Marina Schauffler

110 posts

Marina Schauffler is a writer and editor who explores the complex interconnections between ecology and culture. Her "Sea Change" column, launched in 2014, highlights ways to live more sustainably and address our collective environmental and societal challenges, particularly the climate crisis. She holds a Ph.D. in natural resources and an MA in English/creative nonfiction writing (both from the University of New Hampshire), and an interdisciplinary honors BA from Brown University.

Microplastics: A vast but barely visible problem

Microplastic pollution, overlooked for decades, continue to pervade bodies, air, oceans and soils.

ByMarina Schauffler

February 12, 2023

A plaque that reads United States Environmental Protection Agency.

‘Forever chemicals’ expose the need for systemic changes

Regulatory failings underlying the PFAS crisis were evident 60 years ago and are more pronounced today.

ByMarina Schauffler

January 15, 2023

A graphic that says PFAS COSTS and lists a different affect of forever chemicals at the end of a prong: water sampling, water filtration, higher sludge disposal fees, product research and testing, agricultural impacts and farmer support, staff time and opportunity cost, AFFF replacement costs, firefighter turnout gear replacement costs, blood testing, medical monitoring, stress, soil testing, public water system treatment, property value declines, consumer product replacement costs, hunting, fishing and gathering losses; reduced ecosystem services; wildlife impacts; diminished quality of life; depression; medical treatment.

The price of PFAS: ‘Forever chemicals’ generate boundless costs

Maine’s strong policy response could mitigate future expenses, but short-term expenditures are proliferating and many costs remain untallied.

ByMarina Schauffler

December 18, 2022

A spread out pile of hundred dollar bills with a judge's gavel on top of the pile.

The long road to recovering PFAS damages

With Maine facing escalating costs from contamination due to ‘forever chemicals,’ work is under way to recoup some losses.

ByMarina Schauffler

December 18, 2022

A graphic of the interior of a house that shows objects PFAS is found in: treated curtains, paint, lightbulbs, stain-resistant couch, athletic clothing, wire coating, stain-resistant carpet, electronics, floor polish, pesticides, household cleaners, plumber's tape, composite wood in cabinetry, nonstick cookware, aluminum foil, hair conditioner, packaged microwave popcorn, blue ice packs, refrigerant system, sticky notes, cell phones and window caulk.

Forever exposure, forever anxiety: Coping with the inescapable toxicity of PFAS

Found in water, air, soil, food, consumer products and work settings, “forever chemicals” pose risks to both physical health and mental well-being.

ByMarina Schauffler

November 27, 2022

Different colored jackets hang in a closet.

Maine’s law to reduce PFAS in products is off to a slow start

Under Maine’s phased-in PFAS ban, manufacturers will soon be required to report on PFAS types and volumes in products, but the state is granting many businesses a 6-month extension.

ByMarina Schauffler

November 27, 2022

A baby in a puffy purple outdoor jacket sits on the rocks at a beach.

How you can reduce your PFAS body burden

Individual actions can minimize exposure to “forever chemicals" until policy measures, like Maine’s ban on PFAS in products, take effect.

ByMarina Schauffler

November 27, 2022