Word: containers
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Dates: during 1980-1989
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Humanity already benefits greatly from the genetic heritage of little-known species. Some 25% of the pharmaceuticals in use in the U.S. today contain ingredients originally derived from wild plants. Hidden anonymously in clumps of vegetation about to be bulldozed or burned might be plants with cures for still unconquered diseases. "I know of three plants with the potential to , treat AIDS," said Janzen. "One grows in an Australian rain forest, one in Panama and one in Costa Rica...
...contrast, China has galvanized its people behind a huge population- plannin g effort. Still, its program demonstrates just how difficult -- and risky -- social tinkering can be. The nation launched its "one-family, one- child" policy in 1979. The aim: to contain population at 1.2 billion by the year 2000. In pursuit of that goal, local authorities have offered such incentives as a monthly stipend until the sole child turns 14 and better housing. Penalties for violating the policy have included dismissal from government jobs and fines of up to a year's wages for urban workers. China's effort...
...even with more efficient recycling, there will still be refuse. That means landfills and incinerators, however harmful their emissions, will be needed as part of well-managed waste-disposal systems for the foreseeable future. Where possible, landfills should be fitted with impermeable clay or synthetic liners to contain toxic materials, and with pumps to drain liquid waste for treatment and disposal elsewhere. Landfill waste can also be burned to generate electricity, but the U.S. uses only 6% of its rubbish to produce energy. By comparison, West Germany sends more than 30% of its unrecycled wastes to waste-to-energy facilities...
Despite the appeal to pet-set snobbery, the premium foods do seem to make a difference. Super dog foods, for example, contain higher-quality protein and less sugar than run-of-the-mill fare. Result: animals that smell good, have shiny coats and do not excitedly jump about. Even the pet-food giants, which control most of the $6 billion industry, have started toeing the health-food line. Last year Ralston Purina introduced O.N.E., or Optimum Nutrient Effectiveness, for snooty canines. And Quaker Oats has revamped its Cycle products for young, old and overweight dogs...
...hear coming from the Beltway is the chanting of transition mantras -- the phrases that rise to the lips of Washingtonians every time someone new moves into the Oval Office. Like other ritual phrases, transition mantras are hallowed by time; they may even contain traces of truth. But as a steady background blur, they are as dulling to the mind as New Age music...