Something in the Water

This month, the Minnesota Reformer published "There Must Be Something in the Water," a two-part series on 3M (a company that operates in the fields of science, technology, and public health). The series covered chemical contamination in the waters of Minnesota that may have led to high cancer rates in communities like Oakdale, MN. While it is difficult to positively link each specific diagnosis to 3M's chemical waste, the connections are impossible to ignore. The Minnesota Reformer series focused on the pediatric impacts of the environmental catastrophe. They learned that at Oakdale's Tartan High School, students often said, “Don’t drink the 3M cancer water.” Current and former young Oakdale residents like Amara Strande, age 20, are battling rare cancers, suffering through multiple surgeries and facing life-altering diagnoses. There are numerous ways for "forever chemicals" (a common term for the per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances referenced in this case) to seep into our environment, drinking water, and bodies. What can we do to protect our communities and our planet?

After SixPixie CarlisleDecember 23, 2022Water Preservation, Children's Health, Health

When the Rhine Runs Dry

The Rhine River's water levels in Germany dropped dramatically to a new and frightening low this month because of an ongoing drought in Europe. The Rhine is a major artery for trade, especially for grain and energy resources, like coal and gasoline. This real-time case study in weather-related challenges has revealed the economic impacts of climate change. What can we do to prevent this from happening again?

After SixPixie CarlisleAugust 19, 2022Environmental Protection, Water Preservation