August 2024: "C" Change is Here! |
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August 2024: C Change is Here!
Welcome back to C Change!
This month, we will be exploring prominent and pressing issues paired with first-hand experience farming outside of the United States. Immersed in the heart of Ratnagiri, India, Soham’s international internship in Phungus revealed a profound blend of tradition and innovation, offering deep insights into sustainable farming and the inspiring resilience of local farmers. The Supreme Court's overturning of the Chevron deference jeopardizes environmental protections by allowing judges, rather than federal agencies, to interpret vague statutes, leading to potential legal challenges and weaker regulations. The ever-present concern regarding food waste, with 30-40% of all food produced being wasted. Finally, a solution to the period pollution crisis might be here in the form of reusable products. With 26% of people in the world menstruating the amount of waste going into landfills per year is staggering.
Here are this month’s topics:
1. In the heart of Ratnagiri, India, lies the village of Phungus, where tradition and innovation harmoniously blend to sustain a vibrant agricultural lifestyle. During my international internship on a family farm, I experienced the region's rich biodiversity, learned about sustainable farming practices, and witnessed the resilience of local farmers. Through interviews with Sundip, a diesel mechanic turned farmer, and Rahul, a former commercial director now engaged in agro-tourism, I gained valuable insights into their transitions and the fulfillment they find in sustainable living. This experience deepened my appreciation for the delicate balance between tradition and modernity, inspiring me to foster a closer connection with nature and sustainability in my own life. Rahul. (2024, June 21). Personal interview.
2. Food waste is a multi-faceted issue that is responsible for about 58% of methane produced in landfills, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. This month we investigate how food waste is produced and how global citizens are doing their part to reduce their contribution.
3. Now is the time to consider the switch to reusable menstrual products. A recent study from UC Berkley finding heavy metal in tampons and Rohatgi on Period Poverty concluded that 1.8 billion people menstruate globally every month; the amount of waste and the public health concern presented is making the switch to reusable products more and more enticing.
4. On June 28, 2024 the Chevron deference was overturned in a 6-3 decision. This month we look into how this monumental Supreme Court decision could be detrimental to environmental protection efforts.
Thank you so much for joining us for this month’s C Change newsletter! Keeping up with new developments in sustainability and revisiting past efforts helps to contextualize the world we live in and helps keep us informed. By exploring ways to help keep our world green, we can inspire future generations – and the people around us – to protect our homes.
Sources Cited:
1. Rahul. (2024, June 21). Personal interview.
2. Environmental Protection Agency. (2024, January 22). Quantifying Methane Emissions from Landfilled Food Waste. EPA. https://www.epa.gov/land-resea...-methane-emissions-landfilled-food-waste
3. Rohatgi, A., & Dash, S. (2023, March 1). Period poverty and mental health of menstruators during COVID-19 pandemic: Lessons and implications for the future. Frontiers in global women’s health. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10014781/
4. 22-451 loper bright enterprises v. Raimondo (06/28/2024). Supremecourt.gov. (n.d.). https://www.supremecourt.gov/o...;
5. Chevron U. S. A. Inc. v. Natural Resources Defense Council, Inc. Oyez.org. (n.d.). https://www.oyez.org/cases/198...;
6. Roberts, D. (2024, January 12). The chevron doctrine: What it is and why it matters that the Supreme Court might kill it. The Chevron Doctrine: what it is and why it matters that the Supreme Court might kill it. https://www.volts.wtf/p/the-ch...
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JULY HIGHLIGHTS |
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What We Read (and Learned!) This Month |
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Embracing Tradition and Innovation: My International Internship in Phungus, Ratnagiri |
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Soham Arekar |
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Phungus, a serene village in Ratnagiri, India, is not just a scenic getaway but a living testament to the seamless blend of tradition and modernity. My international internship at a family farm in this picturesque location offered a rare glimpse into the intricacies of rural life, sustainable farming practices, and the enduring spirit of the people who call this place home.
Upon arriving at the farm in Phungus, the initial half-day was a gentle introduction to a world vastly different from the urban landscape I was accustomed to. The farm, teeming with life and vibrant greenery, was a sanctuary of simplicity and natural beauty. Here, I encountered Tamasha, a cat with her three kittens, and witnessed a scene that seemed untouched by time.
The monsoon rains had blessed the land with an abundance of moisture, creating a lush environment rich in biodiversity. As I explored the farm, I noticed unique species that emerged only for a brief period each year, a testament to the delicate ecological balance of the region.
The farm's daily operations were a fascinating blend of traditional practices and modern techniques. Milking cows, for instance, required swift and precise movements, as any delay could cause the cow to stop giving milk. This experience highlighted the intricate knowledge and skills passed down through generations.
One of the most intriguing aspects of my stay was learning about an ancient weather calendar, accurate for the next 700 years! This remarkable tool underscored the deep connection between the farmers and their environment, a relationship built on respect and understanding of natural cycles.
I had the privilege of interviewing Sundip, a diesel mechanic who had transitioned to farming. Sundip's journey was rooted in tradition; despite his passion for mechanics, family traditions steered him towards agriculture. His mechanical skills proved invaluable, particularly when dealing with machinery on the farm.
Sundip shared a particularly challenging project where he replaced traditional bull-powered tilling with a power tiller. The absence of a proper road and the skepticism from others made the task daunting. However, his determination paid off, significantly increasing productivity. Sundip's advice to aspiring mechanics was to start small and stay adaptable as technology and farming practices evolve rapidly every day. (Sundip. (2024, June 21). Personal interview).
Rahul's story was one of profound transformation. A former commercial director, he found the relentless pace of urban life unfulfilling. The lure of agro-tourism and a desire for a more meaningful existence led him to embrace farming. His transition was gradual, balancing corporate responsibilities with the demands of rural life over seven years (Rahul. (2024, June 21). Personal interview).
Rahul emphasized the mental and emotional fulfillment he found in farming, which starkly contrasted with the monetary success of his previous career. His approach to farming focused on self-sustainability rather than commercial gain, with his property serving as an educational hub for tourists interested in sustainable agriculture (Rahul. (2024, June 21). Personal interview).
Phungus' rich biodiversity was a constant source of wonder. I encountered a variety of plants and insects, each playing a crucial role in the ecosystem. Notable among them were:
चांदवडा (Chandwad)
भारंगी (Bharangi)
हरडा (Harda)
Mango Hopper
Sag Plant
Mango Leaf
This internship was more than just an educational experience; it was a journey into the heart of sustainable living. The daily rhythms of farm life, the resilience of the farmers, and the intricate knowledge passed down through generations left a lasting impression on me. The stories of Sundip and Rahul illuminated the diverse paths people take toward a sustainable and fulfilling life.
As I return home, I carry a deeper appreciation for the delicate balance between tradition and innovation. The lessons learned in Phungus will completely and undoubtedly change my approach to sustainability and environmental stewardship, inspiring me to foster a deeper connection with nature in my own life.
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Sources:
1. Rahul. (2024, June 21). Personal interview.
2. Sundip. (2024, June 21). Personal interview.
3. Photograph taken by ME!
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Exploring Food Waste: Causes and Effects |
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Abby Frey |
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Food waste is a serious problem that affects the economy, environment, and society. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, food waste (FW) can be estimated to equal about 30-40% of all food produced. On a societal level, it is frustrating that wasted food is sent to landfills when there are people who don’t have access to food. On an economic level, FW creates an imbalance in the cost of production - not only is food being wasted, but so is the money that gets it to our homes, restaurants, and stores. On an environmental level, the energy and natural resources that it takes to produce all the food we waste is being misused. With natural resources depleting from human use, it is essential that we fully use the products of these resources. Another environmental effect from FW is the overproduction of methane in landfills. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, about 58% of methane produced from landfills is a result of FW. Food breaks down quickly in landfills, so many landfill gas collection systems are too slow to collect the methane emissions from FW.
Since looking at some effects of FW, it is important to evaluate what causes it. As we know, food can spoil; this can happen at any point of the supply chain and food production process. A lot of produce can be damaged from high temperatures, insects and pests, and more when on the journey from farms. At the retail stage of production, produce can be negatively affected by malfunctioning equipment or over-ordering. On the consumer level, consumers like you and me produce food waste by buying more food than we need and throwing out food we weren’t able to eat before it ‘went bad.’ Causes of FW are not limited to one factor; retail may decide to put out produce or other products that may look defective, but are perfectly fine to eat. Consumers may be put off because most believe any visible defect makes food unsafe to eat.
Since there are many industries, people, and societal standards that contribute to food waste, it is complicated to find an effective way to reduce FW. As mentioned previously, defective produce and other food is at a higher risk of being wasted. Multiple grocery delivery services, likeMisfits Market, were created to help reduce FW and make food systems more efficient. You can go online and create a subscription with them and they send a box of defective, but safe to eat, food that would otherwise get wasted. Their slogan is “cut your grocery bill and your food waste.” Services like Misfits Market can help to reduce FW while also devaluing the societal standard that all food needs to look perfect to be safe to eat. In 2016, the EPA and USDA teamed up to create the U.S. Food Loss and Waste 2030 Champion program, which encourages businesses and organizations to publicly pledge to reduce their FW by 50% by 2030. This program provides accountability for these businesses and organizations to be more intentional about their own operations and address climate change.
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A Solution to Period Pollution |
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Autumn Marsh |
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Menstruation, or periods, are highly taboo in most Western cultures. This stigma around periods and period products has severely stunted the discussion on the environmental impacts of period products. Rohatgi on Period Poverty concluded that 1.8 billion people menstruate globally on a monthly basis which makes up 26% of the global population. With each of these 1.8 billion people menstruating for around half of their lifespan. This makes single-use period products major contributors to waste annually. Unlike other forms of waste such as take-out containers, people can’t just stop menstruating; meaning that we need to find solutions to single-use products and their environmental impact.
According to Eco-friendly menstrual products, around 20 billion pads, tampons, and applicators are disposed of in North American landfills every year. That’s only North America's portion of period pollution. Per Eco-friendly menstrual products, these disposable products are 90% plastic, meaning that period products take anywhere from 500-800 years to degrade into microplastics. Microplastics are still dangerous for the environment and have been proven to harm marine life, which is where large quantities of this waste are going.
The disposal of period products into landfills isn’t where the issues with single-use products end. Zero Waste Scotland ran a study to estimate the carbon impact of switching from single-use to reusables. The study found that if a single person switches from tampons to menstrual cups they’ll reduce their carbon impact by 16 times; this is equivocal 7 kg CO2 e according to Zero Waste Scotland.
There are other reusable products that Zero Waste Scotland looked at in terms of the carbon footprint. No matter which reusable product was selected, there was still a substantial decrease in the total carbon emissions; making reusable products the most eco-friendly option regardless. These reusable products will also reduce the cost of periods. Rather than being required to purchase more products every month or a couple of months, reusable products can last for years before needing to be replaced. It’s not just cups either, for those who need them reusable pads and pants are also available. These types of products are made more easily consumable but the jist of the product dates back centuries. Using cloths for periods and diapers was the way of life until the 1900s so we have hundreds of years showing that the cloth options can be safe alternatives.
Don’t let the taboo of periods stop you from looking into more eco-friendly alternatives. Considering the study recently published in Environmental International, further discussed by Proulx in Measure Toxic Metals in Tampons thinking about making a change could be beneficial not just for the environment, but also for the health of those utilizing these products. Measure Toxic Metals in Tampons discusses the study from a UC Berkley researcher that found major tampon brands have tested positive for toxic metals such as arsenic and lead. The possible health implications of this research are yet to be thoroughly researched and discussed but it’s worth considering. The secondary concern for what this implied for the environment and landfills where these products are being disposed of is yet to be considered in the face of the public health concern that’s been presented.
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Chevron Overturned |
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Dennis Milazzo |
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For the past 40 years, federal courts had to defer to federal agencies in their evaluation of statutes that are vague and ambiguous on specifics. Whether those specific statutes covered what constitutes a polluted body of water or what is allowed to be used in our processed foods, federal courts had to abide by the interpretations of those agencies, as they were more qualified to do so. In 1984, the Supreme Court established the Chevron deference, which provided these protections to policy. This ruling was established to make sure that unelected federal judges and government contractors were unable to challenge agency interpretations. See here for the details of that case.
David Doniger, Director of the Climate & Clean Air Program within the Natural Resources Defense Council, explained why Chevron was such an important ruling. He stated in an interview, “What I would think is the way to think about this is that the complexity of the world, the complexity of the problems we face and that the world throws at us has grown. The government's capacity to meet these challenges has to grow too. Otherwise, they go unmet. I mean, pollution is a classic example of where you can't protect yourself as an individual. You need collective action from the government to constrain the dangerous activity.”
On June 28, 2024, in the case of Loper Bright Enterprises v. Roimondo, Secretary of Commerce, the Chevron deference was overturned in a 6-3 decision. Under this decision, courts must “exercise their independent judgment” and may not defer to an agency’s interpretation of the law “simply because the statute is ambiguous”. In Justice Thomas’s concurring opinion, he stated that Chevron violated the separation of powers doctrine as well as the Administrative Procedure Act (APA). In their dissenting opinion, Justice Kagan and Sotomayor wrote that if one looks at the history of the APA, one would understand that it leaves room for deference to certain agencies’ interpretations of statutes. The dissent stated that agencies are better suited to interpret the statutes, as at most times experts are providing these evaluations.
The Chevron deference itself came about from a challenged interpretation of the Clean Air Act by the Environmental Protection Agency. At its core the ruling was based on environmental protection, so now that it has been overturned, what does that entail for the future of environmental protection?
Throughout the past couple of years, presidential administrations have had to increasingly rely on federal regulation to implement policy changes regarding environmental protections. This is due to the divided state Congress has existed in, which has made it difficult to pass legislation without large amounts of pushback. With this in mind, as well as the situation put in place with the overturning of Chevron, restrictions on emissions and pollution could open up legal challenges from federal judges looking to dismiss the proven expertise of executive branch agencies. In simpler terms, the overturning of the Chevron doctrine allows judges to be radical activists, who could rewrite our laws protecting the environment.
These potential effects on environmental protection are forecasted, but it is impossible to truly know the outcomes in the future. Though it is speculation, it is impossible to deny the fact that this ruling will make it far more difficult for federal agencies to address environmental protections, which is what critics of the original Chevron deference sought out.
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