Centuries-old trees have many benefits: they provide habitat, absorb stormwater runoff, sequester carbon, and beautify the rural landscape. Many of our largest got their start when buggies or farm tractors were the fastest thing on the road. Now, in the age of speedy (and often distracted) driving, trees close to the road are being hit by drivers that lose control. Should they be removed for safety's sake? In the last few months, there has been much talk about this question in Washtenaw County.

The Green Room: Washtenaw County’s Big Trees Controversy

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The great pianist Cyrus Chestnut performs at the Blue LLama in Ann Arbor on Saturday evening. 89.1 Jazz host Michael Jewett spoke with him earlier this week. Ths subjects ranged from life and work during the pandemic; his time as Betty Carter accompanist; and the spiritual foundations of his art.

Cyrus Chestnut On The Spiritual Foundations Of His Art

PFAS chemicals are being linked to more and more serious health problems. But still, it’s legal to use them in the U.S., with minor exceptions. And they can be imported from other countries. Manufacturers are not required to make the public aware of PFAS content in their products. Consequently, consumers are pretty much in the dark. In the fifth of our 5-part series on PFAS, we look at policies and perspectives on where we are, and we can go from here.

The Green Room: PFAS Part V-Policies And Politics

The chemical bonds of PFAS substances are virtually indestructible. That makes their complete disposal hard, if not impossible. Meanwhile, their usefulness to industry makes them hard to give up. This is a growing problem, because PFAS are associated with serious health issues. In the fourth of this five-part “Green Room” series on PFAS, we look at the challenges and opportunities inherent in preventing further spread of PFAS chemicals.

The Green Room: PFAS Part IV-Prevention

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are being found across the country in the drinking water of community water supplies, residential wells, schools and daycare centers. Where is it coming from? Factory waste is a major source. These “forever chemicals” don’t break down, and where PFAS-containing waste is dumped, it spreads. In Segment III of 89.1 WEMU's five-part “Green Room” serieson PFAS, we explore a few of these sites.

The Green Room: PFAS Part III-Places

Over the last half-century, PFAS chemicals have been added to the formulation of innumerable products we use on a daily basis. The manufacture and disposal of these products releases them to our environment, where they can get into our food and water. Unfortunately for us, they can be harmful to our health, and they don’t biodegrade. These “forever chemicals” have become pervasive in our lives.

The Green Room: PFAS Part II-PFAS In Products

The Green Room

The Green Room: Washtenaw County’s Big Trees Controversy

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