News & Commentary

Taking Care of the Food Workers Who Take Care of Us

February 10, 2021 NRDC in ActionColoradoNicole Greenfield

The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the inequities faced by food- and farmworkers who put their health in danger just by coming to work each day. NRDC is pushing to change that.

How to Testify in Support of Composting in New York City

December 15, 2020 Expert BlogNew York CityEric A. Goldstein

Here’s how you can stand up for community composting and make your voice heard at Friday’s New York City Council hearing.

COVID-19 Has Exposed the Gross Exploitation of Meatpacking Workers

October 30, 2020 DispatchColoradoNicole Greenfield

The ongoing health and safety failures at the JBS meat-processing plant in Greeley, Colorado, highlight an industry-wide truth: It’s production over people, even in a deadly pandemic.

Systems Based Ag Solutions Required for Systemic Ag Problems

October 29, 2020 Expert BlogCaliforniaArohi Sharma, Lena Brook

Now is the time for reimagining what our natural and working lands, and broader food and agricultural economy, looks like.

These Farmer-Activists Are Fixing Our Racist and Unjust Food System

October 27, 2020 DispatchNew YorkNicole Greenfield

Black Farmer Fund is part of a collaboration of New York–based groups working to repair a system that has long discriminated against BIPOC farmers.

Nature Thrives with Diversity; California's Food Systems Can, Too

October 22, 2020 Expert BlogCaliforniaArohi Sharma

Our decisionmakers need to think long-term and tie economic recovery with support for our small- and mid-sized farmers, our essential workers, and climate-smart agriculture programs.

Albuquerque Partners with Jicarilla Apache Nation Solar Farm

October 21, 2020 Expert BlogNew Mexico, AlbuquerqueEloisa Portillo-Morales

Known for its beautiful lakes, majestic landscapes, and abundant wildlife, the Jicarilla Apache Nation reservation in northwestern New Mexico will soon become known for another impressive environmental feature: a 400-acre solar farm.

San Francisco Grocers Report: Beef & Pork Antibiotic Use Still Hidden

October 19, 2020 Expert BlogSan FranciscoAllison Johnson

For the second year in a row, San Francisco grocers reported almost no details about antibiotics used to produce beef or pork sold in the city. It's time for grocers—and their meat producers—to step up.

More Work Ahead to Protect California from Toxic Pesticides

July 21, 2020 Expert BlogCaliforniaAllison Johnson, Miriam Rotkin-Ellman

The state's Department of Pesticide Regulation and Department of Food and Agriculture must end the use of toxic pesticides and invest in diversified organic and regenerative agriculture.

Small Farm, Big Tale: Sustainable Farming in the Bay Area

July 20, 2020 Expert BlogCaliforniaPaloma Sisneros-Lobato

Green Valley Mill + Farm in Sebastopol, CA

Food Systems Analyst

July 14, 2020 NRDC in ActionBaltimore, Nashville, Denver, Maryland, Tennessee, ColoradoJeff Turrentine

Andrea Spacht Collins is working to minimize food waste by changing the way we think about what we eat—and what we don’t eat, where it comes from, and where it ends up.

California Takes the Lead in Regulating Ropeless Fishing

July 2, 2020 Expert BlogCaliforniaDr. Francine Kershaw

Entanglement in fishing gear is the leading cause of death for marine mammals worldwide.

NYC Council Must Restore Funds for Community Composting

June 27, 2020 Expert BlogNew York CityEric A. Goldstein

Restoration of $7 million to preserve community composting and related recycling outreach and education won’t solve every waste problem in New York. But it will throw a lifeline to one of the most significant, untapped anti-pollution strategies available to local…

CA Farm-to-School Survives a Challenging Budget Year

June 26, 2020 Expert BlogCaliforniaLena Brook

This is an important moment for California to lead in reshaping our food system toward one that is regenerative, healthy and just.

Take Action to Protect Bees During National Pollinator Week

June 22, 2020 Expert BlogNew York, New JerseyDaniel Raichel, Lucas Rhoads

This Pollinator week, let’s heed the science and skip the fluff. Here’s how you can take action now to protect pollinators and human health.

Toxic “Forever Chemicals” Came Between This Farmer, His Cows, and the Air Force

February 19, 2020 DispatchNew MexicoTim Vanderpool

The PFAS-laden firefighting foam used in training exercises at military bases easily slips into groundwater supplies, tainting everything around it.

Proposed CA Budget Lifts Up Healthy, Sustainable School Food

January 13, 2020 Expert BlogUnited States, CaliforniaLena Brook

With an $80 million proposed increase aimed at giving schools much needed resources to improve meal programs, Governor Newsom’s proposed 2020-21 budget offers California public school students a better chance to learn and thrive.

A Fearless Defender for Our Future

January 6, 2020 NRDC in ActionBoston, Washington, D.C., United StatesJeff Turrentine

President and CEO Gina McCarthy started out as a public health agent in small-town Massachusetts, rose to become head of the EPA under Obama, and now guides NRDC into its next chapter.

Farmers and Salmon Advocates Agree: It’s Time to Talk about the Snake River Dams

January 2, 2020 DispatchWashington, OregonJodi Helmer

What used to be an idea touted mainly by salmon fishers and environmentalists is bringing around some farmers who’ve long depended on barge shipping to get their crops to market.

Landmark Victory: California Ditching Chlorpyrifos in 2020

October 10, 2019 Expert BlogUnited States, CaliforniaMiriam Rotkin-Ellman

The bold move will protect children's health in the state and across the country—as well as get the ball rolling for other states to follow suit.