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The Flint water crisis began in 2014 when officials switched the city’s water supply from Lake Huron to the Flint River as a cost-saving measure. However, the city failed to properly treat the water to prevent pipe corrosion, which caused lead to leach from aging pipes into the drinking water. This decision exposed tens of thousands of Flint, Michigan residents to lead-contaminated water. Children, in particular, were severely impacted, as lead exposure can cause irreversible neurological damage, developmental delays, and cognitive impairments. A decade later, despite a $626 million settlement announced in 2021, many residents still haven’t received the compensation they were promised.  The lawsuit settlement, which was intended to provide resources to help mitigate the effects of lead poisoning, has been caught up in […]

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 Meanwhile, you’re left with a pile of outdated or broken devices that are too expensive or difficult to repair or recycle.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 […]