Microplastics threaten human health. Exposure to them, especially when consumed, involve an array of toxic effects, including reproductive problems, delays in immune responses and oxidative stress, according to a 2023 study published in Environment and Health Journal.
Beaches
Beach cleaning robots are coming to Lake Erie
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The BeBots and Pixedrones will be deployed to Olander Park near Toledo, and then Hinckley Reservation, North Coast Harbor, Fairport Harbor Beach of the Cleveland area.
Waste
Don’t hide your poo — and here’s why
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Universities across the globe are monitoring wastewater on their campuses for viruses like COVID-19. It is a practice that has raised some medical privacy concerns, although researchers say there is no way to link the detection of the virus in wastewater with an individual who is sick.
Echo
Ontario groups fight to reduce food waste
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The average London, Ontario, household wastes 2.81 kg (6 pounds) of food each week, and approximately half the food waste is avoidable. Local communities and nonprofits are looking for solutions to the problem.
Echo
A road to sustainable fashion: up-cycling t-shirts
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Fashion and the environment are linked in more ways than consumers may expect. Fashion designers are taking steps to reduce the clothing industry’s impact on the environment.
Waste
Indiana environmental services exec sentenced for mishandling hazardous wastes
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A federal judge has placed the ex-president of a Fort Wayne environmental services company – described in her lawyer’s sentencing memorandum as “kind, generous, hard-working and honest” and a “huge source of inspiration” for her children and grandchildren” – on probation for two years for illegally storing hazardous wastes and falsifying a document.
Recycling
Supply chain slowdown could boost demand for recycled materials: TikTok edition
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In our newest TikTok, Echo reporter Danielle James discusses how the pandemic’s impact on supply chains could help the recycling industry bring in new business.
Echo
Supply chain slowdown could boost demand for recycled materials
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The same supply chain disruptions that slow Michigan manufacturing could help the recycling industry bring in new business.
Waste
Michigan’s recycling rate lags U.S. average
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Michigan’s estimated overall recycling rate is 18%, which lags considerably behind the national average of 32%. Efforts to update recycling procedures, policies and practices are being made across the state.
Homepage Featured
Community fridges: Radical solutions to food insecurity, waste and cultural stigmas
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In the Great Lakes region there are community fridges in such major cities as Milwaukee, Madison, Chicago, Cleveland and Toronto. Community fridges are working fridges, usually connected to an organization, that provide free food to passersby. The concept is to take what you need and bring what you can.
Homepage Featured
COVID-19 in sewage is new gauge on state dashboard
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State officials are publishing data from 19 Michigan sewage treatment plants and more than 400 wastewater collection systems to create an early warning system for COVID-19 outbreaks.