Don’t Overestimate Bioplastics’ Benefits

Bioplastics may avoid some of the issues associated with non-biodegradable fossil fuel­–derived plastics, but they’re no panacea.

Jan 30, 2023 | 800 words, about 4 minutes

The Price of Paper

Coastal communities around the world contend with the toxic legacies of pulp and paper mills.

Nov 22, 2022 | 2,900 words, about 14 minutes

A Warming Sea Is Forming Crystals and Belching CO₂

In summer months, the eastern Mediterranean Sea is expelling some of its carbon load, creating rock candy–like calcium carbonate crystals in the process.

Oct 24, 2022 | 1,100 words, about 5 minutes

Coastal Job: Artisanal Salt Maker

Gisli Grimsson uses natural energy for sustainable salt production in the wilds of Iceland.

Oct 7, 2022 | 650 words, about 3 minutes

Coastal Job: Baleen Investigator

Nadine Stewart Lysiak finds clues to a whale’s life events hidden within its baleen.

Jun 24, 2022 | 600 words, about 3 minutes

The Landfill of the Future

Taking inspiration from science fiction, a small company on the Island of Newfoundland aims to revolutionize what we do with garbage.

Mar 29, 2022 | 3,300 words, about 17 minutes

How Your Caffeine Addiction Is Hurting Marine Life

Lab trials show caffeine has a range of negative effects on marine species.

Mar 16, 2022 | 400 words, about 2 minutes

Catching Crabs in a Suffocating Sea

When oceans are starved of oxygen, it can be devastating to crabs and the fishers who rely on them. New tools could help crabbers sidestep dead zones.

Mar 1, 2022 | 3,200 words, about 16 minutes