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Ooho Gel Packets and Casein Films Take a Bite Out of Plastic Pollution By Gordon Cairns* When American entrepreneur Nathaniel Wyeth patented the polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottle in 1973, he couldn’t possibly have imagined how this handy, cheap, and disposable item would be part of the global environmental catastrophe facing nations today. Like other plastic packaging, the PET bottle was invented to replace heavier, more expensive containers such as those made from glass, wood, and paper. Ironically, this innovation became popular just as these other items started to get recycled: UK’s first recyclable glass bottle bank opened in 1977 in Barnsley, England. The success of plastic bottles changed people’s behavior in the West—from drinking safe, clean water from the tap to buying a plastic bottle of clean water—and created one of the fastest growing industries in the world. Sales of this product grew by 73% in the decade between 2010 and 2020. A Marathon Problem However, the problem of disposing plastic bottles grew too. For instance, after London’s 2018 Marathon, an estimated 750,000 bottles littered London’s streets; likely ended up in a landfill. Marathons encourage the public to lead healthier, fulfilling lives while raising millions of dollars for charity, but a downside emerged: These events typically supply hydration to runners with single-use plastic bottles, which are then immediately discarded. To target this environmental concern, in 2019, the London Marathon organizers cut that waste by over a third by supplying the runners with liquid in 30,000 edible packages called Ooho. The packages are made from seaweed and calcium chloride and created by regenerative packaging company Notpla. Rather than taking a sip and tossing the bottle away, runners could burst the bubble (Ooho) made from seaweed and swallow it or discard the skin, given that it is edible and biodegradable. This pollution reducing product has since been used at other major sporting events including the Zevenheuvelenloop marathon in the Netherlands and the Göteborgsvarvet half-marathon in Sweden. It also fills vending machines at the London Aquatics Centre. Limitations of Edible Packaging While the idea of getting water from an edible package might seem to be a clever way to replace the ubiquitous plastic variety—a million bottles are sold every minute—the Ooho isn’t quite ready for that. The package is designed for a single gulp rather than the portability and volume that plastic allows. Its delicate membrane also isn’t great for storing in a grocery store without extra packaging, which defeats its original purpose. Yet despite its present limitations, there’s plenty of opportunity, as well as impetus, for further development and improvement. Other challenges [of edible films] include higher vulnerability to heat, requiring another layer (typically plastic) to protect it from contamination, and higher production costs. Edible packaging is generally made from edible biopolymers (proteins, lipids, and polysaccharides), plasticizers, or food-grade additives. Their materials include coatings, films, pouches, and sheets. The films should be a good barrier of oxygen (to slow decay), water, and aroma. Compared to PET/PS films, edible films tend to have disadvantages of lower tensile strength and higher water vapor permeability, while having the advantage of higher resistance to oxygen permeability. Other challenges include higher vulnerability to heat, requiring another layer (typically plastic) to protect it from contamination, and higher production costs. Meanwhile, lipid-based films can be made from fatty acids (monoglycerides, diglycerides, and triglycerides), waxes (such as paraffin), and other oils (such as palm and peanut), raising health concerns. Packaging Revisited in History Despite numerous public campaigns to raise awareness of plastic waste, it has continued to rise. A report from the Minderoo Foundation revealed that between 2019 and 2021 the amount of plastic waste rose by 6 million metric tons (6.6 million tons) with recycling unable to scale up quickly enough. With no clear sign that people will give up single-use plastics, science has been looking to the past to solve this 21st century problem. While it might seem modern, edible packaging was being used to protect our food 600 years before plastic was ever invented. The first known example of edible film used for food preservation was made in the fifteenth century from soymilk (Yuba) in Japan. In the 1930s, emulsions and waxes were developed to coat fruits, with the purpose of improving their appearance, controlling the ripening process, and decreasing the loss of water. By the 1960s, however, comestible packaging had limited commercial appeal and was mainly used as wax coatings on fruit and vegetables. A Review of Edible Packaging Methods But as environmental crises have a way of re-focusing the mind, scientists across the world have returned to these old ideas, making incredible advances by using different edible foodstuffs for a variety of purposes as outlined in Edible Food Packaging, edited by Amrita Poonia and Tejpal Dhewa. These include a remarkable range of edible packaging products that can replace plastic varieties. A multitude of products can be made from fruit residues alone, revealing the potential usefulness of unwanted food. Some of the methods being trialed include a film made from peach puree that can create an oxygen barrier to preserve nuts, confections and baked goods; peel from pomelos that delays oxidation and increases the shelf life of soybean oil; and a pulp formed from arrowroot starch and blackberry that promotes the stability of anthocyanins (a type of antioxidant) found in grapes, apples, and cabbage, making them easier to handle and more attractive to the consumer. The beauty of using fruit and vegetable waste is that these products are plentiful, as they have the highest percentage of waste amongst all foodstuffs. However, thus far, many of these products are not as efficient as those created from plastic and also take longer to apply to the food being preserved. For these and other reason, Poonia and Dhewa believe comestible packaging is not yet able to function alone in the market: “Edible films and coatings cannot entirely replace synthetic packaging. Usually, secondary packaging is necessary for handling and hygienic practices.” “Edible films and coatings cannot entirely replace synthetic packaging. Usually, secondary packaging is necessary for handling and hygienic practices.” They believe there is a need to combine synthetic and natural packaging: “In this sense, it is important to apply eco-friendly food preservatives to control the loss of the nutritional value of the perishable foods and to reduce the requirements and waste of conventional packaging, improving the economic efficiency of packaging materials.” Making Edible Packaging Consumer-Friendly Of course, as a marketable product, there would be no point in creating edible packaging options if consumers won’t buy them, but two recent studies on public perceptions have been positive. One study published this year evaluated consumer attitude, acceptability and purchasing intentions of 100 participants in Portland, Oregon. The participants were asked to evaluate three types of edible food packaging: muffin liners, cranberry pomace fruit leather wraps, and powdered drink sachets. All were rated positively by the participants, with two-thirds saying they would buy all three products if they came to market. A 2021 study of a similarly sized group of consumers in Indonesia were asked to try a chili powder that came in an edible gelatine package. It, too, received a positive response, with the consumers highly likely to replace their current unbiodegradable packaging with the new edible product. If these innovative modern scientists and manufacturers can create edible, biodegradable packaging that is lightweight and easy to transport, then a path to dent the use of single-use plastics may be opened. Biodegradable or edible packaging has the potential to become as commonplace as banana skins. Meanwhile, conscientious consumers can do their bit to prevent plastic waste by reusing, reducing, recycling the plastic containers used, or eliminating their use altogether. *Gordon Cairns is a freelance journalist and teacher of English and Forest Schools based in Scotland.

Report Highlights Hope in Conservation Efforts in Bird Populations BirdLife International is a charity that is the “official scientific source of information on birds” for the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) Red List of Threatened Species. In its 2024 annual update, BirdLife International reported improvement for a few species but greater pressure on 11 other species. In the 2023 Red List, 11 species were uplisted to higher threat categories while 4 were downlisted to lower threat categories. Overall, the number of species in the critically endangered, endangered, vulnerable, and near threatened categories declined, respectively, by 1 (to 232), 8 (to 405), 37 (to 717), and 51 (to 940), since the previous year’s assessment. However, many of these changes were reclassifications based on improved knowledge about the species rather than a change in status. Out of 14 threats to birds, the top five are agriculture (73%), logging (51%), invasive species (42%), hunting and trapping (39%), and climate change and severe weather (37%). The global outbreak of a H5N1 variant of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) resulted in the death or destruction of about 0.5 billion poultry and impacted more than 400 bird species in 2021 to 2023. Examples of species include the Peruvian Booby (over 47,500 deaths), Cape Cormorant (over 20,000 deaths), and Common Crane (over 5,000 deaths). Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs) are areas identified as homes to “critical populations of the world’s threatened species.” In 2023, over 43% of each KBA was covered by protected areas and other effective area-based conservation measures compared with 11% in 1980. However, this figure is on a peaking trend from 2020. The four downlisted bird species include three Asian stork species (Greater Adjutant Leptoptilos dubius, Lesser Adjutant Leptoptilos javanicus and Painted Stork Mycteria leucocephala) whose local communities worked to preserve them. Also, in Hawaii, the Millerbird Acrocephalus familiaris was relocated to the island of Laysan a decade ago and now has a self-sustaining population; this allowed it to be downlisted from Critically Endangered to Endangered. The 11 species uplisted included two of Hawaii’s honeycreepers, which were impacted by avian malaria carried by invasive mosquitoes, and the Juan Fernandez Tit-tyrant Anairetes fernandezianus, which lives in an island near Chile and is threatened by invasive plants and predators. Other species in South America and South-East Asian were uplisted due to forest loss. Sources: https://datazone.birdlife.org/2024-annual-update https://www.keybiodiversityareas.org/about-kbas/saving-nature Individual case studies: https://datazone.birdlife.org/sowb/casestudy/over-half-of-forest-within-kbas-identified-for-forest-species-no-longer-has-high-integrity https://datazone.birdlife.org/sowb/casestudy/an-unprecedented-global-epizootic-of-avian-influenza-is-causing-mass-mortality-of-wild-birds

By Robin Whitlock* As concerns increase about plastic pollution—especially from single-use plastics—bioplastics are garnering interest for their potential role in the development of a circular economy for plastics. Bioplastics, which are made with organic, plant-based resources, are viewed as an important alternative to fossil-produced plastics as a significant means of reducing the influx of conventional plastics. Yet, bioplastics also face limitations in terms of functionality and cost compared to their conventional counterparts. Given the “bio” in its name, bioplastics can give the impression that they are always all-natural or biodegradable when this is not necessarily true. To learn more about the characteristics and properties of bioplastics, The Earth & I spoke with Tanya Hart, founder and CEO of Titan Bioplastics, a Seattle-based engineering company that focuses on recycled plastics and (plant-based) bioplastic composites suitable for industrial, energy, military, and commercial retail use. Bioplastics and ‘Augie Bones’ Titan Bioplastics makes a product that millions of households can relate to—a biobased and biodegradable dog chew toy trademarked Augie Bones. On its website, the company explains that “Our dog Augie was chewing all sorts of [plastic] bones and chew toys, leaving chords of plastic everywhere.” None of those plastics could be recycled since many of the toys were blends of nylon and plastics; plus there were potential health risks for Augie and other dogs “from constantly swallowing the bits off the toys.” Titan Bioplastics says it found “a better material that was both healthy for our dogs and the planet,” and launched Augie Bones chew toys that contain no nylon or traditional plastics. In fact, if dogs bury an Augie Bone, “it will compost,” the website says. Background on Bioplastics Plastics can be generated from either bio-based feedstock, such as plant starches and oils, or fossil-based feedstock, often referred to as “fossil fuels.” Additionally, plastics are classified as either biodegradable or non-biodegradable. It is these four criteria: bio-based, fossil-based, biodegradable, and non-biodegradable, by which plastics are categorized. Conventional plastics are always both fossil-based and non-biodegradable. Bioplastics, on the other hand, are more diverse: they are either bio-based, or biodegradable, or both. However, it’s important to note that some bioplastics can be bio-based but non-biodegradable, or conversely, fossil-based but bio-degradable. Hence, the “bio” in bioplastics refers to “bio-based” or “biodegradable.” “However, it’s important to note that some bioplastics can be bio-based but non-biodegradable, or conversely, fossil-based but bio-degradable. Hence, the 'bio' in bioplastics refers to ‘bio-based’ or ‘biodegradable’.” Defining bioplastics is further complicated by the term, “biodegradability,” which typically adheres to industrial standards with conditions not always present in residential or natural settings; exceptions would include specific products that are certified compostable in residential settings, such as those with TÜV Austria’s OK compost HOME certification. Properties of Bioplastics Like conventional plastics, bioplastics are manufactured and tailored to suit their specific applications. “We provide customized composites with plant-based materials and recycled plastics,” Hart says. “Most companies we work with require the materials we develop be ‘fitted’ or customized to existing equipment for a commercial purpose or product. In other words, we don’t have a one-size-fits-all material or product.” Bioplastics that are biobased and biodegradable include PLA (polylactic acid), PHAs (polyhydroxyalkanoates), and PBS (polybutylene succinate). PLA is made from lactic acid, which is typically derived from starch, cellulose, kitchen waste, and fish waste. It is considered more environmentally friendly given how it can degrade into carbon dioxide, water, and lactic acid chains. Other advantages include its transparency, biocompatibility, and thermoplasticity, but it also has low toughness and high production costs. PHAs are notable for being derived from fermentation of renewable feedstocks like sugars or plant oils. Aside from having thermoplasticity and good insulation, they have various medical applications given their biocompatibility with human bones and tissues. PBS is a polyester traditionally produced from petrochemicals but can also be made from renewable resources such as sugarcane, cassava, and corn with fermentation. It has good mechanical properties and thermal stability, with applications in textile filaments, injection molds, and film production, being comparable to LDPE, HDPE, and PP. Advantages and Disadvantages of Bioplastics Aside from their biodegradability, bioplastics can have a lower carbon footprint and advantageous properties over conventional plastics. They also can have lower greenhouse gas emissions; for example, a 2017 study indicated that replacing conventional plastic with corn-based PLA could see a 25% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from plastic production in the US. General disadvantages of bioplastics include their sensitivity to heat, humidity, and shear stress. They also face other challenges such as limited ability to replace conventional plastics, higher production costs, and supply chain restrictions over conventional plastic. Additional drawbacks include adverse agricultural impacts, competition with food production (such as corn), and unclear “end-of-life” (EOL) management. “[Bioplastics] also face other challenges such as limited ability to replace conventional plastics, higher production costs, ... supply chain restrictions over conventional plastic[,] ... adverse agricultural impacts, competition with food production ... , and unclear 'end-of-life' (EOL) management.” In a 2010 study, seven conventional plastics were compared to four bioplastics and one plastic produced from a mixture of fossil fuels and recycled sources. The bioplastics generated pollutants due to the fertilizers and pesticides applied to the feedstocks and the chemical processing involved in converting organic material into plastic. The bioplastics also contributed to greater ozone depletion and required a larger area of land for production. A 2020 study assessed the in vitro toxicity of various bioplastics, including Bio-PE, Bio-PET, PBAT, PBS, PLA, PHA, and bamboo-based materials. Higher in vitro toxicity measurements were found in the bioplastics than in their respective original raw materials. The lack of sufficient industrial composting facilities is another issue. Most bioplastics are disposed of in landfill sites because very few cities have the necessary high temperature industrial composting sites. Once in a landfill, PHA, for example, can decompose into methane, which absorbs more heat but lasts shorter than CO2 in the atmosphere. Research Underway in Bioplastics Some researchers are investigating the use of microorganisms in bioplastic production. A 2020 study found that bioplastics can be produced using microalgae obtained from wastewater, and there is research on producing PHB from microalgal biomass. There is also research into using organic chemicals in bioplastic production. Biome Bioplastics partnered with the University of Warwick’s Centre for Industrial Biotechnology and Biorefining to extract organic chemicals from lignin (from cell walls in plants) that potentially can be used for bioplastic manufacture. Initial trials on these chemicals have shown that they could be produced at an industrial scale. The company is also examining how bacteria can help increase the yields of the chemicals and how they can be scaled up. In 2021, researchers at University of California, Berkeley, discovered a method of making biodegradable plastics break down more easily with heat and water over the course of a few weeks. With the addition of an enzyme, PLA plastic can biodegrade into simple molecules, thereby making it a potentially suitable replacement for non-degradable plastic. This process is also suitable for municipal composting over a period of 60 to 90 days. Degradation can also be achieved by soaking in lukewarm water. Bioplastics in the Real World A startup in Australia called Pak360 is focusing on compostable packaging, manufactured from renewable fibers. Bioplastic products include compostable garbage bags and produce bags made from PLA, corn starch, and PBAT. A French startup, Lys Packaging, manufactures bioplastic bottles using plant-derived biopolymers and a 3D printing and injection stretch blow molding (ISBM) process. It adds organic or vegetable products into the bioplastic in order to vary the products’ technical and visual properties. Steps Toward Replacing Virgin Plastics Although bioplastics are not a complete solution, they can decrease the production of conventional, virgin plastics—including single-use products—that end up accumulating in the environment. Bioplastics may become more accessible once their production costs drop and an infrastructure is built to support industrial composting and recycling. “When using bioplastics and recycled plastics, the goal is always to inhibit the need for more virgin plastics. Recycled plastics have a bad rap; however, if we are reusing a resource that will prevent the further production of virgin plastic, that will make a large environmental impact in the long run.” “When using bioplastics and recycled plastics, the goal is always to inhibit the need for more virgin plastics. Recycled plastics have a bad rap; however, if we are reusing a resource that will prevent the further production of virgin plastic, that will make a large environmental impact in the long run,” Hart says. “Same for bioplastics,” she adds. “Biodegradable and recyclable bioplastics will evolve to become more prevalent once there is a greater infrastructure to support more industrial composting and recycling facilities. Science around sustainable materials is more prolific than the availability of these facilities. This, and a greater pipeline of biomaterials at a competitive price point.” *Robin Whitlock is an England-based freelance journalist specializing in environmental issues, climate change, and renewable energy, with a variety of other professional interests, including green transportation.

More Studies Needed to Quell a Hot Topic *By Julie Peterson Kitchens around the world use cooking oil for sautéing, baking, and drizzling. Home cooks often keep several types of oils on hand, due to flavor, smoke point, and cost. But some cooks may not realize there is a boiling debate about some of these oils. Chefs, health coaches, and scientists are arguing about the possibility that seed oils—such as safflower, cottonseed, grapeseed, sunflower, and canola or rapeseed—might be unhealthy. Studies are still underway, so clearer answers to the heated debate are likely to appear in the foreseeable future. In the meantime, here are some details to make the topic easier to swallow. The Skinny on Fats First, it is important to understand fat. Human bodies require fat from food to survive. Fat provides energy, assists with absorption of vitamins and minerals, plays a role in building cell membranes and the sheaths around nerves, and is necessary for muscle function and blood clotting. But some fats might also cause harm. Trans fats are created when oils are processed to prevent spoilage. Trans fats are created when oils are processed to prevent spoilage. The resulting products include some margarines, shortening, commercial baking oils, and fast-food frying oil. Because trans fats were correlated with heart disease, stroke, and diabetes, the World Health Organization in 2018 called for their global elimination. As of 2023, 43 countries have agreed to minimize the use of trans fats. Saturated fats come from animals (butter, lard, processed meats, and fatty meats) as well as some plants (coconut and palm). They are typically solid at room temperature. Saturated fats have been linked to increased cholesterol and arterial blockage. There is evidence that replacing saturated fats with unsaturated fats reduces the risk of heart disease. Unsaturated fats are thought to be best for health. They fall into two categories: monounsaturated and polyunsaturated. Monounsaturated fats were discovered to be healthful after the “Seven Countries Study” in the 1960s showed that people in the Mediterranean had low incidence of heart disease despite high-fat diets. The conclusion was that meals built around monounsaturated fats and low saturated fats help protect a person’s heart by maintaining levels of good (HDL) cholesterol while reducing levels of bad (LDL) cholesterol. Some of the plant oils with this profile come from olives, peanuts, rapeseed (canola), and safflower seeds. the “Seven Countries Study” in the 1960s showed that people in the Mediterranean had low incidence of heart disease despite high-fat diets. Polyunsaturated fats can provide omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which human bodies cannot produce but need. Oils that provide ample omega-3 include canola, flaxseed, soy (commonly called vegetable oil), and walnut. Omega-3 fatty acids may lower triglycerides and risk of cardiovascular disease. Omega-6 fatty acids are highest in corn, cottonseed, peanut, soybean, and sunflower oils. Omega-6 may lower bad cholesterol, increase good cholesterol, lower triglycerides, and help control blood sugar. All oils are 100% fat, but each has a different fat profile. The Sizzling Debate Over Seed Oils Critics today argue seed oils are implicated in unwanted weight gain, heart problems, infertility, cancer, and acne—and that they contain toxins that could increase the tendency for Alzheimer’s. Oil seeds are often harvested from genetically modified crops. The lands on which the farms are growing the crops have sometimes been deforested. Most of the farms use pesticides. The list of additional complaints associated with seed oils is long. Oil seeds are often harvested from genetically modified crops. The lands on which the farms are growing the crops have sometimes been deforested. Most of the farms use pesticides, which are harmful to beneficial insects and birds. Even when organic, monoculture crops stunt biodiversity. Another argument against seed oils is that elevated levels of omega-6 fatty acids can cause chronic inflammation when not balanced by omega-3s. According to Cleveland Clinic registered dietitian Julia Zumpano, “If a certain food is high in oils that contain a lot of omega-6s, you really want to try to avoid them or eat them only in moderation.” Opponents are wary that seed oils are derived through a chemical oil extraction method to yield more oil (and more profit). The oils are heavily refined, heated, bleached, deodorized, and degummed to be usable. The concern is that extensive processing may cause the oils to be susceptible to oxidation and breakdown, which might result in disease-causing free radicals building up in the body. In addition, various chemical solvents are used for extraction of the oil and residues of these may remain. The high temperature refining process also destroys any beneficial vitamins, phenols, and antioxidants. “When you bring unsaturated fats repeatedly to high temperatures, you’ll get a buildup of damaging chemicals,” Guy Crosby, Ph.D., an adjunct associate professor of nutrition at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, has expressed concern about seed oils being heated many times. “When you bring unsaturated fats repeatedly to high temperatures, you’ll get a buildup of damaging chemicals,” he says, adding that this is likely only to be a problem in restaurants and factories that use deep fryers. “Cooking with seed oils at home isn’t an issue,” he says. Proponents of seed oils counter that, in small amounts, seed oils are part of a healthy diet and a necessary source of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Seed oils also offer a range of flavor profiles and culinary uses. Seed oil fans note that the studies linking seed oils to adverse health conditions, like heart disease, were conducted on small animals. To date, there are no clinical trials to substantiate that these claims hold true for humans. A 2021 study published in the MDPI journal Nutrients, even associated moderate intake of omega-6 linoleic acid to lower risk of cardiovascular disease. Seed oil supporters also point out that the oil cannot be blamed when it is part of another product. Seed oil supporters also point out that the oil cannot be blamed when it is part of another product. “When you cut seed oils from your diet, what you’re really doing is cutting out many processed foods,” Zumpano says. “I think that’s why we’re hearing about them as being so bad for your health. But it’s less about the seed oils themselves and more about the fact that they’re so often found in ultra-processed foods.” In addition, there’s even concern about “heating oils to high temperature.” For instance, flax, hemp, and chia oils should never be heated as they have low smoke points. Other oils, such as sunflower and safflower, can be heated to high temperatures without harm (and perhaps most importantly, without combusting). It is worth doing research to find the right oil for the job by looking at the smoke point of each oil. Cold-pressed seed oils processed without heat or chemicals are on the market along with sustainably harvested, non-GMO oils. Need an Oil Change? First, check the oil. The optimal daily amount of oil is about 2 Tbsp in a 2,000-calorie diet. Read food ingredient labels and see how much oil is in packaged foods. Then, make decisions. There are different oils for frying, baking, and dipping to avoid setting the kitchen on fire and to obtain desired flavor. If chemical extraction and highly processed oils are worrisome, pay more for cold extracted, pressed, and unrefined oils. The debate over seed oils will likely sizzle until clinical trials provide scientific evidence to inform people of the health effects of these oils. The debate over seed oils will likely sizzle until clinical trials provide scientific evidence to inform people of the health effects of these oils. If the lack of research on seed oils is daunting, there are fruit, nut, and animal oils that have been better researched and can round out a cooking repertoire. For even more information on shopping for and using oils, “The New World of Cooking Oils” published in Consumer Reports Magazine does a deep dive on how and when to get the best deals. Homemade Oils There is no need for shopping tips for those who make their own oils at home! (Don’t make that face, people have been doing it for 8,000 years!) Fortunately, modern kitchen machines make it a breeze. Manual oil presses are less than $100. Electric expeller presses start at around $200. No matter where anyone looks, there is conflicting information on oils, but dietary fats are essential for body functions. Spend some time in the oil aisle and try a healthy, new ingredient. Recipes: Fried Green Tomatoes 4-5 servings This refreshing early season recipe is a delicious lunch or side dish. Substitute lemon-pepper for the chili powder for a less spicy, tangy flavor. Ingredients 4 medium, firm green tomatoes salt 1 cup flour of choice 1 Tbsp chili powder 1 tsp paprika ½ cup milk of choice 1 egg 1/3 cup fine cornmeal ½ cup crushed crackers of choice ¼ cup peanut oil Process Slice tomatoes into ½ inch slices and sprinkle each with salt. Set aside. Use 3 shallow bowls for dredging. In bowl 1, mix flour and seasoning. In bowl 2, whisk milk and egg. In bowl 3, combine cornmeal and crackers. Heat the oil in a skillet on medium heat. Dip the tomato slices in the flour, then the egg, then the cornmeal. Place as many slices as will fit in one layer in the pan and fry for 3 to 5 minutes on each side or until brown and crispy. Drain on a towel. Enjoy. Roasted Tri-Color Carrots A flexible and tasty recipe. Make as much as will fit on your baking sheet. You won’t mind having leftovers. The sugar in the carrots caramelizes and will make a carrot lover out of anyone. Tri-color carrots aren’t necessary but the flavors are more interesting. Process Rinse carrots, cut in half, and then slice lengthwise into thin sticks. Drizzle grapeseed oil on baking sheet. Place carrots in one layer and drizzle oil on carrots. Season lightly with salt, basil flakes, and garlic powder (or preferred seasoning). Roast in oven at 425F for 20 minutes or until slightly browned. Serve as a side dish or snack. Refrigerate leftovers (they are good cold, too). *Julie Peterson is a freelance journalist based in the Midwest region of the US who has written hundreds of articles on natural approaches to health, environmental issues, and sustainable living.

Monthly Report Highlights Export and Import Trends for Soybean and Palm Oil The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Foreign Agricultural Service provides monthly updates on the global trade, production, consumption, and stocks of key oilseeds. USDA’s March 2024 update to their “Oilseeds: World Markets and Trade” report highlights trends in soybean, palm, rapeseed, and other commodities. Brazil had the highest soybean oilseed exports of 100 million metric tons in 2022/2023. This is projected to increase by 3 million to 103 million metric tons in 2023/2024. Meanwhile, China had the highest soybean oilseed imports of 102 million metric tons in 2022/2023, mostly from Brazil and the United States. Imports are also projected to increase by 3 million to 105 million metric tons in 2023/2024. The projected US season-average farm price for soybeans is $12.65 per bushel. A metric ton of soybean, soybean meal, and soybean oil requires 36.74 bushels, 42.08 bushels, and 206 bushels of soybeans, respectively. Meanwhile, March 2024 export prices of US soybean, soybean meal, and soybean oil per metric ton have decreased to $449, $399, and $1,067, respectively. These are decreases of $18, $31, and $12, respectively, from February 2024. The countries with the highest palm oil production and exports are Indonesia and Malaysia. They produced 47 million metric tons and 19 million metric tons, respectively, for February 2023/2024. Exports were 28.2 million metric tons and 16.2 million metric tons, respectively, in February 2023/2024. Meanwhile, India and China have the highest imports of palm oil, at 9.3 million metric tons and 6.4 million tons, respectively, in February 2023/2024. Canada is the highest exporter of rapeseed products, most notably 7.954 million metric tons of rapeseed oilseed in 2022/2023. This is projected to decrease to 7.55 million metric tons in 2023/2024. China and India have the highest production and consumption of peanut oil and cottonseed oil, while the European Union has the highest production and consumption of olive oil. Meanwhile, the United States as a single country has the highest olive oil import and consumption, at 371,000 metric tons and 374,000 metric tons in 2022/2023, respectively. Note: 1 metric ton ≈ 1.10 tons (about 2,200 lbs) Sources: https://apps.fas.usda.gov/psdonline/circulars/oilseeds.pdf https://ussec.org/resources/conversion-table/

More People Have Electricity and Drinking Water, But More Progress is Needed In line with World Water Day 2024, the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) released the UN World Water Development Report for 2024. The report explains how access to clean water, sanitation and other services are essential for security, peace and prosperity. Freshwater use has been growing very slowly—by just under 1% per year—with industrial use (about 17%) and domestic use (about 12%) the main drivers of the increase. Energy production is included in industrial use and accounts for about 10% of the 17% usage. Agriculture accounts for about 70% of global freshwater use. A nation’s income predicts how water is used: Higher-income countries use more water for industry and domestic needs and a lower percentage for agriculture. But in low-income nations, almost 90% of freshwater is used for agriculture. Between 2012 and 2019, the number of people without access to electricity dropped by about 500 million, but progress has since stagnated. In 2021, about 675 million people lacked access to electricity, including 567 million people who live in Sub-Saharan Africa. As of 2022, 2.2 billion people (1.3 billion in rural areas and 0.9 billion in urban areas) were without access to safely managed drinking water. This is down from 2015, when 2.3 billion people (1.5 billion in rural areas and 0.8 billion in urban areas) lacked such access. Also as of 2022, 3.5 billion people (1.9 billion in rural areas and 1.6 billion in urban areas) lacked access to safely managed sanitation services. This 0.3 billion decrease—from 3.8 billion people in 2015—is due to more people in rural areas getting access to such services. “Natured-based solutions” are advocated to counter climate change. Without these interventions, the report said that by 2030, 150 million people a year could need humanitarian assistance due to floods, droughts, and storms. This could rise to 200 million people per year by 2050. Source: https://www.unesco.org/reports/wwdr/en/2024/download

Report Highlights Projected Increases of Uncontrolled Waste into 2050 In February, the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), with the International Solid Waste Association (ISWA), released the Global Waste Management Outlook 2024 report, which offers projections on global waste generation, costs, and management for municipal solid waste (MSW, excluding industrial waste). Here, “controlled waste” refers to waste that is collected and either properly disposed of or recycled. “Uncontrolled waste” refers to either uncollected waste that is dumped or burned in the open or collected waste that is dumped or burned at its final destination. Some 2.7 billion people (700,000 from urban areas and 2 billion from rural areas) do not have their waste collected. If no urgent actions are taken, global MSW generation per year is projected to steadily increase, from 2.126 billion tons in 2020 to 3.782 billion tons in 2050. The total global cost of MSW in a “waste management as usual” scenario is projected to increase from $361.0 billion in 2020 to $640.3 billion in 2050 Out of the 2.126 billion tons in 2020, 38% (about 805 million tons) was uncontrolled and 62% (about 1.32 billion tons) was controlled. Among controlled waste, 48.5% (about 641.2 million tons) was landfilled, 30.6% (about 404.2 million tons) was recycled, and 20.8% (about 274.8 million tons) were converted to energy. The global share of uncontrolled waste is projected to rise from 38% in 2020 to 41.5% in 2050. However, over three decades, the actual amount of uncontrolled waste is projected to almost double from about 805 million tons to 1.57 billion tons annually. Globally, the average MSW collection rate is 75%. In Western countries, this rate is very high—93% to 99%—while rates are considerably lower in Sub-Saharan Africa (36%), Central and South Asia (37%), and Oceania (45%). The three lowest regions of MSW collection also have the highest uncontrolled waste as percentage of total MSW. These are Sub-Saharan Africa (87%), Central and South Asia (79%), and Oceania (62%). Europe leads the world in MSW recycling, thanks to Western Europe’s 56% rate. Northern and Southern Europe are third and fourth at 42% and 44%, respectively. However, Australia and New Zealand are second at 54% recycling rates. Northern Europe also has the highest MSW waste-to-energy conversion rate of 42%. Sources: https://www.unep.org/resources/global-waste-management-outlook-2024 Full report: https://wedocs.unep.org/bitstream/handle/20.500.11822/44939/global_waste_management_outlook_2024.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y Executive summary: https://wedocs.unep.org/bitstream/handle/20.500.11822/44992/GWMO2024-Executive-summary.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y

But Home Filtration Devices Can Raise Water Purity By Alina Bradford* Ever poured a glass of tap water and wondered about its purity? While tap water in many areas is considered safe to drink, contaminants can still lurk within it, posing health risks. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), residential tap water can include arsenic, copper, lead, nitrate, and radon, as well as E. coli, Hepatitis A virus, and salmonella. Here’s what one needs to know about tap water and how to make it safer to drink. What is in US Tap Water? Tap water can contain a variety of contaminants, including toxic substances, inorganic compounds, bacteria, metals, and microplastics. These can originate from agricultural runoff, industrial discharges, outdated plumbing, and even natural sources. Contaminants in drinking water can cause a variety of health problems, including blood disorders, low IQ, gastrointestinal issues, neurological disorders, and cancer. Many people get water from public water systems (PWS), which are regulated by the EPA, and include fluoridated community water supplies (CWS). The highest and lowest percentages of people receiving fluoridated water to total population served by CWS are the District of Columbia (100%) and Hawaii (8.5%), respectively, based on 2020 data. A study by the US Geological Survey reveals that up to 45% of the country's tap water may contain one or more varieties of chemicals called per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances, commonly referred to as PFAS. Perhaps more disturbing, over 12,000 types of PFAS have been identified, and current testing methods can only detect a fraction of them. Recently, the EPA announced a proposal to lower the maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) of six specific PFAS allowed in drinking water. A study by the US Geological Survey reveals that up to 45% of the country's tap water may contain one or more varieties of chemicals called per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances, commonly referred to as PFAS. A 2023 study took water samples from 38 lakes in 23 different countries on six continents and found that all contained microplastics. This can be concerning since a large portion of drinking water comes from lakes. How is Tap Water Treated? Before water flows from the tap, it undergoes several treatment processes to remove impurities and make it safe for consumption. These typically include coagulation and flocculation to clump particles together, sedimentation to allow particles to settle, filtration to remove small particles, and disinfection to kill bacteria and viruses. While effective, these methods have limitations, particularly against some modern contaminants, such as PFAS and micro/nano-plastics. [Water treatment] typically include[s] coagulation and flocculation to clump particles together, sedimentation to allow particles to settle, filtration to remove small particles, and disinfection to kill bacteria and viruses. While effective, these methods have limitations, particularly against some modern contaminants, such as PFAS and micro/nano-plastics. Coagulation and Flocculation The first steps in the water treatment process involve adding chemicals with a positive charge to the water. This causes some contaminants like dirt and iron to combine into larger particles. The next process is called flocculation. It stirs the water, causing particles to bind together into larger particles, known as flocs. Coagulation and flocculation processes effectively remove particles and sediments but do not remove dissolved substances or microorganisms. Sedimentation Following flocculation, the water moves to sedimentation tanks, where the heavy flocs settle to the bottom due to gravity. Sedimentation is efficient for settling out large particles. However, smaller particles and dissolved substances may not be removed through this process alone. Filtration Coagulation and sedimentation can only remove between 27% and 84% of viruses and 32% and 87% of bacteria, so the process continues. After sedimentation, the clear water on top will pass through various filters. These can include sand, gravel, and charcoal filters. The effectiveness of filtration depends on the type of filters used. While it can remove many contaminants, including parasites and some bacteria, some viruses and chemical pollutants may pass through, especially if the filters are not properly maintained. Disinfection Before the water is sent through the distribution system to consumer taps, it is disinfected to kill any remaining bacteria, viruses, and parasites. Treatment plants typically use chemical disinfectants like chlorine or chloramine for water disinfection. Most chemical disinfectants are removed from the water before it goes out to the customer. Still, some are left to disinfect the water further as it’s moved through potentially contaminated pipes. The CDC says drinking water is safe with chlorine levels of up to 4 milligrams per liter (or ppm) and chloramine levels of less than 50 milligrams per liter. However, tap water can contain even tinier amounts—for example, normal chloramine levels in drinking water range from 1.0 to 4.0 milligrams per liter. Some water treatment plants use UV light and ozone to disinfect drinking water. However, these methods don’t continue disinfecting the water when it passes through contaminated pipes. Although disinfection effectively kills pathogens, it can leave behind harmful by-products. For example, chlorine can react with organic matter in water to form trihalomethanes (THMs), which are associated with cancer risks. Furthermore, some pathogens, like Cryptosporidium, are resistant to traditional disinfection methods like chlorination. Home Water Filtration Options Water treatment effectively eliminates a large portion of potentially harmful contaminants. However, on occasions, they still get through due to contaminated pipes and other problems. How can one ensure tap water is free from these contaminants? Home water filtration systems can play an important part in making drinking water as safe as possible. Here are some options: Activated charcoal/carbon adsorption: This method removes organic compounds, chlorine, and chlorine by-products. Filters like pitcher filters and under-sink units commonly use activated carbon. However, they don’t remove hard water minerals or some bacteria unless certified. Membrane-based filters: These filters, often used in reverse osmosis systems, are typically composed of thin, porous materials that can trap and remove a wide range of impurities, including bacteria and viruses. While highly effective, they require more maintenance than other filters and can be costly. They are also typically used with activated carbon to remove chlorine, fluoride, and other contaminants. Specialty filters: Some filters target specific contaminants, such as lead or arsenic. Specialty filters can also be used to add minerals back to water after filtration, such as alkaline filters. Considerations for Choosing a Filter When selecting a water filtration system, consider the specific contaminants in the water, the system's maintenance requirements, and household water usage. No single filter removes all pollutants, so a combination of systems that provides maximum protection may be considered. NSF-certified filters are listed in the NSF’s database, which indicates what the filter can clean out of the water and what it can’t. Also, make sure that the filter is NSF-certified. NSF-certified filters are listed in the NSF’s database, which indicates what the filter can clean out of the water and what it can’t. Don’t forget to get a filter for each source of one’s home’s drinking water. Here are some options: Whole-house filtration: This system treats water as it comes into the house. It filters all of the home’s water, not just drinking water. Whole-house systems can be pricey, though. Under-sink filtration: These attach to the plumbing under the kitchen sink to provide clean water from the tap. DIY installation is possible, but some homeowners may find it difficult. Faucet-mounted filters: These filters attach to the kitchen faucet and are simple to install. While they are inexpensive compared to whole-house or under-sink filters, they could slow down the water pressure. Water bottle or pitcher filtration: These are the cheapest and most convenient filtration options. Once filled with water, the built-in filters clean the water. The main problem with bottle or pitcher filtration is that it can be slow and the filters may need frequent replacement. Refrigerator filters: Don’t forget to make sure the filter on the refrigerator’s in-door water dispenser gets a filter change on a regular basis. Understanding tap water's treatment processes and the potential contaminants that can remain is key to ensuring that residential water is safe to drink. By choosing the appropriate water filtration system, the risk of consuming harmful contaminants can be significantly reduced. *Alina Bradford is a safety and security expert that has contributed to CBS, MTV, USA Today, Reader’s Digest, and more. She is currently the editorial lead at SafeWise.com.

Local Energy Production Builds Sustainable Neighborhoods By Robert Cuzner* Reliable electrical energy is increasingly being seen as a basic human right, and this perspective is driving significant shifts in the way electrical energy is being generated, transmitted, and used. Climate change and extreme weather events can increase disruptions to electrical power service with very personal consequences. At one extreme, power outages impact daily life when there’s a lack of connection to a reliable power grid, while at the other extreme, increased electrical demands on aging electrical grid infrastructures raise the risks for outages. Interspersed with these challenges are the varying human needs and attitudes of electricity users across a range of socioeconomic issues and disparities. Examples include the disproportionate fixed cost of electricity to low-income households, growth in electric vehicle (EV) charging needs, critical community facilities (e.g. hospitals, fire protection, water treatment and schools), vulnerable manufacturing facilities, and the range of household and community commitments to reducing their carbon footprint. Community microgrids tailored to meet shared, localized needs can solve these challenges. The Community Microgrid The microgrid is a small electrical grid that serves electricity needs within a defined boundary using local sources of supply. This defined electrical boundary can include neighborhoods, a campus, a village, a town, or multiples thereof, where the electricity users live, work, and perform services together, in which case the microgrid expands to a community microgrid. Today, the microgrid can address a community need to reduce its carbon emissions through the efficient use of renewable and stored energy resources. It may operate connected to or disconnected (“islanded”) from the grid. In remote areas, where energy poverty impacts survival, community microgrids have emerged as a possible solution. In remote areas, where energy poverty impacts survival, community microgrids have emerged as a possible solution. In India, for example, the deployment of microgrids to villages on mountains, in deserts, and on islands has outpaced the government’s efforts to tie these communities to the national grid. A Sense of Energy Supply Ownership A community microgrid gives participants a sense of control and ownership over their energy supply, and not only serves individual households but also the needs of the community. The greatest benefits are derived as the households learn how to interact with the microgrid and become aware of how their daily habits impact energy usage. The neighborhood microgrid is a “behind the meter” (quasi off-the-grid) where consumers of electrical energy are also producers, or prosumers, producing a net benefit to its users both individually and collectively. Such systems achieve a smart grid that forces cooperative use of rooftop solar and energy storage units that are distributed among participating households. Among the factors for the most favorable neighborhood microgrid implementations, the number of participating households is key. Case studies show current favorable effects range from 20 to 200 homes. Weather and geographic location play a role as well, with implementations in a Mediterranean climate being the most favorable. Neighborhood Microgrid Challenges Nevertheless, the feasibility of a purely “behind the meter” or neighborhood microgrid is challenging, given the human factor and the all-important question: Who will shoulder the costs of installation and maintenance? Rules regarding net energy metering impose constraints on the size (and beneficiaries) of a microgrid; utilities must deal with the consequences of possible sub-standard implementations that interact in a negative way with the utility grid, with rules varying by state, such as in California. The feasibility of a neighborhood microgrid is challenging, given the human factor and the all-important question: Who will shoulder the costs of installation and maintenance? Even so, motivation for planned installations, such as “all-electric neighborhoods” in California are coming from mandated building codes. Recently, facilitators for large-scale community microgrid deployments, such as the Clean-Coalition, are advocating for “front of the meter” approaches that connect neighborhoods with commercial properties, essential community services, and include utility-focused partnerships. Utility partnership or ownership allows users to pay for electricity through their utility, making microgrid ownership and operation more transparent. A successful example of neighborhood ownership and sustainment is the 37-home pilot project installed within the Medley at Southshore Bay residential development in Wimauma, Florida. This microgrid is utility owned and operated and is built upon an electrical system developed and installed by a Tampa, Florida, company, BlockEnergy. Neighborhood microgrid installations will become more ubiquitous when the most expensive components, such as energy storage, are utility owned and when usage includes community service providers (such as schools, hospitals, fire departments, etc.) and commercial properties. In this way, costs and benefits are spread across a more diverse group of stakeholders. Installation Energy Security Community microgrids can play a significant role in achieving Installation Energy Security. Energy security depends on three pillars: reliability, resilience, and efficiency (see Figure 1). Efficiency The efficiency pillar includes what has been mentioned already: more efficient use of the electrical energy generated by environmentally friendly resources minimizes the detrimental impacts of fossil fuels increasingly being manifested through extreme weather events. These accelerate the pace of community microgrid adoption as a necessary solution—and here the other two pillars come into play. Reliability Reliability has to do with a service or a product functioning as expected as long as it is being used in the manner for which it was designed. Reliability of electric power means an electricity user can expect to receive uninterrupted service unless there is a disturbance causing voltage and/or current to stray outside of designed (rated or nominal) parameters. However, there is a caveat—"for the life of the product.” As electrical grids age, their components—cable insulation, circuit breakers, and so forth—are weakened and become less reliable. The aging electrical grid infrastructure, costs to upgrade, and increasing consumer demands leads to a weakening of the grid’s ability to provide stable and clean voltage power to its customers. The aging electrical grid infrastructure, costs to upgrade, and increasing consumer demands leads to a weakening of the grid’s ability to provide stable and clean voltage power to its customers. Electricity is distributed through a grid within a specific geographic area. Patterns of ownership and operation vary depending upon the country and the level of government involvement in electricity generation and distribution. In the U.S., this grid is owned and operated by local utilities. Distribution voltages are typically in the tens of thousands of volts. Sometimes, power must be delivered to customers that are far from the generation source, and customers in rural areas often find themselves at a weak end of the distribution grid. The weak grid problem is exacerbated by sudden shifts in loads that cause voltage dips and spikes. Lights may dim or buzz, or circuit breakers may trip unexpectedly, leading to the loss of essential life-sustaining services. A locally focused community microgrid is a solution for communities who dislike being at the weak ends of the grid. Resilience Resilience, another pillar of Installation Energy Security, addresses any disturbance or event that could endanger human lives or damage equipment if electrical power is not immediately removed, or isolated from affected or damaged parts of the system. Community microgrids interface with energy utility electricity transmission through a utility substation. Transmission has to do with the transfer of electrical energy over much longer distances, and the voltage levels are hundreds of thousands of volts (high voltage). This is mentioned because future community microgrids will expand the definition of community beyond the neighborhood, city, and municipality. An example of a great need for resilience is the Goleta Load Pocket, a 70-mile area along the Southern California coastline that is highly vulnerable to power loss. Communities along the Goleta Load Pocket are served by just one set of transmission lines hung on the same transmission towers and routed through 40 miles of mountainous terrain. This is a disaster-prone region that has been subject to extreme weather events in recent years. A community microgrid solution—the Goleta Load Pocket Community Microgrid (GLPCM)—has been proposed that would interconnect planned and existing microgrids, energy storage, and solar PV installations in Goleta Load Pocket communities. Development of this multi-city microgrid is still in progress and is actively moving forward thanks to the efforts of Clean-Coalition. Figure 2 shows a concept for a resilient community microgrid that interconnects multiple installations through either direct interconnection within a local community or through utility substation connections across multiple communities. All these implementations share common features, such as a standardized approach to microgrid building blocks, that can be installed as the community grows. Each microgrid building block has localized controls and communications with proactive capabilities to learn from its environment and increase its resilience over time. It also has an autonomous reconfiguration capability so that if a power outage appears imminent, power can be automatically re-routed to keep the lights on. Each microgrid building block has localized controls and communications with proactive capabilities to learn from its environment and increase its resilience over time. Figure 3 shows an example of how the system would respond to an extreme weather event that, without this community microgrid concept, would result in losses of power to large sections of the serviced area. The system is self-learning and self-healing. Individual microgrid building blocks (the microgrid sub-stations) can “island” or disconnect themselves from the rest of the network and provide extended electrical service to the part of the community it services while repairs are being made. The system determines what actions to take by receiving information from its nearest neighbor through high-speed communications with adjacently connected sub-systems and by coordinating with the energy utility. If communication networks are damaged, the system can use the information that it has to make the best decision as to which switches to open and what changes to make to its connection with its participants. Adoptability and Sustainability Public policy is key to building microgrids. Clean-Coalition provides a good example of an organization that not only designs and stages cutting-edge community microgrid projects, but is also involved in commissioning these installations and showcasing their value and feasibility. They are also involved in addressing barriers and gathering stakeholders through their work on public policy. At the same time, utility-focused partnerships in project development and a “front of the meter” approach addresses long-term sustainability. Otherwise, individualized project endeavors (and even public-private partnerships with a community) can become subject to the hidden costs of maintenance contracts from commercial vendors of these systems. Obsolescence is an issue, as well. Of course, microgrid developers are an essential element, but the more replicable and plug-and-play these systems become, the greater their market will become. Technological innovations, partnerships, and policy are all essential to the deployment of sustainable energy secure community microgrids. With each new community microgrid project, the way forward becomes clearer. *Robert Cuzner is Richard and Joanne Grigg Associate Professor for the Electrical Engineering Department at the University of Milwaukee, Wisconsin (UWM), the Director of the Center for Sustainable Electrical Energy Systems (SEES), and the UWM Site Director for the GRid-Connected Power Electronic Systems (GRAPES) Industry/University Collaborative Research Center.

By Marion W. Miller* In this age of interconnected global commerce, a company’s legacy and attractiveness to stakeholders and investors is no longer marked only by its profitability but also by its principles. With a growing consciousness around the environmental (E), social (S), and economic repercussions of corporate governance (G)—combined as ESG—stakeholders and investors look at criteria for responsible business. Rooted in the ideals of business ethics, which grew to prominence in the 1970s and 1980s, ESG represents a renewed and holistic commitment to ethical corporate behavior. The UN has recommended investment considering ESG issues since 2004. Still, like any evolving paradigm, it has its complexities and challenges. (Risks and Benefits of ESG Investing February 2022 | theearthandi.org) ESG Proponents and Critics Proponents say that by adhering to ESG principles, companies send a clear message to stakeholders and investors about their commitment to doing business ethically. When businesses follow ESG standards, they can anticipate and avoid potential socioenvironmental pitfalls. This fosters trust and ensures a more stable long-term operational landscape. Also, companies that are socially and environmentally responsible have more sustainable business models, are more appealing to consumers and investors, and attract top talent. (ESG isn't just about doing good. More often, it's good investing | Bloomberg Professional Services) Companies that are socially and environmentally responsible have more sustainable business models, are more appealing to consumers and investors, and attract top talent. Conversely, critics say that it is tricky to accurately gauge performance on ESG criteria. For instance, the reliability of ESG scores was questioned when the S&P 500 ESG index in 2022 included oil-and-gas company Exxon Mobil on the list, but not Tesla, which exclusively manufactures electric vehicles. (How a Sustainability Index Can Keep Exxon but Drop Tesla – And 3 Ways to Fix ESG Ratings to Meet Investors’ Expectations | Michigan Ross/University of Michigan). Critics also say companies can tout ESG compliance to improve their public image without genuine commitment. This superficial portrayal is known as greenwashing. Moreover, universally imposing one set of values can lead to oversimplifications and misunderstandings; for example, what works in the developed world may not work in the developing world. Finally, implementing ESG standards can be costly, and small businesses with limited resources say that ESG could inadvertently marginalize them. (Let’s not kill small business in the name of ESG | IEDM/MEI) ESG Scores More than 140 entities in the US alone, ranging from non-profits to private firms, are at the forefront of determining ESG scores. (ESG Scores: The good, the bad, & why they matter | esg.conservice.com) They assess a multitude of parameters, from a company’s carbon footprint to supplier networks to governance structure. For instance, associating with businesses known for child or slave labor, or those with high environmental liabilities are likely to weigh down a firm's ESG rating—although this is a task that, unfortunately, is not always performed adequately by scorers (ESG’s Biggest Miss: Supply Chain Visibility | CFO.com). Despite these challenges and obstacles, some companies rise to the occasion and receive well-deserved high ESG rankings. The American Water Works Company (American Waters), a publicly traded US-based water and wastewater service utility company, and Dassault Systèmes, a French multinational software corporation developing 3D design, simulation, and manufacturing software, exemplify robust ESG practices. American Water Works Company A stalwart of the industry since 1886, American Water's emphasis on sustainability, leadership, and transparency has garnered significant accolades and cemented its reputation as a leader in ESG integration. (ESG Evaluation: American Water Works Co. Inc. | S&P Global Ratings) American Water’s impressive score of 87 (out of 100) on its S&P Global ESG Evaluation reflects its dedication to safety, environmental stewardship, and public health, and the integration of these values into its strategy. This commitment's hallmarks include providing safe drinking water and fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce. Under the leadership of Walter Lynch, CEO and president, the company understands that delivering safe and affordable water is just the tip of the iceberg. Numerous initiatives highlight the company’s push towards a sustainable and socially impactful business model, earning them the top spot on Sigma Earth’s Top 10 ESG Companies of 2023. (Top 10 ESG Companies Of 2023 - Sigma Earth) Determining ESG To determine its ESG criteria, American Water looks at various facets of its operations. Environmentally, the company recognizes risks like water-borne illnesses, inefficient water use, and other environmental hazards. Its focus on leak detection and water use reduction is commendable, setting it apart from its peers. Moreover, its proactive approach to tracking and avoiding water sources from stressed regions and its forward-looking approach to exploring other water sources to increase water system resiliency speak for its commitment to the environment. Socially, the company recognizes its pivotal role in the communities it serves by maintaining high safety standards and ensuring a diverse workforce. Its strategy to acquire and improve failing water systems is commendable, proving its commitment to these communities. Practicing ESG Environmentally, the company has achieved a 4% reduction in water delivered per customer since 2015 and aims to achieve a 15% reduction by 2035. It is also on track to meet its ambitious target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 40% by 2025. The company's focus on infrastructure investment, particularly pipe replacement, is another significant step in its ESG preparedness. Socially, American Water has showcased its commitment by maintaining impeccable safety standards. With a diverse workforce, the company also has partnered with educational institutions, encouraging skill development and building a quality future workforce. The company’s governance structure and oversight mechanisms are superlative. With ten out of eleven board members being independent directors, the board emphasizes objectivity and adherence to the company's core values. Their transparent reporting and disclosure practices are part of strong governance values. The risk of water scarcity is a looming concern in Western states and especially in California. Despite its admirable efforts, American Water is not without its challenges. The risk of water scarcity is a looming concern in Western states and especially in California. The company's focus on water efficiency and recycling is paramount in this scenario. Another challenge is community opposition, particularly when the company takes over failing systems. Privatization is often met with skepticism, and managing community relations in this regard is crucial. However, American Water’s clear strategic direction and strong alignment with ESG values make it well-equipped to navigate these challenges. The company's forward-thinking approach and commitment to ESG values stand out in the industry. (Our Sustainability Story | American Water) Dassault Systèmes Dassault Systèmes (3DS), a leading French software conglomerate, is committed to ESG values as companies globally grapple with environmental crises and societal upheavals. Its proactive approach offers lessons in resilience and adaptability, and its ESG evaluation score is an admirable 84 (out of 100). (ESG Evaluation: Dassault Systèmes SE | S&P Global Ratings) Operating predominantly in the technology sphere, 3DS reaps 90% of its revenue from software, with the remaining coming from consultative services. While its direct environmental imprint might appear minimal, the widespread use of its groundbreaking 3D imaging software by aeronautics and auto manufacturers significantly reduces their need for building wasteful physical prototypes. While 3DS’s direct environmental imprint might appear minimal, the wide use of its groundbreaking 3D imaging software by aeronautics and auto manufacturers reduces the need for building wasteful physical prototypes. Over a short span from 2018 to 2021, 3DS increased its renewable electricity use from zero to 75%, setting the ambitious goal of 90% by 2025. The company's staunch commitment to the Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi—Science Based Targets initiative) and emphasis on reducing consumer-use emissions further underscores its determination to curb its carbon footprint. 3DS's drive for circularity is equally noteworthy—recycling nearly 98.4% of waste from electrical and electronic equipment. The company is steadily steering its clientele toward sustainable practices by expanding its lifecycle analysis module to various sectors. However, 3DS lags in monitoring office waste and tracking its water footprint. Its governance structure is finely calibrated with transparent oversight layers, including a dedicated committee for R&D. A particularly commendable feature is its board composition—all board committees include independent directors, ensuring a balanced decision-making process. Championing Social Values Despite the sectoral upheavals in 2021, the company has upheld high talent retention rates and offered training well above the sector median. 3DS’s Human Resources (HR) leaders took a life-changing online class in Business Sustainability Management at Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership (CISL). They learned that employee engagement initiatives translate into better inner-company communication, cooperation, and morale. As a result, the HR department promotes a sustainable company culture and organizes fun and creative activities for its employees relating to environmental ethics. Special mention is due to its gender diversity goals, aiming for a managerial workforce with 30% women by 2025. A potential area of contention is 3DS’s CEO's (Bernard Charlès) remuneration, which in 2021 was 552 times the median salary of 3DS employees. While this can be attributed to his long-standing association and contribution to the company, it does pose questions about pay equity. Navigating ESG Challenges 3DS's primary challenges lie in optimizing resource management, enhancing data center efficiency, and refining waste monitoring. Tackling these issues requires a nuanced approach, balancing immediate business needs with long-term ESG goals. Given the diverse local regulatory environments, another challenge is ensuring consistent ESG practices across global operations. Maintaining an exemplary cybersecurity record, especially in today's volatile digital realm, demands constant vigilance. Maintaining an exemplary cybersecurity record, especially in today's volatile digital realm, demands constant vigilance. Dassault Systèmes stands out as an ESG trailblazer, embodying how companies can intertwine profitability with responsibility. While the road ahead is fraught with challenges, 3DS's commitment and innovation-driven approach promises a sustainable future for itself and its clients. (ESG Management | Sustainability Commitment - Dassault Systèmes) Refining ESG for the Future For ESG to fully realize its potential, proactive engagement, and employee buy-in are essential. Companies ahead of the curve, cognizant of evolving norms and global standards, are better poised to adapt to current and future regulations, especially as regions like Europe have already begun enforcing ESG standards (Environmental, Social, & Governance Laws and Regulations Report 2023 Germany). But beyond mere compliance, the onus is on firms to be authentic. A major greenwashing scandal was revealed earlier this year when a high-profile investigation learned that “over 90 percent of rainforest carbon credits issued by Verra, the world’s leading carbon credit certifier, claimed reductions in deforestation that didn’t exist,” thus making the offsets worthless (What are carbon offsets, and are they scammy? | Vox) (Bogus Carbon Credits a 'Pervasive' Problem, Scientists Warn | Time). As empty boasts of future ESG compliance and other greenwashing controversies surface, businesses need to ensure their ESG commitments are realistic and translate into tangible, positive outcomes. Fortunately, some companies, such as American Water and Dassault Systèmes, have shown that doing just this is possible. Navigating the intricacies of ESG principles, American Water Works Company, and Dassault Systèmes showcase the importance of setting tangible and measurable goals. Their commitment to transparency and independent governance is evident in their boards predominantly comprised of independent directors, ensuring balanced and unbiased decision-making. By integrating ESG values into their core operations and company culture, these two companies show other companies a viable way forward, proving that authentic commitment to ESG is achievable and beneficial to the bottom line. *Marion W. Miller is a French bilingual researcher, writer, and editor now residing in Northern Virginia. She has master’s degrees in Business and Economics and International Economics and Economic Development. She has also ministered for community development and world peace. As a grandmother of eight, she cares deeply about environmental stewardship and preserving natural wonders for future generations. She has traveled to many natural sites in countries around the world and now escapes to the gorgeous Shenandoah Valley National Park whenever time allows.

Lead in Drinking Water Linked to Adverse Health Outcomes in Unborn Children By Mark Smith* The nation’s battle to remove lead from drinking water may have become more urgent: A new study has found that pregnant women who consume water with high levels of lead can pass it to their unborn children. The research, published in July in the Journal of Health Economics, is ground-breaking. Many studies have found a correlation between lead exposure and health problems, but the study authors believe theirs is the first to find an actual link between drinking lead-contaminated water and adverse health effects in fetuses. The Newark Water Crisis In 2016, elevated levels of lead were found in the drinking water of some public schools in Newark, New Jersey—a city that still has century-old pipes. The next year, the city’s tests found that the public water in more than 10% of Newark homes had high levels of lead. Despite corrective efforts, such as a corrosion control process to reduce lead levels in water, the city was eventually forced to offer water filters and bottled water to tens of thousands of Newark homes. In 2021, Newark finished its program to replace lead pipes with copper pipes. But this calamity—coming on the heels of the 2014 lead-in-water crisis in Flint, Michigan—touched off water-pipe concerns nationwide. Tale of Two Water Treatment Plants Newark’s water crisis also caught the interest of two economics professors, Muzhe Yang at Lehigh University and Dhaval Dave at Bentley University, who began researching the situation in 2019. The professors saw there were two different treatment plants helping to supply Newark’s water. They used data on the home addresses of pregnant women living in Newark for their study, together with information on the boundary separating areas serviced by two different water treatment plants. In their study, "Lead in drinking water and birth outcomes: A tale of two water treatment plants,” the professors said they found an external change in water pH levels that caused lead to leach into the drinking water of one plant's service area but not into the water of the other plant’s area. In an exclusive interview, Prof. Yang told The Earth & I: “Residents’ exposure to lead in drinking water can be viewed as almost randomly assigned, since people decide where to live probably not based upon a water treatment plant’s service area.” “This kind of randomization that happens in the real world—a natural experiment—helps us researchers identify a causal effect of lead exposure. It’s an effect that is due to lead exposure alone, not due to other factors.” Their research discovered a range of evidence for negative health impacts from the water, including a 19% increase in the risk of premature birth and an 18% increase in the risk of low birth weight. Why is Lead Dangerous? The health impact of lead happens over time. Lead accumulates in the body through repeated exposure and builds up in the bones alongside calcium. In unborn babies, exposure is a particular problem because lead in the mother’s bones can be released as a calcium substitute to aid bone formation in the fetus. Lead in a mother’s blood can also cross the placenta, exposing the fetus to lead poisoning. Prenatal lead exposure has been associated with impaired neural development, putting children at risk for cognitive impairment later in life. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) agree that there is no known safe level of lead in a child's blood. Lead Sources and Safety Thresholds Aging pipes have long been implicated in high levels of lead in the water supply. The EPA estimates that drinking water may account for more than 20% of total lead exposure for adults and between 40% to 60% for children. “Old houses are more likely to have lead plumbing materials. Corrosion of these lead plumbing materials can happen when the pH level of water drops below a certain threshold.” According to an analysis of EPA data by the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), 186 million people in the United States—56% of the population—drank from water systems with lead levels exceeding 1 part per billion (ppb). This is higher than the level recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics to protect children from lead in school water fountains. Prof. Yang said: “I live in the Northeast of the US where there are a lot of old houses. Old houses are more likely to have lead plumbing materials. Corrosion of these lead plumbing materials can happen when the pH level of water drops below a certain threshold, that is, the water becomes more acidic than it should be. This is exactly what happened in Newark, New Jersey.” Replacing Faulty Pipes When it comes to lead in drinking water, the simplest and most straightforward way of dealing with the problem involves the replacement of aging infrastructure—and that’s something which has increasingly been on the agenda both at the local and federal levels in the US. By August 2021, almost all of the lead water pipes in Newark had been replaced with copper ones, solving much of the city’s water crisis problem. In 2019, President Biden signed the Water Infrastructure Funding Transfer Act, allowing the transfer of funds from a federal clean water fund to a state fund for lead-related projects. More recently, in December 2021, the US Congress passed H.R.3684—otherwise known as the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act— that included $15 billion in funding for nationwide lead pipe replacement. Prof. Yang welcomed these developments, and said he hopes his and others’ research will lead to more public awareness of the urgency of solving the lead pipe problem in the US water system. “I am hopeful,” he said, “but the work needs to be done soon. High lead levels have been found in the tap water in many US cities besides Newark, such as Baltimore, Chicago, Detroit, Milwaukee, New York, Pittsburgh, and Washington, D.C.” He warned that if something isn’t done—particularly replacing the pipes—the problems experienced in Newark could be replicated more widely. “What happened in Newark may be the tip of an iceberg,” he said. “There is an urgency of replacing all lead pipes in the US water system, and the work should be done as soon as possible.” *Mark Smith is a journalist and author from the UK. He has written on subjects ranging from business and technology to world affairs, history, and popular culture for the Guardian, BBC, Telegraph, and magazines in the United States, Europe, and Southeast Asia.

The Earth & I interviews the National Union of Women with Disabilities of Uganda. By Betty Achana* “I used to hate myself because of this physical appearance which distinguishes me from others, but today I have realized I was wrong.” — Ugandan woman who benefitted from self-esteem education. E&I: What was the genesis of your organization? How was the group received in the beginning and what were its initial goals? The National Union of Women with Disabilities of Uganda (NUWODU) is an indigenous organization formed in 1999. Its purpose is to act as an umbrella organization for all categories of groups serving girls and women with disabilities, including physical, sensory, and mental impairment. Its membership includes Disabled People’s Organizations as well as GWWD (Girls and Women With Disabilities) groups and national associations. As of March 2021, NUWODU has a membership of 77 district associations, which represents over 60% of 146 districts in Uganda. NUWODU provides a strong voice for a common cause, particularly to defend, protect and promote the rights and advocate for equal opportunities for women and girls with disabilities, a population that wasn’t adequately represented in women’s rights organizations. NUWODU was established with the following six objectives: Address the special needs of girls and women with disabilities in Uganda. Strengthen the decentralized, grassroots groups of women with disabilities in Uganda through building their capacities, training, education, and provision of assistive devices. Act as a coordinating and monitoring body and establish an information center for women with disabilities in Uganda. Advocate for equal opportunities and rights for women with disabilities regardless of age, nature of the disability, tribe, or religion. Unite groups of girls and women with disabilities at the grassroots and the existing national organizations of women with disabilities. Mobilize resources for programs for girls and women with disabilities regardless of age, nature of the disability, tribe, or religion. E&I: How has NUWODU evolved since its founding? Tell us some of the challenges and breakthroughs along the way. For the last twenty years, NUWODU has grown in strength and size. Every five years, delegates from member organizations come together at a General Assembly, which is the supreme policymaking body. The Board of Directors makes policies, and the secretariat is charged with responsibility of translating the decisions of the Board into programs and implementing them as per the constitution. With respect to our work, there has been continuous growth in the freedom to engage, initiate, and intentionally influence one’s life circumstances—and raise self-esteem among women within the GWWDs. Women learn to reflect on life more deeply and change their perceptions about their situations. Many cease to hold negative attitudes about themselves; as one woman said, “I used to hate myself because of this physical appearance which distinguishes me from others, but today I have realized I was wrong.” A good example of our members is a deaf woman who has established a school in Ruhadaganzi Sub County, in Bushenyi. This lady never experienced school education herself, but she got an inspiration to start a school and transform her community. Women benefit from the networking that happen during the many trainings and workshops that are held. For example, a member of one association decided to run for political office. Because of community support, she ran against male candidates and won; she is now the main political party’s vice chairperson for the Western region. NUWODU has focused on helping women economically, introducing them to management tools and business planning to help them engage in gainful self-employment. Beyond that, NUWODU has joined meetings, locally to internationally, on matters of inclusion of people with disabilities in humanitarian actions, education, transportation, and services. The theme of the 2016 celebration of the International Day of People With Disabilities was: “Inclusion matters: access and empowerment of people of all abilities.” E&I: How did your members cope with COVID-19? The global pandemic COVID-19 greatly affected NUWODU. For instance, with more than ten NUWODU projects operating across the country, the impact of COVID-19 caught NUWODU by surprise—there was a lack of proper preparedness to run virtual offices. Then, in the communities, there was increased gender-based violence among families of women and girls with disabilities, increased pressure on district associations to respond to COVID-19, disrupted livelihoods for women with disabilities, and lack of access to basic services including medicines and products for sexual reproductive health and HIV. All the above highlighted challenges provided a more strengthened and innovatively caring family of women and girls with disabilities in Uganda. But this strange situation also exposed the need for far more cohesive strategies to address the new challenges facing these women. NUWODU’s website was created to raise awareness on disability and visibility for NUWODU as an organization for women and girls with disabilities. The platform has fulfilled its purpose beyond expectations because through it, the organization is receiving expressions of interest for partnership and knowledge acquisition for budding disability rights advocates. The web is maintained and managed by a team of passionate, committed, and tireless advocates and supporters. E&I: NUWODU could be described as more than an organization; would you say that it’s a community, a sanctuary, even a family? In what ways do you care for and serve each other? Poverty and disability cannot be divorced from each other without sustained efforts in ensuring equitable and inclusive education to promote the employment of persons with disabilities in the informal and formal workforce. When COVID-19 revealed the urgent need to embrace technology for virtual transactions and work, NUWODU partnered with the Government of Uganda through the Ministry of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) and the Uganda Communication Commission (UCC) to provide digital literacy for persons with disabilities. This project, funded by UCC, is being implemented throughout Uganda, and seeks to equip women with disabilities with practical and soft skills in ICT. E&I: Below are two women’s stories of breaking the chains of dependence. I am Ms. Namukaya Florence, of Buchamata village, Irongo Sub County, Luuka district. I am aged 42, with physical disability, married with 9 children. When I married, my in-laws did not like me, saying their son had married a girl with leprosy. My husband left the village, we were extremely poor, and we used to work in people’s gardens to get food. We did not have land but could work for people and get land to use in return. When the project came, I was hesitant because we had been registered many times, sometimes for money, and the people would disappear. When we dug down the paspalum [grass] in the compound to plant vegetables, the neighbors laughed at us, saying, “Disability is a curse, and the curse is permanent.” However, from the time I joined the project, my life and family have never been the same. We stopped working for people in their gardens. I am Ms. Abalo Jeniffer, a blind woman, aged 46, of Can pe Kun Women with Disabilities group in St. Joe village, For God parish, Layibi division in Gulu city. I am a beekeeper, a basket knitter and a division counsellor representing Persons with Disabilities in Layibi division. I was trained in bee keeping in 2013, and in 2020 NUWODU collaborated with the Umbrella of Hope, an organization in Gulu, to train the 27 members of the group in basket knitting. As a blind woman, Umbrella of Hope wondered how I could benefit from the training and proposed to train my son in the skill. But I insisted on learning from their training and from my son until I learned the skill. My son and I can now knit baskets for sale besides selling honey. Basket knitting is a good business whose money is handy as opposed to bee keeping whose money is seasonal. As a widow, I can pay fees for my children in good schools in Kampala. The COVID-19 pandemic, brutal as it is, has brought NUWODU many opportunities for partnerships, linkages, and coalitions. Many people have come to appreciate the NUWODU’s approach and work, and this has culminated in many vital partners getting involved to provide the skill or bridge the gap that NUWODU is lacking. The notion of leaving no one behind is alive and active in our work. E&I: Share with us, please, your goals going forward and how you see the future for Uganda’s disabled women and girls. NUWODU is acting as a “whip” and “watchdog” that introduces new knowledge and is monitoring the changes in attitude and practices at community, regional, and national levels. Media is an important component for advocacy, and in the last year, visibility of disability rights for women and girls with disabilities—including in political office—has increased by leaps and bounds. Our media engagement has generated partnerships, development of research papers and reports on issues affecting women and girls with disabilities and increased awareness on disability inclusion. In a nutshell, NUWODU is recognized as a family that unifies, cares for one another with respect and love which is a core value. This is visible in the far and wide stretches in its efforts to reach the most vulnerable and most remote to have their voices heard. *Betty Achana is a public health specialist and the executive secretary of the National Union of Women with Disabilities of Uganda.