Local governments typically provide their communities with waste management services, including waste removal, storage, and disposal. These services are often provided by contracting with private sector providers. In addition, local communities may collaborate with other stakeholders to streamline the waste and recycling process. For example, authorities may enter agreements with local businesses to encourage recycling and reduce waste. Waste policy can have far-reaching impacts. For example, promoting environmentally conscious waste disposal and waste reduction programs are common ways local leaders attempt to increase sustainability.
Sarah-Jeanne Royer is a research scientist for Hawai’i Pacific University and an oceanographer for The Ocean Cleanup. She studies how different types of plastic microfibers degrade over time in the varying conditions they encounter in the marine environment. ESAL spoke with Royer about her hands-on work to curb plastic pollution.
As a lightweight, inexpensive, and durable material which can be utilized in a wide range of applications, plastic is ubiquitous. The United States leads the world as the largest generator of plastic packaging waste on a per-capita basis. Despite its usefulness, scientists have raised concerns that plastic waste could lead to damaging environmental and health […]
ESAL interviewed material scientist Omar Gowayed about his journey to becoming a laser researcher and science activist. We discuss how identity and interests come together to motivate efforts that focus on bridging connections between the public and evidence-based research.
In November, ESAL spoke to members of the Wastewater Epidemiology for the Bay Area (Covid-WEB) team about wastewater epidemiology for SARS-CoV-2 and the Covid-WEB project.
ESAL spoke with Kendra Zamzow, an environmental chemist in Chickaloon, Alaska who provides scientific input to mining approval decisions on behalf of community groups and tribes throughout the country. The conversation covered the scientific and engineering issues associated with mining and how regulators learn about and use that information.
ESAL Founder Arti Garg writes about how her work with a municipal task force showed her the connection between local litter abatement and San Francisco Bay health. She encourages readers to learn the role their local government plays in the science policy issues that matter to them.
