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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.
Coca-Cola's New PlantBottle Sows Path to Greener Packaging
December 2, 2009 09:58 AM - By Marc Gunther, GreenBiz.com
In a podcast interview with GreenBiz.com Senior Writer Marc Gunther, Scott Vitters, the Coca-Cola Company's global head of sustainable packaging, takes the wraps off the company's new PlantBottle, a recyclable PET plastic container made partially from plants. (Gunther's blog on the PlantBottle's development is available at GreenBiz.com.)
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.
Using Enzymes from Termites To Make Biofuel from Wood Waste
November 23, 2009 02:52 PM - Phil McKenna, Technology Review
Biofuel startup ZeaChem has begun building a biofuel pilot plant that will turn cellulosic feedstocks into ethanol via a novel approach that uses microbes found in the guts of termites. The company says the ethanol yields from the sugars of its cellulosic feedstocks are significantly higher than the yields from other biofuel production processes. ZeaChem says its process also has the potential to produce a plastic feedstock.
Simple Tips for a Green Thanksgiving
November 23, 2009 09:50 AM - Rose, The Alternative Consumer
As "Turkey Day" fast approaches, Rose from the Alternative Consumer offers up a list of easy tips for greening your fall feast.
Far From Trashy: Atayne Athletic Apparel Made from Used Materials
December 4, 2009 10:00 AM - Jace Shoemaker-Galloway , Triple Pundit
Inspiring positive social and environmental change through the power of active lifestyles, Atayne takes people’s trash — old garments, footwear, race numbers and plastic bottles — and recycles them into high performance athletic and outdoor gear. The company does not use harmful chemicals or treatments to enhance the materials.