My name is Ari Einbinder. This is the journal of my travels into the realm of science and science education.
I've worked at science museums in NY (NYSCI and AMNH) and across Europe. Currently I'm studying "museology" (aka museum studies) at UW in Seattle, WA. I'm also one of Tumblr's
Science Section editors.
I discuss anything that fascinates me, but popular topics include evolution, transhumanism (e.g BCI), futurism, psychology, quantum computing, climate change, sustainability, genetic engineering and occasionally politics - to name a few.
Enjoy!
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Visit my website:
RealCleverName.com
Wed
May
30
A friend forwarded me an article, “Plastic bag ban will put los angeles in the landfill.” The author, Jay Beeber, had some good points, but also some poor points, and I take probably a different lesson from the points than himself. That said, I’d also say that I don’t necessarily endorse a total ban on plastic bags {and especially paper bags}, but I would favor incentives for people to reuse bags, such as an extra tax on using plastic bags.
First, banning free plastic grocery bags won’t reduce waste. California’s Statewide Waste Characterization Study [pdf] shows that “Plastic Grocery and Other Merchandise Bags” consistently make up just 0.3 percent of the waste stream in the state… In comparison, organic waste such as food and yard clippings makes up 32 percent while construction debris comprises about 30 percent. The effect of eliminating free grocery bags on the amount of waste generated in the city would be insignificant…
This is an interesting point, but I’d point out two things. Firstly, food and yard clippings are not, afaik (and I’m not an expert by any means), really harmful. They biodegrade and can actually give nutrients back to the soil. [Edit: I’ve been informed that this is not actually the case! I’ll have to look into it more.] Plastic bags don’t biodegrade and they’re known to break down into small particles that poison living things. Secondly, I would personally say that we should try to make progress where we can. I would be strongly in favor of any feasible way to reduce waste, especially industrial. But I’m not sure those are available yet. In contrast, asking people to bring their own bags is very feasible.
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Tue
May
29
I have a job interview today at the Pacific Science Center. It would be a massive understatement to say that I’m desperately wishing that I get this position.
I just want to talk about awesome science stuff with people. Please?

anthonyrossomanno asked: In regards to that last question about sustainability and the current standard of living, I recently watched this documentary called Fixing the Future and in it they featured Wild Sage - a community in Boulder, Colorado - an entire town built with zero emissions. The secret is going back to local. If everyone did this then all else would just fall into place and the world would be inspiring again.
Hey Anthony,
I’ll have to check out that documentary. And no doubt “going local” {not “going loco” lol) helps a lot, but I’m not sure it can solve everything. Too much stuff is specialized and can’t be produced or obtained locally (e.g. medicine).
And it doesn’t surprise me at all that this place is in (or near?) Boulder, CO. That place is so awesome - and green! I visited a friend there and simply fell in love with it.
Thanks for writing,
-Ari @ RCS