The hottest Environment Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top World Politics Topics

Chromebook Churn could sink school budgets (and the planet)

Fight to Repair • 19 implied HN points • 20 Apr 23
🕹 Technology Environment Repairability IOT E-Waste
  1. Many school districts rushed to purchase Chromebooks for students during the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to a potential tsunami of e-waste as these devices near the end of their support life.
  2. Extending the lifespan of Chromebooks could save school districts billions of dollars and help reduce the environmental impact of replacing these devices.
  3. Manufacturers need to make Chromebooks more repairable by offering replacement parts and designing devices that support repairability, which could make repair more economical and sustainable.

Is Colorado The Most Repair-Friendly State in the US? Recent Victories Say “Yes.”

Fight to Repair • 19 implied HN points • 14 Apr 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Advocacy Technology Environment Economics
  1. Colorado is making significant strides in becoming the most repair-friendly state in the US, passing laws supporting agricultural and power-wheelchair repair, setting an example for others to follow.
  2. Massachusetts has historically been a leader in progressive policies, including same-sex marriage legalization and universal healthcare, and has been at the forefront of the right to repair movement, influencing national policies.
  3. The Federal Trade Commission is actively supporting the right to repair movement, testifying in states like California, highlighting the importance of consumer access to repair information and parts.

Birding at 60

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 99 implied HN points • 10 Feb 22
🎭️ Culture Nature Birding Conservation Environment Wildlife
  1. Watching for red-tailed hawks and bald eagles while driving can make trips more enjoyable. These birds are often spotted perched near the road or soaring above.
  2. Red-tailed hawks are important for controlling vole populations, but driving can pose dangers for them. It's crucial to be aware of wildlife when driving to help keep them safe.
  3. If you notice a dead bird on the road, you can report it to help with conservation efforts. Also, avoiding harmful rodent poisons can protect birds of prey from getting sick.

Links for Friday, March 15

God's Spies by Thomas Neuburger • 25 implied HN points • 15 Mar 24
🌍 World Politics History Environment Economics Politics Climate
  1. Julius Caesar's death shows the delicate balance between democracy and dictatorship in leadership roles.
  2. A significant percentage of US parents are financially supporting their adult children, with variations in support based on generational groups.
  3. Climate Reanalyzer is a useful site for climate data and graphics, highlighting concerning trends like continuous record-breaking high ocean temperatures.
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Well Being: Microplastics

Who is Robert Malone • 15 implied HN points • 07 Mar 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Microplastics Research Environment Prevention
  1. Microplastics are small particles of plastic that are everywhere, impacting human health and the environment.
  2. Research shows that the presence of microplastics in carotid artery plaque is linked to a higher risk of heart attacks, stroke, or death.
  3. Taking steps to reduce exposure to microplastics by making mindful choices in daily life, such as avoiding plastic products and packaging, can help protect personal health and the environment.

Cooling Servers Through Code

Sector 6 | The Newsletter of AIM • 19 implied HN points • 02 Jun 23
🕹 Technology AI Environment Computing Data Sustainability
  1. Generative AI can have a big environmental impact. For example, GPT-3 used a lot of energy, like driving 123 cars for a year.
  2. There is concern that generative AI may not just affect the environment but could also pose other risks in the future.
  3. Researchers are exploring ways to cool servers more efficiently through coding techniques to reduce their environmental footprint.

The Week in Repair: April 24-30

Fight to Repair • 39 implied HN points • 02 May 22
🕹 Technology Repairs Tech Companies Right-to-repair Environment Legislation
  1. Colorado is on track to pass a groundbreaking right to repair law for wheelchairs, marking progress outside the automotive realm.
  2. Big tech companies like Apple and Microsoft are beginning to embrace repairability as consumer pressure and legislation push for change.
  3. Repairing devices instead of replacing them, as shown by Microsoft's study, is not only environmentally beneficial but also paves the way for greater repairability.

Notes on Progress: Degrowth and the monkey's paw

The Works in Progress Newsletter • 39 implied HN points • 15 May 23
🎭️ Culture Environment Society Politics
  1. In the pursuit of degrowth, the focus on economic growth has diminished, leading to stagnant productivity in the UK.
  2. Though progress in environmentalism seems evident, challenges arise from conflicting priorities within environmental groups influencing decisions like energy policy and housing development.
  3. Culture wars and societal disagreements on important issues may intensify in a post-growth world as focus shifts from material concerns to cultural values and community matters.

The Week in Repair: April 3 - 9

Fight to Repair • 39 implied HN points • 11 Apr 22
🕹 Technology Repair Legislation Antitrust Hardware Environment
  1. Google teams up with iFixit to offer Pixel phone repair parts, underlining a shift towards consumer repair options in major tech companies.
  2. Nebraska agricultural right to repair bill gets filibustered, preventing farmers from accessing repair materials for farm equipment, despite industry support.
  3. European Union votes in favor of Right to Repair laws, including extending warranty periods, marking a significant step towards repairability in consumer electronics.

That's a Wrap! Season One of What The Fix?!

Fight to Repair • 19 implied HN points • 16 Oct 22
🎙 Podcasts Environment Technology Activism Consumerism Social Impact
  1. The podcast 'What The Fix?!' explored various aspects of the repair industry, from legal challenges to real-world initiatives.
  2. The podcast featured experts discussing topics like right to repair legislation, product design for repairability, and the societal and environmental benefits of repair.
  3. Listeners are encouraged to share feedback on the podcast's topics and look forward to Season 2 as 'Fight to Repair Podcast.'

Always

The Strategy Toolkit • 17 implied HN points • 21 Feb 24
🔬 Science Biology Environment Genetics Public Health
  1. Finger length ratios can be linked to exposure to testosterone in the womb and may have correlations with autism, left-handedness, dyslexia, and other brain-related traits.
  2. Research into the fetal origins of adult disease suggests that fetuses optimize development for short-term gains, potentially leading to long-term health issues like heart disease, diabetes, and obesity.
  3. Evidence from studies on animal brains and organs in different dietary environments supports the hypothesis that early life conditions can have lasting impacts on health, with implications for public health strategies.

Fight to Repair Daily: Monday September 19, 2022

Fight to Repair • 19 implied HN points • 19 Sep 22
💼 Business Technology Environment Legislation Economy Industry
  1. Apple's iPhone 14 features a design that prioritizes repairability, marking a significant shift for the company and a win for right-to-repair advocates.
  2. iOS 16.0.1 has been shown to remove certain repair locks in the iPhone 14, indicating progress in enabling independent repairs, especially in the base model.
  3. India is experiencing a rising demand for refurbished gadgets, highlighting the need for a robust ecosystem to support repair and refurbishment services locally.

The Week in Repair: July 3 -9

Fight to Repair • 19 implied HN points • 11 Jul 22
🕹 Technology Repair Environment Legislation Data Software
  1. The FTC penalizes companies like Weber for limiting consumer rights, showing a strong stance on right to repair and consumer protection.
  2. Upgrading smartphones has a significant environmental impact due to the high carbon emissions produced during manufacturing and disposal.
  3. Investments in circular economy projects, such as the Ministry of Economy's announcement of 200,000 Euro for such projects, aim to improve sustainability in industry by reusing resources effectively.

An Open Letter to the White House Communications Staff Who Put a Tweet From a Radical Environmental Group on Their Web Page

I Might Be Wrong • 8 implied HN points • 30 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Environment White House Climate change Political strategy Protest Movements
  1. An open letter criticizing the White House for featuring a tweet from a radical environmental group on their website.
  2. The importance of being cautious with communications materials to avoid unintended consequences.
  3. Avoiding pandering to extremist groups and focusing on addressing the concerns of mainstream supporters.

Pippa Passes: Earth Day, The Galapagos, the Military Build-up in the Pacific, Premios Verdes and White Space

Dr. Pippa's Pen & Podcast • 19 implied HN points • 23 Apr 23
🌍 World Politics Environment Military Technology Innovation Global Conflicts
  1. Galapagos facing environmental challenges due to lack of clean water and sewage treatment
  2. China and Russia viewed Starlink as a military threat, impacting internet connectivity
  3. Contrast between eco-warriors and military leaders highlighting conflict over sustainability vs. preparedness for destructive war

March 18, 2024

Letters from an American • 5 implied HN points • 19 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economy Health Environment Social Issues Foreign Relations
  1. The American economy has been showing strong growth compared to other major economies like the European Union, Japan, and Britain, with a significant increase in entrepreneurship and real wage gains benefiting those who need them most.
  2. The Biden administration has been taking steps to improve various aspects of American life, such as reducing out-of-pocket costs for inhalers, banning asbestos, and advancing women's health research initiatives.
  3. Former President Trump's recent actions and statements, including financial struggles, desperate rhetoric, and connections to individuals like Paul Manafort, reflect a contentious and tumultuous political landscape leading up to the 2024 election.

The Week in Repair: Feb 8-15

Fight to Repair • 19 implied HN points • 16 Feb 22
🕹 Technology Repair Legislation Sustainability Consumer Rights Environment
  1. The right-to-repair movement is gaining momentum globally, empowering individuals to fix their own devices and reduce waste.
  2. Manufacturers are facing challenges in providing access to spare parts, repair information, and tools, hindering independent repair shops and DIY fixers.
  3. An increasing number of individuals and organizations are advocating for the right to repair, pushing for legislative changes to support repairability and sustainability.

We didn’t produce this much only to produce this much

Topsoil • 5 HN points • 19 Apr 23
🔬 Science Agriculture Genetics Environment Technology Research
  1. Yield in agriculture is determined by numerous factors in a dynamic system, not just one element.
  2. The Genotype-by-Environment-by-Management framework helps understand how different factors interact to influence yield.
  3. Advances in technology, consumer demands, and policy may shape how we think about yield in the future beyond just volume.

Getting started with Haskell and Nix

Letters From Paradise • 5 HN points • 20 Mar 23
🕹 Technology Programming Environment Configuration Execution Automation
  1. Getting started with Haskell can be challenging due to multiple environment setup options like cabal, stack, and Nix.
  2. Nix is a purely functional package manager that allows you to create separate environments for different programming needs, making experimenting with new technologies easier.
  3. Using commands like `nix-shell`, shebang options, and `shell.nix` files can streamline your Haskell development process and save time.

✅ Monday briefing: WaddsCon, Digital news report, local reporting, climate politics, CSR debunked, SEO insights, AI tool audit, and more...

Wadds Inc. newsletter • 19 implied HN points • 20 Jun 22
📰 News Media Environment Research Social media Technology
  1. Many people are avoiding the news because they don't trust it anymore, especially after events like COVID-19 and the war in Ukraine.
  2. Local news is struggling as social media takes its place, which makes it harder for communities to stay engaged and informed.
  3. Corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts aren't working well and can distract from what businesses really contribute to society.

Godzilla vs. Kong

the rohn report • 19 implied HN points • 03 Apr 21
🎭️ Culture Movies Environment Fiction Heroes Life lessons
  1. Godzilla vs. Kong movie includes themes of monsters destroying civilization and an ancient war between King Kong and Godzilla.
  2. The film serves as a reflection on environmental destruction and the potential consequences on humanity's survival.
  3. The concept of inner battles and choosing to nurture the 'good wolf' is highlighted, emphasizing the importance of inner strength and positivity.

Rabbit Holes 🕳 #27

Creative Destruction • 7 implied HN points • 22 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture History Society Anthropology Environment Technology
  1. Universal Basic Capital proposes sharing wealth upfront through ownership stake to reduce inequality.
  2. Moving into an Age of 'Fewer' suggests embracing simplicity for environmental and personal well-being.
  3. The Original Affluent Society concept highlights how hunter-gatherer lifestyles were simpler and more satisfying, sparking discussions on modern work-life balance.

Is a Sperm Toxin In Your Pancake Mix?

Outspoken with Dr Naomi Wolf • 3 implied HN points • 07 Mar 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Toxins Reproductive Health Hormones Nutrition Environment
  1. Sodium aluminum phosphate is found in common food items like pancake mixes and affects male reproductive health.
  2. Aluminum-containing ingredients are linked to hormonal damage, brain inflammation, and diseases like Parkinson's.
  3. Aluminum is present in various products and activities, including cookware, vaccines, and geoengineering, impacting men's health.

Prisoners of our genes or masters of our destiny?

Klement on Investing • 2 implied HN points • 16 Feb 24
🔬 Science Psychology Genetics Econometrics Environment Behavior
  1. Our risk and time preferences are influenced by a mix of genetics and environment, with the unique environment playing a significant role.
  2. Despite genetic influences, the most crucial factor driving our preferences and decisions is our unique life experiences and choices.
  3. We have the power to shape our destiny regardless of genetic predispositions or shared environments. What we make of our lives is ultimately up to us.

The First Cat War

Bird History • 1 HN point • 25 Jan 24
🔬 Science Environment Animals Conservation Wildlife History
  1. Conservationists in the early 1900s identified cats as a serious threat to bird populations, sparking a heated debate with cat-lovers accusing bird-lovers of hysteria.
  2. Outdoor cats were seen as harmful to bird populations, particularly during nesting seasons, with young birds being easy prey, leading to significant declines in bird populations.
  3. Efforts were made to find humane solutions to protect birds from cats, including restraining cats at night, using bells on cat collars, and advocating for laws requiring cat licenses to reduce the feral cat population.