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Category Archives: Food and Nutrition

State of the science on plastic chemicals

PlastChem – Identifying and addressing chemicals and polymers of concern. “Chemicals are a central aspect of the plastics issue. Although there is a wealth of scientific information on plastic chemicals and polymers to inform policymakers, implementing this evidence is challenging because information is scattered and not easily accessible. The PlastChem report and database address this issue by comprehensively and consistently synthesizing the state of the science on plastic chemicals, including their hazard properties, and their presence in polymers. The state-of-the-science report provides the publicly available evidence to inform policy development that protects public health and the environment…Countries are currently negotiating a global plastics treaty to end plastic pollution. A strong treaty will solve this planetary crisis and enable a transition to a safer and sustainable circular economy. But it is essential that the treaty addresses plastic chemicals because all plastics, from food packaging to car tires, contain thousands of chemicals that can leach into foodstuffs, homes, and the environment. Since many of these chemicals are hazardous, they can damage human health and the environment. A new report provides essential scientific information on plastic chemicals that can enable production of plastics that are safer for humans and the environment, in a single, comprehensive, and systematically compiled resource. Known as the PlastChem Report, the document provides a scientific approach for identifying and dealing with the many chemicals of concern in plastics today and will support policy makers, but also other stakeholders, in science-based decision making. Plastic chemicals comprise all chemicals in plastics, including additives, processing aids, and impurities….The new PlastChem Report shows that there are more plastic chemicals than previously known, with over 16,000 chemicals included in the new PlastChem database that accompanies the report.”

Report: The Dollar Store Invasion

ILSR – Communities are in Revolt, But the Chains’ Predatory Tactics Also Demand Federal Action. Dollar General, Dollar Tree, and Family Dollar are targeting vulnerable communities, opening stores at a breakneck pace in urban and rural areas alike. It’s tempting to assume that these chains simply fill a need in cash-strapped places. But the evidence… Continue Reading

Libraries are on the front lines of America’s problems

Axios: “…Zoom out: At the same time, libraries are grappling with everything from the high cost of e-books to the need to provide free outdoor Wi-Fi so people without broadband can have off-hours access. Many libraries are trying to ease food insecurity by adding gardens, nutrition classes, food pantries and cooking lessons. “During the pandemic,… Continue Reading

Misleading Food Labels

Consumer Reports – “When it comes to filling your grocery cart with the healthiest foods, careful label reading is critical. Yet even the savviest shoppers can be fooled by some of the claims found on the front of food packages. And that is intentional. “If the marketing is done well, it slips through the radar… Continue Reading

Data Index Tool Offers Glimpse at School Success Boundaries

GovTech: “Federal data can be difficult to wrangle, but a new tool created by a nonprofit aims to remove some of the heavy lifting to help create a clear picture of communities socioeconomic needs — specifically within school attendance boundaries. The National Academy Foundation (NAF), an education nonprofit, collaborated with the NYU Marron Institute of… Continue Reading

Cooked

“Cooked summarizes web pages into a short recipe version which you can save and read while cooking. Organizes your recipes automatically. Its a breeze to find your old favorites and share them with your friends. More than just a cookbook. Cooked understands your recipes and simplifies your everyday shopping and cooking. Smart shopping lists. Cooked… Continue Reading

How to Reduce Your Exposure to Plastic in Food (and Everywhere Else)

Consumer Reports – “It’s nearly impossible to completely avoid bisphenols and phthalates. But several small, strategic shifts can help. Plasticizers—the most common of which are called phthalates—are used to make plastic more flexible and more durable. They’re so widely used that today, they show up inside almost all of us, right along with other chemicals… Continue Reading

Businessweek Jealousy List 2023

“News flash: We are kind of awesome! In these increasingly weird, anxious, foreboding times, what we make—some of the best journalism around—matters. A lot. And we don’t thank you nearly enough for tuning in to our coverage and for letting us claim your attention. But as awesome as we are, on occasion we’re reminded that… Continue Reading