Editor’s note: This story is part of an ongoing series that tracks the city’s expenditures appearing on upcoming Santa Monica City Council consent agendas.
Dear EarthTalk Is it true that Bisphenol A (BPA)-which is harmful to human health-was found to be present in retail cash register receipts and that, since those receipts get recycled, the chemical may also be present in toilet paper and other paper products? Jocelyn Mitchell via e-mail Many of us al
CITY HALL — Not since the iconic “hope” image of then presidential candidate Barack Obama burst onto the radar of popular culture four years ago have stickers made such a statement.
Dear EarthTalk I know that there are many issues with personal care products being unsafe for our health, but where do I look to find out what’s safe and what’s not? Mary Pulaski Trenton, NJ The average American uses about 10 personal care products each day, resulting in exposure to some 100 unique
MID CITY — Although the Bourget Brothers Building Materials and Hastings Plastics have been neighbors for a number of years, it wasn’t until demolition teams rolled into the Hastings lot Monday that John Bourget realized the entire building was made of brick obscured by thick plaster.
Dear EarthTalk: I was horrified to read recently that our oceans are actually becoming acidic, that the continued burning of fossil fuels is changing the chemistry of our seas.
CITY HALL — A dual measure before the City Council Tuesday to support legal protections for the environment and end corporate personhood got a split response from elected officials who enthusiastically supported a healthy environment but watered down the call to restrict rights to living beings.
CITY HALL — The City Council delighted environmental activists Tuesday when it embraced the idea of codifying the rights of people, natural communities and ecosystems to exist in and be protected by local law.
Dear EarthTalk Is it true that the bathroom is where over half of our household water usage takes place? What are some ways to take a bite out of that? Shelby McIntyre Chico, Calif.
Dear EarthTalk: Are there healthy, green-friendly mouthwashes? I’ve heard that some contain formaldehyde and other nasty substances. — Marina Sandberg, Albany, NY Many mainstream mouthwashes contain ingredients that you definitely don’t want to swallow, or even put down the drain.
Dear EarthTalk How is it that global warming could negatively impact water supplies in the U.S.? Penny Wilcox Austin, Texas Climate change promises to have a very big impact on water supplies in the United States as well as around the world.
Dear EarthTalk What’s the story with echinacea? Many herb teas contain it, and many people swear by it as a cold remedy. But I’ve also seen headlines saying that the herb has no medicinal value whatsoever.
