If you have a habit of wasting food, you might be contributing quite a bit to filling up landfills. We didn’t always have this problem; foods like cheese, bread, and beer were created as ways of dealing with leftovers. Unfortunately, since we’ve gotten better at throwing leftovers in the bin, experts worry future generations won’t get to experience this kind of culinary creativity. Although we see plenty of shocking images of unconsumed food at the production and distribution level, much more food is wasted when consumers carelessly throw away leftovers. Read full article here
Societal Issues
To curb drug deaths, communities turn to Reddit, texts and wastewater
With drug overdose deaths on the rise, authorities are attempting to curb the epidemic by tracking and sharing information in real time. In one unique effort, a nonprofit in New York City is using drug-testing equipment and stamping or marking habits of dealers to identify drug batches that may endanger users. Other approaches are also being used, such as monitoring drug-related chatter on Reddit and analyzing local wastewater for opioid and other drug levels. With the combination of these efforts, researchers hope to put a dent in the opioid crisis and reduce overdose deaths. Read full article here
Merv
June 1, 2023
