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As plastic trash continues to pollute bodies of water, damage ecosystems, and threaten human health, governments are increasingly implementing regulations aimed at curbing this growing crisis. But are these laws truly effective in changing the behavior of the plastic industry, or are they simply scratching the surface of the problem? Let’s consider the strengths and weaknesses of local, state, and federal regulations to see if they are having a significant impact.  Meaningful Laws or Feeble Attempts?  Local Efforts: Cities in the U.S. like Washington D.C., San Francisco, and Seattle have been at the forefront of regulating plastic use. Washington D.C. was the first city to implement a tax on plastic bags in 2009. The tax decreased plastic bag consumption by 85%. San Francisco was the […]

Thinking of getting the latest iPhone? You’re not alone. Planned obsolescence is the practice of designing products that will soon need replacing. This practice  has been fine-tuned into a highly profitable strategy. From fragile parts to software updates that slow down older models, manufacturers ensure you’ll be back for more. And instead of simply repairing a broken phone or laptop, many consumers find themselves forced to buy a new one. Why repair when the manufacturer tells you it’s easier (and sometimes cheaper) to replace? Because it lines their pockets. Each time you upgrade to the “latest” model, the company profits. Meanwhile, you’re left with a pile of outdated or broken devices that are too expensive or difficult to repair or recycle.  The Environmental Fallout  While […]

We all love that fresh-out-of-the-shower feeling, right? You step into your daily ritual with soaps, lotions, shampoos, conditioners, and deodorants in tow, emerging squeaky clean and ready to conquer the day. But have you ever stopped to wonder what’s in those bottles and tubes? Recently, there’s been a lot of buzz about the sneaky cancer-causing ingredients in some of our favorite products. Yet, we’re still lathering them on like it’s no big deal. Why?  Big consumer product giants like Procter & Gamble have been around forever, earning our trust and making us feel good about what we use on our bodies. They’ve got shiny ads, fancy labels, and that reassuring sense of “we’ve got your back.” But here’s the thing—research is increasingly pointing out that […]

The delicate membrane of the vagina is highly absorbent and not intended to be exposed to foreign objects, such as tampons, containing toxins. Indeed, tampons were believed to help women. However, for years manufacturers’ and retailers’ products have exposed girls and women who use tampons to dangers that are linked to substantial injury and even death.  A prime example is Toxic Shock Syndrome, a rare but well-known condition, caused by certain strains of bacteria. Toxic Shock Syndrome is linked to using high-absorbency tampons for too long, which can allow these bacterial strains to grow and release toxins into the body. Such a condition can lead to serious harm and even death. Furthermore, a 2018 study by Women’s Voices for the Earth found dioxins and pesticide […]