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Alarms have been raised about the presence of medications in the water supply both from flushing and from after consumption flushing and from farm runoff.
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And I happened across Chicago's solution --
Studies have shown the presence of a wide range of over-the-counter and prescription drugs in our waterways due to the flushing of old or unwanted meds and human waste.
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Chicago has come up with a solution. According to the Environmental News Service, the Windy City has set up drop boxes at five police stations where people can deposit expired or unused prescription drugs. The meds will then be packaged and sent to a state-authorized incinerator for destruction.
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Mayor Richard Daley is quoted in the article: "Many people may not be aware that improperly disposing of prescription or over-the-counter drugs, such as flushing them down the toilet, contributes to pharmaceuticals found in our waterways."
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In March, according to the article, the Illinois EPA tested the drinking water of five public water supplies in Illinois, and identified 16 pharmaceuticals, including caffeine, nicotine, aspirin and the insect repellent DEET, prescription drugs such as the antibiotic penicillin, the anti-convulsant Dilantin and the thyroid hormone replacement Levothyroxine.
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While this is a step in the right direction, the article says the majority of trace pharmaceuticals found in the city's waterways are the result of human and livestock excretion.
While this is a step in the right direction, the article says the majority of trace pharmaceuticals found in the city's waterways are the result of human and livestock excretion.
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Riverkeeper, a New York-based environmental group that inspired river-, bay- and water-keepers worldwide, has proposed a three-pronged plan for reducing or eliminating the presence of pharmaceuticals in drinking water.
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The presence of a wide range of over-the-counter and prescription drugs, including antibiotics and hormones, was publicized by the Associated Press this week, after years of findings by government and independent scientists.
The presence of a wide range of over-the-counter and prescription drugs, including antibiotics and hormones, was publicized by the Associated Press this week, after years of findings by government and independent scientists.
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Junk Mail being one of my Pet Peeves, this was interesting --
Postal employee Steve Padgett of Apex, North Carolina decided to take matters into his own hands, according to the Christian Science Monitor. The Vietnam Vet, known as "Mailman Steve," has spent years hording the junk mail he was supposed to be delivering to customers on his route. Recently, Mailman Steve was sentenced to three years of probation, a $3,000 fine, and 500 hours of community service for delaying and destroying mail -- a tractor-trailer's worth.
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However, as the Monitor points out, the community congratulated Mailman Steve as much as punished him. While no one apparently complained about not getting their junk mail for years (hmm, interesting!), many commended him for making their lives simpler.
However, as the Monitor points out, the community congratulated Mailman Steve as much as punished him. While no one apparently complained about not getting their junk mail for years (hmm, interesting!), many commended him for making their lives simpler.
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Bills to stop unwanted mail have been introduced in 19 states in the last two years, though none has passed, in part because of strong opposition by the direct mail industry, which is said to affect employment of 10 million people. Interestingly, direct mail has been increasing in volume in recent years, despite decreases in other types of snail mail and a slackening economy. Plus, the industry points out that the technique is important to small and local businesses, who often cannot afford broadcast or other advertising.
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The site goes on to offer Say Nyet to Junk Mail
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Do the planet, and yourself, a favor and get your name off direct mail lists. We use 100 million trees and 28 billion gallons of water to produce junk mail for just one year, according to greendimes.com.
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You can stop 75% of all junk mail by registering for the Mail Preference Service on the Direct Marketing Association Website. For a fee of $1, they will help remove your name and address from prospective mailing lists. Be patient, as it may take up to 90 days for most mail to stop. But you will be glad you did.
You can stop 75% of all junk mail by registering for the Mail Preference Service on the Direct Marketing Association Website. For a fee of $1, they will help remove your name and address from prospective mailing lists. Be patient, as it may take up to 90 days for most mail to stop. But you will be glad you did.
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The following offer an assortment of gift gifting ideas:
Grist offers 10 great ideas for "stuff-free" holiday gifts and Bill McKibbon offered Are you brave enough to say no to a high-stress holiday?, as well as their on line store.
Defenders of Wildlife , the creators of the following video -
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1 comment:
Drink lots of water and your dont have to bye meds! Frighting thought.
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