Posts on Human Impact

As 2025 wraps up (even though it feels like it just started!), here’s a quick update on global greenhouse gas emissions. Sadly, the news isn’t great—our three biggest heat-trapping gases are still risi Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Emissions Image: CO2 in the air from the Mauna Loa Observatory. Credit: NASA using NOAA data CO₂ is one of the main greenhouse gases. …

I try to do the right thing — recycle, reuse, and make choices that are better for the planet. But I’m learning something new every day. Recently, thanks to my friend, Kathleen, I found out that those “eco-friendly” laundry pods and detergent sheets I thought were a smart switch weren't so green after all. The thin film that makes them …

Since about 2006, methane levels in Earth’s atmosphere have been climbing fast — mostly because of human activities. It is a super-powerful greenhouse gas that traps heat, but it doesn’t last as long in the air as carbon dioxide does. It's also the second-largest contributor to rising global temperatures after carbon dioxide (CO₂). It’s already added about half a degree …

Microplastics are tiny pieces of plastic—no bigger than 5 millimeters, about the size of a pencil eraser. They’re everywhere. Each year, people release an estimated 10 to 40 million metric tons into the environment, and if we don’t change our habits, that amount could double by 2040. Most microplastics come from bigger plastic items that slowly break apart, but some …

Many people think silicone is a good alternative to plastic. I thought so too! I read environmental websites that call silicone, "a healthier choice than plastic" or "beneficial because of its exceptional temperature resistance". But is it really better than plastic? Silicon is found naturally in the Earth, but it’s hard to get. That’s why silicone products are usually made …

Do you ever wonder what the numbers inside the triangle on the bottom of plastic containers mean? Those numbers show that not all plastics are the same. In fact, there are 7 types of plastic, and each one is used for different things—and recycled in different ways. Understanding what these numbers mean can help you make smarter choices and keep …

When I worked at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in Southern California, I thought a lot about water—how precious it is here on Earth. Living in drier area, I wanted to save water at home. My front lawn took a lot of it, so I replaced the grass with fake grass, or "artificial turf". Doing your homework is really important. …

Holly Shaftel, contributing author I Said Yes — to Love and the Planet My partner of 10 years recently popped the question, and of course I said “Hell yeah!” Because I care a lot about the environment, he knew I’d want engagement and wedding bands that were made in a way that’s kind to people and the planet. So, he …

Did you know that most of our planet is underwater? The ocean covers more than 70% of Earth’s surface, yet we’ve explored less of it than the surface of the Mars! From glow-in-the-dark creatures to underwater mountains taller than anything on land, the ocean is packed with life and continued surprises. In this blog, we’ll dive into some of the …

What in the World is Biodiversity? Biodiversity is all the different kinds of life on Earth a. But it also includes the differences within each species—from towering trees to buzzing bees to bacteria you can’t even see. But it’s more than just a list of species. It also means the differences within each kind of life — like all the …

Riding elephants might seem fun, but it actually harms them. I have to admit, I took my kids to ride these gentle creatures at the San Diego Wild Animal Park—back before I realized how harmful it is for them. I wouldn't have done it if I had known the truth. Here's why it's important to say no to elephant rides: …

Every night, I’m lucky to hear the deep, stuttering hoots of Great Horned Owls echoing through my neighborhood: hoo-h’HOO-hoo-hoo. Sometimes, the male and female of a breeding pair call back and forth in a duet, with the female’s voice sounding higher than the male’s. It’s like a secret nighttime concert, hidden in the trees. It breaks my heart to know …

Fish are acting strange—and human medicines might be to blame! Find out how drugs from our bathrooms are ending up in rivers and messing with fish brains.

When we think of plastic recycling, we usually imagine helping the planet—turning old stuff into something new instead of throwing it away. But did you know that recycling plastic might actually be more harmful than helpful in some cases? We’ve grown up being told that recycling is the best way to help the planet. It became a badge of honor: …

By Holly Shaftel, contributing writer When it comes to fighting climate change, many people know we need to stop using dirty energy (fossil fuels) like coal, oil, and gas and switch to clean power like solar and wind. But did you know factory farming — a way to raise animals for food in large-scale industrial settings for profit — is …

By Holly Shaftel, contributing writer In China’s Yangtze River, a shy, finless “Smiling Angel” glides through the water, echolocating with others of its kind. This is the Yangtze finless porpoise, the world’s only known freshwater porpoise. It once shared its habitat with the Baiji dolphin, however that species was declared functionally extinct* in 2007. Now, the porpoise faces its own …

Did you know that World Cleanup Day is March 31, 2025? It’s a day when people around the world come together to clean up trash, including plastic and fashion waste, and help protect the environment.  We often hear about plastic pollution and food waste, but what about fashion? Believe it or not, the fashion industry is a huge polluter. And …

Introduction Did you know that every piece of plastic ever made still exists somewhere on Earth? Unlike food or paper—it just breaks down into tinier and tinier pieces (microplastics). That means every plastic bag, bottle, plastic cup, or straw ever created is still out there, whether it’s in a landfill, the ocean, or even tiny pieces floating in the air. …

Have you ever thrown away food at home—maybe an apple with a bruise or leftovers you didn’t feel like eating? If so, you're not alone! I’ve done it, too! People all over the world waste tons of food every single day. But did you know that food waste is a big problem for our planet? Let’s dive into what food …

By Holly Shaftel, contributing writer Deep in the dense rainforests of Central and West Africa, a quiet giant roams — smaller than its savanna cousin, but just as vital to its ecosystem. The African forest elephant, a master gardener of the jungle, spreads seeds and shapes the land with every step. Yet, despite its importance, this elusive creature is critically …