Joy Scrogum

Celebrate SDG Action & Awareness Week The University Global Coalition, in partnership with the United Nations Academic Impact, has declared March 2-6, 2026 as SDG Action & Awareness Week. The purpose of this week is to raise awaren…

Celebrate SDG Action & Awareness Week! My latest blog post provides more information about the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): joysness.com/2026/03/01/c...

Great book about science & sustainability for middle school readers. Read my review of 'Ellie Ment and the Material Matter' at forums.onlinebookclub.org/viewtopic.ph...

One major rule anchored U.S. climate policy. The EPA just threw it out The Trump administration rescinded the 2009 “endangerment finding,” ending regulation of greenhouse gases from cars and trucks

Disgraceful. www.scientificamerican.com/article/epa-...

Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl show had a big message about Puerto Rico’s grid The superstar climbed a sparking electric pole as the Trump administration claws back millions in federal funding meant to fix the island’s…

'The superstar climbed a sparking electric pole as the Trump administration claws back millions in federal funding meant to fix the island’s hurricane-battered grid.' www.canarymedia.com/articles/cul...

Lab-grown algae remove microplastics from water A University of Missouri researcher is pioneering an innovative solution to remove tiny bits of plastic pollution from our water. Mizzou's Susie Dai recently applied a revolutionary strain of algae to...

'Mizzou's Susie Dai recently applied a revolutionary strain of algae toward capturing and removing harmful microplastics from polluted water...Dai also aims to repurpose the collected microplastics into safe, bioplastic products such as composite plastic films.' phys.org/news/2026-02...

From sea to space: Turning the tide on microplastic pollution A Texas A&M University at Galveston researcher is pioneering a groundbreaking approach to monitor and combat ocean pollution using satellite technology.

'Dr. Karl Kaiser, professor of marine and coastal environmental science in the College of Marine Sciences and Maritime Studies at Texas A&M University at Galveston is exploring an innovative idea: using satellites to spot microplastics in the ocean.' stories.tamu.edu/news/2026/02...

Energy Star has emerged stronger after Trump's EPA tried to end it The Trump administration tried to end or privatize the government Energy Star efficiency program. But now Trump has signed a budget bill that fully funds the program and leaves it even stronger.

Good news! But there's still concerns related to adequate staffing for program administration. www.nprillinois.org/2026-02-03/e...

Putting solar panels on land used for biofuels would produce enough electricity for all cars and trucks to go electric The world dedicates a Poland-sized area of land to liquid biofuels. Is there a more efficient way to generate energy?

ourworldindata.org/biofuel-land...

'Fish Mouth' Filter Removes 99% of Microplastics From Laundry Waste The ancient evolution of fish mouths could help solve a modern source of plastic pollution.

Excellent example of biomimicry to help prevent microfiber pollution! www.sciencealert.com/fish-mouth-f...

World pauses to commemorate International Holocaust Remembrance Day People across Europe and beyond are commemorating International Holocaust Remembrance Day. They are pausing to reflect on the killing of millions of lives and attempts to wipe out Jewish life in Europ...

Never forget. Heed Mr. Offen's words. You can always choose differently. apnews.com/article/holo...

Stand With Minnesota Donation Directory Stand With Minnesota is a hub for supporting, learning, and taking action to support Minnesotans impacted by ICE and federal enforcement.

In Minnesota, scores of ordinary people are bravely looking out for their neighbors, defending their communities, and protesting lawless violence.

They are the best of America.

Here's how to stand with them. www.standwithminnesota.com

Non-masked MN National Guard are out handing out hot chocolate, coffee and donuts to protesters. One simple act has de-escalated the situation and helped gain the trust of people. See the difference between professional soldiers and the pretend tough guys in CBP and ICE?

Why We Must Act Now to Save Hair We Share — Hair We Share Hair We Share is facing a serious financial challenge, and we need your help to continue providing free wigs to those experiencing medical hair loss. Please take a moment to read this important update...

As a cancer survivor, I know what medical hair loss is like. I chose to wear scarves & thankfully all of that is years behind me & my hair has grown back. But for many, this is happening now. Consider a donation to Hair We Share: hairweshare.org/blog/why-we-...

ICYMI: IL residents can now recycle paint and related products blog.istc.illinois.edu/2026/01/16/i...

Majority of frontline Social Security employees earn less than a living wage, study finds SSA employees in a survey said that amid these workforce challenges, the agency is unable to keep up with the needs of beneficiaries.

Read the full story here: federalnewsnetwork.com/workforce/20...

We Found More Than 40 Cases of Immigration Agents Using Banned Chokeholds and Other Moves That Can Cut Off Breathing Civilians have had apparent seizures. One had his eyes roll back. Another had ribs broken. “I felt like I was going to p

Arnoldo Bazan, a 16-year-old U.S. citizen, was put in a chokehold by ICE agents.

Agents took his phone, which he tracked to a used electronics vending machine near an ICE detention center.

Yes: ICE is stealing and selling people’s things after brutalizing them. There are no words.

Cold and data centres drive up US greenhouse gas emissions US emissions of planet-warming gases rise for the first time in three years.

Cold weather and data centres drive up US greenhouse gas emissions www.bbc.com/news/article...

Are Carrot Scraps the Future of Alternative Protein? Scientists Think So Food researchers have figured out how to turn carrot scraps into a surprisingly tasty source of protein. By growing pink oyster mushroom mycelium on discarded carrot peels and greens, they created veg...

'In taste tests, volunteers preferred vegan patties made entirely from fungal mycelium to those made with soy, pointing to a flavorful, eco-friendly new alternative protein.' www.foodandwine.com/carrot-scrap...

Studies link some food preservatives to higher diabetes and cancer risk Of 17 preservatives studied, higher consumption of 12 of them linked with increased risk of type 2 diabetes

'Higher consumption of some food preservatives is associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes and cancer, two studies suggest.' www.theguardian.com/science/2026...

US would reach 100% renewable energy by 2148 at current pace China is on track to reach a fully renewable energy system by 2051, nearly a century earlier than the United States, according to a global study covering 150 countries.

'China is on track to reach a fully renewable energy system by 2051, nearly a century earlier than the United States, according to a global study covering 150 countries.' Well, that doesn't feel great for the US (though good for China & the world). www.pv-magazine.com/2026/01/12/u...

Sustainability funding opportunities with deadlines within the next few weeks Check out these two funding opportunities to support your sustainability efforts: Delta Institute BOOST 2026 Entering its 14th year, the Delta Institute’s Building Opportunities for Original …

joysness.com/2026/01/09/s...

Burning Down the House: American Government in the Age of Trump

alanjshannon.substack.com/p/burning-do...

Toxic substances in PET bottles scrutinized by researchers Virgin and rPET bottles in Michigan and California leached additives and hazardous chemicals, per a study funded by the Alliance for Mission-Based Recycling. It’s the latest research to raise question...

www.packagingdive.com/news/plastic...

Venezuelan Oil Brought to the U.S. Would Be Refined in Black Gulf Communities Communities in Texas and Louisiana say U.S. control of Venezuela’s heavy crude will worsen “environmental racism” along the Gulf.

capitalbnews.org/trump-venezu...

France enacts ban on ‘forever chemicals’ - with one big exception Cosmetics and clothes made with PFAS, also known as forever chemicals, have officially been banned in France.

'The first draft law also included a ban on non-stick saucepans, but this has been removed following reports of “intense lobbying” from French manufacturer Tefal.' www.euronews.com/green/2026/0...

Updates on sustainability research and case studies from around the world, with an emphasis on areas of expertise and research interests of the Illinois Sustainable Technology Center. Learn more: blog.istc.illinois.edu/2026/01/05/s...

Energy efficiency and electrification project rebates up to $1,000 for 30 businesses or non-profit organizations in Illinois. Applications are due February 2, 2026. blog.istc.illinois.edu/2026/01/05/e...

Jan. 6, 2021: A visual archive of the Capitol attack NPR’s Jan. 6 archive brings together reporting, video, documents and testimony to show what really happened during the Capitol riot. Explore the timeline, cases and evidence behind the attack.

Don't forget Jan. 6, 2021. NPR has a visual archive to remind you just how insane this all was. apps.npr.org/jan-6-archive/

Maduro's ouster on drug charges comes as Trump lets others free The military removal of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro on US drug charges comes after Trump has freed other figures connected to narcotics trafficking.

The military removal of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro on US drug charges comes after Trump has freed other figures connected to narcotics trafficking. n.pr/4skk4yB

ACT NOW: Tell Congress to Hold Trump in Check! Use this form to send a letter to your House Rep and both of your Senators. It takes 2 minutes!

PLEASE everyone do this.

It’s so easy.

Send a letter to Congress in only 2 minutes!!

Tell them to DO THEIR JOBS and keep Trump in check!!!

Pass it on. 🙏