What is Downcycling? July 27, 2016 Downcycling is the process where unused products are used to produce new items of lesser quality. While some items can repeatedly be reproduced, some materials slowly breakdown with each time they go through the recycling process and is referred to as Downcycling for that reason. At the same time, some experts argue that in all cases, recycling is Downcycling. Despite this, Downcycling continues the idea of reducing the need for accessing raw materials excessively. An example of Downcycling can…

What is Deforestation? July 27, 2016 Definition Deforestation is the large-scale removal of trees in the forests. Trees are usually removed to make way for agriculture, roads, and urban development. Deforestation can also occur due to the harvest of natural resources like timber and palm oil. Not all Deforestation is intentional as some cases can be caused by a combination of natural and human factors like wildfires. Want to Know More? Deforestation has had serious environmental effects. While forests still make up 30 percent of…

What is N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide (DEET)? July 27, 2016 N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide, also known as DEET, is a chemical ingredient used in insect repellent products. This chemical deters insects such as mosquitoes, black flies, and fleas, preventing the spread of insect-borne diseases such as the West Nile Virus, the Zika Virus, or malaria. DEET products can be accessed in various forms including liquid, lotions, or sprays. DEET was first developed by the United States Army in 1946 as a way to protect troops from malaria and yellow fever carrying…

What is Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT)? July 27, 2016 Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane, also known as DDT, is a synthetic pesticide that was once widely used to combat insects until it was found in the 1970s to be harmful to fish and water supplies. Since its ban by the American government, studies have continuously shown a relationship between human exposure to DDT and reproduction issues and cancer, having since been labelled a probable human carcinogen. DDT was first created in 1874 when chloral was exposed to chlorobenzene and sulfuric acid….