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Plastic in Oceans Leaches Chemicals
August 20, 2009 09:28 AM - Emily Sohn, Discovery News
According to a new study, plastic in the oceans can decompose in as little as a year, leaching chemical compounds into the water that may harm the health of animals and possibly even people.
Drinking From Plastic Bottles Raises BPA Levels by 70 Percent
October 15, 2009 06:40 PM - David Gutierrez, Natural News
Drinking water from plastic bottles made with the toxic chemical bisphenol A (BPA) increases urinary levels of the chemical by nearly 70 percent, according to a study conducted by researchers from Harvard University and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Turning Algae Into Bioplastic Could Slash Petroleum Use by 50%
November 3, 2009 09:53 AM - Andrew Williams, Cleantechnica via , Matter Network
California-based company Cereplast has revealed that it is developing breakthrough technology to transform algae into bioplastics, and predicts that it could replace 50% or more of the petroleum content used in traditional plastic resins.
7-Eleven Wrapping Nature’s Naturally Wrapped Fruit
November 11, 2009 10:55 AM - Audrey, Triple Pundit
There are so many great things about bananas. In addition to being an important source of fiber, vitamin C, and potassium, they’re naturally wrapped, so companies that sell them don’t have to worry about packaging. That is, unless that company is 7-Eleven.
Pumping Green Power from Fake Plastic Trees
May 22, 2009 09:29 AM - Clay Dillow, Fast Company
Dutch founder of London's Solar Botanic Ltd. creates a technology to blend with natural world by producing fake power-producing trees that individually could power an entire home.
Side effect of plastic: Aggressive Kids
October 31, 2009 11:39 AM - Editor, ENN, Sierra Club Green Home
Plastics containing Bisphenol-A linked to child misbehavior Yes we know, everything causes cancer, nothing is safe for our kids, a lot of paranoia, right? Sometimes these concerns are for real. A chemical of significant importance to parents and scientists these days is Bisphenol-A (BPA). BPA is a common chemical used in plastics for increased flexibility and molding. It can be found in your child’s plastic sippy cup, binkies, and even canned food. The lining found inside some canned foods is very similar to high density plastics, thus likely to contain significant levels of BPA. Numerous studies have proven that BPA can negatively impact your health. Experts have advised people to shop for BPA-free products. In general, avoiding plastics whenever possible is a good idea.
Introducing America's First Green Pro Sports Team
November 19, 2009 09:49 AM - Dan Steinberg, the Lancet via The Washington Post
The NightHawks--who claim to be the nation's longest-running minor-league basketball franchise--have gone green, changing their name, attracting green-friendly sponsors like Honest Tea and Sweet Green and CarbonFund.org, and holding an introductory event at which the promise of a bamboo court, hemp nets and uniforms made from either recycled plastic or recycled bamboo were floated.
ENN Community Blog: The EcoUsable Stainless Filtered Water Bottle
July 2, 2009 02:12 PM - M Molendyke, ENN Community
In this time of economic troubles, it is a great time to invest in products that will save you money in the long term, contribute to your healthy lifestyle, are good for the environment, and aremade in the USA. Although there is not yet one magical creation on the market that will eliminate your carbon footprint or transform your garbage to energy, there is definitely an emerging market for gadgets to help you take the steps to being more earth- friendly. Indeed, many of these are small steps for you but can potentially have huge impacts on the earth. One of these products is the EcoUsable Stainless Water Bottle, a light steel water bottle with a built- in filter that claims to filter tap, stream, river, lake, and pool water. This product might be ideal for you if: * You want to stop paying for highly polluting and expensive plastic water bottles * You camp, hike, play outdoor sports, etc. * You are traveling to a country with spotty (or no) water quality standards * You are heading on a “staycation,” where sweltering beaches and amusement parks jack up the price of water and water fountains are unsanitary * You live in your car (keep one in your glove compartment in case of an emergency) Reasons You Want This product: * There are many great colors to choose from * The container is not easily damaged and is light, which makes it easily portable * It will filter anything except salt water * It helps save your money, health, and the environment by reducing the use and disposal of plastic water bottles. * It is shipped to you in recyclable and eco- conscious materials Possible Drawbacks: * It doesn’t hold a huge amount of water because the filter is large—It would only be optimally useful if you were traveling short distances between refills * Initial cleaning and care of the bottle may be a bit complex for some users, and accidental misuse could easily damage the product * The filter needs to be replaced about once a year
Evidence is Growing That Contaminants Play a Role in Diabetes
July 23, 2009 06:57 AM - Andrew McGlashen Environmental Health News, Organic Consumers Association
Eat right and exercise, conventional wisdom has it, if you want to avoid joining the diabetes epidemic. But a new study adds some muscle to a growing body of research suggesting those steps, although beneficial, might not be enough for people exposed to chemicals in the environment. The scientists linked diabetes and people's body burdens of DDE, a chemical produced as the body breaks down the pesticide DDT, banned in the United States more than 35 years ago.
Wide Range of Bisphenol A Found in Canned Foods
November 18, 2009 10:22 AM - Consumer Reports Health via Wallet Pop
The chemical Bisphenol A, which has been used for years in clear plastic bottles and food-can liners, has been restricted in Canada and some U.S. states and municipalities because of potential health effects. The Food and Drug Administration will soon decide what it considers a safe level of exposure to Bisphenol A (BPA), which some studies have linked to reproductive abnormalities and a heightened risk of breast and prostate cancers, diabetes, and heart disease.