Consumer

"When the chemical giant 3M agreed in early June to pay up to $12.5bn to settle a lawsuit over PFAS contamination in water systems across the nation, it was hailed by attorneys as “the largest drinking water settlement in American history”, and viewed as a significant win for the public in the battle against toxic “forever chemicals”.

"Tiny houses started as a minimalist revolution. They ended up as an Instagram aesthetic."

"When China banned plastic waste imports in 2018, exporters in wealthy countries targeted other developing nations. Faced with an unending stream of unrecyclable waste, Indonesia has tightened its regulations and has begun to make progress in stemming the plastics flow."

"Residents of the U.S. and other countries, cranking up their air conditioners, are helping to set records for consumption of fuels contributing to climate change".

"The Transportation Department proposed Friday raising fuel efficiency requirements for cars and light trucks by about 20 percent over six years, a move the Biden administration said will help achieve its climate goals while saving drivers money at the gas pump."

"These feral pigs cause billions of damage, but some chefs and meat purveyors are putting this pork on the map – and menus".

"Twenty-two attorneys general urged a federal court Wednesday to reject a proposed $10.3 billion settlement over contamination of U.S. public drinking water systems with potentially dangerous chemicals, saying it lets manufacturer 3M Co. off too easily."

"Seven major automakers on Wednesday announced plans to nearly double the nation’s network of high-powered electric vehicle chargers, an effort to address a key consumer reservation about EVs — that they may not have a place to power up on the road."

"The incandescent lightbulbs that have been illuminating American homes and businesses since Thomas Edison first unveiled them in 1879 are finally coming off U.S. shelves."

"In an era of drought, turning treated wastewater into drinking water may be the future. Utility companies are working with breweries to get people past the “ick factor.”"