From Gen X and offshore drilling to pollution around Greenfield Lake, there is plenty to consider locally this Earth Day. Here are some of the environmental stories we have covered this year:
1. Late last November, we reported that Brunswick County had eliminated multiple references to – and plans for dealing with – rising sea levels in its hazard mitigation plan. The move was apparently motivated by partisan politics who rejected climate change science, but County Commissioners never answered questions about the decision. The county will have to draft another plan starting next year — so this is one to watch. READ MORE
Brunswick County eliminated plans to address rising sea levels. Apparently, no one knows why
2. New Hanover County’s compost program has the potential to drastically reduce the amount of garbage that ends up in the landfill. But in order to do that, it needs a steady input of organic waste. With the region’s population continuing to grow, the need to minimize landfill use will only increase. READ MORE
As landfill grows, New Hanover County’s composting program needs food
3. Tima Capital asked the NCDEQ for a tenfold increase for its methyl bromide insecticide use in Wilmington, but the permit application didn’t gather much public attention until the public comment period had almost expired. This article caught the attention of New Hanover’s Board of Commissioners, who called on the DEQ to extent the time period and allowed far more residents to weigh in. Ultimately, Tima Capital withdrew its permit request. READ MORE
Update: New Hanover Commissioner calls for public hearing, extended comment period for Tima Capital
4. Numerous outlets covered protesters opposed to offshore drilling, but few covered those in favor it. Whether you’re for it, against it, or undecided, it helps to know what both sides of the debate have to say. READ MORE
Meet the man who wants to bring offshore oil and gas exploration to North Carolina
For over three years, Greenfield Lake has been on the state’s list of impaired waters. A major issue, runoff from increasingly dense development — not an issue that’s going away anytime soon. One of Wilmington’s favorite public spaces, Greenfield Lake remains in danger. READ MORE
Greenfield Lake has been considered an ‘impaired’ body of water for 3 years
6. Picking up from where other reporting left off, this local filmmaker went to get his own answers about GenX. Interviewing scientists and politicians, he worked for six months and came up with some interesting information — the film is due to be released this year. READ MORE
Filmmaker’s six-month documentary reveals GenX is just a fraction of the problem
Bonus: being environmentally conscious can be hard work, but it can rewarding, too. Here are five environmentally friendly North Carolina beers — appropriate for drinking on Earth Day. READ MORE
5 environmentally friendly North Carolina beers to try this Earth Day
