Fidget toys and squishies truly are everywhere. They’re said to improve focus and help manage stress. But they are also usually made of plastic.

Articles by Alexandra Zissu
Tulane Tried to Silence Her. Now She’s Thriving.
Researcher Kim Terrell tells us about political barriers to her work exposing polluters in Louisiana’s Cancer Alley.
Kids Going to Summer Camp? Read This!
As the school year winds down, summer camp prep ramps up. We spoke with the American Camp Association to find out what you need to know to be ready for extreme heat, wildfires, and air pollution this summer.
Moms and Mayors: Addressing Local Problems and Providing Solutions in Atlanta
The Moms & Mayors program aims to connect caregivers with local government officials in a broad effort to protect children’s health from air pollution and global warming while building resilient communities.
Ask Mom Detective: What Is the Safest Athletic Wear?
Most sportswear is made from synthetic materials that can harm our health. Mom Detective investigates eco-friendly alternatives.
Billie Eilish Cares About Climate. This Matters to Fans.
Billie Eilish’s much anticipated movie, Hit Me Hard and Soft: The Tour Live in 3D, is out! One mom talked to her daughter about why Billie’s climate activism makes her an even bigger fan.
6 Eco-Friendly Ways to Celebrate Moms This Mother’s Day
Our Mom Detective writes an open letter to her children about how she’d like to celebrate Mother’s Day this year—and every year. Other children and adult partners, take heed!
Miserable Allergies? Blame Climate Chaos, Says Pediatric Allergy Doctor
It’s itchy-sneezy-rashy season across the United States. If this season feels worse than ever, feel free to blame climate chaos, says pediatric allergist Dr. Mansi Kotwal.
“State of the Air” Report Finds the Kids Are Not Alright
There’s no sugarcoating the 2026 American Lung Association (ALA) “State of the Air” report. We talk to a pediatric nurse practitioner about how nearly half of children in the U.S. are breathing unhealthy air.
Got Climate Despair? Climate Wayfinding Is the Book for You
Dr. Katharine Wilkinson’s latest book, Climate Wayfinding, is a guide for navigating climate anxiety and action in this dark historical moment.
Ask Mom Detective: How Do I Choose the Safest Materials for My Bathroom Remodel?
Bathrooms are among the most remodeled rooms in any home. When demolishing and building new, there are precautions to take to make the process as safe as possible.
Call the Doctor: A Pediatrician’s Journey From Indian Health Services to Climate Work
For 27 years, Lori Byron practiced pediatrics on the Crow Indian Reservation in Montana. Today, she works night shifts at a regional hospital to free up her days for climate work.













