EARTH911 Podcast, March 4, 2019: Water, water, everywhere!

The Earth911 gang sits down to talk about the water we drink, the water we use, and the consequences of extreme water-related weather events. Evelyn Fielding-Lopez and Trey Granger survived the flu and travel challenges that kept the usual group from gathering, and they talk through the growing recognition of lead, carcinogenic 1,4-dioxane, and per- and polyfluoroalkyl used in dozens of familiar products in the water supply. California also introduced new legislation to establish a public trust for safe drinking water that could serve as a model for national approaches to preservation of supplies. We also discuss the rising tide of water-related weather impacts due to atmospheric warming that could severely limit fresh water available for human and agricultural use. Did you know that 38.4 percent of the contiguous U.S. was in drought at the beginning of February 2019? Evelyn and Trey dig into the reports from NOAA and other organizations warning of increasing drought. They look at recent news from Northern and Southern California, where weather aberrations are changing local life and economies. We also look at five natural solutions to dry skin and eco-tips for personal hygiene. The recycling crisis is also on tap with Earthling questions. Trey explains how PET plastic recycling is poised for a recovery, the ability to earn money from recycling, and the disposal of mercury.