based oils (not lard or animal fats) can be composted in small amounts. Important Warnings: Do not pour oil or lard down the drain – It can harden and cause serious plumbing issues. Avoid mixing with other waste – Contaminated oil cannot be recycled properly. Do not dispose of large quantities in compost – Animal fats attract pests and create odor issues.

Home Our Mission Recycling Plastics Air Water Land Lifestyles Economy & Politics Media & Awards LAND < Back Extremely High Levels of Plutonium Detected Near Los Alamos Lab in New Mexico Extremely High Levels of Plutonium Detected Near Los Alamos Lab in New Mexico Extremely High Levels of Plutonium, Comparable to Chornobyl, Found Near Los Alamos Lab Some of you may have watched the recent blockbuster, Oppenheimer, which tells the story of the birth of the atomic bomb at the Los Alamos National Laboratory in New Mexico. Near the lab is a canyon, now fully covered with lush greenery, that has become a popular recreational site. From 1943 until 1963, during the Manhattan Project and part of the subsequent Cold War era, liquid and often radioactive waste was dumped into this canyon, earning it the name Acid Canyon. Recently, a scientist from Northern Arizona University reported discovering extreme levels of plutonium contamination in Acid Canyon, comparable to those found at the Chornobyl nuclear disaster site in Ukraine. “What I found here in Acid Canyon is pretty much the most extreme plutonium contamination scenario…in an off-site, uncontrolled environmental setting that I’ve ever seen in my career,” says Dr. Ketterer of Northern Arizona University. This alarming finding has raised serious concerns about the extent of radioactive pollution in the area and its potential impact on public health and the environment. Plutonium, which was among the contaminants, has a half-life of 24,100 years, meaning it remains radioactive and hazardous for millennia. It is a highly toxic radioactive element that, if inhaled or ingested, can cause severe health issues, including lung cancer and other radiation-induced illnesses. The discovery has prompted calls for immediate action to clean up the contamination and ensure public safety. Local officials and residents are now demanding transparency and a comprehensive assessment of the contamination. Environmental advocates are pushing for stronger federal and state oversight of the laboratory's cleanup efforts, arguing that previous assessments underestimated the risks and that more stringent measures. Sources: https://www.energy.gov/.../05/f75/AcidPuebloFactSheet.pdf https://www.theguardian.com/.../los-alamos-new-mexico ... https://ladailypost.com/nuclear-watch-nm-on-plutonium.../

Home Our Mission Recycling Plastics Air Water Land Lifestyles Economy & Politics Media & Awards LAND < Back Native vs Tropical Milkweeds When I interviewed 7 scientists who specialize in monarch butterflies, they all raised concerns about how Mexican/ Tropical Milkweed (Asclepias curassavica) can disrupt the migration of endangered monarch butterflies in the northern regions of America and Canada. Tropical milkweed is a perennial plant native to South and Central America but found in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. It is known for its vibrant flowers and is favored by gardeners for attracting monarch butterflies. These seeds and plants are sold on the internet even at home centers and nurseries all over the world. However, those tropical milkweeds which are not native to the colder regions can have negative effects on migratory monarchs. Their extended blooming period can disrupt monarch migration and breeding patterns since the senescence of native milkweeds likely is one of the cues for the fall and time for migrations. Additionally, tropical milkweeds have other potential negative effects including parasites, and diseases for these monarchs. As the practice of plating milkweeds is getting popular, we wanted to check public knowledge of tropical milkweeds. Therefore, we asked 103 participants to visually identify the pictures of local and tropical milkweeds. With the pictures of flowers, nearly 40 percent of people wrongly identified the tropical milkweed. Without saying the identification of seeds and pods is extremely difficult. Nearly 70% of participants could not tell the differences. The majority of the native milkweed flowers are powder pink, greenish cream white, or off-white and relatively easy to identify. However, one of the native milkweeds of North America called the Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa) and Tropical Milkweed (Asclepias curassavica) resemble each other and both have bright orange flowers. Here is how to identify Tropical Milkweed (Asclepias curassavica) from native Butterfly Milkweed: Color of flowers: The flowers of most popular tropical milkweeds are usually two colors; RED AND ORANGE (with an orange corona and red corolla). Also, the flowers of another popular tropical milkweed, Silky Gold, are yellow. On the other hand, the native butterfly milkweed has just orange flowers. Sap: When the leaves or stem of tropical milkweeds are broken, it releases a milky sap. Leaves: The plant has narrow and pointed leaves. While it prefers moist soils and thrives in disturbed areas, it is commonly found in gardens. * if you are about to buy unknown plants on the internet or at a shop, it is best to read the tag, check on the internet, or use a plant identifying app for more accurate verification. Milkweed identification guide: www.monarchparasites.org Milkweed Identification Guide | monarchhealth Use the following photos and key characters to determine if you have any of these common milkweed species at your site.

Home Our Mission Recycling Plastics Air Water Land Lifestyles Economy & Politics Media & Awards Recycling of Personal Protective Equipment "PPE items are a source of microplastic and chemical pollutants, a substrate to invasive species colonization, and a potential threat of entanglement, ingestion, and/or infection among apex predators" - National Library of Medicine As reported by Visual Capitalist in 2020, a staggering 52 billion disposable masks were manufactured, with 1.6 billion of them ending up in the world's oceans. Despite the relaxation and removal of mask mandates, discarded personal protective equipment (PPE) has remained a significant environmental pollutant since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. PPE items are notoriously challenging to recycle and are typically not accepted by local municipal recycling programs. This is due to understandable concerns, as they can pose biohazards, and the energy costs of the recycling process often outweigh the value of the recycled materials. It's worth noting that cloth masks provide a more eco-friendly alternative to disposable masks. However, some companies have taken steps to offer solutions for recycling disposable masks and gloves, often with associated charges. Many PPE recycling companies do not accept materials from hospitals but do welcome contributions from schools and corporations. Notably, the University of Illinois and several other universities have reportedly joined such recycling programs. Here is a list of companies that accept PPE for recycling: 1) Terra Cycle 2) Closed Recycling 3) Steri Cycle

Home Our Mission Recycling Plastics Air Water Land Lifestyles Economy & Politics Media & Awards Bioengineered Trees: Living Carbon’s Breakthrough in Sustainable Timber and Carbon Capture As the world faces escalating climate challenges, innovative solutions are emerging to enhance carbon capture and promote sustainability. One such breakthrough comes from Living Carbon , a biotechnology company harnessing genetic engineering to develop trees that grow faster, sequester more carbon dioxide, and produce sustainable timber. Living Carbon’s bioengineered trees are designed to address two critical issues: increasing carbon sequestration and providing a sustainable alternative to traditional timber. These trees are modified to grow up to 53% faster than their unmodified counterparts, enabling them to absorb significantly more CO₂ from the atmosphere over their lifespan. This advancement has the potential to play a crucial role in offsetting carbon emissions and mitigating climate change. Through enhanced photosynthesis and carbon assimilation , Living Carbon’s trees improve their ability to capture and store CO₂. By optimizing their metabolism, these trees convert atmospheric carbon more efficiently, allowing them to grow at an accelerated rate. This process not only benefits the environment but also provides an economic incentive for industries looking to invest in sustainable timber production. One of the most exciting aspects of Living Carbon’s innovation is its application in the timber industry. By increasing tree growth rates, the company is paving the way for faster, more sustainable timber production , reducing the pressure on natural forests. This shift could help decrease deforestation while ensuring a steady supply of eco-friendly wood products. Living Carbon’s work represents a promising step toward scalable climate solutions. If widely adopted, bioengineered trees could become a key tool in combating climate change, restoring degraded ecosystems, and revolutionizing the timber industry. While challenges such as regulatory approval and ecological considerations remain, the potential benefits make bioengineered trees an exciting area for future research and investment. As climate concerns grow, initiatives like Living Carbon’s demonstrate how biotechnology can drive real change—offering a hopeful glimpse into a greener, more sustainable future. Please also read an article about the concerns surrounding genetically modified trees . Source: https://www.thecooldown.com/green-tech/living-carbon-trees-timber-biotechnology/

Home Our Mission Recycling Plastics Air Water Land Lifestyles Economy & Politics Media & Awards Recycling & Disposal of Shavers, Blades, and Scissors Shavers, razors, and scissors contain metal, plastic, and electronic components, requiring proper disposal to minimize waste and potential hazards. 1. Recycling Options Electric Shavers (Corded & Rechargeable) Electronics Recycling Centers: Many e-waste programs accept electric razors and trimmers. Retail Take-Back Programs: Best Buy, Staples, and other electronics retailers may accept them. Manufacturer Recycling: Some brands (like Philips Norelco) offer take-back programs. Battery Recycling (For Rechargeable Shavers): Lithium-ion and NiMH batteries should be taken to Call2Recycle or a local hazardous waste facility. Disposable & Cartridge Razors Gillette & Venus Razor Recycling (via TerraCycle): Mail-in programs allow users to send in used razors, cartridges, and packaging for recycling. Scrap Metal Recycling (For Metal Parts): If the blades are fully metal, they may be accepted at a metal recycling center. Straight Razors & Safety Razor Blades Blade Banks: Used blades can be collected in a metal container (blade bank) and taken to a scrap metal recycling facility. Household Hazardous Waste Facilities: Some areas accept used blades due to sharp object disposal rules. Scissors Scrap Metal Yards: Fully metal scissors are often accepted. Donation: If still usable, consider donating them to schools, craft centers, or thrift stores. 2. Responsible Disposal Sharps Containers for Blades: If no recycling is available, wrap blades securely (in cardboard or a tin can) before disposal. Separate Plastic from Metal: If possible, dismantle shavers and separate plastic from metal for better recycling. 3. Sustainable Alternatives Switch to Safety Razors: They have fully recyclable metal blades, reducing plastic waste. Maintain & Sharpen Scissors: Instead of discarding, sharpening extends their life.

Home Our Mission Recycling Plastics Air Water Land Lifestyles Economy & Politics Media & Awards LAND < Back Ron Finley Ron Finley is known as the “Gangsta Gardener.” Ron lives in South Central L.A., a food desert with high obesity and crime rates. To tackle the lack of fresh produce and healthy dietary food, Ron & others started growing plants in parkways and vacant lots in South Central LA. In Los Angeles, there are vacant lots equivalent to the the combined size of 20 Central Parks. They are just sitting without any purposes. However, as a result, a warrant was issued against him for unauthorized usages of the government properties. In response, Ron stood up; he contacted media outlets and collected signatures for the petition. Ron had won with 900 signatures. In 2013, the L.A. City Council voted to change the law. It is now legal to grow food on your parkway in Los Angeles. Since then, the Ron Finley Project has been steadily growing. Now it is an organization not only to plant but also to educate and help people learn how to grow fresh produce in the urban areas. Ron also launched a clothes line for Everbody.World , a company that uses 100% recycled materials. All the profit made from his clothes line all goes to the Ron Finley Project. Click HERE for more info on Ron Finley and his projects. Sources: Video copy right is owned by TED: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EzZzZ_qpZ4w https://ronfinley.com/ https://youtu.be/EzZzZ_qpZ4w https://ronfinley.com/pages/about https://www.vogue.com/article/ron-finley-everybody-world-fashion-collaboration https://www.instagram.com/ronfinleyhq/?hl=en

Home Our Mission Recycling Plastics Air Water Land Lifestyles Economy & Politics Media & Awards LAND < Back Saying goodbye to Ndakasi In 2007, Ndakasi, a 2-month-old gorilla, was rescued in the Congolese bush by rangers from Virunga National Park after her mother was killed by poachers. Despite her traumatic start, Ndakasi's story was one of kindness and love. She met Andre Bauma, a keeper at the park's gorilla nursery, who cared for her from the moment she was rescued. Through a night of severe rain, Bauma hugged her closely to keep her warm and offer comfort. Ndakasi's life was a gift, given her challenging beginning, and she grew up to be happy and healthy. Tragically, she passed away at the age of 14 due to illness in 2012, but her final moments were filled with love in the arms of her keeper, Andre Bauma. While Ndakasi is no longer with us, her memory lives on, and the caregivers at Virunga National Park continue their work to provide hope to orphaned gorillas like her, highlighting the strong bond between park workers and the gorillas they care for. Sources: Photo credit: Virunga National Park https://hasanjasim.online/gorilla-hugs-the-man-who-saved-her-as-a-baby-in-her-final-moments/?fbclid=IwAR3MazrOjYZOccUdV-kvdzCl2AIgxNe6un2XYKNOm6FsSpG5vU0jkosZzTs https://www.gorilladoctors.org/saving-lives/orphan-gorillas/ndakasi/#:~:text=Gorilla%20Doctors%20is%20deeply%20saddened,of%20not%20eating%2C%20and%20diarrhea .

Home Our Mission Recycling Plastics Air Water Land Lifestyles Economy & Politics Media & Awards Disposal and Recycling of Toothbrushes, Hair Brushes, and Combs Toothbrushes Plastic Toothbrushes : Recycle : Traditional plastic toothbrushes are not accepted in curbside recycling programs. However, some brands offer recycling programs like Terracycle , where you can send used toothbrushes in for proper recycling. Alternative : Consider using toothbrushes made from bamboo, which are compostable. Landfill : If you don't have access to a recycling program, a plastic toothbrush should be disposed of in the trash as a last resort. Electric Toothbrushes : Recycle : Electric toothbrush handles (if made from plastic or metal) should be taken to an electronics recycling facility since they contain batteries and other materials. Landfill : If recycling is not an option, dispose of them in a landfill after removing the battery. Hair Brushes & Combs Plastic Brushes & Combs : Recycling : Some plastic hair brushes and combs can be recycled if they are made from #1 or #2 plastic. Remove any hair or other materials before recycling. If you’re unsure about the material, check with your local recycling program. Landfill : If the brush is non-recyclable (made of mixed materials or difficult-to-recycle plastics), it should be disposed of in the trash. Wooden Brushes & Combs : Recycling/Composting : Wooden brushes and combs are often compostable, depending on the type of wood. If the bristles are made from natural materials like boar hair, you can compost the wood and bristles. However, if the bristles are synthetic or mixed, you’ll need to remove them before composting. Donation : If the brushes or combs are in good condition, consider donating them to charity organizations. Bristles : Remove bristles from brushes before recycling, as the bristles may be made of materials like nylon, which can’t always be recycled. For brushes with plastic or synthetic bristles, the bristles may need to be discarded in the trash. Important Notes: Cleaning Before Disposal : Make sure to clean hair brushes and combs to remove hair and other debris before recycling or disposing of them. Check Local Programs : Recycling programs for brushes and toothbrushes can vary by location, so it's a good idea to contact your local recycling center or search for specific programs like TerraCycle for oral care products.

Home Our Mission Recycling Plastics Air Water Land Lifestyles Economy & Politics Media & Awards Disposal and Recycling of Single-Use Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) Cups and Plates Single-use expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam cups and plates , commonly used at gatherings, fast food restaurants, and events, pose significant environmental challenges. EPS is lightweight, fragile, and difficult to recycle, making proper disposal essential. Disposal: Not Typically Recyclable: Most curbside recycling programs do not accept EPS foam due to its tendency to break into small fragments, which can contaminate other recyclables. Trash Disposal: If no specialized recycling option is available, EPS foam should be placed in the trash. However, this is not an eco-friendly solution, as EPS can persist in the environment for centuries. Recycling Options: Check Local Facilities: Some specialized recycling centers accept clean EPS foam. Contact your local waste management agency to confirm. Designated Drop-Off Stations: Certain municipalities offer EPS foam recycling programs where residents can bring clean, uncontaminated materials. EPS Recycling Programs: Some organizations and companies process EPS foam for reuse in manufacturing insulation, picture frames, and other products. Alternatives to EPS Foam: Paper-Based Products: Biodegradable or recyclable paper cups, plates, and containers are better choices and often accepted in curbside recycling. Reusable Options: Consider durable cups, plates, and utensils made from stainless steel, glass, or bamboo. Biodegradable Foam Alternatives: Some companies manufacture compostable foam-like products that break down more easily in the environment. Environmental Concerns: Litter & Wildlife Harm: EPS foam is one of the most common pollutants in aquatic environments. Its lightweight nature makes it prone to being carried by wind and water, where it can be ingested by wildlife. Chemical Pollution: As EPS foam degrades, it can release harmful compounds such as styrene and benzene , which are potential carcinogens and harmful to ecosystems. Key Takeaways: ✅ Avoid Single-Use EPS Foam – Opt for sustainable alternatives like compostable or reusable products.✅ Recycle When Possible – If a local facility accepts EPS foam, ensure it is clean and dry before drop-off.✅ Dispose Responsibly – If recycling is not an option, place EPS foam in the trash, but minimize its use whenever possible. By making informed choices and supporting sustainable alternatives, we can collectively reduce plastic waste and protect the environment. 🌿♻️

Home Our Mission Recycling Plastics Air Water Land Lifestyles Economy & Politics Media & Awards How to Dispose of & Recycle an Electric or Gas Washer and Dryer 1. Check Local Disposal & Recycling Regulations Many cities have rules for large appliance disposal. Contact your local waste management service , scrapyard , or EPA-approved recycling center for proper disposal methods. 2. Recycling & Scrap Metal Options Appliance Recycling Programs : Some utility companies offer rebates for recycling old washers/dryers. Scrapyards : Washers and dryers contain valuable metals like steel, aluminum, and copper. E-Waste Centers : Electric components, like control panels, may be recyclable at electronics recycling centers. 3. Safe Removal of Hazardous Components Gas Dryers : Should be disconnected from the gas line by a professional to prevent leaks. Refrigerants (if applicable) : Some washer/dryer combos have refrigerants that need special handling. 4. Donation or Resale (If Functional) Consider donating to Habitat for Humanity ReStore , local charities, or selling online if the appliance still works.

Home Our Mission Recycling Plastics Air Water Land Lifestyles Economy & Politics Media & Awards Car Seats and Booster Seats Car seats have an expiration date and can lose their effectiveness due to wear and tear, accidents, or age. Proper disposal ensures safety and environmental responsibility. Target ✔ Accepts all types of car seats, including infant, convertible, and booster seats. ✔ Accepts expired or damaged car seats. ✔ Offers a 20% off Target Circle™ Bonus toward a new car seat, stroller, or other baby gear. ✔ Provides drop-off boxes near Guest Services. ✔ Hosts car seat recycling events —check their website for announcements. Walmart ✔ Holds car seat trade-in events where you can exchange an old or expired car seat for a discount or gift card. ✔ Occasionally offers mail-in recycling programs —check their website for details. Mail-in & Paid Recycling Services 📦 CarSeatRecycling.com – Offers a mail-in recycling option.♻ TerraCycle – Provides a paid recycling service for baby gear, including car seats.