The Lobster War Between Sweden and Maine

The future of North American lobster exports to the European Union was threatened when 32 “surly” reddish green lobsters were found in Scandinavian waters.

The Problem With a Bendy Straw Law

The bendy straw was invented at the Varsity Sweet Shop in 1937. Where are we going? To why it’s tough to eliminate the bendy straw. But first some history… The Invention of the Bendy Straw Sitting at the Varsity Sweet…

Doing an Environmental Good Turn With a Revolving Door

Increasing everyday sustainability, using a revolving building door rather than one that swings would add less to our individual carbon footprint.

What The Last Supper Says About Food Portions

Looking at entrée, bread and plate sizes in versions of the Last Supper during the past millennium gives us some clues about portion size history.

Why the U.K. Wants a Latte Levy

Because the polyethylene in coffee cups prevents proper recycling, the British parliament is considering a latte levy to solve the problem.

China’s Recycling Reversal

When China told the WTO it would no longer recycle a lot of the world’s waste, it created a ripple of externalities from Hong Kong to Portland, Oregon.

The Town That Is Fighting a Leaf Blower War

Assume you drive from Los Angeles to Denver. Then, you blow leaves for one hour. The leaf blower will create more “smog forming” pollution than your car:   Where are we going? To delayed gratification. But first, a leaf blower…

Why HOT Lanes are a Hot Topic

In the high-occupancy toll lanes outside of Washington D.C., you could pay close to $4.00 a mile. Just for a 9-mile stretch along Interstate 66, the toll has totaled $40.00. Should economists applaud? Controlling Congestion On December 5, 2017, commuters…

When Garbage Is More Than Trash

Our story starts in a college dining room when students said the mayonnaise did not taste right. It turns out that a shipment of mayonnaise to Michigan State University had frozen. Yes, you could eat the mayo (I checked). It just…

The Shrinking Cities Problem

An idyllic mountain village wants you. The town has one shop, a church, houses that have been there forever, and a population that has shrunk to 240. It is located in the Swiss Alps. Albinen’s plusses include clean air, magnificent views, and…