CALPIRG

Ensuring that the materials delivered to a recycling facility are actually processed into something new is just one of our criteria for accurately counting the total percentage of our nation's recycling rate.

Good news: Our nation's best bill for tackling plastic waste is back! A big thank you to U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley and U.S. Representative Alan Lowenthal for re-introducing the Break Free From Plastic Pollution Act.

Tax breaks, production incentives, and other subsidies are fueling the oil and gas industry to the tune of $20 billion each year. Just imagine how that money could help ramp up the transition to clean, renewable energy.

Two annual rankings of the most pesticide-laden and pesticide-free fruits and vegetables, the "Dirty Dozen" and the "Clean Fifteen," have just been released. Purchasing organic or frozen produce whenever possible is often the best way to minimize pesticide intake.

Nearly 95% of school buses are fueled by diesel, whose nasty exhaust fumes drive up carbon emissions and negatively impact public health. Transitioning to all-electric fleets over the next 10 years will eliminate millions of tons of greenhouse gas emissions each year.

The work of unpaid family caregivers has gone undervalued even as their contributions have been vital. As America ages, we'll have even more need of the care they provide. Read more: https://uspirgedfund.org/feature/usf/vital-and-undervalued

Our health care heroes are risking their own safety and security to continue their valiant work of caring for our nation’s most vulnerable. And we must rally around them and our vulnerable residents.

The "United States is by far the world’s largest generator of plastic wasteit produced about 42 million metric tons of the stuff (46 million U.S. tons) in 2016."

Thousands of nursing homes nationwide are dealing with horrific shortages of masks, gowns and other items they need to protect residents, workers and the broader community from COVID-19. And seven months into this pandemic, the shortages have actually become much worse.

There are still too many uncounted ballots to know the outcome of the 2020 presidential election. We must allow states to fully count their mail-in ballots before either U.S. presidential candidate declares victory.

What does the future of cities look like? In the Netherlands, trees glow faintly to improve visibility but cut down on harsh light.

Planning to vote in person? Make sure you’ve got your mask, granola bars, sunscreen or an umbrella, and of course, ID.

Like millions of Americans, our consumer watchdog Teresa Murray plans to vote in person on Election Day. Read her tips on how to stay safe, healthy, and comfortable while you wait:

"I was frustrated. My yard was now coated with plastic dust, and once those polyester cushion covers ran through the washing machine, they would shed plastic microfibers into the water."

Happy Halloween! How are you celebrating safely this year?

How are you celebrating Halloween this year? Digital costume parties? Basement haunted houses? Spooky movies with your family or roommates?

Microplastics are found in every home and business on the planet.

California nursing homes, along with thousands nationwide, are dealing with horrific shortages of PPE necessary to protect residents, workers and the broader community from COVID-19. Check out our press conference and see more info at https://calpirg.org//nursing-home-safety-during-covid-ppe-

The most recent data shows nursing homes were still experiencing severe shortages of PPE as late as August. We need Congress to help ensure medical supplies get to where they're needed most by passing the Medical Supply Transparency and Delivery Act.

What are nurdles? They are tiny pieces of virgin plastic that are melted down to make other plastic items -- and they are washing up on beaches worldwide.