Published

1 year ago

December 26, 2024

Alice Rush

In the ultramafic mountains of central Sabah, Borneo, grow “giant pitcher” plants. They are characterized by their large, bell-shaped lower and upper pitchers and upright, narrow lids. The plant uses its pitchers to capture rainfall and insects.

A team of botanists from Sabah Forestry Department’s Forest Research Centre in Malaysia — along with two colleagues from Australia — has identified a new species of these distinctive plants that is the color of orangutans who live in the area, reported Phys.org.

“One of the largest species of Nepenthes described in recent years, N. pongoides is endemic to the relatively low-elevation ultramafic Meliau Range of central Sabah. Only 39 mature individuals have been observed across two subpopulations, therefore the species is here assessed as CR (Critically Endangered) under the IUCN Red List criteria owing to its extremely small population size, limited area of occurrence and very high threat of unsustainable poaching for the horticultural trade,” the research team wrote in their paper on the discovery.

In “Sabah’s hidden giant: Nepenthes pongoides (Nepenthaceae), a micro-endemic tropical pitcher plant from northern Borneo,” the team describes how they became familiar with the plant and what their expedition to the site revealed.

The researchers examined reports of an unknown Sabah mountains pitcher plant that was photographed in 2004, but had never been investigated, Phys.org reported. News of scientists having taken additional photographs in 2018 prompted members of the team to travel to the site to take a look.

On the third day after they arrived in the region, the research team found what they were searching for: a mound of igneous bounders. The area seemed suitable for a rainwater capturing plant, since there was no running water in the vicinity.

“An expedition was made to the type locality to make field observations of the taxon, record habitat, population and ecological data such as infauna, prey spectra and numbers of individuals, and to collect representative vouchers, minimising negative impacts on the small population by taking material in the form of terminal cuttings to allow for the in situ regeneration of sampled individuals from axillary nodes,” the researchers wrote in their paper.

Pitchers and habit of Nepenthes pongoides. (a) Rosette pitcher of immature plant showing highly developed peristome column. (b) Pendent pitcher of a scrambling plant. Note ventral attachment of tendril and scattered large nectar glands of same. (c) Large terrestrial pitcher. (d) Mature rosette emergent from humus-filled fissure between ultramafic boulders; a cutting from this rosette was sampled as voucher 161456. (e) An individual demonstrating occasionally observed scrambling habit. Photographs (a), (e) by A. Damit; (b), (c), (d) by A.S. Robinson. Australian Journal of Botany (2024). DOI: 10.1071 / BT24050

The team noted that the leaves of the plant were unique and that there was long red hair covering the pitcher that was almost the same color as that of the orangutans who live in the area, leading them to name the novel species Nepenthes pongoides, or “resembling orangutan.”

After subsequent research, the team discovered that the plant was the largest pitcher that had ever been identified.

“Nepenthes pongoides is described and illustrated as new to science. The species is characterised by its large size, peltate tendril exsertion, absence of upper pitchers and extremely well-developed, persistent indumentum of long, coarse, dark reddish trichomes, the extent of which is unsurpassed in any other known Bornean Nepenthes species,” the researchers wrote.

The team made two expeditions to the same region, during which they learned not only of the plant’s uniqueness, but also of its vulnerability, noting that poachers had already heard about the findings and had been harvesting the giant pitchers.

In addition to poaching, the rare plants are also susceptible to natural threats.

“As is the case for many microendemic species, the taxon is extremely vulnerable to stochastic events such as fire which, on sufficient scale, could represent extinction level events,” the researchers warned.

A member of the Nepenthes genus — which consists of over 160 species — the newest species of pitcher plant can grow as large as 45 centimeters and hold more than two liters of water.

“The documentation of such remarkable new species in comparatively well-explored rainforest regions such as those of northern Borneo highlights the importance of targeted exploration in remaining wilderness areas to uncover hidden biodiversity. Doing so closes gaps in scientific knowledge, and specifically increases the critical taxonomic and ecological knowledge necessary to support the development and implementation of conservation measures required to reduce the risk of species extinction and concomitant loss of biodiversity,” the researchers wrote in the paper.

The post New Species of Orangutan-Colored Pitcher Plant Discovered in Mountains of Borneo appeared first on EcoWatch.

https://www.ecowatch.com/pitcher-plant-species-discovery-borneo.html

Green Living

Earth911 Inspiration: No Louder Voice?

Published

2 days ago

February 6, 2026

Alice Rush

Saint Augustine, in a sermon to his congregation, urged them to look beyond books, even to Bible, to see God in nature: “God, whom you want to discover, never wrote a book in ink. Instead, He set before your eyes the things that He had made. Can you ask for a louder voice than that?”

How do we move past the identity politics that dominate discourse on the left and right at this fractured moment and amount to a cacophony of special pleadings for the advantage of small groups, nations, and isolated networks? That’s why we ignore the Earth, because we cannot look up from our daily concerns. We need a new universal value that unites, one that emphasizes human dignity in the context of a restored, regenerating nature.

Earth911 inspirations. Print them, post them, share your desire to help people think of the planet first, every day.

The post Earth911 Inspiration: No Louder Voice? appeared first on Earth911.

https://earth911.com/living-well-being/earth911-inspiration-no-louder-voice/

Green Living

Petrochemicals: How They Affect People + Planet

Published

2 days ago

February 6, 2026

Alice Rush

Last Updated on February 6, 2026

Have you ever heard of Cancer Alley? It’s an ~85-mile stretch along the banks of the Mississippi River where communities exist beside ~200 fossil fuel and petrochemical operations.

Residents of Cancer Alley are exposed to more than 10x the level of health risk from hazardous air pollutants than people living elsewhere in the state. And it’s worth mentioning the residents exposed are mostly BIPOC and low-income communities.

Petrochemicals: How They Affect People + Planet

But what exactly are petrochemicals? And how exactly do they harm both people and planet? Here’s everything you need to know.

what are petrochemical plants?

Petrochemical plants are facilities that process crude oil and fracked gas to make plastics, industrial chemicals and pesticides. They are usually located near petroleum refineries or integrated into large petrochemical complexes.

Petrochemical factories process and transform hydrocarbons into chemical products used in the plastics, textiles, automotive, pharmaceutical, and electronic industries.

Obtaining the raw materials needed to make petrochemicals is already carbon intensive – and the raw material processing these plants do only pollute further.

what is an example of a petrochemical?

An example of a petrochemical is ethylene, which is the most widespread petrochemical in the world, primarily used in the plastic industry to make polyethylene. You may know polyethylene as plastic resin #2 (HDPE – high density – used for milk jugs, detergent bottles, etc.) and #4 (LDPE – low density – used for plastic grocery bags/film).

Olefins plants (a specific type of petrochemical plant) produces ethylene. These plants use steam crackers and the energy input is considered one of the most energy intensive processes in the chemical industry.

But olefin plants are only one type of petrochemical plant. Aromatic plants produce nezene, toluene, and xylene from naphtha and other refinery streams. These make up dyes, detergents, and plastic products.

Syngas plants use natural gas or coal to generate synthetic gas, which creates industrial chemicals such as ammonia and methanol.

are petrochemicals harmful?

Petrochemicals have been linked to health problems, including cancer, according to an analysis in the New England Journal of Medicine.

That’s because to make petrochemicals, plants release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that pollute the air. Not to mention refineries and plants discharge toxins into waterways, which contributes to water pollution.

According to an Environmental Integrity Project (EIP) report, nearly 70 petrochemical companies across the nation are sending millions of pounds of pollutants into waterways each year due to weak or nonexistent regulations. And yes, it does contaminate drinking water.

Residents of Cancer Alley have experienced this firsthand. Polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are present in their drinking water at levels hundreds of times higher than currently-suggested safe levels for human consumption.

And residents suffer the effects of extreme air pollution on a daily basis. Including increased risks of infertility, respiratory illness and cancer.

According to 70 interviews conducted by Human Rights Watch, women in Cancer Alley reported miscarriages, high-risk pregnancies, and poor health of newborns. Many shared stories of entire communities decimated by cancer (hence the name).

do petrochemicals harm the environment?

Yes, petrochemicals harm the environment too – petrochemical plants use massive amounts of energy to function, and in doing so, pollute the air, water and soil. Everything is intersectional.

Plus, as we transition away from fossil fuels to power our homes and businesses, petrochemical plants are becoming a lifeline to Big Oil. That’s because crude oil and gas are used to make many petrochemicals.

If petrochemical plants are allowed to grow, unregulated, there will be more consumption of oil and gas to come for decades. This directly contributes to climate change.

what is being done + how can we help?

Cancer Alley residents are fighting for reignition and change.

Sharon Lavigne, a retired special education teacher, founded Rise St. James, an organization focused on bringing environmental justice to the people of St. James Parish. The parish is located in one of Cancer Alley’s polluted hotspots, and Lavigne’s demands are far from radical. She simply wants clean air and drinking water.

Yet a lawsuit filed by the Biden Justice Department and EPA was recently dropped by the current administration.

Robert Taylor, founder of Concerned Citizens of St. John, said “…our government has abandoned us. We have been designated a sacrifice zone.”

Unfortunately, Texas recently also cleared the way for petrochemical expansion despite health warnings.

So how do we make an impact? Here are a few ways we can help:

Reduce your reliance on plastics. Especially single-use. Here’s a beginner’s guide to waste reduction.

Advocate for extended producer responsibility (EPR).

Ditch banks that support the fossil fuel industry in favor of green banks.

Support Earth Justice, which sews on behalf of the earth.

Avoid using pesticides and advocate against their use on farms. Support local, pesticide-free farmers whenever possible.

Invest in clean energy and green financing.

Support community-based initiatives impacted most by petrochemical plants, such as Rise St. James and Concerned Citizens of St. John.

Speak up and spread the word. Share this article so more people know about petrochemicals and why they harm people + planet.

How are you advocating against petrochemicals? Let me know in the comments!

The post Petrochemicals: How They Affect People + Planet appeared first on Going Zero Waste.

Petrochemicals: How They Affect People + Planet

Green Living

Pizza Boxes Are More Recyclable Than Ever

Published

3 days ago

February 5, 2026

Alice Rush

Back in 2020, the Recycling Partnership and WestRock released a scientific study demonstrating that used pizza boxes are recyclable, even when greasy and contaminated with cheese. Since that research was published, the findings have driven significant improvements in recycling program acceptance nationwide.

The basic results are clearly favorable for greater acceptance of pizza boxes for recycling. The typical pizza box has 1% to 2% grease content by weight, which is about one-tenth the acceptable level for cardboard (corrugated paperboard) recycling. The study looked at the impact of greasy boxes on mixed recycling loads that include 8% greasy pizza boxes with varying levels of greasy contamination from between 3% and 40%. The recycled materials produced were still viable for packaging use, well within the tensile strength required for packaging.

Recycling Acceptance Has Expanded

Since the study was released, pizza box recycling acceptance has grown substantially. According to the American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA), 82% of Americans now have access to a community recycling program that accepts pizza boxes—up from 73% in 2020. AF&PA member company mills representing 94% of old corrugated container consumption now accept pizza boxes with no observed impacts to operations or finished product quality.

The AF&PA’s guidance is unambiguous: “Corrugated pizza boxes are successfully recycled every day at paper mills throughout the country. Our industry wants these boxes back to recycle.”

Since about 3 billion pizza boxes are used in the U.S. each year, the improved recycling processes can capture roughly 600,000 tons of cardboard annually that could be turned into new boxes, paper towels, toilet paper, and other paper products.

What To Do Do With Your Next Pizza Box?

Our guidance is based on the research and current program acceptance:

For most Americans: Your recycling program likely accepts pizza boxes. Remove any leftover pizza, flatten the box, and place it in your recycling bin. Light grease stains are acceptable; the science confirms they don’t affect the recycling process.

If your box has a waxed paper liner, remove it before recycling: The box itself can be recycled as normal cardboard.

If your program prohibits pizza boxes: Don’t send materials your program won’t accept. Instead, check the composting options below or contact your local recycling coordinator to share the Recycling Partnership’s toolkit and AF&PA research. Citizen requests carry a lot of weight at local departments of sanitation.

If your box is heavily saturated with grease: Consider composting instead of recycling. While typical grease levels are fine for recycling, boxes that are completely soaked may be better suited for composting programs.

The Recycling Partnership tested a variety of grease- and cheese-contaminated pizza boxes. Only the box on the right approached unacceptable recycling results.

What About The Cheese?

You might ask, “Isn’t cheese a barrier to successful recycling?” Cheese tends to solidify and get screened out during the pulping process,” according to the 2020 report. The researchers tested sending boxes heavily contaminated with cheese through a recycling process and found that it did not significantly reduce the resulting paper fiber’s viability for reuse. Paper mills have become increasingly adept at screening out chunks of cheese during processing.

Composting: A Great Alternative

When recycling isn’t available, or your pizza box is heavily soiled, composting provides an excellent alternative that keeps cardboard out of landfills while creating nutrient-rich soil. Many cities now accept pizza boxes in curbside organics programs:

New York City requires all residents to separate food scraps and food-soiled paper from trash as of April 2025. Pizza boxes are explicitly accepted in the brown bin program.

California jurisdictions statewide must provide organics collection under SB 1383. Food-soiled pizza boxes can go in compostables carts.

Portland, Oregon updated its guidelines under the state’s Recycling Modernization Act. As of July 2025, empty pizza boxes with minimal grease are recyclable, while greasier boxes can go in yard waste bins.

King County, Washington accepts pizza boxes in composting, noting that food-soiled paper can be composted, though clean cardboard is better recycled.

For home composting, tear greasy cardboard into small pieces to speed up decomposition. The cardboard provides essential carbon to balance nitrogen-rich food scraps, improving compost quality.

How to Check Your Local Guidelines

Domino’s partnered with WestRock to launch Recycle My Pizza Box, which lets you enter your ZIP code to find specific recycling guidance for your area. The site also provides template language you can share with local recycling programs that haven’t yet updated their guidelines.

Advocate for Change

If your municipality still lists pizza boxes in the “no” pile, you can help drive change:

Share the WestRock Grease & Cheese Study with your local recycling coordinator
Point them to the Recycling Partnership’s free toolkit, which includes updated bin labels, mailers, and social media assets
Reference the AF&PA’s industry guidance confirming that paper mills want these boxes back

The progress since 2020 shows that advocacy works. Communities from Anchorage to New York have updated their programs based on this research.

Eat happily—that box can become the next pizza box you receive, or any number of other paper products that keep valuable fiber in circulation.