A pipeline exploded in Beaver County, Pennsylvania at approximately 5 a.m. Monday morning, causing a large fire and prompting the evacuation of dozens of homes in the area.
The 24-inch natural gas line, owned by Texas-based Energy Transfer Partners and its subsidiary Sunoco, was buried three feet deep and activated only a week ago on Sept. 3.
<p style="">
<span></span>The valves to the pipeline were shut off and the fire extinguished itself by 7 a.m., the company said in a <a href="https://twitter.com/WPXIMikeHolden/status/1039155929500012545" target="_blank">statement</a> via WPXI's Mike Holden:
</p><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-twitter_embed">
</p><div id="c97ef" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="3NPXL61576662594"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet twitter-custom-tweet" data-twitter-tweet-id="1039155929500012545" data-partner="rebelmouse"><div style="margin:1em 0">Statement from Energy Transfer of Texas. https://t.co/iJ4zZnV5Kk</div> — Mike Holden (@Mike Holden)<a href="https://twitter.com/WPXIMikeHolden/statuses/1039155929500012545">1536589054.0</a></blockquote></div>
<p></p><p style="">
"All of the appropriate regulatory notifications have been made. An initial site assessment reveals evidence of a landslide in the vicinity of the pipeline. The line has been safely isolated and depressurized until a thorough investigation can be completed." Sunoco spokeswoman Lisa Dillinger said Monday in a statement to the
<a href="https://ecowatchroar-secure.rebelmouse.com/core/dashboard/editor/Lisa%20Dillinger,%20Sunoco%20spokeswoman,%20released%20the%20following%20statement,%20Monday:%20%E2%80%9CAll%20of%20the%20appropriate%20regulatory%20notifications%20have%20been%20made.%20An%20initial%20site%20assessment%20reveals%20evidence%20of%20a%20landslide%20in%20the%20vicinity%20of%20the%20pipeline.%20The%20line%20has%20been%20safely%20isolated%20and%20depressurized%20until%20a%20thorough%20investigation%20can%20be%20completed.%E2%80%9D" target="_self">Daily Local</a>.
</p><p style="">
<span></span>No injuries were reported, but one home, two garages and several vehicles were destroyed by fires, according to the <a href="https://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/gas-explosion-rocks-western-pennsylvania-community-57721654" target="_blank">Associated Press</a>. Interstate 376 was closed and the Central Valley school district also canceled classes.
</p><p style="">
"I saw the ball of flames above the trees and it was easily 150 to 200 feet up in the air. It was serious," resident Chuck Belczyk told
<a href="https://pittsburgh.cbslocal.com/2018/09/10/center-township-gas-line-explosion-fire/" target="_blank">KDKA</a>.
</p><p>
An investigation into the incident is now underway. A landslide that happened near the pipeline could be a possible trigger. Nearly 5 inches of rain fell between Friday night and Monday morning,
<a href="https://triblive.com/local/regional/14064921-74/early-morning-pipeline-blast-forces-evacuations-in-beaver-county" target="_blank">Trib Live</a> noted, citing National Weather Service data.
</p><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-twitter_embed">
</p><div id="2ab1b" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="H34D421576662594"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet twitter-custom-tweet" data-twitter-tweet-id="1039122864694341632" data-partner="rebelmouse"><div style="margin:1em 0">More incredible video of the gas line explosion in Beaver County this morning in Center Township. https://t.co/DYC11CM435</div> — Rick Dayton (@Rick Dayton)<a href="https://twitter.com/rickdayton/statuses/1039122864694341632">1536581171.0</a></blockquote></div>
<p></p><p style="">
The explosion has prompted calls from environmentalists and lawmakers to halt the Sunoco's
<a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/mariner-east-2-pipeline-construction-2522380926.html">Mariner East pipeline</a>, which is currently under construction in Pennsylvania.
</p><p>
"I am calling for an immediate halt to all pipeline construction activities," State Rep. Chris Quinn (R-168) said in an
<a href="http://www.pahousegopnews.com/Broadcast/ViewBroadcast.ashx?ID=23770" target="_blank">online statement</a>. "This pipeline should not be built until the real and legitimate safety and environmental concerns raised by myself and local residents have been fully addressed."
</p><p>
State Sen. Andy Dinniman (D-19)
<a href="https://twitter.com/SenatorDinniman/status/1039228594420113413" target="_blank">tweeted</a> that these kinds of pipelines should not be so close to schools, residential neighborhoods and community centers.
</p><p style="">
"With every week we have more and more evidence why highly volatile natural gas liquid pipelines should not be in high-consequence areas and how Sunoco and Energy Transfer Partners have an abysmal track record when it comes to public safety," Dinniman continued. "The explosion in Beaver County is a chilling reminder of just how powerful and dangerous these pipelines can be."
</p><p>
Energy Transfer Partners, which owns more than 83,000 miles of natural gas, crude oil, natural gas liquids and refined products pipelines, is the parent company behind the controversial
<a href="https://www.desmogblog.com/energy-transfer-partners-bakken-oil-pipeline-through-iowa" target="_blank">Dakota Access</a> and <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/tag/bayou-bridge-pipeline" target="_blank">Bayou Bridge</a> pipelines.
</p><p>
<span></span><a href="https://waterkeeper.org/" target="_blank">Waterkeeper Alliance</a> noted that the energy firm has had a history of pipeline accidents.
</p><p>
"Waterkeeper Alliance and Greenpeace <a href="http://email.prnewswire.com/wf/click?upn=zesM7UiBYfL6b16dB9U3xdHG97RAbtv51ekvkNXrt3q8qCtSuMdGX-2BVZ1xtL-2B1DOyB2LF2i-2FqCkCh1JDHcurxBj0bZvyOpbZK6LaTWw01ydlESyf8mk3mv3X86Iaqrh7fklPWwS2DwiphY1uBBTCSTxMSyqXc3WrHlDfl8s8I9-2F5VLpeiPphvSuNMZSgjAIfUNcU9Q6gZTIw7W8jwZ8DoyDebCaODvVg2hGYPyCgnREnGzFFYU49acjDqFW0xisvBbRqW8r0PSK7vFYyExZUZQ-3D-3D_x-2B8b7bjSgm7PP2pr2-2BBei8tMe7aWJwPQx2ba2DAiMBtwlTMpFE1kltRKbCxHSMYJEz53jBI3ufoO4oAQytoHQqnA6xLY1TvnOyxVKLlcZdOlw0b6py5mcYx9ZDVGIDnj9GWs8p-2F5G1tiaIrmr08aa05FS-2FahEHR5eai4pVwIRCYBDnulOhxu-2F7ki0hdGzmZrwxm6JMlRjHT6AETl9yFowDs4K4ZtzsXMVK34KdBB0dOPuumusVnZIvELQLAbGL05dVGSdWuCzCARc03NwvQQOYI03HKzvL5uYORmTzKvuOvIQj0wFJ7epMN1m728Wb5p" target="_blank">meticulously documented</a> more than 500 spills and millions of dollars in fines and property damage by Energy Transfer Partners in a <a href="http://email.prnewswire.com/wf/click?upn=zesM7UiBYfL6b16dB9U3xdHG97RAbtv51ekvkNXrt3q8qCtSuMdGX-2BVZ1xtL-2B1DOyB2LF2i-2FqCkCh1JDHcurxBj0bZvyOpbZK6LaTWw01ydlESyf8mk3mv3X86Iaqrh7fklPWwS2DwiphY1uBBTCSTxMSyqXc3WrHlDfl8s8I9-2F5VLpeiPphvSuNMZSgjAIfUNcU9Q6gZTIw7W8jwZ8DoyDebCaODvVg2hGYPyCgnRGDtZXF0yGD9o5gmDcOEjQtJr5S3uVBC42uf-2FW44zrfjQ-3D-3D_x-2B8b7bjSgm7PP2pr2-2BBei8tMe7aWJwPQx2ba2DAiMBtwlTMpFE1kltRKbCxHSMYJEz53jBI3ufoO4oAQytoHQqnA6xLY1TvnOyxVKLlcZdOlw0b6py5mcYx9ZDVGIDnj9GWs8p-2F5G1tiaIrmr08aa05FS-2FahEHR5eai4pVwIRCZ1KfP0kOwGPVCe1TiJ4mbN0bh7HlasWYBVc1k-2FQEyJeqvzETulzfA4f5xF9aAfDbEVm6h7jzvUq84jxs5pZ8He-2BVUzIVkG32-2Fhv05KDemM1KUd1RRfnciW4K2YfgcWwdkHF0Jh2K3IV0VeTTKylO57" target="_blank">report</a> released earlier this year," Waterkeeper Alliance staff attorney Larissa Liebmann said in a statement received by EcoWatch.
</p><p>
<span></span>Their April report found that Energy Transfer Partners, its subsidiaries including Sunoco, and joint ventures reported 527 hazardous liquids pipeline incidents to federal regulators from 2002 to 2017, or once every 11 days on average for 16 years.
</p><p>
Monday's explosion, Liebmann continued, "proves that ETP is still putting lives at risk and cannot be trusted to operate pipelines safely, and is a grim reminder of our nation's need to quickly transition to clean and safe forms of energy like solar and wind."
</p><p>
<span></span>Sam Rubin of <a href="https://www.foodandwaterwatch.org/" target="_blank">Food & Water Watch</a> commented to the Daily Local that the explosion "is a terrifying reminder that pipelines fail."
</p><p>
"Communities across the state face similar risks if the Mariner East 2 pipeline becomes operational," Rubin added. "Governor Tom Wolf has utterly failed to protect public safety so far, but there is still time to avoid catastrophe by stopping Sunoco's Mariner pipeline right now."
</p>
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Bringing your own reusable grocery bags when you go shopping is one of the easiest ways to cut down on your plastic consumption — according to the UN Environment Program, up to 5 trillion single-use plastic bags are used globally each year.
The most sustainable option is to use a bag you already have, whether it's an old tote or a laundry basket (thank TikTok for that idea). You can also make your own reusable grocery bags out of T-shirts. But if you'd rather purchase designated reusable grocery bags, here are our recommendations.
<div class="redactor-editor" dir="ltr" placeholder="Start writing..." spellcheck="false"><p><em>Each product featured here has been independently selected by the writer. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.</em></p></div>
<h2>Why switch to reusable bags?</h2><p>The <a href="https://www.unep.org/interactive/beat-plastic-pollution/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">UN says</a> people produce 300 million tons of plastic waste each year, and about 60% of the plastic produced since the early 1950s has ended up in a landfill or the natural environment.</p><p>Plastic grocery bags are made from low-density polyethylene (LDPE). Technically, this type of <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/plastic-recycling-myth-2647706452.html" target="_self">plastic can be recycled</a>. However, in practice, plastic bags easily clog recycling machinery, so <a href="https://millerrecycling.com/ldpe-out-of-landfills" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">most municipal recycling centers</a> do not accept this type of material. </p><p>A <a href="https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2018-07/documents/smm_2015_tables_and_figures_07252018_fnl_508_0.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">study by the EPA</a> showed that only about 6% of the LDPE generated in 2015 was recycled. Other types of plastic, by comparison, were recycled at 18% and 10% rates.</p><div class="redactor-editor" dir="ltr" placeholder="Start writing..." spellcheck="false"></div><p>Although some grocery stores offer plastic bag recycling, the easiest way to get around this is to refuse plastic bags in the first place. Many cities have instituted <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/new-york-plastic-bag-ban-begins-2645319695.html" target="_self">plastic bag bans</a>, but more often than not, it's up to individuals to choose to make the switch to reusable grocery bags in their day-to-day lives.</p><p><em><em><a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/about-ecowatch-2641507575.html?rebelltitem=47#rebelltitem47" target="_self">Melissa Smith</a> is an avid writer, scuba diver, backpacker, and all-around outdoor enthusiast. She graduated from the University of Florida with degrees in journalism and sustainable studies. Before joining EcoWatch, Melissa worked as the managing editor of Scuba Diving magazine and the communications manager of The Ocean Agency, a non-profit that's featured in the Emmy award-winning documentary Chasing Coral.</em></em></p><em><em><br></em><ul class="ee-ul"></ul></em>
Best Overall: ChicoBag Reusable Grocery Bag
<img type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNTY2MTIxNC9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYyOTMyMDQ2N30.RTnT_sQQbH0ucKu_QvfyFIhavWHa_acNOMrOxiHVsGE/img.jpg?width=980" id="63ab1" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="e127ef0807a470e3b1d33edd96a646c6" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" data-width="400" data-height="400" />ChicoBag
<p>Standard reusable grocery bags — foldable cloth "green bags" that typically have company logos on them — are bulky, can't be machine washed, and tend to break down after a number of uses. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/ChicoBag-Original-Reusable-Shopping-Grocery/dp/B006WA9LRA" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">ChicoBag reusable grocery bags</a> solve these problems and more. They hold up to 25 pounds each, can be tossed in the wash, and stuff down into a tiny attached pouch that you can easily keep in your purse or the center console of your car until you need them.</p><p><strong>Customer rating:</strong> 4.8 out of 5 stars with over 1,000 Amazon reviews</p><strong>Why buy: </strong>Machine washable; Certified B Corp; Climate Neutral Certified; Supports 1% For the Planet; Fair Labor Association member
$24
Most Convenient For Shopping: Lotus Trolley Bags
<img type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNTY2MTIyNi9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY1NDc2NjkxNH0.tdZukrUtxoElloqocyeKnjFia8vFu7oIKd1vFfil0Mo/img.jpg?width=980" id="37f6c" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="cbb1cc8bb094a1a4d7c09f497ebcbf25" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" data-width="400" data-height="400" />Lotus Sustainables
<p>If you prefer bigger reusable grocery bags that add convenience to your shopping experience, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Trolley-COOLER-Reusable-Grocery-Eco-friendly/dp/B07WTLWF4Z?th=1" target="_blank">Lotus Trolley Bags</a> may be perfect for you. These bags fold flat and nestle in your cart so that you can sort items while you shop. There's a large insulated cooler bag, as well as two standard reusable shopping bags and a bag with pockets for wine bottles and <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/brown-eggs-healthier-than-white-eggs-2314254330.html" target="_self">egg cartons</a>. Each can hold up to 50 pounds and has double-stitched seams for added durability.</p><p><strong>Customer rating: </strong>4.6 out of 5 stars with over 3,000 Amazon reviews</p><strong>Why buy:</strong> Machine washable; Removable rod for non-cart use; Supports 1% for the Planet
$50
Most Popular: BAGGU Standard Reusable Shopping Bag
<img type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNTY2MTI1Mi9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY2MDY5MTgxM30.weLONkbrGfiRaU-3AjOFfuaO9hVTrvxeSiGhBfg4kMg/img.jpg?width=980" id="ba8f6" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="deea1a99acc91840e54d35dad7ae9dbf" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" data-width="400" data-height="400" />BAGGU
<p>For another versatile option, try the <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07N4D829J?tag=ecowatch-20&linkCode=ogi&th=1&psc=1" target="_blank">Baggu Standard Reusable Shopping Bag</a>. This product is modeled after a conventional <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/thailand-plastic-bag-ban-2643538829.html" target="_self">plastic grocery bag</a> but is made with 40% recycled ripstop fabric. Baggu reusable bags can carry up to 50 pounds but stuff down into a five-inch internal pocket for carrying.</p><p><strong>Customer rating:</strong> 4.7 out of 5 stars with over 50 Amazon reviews</p><strong>Why buy:</strong> Machine washable; Made with 40% recycled materials; Ethically manufactured; Packaging made from Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified material
$12
Best Handmade Bag: Ecodunia Canvas Tote Bag
<img type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNTY2MTI1MC9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYzNTc2NzgwMn0.WY9Zby2RhohlKTOT3nahq38hGn4TATd1jHehxs76btw/img.jpg?width=980" id="5ca43" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="ffff86b74fdce3945022712198b15de2" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" data-width="400" data-height="400" />Ecodunia
<p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Ecodunia-Canvas-Tote-Women-Eco-Conscious/dp/B08LY82NYW/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=Ecodunia&qid=1613051665&sr=8-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Ecodunia's reusable bags</a> have a sturdier feel than most products on this list. The canvas used to make each bag is produced from 100% renewable resources and natural cotton, plus they have long handles for comfortable carrying over your shoulder. Ecodunia's fun prints will likely make you want to use these bags for more than carting groceries, but they're great for a weekend trip to the <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/farmers-markets-coronavirus-safety-2645581711.html" target="_self">farmers market</a>.</p><p><strong>Customer rating:</strong> 5 out of 5 stars with under 5 Amazon reviews</p><p><strong>Why buy: </strong>Made from natural cotton; Machine washable; Handmade; Provides dignified work for communities in Kenya </p>
$38
Best Tote Bag: Simple Ecology Tote Bundle
<img type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNTY2MTI1OC9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY3MzY0MDE5Nn0.Y9qxNgfCSoO6SowBXX7KbQLWhzPDn2m5mYU5IFT-mG4/img.jpg?width=980" id="38328" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="d6ff115df9ceaa39fe785a318c015307" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" data-width="400" data-height="400" />Simple Ecology
<p>Another canvas bag option comes from <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Simple-Ecology-Reusable-Shopping-Certified/dp/B086Z7XQ79?ref_=ast_sto_dp" target="_blank">Simple Ecology</a>. This brand's eco-friendly grocery bags are made with Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) certified cotton and feature pop-out sleeves for more fragile goods and double-stitched seams for extra reinforcement. The large size has about the same capacity as a grocer's paper bag. Simple Ecology also has a reusable bag <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N6AUMBG/ref=sspa_dk_detail_2?psc=1&pd_rd_i=B01N6AUMBG&pd_rd_w=MA3ZS&pf_rd_p=cbc856ed-1371-4f23-b89d-d3fb30edf66d&pd_rd_wg=hVunQ&pf_rd_r=G6RTQ1Z5DKEY325MAJZ9&pd_rd_r=5d298b3a-1be7-4ebd-a9e1-d5d672a40497&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUExMzc4RVAxWjNLOTdCJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwNTc0NTAwMzBDMjFYOVJPTUpWSCZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwNjYyOTM4M0s4Vk81SVBPS1NFSyZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX2RldGFpbF90aGVtYXRpYyZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU=" target="_blank">starter kit</a> that comes with a tote and several reusable produce bags.</p> <p><strong>Customer Rating: </strong>4.6 out of 5 stars with over 900 Amazon reviews</p><strong>Why Buy:</strong> GOTS certified; Machine washable; Biodegradable; Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) certified packaging when purchased from manufacturer
$33
Best Bulk Bags: BagPodz Reusable Shopping Bags
<img type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNTY2MTI2NS9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYyNjk3MTE3Mn0.9zdJfkEbue1iq8Xywwk89-qt0Zcv9wvrDqFUUSzelcE/img.jpg?width=980" id="85dd2" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="1fa8fd5a709a4d14d797ce4c796efa86" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" data-width="400" data-height="400" />BagPodz
<p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/BagPodz-Reusable-Bag-Storage-System/dp/B00QJ9PBBY" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">BagPodz Reusable Shopping Bags</a> are all about convenience. You can get a pack of five or 10 bags, all of which fit in a low-profile "pod" that can be stored for use on the go. When at the <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/vancouvers-grocery-store-plastic-bags-2638807121.html" target="_self">grocery store</a>, the pod clips to your cart and has an easy-dispense pocket for when it's time to check out. After use, just stuff them back into the pod. BagPodz reusable bags are made with Bluesign® certified materials, which means they're manufactured sustainably.</p> <p><strong>Customer Rating:</strong> 4.8 out of 5 stars with over 2,000 Amazon reviews</p><strong>Why Buy: </strong>Machine washable; Made with Bluesign certified material
$35
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