Political Poison

Political Poison

One big difference between the rich and the poor in our country is that the rich don’t tend to have their drinking water poisoned by their own governor. Not that Republican Governor Rick Snyder personally dumped poison into Flint, Michigan’s water. But by...
Toxic Waste on Tap

Toxic Waste on Tap

You’ve probably heard that Flint, Michigan has lead in its water and it’s poisoning the locals. But did you know that this debacle is a symptom of our ailing democracy? Governor Rick Snyder has appointed “emergency managers” to govern many Michigan cities,...
Big Ag Serves Up Wastewater Salads

Big Ag Serves Up Wastewater Salads

Ask anyone who’s lived through California’s drought: Water scarcity is getting scary. And banning long showers isn’t even a drop in the bucket when it comes to finding a solution. The biggest water sponge by far is food production, yet agri-giants continue to douse...
Drink Outside the Box

Drink Outside the Box

I recently checked out an upscale yoga studio here in Madison, Wisconsin and discovered a new and disturbing trend: boxed water. Boxed water? OK, I’ve heard of boxed wine — and maybe even drunk a little. But water? The yoga studio in question appeals to a young,...
Warning: Fracking May Harm Public Health

Warning: Fracking May Harm Public Health

What do public health advocates like me tell people all the time? Get tested. Use protection. In practice, that means we’re always explaining how everything from cancer screenings to immunizations to bike helmets can save lives. The same logic ought to apply to...