CertiChem and its founder, George Bittner, who is also a professor of neurobiology at the University of Texas-Austin, had recently coauthored a paper in the NIH journal Environmental Health Perspectives. It reported that "almost all" commercially available plastics that were tested leached synthetic estrogens-even when they weren't exposed to conditions known to unlock potentially harmful chemicals, such as the heat of a microwave, the steam of a dishwasher, or the sun's ultraviolet rays. According to Bittner's research, some BPA-free products actually released synthetic estrogens that were more potent than BPA.
The companies on the World's Most Admired list are rated based on nine key attributes, including innovativeness, sound financials, value as a long-term investment, and more.
As President Donald Trump announced plans to withdraw from the Paris climate agreement, several governors and mayors of major cities reacted with disappointment and pledges to continue environmental efforts. "Worldwide, cities will lead in achieving climate treaty goals because so much of what's required happens at the local level," said Austin, Texas, Mayor Steve Adler.
At the COP23 conference in Bonn, Germany, mayors of 25 major cities from around the globe have signed a commitment to make their cities carbon-neutral by 2050. The list includes US cities Boston; Los Angeles; New York City; Philadelphia; Austin, Texas; and Portland, Ore.