By: Tiffany Bui, Maryland Intern
As Halloween creeps closer, jack-o-lanterns haunt windows and gourds replace the usual dinner table centerpiece. You have probably already noticed that pumpkins are an autumn aesthetic staple. However, their menacing carved faces are not the scariest things about them. Even though pumpkins die out of style at the end of the season, they scan still haunt the environment and public health from beyond the grave.
Environmental Impact
In recent years, bills have been introduced to address polystyrene, plastic flatware, single-use water bottles and other plastic packaging. But, none have succeeded. The most efficient way to comprehensively solve the problem of single-use plastics, then, is with a statewide EPR bill.
Yesterday, Governor Newsom and CalGEM (California Geologic Energy Management), the state agency that regulates oil and gas production, announced a draft rule to create a 3200-foot setback from new oil and gas wells to protect frontline communities. This setback would place a health and safety buffer zone between new oil and gas wells and homes, schools, hospitals, as well as other sensitive receptors .
This week marks the 49th anniversary of the passage of the Clean Water Act, our landmark Federal water protection law. In 1972, the Act set a goal of eliminating pollution in our rivers, lakes, streams and bays by 1985. While we’ve made a lot of progress toward this goal, we are certainly not there.
Today, we’re joining more than 1300 other organizations and individuals in the Value of Water Campaign’s “Imagine A Day Without Water.” Imagine a Day Without Water is a national education campaign that brings together diverse stakeholders to highlight how water is essential, invaluable, and in need of investment. Activities include events, resolutions, student contests, social media engagement, and more, all across the country.
Let's continue the fight to get a plastic bag ban in Rhode Island. Click here to eliminate plastic pollution in Narragansett Bay and protect the community.
Want a chance to win $10,000 towards a sustainable bathroom (aka “powder room”) makeover project, and support Clean Water? All you have to do is sign the “Powder Room pledge.” For every pledge signed between now and the end of 2021, Clean Water Fund will receive a $1 donation, up to $25,000.
These days, there’s a lot of talk about zero waste, but what does it really mean? When we envision our average Joe going zero waste we think of mason jars, composting bins, and the elimination of single use products. But how about when a whole city goes zero waste?
Good news! Last week, the Boston City Council unanimously voted for the Building Emissions Reduction and Disclosure Ordinance to become law.
It’s Fall! Here are Some Tips for Healthy Fall Yard and Gardens While Protecting Our Water!