CITYWIDE — Santa Monica’s plastic bag ban is going strong one year after the City Council passed an ordinance ending the reign of single use plastic bags in the city.
Dear EarthTalk Can you fill me in on what the “Just Label It” campaign is and what it is trying to accomplish? Eric Altieri Columbus, Ohio Just Label It is an effort spearheaded by organic farmers and food producers, consumer and public health advocates and environmentalists to persuade the federal
Dear EarthTalk I’m in the market for a new pair of skis. Are there skis being made today that are made with materials and processes that are kinder to the environment? Scott Paxton Rutland, VT Yes, in fact ski (and snowboard) manufacturers may be among the greenest sporting goods industries out ther
Dear EarthTalk I was in Los Angeles recently and the smog was not nearly as bad as when I visited 15 years ago. Is it really better now, and if so, how did it get that way? Or did I just happen to visit on a good day? Marjorie Hicke Atlanta, GA Los Angeles is almost as famous for its choking smog-a
Dear EarthTalk I read that car makers had agreed to up fuel economy standards to an average of about 55 miles per gallon by the year 2025, and that specifics were due to be hammered out by the end of 2011.
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.
