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When it comes to talking to children, many of us might instinctively simplify or even "dumb down" our language. But treating kids like they’re incapable of handling complexity can be more damaging than we realise. This practice, often labelled as "<keyword id="23912121" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="infantilisation" source="keywords">infantilisation</keyword>," stems from a form of age-based bias known as <em>adultism</em>, where society assumes that children lack the capability to engage meaningfully with complex issues. Yet, research increasingly suggests that children, if given the chance, can think critically, contribute insights, and show remarkable understanding — even on major topics like environmental ethics and social justice.<br /><h2>Full-fledged citizens</h2>Infantilising children can have several negative consequences, including undermining their self-confidence, stifling independence, and causing emotional dependence. Natalie M. Fletcher, a philosophy professor, argues that infantilising children restricts their potential to become active contributors in society. "Children are full-fledged citizens and not just future members of society," she points out. She highlights that children often have valuable perspectives, particularly on issues like friendship, where their thoughts are sometimes more nuanced than adults’ because these relationships are central to their lives.<br /><br />In her work, Fletcher emphasises that denying children the chance to engage in thoughtful dialogue can lead to the exclusion of a valuable dimension of knowledge and understanding, limiting society as a whole. Encouraging philosophical dialogue in children can empower them to see themselves as agents of change rather than passive future citizens.<br /><h2>Kids need complex conversations</h2>Infantilisation not only hinders mental and emotional development but also impacts children's ability to think independently. Experts warn that children constantly treated as incapable of handling complexity may struggle to develop essential skills like critical thinking and self-reliance. They might become overly dependent on authority figures, leading to low self-esteem and a reduced sense of autonomy as they mature. Encouraging children to express themselves and engage with challenging topics, on the other hand, supports their social and emotional growth, fostering resilience and independence.<br /><br />Additionally, infantilising children often stems from a desire to shield them from life’s complexities, particularly from “adult” topics like <keyword id="6361617" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="climate-change" source="Orion">climate change</keyword>. Fletcher argues, however, that children should be allowed to discuss issues like environmental justice, as they are the ones who will ultimately inherit the outcomes of today’s decisions. Children dealing with eco-anxiety, for example, benefit from having open dialogues about environmental concerns, which helps them feel empowered rather than overwhelmed.<br /><h2>Raising independent thinkers, not passive followers</h2>In Fletcher’s educational charity, Brila, children as young as five engage in philosophical discussions that promote critical thinking and active listening. This approach has been shown to help children view themselves as proactive thinkers. While parents may feel compelled to protect their kids from "too much too soon," providing age-appropriate explanations can prevent feelings of helplessness, giving kids the tools they need to become thoughtful, capable adults.<br /><br />As adults, fostering independence and <keyword id="23912120" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="critical-thinking-in-children" source="keywords">critical thinking in children</keyword> means embracing their ability to understand more than we may expect. Treating kids like the complex, capable individuals they are doesn't just support their growth — it strengthens society as a whole. Encouraging kids to share their thoughts and respecting their input can lead to a future generation that's better equipped to face and solve the challenges of tomorrow.<br />

Talking to your child like they’re a kid? Here’s why you might be doing more harm than good

We often think of skincare as a pampering ritual, an opportunity to nourish our skin and express our individuality. But as recent research from the University of Birmingham reveals, some of the popular “leave-on” products we use daily — like sunscreens, moisturisers, and lip balms — might be doing more harm than good. Specifically, <keyword id="19970180" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="microplastics" source="keywords">microplastics</keyword> in these products are flying under the radar, raising serious concerns about both environmental and health implications.<br /><br />While most regulatory frameworks have targeted rinse-off products — think face washes and shampoos—leave-on products have received scant attention. This oversight is alarming, especially considering that microplastics, which can be tiny plastic particles or fibres, are prevalent in many of our favorite skincare staples. Dr. Anna Kukkola, a researcher at the University of Birmingham, notes, “The contribution of ‘leave-on’ cosmetics to microplastic pollution is a critical, yet underexplored aspect of environmental contamination.”<br /><br />In their critical review, the researchers analysed 2,381 products and found that only two were classified as leave-on. This glaring gap can be attributed to several factors: the challenges in extracting microplastics from complex formulations and the prevailing public perception that the microplastic issue has been adequately addressed due to bans on rinse-off products. But the truth is, leave-on products could be significant contributors to the microplastic problem.<br /><h2><keyword id="19977451" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="health-risks" source="keywords">Health risks</keyword> of microplastics</h2>The health implications of daily exposure to microplastics in leave-on products remain largely uncharted territory. With limited research on how these particles interact with our skin after application, the potential for absorption into our bodies — through mechanisms such as hair follicles and sweat ducts — raises red flags. Dr. Kukkola emphasises this point, stating, “Given how much of these formulas our bodies can and do absorb, it is concerning that little to no research has taken place to investigate the associated health effects.”<br /><div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="114327120" title="An expert in how microplastics affect our health does 6 things to avoid them at home" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>Another critical insight from the study is the misuse of the term “microbeads.” Typically associated with rinse-off products, this term has been inaccurately applied to all microplastics in cosmetics, resulting in regulatory blind spots. This mislabeling has skewed global legislation towards rinse-off products, leaving a significant portion of the microplastic contamination from leave-on products unregulated.<br /><h2>Call for action and future research</h2>The researchers are not just pointing out problems; they are advocating for solutions. Collaborative efforts are underway to develop new methods for extracting and analysing microplastics in <keyword id="23630244" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="leave-on-cosmetics" source="keywords">leave-on cosmetics</keyword>. This initiative, spearheaded by Dr. Sophie Comer-Warner from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and Professor Iseult Lynch, aims to fill the critical knowledge gaps identified in the study.<br /><div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="114375709" title="Standing desks may not be a boon for health after all" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>Professor Lynch warns, “While the microplastics themselves might be relatively benign, a number of other chemicals are intrinsically bound into or onto the microplastics in complex leave-on formulations, including potentially PFAS, plasticisers, and other chemicals known to be either carcinogens or endocrine disruptors.”<br /><br />As we lather on our moisturisers and slather on <keyword id="19944313" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="sunscreen" source="keywords">sunscreen</keyword>, it’s crucial to be aware of what we’re putting on our skin. The <keyword id="20724496" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="beauty-industry" source="keywords">beauty industry</keyword> is evolving, and with it, our understanding of safety and <keyword id="20224419" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="environmental-impact" source="keywords">environmental impact</keyword> must grow. It’s time to advocate for better regulations and more research on the unseen dangers of our beloved leave-on <keyword id="20521267" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="skincare-products" source="keywords">skincare products</keyword>. By staying informed and demanding transparency from manufacturers, we can ensure that our beauty routines don’t come at the expense of our health or the environment.<br /><br />The findings of this research have been published in the <em>Journal of Hazardous Materials </em>and can be accessed <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.135053">here</a>.

Popular leave-on cosmetics such as sunscreen and lip balms may pose a hidden microplastic risk, scientists warn

Hit-making singer <keyword id="19939537" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Katy-Perry" source="keywords">Katy Perry</keyword> is no stranger to controversy, but this time, it’s not her music that’s drawing criticism. Instead, it’s the location of her latest music video for the single "<keyword id="22785007" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Lifetimes" source="keywords">Lifetimes</keyword>" that has sparked a public outcry. On August 13, <keyword id="22785006" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Spanish-authorities" source="keywords">Spanish authorities</keyword> announced an investigation into the production of the video, which was partially filmed on the protected dunes of S'Espalmador, a picturesque islet in the <keyword id="20202350" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Balearic-Islands" source="keywords">Balearic Islands</keyword>.<br /><br />These dunes are among the most ecologically significant areas in the Balearics, known for their fragile environment. The Balearic Islands' Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Environment revealed that the production team behind the video did not obtain the necessary authorisation to film in this sensitive area.<br />  <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="111125157" title="Katy Perry worked with Dr. Luke on her new album, despite Kesha&amp;#39;s allegations of sexual abuse" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>In the video, Perry can be seen dancing on the beach among the very dunes that are now at the centre of the controversy. The video then transitions to a nighttime party scene in the clubs of nearby <keyword id="22091639" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="ibiza" source="keywords">Ibiza</keyword>. While Perry herself didn’t trespass into a roped-off area, the issue lies in the production company’s failure to secure the required permits.<br /><br />The Ministry clarified in a statement that "in no case had the production company requested authorisation from the Ministry to carry out the filming, and that is why preliminary investigation actions have been initiated." However, the statement also noted that while the incident is under investigation, it is not considered a criminal offence but rather a potential <keyword id="22785005" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="environmental-infringement" source="keywords">environmental infringement</keyword>.<br />  <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="112412893" title="Katy Perry has released 2 stale songs and is in a &amp;#39;career crisis.&amp;#39; A PR expert says her comeback can still be salvaged — if she does it right" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>The law governing the area states, "The filming of photographic reports, cinematographic, videographic, or of any other kind that involve the taking of images in any medium and format with an advertising or commercial exhibition purpose requires the express authorisation of the competent ministry for the environment." This regulation is designed to protect delicate ecosystems from the potential impact of commercial activities.<br /><br />As the investigation unfolds, it remains to be seen what consequences, if any, Perry or her production team will face. The incident has sparked debate about the responsibilities of artists and their teams to ensure that their work does not harm the environment, especially in protected areas.<br />

Katy Perry is being accused of environmental infringement by Spanish authorities over shooting "Lifetimes" music video near a protected area

All Indian <keyword id="19926225" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="salt" source="keywords">salt</keyword> and <keyword id="20109149" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="sugar" source="keywords">sugar</keyword> brands, whether big or small, packaged or unpackaged, contain <keyword id="19970180" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="microplastics" source="keywords">microplastics</keyword>, according to a study published on Tuesday. The study, titled "Microplastics in Salt and Sugar" and conducted by the <keyword id="22774411" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="environmental-research-organisation" source="keywords">environmental research organisation</keyword> <keyword id="21593811" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Toxics-Link" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Toxics Link" meta.hostid="281" meta.entityid="Toxics Link">Toxics Link</keyword>, tested 10 types of salt -- including table salt, rock salt, <keyword id="158885" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="sea-salt" source="Orion">sea salt</keyword> and local raw salt -- and five types of sugar purchased from both online and local markets. <br /><br />The study revealed the presence of microplastics in all salt and sugar samples, in various forms, including fibre, pellets, films and fragments. The size of these microplastics ranged from 0.1 mm to 5 mm. <br /><br />The highest levels of microplastics were found in <keyword id="630077" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="iodised-salt" source="Orion">iodised salt</keyword>, in the form of multi-coloured thin fibre and films. <br /><br />Toxics Link founder-director Ravi Agarwal said, "The objective of our study was to contribute to the existing scientific database on microplastics, so that the global plastic treaty can address this issue in a concrete and focused manner." <br /><br />"We also aim to trigger policy action and attract researchers' attention to potential technological interventions that could reduce exposure risks to microplastics." <br /><br />Toxics Link associate director Satish Sinha added, "Our study's finding of substantial amounts of microplastics in all salt and sugar samples is concerning and calls for urgent, comprehensive research into the long-term health impacts of microplastics on human health." <br /><br />The concentration of microplastics in the salt samples ranged from 6.71 to 89.15 pieces per kilogramme of dry weight, the report said. Iodised salt had the highest concentration of microplastics (89.15 pieces per kilogramme) while organic rock salt had the lowest (6.70 pieces per kilogramme), according to the study. <br /><br />In sugar samples, the concentration of microplastics ranged from 11.85 to 68.25 pieces per kilogramme, with the highest concentration found in non-organic sugar. Microplastics are a growing global concern because they can harm both health and the environment. These tiny plastic particles can enter the human body through food, water and air. <br /><br />Recent research has found microplastics in human organs such as the lungs, heart, and even in breast milk and unborn babies. Previous studies found that the average Indian consumes 10.98 grams of salt and around 10 spoons of sugar every day -- much higher than the <keyword id="19896311" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="world-health-organization" source="keywords">World Health Organization</keyword>'s recommended limits.

All Indian salt and sugar brands have microplastics, notes a recent study

A day ahead of the final Budget presentation, India released the <keyword id="20613906" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="economic-survey" source="keywords">Economic Survey</keyword> 2023-2024, outlining a plethora of optimistic — and some bittersweet — indicators of the health of the nation’s economy. When you consider the climate-related aspects of the report, there’s a ton of good news: we have achieved massive strides in clean power generation, while cutting out a ton of dirty emissions from our products.<br /><br />However, scroll down to the bottom of the report, and you find a scathing criticism of the “western” approach to climate change. Here's a closer look at why, and what clues do such narratives hold about India's <keyword id="22513472" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="environmental-strategy" source="keywords">environmental strategy</keyword> in coming years.<br /><h2>Problems with the “Western way”</h2>The major criticism, as per the survey, is that the Western approach to climate change is far too alarmist. They argue that this “one-size-fits-all” attitude often fails to account for the diverse needs of countries like India. To that end, it also points out that the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) promotes "accelerated and equitable mitigation pathways" that don't always align with the developmental priorities of <keyword id="20353838" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="developing-nations" source="keywords">developing nations</keyword>.<br /><br />Additionally, the report notes that Western solutions often prioritise market-based strategies to sustain high consumption levels rather than addressing the root issue of overconsumption. The survey emphasises that <keyword id="20224417" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="sustainable-living" source="keywords">sustainable living</keyword> is deeply ingrained in <keyword id="19983840" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Indian-culture" source="keywords">Indian culture</keyword>, which contrasts sharply with the consumption-driven lifestyle prevalent in the West. This focus on high consumption misses the mark, as it doesn't consider the environmental impact of such lifestyles.<br /><br />And for the most part, this bit is true; Indian history is enriched with traditions that emphasise the conservation of nature. As <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1155/2017/3828609">per estimates</a>, religious practices have preserved an estimated 1.5 lakh sacred groves across India, and natural conservation efforts can be traced back to the time of Ashoka.<br />    <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="111925936" title="Economic Survey 2023-24: Where does India stand on the employment, and what&amp;#39;s next?" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>Therefore, it may not be entirely inaccurate to say that in India, sustainability isn't a new concept; it's a way of life. Traditional Indian practices like using reusable materials, upcycling, and embracing minimalism have always promoted sustainability. The survey highlights that these practices are now threatened by Western capitalist ideals that equate consumption with progress. By returning to these roots, India can offer a model of sustainability that's both practical and culturally relevant.<br /><h2>Fixation on technical solutions</h2>The Economic Survey also critiques the Western obsession with high-tech solutions, such as solar-powered buildings and electric vehicles. These solutions require substantial financial and infrastructural resources that many developing countries simply don't have. Moreover, they often overlook the broader environmental impact and lifecycle costs associated with urban sprawl and high-density living. Instead, the survey suggests that simpler, more holistic solutions might be more effective and sustainable.<br />    <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="111774972" title="Economic Survey shows India&amp;#39;s energy needs to grow 2.5x, healthy growth in formal employment" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>However, this does not mean that India refuses to embrace greener tech. Not only has the country launched various initiatives to promote energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions, it also aims to to generate 40% of its energy from non-fossil fuel sources by 2030. As per the report, India is the only G20 country on track to meet the 2°C warming commitment under the Paris Agreement, with significant investments in <keyword id="19895602" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="renewable-energy" source="keywords">renewable energy</keyword>, particularly solar power.<br /><h2><keyword id="20269618" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Mission-LiFE" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Mission LiFE" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="Mission LiFE">Mission LiFE</keyword>: A sustainable initiative</h2>In order to help reinforce and rejuvenate the Indian way, the survey highlights Prime Minister Modi's Lifestyle for Environment initiative, or Mission LiFE. This initiative underscores individual responsibility in combating climate change, drawing from ancient Indian philosophy that advocates for a naturally sustainable lifestyle. By focusing on small, individual actions that collectively lead to significant environmental benefits, Mission LiFE contrasts sharply with the Western top-down policy approach. This grassroots strategy could be key to achieving real, lasting change, the report asserts.<br />    <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="111927198" title="On the right track — Economic Survey 2023-24 outlines India’s commendable climate action" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>All in all, the report challenges the dominance of Western policies and offers a pathway that could be more adaptable and relevant for other developing nations facing similar challenges. With its ongoing progress towards climate goals, India is well-placed to lead by example, showcasing a sustainable and culturally attuned approach to environmental stewardship.<br />

Why did the latest Economic Survey of India heavily shun the ‘Western ways’ of climate action?

A recent study by <keyword id="19898366" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="harvard" source="keywords">Harvard</keyword> and the <keyword id="23109326" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="european-university-of-rome" source="keywords">European University of Rome</keyword> has uncovered a striking connection between early-life exposure to <keyword id="55910" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="air-pollution" source="Orion">air pollution</keyword> and economic outcomes in adulthood. Published in the <em>Proceedings of the <keyword id="21125238" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="national-academy-of-sciences" source="keywords">National Academy of Sciences</keyword></em>, the <a href="https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2401882121" data-type="tilCustomLink">research</a> highlights how infants exposed to higher levels of fine particulate air pollution (PM2.5) are likely to earn less as adults, with the most significant impacts observed in the Midwest and South of the United States.<br /><br />“This study takes a big step toward filling the knowledge gap on the crucial link between environmental factors and long-term economic outcomes,” said Francesca Dominici, lead author and professor at Harvard. The findings underscore how environmental pollution, particularly air quality, plays a significant role in shaping not just public health but economic mobility and well-being later in life.<br />  <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="112921592" title="Indoor air pollution poses greater health risk than outdoor: Experts" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div><br /><h2>Key findings<br /></h2>The study focused on US individuals born between 1978 and 1983, analysing their PM2.5 exposure from 1980 to 2010, and compared it to their earnings in 2014-2015 when they were between 31 and 37 years old. The results were telling: a one-unit increase in PM2.5 exposure was associated with a 1.146% decrease in <keyword id="23109325" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="economic-earnings" source="Orion">economic earnings</keyword>, measured using a statistic called <keyword id="23109327" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Absolute-Upward-Mobility" source="Orion">Absolute Upward Mobility</keyword> (AUM).<br /><br />The data revealed that this impact was not uniform across the country. Midwestern and Southern regions saw the highest negative effects, suggesting regional disparities in both air quality and its long-term economic impacts.<br /><h2>Call for action<br /></h2>The authors argue that these findings should encourage the creation of stringent national air quality standards, as well as targeted interventions to address pollution in highly affected regions. Luca Merlo, co-lead author, emphasised the importance of addressing both environmental and economic inequalities through integrated policies.<br /><br />This research builds on growing evidence of the far-reaching consequences of air pollution, further solidifying the argument that improving air quality is not only vital for public health but also for fostering economic growth and opportunity.<br />  <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="112853990" title="India saw 19.3% drop in particulate pollution in 2022, adding 51 days to life expectancy: Report" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div><br />

Harvard study links exposure to air pollution in infancy to reduced earnings in adulthood

Imagine taking your date out one night in hopes of dazzling them with your astronomy rizz and naming every constellation in the sky — sounds super romantic, no? Except, a long, hard look at the sky through your telescope, unravels patterns unlike any constellations you’ve ever seen since childhood. It then dawns on you that those aren’t star clusters, but human-made garbage — quite a bit of it, in fact.<br /><br />Humanity has had a tradition of leaving its mark wherever it went for a long time now. The only difference is that while early human ancestors left some harmless wall art in the caves they inhabited, leaving a trail of trash is more our style. And sadly, space hasn’t been spared either.<br /><br />Over 160 million pieces of human-made debris clutter Earth's orbit, whizzing around at speeds of 15 kilometres per second! Even a tiny piece can wreak havoc, potentially destroying <keyword id="19977109" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="satellites" source="keywords">satellites</keyword> critical for our daily lives. This space junk jeopardises everything from <keyword id="21708436" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="GPS-navigation" source="keywords">GPS navigation</keyword> to internet access, financial services, and even monitoring <keyword id="21201859" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="environmental-disasters" source="keywords">environmental disasters</keyword>.<br /><br />Enter <a href="https://spacetrashsigns.org/">Space Trash Signs</a>, a groundbreaking initiative raising awareness about this invisible threat. Launched by a coalition of <keyword id="21118038" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="aerospace-companies" source="keywords">aerospace companies</keyword>, scientists, and artists, <keyword id="21708435" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Space-Trash-Signs" source="keywords">Space Trash Signs</keyword> uses a unique approach: constellations made entirely of <keyword id="943402" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="space-debris" source="Orion">space debris</keyword>!<br /><br />The company wanted to make space debris tangible for the public and educate them about the daily life consequences. Constellations were created as a way of mapping and understanding the stars in the night sky. This served as inspiration to propose the same for space debris.<br /><br />Each of these ten "trash constellations" represent a different consequence of space pollution. "The Broken Compass" warns of losing GPS, impacting billions and crippling modern aviation. "The Great 404" signifies limited internet access, potentially isolating entire communities. "The <keyword id="21708438" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="lost-harvest" source="keywords">Lost Harvest</keyword>" highlights the danger to vital environmental data collected by satellites, data that helps prevent famines and environmental disasters.<br /><br />Spotting space junk isn’t possible for the common man even though there is so much of it because they do not emit light and aren’t nearly as massive as stars. But <keyword id="21708437" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="space-trash" source="keywords">Space Trash</keyword> Signs builds on our natural fascination with the fiery bodies, says Alex Schill, Chief Creative Officer at Serviceplan Group. It serves as a powerful way to educate people about a critical issue that affects us all.<br /><br />However, Space Trash Signs isn't just about grabbing attention. The constellations are built using real-time data from <keyword id="21555945" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Privateer" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Privateer" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="Privateer">Privateer</keyword>, a space observation company co-founded by Steve Wozniak. This data pinpoints the location, size, and even origin of each piece of debris. For example, "The Lost Harvest" appears over the Amazon rainforest, highlighting the threat to this biodiverse region.<br /><br />The initiative doesn't stop there. Space Trash Signs come alive in over 700 planetariums worldwide, offering an immersive experience. They're also integrated into popular AR stargazing apps, bringing the issue directly to the fingertips.<br /><br />A clever digital campaign further emphasises the consequences. Imagine encountering staged website errors, failed parcel tracking, or missing weather forecasts. These seemingly random glitches all lead to the Space Trash Signs website, where you can learn more, explore the constellations, and even take action.<br /><br />“There are some internationally agreed upon guidelines on debris clean-up and prevention. But none of these mechanisms has enforceability. If we don’t change our behavior, space will become unusable,” says chief scientist Dr Moriba Jah, Privateer.<br /><br />Space Trash Signs is a growing movement, uniting a diverse group of organisations and individuals under the banner of a clean and sustainable space future.<br />

Can you name these new space trash constellations? 10 new signs highlight consequences of space garbage

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Tesla's gigafactory outside Austin won't have to follow the city's environmental regulations. </li><li>The EV company was granted an exemption thanks to a new state law.</li></ul><p>Tesla's massive gigafactory outside Austin, Texas will no longer have to follow local environmental regulations, thanks to a recent state law.</p><p>Tesla's <a target="_blank" href="https://www.tesla.com/giga-texas">2,500-acre property</a>, which includes its 10-million-square-foot electric vehicle gigafactory, is in unincorporated land on the outskirts of Austin. </p><p>Despite not being directly in the city, most of that land was still part of Austin's "extraterritorial jurisdiction" (ETJ), which allowed the city to regulate developments outside its limits.</p><p>In February, Tesla applied for an exemption from Austin's ETJ, which the city's Planning Department approved in March. </p><p>The exemption was first reported by <a target="_blank" href="https://www.bizjournals.com/austin/news/2024/04/22/tesla-gigafactory-etj-austin.html?utm_source=st&amp;utm_medium=en&amp;utm_campaign=inno&amp;ana=e_n&amp;utm_content=au">the Austin Business Journal</a> this week.</p><p>The exemption was possible thanks to a new state law that went into effect in September and allows landowners to request to be removed from jurisdictions so that they can develop land with fewer regulations. </p><p>Several cities in the state have already sued to block the law, including Grand Prairie, which argued in a filing that the law will hurt the city's ability to protect the health, safety, and welfare of those who live in and around its borders.</p><p>But under the law, cities don't have much leeway to deny a landowner's request, Austin's director of planning previously said, according to the Austin Business Journal.</p><p>Tesla's ETJ exemption will enable the electric vehicle company to further develop its land without having to follow the city's environmental restrictions, which an Austin city spokesperson acknowledged could harm locals.</p><p>"Releasing properties from the ETJ impacts the City because development in the ETJ is subject to limited subdivision regulation as well as regulation of water quality and flooding issues," Shelley Parks, an Austin city spokesperson, said in a statement to Business Insider. "All affect people in both the ETJ and the City itself." </p><p>Tesla did not respond to a request for comment from Business Insider.</p><p>When the Texas gigafactory was still under construction before its 2022 opening, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/tesla-gigafactory">Elon Musk promised it would be an "ecological paradise</a>" with walking trails for the public along the neighboring Colorado River.</p><p>Musk's companies have had issues with environmental regulations in the past, however. In February, Tesla settled a lawsuit accusing them of <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/tesla-will-pay-31000-to-settle-us-epa-hazardous-waste-claims-2019-4">mishandling hazardous waste</a> in California. Meanwhile, the Boring Company has been accused of <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/texans-criticize-elon-musk-plans-for-dumping-boring-company-wastewater-2023-3">letting untreated wastewater drain</a> into the Colorado River.</p>

Tesla found a way to get out of environmental regulations at its Texas gigafactory

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s early life was overshadowed by the murder of his father.</li><li>He later struggled with a drug addiction.</li></ul><p>Robert F. Kennedy's children have spent a lifetime trying to add their marks to their slain father's legacy. They made history in public service, followed his footsteps into Congress, and contributed to an Academy Award-nominated documentary. Like their relatives born into the generation after Camelot, some struggled to shake <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/kennedy-family-tragedies-curse-assassinations-plane-crashes-2023-3">the tinge of tragedy and scandal</a> that continues to hang around the famous family.</p><p>Robert F. Kennedy's namesake has seen all elements of this journey.</p><p>The first Kennedy to run for the presidency in decades,<a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/who-is-robert-f-kennedy-rfk-jr-2023-7"> Robert F. Kennedy Jr.</a> is doing so without the family's well-documented loyalty. Instead, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/kennedy-family-members-who-oppose-rfk-jr-campaign-2024-2024-4">some of his siblings </a>have begged him to drop out. For years, they have worried, in increasingly public ways, that he's eroding the foundation of why the nation reveres them so much in the first place.</p><h2 id="bbfa73a4-629f-45ee-a9a7-1f394f9295e7"><strong>The son of the expected next Kennedy president.</strong></h2><p>Born into privilege in 1954, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was raised between Massachusetts and suburban Virginia estates. He took an early interest in the outdoors, an affinity aided by the menagerie of animals kept at Hickory Hill, the family's McLean, Virginia mansion. He was the third of the 11 eventual children born to RFK and<a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/rfk-widow-says-assassin-sirhan-sirhan-should-not-get-parole-2021-9"> Ethel Kennedy.</a></p><p>He was asleep in his dorm at Georgetown Preparatory School on June 5, 1968, when a priest awoke him. He wasn't told what was happening, only that a ride would soon take him back to Hickory Hill. At the family home, he was told his dad had been shot the night before. He, Kathleen, and Joseph P. II flew out on Vice President Hubert Humphery's plane in a rush to be by their father's side.</p><p class="p2">Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was later a pallbearer at his father's funeral, joined by Astronaut John Glenn and former Defense Secretary Robert McNamara.</p><div type="image" title="Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (front right) helps carry his father's casket" height="686" width="1024" msid="110340066" hostid="261" sizebytes="53690"></div><p class="p2">The 14-year-old never returned to <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/georgetown-prep-school-brett-kavanaugh-neil-gorsuch-2018-8">Georgetown Prep</a>, which now counts two Supreme Court justices and multiple lawmakers among its influential alumni. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. bounced between three private schools before graduating from high school. </p><p class="p2">At Millbrook School in New York, he briefly kept a lion cub gifted to him by former "Tonight Show" host Jack Paar. Kennedy was forced to find a new home for the animal, aptly named Mtoto Mbaya, "Boy Boy" in Swahili, after a string of incidents, including when it bit the backside of the school's zoo keeper, according to "Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and the Dark Side of the Dream," an unauthorized 2015 biography. It wasn't the animal that got him kicked out.</p><p class="p2">Kennedy had begun to use drugs and not just marijuana, according to the 2015 book. Officials became increasingly concerned that they would be held responsible if another Kennedy died on their watch. Years later, Kennedy would tell Oprah that the source of his drug problems didn't truly matter. He viewed his problems more as being a product of the 1960s. Whatever the reason, his drug use would lead to repeated brushes with the law.</p><h2 id="1c32ab07-7e3c-4741-924b-27f9890e54ef"><strong>Kennedy graduates from Harvard, but drug use continues to hang over him.</strong></h2><p>After graduating from high school, Kennedy attended Harvard, the alma mater of his father, uncle, and grandfather. Like JFK, RFK Jr. would see his senior thesis turned into a book. Unfortunately for him, reviewers reacted harshly to the tome about federal judge Frank M. Johnson Jr., whose rulings played a major role in the Civil Rights movement.</p><p class="p2">After briefly attending the London School of Economics, Kennedy graduated from the University of Virginia Law School. While in Charlottesville, Kennedy met his first wife, Emily Black. Their wedding in Black's native Bloomington, Indiana, received international coverage as the Midwesterner joined the nation's foremost political family. The couple had two children together.</p><div type="image" title="Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is seen on his first wedding day" height="690" width="1024" msid="110340067" hostid="261" sizebytes="29434"></div><p class="p2">He filed for divorce in 1994 in the Dominican Republic, taking advantage of a local law that allows foreigners to file for divorce there and potentially trying to avoid media scrutiny.</p><p class="p2">In March 1982, Manhattan District Attorney Robert Morgenthau, whom JFK had previously appointed to lead the famous Southern District of New York, hired RFK Jr. as an assistant district attorney. The famous son's first brush with politics in New York, the state his father represented in the US Senate, did not go well. Kennedy struggled to pass the bar exam. He resigned in July 1983.</p><p class="p2">Months later, Kennedy would spark his largest legal scandal. While on the way to receive treatment in South Dakota for his addiction, a fellow passenger found him sick in an airplane's bathroom. Local authorities later found a small amount of heroin in his belongings. He faced up to two years in prison, according to The New York Times. Kennedy was sentenced to probation and community service.</p><h2 id="fd42bb34-5aa3-47c5-ab6e-4b6d3d6503c6"><strong>Kennedy found a new advocacy after his lowest moment.</strong></h2><p class="p2">Kennedy's lowest moment led to his greatest reinvention. As part of his community service, he worked for the Natural Resources Defense Council and was later connected with the Hudson River Fishermen's Association. Robert Boyle, founder of the New York environmental group, began to mentor Kennedy. The organization already had notched major legal victories, but Kennedy's star power would help take it to new heights.</p><p class="p2">He was so committed to his new career that in 1994, he married Mary Richardson, a longtime friend of his sister Kerry Kennedy, aboard a ship on the Hudson River.</p><div type="image" title="Robert F. Kennedy Jr. poses for a photo with actress Glenn Close in front of the Hudson River" height="717" width="1024" msid="110340068" hostid="261" sizebytes="62120"></div><p class="p2">But his relationship with Boyle did not last. His mentor later recalled that he was less than thrilled about the celebrities Kennedy soon brought onto the organization's board. He also chafed at his former protegé's other actions, particularly Kennedy's decision to hire a scientist named William Wegner. Kennedy defended hiring Wegner, who had served time in federal prison, saying that giving him a second chance was the right thing to do. Boyle was incensed given that Wegener was sentenced over his connections to a<a target="_blank" href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2024/03/02/robert-f-kennedy-jr-rfk-riverkeeper-egg-smuggler/"> bird smuggling ring</a>. Boyle and seven other officials later resigned from Riverkeeper's board in protest.</p><p class="p2">"I think he's a despicable person," Boyle told Kennedy's unauthorized biographer in 2014. Boyle's children recently told The Washington Post that his father later couldn't even bear looking at the Hudson as it was too much of a reminder of Kennedy's betrayal.</p><p class="p2">As for Kennedy, his environmental advocacy became the foundation of his fame. In 1999, Time Magazine named Kennedy one of its "Heroes for the Planet" as part of a series of reports on leading environmentalists.</p><p class="p2">While gaining fame, Kennedy began to notice problems with his voice. He recently told The Los Angeles Times that he was 42 when he first noticed the problem. Kennedy was later diagnosed with <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/why-rfk-jr-voice-raspy-cause-spasmodic-dysphonia-2023-8">spasmodic dysphonia</a>, a rare neurological condition that affects muscles in one's voice box.</p><p class="p2">In 2010, Kennedy filed for divorce from Richardson, the mother of four of his six children. Two years later, she died by suicide at the couple's former Bedford estate.</p><h2 id="0bc52c2f-eeb4-43c1-b871-bc5e8352a934"><strong>After years of environmentalism, Kennedy became the face of anti-vaccine advocacy.</strong></h2><p class="p2">After decades of environmental advocacy, Kennedy prepared to make his most controversial turn. In his retelling, mothers began to approach him at events to question whether vaccines had affected their children.</p><p class="p2">In 2005, Kennedy wrote a piece for Salon and Rolling Stone that is now regarded as establishing him as a <a target="_blank" href="https://www.statnews.com/2017/01/10/kennedy-vaccine-book/">major player in spreading vaccine skepticism</a>. Despite his claims of a major conspiracy over a mercury-based preservative that had already been "removed from all childhood vaccines except for some variations of the flu vaccine in 2001," according to STAT. Within days, Salon, which published the piece online, issued five corrections. In 2011, the site decided to retract the article entirely.</p><p class="p2">In 2014, Kennedy married the actress <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/robert-kennedy-jr-net-worth-cheryl-hines-15-million-2023-8">Cheryl Hines,</a> best known for her co-starring role in the Larry David-led "Curb Your Enthusiasm."</p><p class="p2">One year later, Kennedy joined the World Health Defense Fund. He continued to be involved with Riverkeeper, but his anti-vaccine advocacy overwhelmed his public persona.</p><p class="p2">Kennedy's name fueled his rise in the movement, which drew on the credibility of his environmentalism and his famous family. In turn, the now-presidential hopeful began to cobble together what the Associated Press would later deem <a target="_blank" href="https://apnews.com/article/how-rfk-jr-built-anti-vaccine-juggernaut-amid-covid-4997be1bcf591fe8b7f1f90d16c9321e#">"an anti-vaccine juggernaut"</a> that he deployed when the COVID-19 pandemic arrived.</p>

How RFK Kennedy Jr. turned from tragedy and tumult to environmentalism before becoming the face of vaccine skepticism

Have you been harbouring the misimpression that the worst thing that could happen to you while commuting to work is getting stuck in rush hour traffic? As it turns out, being trapped in your car for the duration is even worse because you could be inadvertently breathing in <keyword id="21593992" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="cancer-causing-air" source="keywords">cancer-causing air</keyword>. This is a real bummer, considering rolling down your windows would mean inhaling polluted air most of the time.<br /><br />New research has found <keyword id="21589825" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="flame-retardants" source="keywords">flame retardants</keyword> in nearly all (99%) of the cars tested in the US. These chemicals, including tris (1,3-dichloro-2-propyl) phosphate (TDCIPP) and tris (2-chloroethyl) phosphate (TCEP).<br /><br />Why is this a problem? These chemicals are linked to cancer, <keyword id="21593994" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="neurological-problems" source="keywords">neurological problems</keyword>, and even lower IQ in children. In fact, even firefighters seem to have been raising concerns about flame retardants potentially contributing to their high cancer rates. <br /><br />And companies have been adding these potentially carcinogenic flame retardants to car seats and other materials, off-gassing harmful chemicals into the air you breathe.<br /><br />“Considering the average driver spends about an hour in the car every day, this is a significant <keyword id="21593993" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="public-health-issue" source="keywords">public health issue</keyword>. It’s particularly concerning for drivers with longer commutes as well as child passengers, who breathe more air pound for pound than adults,” explains lead author Rebecca Hoehn, a scientist at <keyword id="20075490" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Duke-University" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Duke University" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="Duke University">Duke University</keyword>.<br /><br />Here's the kicker: exposure seems to be worse during hot weather. Car interiors can reach scorching temperatures, causing these flame retardants to break down and pollute the air you breathe. <br /><br />The good news? There's a safer way. California, US, for example, updated its flammability standards for furniture and baby products to eliminate flame retardants without compromising safety. This update actually led to a decrease in flame retardant levels in homes, proving there's a better path forward.<br /><br />While opening windows and parking in the shade can help, the real solution lies in urging <keyword id="19996197" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="car-manufacturers" source="keywords">car manufacturers</keyword> and safety regulators to update outdated standards. We shouldn't have to choose between fire safety and our health. “Commuting to work shouldn’t come with a cancer risk, and children shouldn’t breathe in chemicals that can harm their brains on their way to school,” says the study’s co-author Lydia Jahl, a senior scientist at the Green Science Policy Institute.<br /><br />The findings of this study have been detailed in <em>Environmental Science &amp; Technology</em> and can be accessed <a href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.est.3c10440">here</a>.<br />

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