European Union Can't Blow Opportunity to Set Strong Marine Litter Targets
Seas at Risk
Under the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD), member states have to disclose their initial assessments of their own waters, define what they consider to be ‘Good Environmental Status’ and set targets for several marine environmental challenges, including marine litter, for 2020.
Monica Verbeek, executive director of Seas At Risk said:
“The MSFD presents a golden opportunity for member states to tackle the problem of marine litter and plastic pollution in our seas. We want to see member states committing to targets that will have a real and noticeable effect on litter levels on our beaches and in our seas, not only for the sake of marine life, but also to reduce the economic burden marine litter brings to coastal communities and maritime industries. Significant reductions are possible but strong political will is needed now.”
The 32 NGOs—whose interests range from turtle conservation to waste reduction policy—fear that member states could end up wasting the opportunity by setting weak targets that if achieved will have little effect on the state of the marine environment.
The letter—and an associated advice document for the Environment ministers that was published earlier this year—details the feasibility of setting a 50 percent reduction target in marine litter by 2020.
The letter is being sent out individually to all European Environment Ministers on July 3 to mark ‘International Bag-Free Day.' This year, groups from all over the world are organizing activities to raise awareness on the impact of single-use plastic bags on the environment.
- The letter can be read in full by clicking here.
- For more information on International Bag-Free Day, click here.
Visit EcoWatch's WATER page for more related news on this topic.
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A man pushes his mother in a wheelchair down Ocean Drive in South Beach, Miami on May 19, 2020, amid the novel coronavirus pandemic. CHANDAN KHANNA / AFP via Getty Images
The U.S. reported more than 55,000 new coronavirus cases on Thursday, in a sign that the outbreak is not letting up as the Fourth of July weekend kicks off.
<p>Thursday's tally of 55,274 new cases was both more than the country has reported on any single day so far and more than any other country has reported over 24 hours, according to <a href="https://uk.mobile.reuters.com/article/amp/idUKKBN2433I3" target="_blank">Reuters figures</a>. The previous record was held by Brazil, which reported 54,771 cases on June 19.</p><p>Thursday's high caseload is not an isolated incident. The U.S. has reported more than 40,000 new cases each day for seven days in a row and has broken records for new cases three days running, according to Reuters data. Thursday was also the second consecutive day that the daily tally topped 50,000, <a href="https://www.ft.com/content/22329c90-8880-34dc-b072-d707c7a69f7e" target="_blank">The Financial Times reported</a>.</p>
<p>"What we've seen is a very disturbing week," National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Director Dr. Anthony Fauci said in a livestream with the American Medical Association, <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2020/07/02/business/bc-eu-virus-outbreak-global-1st-ld-writethru.html" target="_blank">The Associated Press reported Wednesday</a>.</p><p>It also doesn't look like the surge in cases is down to increased testing, as some <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/tag/trump-administration" target="_self">Trump administration</a> officials have suggested in recent weeks.</p><p>"There is no question that the more testing you get the more you will uncover, but we do believe this is a real increase in cases because the percent positivities are going up," Assistant Secretary of Health Admiral Brett Giroir told Congress Thursday, as <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2020/07/02/world/coronavirus-us.html?smtyp=cur&smid=fb-nytimes&fbclid=IwAR241Rs0aTup95AERRZVw1cvdeTfGk-ls1V6lxfsUXKc6tpkeOf8gUzrVsQ" target="_blank">The New York Times reported</a>. "So this is real increases in cases."</p>
<p>In fact, Thursday's total represents a more than 85 percent increase in new cases compared to two weeks ago, when states began to reopen following an extended lockdown. Cases have risen in 40 out of 50 states in the past 14 days, according to <a href="https://covidtracking.com/" target="_blank">COVID Tracking Project</a> data reported by The Associated Press, and the number of tests coming back positive has risen in 36 states.</p><p>Eight states set individual records for their highest case tally Thursday, The New York Times reported. They were Alaska, Arkansas, California, Georgia, Montana, South Carolina, Tennessee and Florida, which reported more than 10,000 cases for the first time.</p>
<p>The rise in cases has led states and counties to impose new restrictions.<br></p><p>Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Gimenez announced a 10 p.m. curfew starting Friday and continuing indefinitely, <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2020/07/02/coronavirus-live-updates-us/#link-EBF3VSVGIBAIPP3NWT76STPPZ4" target="_blank">The Washington Post</a> reported.</p><p>"Too many people were crowding into restaurants late at night, turning these establishments into breeding grounds for this deadly virus," Gimenez said, as <a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/news/us-coronavirus-cases-record-50000-in-one-day/" target="_blank">CBS News reported</a>.</p><p>California Gov. Gavin Newsom said he was closing bars, indoor restaurants and movie theaters in most of the state.</p><p>"The bottom line is the spread of this virus continues at a rate that is particularly concerning," Newsom said.</p>
<p>And Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said Thursday that anyone in a county with 20 or more cases would have to wear a mask in public, The Washington Post reported. This is a reversal for Abbott, who had previously prohibited local governments from mandating similar policies, The Associated Press pointed out.</p><p>"We are now at a point where the virus is spreading so fast, there is little margin for error," Abbott said, as The Associated Press reported. "I know that wearing a face covering is not the convenient thing to do, but I also know that wearing a face covering will help us to keep Texas open for business. And it will help Texans earn the paycheck they need."</p><p><a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/tag/public-health" target="_self">Public health</a> experts are worried the surge could get even worse following the Fourth of July weekend.</p>"It's set up a perfect storm: the combination of travel, the combination of reopening — perhaps in some cases, too early — and the combination of people not necessarily following some of these preventive guidelines," Boston Medical Center infectious disease physician Dr. Joshua Barocas said during an Infectious Diseases Society of America briefing <a href="https://amp.cnn.com/cnn/2020/07/01/health/us-coronavirus-wednesday/index.html?__twitter_impression=true" target="_blank">reported by CNN</a>.
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To better understand how people influence the overall health of dolphins, Oklahoma State University's Unmanned Systems Research Institute is developing a drone to collect samples from the spray that comes from their blowholes. Ken Y. / CC by 2.0
By Jason Bruck
Human actions have taken a steep toll on whales and dolphins. Some studies estimate that small whale abundance, which includes dolphins, has fallen 87% since 1980 and thousands of whales die from rope entanglement annually. But humans also cause less obvious harm. Researchers have found changes in the stress levels, reproductive health and respiratory health of these animals, but this valuable data is extremely hard to collect.
<p>To better understand how people influence the overall health of dolphins, <a href="https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=Z9Z9u2EAAAAJ&hl=en&oi=sra" target="_blank">my colleagues and I</a> at Oklahoma State University's <a href="https://ceat.okstate.edu/usri/index.html" target="_blank">Unmanned Systems Research Institute</a> are developing a drone to collect samples from the spray that comes from their blowholes. Using these samples, we will learn more about these animals' health, which can aid in their conservation.</p><h2>The Old Ways Vs. the New Way</h2><p>Today, researchers wanting to measure wild dolphins' health primarily use remote biopsy darting – where researchers use a small dart to collect a sample of tissue – or handle the animals in order to collect samples. These methods don't physically harm the animals, but despite precautions, they can be disruptive and stressful for dolphins. Additionally, this process is challenging, time-consuming and expensive.</p><p>My current research focus is on <a href="https://integrativebiology.okstate.edu/8-people/faculty/449-jason-n-bruck" target="_blank">dolphin perception</a> – how they see, hear and sense the world. Using my experience, I am part of a team building a drone specifically designed to be an improvement over current sampling methods, both for dolphins and the researchers. Our goal is to develop a quiet drone that can fly into a dolphin's blind spot and collect samples from the mucus that is mixed with water and air sprayed out of a dolphin's blowhole when they exhale a breath. This is called the blow. Dolphins would experience less stress and teams could collect more samples at less expense.</p><p>Some researchers already use <a href="https://doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2017.00425" target="_blank">drones to sample blows from large and small whales</a>. But those animals are not easily startled and have huge blow fields that throw droplets far into the air and linger for a long time. Dolphin blows spray seawater, air and hormone-containing mucus from their blowholes at <a href="https://doi.org/10.1242/jeb.126870" target="_blank">nearly 200 mph and last for about 0.3 seconds</a>. Additionally, dolphins may have <a href="https://doi.org/10.1242/jeb.053397" target="_blank">better hearing than humans</a> and have eyes on both sides of their head that can see in <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/0077-7579(72)90008-7" target="_blank">both air and water</a>. Good luck sneaking up on a dolphin.</p><p>Other teams have attempted to collect samples from dolphins using commercial drones, but it seems the animals' movements <a href="https://doi.org/10.1002/ecs2.2901" target="_blank">limit the success of these attempts with these devices</a>.</p>
<img lazy-loadable="true" src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yMzQzNDQ3Ny9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY0NTExMzk0M30.q8ILIQEQ6WjIbiEL8GU5QdFo4OghqUZd65rWK0Y3svo/img.jpg?width=980" id="9cf25" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="455d3ece733c985bf44be661e61ac3b7" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" />
Researchers work with trained dolphins to learn more about their sensory abilities, seen here testing a dolphin's hearing. Jason Bruck / CC BY-ND
A Lot to Learn From Hormones
<p>When sampling the blow, we are looking for hormones in mucus as these can be used to gauge psychological and physiological health. We are specifically interested in <a href="https://dx.doi.org/10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0114062" target="_blank">hormones like cortisol</a> and <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ygcen.2018.04.003" target="_blank">progesterone</a>, which indicate stress levels and reproductive ability respectively, but can also help determine overall health.</p><p>Additionally, blow samples can detect <a href="https://dx.doi.org/10.1128%2FmSystems.00119-17" target="_blank">respiratory pathogens</a> in the lungs or nasal passages - blowholes evolved from noses after all.</p><p>This health analysis is especially important in areas with oil spills as the chemicals can cause hormonal problems that harm <a href="https://www.carmmha.org/investigating-how-oil-spills-affect-dolphins-and-whales/" target="_blank">development, metabolism and reproduction</a> in dolphins.</p><p>Hormone samples can provide scientists with valuable data, but collecting them from intelligent and unpredictable animals is challenging.</p>Cetacean Collaborators
<p>To build a drone that can stealthily collect spray from moving dolphins, we needed more data on their eyesight and hearing, and this is data that couldn't be collected in the wild nor simulated in a lab.</p><p>We worked with dolphins at facilities like Dolphin Quest in Bermuda, which provides guests opportunities to learn about dolphins while allowing <a href="https://dolphinquest.com/about-us/our-story/" target="_blank">scientists access to animals for noninvasive research</a>. Here the dolphins can swim away if they choose not to work with us, so we had to design the study like a game; the way a kindergarten teacher entertains a class. If the dolphins aren't interested, we don't get to do the science.</p><p>Over the course of hundreds of sessions, we sought to answer two questions: What can dolphins hear and what can they see around their heads?</p><p>To test dolphin hearing, we set up microphones and cameras to record dolphin behavior as we played drone noise in the air. We analyzed the responses to each noise – such as how many dolphins looked at the speaker – and used these as a proxy for their ability to hear the sounds.</p><span style="display:block;position:relative;padding-top:56.25%;" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="5f31daf07a652b8d64a093b993ee4e96"><iframe lazy-loadable="true" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/UjmQeH3vXHI?rel=0" width="100%" height="auto" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" style="position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;"></iframe></span>
<p>To test vision, we mounted lights inside a Hobermann sphere – the expandable rainbow plastic sphere you can see in the video above – that we can turn on and off. The dolphins were trained to whistle when they saw a light around their head. By turning on one light on at a time – which you can watch <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7FAaV2Mc0uc" target="_blank">in this video</a> – we created a map of the dolphin's field of view.</p><p>Next, we needed to understand the blow and a means to practice drone flights without a dolphin. To do this, graduate students built robodolphin, which includes a mechanical dolphin lung and replica of the blowhole.</p>
<img lazy-loadable="true" src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yMzQzNDQ4MC9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYwMjYwNTI5M30.WWrIKvwHJlnbYw5VTYq7XAsW6eFHwbqAT5pB4W_sJw8/img.jpg?width=980" id="b189f" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="235613c7e6de0dc00245273f341b5450" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" />
Robodolphin doesn't look like a real dolphin, but it doesn't need to in order to train our drone pilots. C.J. Barton / Oklahoma State University / CC BY-ND
<p>To build robodolphin, we worked with dolphins trained to "chuff" or sneeze on command to measure spray characteristics. We used high-speed photography to see the dolphins' breath as it moved through the air. Then we conducted high resolution CT scans of a dolphin head and 3D-printed a replica of a nasal passage.</p><p>Now, we have a complete robodolphin and are tweaking its sprays to be nearly identical to the real thing. This will allow us to determine how close we need to get to collect the samples, and therefore, how quiet our drone needs to be.</p><img lazy-loadable="true" src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yMzQzNDQ4Mi9vcmlnaW4ucG5nIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYwMTYyNzQwM30.0GTCRzwomkJVp3A-L0Hi-bQElv-Y6dzkqDhOo1gKfYc/img.png?width=980" id="a16c8" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="8d4147a8a36627c51459a3a6d2c29888" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" />
The replica dolphin blowhole was designed from a scan of a real blowhole passage, and the spray it produces closely matches the real thing. Alvin Ngo, Mitch Ford and CJ Barton / Oklahoma State University / CC BY-ND
A Bit of Practice, Then Into the Wild
<p>In the next few months, we will test flights over robodolphin with existing drones to determine the timing and strategy for collection. From there, we will fabricate a low-noise drone that can fly fast enough and with sufficient maneuverability to capture samples from wild dolphins. Like a video game, we will use the visual field data to develop approach trajectories to stay in the visual blindspots.</p><p>We plan to test our drones on a truck-mounted robodolphin moving down a runway, then using a boat to simulate realistic conditions. The next steps will involve ocean testing with dolphins trained for open ocean swimming. These tests will determine if our devices can catch and hold the hormones as the drone flies back to a researcher's boat.</p><p>Finally, we will deploy the system to collect data on wild dolphins. Our first goal is to test resident dolphins – animals that live on the coasts and deal directly with boat and oil industry noise – which will allow us to learn more about stress resulting from human impacts.</p><p>Those samples are a way off, but if all goes well we will have a specially built drone capable of flying long distances and capturing samples undetected in a few years. The samples collected will allow researchers to do better science with impact on the animals they study.</p>From Your Site Articles
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Florida Gov. DeSantis Prohibits Cities From Banning Sunscreens, Even Ones That Harm Coral
11h
Politics
Sunscreen pollution is accelerating the demise of coral reefs globally by causing permanent DNA damage to coral. gonzalo martinez / iStock / Getty Images Plus
On July 29, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed into law a controversial bill prohibiting local governments from banning certain types of sunscreens.
<p><a href="https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2020/172" target="_blank">SB 172</a> responds to and reverses the <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/sunscreens-oxybenzone-ban-2628295489.html" target="_self">City of Key West's 2019 ban on the sale of sunscreens containing oxybenzone and octinoxate</a> to protect its <a href="http://www.ecowatch.com/tag/coral-reefs" target="_self">coral reef</a>. The ban was set to take effect Jan. 1, 2021, but the new law strikes down that ban and prohibits similar ones.</p><p>According to the <a href="https://www.coris.noaa.gov/portals/florida.html" target="_blank">National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)</a>, Key West sits on Florida's Reef Tract, the only barrier reef in the continental U.S. </p><p>Florida's multi-billion coastal economy "is highly tied to the coral reefs and dependent on their health," the <a href="https://www.eesi.org/articles/view/floridas-dying-reefs-could-kill-the-florida-keys-economy" target="_blank">Environmental and Energy Study Institute</a> found.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/reef-friendly-sunscreens-2634686426.html?rebelltitem=1#rebelltitem1" target="_self">Sunscreen pollution is accelerating the demise of coral reefs</a> globally by causing permanent DNA damage to coral, according to experts, reported <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/sunscreens-oxybenzone-ban-2628295489.html" target="_self">ABC News</a>.</p><p>"(Coral reefs) provide billions of dollars in economic and environmental services, such as food, coastal protection, and tourism," said a <a href="https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/news/sunscreen-corals.html#:~:text=In%20a%202016%20study%2C%20a,against%20the%20sun's%20harmful%20effects." target="_blank">NOAA infographic article</a> about the harms of sunscreens. The infographic focuses on how sunscreen chemicals enter the ocean environment, the harm they cause to <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/tag/marine-life">marine life</a> including corals, fish, algae, etc. and alternative, reef-safe ways to stay protected from the sun.</p><p>Common <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/tag/chemicals">chemicals</a> in sunscreens and cosmetics are "highly toxic" to marine life and "even very low concentrations" of oxybenzone and octinoxate accumulate in coral tissue, inducing bleaching, damaging coral DNA and deforming and killing young coral larvae, according to NOAA.</p>
<p>This harm to the next generation of reefs threatens the survival of corals generally <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/coral-reefs-climate-crisis-predictions-2645201373.html" target="_self">at a time when reefs are already heavily imperiled</a>. <a href="https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/news/sunscreen-corals.html#:~:text=In%20a%202016%20study%2C%20a,against%20the%20sun's%20harmful%20effects." target="_blank">NOAA </a>called nontoxic sunscreen alternatives "critical" to protect reefs against "exacerbating effects posted by climate change and bleaching."</p><p>Oxybenzone and octinoxate also <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/sunscreen-chemicals-bloodstream-2636509218.html" target="_self">disrupt the human endocrine system</a>.<br></p><p>Even while the new Florida bill was moving towards DeSantis' desk, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration removed most chemical sunscreens from its list of "safe and effective" products pending health studies, instead designating mineral-based sunscreens containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide as "safe and effective, reported <a href="https://www.floridaphoenix.com/2020/06/30/desantis-signs-bill-prohibiting-florida-cities-from-banning-any-sunscreens-even-those-that-threaten-corals/" target="_blank">Florida Phoenix</a>.</p><p>Proponents of the bill, including many business interests, claim sunscreen is necessary to protect the residents and visitors to the sunshine state from skin cancer.</p>
<p>Senate Appropriations Chairman Rob Bradley spearheaded the bill, disputing the science claiming that sunscreens harm reefs. He argued that protecting tourists and residents from cancer trumps protecting coral reefs, reported Florida Phoenix and <a href="https://miami.cbslocal.com/2020/06/30/sunscreen-ban-in-florida/" target="_blank">CBS Miami</a>.</p><p>Those criticizing the bill call it the latest attack on local government home-rule authority as well as on coral reefs, reported <a href="https://www.startribune.com/florida-gov-chooses-side-in-sunscreen-debate-slather-away/571569782/?refresh=true" target="_blank">Star Tribune</a>.</p><p>Some have called the bill a "gross overreaction" to Key West's "measured and reasonable limitation" meant to protect their lucrative, important natural resource, reported <a href="https://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/politics/fl-ne-nsf-desantis-signs-sunscreen-ban-into-law-20200630-vjbksvzx5zh23kevo4d2nibvg4-story.html" target="_blank">Sun-Sentinel</a>.</p><p>"When it comes to protecting Florida's coral reefs, the Governor is standing with corporate interests, despite millions of taxpayer dollars spent on reef preservation and restoration," environmental groups said Tuesday in a joint press release, reported <a href="https://www.floridaphoenix.com/2020/06/30/desantis-signs-bill-prohibiting-florida-cities-from-banning-any-sunscreens-even-those-that-threaten-corals/" target="_blank">Florida Phoenix</a>.</p>
<p><a href="https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/news/sunscreen-corals.html#:~:text=In%20a%202016%20study%2C%20a,against%20the%20sun's%20harmful%20effects." target="_blank">NOAA</a> said that "although pollution is a major cause of coral reef degradation," it is also "the easiest factor to mitigate" because manufacturers and consumers can choose to create and purchase less harmful products. The only issue, NOAA found, was that regulation of the toxic chemicals in sunscreens "has largely been ignored."</p><p>DeSantis did not issue statements as his office Monday night released the new bill, reported <a href="https://miami.cbslocal.com/2020/06/30/sunscreen-ban-in-florida/" target="_blank">CBS Miami</a>.</p>
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Oat milk is popping up at coffee shops and grocery stores alike, quickly becoming one of the trendiest plant-based milks. jacqueline / CC by 2.0
By Kelli McGrane
Oat milk is popping up at coffee shops and grocery stores alike, quickly becoming one of the trendiest plant-based milks.
<p>In its simplest form, it's made by soaking oats, blending them with water, and straining out the oats. Yet, many companies add ingredients like sweeteners, oils, thickeners, and stabilizers to alter the product's taste, texture, and shelf life.</p><p>Since many people prefer to avoid these additives, Healthline evaluated the healthiest oat milks based on the following criteria:</p><ul><li>quality of ingredients</li><li>few — if any — added ingredients, such as stabilizers, thickeners, gums, sugars, colors, and flavors</li><li>taste and texture</li></ul><p>Here are the 14 best oat milks of 2020.</p>
<h3>Pricing Guide</h3><p>General price ranges are indicated below with dollar signs ($ to $$). One dollar sign means the product is rather affordable, whereas three dollar signs indicate a higher cost.</p><p>Generally, prices range from $0.08–$0.56 per ounce (30 mL), or $3.99–$44.99 per package, though this may vary depending on where you shop.</p><p><strong>Pricing guide</strong></p><ul><li><strong>$</strong> = under $0.10 per ounce (30 mL)</li><li><strong>$</strong> = $0.10–$0.50 per ounce (30 mL)</li><li><strong>$$</strong> = over $0.50 per ounce (30 mL)</li></ul>
<h2>1. Best Overall: Oatly Original Oatmilk</h2><p><strong>Price:</strong> $</p><p>The Swedish company Oatly, considered the original oat milk manufacturer, has become increasingly popular in the United States.</p><p>Its thick, creamy texture, slight sweetness, and versatility for baking and drinking alike make it the best overall option on the market.</p><p>Its Original Oatmilk product owes its rich consistency to non-GMO, expeller-pressed <a href="https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/rapeseed-oil" target="_blank">rapeseed oil</a>, also known as canola oil in the United States.</p><p>As it's less processed than most seed oils, Oatly's rapeseed oil likely retains more of its beneficial nutrients, including vitamin E and omega-3 and -6 fatty acids.</p><p>Just 1 cup (240 mL) of Oatly Original Oatmilk provides:</p><ul><li><strong>Calories:</strong> 120</li><li><strong>Fat:</strong> 5 grams<ul><li><strong>Saturated fat: </strong>0.5 grams</li></ul></li><li><strong>Carbs: </strong>16 grams</li><li><strong>Fiber: </strong>2 grams</li><li><strong>Sugar: </strong>7 grams</li><li><strong>Protein: </strong>3 grams</li><li><strong>Calcium: </strong>20% of the Daily Value (DV)</li><li><strong>Vitamin B12:</strong> 50% of the DV</li><li><strong>Vitamin D: </strong>25% of the DV</li></ul><p>The vitamin B12 content is particularly notable, as this essential vitamin is sometimes lacking in vegan and vegetarian diets.</p><p>While Oatly doesn't add sugar to its products, oat milk contains small amounts of natural sugars from oat starches that are broken down during the manufacturing process.</p><p>This is true for many other oat milk products on this list.</p><p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Oatly-OATLY-Original-Oat-Milk/dp/B075QJ8M1K/ref=as_li_ss_tl?almBrandId=VUZHIFdob2xlIEZvb2Rz&dchild=1&fpw=alm&keywords=oatly&qid=1593003630&sr=8-6&linkCode=ll1&tag=nutrition-best-oat-milk-20&linkId=9e6913b70927d1cbf96d86b288ed9866" target="_blank">Shop for Oatly Original Oatmilk online.</a></p><h2>2. Best Budget Option: Silk Oat Yeah Oatmilk (Plain)</h2><p><strong>Price:</strong> $</p><p>Silk's Oat Yeah Oatmilk is one of the cheapest oat milk products that's widely available.</p><p>Its balanced flavor isn't overly sweet, and its smooth texture resembles that of <a href="https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/soy-good-or-bad" target="_blank">soy milk</a>. Thus, it's great for drinking on its own, as well as using in cooking and baking.</p><p>Just 1 cup (240 mL) of Silk's plain Oat Yeah Oatmilk offers:</p><ul><li><strong>Calories:</strong> 80</li><li><strong>Fat:</strong> 3 grams<ul><li><strong>Saturated fat: </strong>0 grams</li></ul></li><li><strong>Carbs: </strong>11 grams</li><li><strong>Fiber: </strong>1 gram</li><li><strong>Sugar: </strong>4 grams</li><li><strong>Protein: </strong>2 grams</li><li><strong>Calcium: </strong>35% of the DV</li><li><strong>Vitamin B12:</strong> 100% of the DV</li><li><strong>Vitamin D: </strong>20% of the DV</li></ul><p>As you can see, a single serving packs all of your daily vitamin B12 needs. What's more, its ratio of calcium and vitamin D is similar to what's found in fortified dairy milk.</p><p>While Silk Oat Yeah Oatmilk harbors more ingredients and additives than many other products on this list, it's still one of the best options for the price.</p><p><a href="https://go.skimresources.com/?id=41977X1601025&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.freshdirect.com%2Fpdp.jsp%3FproductId%3Ddai_pid_2004606" target="_blank">Shop for plain Silk Oat Yeah Oatmilk online.</a></p><h2>3. Best Gluten-Free: Oatly Low Fat Oatmilk</h2><p><strong>Price:</strong> $</p><p>While several oat milk companies claim to be gluten-free, Oatly is currently the only major brand in the United States that's been <a href="https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/gluten-in-oats" target="_blank">certified gluten-free</a> by the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO).</p><p>What's more, their low fat oatmilk has a relatively short ingredient list that's free of added gums and thickeners. Unlike other Oatly products, it doesn't contain added oils.</p><p>One cup (240 mL) provides:</p><ul><li><strong>Calories:</strong> 91</li><li><strong>Fat:</strong> 1 gram<ul><li><strong>Saturated fat: </strong>0 grams</li></ul></li><li><strong>Carbs: </strong>16 grams</li><li><strong>Fiber: </strong>2 grams</li><li><strong>Sugar: </strong>7 grams</li><li><strong>Protein: </strong>3 grams</li><li><strong>Calcium: </strong>20–25% of the DV</li><li><strong>Phosphorus: </strong>20–25% of the DV</li><li><strong>Vitamin A: </strong>20–25% of the DV</li><li><strong>Vitamin B12:</strong> 50% of the DV</li><li><strong>Vitamin D: </strong>20–25% of the DV</li></ul><p>Unlike Oatly's Original product, their low fat option is thinner and closer in consistency to low fat dairy milk.</p><p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Oatly-Low-Fat-Oatmilk/dp/B07R18FLGD/ref=as_li_ss_tl?dchild=1&keywords=oatly+low+fat&qid=1593004495&sr=8-2&linkCode=ll1&tag=nutrition-best-oat-milk-20&linkId=0bac63a20a87e81292ced0926ead00ab" target="_blank">Shop for Oatly Low Fat Oatmilk online.</a></p><h2>4–5. Best Organic Oat Milks </h2><p>While all types of oats are nutritious, whole grain foods, some people are concerned about <a href="https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/pesticides-and-health" target="_blank">chemical pesticides</a> and fertilizers used on conventional oat crops.</p><p>Levels of chemical residues on oats regularly test below the safety limits set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Still, organic oats are less likely to contain high levels of these residues.</p><h3>4. Oatsome Oat Milk Original</h3><p><strong>Price:</strong> $</p><p>Oatsome Oat Milk Original is not only <a href="https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/what-is-organic-food" target="_blank">organic</a> but also free of gums, thickeners, and stabilizers.</p><p>Just 1 cup (240 mL) provides:</p><ul><li><strong>Calories:</strong> 130</li><li><strong>Fat:</strong> 3 grams<ul><li><strong>Saturated fat: </strong>0 grams</li></ul></li><li><strong>Carbs: </strong>21 grams</li><li><strong>Fiber: </strong>0 grams</li><li><strong>Sugar: </strong>13 grams</li><li><strong>Protein: </strong>2 grams</li><li><strong>Calcium: </strong>20% of the DV</li><li><strong>Riboflavin (vitamin B6): </strong>40% of the DV</li><li><strong>Vitamin B12:</strong> 40% of the DV</li><li><strong>Vitamin D: </strong>10% of the DV</li></ul><p>While lauded for its creamy texture, it's one of the more expensive options on the market.</p><p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Oatsome-Organic-Oat-Milk-Count/dp/B07W59VH6B/ref=as_li_ss_tl?th=1&linkCode=ll1&tag=nutrition-best-oat-milk-20&linkId=711ea76d751e1c49e1a2eb915dbca8e5" target="_blank">Shop for Oatsome Oat Milk Original online.</a></p><h3>5. Pacific Foods Original Oat Plant-Based Beverage, Reduced Sugar</h3><p><strong>Price:</strong> $</p><p>Pacific Foods is a respected food company that uses as many locally sourced and organic ingredients as possible.</p><p>Their organic, reduced sugar oat original plant-based beverage is certified organic and <a href="https://www.healthline.com/health/gmos-pros-and-cons" target="_blank">non-GMO</a>. Additionally, it has a minimal ingredient list that's free of added sugars.</p><p>Just 1 cup (240 mL) provides:</p><ul><li><strong>Calories:</strong> 130</li><li><strong>Fat:</strong> 2.5 grams<ul><li><strong>Saturated fat: </strong>0.5 grams</li></ul></li><li><strong>Carbs: </strong>23 grams</li><li><strong>Fiber: </strong>less than 1 gram</li><li><strong>Sugar: </strong>3 grams</li><li><strong>Protein: </strong>4 grams</li></ul><p>This organic oat beverage also has a mild, slightly sweet flavor that's a bit thinner than other oat milk options. As a result, it's best enjoyed on its own as a beverage or used in cooking and baking.</p><p>While one of the lowest sugar options, some reviewers find the beverage to have a slightly gritty texture.</p><p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B088NFG3P9/ref=as_li_ss_tl?psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEzNkFUR09KWlpZM1I5JmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwNDYyMTU1Mk9HMjRSNERMRjFGMiZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwOTMyNDg0MzY4WEpCUFpNQlFBUSZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX2RldGFpbDImYWN0aW9uPWNsaWNrUmVkaXJlY3QmZG9Ob3RMb2dDbGljaz10cnVl&linkCode=ll1&tag=nutrition-best-oat-milk-20&linkId=2a551c8090f52755c45ea8639a0ce9d2" target="_blank">Shop for Pacific Foods Original Oat Plant-Based Beverage, Reduced Sugar online.</a></p>
<h2>6–7. Best Oat Milks for Drinking</h2><p>The best oat milks for drinking are creamy — but not too thick — and aren't overly sweet.</p><h3>6. Planet Oat Original</h3><p><strong>Price:</strong> $</p><p>If you like the consistency of 2% milk, Planet Oat Original is a great choice because it's free of added oils and quite low in natural sugars.</p><p>A single cup (240 mL) offers:</p><ul><li><strong>Calories:</strong> 90</li><li><strong>Fat:</strong> 1.5 grams<ul><li><strong>Saturated fat: </strong>0 grams</li></ul></li><li><strong>Carbs: </strong>19 grams</li><li><strong>Fiber: </strong>2 grams</li><li><strong>Sugar: </strong>4 grams</li><li><strong>Protein: </strong>2 grams</li><li><strong>Calcium: </strong>25% of the DV</li><li><strong>Vitamin D: </strong>20% of the DV</li></ul><p>Like Oatly, Planet Oat uses a stabilizer called dipotassium phosphate that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) deems safe.</p><p>However, frequent intake of foods containing this additive may <a href="https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/foods-to-avoid-with-kidney-disease" target="_blank">harm kidney health</a>, especially in people with pre-existing kidney disease.</p><p>While small amounts of dipotassium phosphate shouldn't be concerning, you may want to choose a different oat milk if you have kidney issues.</p><p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Planet-Oat-Original-Oatmilk-52/dp/B07KNKDBJ5/ref=as_li_ss_tl?almBrandId=QW1hem9uIEZyZXNo&dchild=1&fpw=alm&keywords=planet+oat&qid=1593013421&sr=8-6&linkCode=ll1&tag=nutrition-best-oat-milk-20&linkId=85eb6bd55fab2ae619cf692766408d34" target="_blank">Shop for Planet Oat original oatmilk online.</a></p><h3>7. Califia Farms Unsweetened Oatmilk</h3><p><strong>Price:</strong> $</p><p>Califia Farms Unsweetened Oatmilk isn't overly sweet and strikes the right balance between smooth and creamy.</p><p>As it tends to separate when added to coffee, it's best consumed on its own or with cereal.</p><p>Just 1 cup (240 mL) contains:</p><ul><li><strong>Calories:</strong> 130</li><li><strong>Fat:</strong> 7 grams<ul><li><strong>Saturated fat: </strong>1 gram</li></ul></li><li><strong>Carbs: </strong>15 grams</li><li><strong>Fiber: </strong>0 grams</li><li><strong>Sugar: </strong>4 grams</li><li><strong>Protein: </strong>2 grams</li><li><strong>Calcium: </strong>20% of the DV</li></ul><p>Although this oat milk is free of gums and stabilizers, it's higher in fat than many other products.</p><p>This fat comes from <a href="https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/is-sunflower-oil-healthy" target="_blank">sunflower oil</a>, which is high in omega-6 fatty acids.</p><p>Research suggests that diets high in omega-6s but low in omega-3s may increase chronic inflammation in your body. Over time, this may raise your risk of chronic ailments like heart disease, arthritis, and diabetes.</p><p>If you choose this oat milk, you may want to limit your intake of other vegetable oils high in omega-6s, such as soybean, safflower, cottonseed, and corn oil.</p><p><a href="https://www.instacart.com/products/19770971-califia-farms-oatmilk-unsweetened-48-oz" target="_blank">Shop for Califia Farms Unsweetened Oatmilk online.</a></p><h2>8–9. Best Oat Milks for Coffee</h2><p>Many oat milk brands offer barista blends designed to steam and froth for drinks like lattés and cappuccinos.</p><p>These products are often creamier than regular oat milks to provide a gourmet, coffee-shop quality.</p><h3>8. Califia Farms Oat Barista Blend</h3><p><strong>Price:</strong> $</p><p>While Califia Farms' unsweetened product isn't the best for <a href="https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/top-13-evidence-based-health-benefits-of-coffee" target="_blank">coffee</a>, its Barista Blend gets great reviews for its frothing ability and sweet, oaty flavor.</p><p>Notably, it's also free of gums and stabilizers.</p><p>One cup (240 mL) contains:</p><ul><li><strong>Calories:</strong> 130</li><li><strong>Fat:</strong> 7 grams<ul><li><strong>Saturated fat: </strong>0.5 grams</li></ul></li><li><strong>Carbs: </strong>14 grams</li><li><strong>Fiber: </strong>2 grams</li><li><strong>Sugar: </strong>3 grams</li><li><strong>Protein: </strong>1 gram</li></ul><p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Califia-Farms-Unsweetened-Oatmilk-Gluten-Free/dp/B07NW4GSSR/ref=as_li_ss_tl?almBrandId=QW1hem9uIEZyZXNo&dchild=1&fpw=alm&keywords=califia+farms&qid=1593014498&s=amazonfresh&sr=1-6&linkCode=ll1&tag=nutrition-best-oat-milk-20&linkId=e1843b99f63e6b6d066d482b061560bb" target="_blank">Shop for Califia Farms Oat Barista Blend online.</a></p><h3>9. Minor Figures Oat Milk Barista</h3><p><strong>Price: </strong>$</p><p>Created by baristas in London, Minor Figures Oat Milk Barista is designed to be great for foaming or steaming.</p><p>It works well for your morning latté but can also be used in baking and even poured over <a href="https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/are-breakfast-cereals-healthy" target="_blank">cereal</a>, as its texture isn't overly thick.</p><p>Additionally, it's free of gums, thickeners, and stabilizers.</p><p>Just 1 cup (240 mL) offers:</p><ul><li><strong>Calories:</strong> 116</li><li><strong>Fat:</strong> 5 grams<ul><li><strong>Saturated fat: </strong>0.5 grams</li></ul></li><li><strong>Carbs: </strong>23 grams</li><li><strong>Fiber: </strong>0 grams</li><li><strong>Sugar: </strong>11 grams</li><li><strong>Protein: </strong>0.5 grams</li></ul><p><a href="https://go.skimresources.com/?id=41977X1601025&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FMinor-Figures-Milk-Case-Liters%2Fdp%2FB07NRQ63K6" target="_blank">Shop for Minor Figures Organic Oat Milk Barista online.</a></p>
<h2>10–11. Best for Cooking and Baking</h2><p>While most oat milks can be used for cooking and baking, some are better than others due to their thickness and flavor.</p><h3>10. Elmhurst Unsweetened Milked Oats</h3><p><strong>Price:</strong> $</p><p>Elmhurst Unsweetened Milked Oats is a low sugar, mild oat milk that's made with just filtered water, oats, and <a href="https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/salt-good-or-bad" target="_blank">salt</a>.</p><p>It's not ideal for drinking or adding to coffee since it's thinner than many other oat milks. Keep in mind that some consumers mention a slight gritty texture.</p><p>Still, it's one of the best options if you're used to baking or cooking with skim or low fat dairy milk.</p><p>Only 1 cup (240 mL) contains:</p><ul><li><strong>Calories:</strong> 80</li><li><strong>Fat:</strong> 1.5 grams<ul><li><strong>Saturated fat: </strong>0 grams</li></ul></li><li><strong>Carbs: </strong>14 grams</li><li><strong>Fiber: </strong>2 grams</li><li><strong>Sugar: </strong>1 gram</li><li><strong>Protein: </strong>4 grams</li></ul><p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Elmhurst-1925-Unsweetened-Milk-Ounce/dp/B082WHZGKM/ref=as_li_ss_tl?dchild=1&keywords=Elmhurst+Unsweetened+Oat&qid=1590684321&s=grocery&sr=1-1-spons&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEzQ0NUWkU1OFNNWjg0JmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwMTIyMjY2MkE1NFk2M0c0TFRaTSZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwNDEyMzcxMURDWTVNQlUyNkJMTyZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX2F0ZiZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU&th=1&linkCode=ll1&tag=nutrition-best-oat-milk-20&linkId=99dd8f796b34fed79ecce4d610586347" target="_blank">Shop for Elmhurst Unsweetened Milked Oats online.</a></p><h3>11. Chobani Plain Extra Creamy Oat Milk</h3><p><strong>Price:</strong> $</p><p>Unlike Elmhurst's product above, Chobani's Plain Extra Creamy Oat Milk has a consistency much closer to <a href="https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/whole-vs-skim-milk" target="_blank">whole milk</a>.</p><p>Its slightly sweet taste and thick, creamy texture add a rich mouthfeel and flavor to baked goods. It can also help thicken soups.</p><p>While it contains a small number of additives, it uses organic oats and doesn't have artificial flavors or preservatives.</p><p>One cup (240 mL) provides:</p><ul><li><strong>Calories:</strong> 120</li><li><strong>Fat:</strong> 9 grams<ul><li><strong>Saturated fat: </strong>0.5 grams</li></ul></li><li><strong>Carbs: </strong>11 grams</li><li><strong>Fiber: </strong>2 grams</li><li><strong>Sugar: </strong>8 grams</li><li><strong>Protein: </strong>2 grams</li></ul><p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Chobani-Drink-Extra-Creamy-Plain/dp/B07Z1DTG97/ref=as_li_ss_tl?almBrandId=QW1hem9uIEZyZXNo&dchild=1&fpw=alm&keywords=chobani+thick+oat+milk&qid=1590687183&s=grocery&sr=1-2&linkCode=ll1&tag=nutrition-best-oat-milk-20&linkId=0783ba2c67ebf97f7070cd3ea2e8a315" target="_blank">Shop for Chobani Plain Extra Creamy Oat Milk online.</a></p><h2>12–13. Best Flavored</h2><p>Flavored varieties like chocolate or vanilla oat milk can make nice treats or desserts, though you should keep in mind that they're often high in sugar.</p><p>These flavored options are lower in sugar than many of their competitors.</p><h3>12. Elmhurst Milked Oats Chocolate</h3><p><strong>Price:</strong> $</p><p>Elmhurst Milked Oats Chocolate is your best bet if you're looking for a plant-based chocolate milk.</p><p>One serving offers just 4 grams of sugar from natural cane sugar.</p><p>Elmhurst's chocolate product doesn't contain any added gums, thickeners, or stabilizers. Instead, it's made from just six basic ingredients — water, oats, cane sugar, <a href="https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/cocoa-powder-nutrition-benefits" target="_blank">cocoa powder</a>, natural flavors, and salt.</p><p>Just 1 cup (240 mL) provides:</p><ul><li><strong>Calories:</strong> 110</li><li><strong>Fat:</strong> 2 grams<ul><li><strong>Saturated fat: </strong>0.5 grams</li></ul></li><li><strong>Carbs: </strong>19 grams</li><li><strong>Fiber: </strong>3 grams</li><li><strong>Sugar: </strong>4 grams</li><li><strong>Protein: </strong>3 grams</li></ul><p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B082WJZVVH/ref=as_li_ss_tl?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&linkCode=ll1&tag=nutrition-best-oat-milk-20&linkId=57f0e62ed3831cec5272f46750b8bc32" target="_blank">Shop for Elmhurst Milked Oats Chocolate online.</a></p><h3>13. Planet Oat Vanilla Oatmilk</h3><p><strong>Price: </strong>$</p><p>Plant Oats Vanilla Oatmilk has a distinct vanilla flavor without any added sugars — just naturally occurring oat sugar.</p><p>One cup (240 mL) contains:</p><ul><li><strong>Calories:</strong> 90</li><li><strong>Fat:</strong> 1.5 grams<ul><li><strong>Saturated fat: </strong>0 grams</li></ul></li><li><strong>Carbs: </strong>19 grams</li><li><strong>Fiber: </strong>2 grams</li><li><strong>Sugar: </strong>4 grams</li><li><strong>Protein: </strong>2 grams</li></ul><p>Keep in mind that this product has a few additives, such as <a href="https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/gellan-gum" target="_blank">gellan gum</a> and dipotassium phosphate.</p><p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Planet-Oat-Oatmilk-Vanilla-Fluid/dp/B07KNKF3P9/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&tag=nutrition-best-oat-milk-20&linkId=fadc37e6a5225a200216c3cfe0a2c4d4" target="_blank">Shop for Planet Oat Vanilla Oatmilk online.</a></p>
<h2>14. Best Blended Option: Mooala Organic Coconut Oat Milk</h2><p><strong>Price:</strong> $</p><p>Mooala is a Texas-based company with a line of dairy-free milk alternatives, including their Coconut Oat Milk.</p><p>Its consistency is similar to 2% milk, and its <a href="https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/coconut-nutrition" target="_blank">hint of coconut</a> differentiates it from most products on the market. It's also one of the only sugar-free options available.</p><p>Moreover, the product doesn't need any added oils to make it rich and smooth because it contains coconut cream.</p><p>Organic oats, organic cinnamon, sea salt, calcium carbonate, and gellan gum are also on the ingredient list.</p><p>One cup (240 mL) provides:</p><ul><li><strong>Calories:</strong> 50</li><li><strong>Fat:</strong> 3.5 grams<ul><li><strong>Saturated fat: </strong>3 grams</li></ul></li><li><strong>Carbs: </strong>5 grams</li><li><strong>Fiber: </strong>3 grams</li><li><strong>Sugar: </strong>0 grams</li><li><strong>Protein: </strong>1 gram</li><li><strong>Calcium: </strong>30% of the DV</li></ul><p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Mooala-leche-avena-az%C3%BAcar-l%C3%ADquidas/dp/B07NRFRFYN/ref=as_li_ss_tl?almBrandId=VUZHIFdob2xlIEZvb2Rz&dchild=1&fpw=alm&keywords=mooala&qid=1590715180&sr=8-2&linkCode=ll1&tag=nutrition-best-oat-milk-20&linkId=9631f314ef6a06129b0d6729c582ee29" target="_blank">Shop for Mooala organic coconut oat milk online.</a></p><p><strong>A Note on Availability</strong></p><p>As of this article's publication, the product above is sold out. If you're interested in this oat milk, continue to check the link above for the latest availability information from the retailer.</p><h2>How to Choose a Healthy Oat Milk Product</h2><p>When looking for a healthy oat milk product, it's important to take a look at the ingredient list.</p><p>Ideally, opt for a product with a short ingredient list that's low in both <a href="https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/too-much-sugar" target="_blank">added sugar</a> and additives like thickeners, stabilizers, gums, and artificial flavorings and colors.</p><p>Keep in mind that many oat milks contain natural sugars because oats' starches are broken down by <a href="https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/natural-digestive-enzymes" target="_blank">enzymes</a> during the manufacturing process.</p><p>Finally, if you have a gluten allergy or intolerance, only choose products that are certified gluten-free. While oats are naturally gluten-free, there's still a risk of cross-contamination with other grains.</p><h2>The Bottom Line</h2><p>Oat milk is a popular plant-based beverage that's enjoyed for its slightly sweet, oaty flavor and creamy consistency.</p><p>While numerous options abound, the healthiest ones tend to be low in sugar and additives.</p><p>It's also surprisingly easy and inexpensive to <a href="https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/oat-milk" target="_blank">make oat milk at home</a>.</p>
<p><em>Reposted with permission from <em><a href="https://www.healthline.com/" target="_blank">Healthline</a>.</em> For detailed source information, please view the original article on <a href="https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/best-oat-milk" target="_blank"><em>Healthline</em></a>.</em></p>From Your Site Articles
- Is Oat Milk Gluten-Free? - EcoWatch ›
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- 6 Alternatives to Milk: Which Is the Healthiest? - EcoWatch ›
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"Emissions from pyrotechnic displays are composed of numerous organic compounds as well as metals," a new study reports. Nodar Chernishev / EyeEm / Getty Images
Fireworks have taken a lot of heat recently. In South Dakota, fire experts have said President Trump's plan to hold a fireworks show is dangerous and public health experts have criticized the lack of plans to enforce mask wearing or social distancing. Now, a new study shows that shooting off fireworks at home may expose you and your family to dangerous levels of lead, copper and other toxins.
<p>The study, published Wednesday in the journal <em><a href="https://particleandfibretoxicology.biomedcentral.com/track/pdf/10.1186/s12989-020-00360-4" target="_blank">Particle and Fibre Technology</a></em>, analyzed 12 different retail fireworks and found that once set off, five of them released particle emissions that could damage human cells and animal lungs, as <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2020/07/01/health/fireworks-toxic-air-safety-wellness/index.html" target="_blank">CNN</a> reported.</p><p>The metals are used to give the fireworks their vibrant colors when they explode. However, those same metals are hazardous to humans and animals. The study said that blue fireworks can be made of copper and red fireworks can contain strontium, which gives a brilliant red light.</p>
<p>"While many are careful to protect themselves from injury from explosions, our results suggest that inhaling firework smoke may cause longer-term damage, a risk that has been largely ignored," said Terry Gordon, environmental medicine professor at New York University's Grossman School of Medicine, as the <a href="https://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/ny-fireworks-produce-high-level-lead-toxins-study-20200702-rs26g27afzag3nhlrjbp2yj5fu-story.html" target="_blank">New York Daily News</a> reported</p><p>The study acknowledged that people are typically exposed to these emissions a few times a year, usually around July 4th and New Year's Eve. And yet, even that exposure means people are inhaling much more harmful toxins than what people breathe in normally.</p>
<p>The researchers looked at 14 years of air quality samples taken at dozens of locations across the U.S. by the Environmental Protection Agency throughout the years. The researchers noticed that levels of toxic metals tended to peak in samples taken near Independence Day and New Year's Eve celebrations. The concentration of airborne toxic metals was much higher during those years than at any other time.</p><p>"Although people are only exposed to these substances for a short time each year, they are much more toxic than the pollutants we breathe every day," said Dr. Gordon in an <a href="https://nyulangone.org/news/common-fireworks-release-lead-copper-other-toxic-metals-air" target="_blank">NYU press release</a>.</p><p>"I could hypothesize that people could have, especially susceptible people like asthmatics, increased episodes," Gordon said to CNN.</p>
<p>To conduct the study, the scientists detonated fireworks in a laboratory chamber. They tested roughly a dozen types of fireworks commonly sold in the U.S., including the Black Cuckoo, the Color-Changing Wheel and the Blue Storm firecracker. They then tested mice and human lung cells with the captured particles.</p><p>The Black Cuckoo, a fountain-style firework, registered the most toxic of the group, at 10 times more damaging to human cells than a nontoxic saline solution, according to the findings, as NYU said in a <a href="https://nyulangone.org/news/common-fireworks-release-lead-copper-other-toxic-metals-air" target="_blank">statement</a>.</p><p>Gordon said that the firework emitted lead particles at 40,000 parts per million, which is exceedingly high. Normally, lead should not be emitted at all, he said, as CNN reported.</p>
<p>Families looking to set off fireworks this weekend should be particularly mindful of children's developing lungs and brains. Parents should make sure their kids are far away from the fireworks smoke and any potential lead exposure.</p><p>"Allow the adults to be the ones to set off the fireworks and stay upwind from it so that the smoke is blowing in the breeze," said Kristin Van Hook, chair of the American Academy of Pediatrics section on pediatric pulmonology and sleep medicine.</p><p>She told CNN she has seen cases where children who have asthma breathed in fumes from fireworks and ended up in the emergency room.</p><p>Gordon also said that families should be aware what their children are exposed to and that everyone should try to stay downwind from fireworks. He added that the fireworks industry must increase its safety regulations.</p><p>"Given what we've found, I propose that ... they make sure they are importing safer fireworks and that that's what the consumers use," Gordon said to CNN.</p>
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Billions worth of valuable metals such as gold, silver and copper were dumped or burned last year as electronic waste produced globally jumped to a record 53.6 million tons. Curtis Palmer / CC by 2.0
By Ashutosh Pandey
Billions worth of valuable metals such as gold, silver and copper were dumped or burned last year as electronic waste produced globally jumped to a record 53.6 million tons (Mt), or 7.3 kilogram per person, a UN report showed on Thursday.
<p>Growing demand for electronic gadgets, mostly with short life cycles and few options for repair, has caused <a href="https://www.dw.com/en/5-things-you-need-to-know-about-e-waste/a-47210118" target="_blank">e-waste — discarded products with a battery or plug —</a> to surge by more than a fifth in the past 5 years, according to the joint study by the United Nations University, the UN Institute for Training and Research, the International Telecommunication Union and the International Solid Waste Association. The report forecasts the amount of e-waste generated to top 74 Mt by 2030.</p><p>"We are seeing a growing middle class in many countries around the world, which a few years ago were really typical developing countries. And there is a very large backlog demand here," Rüdiger Kühr, director of the Sustainable Cycles Program at the United Nations University (UNU) and a co-author of the report, told DW, adding that a growing trend of things like cars and bicycles being electrified was also contributing to the menace.</p>
<p>The weight of e-waste produced in 2019 was equivalent to 350 cruise ships the size of the Queen Mary 2, one of the largest cruise ships in the world, the authors of the report said.</p><p>Less than a fifth of the scrap — which the authors referred to as "urban mine" — was known to have been properly collected and recycled, which means a vast bulk of the $57 billion (€50 billion) worth of valuable metals such as gold, copper and iron and other recoverable materials were dumped or burned rather than being collected for treatment and reuse.</p><p>"E-waste quantities are rising three times faster than the world's population and 13% faster than the world's GDP during the last five years," said Antonis Mavropoulos, president of the International Solid Waste Association. "This sharp rise creates substantial environmental and health pressures and demonstrates the urgency to combine the fourth industrial revolution with circular economy."</p>
<img lazy-loadable="true" src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yMzQzNDI5MC9vcmlnaW4ucG5nIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY0MzYzOTk3NX0.RQbf3EJ7KbW6wPMpQmnieMQtjgtOAa2g2RiGc6Wfou4/img.png?width=980" id="fafc2" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="f641bb3f6f0662dd7d22920805d103a0" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" />
Environmental and Health Hazard
<p>Experts say e-waste, which is now the world's fastest-growing domestic waste stream, poses serious environmental and health risks.</p><p>Simply throwing away electronic items without ensuring they get properly recycled leads to the loss of key materials such as iron, copper and gold, which can otherwise be recovered and used as primary raw materials to make new equipment, thereby reducing greenhouse gas emissions from extraction and refinement of raw materials.</p><p>Refrigerants found in electronic equipment such as fridge and air conditioners also contribute to global warming. A total of 98 Mt of CO2-equivalents, or about 0.3% of global energy-related emissions, were released into the atmosphere in 2019 from discarded refrigerators and ACs that were not recycled properly, the report said.</p><p>E-waste contains several toxic additives or hazardous substances, such as mercury and brominated flame retardants (BFR), and simply burning it or throwing it away could lead to serious health issues. Several studies have linked unregulated recycling of e-waste to adverse birth outcomes like stillbirth and premature birth, damages to the human brain or nervous system and in some cases hearing loss and heart troubles.</p><p>"Informal and improper e-waste recycling is a major emerging hazard silently affecting our health and that of future generations. One in four children are dying from avoidable environmental exposures," said Maria Neira, director of the Environment, Climate Change and Health Department at the World Health Organization. "One in four children could be saved, if we take action to protect their health and ensure a safe environment."</p><img lazy-loadable="true" src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yMzQzNDI5MS9vcmlnaW4ucG5nIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYxNTY4NjA4OH0.qYGeyLvLk-elu3ZJcG9sTyEtVLbMGk0J8n0_MBFunNQ/img.png?width=980" id="78310" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="1392b4823e7058c3bed4598e3ee30134" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" />
Europe Leads the Way
<p>While most of the e-waste was generated in Asia (24.9 Mt) in 2019, Europe led the charts on a per person basis with 16.2 kg per capita, the report said.</p><p>But the continent also recorded the <a href="https://www.dw.com/en/the-eu-declares-war-on-e-waste/a-51108790" target="_blank">highest documented formal e-waste collection and recycling</a> rate at 42.5%, still below its target of 65%. Europe was well ahead of the others on this front. Asia ranked second with 11.7%.</p><p>The authors said while more that 70% of the world's population was covered by some form of e-waste policy or laws, not much was being done toward implementation and enforcement of the regulations to encourage the take-up of a collection and recycling infrastructure due to lack of investment and political motivation.</p><p>"You have to think about new economic systems," said Kühr.</p><p>One approach could be that consumers no longer buy the products, but only the service they offer. The device would remain the property of the maker, who would then have an interest in offering his customers the best service and the necessary equipment. The maker would also be interested in designing his products in such a way that they are easier to repair and easier to recycle, Kühr said.</p>From Your Site Articles
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A women walks with COVID-19 care kits distributed by Boston's Office of Neighborhood Services in Boston, Massachusetts on May 28, 2020. The pandemic has led to a rise in single-use plastic items, but reusable bags and cloth masks can be two ways to reduce waste. JOSEPH PREZIOSO / AFP via Getty Images
This month is Plastic Free July, the 31 days every year when millions of people pledge to give up single-use plastics.
<p>Last year, the month <a href="https://www.plasticfreejuly.org/about-us/" target="_blank">boasted</a> around 250 million participants in 177 countries, but this year there's a complication. The <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/tag/coronavirus" target="_self">coronavirus</a> pandemic is still very much with us, and it has led to a rise in single-use items, from personal protective equipment (PPE) to disposable coffee cups. In the U.S., many states have paused or backtracked on <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/tag/plastic-bags" target="_self">plastic bag bans</a>, <a href="https://www.wired.co.uk/article/coronavirus-plastic-pollution-environment" target="_blank">WIRED reported</a>, and the UK has delayed its ban on <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/tag/plastic-straws" target="_self">plastic straws</a> and stirrers by six months. Coffee shops including Starbucks have temporarily prohibited reusable mugs. And some U.S. grocery stores and states have gone so far as to prohibit personal shopping bags, as <a href="https://www.mprnews.org/story/2020/03/18/states-and-stores-are-banning-reusable-bags-is-it-safe-to-use-them" target="_blank">MPR News reported</a>.</p>
<p>When it comes to plastic, the spread of the new disease has created a false dichotomy between <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/tag/public-health" target="_self">public health</a> and environmental stewardship. The organization <a href="https://www.citytosea.org.uk/" target="_blank">City to Sea</a> found that 36 percent of Brits feel pressured to use more plastic because of the pandemic. But it doesn't have to be this way.</p><p>"Caring for the planet doesn't mean we can't care for ourselves," Plastic Free July founder Rebecca Prince-Ruiz told <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2020/07/01/climate/nyt-climate-newsletter-masks.html" target="_blank">The New York Times</a>. "We can do both at the same time."</p>
<div id="cc791" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="bbe6689bcee22c2633c7c9142f9488e2"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet twitter-custom-tweet" data-twitter-tweet-id="1278099014542454786" data-partner="rebelmouse"><div style="margin:1em 0">Plastic Free July is a global movement that helps millions of people be part of the solution to plastic pollution –… https://t.co/1kymzp2vi3</div> — Plastic Free July (@Plastic Free July)<a href="https://twitter.com/PlasticFreeJuly/statuses/1278099014542454786">1593557525.0</a></blockquote></div>
<p>Here are three ways you can go plastic-free this July while keeping yourself healthy and safe.</p><p><strong>1. Use Bar Soap</strong></p><p>COVID-19 has made everyone newly aware of the importance of washing their hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water.</p><p><a href="https://www.sas.org.uk/news/plastic-free-in-a-time-of-covid/" target="_blank">Surfers Against Sewage suggests</a> doing this with bar soap instead of plastic soap dispensers to reduce waste. But is it really safe for everyone in your household to be handling the same bar?</p><p>That's what <a href="https://earther.gizmodo.com/coronavirus-has-me-thinking-way-too-hard-about-my-bar-s-1842797302" target="_blank">Earther's Yessenia Funes wondered</a> until Stanford University soap expert Marlene Wolfe set her mind at rest.</p><p>"While bar soap is icky to a lot of people because it can become wet and cracked and look dirty, if you are touching it and then using it to wash your hands, whatever negligible amount might transfer to your hands should also be washed off during washing," Wolfe said. "And there's some work to suggest that bacteria are unlikely to transfer off of bar soap, and I would suspect this would hold for viruses."</p><p>But if you really love those pump bottles, Wolfe recommends getting reusable ones and refilling them in bulk.</p>
<p><strong>2. Wear a Cloth Mask</strong></p><p>Wearing masks is <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/face-masks-and-social-distancing--2646281827.html" target="_self">vitally important</a> for slowing the transmission of COVID-19, but, sadly, disposable masks and gloves are <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/covid-19-masks-beaches-oceans-2646165717.html" target="_self">already</a> ending up in the <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/tag/oceans" target="_self">ocean</a>.</p><p>You can protect yourself and the planet by choosing a cloth mask, experts told The New York Times. While N-95 respirators and surgical masks offer the best protection against the virus, experts say that, for the general public, cloth masks are plenty safe and much more sustainable. Both N-95 and surgical masks are made with petroleum products that do not break down, plus it is important to reserve them for frontline workers whose risk of exposure is greater. Disposable paper masks, another option, are slightly misnamed because they often contain lots of <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/tag/microplastics" target="_self">microplastics</a>.</p><p>When it comes to selecting a cloth mask, it is better to use old clothing you already have at home, like a T-shirt or bandanna, than to buy a new one.</p><p>"Virgin fiber of any kind is going to require more energy, more resources and more toxic chemicals than something that has already been made," University of California, Berkeley physician and environmental health researcher Dr. Megan Schwarzman told The New York Times.</p>
<p><strong>3. Don't Ditch Your Reusables</strong></p><p>If you were using reusable shopping bags and food containers before the pandemic, you don't have to abandon them now. And, if you haven't yet picked up this habit, it is safe to start this Plastic Free July.</p><p>More than 100 scientists from 18 countries <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/reusable-containers-coronavirus-health-science-2646222334.html" target="_self">signed a statement</a> last month saying that it was safe to use reusable items like bags, cups and utensils as long as they were properly cleaned.</p><p>"Single-use plastic is not inherently safer than reusables, and causes additional public health concerns once it is discarded," the experts wrote.</p><p>The choice may be out of your control if your coffee shop, grocery store or state has banned reusable cups or bags, but you can participate in online campaigns to promote reusables.</p><p>In the the UK, City to Sea has started <a href="https://www.citytosea.org.uk/contactless-coffee/" target="_blank">#ContactlessCoffee</a> to encourage the safe use of refillable containers as cafes reopen. They are asking people to share the campaign video on social media while tagging their favorite local coffee joint and using the #ContactlessCoffee hashtag.</p>
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