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New York Times
Author of the "Findings" column for the Science Times section of the New York Times. His books include Willpower: Rediscovering the Greatest Human Strength.
PROFILE
John Tierney
Guest
FROM John Tierney
To the Point
Recycling: Are the Benefits Worth the Cost? It's been 20 years since John Tierney first argued in the New York Times magazine that the benefits of recycling were not worth the cost. Since then, the recycling movement has vastly expanded. But, this past weekend, Tierney wrote that it's as inefficient as ever — and he compared the movement to a "religious ritual." Angry defenders insist it protects the environment, saves public money and generates profits for a growing industry. With mandatory recycling on the increase, the argument's going on in more and more places. We hear from both sides.
To the Point
Recycling: Are the Benefits Worth the Cost? It's been 20 years since John Tierney first argued in the New York Times magazine that the benefits of recycling were not worth the cost. Since then, the recycling movement has vastly expanded. But, this past weekend, Tierney wrote that it's as inefficient as ever — and he compared the movement to a "religious ritual." Angry defenders insist it protects the environment, saves public money and generates profits for a growing industry. With mandatory recycling on the increase, the argument's going on in more and more places. We hear from both sides.
Design and Architecture
Is Recycling Rubbish? New York Times science writer John Tierney says recycling is a form of "atonement" that makes no economic sense and does little to save carbon emissions. But Junkyard Planet author Adam Minter says it’s good for business and the environment. Bales of recyclables at Santa Monica Recycling Center Photo by Frances Anderton
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To the Point
Terrorism and tweets, hate speech and murder Just days before an election, Britain is coping with a rash of deadly terrorism, and Prime Minister Theresa May is on the defensive. And again today, President Trump has tweeted criticism of the Mayor of London. Later, a double murder in Portland, Oregon has revealed the ugly past of a supposedly “progressive” city. One immediate question: is “hate speech” protected by the First Amendment?
To the Point
Ex-FBI Director Comey tells his side of the story Today, former FBI Director James Comey came close to calling the President who fired him a liar. The White House denied the claim and called it insulting, but Republican Senators did not challenge Comey’s truthfulness. Many questions remain: did the President try to obstruct a federal investigation? Later, we’ll go behind the “velvet rope” for a look at 5-Star health care for the richest Americans.
To the Point
Who's to blame for the opioid crisis? Some of the lawyers who took on Big Tobacco are now going after Big Pharma. It’s all about the deadly epidemic of opioid use. Are the drug companies to blame? What about the users? Later, on today’s Talking Point: making sense of Britain’s upset election.