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- Pique Behind the Curtain Vol. 45
Pique Behind the Curtain Vol. 45
A newsletter for those who are interested in climate solutions, media and film production
Peace Out, PFAS ✌️
Hi there! Can anyone else smell the autumn scents of pumpkin spice lattes already? It’s back to school, and you probably clicked to get a much-needed dose of positive vibes. Good news, there’s good news!
Also, expect a new recurring section on greenwashing. We keep things optimistic at Pique but we also like to give some practical tips and tricks. We could all use some guidance on corporations that are doing it right…and those that aren’t.
-Shayna Berglas
But First…We’re Hiring!
Come join us! And not in the metaphorical sense. If you have experience growing audiences on social media, we want you to be a part of Pique.
We're hiring a Director of Social & Audience growth. Whether you've always been passionate about saving the planet or are just now considering making the switch to #workinclimate, come join us! (Not for you but know someone perfect for the job? Feel free to pass along our invitation.)
Check out this latest and greatest earth-saving opportunity here.
Newlight Technologies
Microplastics have been found in corners of the world as high as Mt. Everest and as low as the Mariana Trench. Earlier this year, they were found in human blood. No, that doesn’t mean that you can be recycled. This is a problem that can’t wait to be solved.
What if the solution to microplastics already exists in nature?
Newlight takes a natural process that occurs in the ocean and replicates it on land to make an alternative to plastic that is biocompatible and degradable. Their plastics, made with microorganisms and novel technology, break down as quickly as a tree leaf or a banana peel.
Watch the full film here.
Get Hip on Greenwashing
Ah, greenwashing. Leave it to major corporations to take a genuine cause and turn it into a marketing ploy.
Greenwashing is the dictionary definition of a company or group acting like they’re doing more to protect the environment than they actually are. And it comes in many forms.
Some of my personal favorite examples include:
♻️ Keurig, saviors of recycling! The company’s 2022 Canada campaign led buyers to believe they could recycle their single-use plastic coffee pods. Nope. Wrong. The capsules were only accepted in two Canadian provinces and Keurig ended up getting fined $3 million and was forced to change their labeling.
🌊 Windex, the ocean’s steward. Well, not really. In 2019 the SC Johnson glass cleaner claimed its bottles were made from 100% “ocean plastic”. Which was true! Except for the tiny fact that the plastic used to make the bottles were never in the ocean. C’mon now.
👕 H&M, the fabric fibbers. The fast fashion industry is infamous for its environmental impact, and it’s no surprise that companies are scrambling to slap sustainability claims on whatever products they can. Unfortunately, as of 2021, 96% of these types of claims made by H&M were found to be unsubstantiated. Big oof.
In my opinion, greenwashing is food for cynics. How are we supposed to be responsible consumers when we can’t even trust the labels that we read? It’s a valid concern. Greenwashing uses up valuable space in the fight against climate change, plastic pollution, air pollution, and other significant environmental issues. Unfortunately, it also happens by accident a lot of the time. Many companies simply don’t have the expertise to determine what is genuinely environmentally beneficial and what is not. It’s also important to remember, however, that there are mission-oriented companies out there dedicated to delivering products that are better for both people and planet.
Greenwashing is all about misdirection. If you can take the time to identify the truth from a sales pitch, then you’ve already won! Be wary of buzzwords like “eco-friendly”, “recycled”, “sustainable”, “vegan”, etc. That’s not to say that it’s an immediate red flag, but it’s not an automatic green flag, either. It’s helpful to research the company and look for verification by a third party. In order words, check to see that the company has the check mark from a reputable environmental entity.
We can all become agents of change if we empower ourselves with the tools to create that change. When we use sustainability as a practice rather than just an attribute to be admired, we inspire others to do the same.
Watch our TikTok on beating greenwashing here.
Good Climate News!
I Use Chemistry Puns, But Only Periodically.
You may have heard of the extremely durable, toxic PFAS used as an ingredient in nonstick cooking ware and food packaging commonly called “forever chemicals”. The name is a result of the chemicals’ ability to resist high temperatures and repel oil and water.
As PFAS have leached into water systems and waste streams throughout the country, they pose a risk of accumulating in people, livestock, fish, and other wildlife. Over the years, PFAS may have made their way into the blood of 97% of the U.S. population. The chemicals have already been linked to negative health effects, like elevated blood pressure, decreased fertility, and reduced immunity to fight infections.
In fact, just this year the EPA declared several PFAS unsafe even at trace levels, putting them into the same category as lead. Yikes.
But, luckily, chemists have recently discovered a mixture that has the power to break down the strong bonds of perfluoro carboxylic acids (PFCAs), one of the largest classes of PFAS.
Huzzah for chemists!
Traditionally, PFAS are destroyed by incineration, electrochemical degradation, or supercritical water oxidation which are generally harsh and energy intensive. This new strategy is mild by comparison, using low temperatures and inexpensive, common reagents that leave behind only benign end products. It offers an opportunity to remove harmful toxins from the natural environment while minimizing waste in the process.
The simple technique could become a powerful solution for finally ridding ecosystems of these harmful chemicals that degrade native flora and fauna.
There are, however, over 5,000 types of PFAS - which means we still have a ways to go in figuring out how to get rid of every single one of them. But this scientific discovery is an important step in the right direction.
For those still troubled by the prospect of PFAS - that’s fair. We are too. But scalable, chemist-concocted solutions are coming! Make like a proton and stay positive.
And anyway, it’s called chemisTRY, not chemiSUCCEED.
What We’re Watching, Reading, and Listening to
Searching for more positive and informative climate content? Look no further!
Can’t get enough of the positive eco-content?
Pathfinder is a new newsletter uplifting good climate stories written by our resident sustainability scientist, Alaina Wood. Using her experience as a science communicator in both business and bureaucracy, Alaina is compiling the most important weekly stories in climate.
It’s a publication for the already climate-conscious and those just beginning to think about how they can make an impact. You’re invited to help Alaina find the path to climate resolution!
The first edition of Pathfinder comes out tomorrow, Thursday, September 1st. Subscribe here.
