Waste Reduction/Recycling / Public News Service

The EPA is proposing changes to the federal emission standards to ensure 67% of new light-duty vehicles and 25% of new heavy-duty trucks sold in the United States be electric by 2032. (Valeriia/Adobe Stock)

Thursday, September 28, 2023

UAW strike continues: Officials say EPA standards must catch up

Amid the United Auto Workers strike, some advocates argued it is time to implement clean car standards. Gary Schlack, a city council member in Allen …

Food to Power, a group in Colorado Springs, has redistributed more than $6 million of healthy groceries to struggling families since 2013. (Adobe Stock)

Harvest Celebration Marks Decades-Long Quest to Address Food Insecurity

This year's Food to Power Harvest Festival marks 10 years since Colorado Springs residents launched a food rescue project to get fruits and vegetables…

The Environmental Protection Agency is proposing standards to regulate emissions from five unmeasured fugitive and intermittent particulate sources. The EPA is extending the comment period on the proposed rule to Sept. 29. (Natalie Schorr/Adobe Stock)

Comments About EPA's Proposed Blast-Furnace Rules Extended to Sept. 29

Emission standards for blast furnaces such as some iron and steel mills in Missouri have not been updated in years. The Environmental Protection …

The Environmental Protection Agency is proposing standards to regulate HAP emissions from five unmeasured fugitive and intermittent particulate sources that currently are not regulated. (Clive Winward/Wirestock Creators/Adobe Stock)

EPA's Last Call on Comments About Rules for Blast Furnaces is Today

Emission standards for blast furnaces such as the iron and steel mills in Ohio have not been updated in years. The Environmental Protection Agency …

Comments About EPA's Proposed Rules for Blast Furnaces Ends Today

Emission standards for blast furnaces such as the iron and steel mills in Michigan haven't been updated in years. The Environmental Protection …

The Human League says factory farming causes significant damage to rural communities, surrounding environments, and the farmed animals themselves. (zhang yongxin/Adobe Stock)

Rural Advocacy Groups: Corporate Farming Infringing on MO Family Farms

Despite the goal to unite Missourians around a common cause, rural advocacy groups have been pushing the EPA for more regulation from the Clean …

By upgrading its treatment plant, separating sewer lines and increasing stormwater storage, Portland, Maine, is on track to end sewage overflows into Casco Bay by 2030, according to Environment America.(Adobe Stock)

Investments Urged to Protect ME Water Infrastructure from Climate Change

More work and investment are needed to ensure all waters in Maine are safe for swimming, according to a new report. At least 36 beaches in the state …

Harmful algal blooms typically occur in Michigan during the summer months and can last well into the fall. (sunday_morning/Adobe Stock)

Watch for Harmful Algal Blooms in MI Recreational Waters

Michigan residents are being warned to be prepared for another season of harmful algal blooms in the Great Lakes. The Michigan Department of …

ME Lawmaker Seeks Solution to 'Fast Fashion' Pollution

Democratic lawmakers are asking federal investigators to study the true cost of so-called fast fashion and its contribution to climate change…

Computer Expiration Dates May Threaten Student Learning

Education advocates say pending expiration dates for Google Chromebooks teach kids the wrong lesson about technology. Software on thirteen models …

Some 90% of middle and high schools and 84% of elementary schools were providing a device for every student, according to a March 2021 Education Week survey of school leaders. (Adobe Stock)

Chromebook Expiration Leaves Schools to Cope with E-Waste

Education advocates say pending expiration dates for Google Chromebooks teach kids the wrong lesson about technology. Software on thirteen models …

People can cut down on single-use plastics by avoiding bottled soft drinks and bottled water, and bringing reusable jugs instead. (Lazyllama/Adobe Stock)<br />

This Year, Declare Your Independence from Single-Use Plastics

This Fourth of July, ocean conservation groups want Americans to declare their independence from single-use plastics. A new report, "Charting a …

90 percent of middle and high schools and 84 percent of elementary schools were providing a device for every student, according to a March 2021 Education Week survey of school leaders. (Adobe Stock)

Education Advocates Say Expired Chromebooks Teach Kids the Wrong Lesson

Education advocates say pending expiration dates for Google Chromebooks teach kids the wrong lesson about technology. Software on thirteen models …

Project developers have announced ambitions for more than 200 new capture facilities to be operating by 2030, capturing more than 220 metric tons of CO2 per year globally, according to the International Energy Agency. (Adobe Stock)

Environmentalists Build Opposition to CO2 Pipelines at Des Moines Hearing

The federal Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration regulates carbon dioxide pipelines, and is holding a two-day conference in Des …

The EPA admits its new standards for air pollution at power plants could bring small increases in utility bills, but projects the plan would bring a total of $85 billion in climate and health savings. (Adobe Stock)

New EPA Standards Seen as Attack on Coal-Fired Power Plants

The Environmental Protection Agency's proposal to cut pollution from power plants not already set to retire by 90% by 2030 is the most ambitious in ov…

Once laptops have expired, they don't receive updates and can't access secure websites. (Adobe Stock)

Right to Repair Chromebooks Could Save GA Schools $63 Million

The U.S. Public Interest Research Group Education Fund is urging Google to allow Chromebook owners a right to repair the devices and extend their …

Chanalisa Sera finished the training program at Homeboy Industries and is now the first supervisor at Homeboy Threads. The new business plans to divert thousands of tons of clothes from landfills every month. (Caleigh Wells)

Homeboy Expands into a New Industry – Recycling Clothes

By Caleigh Wells for KCRW.Broadcast version by Suzanne Potter for California News Service reporting for the Solutions Journalism Network-Public News S…

All 14 billion gallons of water in the San Gabriel Dam were collected in the last six months. (Caleigh Wells)

Los Angeles Reuses Lots of Stormwater, but Wants to Save More

By Caleigh Wells for KCRW.Broadcast version by Suzanne Potter for California News Service reporting for the Solutions Journalism Network-Public News S…

According to a study in the American Journal of Agricultural Economics, the average American household wastes 31.9% of its food each year. (Adobe Stock)

Knowing Food Date Labels Key to Cutting Waste

It's almost an everyday dilemma for consumers - whether to believe a food expiration date. Advocates for cutting waste say there are tips to avoid …

Healdsburg resident Brad Simmons relies on the city's supply of free recycled wastewater to keep his small orchard of fruit trees verdant. (Naoki Nitta)

Despite Deluge, Recycled Wastewater Bolsters CA Water Security

By Naoki Nitta for Grist.Broadcast version by Suzanne Potter for California News Service reporting for the Grist-Public News Service Collaboration St…

In addition to helping capture carbon in the soil, no-till farming practices with seasonal cover crops help preserve soil nutrients and prevent erosion. (Margaret Burlingham / Adobe Stock)

U.S. Carbon Farming Takes Root, but Do Economics Add Up?

By Carey L. Biron for Context.Broadcast version by Brett Peveto for Maryland News Connection reporting for the Context/Solutions Journalism Network/…

The 163 billion cubic feet of lost methane on public lands represents enough wasted natural gas to meet the needs of 2.2 million households; nearly as many households as New Mexico, North Dakota, Utah and Wyoming combined, studies show. (Adobe Stock)

Report: $500 Million Gas Lost at Oil and Gas Fields on Public Lands

Oil and gas operators waste a half billion dollars worth of natural gas on public lands every year, according to a new report. Chad Franke, …

Half Billion Dollars Worth of Natural Gas Lost Each Year on Public Lands

Oil and gas operators waste more than $500 million worth of natural gas on public lands every year, according to a new report. Chad Franke, …

In Colorado, outdoor recreation is considered to be a legally beneficial use of Colorado water. (Adobe Stock)

Revised Colorado Water Plan Prioritizes Conservation

A coalition of conservation groups is giving Colorado's revised state water plan a thumbs-up for its increased focus on protecting Colorado's rivers…

The Glen Canyon Dam currently generates energy for nearly six million households in Wyoming, Arizona, Colorado, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico and Utah. (Adobe Stock)

Falling Lake Powell Water Levels Put Wyoming Hydro Power at Risk

Part of the deal Wyoming struck for sending its water down the Colorado River was that state residents would be able to tap electricity generated at G…

The walls, floor and roof of the BioHome3D are printed with a single continuous print path using the world's largest 3D printer, Ingersoll Masterprint, housed at the University of Maine. (U of Maine)

U of Maine Unveils World’s First 3D-Printed, Bio-Based Home

Engineers with the University of Maine say the successful construction of the world's first bio-based, 3D-printed house could help alleviate the …

According to the Tennessee Environmental Council, recycling keeps valuable materials in the economy rather than in local landfills. It estimates Tennesseeans throw away $180 million worth of recyclable materials every year. (Sorapop/Adobe Stock)

TN Bill Would Revamp Recycling Process Statewide

A bill in the Tennessee Legislature aims to reduce packaging materials that end up in landfills by improving recycling in the Volunteer State…

Many Washingtonians have seen their recycling costs increase in the past few years. (hiv360/Adobe Stock)

WA Bill Introduced to 'WRAP' Up Wasteful Packaging

A bill in Olympia aims to reduce packaging and improve recycling in Washington state. The Washington Recycling and Packaging or WRAP Act is designed …

According to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, deforestation makes up 12 to 20% of global greenhouse gas emissions. (Adobe Stock)

New Company Helps Cities with Reforestation

By Sakshi Udavant for Next City.Broadcast version by Edwin J. Viera for New York News Connection reporting for the Solutions Journalism Network-…

As part of the Virginia Clean Economy Act, Dominion Energy must generate all electricity from carbon free sources by 2045. (Adobe Stock)

Sierra Club VA Chapter: Lots More Work to Do in 2023

The Sierra Club's Virginia Chapter said it has spent the past year working toward climate solutions to benefit everyone in the state, and the work is …

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, manure-based anaerobic digestion generated the equivalent of 1.76 million megawatt hours of electricity in 2021. During the same year, it also helped avoid 6.09 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalents in greenhouse gases. (Adobe Stock)

New Product Turns Food Waste Into Renewable Energy

By Larin Brink for Royal Examiner.Broadcast version by Edwin J. Viera for Virginia News Connection reporting for the Solutions Journalism Network-…

According to Consumer Reports, crowded windowless

Study Points to Poultry Litter as Source of NE Water Pollution

A new study is focused on concerns for Nebraska waterways. The three-year, independently funded research identifies rising levels of phosphorus and …

The U.S. oil and gas industry emits 16 million metric tons of methane annually, which has the same near-term climate impact as 350 coal-fired power plants. (Adobe Stock)

Federal Methane Waste Rules Welcomed to Improve Public Health

Public-health advocates are welcoming a new proposal to reduce harmful air pollution by limiting methane waste at oil and gas facilities. Sabrina …

A study found less than a tenth of plastic waste has been recycled. (Richard Carey/Adobe Stock)

Effort Aims to Move WA Away from Plastics Pollution

Plastic waste is a growing problem across the globe, and it is not just an issue for landfills. Policymakers in Washington state are aiming to find …

Nebraska is home to many industrial-scale operations, where livestock live in densely populated, confined quarters. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Nebraskans Urge Better State Management of Factory Farm Animal Waste

Clean-water advocates are urging the Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy to do more to protect drinking water and soil quality impacted by i…

Officials in Scottsdale, Arizona say for every square foot of grass removed and replaced with native desert plants, the city saves 57 gallons of water. (Katy/Adobe Stock)

Utah to Offer Cash for Replacing Lush Lawns with Desert-Tolerant Landscapes

Starting this week, the state is taking applications for a program to pay up to $1 dollar a square foot of turf to replace water-guzzling grass with …

Black, Hispanic and Native American people are up to two times more likely than white people to suffer from chronic disease, according to the health publication WebMD. (Myrriah G�mez/news.unm.edu)

Environmental Advocates: Empowerment Doesn't End With Juneteenth

Juneteenth celebrations this month commemorated freedom, but Black and Brown people are still disproportionately impacted by environmental injustices …

A bill to phase out plastic packaging has passed several committees and is expected to go to the full California State Assembly for a vote by Friday. (Oceana)

Vote Expected This Week on CA Bill to Phase Out Plastic Mail Packaging

The California State Assembly is expected to vote this week on a bill that would phase out some of the plastics used in online shipping because they …

Companies like Vestas have established a goal of zero-waste wind turbines by the year 2040. (Adobe Stock)

You Can Recycle a Plastic Bottle. What About Wind-Turbine Blades?

This Earth Day, Americans will be reminded of the need to take steps to protect the environment. Wind turbines are a leading clean-energy source…

A litter trap has been installed in the Lockridge Drive Tributary. In 2021, Anacostia Riverkeeper and volunteers collected 12,440 pounds of trash from the shoreline and neighboring tributaries. (Courtesy Chesapeake Bay Trust)

Montgomery County Installs 'Litter Trap' to Keep Trash Out of Waterways

Montgomery County has installed its first-ever "litter trap," which will capture trash and debris and prevent it from flowing downstream into the Anac…

More than 11,600 Adopt-a-Highway and Keep Texas Beautiful volunteers collected 1.29 million pounds of litter during the 2021

The Month of April Means "Don't mess with Texas"

The month of April has special meaning for Texans. It's when many groups - like Adopt-a-Highway and Keep Texas Beautiful affiliates - participate in …

Pennsylvania's Department of Conservation and Natural Resources encourages visitors to

PA Parks Make Switch to Paper, Compostables at Concession Stands

Pennsylvania state parks are making a move to go plastic-free and reduce waste, starting with their concession stands, to help meet the …

In a recent survey of 500 Pennsylvanians, 76% said they believe litter reduces property values, increases taxes with cleanup costs, and is an environmental issue. (Adobe Stock)

November Cleanup Campaign Targets Trash in PA Waterways

HARRISBURG, Pa. - Pennsylvania has seen a lot more litter generated during the pandemic, and environmental advocates have launched a cleanup campaign …

Of the Massachusetts users who consulted the website 'iFixit.com' last year, 23% of searches were for cellphone repair guides, and 17% were for laptops. (NorGal/Adobe Stock)

Report: People Face Barriers to Repairing Their Own Electronic Devices

ROSLINDALE, Mass. - A new report finds Massachusetts residents would rather repair electronic devices than send them to landfills, but manufacturers …

A bill in Congress aims to reduce microplastics in the ocean by incentivizing companies to produce more sustainable products and packaging. (Ignacio/Adobe stock)

Groups Promote Bill to Reduce Plastic Pollution

SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- Conservation groups are calling for passage of a bill to phase out single-use plastics. The Break Free From Plastic Pollution …

Water bottles and other plastic pollution along Lake Michigan can break down into tiny particles that hurt wildlife. (daveynin/Flickr)

Seven Great Lakes Communities Collaborate on Cleanup Effort

LANSING, Mich. -- Some Michiganders are part of a multi-state effort this week to clean up and protect the Great Lakes. The volunteer campaign …

According to the Connecticut River Conservancy, beverage cans and bottles are the top trash items found in the Connecticut River. A new bottle-return bill hopes to change that, by incentivizing people to redeem more bottles. (Adobe Stock)

On Earth Day, CT Environmentalists Rally to Modernize Bottle-Deposit Bill

HARTFORD, Conn. -- A coalition of Connecticut groups and lawmakers in support of new state bottle-deposit legislation are rallying in honor of Earth …

Just 9% of plastics ever created have been recycled. (AdobeStock)

An Earth Day Look at Plastic Pollution in Ohio

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- With Ohioans around the state taking part in Earth Day cleanup events, conservationists said there's no better time to discuss the …

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PNS Daily Newscast - September 29, 2023

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Waste Reduction

UAW strike continues: Officials say EPA standards must catch up

Harvest Celebration Marks Decades-Long Quest to Address Food Insecurity

Comments About EPA's Proposed Blast-Furnace Rules Extended to Sept. 29

EPA's Last Call on Comments About Rules for Blast Furnaces is Today

Comments About EPA's Proposed Rules for Blast Furnaces Ends Today

Rural Advocacy Groups: Corporate Farming Infringing on MO Family Farms

Investments Urged to Protect ME Water Infrastructure from Climate Change

Watch for Harmful Algal Blooms in MI Recreational Waters

ME Lawmaker Seeks Solution to 'Fast Fashion' Pollution

Computer Expiration Dates May Threaten Student Learning

Chromebook Expiration Leaves Schools to Cope with E-Waste

This Year, Declare Your Independence from Single-Use Plastics

Education Advocates Say Expired Chromebooks Teach Kids the Wrong Lesson

Environmentalists Build Opposition to CO2 Pipelines at Des Moines Hearing

New EPA Standards Seen as Attack on Coal-Fired Power Plants

Right to Repair Chromebooks Could Save GA Schools $63 Million

Homeboy Expands into a New Industry – Recycling Clothes

Los Angeles Reuses Lots of Stormwater, but Wants to Save More

Knowing Food Date Labels Key to Cutting Waste

Despite Deluge, Recycled Wastewater Bolsters CA Water Security

U.S. Carbon Farming Takes Root, but Do Economics Add Up?

Report: $500 Million Gas Lost at Oil and Gas Fields on Public Lands

Half Billion Dollars Worth of Natural Gas Lost Each Year on Public Lands

Revised Colorado Water Plan Prioritizes Conservation

Falling Lake Powell Water Levels Put Wyoming Hydro Power at Risk

U of Maine Unveils World’s First 3D-Printed, Bio-Based Home

TN Bill Would Revamp Recycling Process Statewide

WA Bill Introduced to 'WRAP' Up Wasteful Packaging

New Company Helps Cities with Reforestation

Sierra Club VA Chapter: Lots More Work to Do in 2023

New Product Turns Food Waste Into Renewable Energy

Study Points to Poultry Litter as Source of NE Water Pollution

Federal Methane Waste Rules Welcomed to Improve Public Health

Effort Aims to Move WA Away from Plastics Pollution

Nebraskans Urge Better State Management of Factory Farm Animal Waste

Utah to Offer Cash for Replacing Lush Lawns with Desert-Tolerant Landscapes

Environmental Advocates: Empowerment Doesn't End With Juneteenth

Vote Expected This Week on CA Bill to Phase Out Plastic Mail Packaging

You Can Recycle a Plastic Bottle. What About Wind-Turbine Blades?

Montgomery County Installs 'Litter Trap' to Keep Trash Out of Waterways

The Month of April Means "Don't mess with Texas"

PA Parks Make Switch to Paper, Compostables at Concession Stands

November Cleanup Campaign Targets Trash in PA Waterways

Report: People Face Barriers to Repairing Their Own Electronic Devices

Groups Promote Bill to Reduce Plastic Pollution

Seven Great Lakes Communities Collaborate on Cleanup Effort

On Earth Day, CT Environmentalists Rally to Modernize Bottle-Deposit Bill

An Earth Day Look at Plastic Pollution in Ohio