Human Impact
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Plastic Pollution is Ick!
Plastic pollution is a big problem for our planet. From tiny plastic bits to large, large pieces floating in the ocean, plastic waste is everywhere—and it’s causing a lot of harm to our health, wildlife, and ecosystems. The vast majority of plastic is made from fossil fuels—crude oil, coal, and natural gas. What is Plastic Pollution? Plastic pollution happens when people don’t throw away plastic items like bottles, bags, wrappers, and straws properly, and these items end up in the environment. Unlike organic materials, plastic doesn’t break down naturally. Instead, it breaks into smaller pieces, called microplastics, which remain in the environment for hundreds or even thousands of years. How…
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Palm Oil: The Hidden Problems Behind It
I always dreamed of seeing orangutans in the wild. I knew that they are probably the most intelligent of all the great apes because of their ability to innovate and problem-solve. However, problems with palm oil production greatly threaten their habitat. In 2007, I finally scraped together the money to travel to Borneo. Little did I know, at 53 years old, I would find my passion. My Journey Begins When I landed in Jakarta, beginning my journey to Borneo, a suffocating haze greeted me. My eyes burned, my throat grew raspy, and smoke clung to my clothing and hair. I quickly learned the cause: illegal fires, set intentionally to clear…
