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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 Amazon Region Protected Areas (ARPA) Program Takes a Giant Leap in Conservation Efforts Amazon Region Protected Areas The Amazon Region Protected Areas (ARPA) Program , the largest initiative focused on the Amazon rainforest, is making significant strides in preserving one of the world's most biodiverse and vital ecosystems. With a bold goal of protecting 150 million acres of the Brazilian Amazon, the ARPA Program is revolutionizing conservation efforts and demonstrating how coordinated action can help safeguard the planet's future. Tapir Launched in 2002 by the Brazilian government, in partnership with international organizations such as the World Bank , WWF , and the Global Environment Facility (GEF) , the ARPA Program aims to create and manage a comprehensive network of protected areas across the Amazon Basin. Spanning an area roughly the size of Spain , these protected zones are home to countless species of wildlife, including jaguars, tapirs, and iconic Amazonian species like the Amazon river dolphin and sloths . The initiative focuses on preventing deforestation, protecting fragile ecosystems, and ensuring the long-term sustainability of this critical region. One of the core strengths of ARPA is its integration of local communities and indigenous groups . The program not only aims to protect the natural environment but also seeks to foster sustainable livelihoods for those who depend on the forest for their way of life. Through conservation-based development, local populations are actively involved in managing protected areas, ensuring the long-term health of both the forest and their communities. Additionally, ARPA’s conservation work prevents the release of a massive amount of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, helping mitigate climate change. By maintaining the Amazon's vast rainforests, the program is crucial to the global fight against climate change, as the Amazon acts as a massive carbon sink, absorbing huge quantities of greenhouse gases. The ARPA Program has already achieved significant milestones in its efforts. More than 100 protected areas have been established across the Amazon, creating safe havens for wildlife and improving biodiversity. Through strategic conservation management, these areas help keep the Amazon's ecosystems intact, which in turn benefits global environmental health. Additionally, ARPA’s efforts contribute directly to Brazil's commitment to the Paris Climate Agreement , aiming to cut carbon emissions and protect global biodiversity. With continued international support and commitment, ARPA's ongoing work is not only a success for the Amazon rainforest but also for the entire planet. It serves as a shining example of how nations, conservationists, and local communities can work together to protect the environment and secure a healthier future for all. While the ARPA program has made incredible progress, there are still challenges ahead. The Amazon continues to face pressures from illegal logging , mining , and agriculture . However, ARPA's success and the global attention it has garnered offer a hopeful outlook. With increasing global awareness about the importance of preserving the Amazon, the continued support for ARPA ensures that the Amazon's protected areas will stand strong for generations to come. Sources: World Bank: ARPA Program Overview WWF Brazil: ARPA & Amazon Conservation Global Environment Facility (GEF): GEF Amazon Conservation ←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 Hong Kong’s Dual Water System: How Seawater Is Used for Toilet Flushing The 2024 wildfire in Los Angeles made many wonder: why can’t we use seawater to extinguish such fires? There are several reasons. Seawater is corrosive to firefighting equipment, can damage vegetation and soil, and is not always accessible inland. These challenges indicate a growing concern: how can we preserve freshwater for emergencies like wildfires? While wondering about alternative solutions, we discovered an intriguing approach in Hong Kong, where over 80 percent of the population is already served by a dual water system. But how does it work? A City of Innovation and Constraints In a city where space is limited and land prices are among the highest in the world, Hong Kong has had to innovate not only in housing but also in water management. One of its most remarkable achievements is a dual water supply system that separates freshwater from seawater, the latter used specifically for toilet flushing. Though rare globally, this system could be a creative and practical conservation strategy. How It Works: A Two-System Approach Hong Kong is one of the few places in the world with a dual plumbing infrastructure in most buildings: * Freshwater system: Supplies kitchens, bathrooms (for bathing and handwashing), and laundry * Saltwater system: Supplies seawater solely for toilet flushing By separating these functions, the city reduces its demand for potable water, a limited and costly resource, by 20 to 30 percent. Why Use Seawater? Hong Kong lacks major rivers or lakes and relies heavily on imported freshwater from mainland China, particularly the Dongjiang (East River). To reduce this dependency and improve water security, the city began using seawater for flushing toilets as early as the 1950s, expanding it significantly by the 1970s. Given Hong Kong’s coastal location, seawater is both plentiful and accessible, making the solution cost-effective and practical. Infrastructure and Maintenance To implement this system, Hong Kong built an extensive network of dedicated seawater pipelines and pumping stations. Each building typically has two water tanks and two separate plumbing systems: one for potable water and the other for flushing. Seawater undergoes basic treatment before distribution to prevent pipe corrosion and eliminate harmful bacteria or marine organisms. Although it doesn’t need to be drinkable, it must meet sanitation and safety standards. The system is managed and maintained by the Water Supplies Department (WSD). Environmental and Economic Benefits * Water conservation: Saves approximately 270 million cubic meters of freshwater each year * Cost savings: Flushing water is free or low-cost, encouraging its use * Relief on freshwater supplies: Reduces pressure on local reservoirs and imported sources Challenges and Limitations Despite its success, the dual water system presents challenges: * High construction costs: Doubling the plumbing infrastructure increases installation expenses * Retrofitting older buildings: Difficult and costly to implement in existing structures * Maintenance complexity: Operating two separate systems requires additional oversight, materials, and labor Could It Be a Global Model? While Hong Kong’s approach is unique and largely successful, it may not be easily replicated everywhere. Coastal access, existing infrastructure, and climate conditions are major limiting factors. There are also challenges such as potential impacts on marine ecosystems and the high cost of infrastructure development. Still, in the face of growing climate stress and water scarcity, Hong Kong’s system presents an innovative example worth exploring, especially if we can develop solutions that support both people and the environment. Sources: https://www.wsd.gov.hk/.../seawater-for-flushing/index.html https://water.hku.hk/.../HKUWaterCentre_Water ... #hongkong #hk #sustainability #sustainable #toilet #seaside #ocean #waterscarcity #watershortage #wildfire #fire #watersolutions #China #dongjiang #environment #nature #ourchallenges #globalwarming #ClimateChange #ctdp #connectingthedotsproject #waterscarcity ←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 Costly Truth: Transition to Electric School Buses The Costly Truth: Balancing Transitional Costs with Long-Term Investments in Green Energy. Many school districts across the United States are transitioning from diesel-powered school buses to electric models, thanks to state and federal grants aimed at reducing carbon emissions and air pollution in the transportation sector. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has provided nearly $900 million for 2,424 clean school buses in the first year of a program authorized by the Biden administration's infrastructure law, with thousands more expected to be funded through fiscal year 2026. States are also contributing their own funding for electric school buses, although these remain a fraction of the overall school bus fleet, which numbers around 500,000 nationwide. The primary goals of this transition are to provide safer and healthier transportation for students and to address climate concerns by reducing carbon emissions. Miami-Dade County Public Schools in Florida, for instance, has purchased 20 electric school buses with funding from Florida's share of a settlement with Volkswagen over emissions violations. They have additional funding available for another 30 electric buses and have applied to the EPA for an additional 50 buses. The hope is to eventually transition to a fully electric fleet, but this depends on government funding since electric buses are more expensive upfront compared to diesel buses. Another example is North Carolina. The state is expanding its electric school bus fleet, aiming to save taxpayers money on future fuel costs and protect the environment. These buses, equipped with vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology, can supply power back to the grid when stationary. A study from UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health suggests that using these buses to store electricity could reduce peak demand by about 10%. Winter is the most beneficial time for this grid support, and the buses could help prevent blackouts during high-demand periods. Currently, there are few electric school buses on the road, but the state plans to have at least 40 in the coming years. Regardless of the funding source, the price tag for an electric school bus is substantial, hovering at around $450,000—almost double the cost of a conventional diesel bus. According to Business Insider, only a mere 1% of America's iconic yellow school buses have embraced electric technology, making it abundantly clear that overhauling the entire diesel fleet would carry an astronomical price tag, nearing the daunting sum of nearly $200 billion. In addition to the formidable financial challenge, electric buses contend with certain practical limitations, notably their restricted range of approximately 100 miles on a full charge. This constraint raises concerns, particularly for longer out-of-town trips, and is compounded by the shortage of available charging stations. Consequently, some school districts are opting to retain a portion of their diesel bus fleet until the charging infrastructure becomes more robust and widespread. These multifaceted challenges underscore the intricate nature of the transition to green energy within the transportation sector, signifying the magnitude of the task at hand. Sources: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GxCQ_040RXE https://youtu.be/-hsTuJHvk2A?si=pncdypmRtb8LnmAY Business Insider: True Cost 3/4/2023 ←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 Inflation Reduction Act of 2022- Possible Rebate for Switching Gas to Electric Stoves The Inflation Reduction Act includes provisions for rebates and tax credits for the purchase of new electric appliances, such as electric ranges, cooktops, and wall ovens. This legislation aims to incentivize the switch from gas to electric cooking and reduce environmental impact. Electric ranges and induction cooktops have improved in performance and are comparable, if not better, than gas stoves. The rebates will vary by state and income level, with potential coverage for a portion of the appliance cost and assistance in converting from gas to electric. Induction ranges qualify for rebates as well. To apply for rebates, individuals should follow their state's specific steps, and funding will be allocated by the Department of Energy. The Inflation Reduction Act offers an opportunity to save money while promoting energy efficiency and sustainability. Source: https://www.whitehouse.gov/.../Inflation-Reduction-Act ... See les ←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 Does Turning Off Lights Help You Save Energy? The cost-effectiveness of turning off lights depends on the type of bulb and the cost of electricity in your area. Different light bulbs have varying energy efficiency levels and lifespans, which impact how much energy—and money—you can save by turning them off when not in use. How Different Bulbs Affect Energy Costs The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) provides the following breakdown of lighting costs based on an average electricity rate of $0.11 per kilowatt-hour (kWh): 1) Incandescent Bulbs (Phased Out in the U.S.) Incandescent bulbs are highly inefficient, converting 90% of their energy into heat rather than light. A 60W incandescent bulb uses 0.06 kWh per hour and consumes 60 kWh over 1,000 hours of use . Operating cost for 1,000 hours: $6.60 Since 2023, federal efficiency regulations have effectively phased out incandescent bulbs due to their high energy consumption. 2) Halogen Bulbs (Also Phased Out in the U.S.) Halogen bulbs are a more efficient version of incandescent bulbs, using about 25% less energy . A 43W halogen bulb consumes 43 kWh over 1,000 hours . Operating cost for 1,000 hours: $4.73 As of 2023, halogen bulbs have also been phased out due to new energy efficiency standards. 3) CFL Bulbs (Compact Fluorescent Lamps) CFLs use about 75% less energy than incandescents but contain small amounts of mercury , requiring careful disposal. The 15-minute rule applies: If leaving a room for less than 15 minutes: Keep the CFL on to preserve its lifespan. If leaving for more than 15 minutes: Turn it off to save energy. A 15W CFL consumes 15 kWh over 1,000 hours . Operating cost for 1,000 hours: $1.65 CFLs are declining in popularity as LED prices continue to drop and offer better efficiency without mercury concerns. 4) LED Bulbs (The Most Efficient & Cost-Effective Choice) LEDs are 90% more efficient than incandescent bulbs. Unlike CFLs, frequent switching does not shorten their lifespan. LEDs provide instant full brightness and work well with smart sensors, dimmers, and automation . A 12W LED consumes 12 kWh over 1,000 hours . Operating cost for 1,000 hours: $1.32 LEDs are now the standard for energy-efficient lighting, with lifespans of 15,000–50,000 hours compared to just 1,000 hours for incandescent bulbs. How Electricity Costs Impact Savings While these calculations are based on $0.11 per kWh , electricity rates vary by region. For example: In California , the average electricity rate is over $0.25 per kWh , making LED savings even more significant. Many utility companies offer time-of-use (TOU) pricing , where electricity costs more during peak hours. If your electricity provider uses TOU pricing, shifting energy use to off-peak hours can further reduce costs. Energy-Saving Tips Use LED bulbs whenever possible. They last longer and save the most energy. Turn off incandescent and halogen lights whenever they’re not in use, as they are the least efficient. For CFLs, follow the 15-minute rule to avoid reducing their lifespan. Consider smart lighting solutions , such as motion sensors and timers, to optimize energy use automatically. By understanding the cost and efficiency of different bulbs, you can make smarter choices that save both energy and money ! 💡💰 Sources: U.S. Department of Energy – Lighting Choices U.S. Department of Energy – Energy Efficiency Standards ←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 Food Desert ←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 Food Banks, Food Pantries, Food Assistance Programs by Government and etc FOOD ASSISTANCE PROGRAM LIST Attached are the compilations of the Government food assistance programs, non-profit food banks, and community gardens (which aim to tackle food security issues and are the nationwide data. If you know of any program which should be listed, please comment below. Thank you! The download link is below: Updated: 1/2/2025 https://drive.google.com/.../1tTuwI8vAj4cFgyMUcYH.../view ... ←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 Report Finds "Toxic" Chemicals Present in 80% of Receipts from Major Store Chains Most receipts are printed on thermal paper, which contains chemicals like Bisphenol A (BPA) or Bisphenol S (BPS). These chemicals can be harmful to the environment if released during the recycling process. Additionally, many receipts are coated with a layer of plastic or contain other non-recyclable elements, making them unsuitable for traditional recycling methods. If receipts are mixed with other recyclable materials like paper or cardboard, they can contaminate the recycling stream, making it difficult to recycle the entire batch. Therefore, You should not put receipts in the recycle bin mainly due to their composition and potential contamination. On the other hand, there are recyclable and compostable receipts, but they are far less common and popular as the thermal paper receipts that most stores use because of the high costs. The EPN's estimate of 80% thermal paper usage in receipts in the USA is based on a survey of businesses in the retail, food service, and hospitality industries. The survey found that 83% of businesses in these industries used thermal paper receipts in 2018. As a result, it is best to dispose of receipts properly in regular waste bins instead of the recycle bin. However, if you want to be more environmentally conscious, consider opting for digital receipts whenever possible, as they help reduce paper waste and the associated environmental impact. Sources: https://recyclecoach.com/.../the-problem-with-recycling.../ https://www.cbsnews.com/.../bpa-receipts-major-store.../ ←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 Climate Vulnerability Index Unveiling the Climate Vulnerability Index (CVI): Assessing Climate Risks in U.S. Communities The Texas A&M School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences partnered with the Environmental Defense Fund to introduce the Climate Vulnerability Index (CVI), a dynamic tool for assessing climate-related vulnerabilities in U.S. communities. The CVI integrates 184 datasets to evaluate over 70,000 U.S. census tracts across various domains, including health, infrastructure, and extreme events. It delves into intricate factors, from housing quality to air pollution-related death rates, providing a holistic view of vulnerability. As of October 1, 2023, the CVI highlights the most vulnerable U.S. counties: 1. John the Baptist, Louisiana 2. Iberville, Louisiana 3. Knox, Kentucky 4. Landry, Louisiana 5. Dillon, South Carolina 6. Tangipahoa, Louisiana 7. Acadia, Louisiana 8. Floyd, Kentucky 9. Jefferson, Texas 10. Whitley, Kentucky The CVI equips communities, policymakers, and organizations with data-driven insights to proactively address vulnerabilities and enhance resilience. It evolves with the latest data, ensuring its relevance in ongoing climate resilience efforts. Participation in the census is vital for localized insights. The CVI provides location-specific vulnerability scores, aiding effective resource allocation by policymakers, community advocates, and researchers. Check out with the interactive map issued by Environmental Defense Fund and Texas A&M https://map.climatevulnerabilityindex.org/map/cvi_overall/usa?mapBoundaries=Tract&mapFilter=0&reportBoundaries=Tract&geoContext=State ←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 Sustainable Businesses are booming Sustainable business practices are increasingly becoming a cornerstone of corporate strategy, driving growth, innovation, and profitability. Companies integrating environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations into their operations are not only contributing to societal well-being but also achieving superior financial performance. The Triple Play: Growth, Profit, and Sustainability A study by McKinsey & Company highlights that businesses excelling in integrating growth, profitability, and ESG factors—referred to as "triple outperformers"—deliver higher returns than their peers. These companies embed ESG into their core strategies, innovate sustainable products and services, and transparently report their ESG performance, leading to enhanced profitability and growth. mckinsey.com Driving Innovation Through Sustainability Sustainability is a catalyst for innovation. Companies are developing new products, services, and business models that address environmental and social challenges. For instance, startups like NatureMetrics are utilizing advanced technologies, such as environmental DNA (eDNA) monitoring, to assess biodiversity and ecosystem health. This innovation not only aids in conservation efforts but also provides economic value by helping businesses mitigate risks associated with ecosystem degradation. thetimes.co.uk Consumer Demand and Market Trends There is a growing consumer preference for sustainable products and services. A report by TravelPerk indicates that businesses adopting sustainable practices experience improved stakeholder perception and financial performance. This shift in consumer behavior is prompting companies to align their offerings with environmental and social values, leading to increased market share and customer loyalty. travelperk.com Policy Support and Investment Governments are recognizing the importance of sustainable business practices and are implementing policies to support them. The European Commission, for example, is drafting proposals to enhance sustainable investment by increasing guarantees and reducing administrative burdens for businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). These initiatives aim to mobilize additional investments and simplify sustainability reporting, fostering a more sustainable business environment. reuters.com Conclusion The integration of sustainability into business strategies is not merely a trend but a fundamental shift toward long-term value creation. Companies embracing sustainable practices are experiencing growth, profitability, and innovation, positioning themselves as leaders in the evolving global market. As consumer demand, policy support, and investment in sustainability continue to rise, businesses that prioritize ESG considerations are well-positioned for enduring success. Sources: thetimes.co.uk How a start-up is using high-tech methods to monitor biodiversity Today reuters.com European Commission plans InvestEU guarantee boost, draft document shows Today voguebusiness.com Innovation and sustainability intersect at Fashion Futures Dubai ←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→