plastic
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Attention drunkards: Please dispose of your Mardi Gras beads in a responsible manner
DRUNK PEOPLE OF NEW ORLEANS! We know you need that plastic flotsam in order to see some boobs, because of I guess longstanding tradition dating back to before you could see boobs on the internet without even trying. But it’s basically an ecological nightmare, so if you can’t find some ladies who are willing to take […]
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Critical List: House passes drilling bill; turning grass into plastic
The House passed a bill expanding oil drilling in ANWR and oil shale drilling. Revenues are meant to fund the transportation bill, which won’t be considered until after the President’s Day recess. Mexico City shut down a giant landfill, but will capture methane that the landfill exudes and use it as a power source. A […]
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Industry mocks college students for fighting bottled water
College campuses across the country have been fighting to ban bottled water from campuses, and the International Bottled Water Association is fighting back with a pretty inane video.
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Ingenious origami cup eliminates plastic lids
Yes, yes, we should all bring our own mugs when we go to Starbucks. But failing that, wouldn't it be nice if we could eliminate plastic waste from the equation by leaving off the lid? Designer Peter Herman's Compleat cups have a clever folded design that provides cup and lid in one, giving you one […]
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The most bare-chested grocery-bag video you’ll watch today
This is maybe not the most complex Tim Minchin song I've ever heard, but you have to admit it imbues canvas grocery bags with some much-needed rock star cachet. At least by the time the giant fan comes out. (Hat tip to Umbra reader Jake!)
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Ask Umbra: Is fabric compostable?
Send your question to Umbra! Q. Dear Umbra, Does polyester ever break down into molecules that return to the natural state? Does dyed wool compost? Evelyn P.Powell River, B.C. A. Dearest Evelyn, You pose two good questions, though the more I peer into the murky world of textile production and disposal, the more I want […]
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American Idol contestants suddenly AGAINST plastic now
Okay, I don't know who this person is. Her teeth are very white and I think she's 13? But evidently she was on American Idol, and she and her other white-teethed glee club buddies from American Idol season 10 (!!!) are taking up arms against plastic. I was pretty sure American Idol contestants were kind […]
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This bridge is made from recycled plastic
This 90-foot bridge in Wales Scotland (whoops, the company is Welsh, not the bridge) is Europe's first to be made entirely out of recycled plastic, not to mention the longest plastic bridge ever built. More than 50 tons of plastic went into making the bridge, which can carry vehicles up to 44 metric tons (heavier than […]
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Ask Umbra: Should I wash out my zip-lock bags?
Don't lose sleep over plastics and food. Instead of worrying about how to handle your baggies and bins, purge plastic from your kitchen.