While driving down an East Texas country road I spotted this scene. The autumn trees and the late afternoon sun made these golden bales of hay shine just a little bit more. Fortunately I had my camera with me. (c) James Q. Eddy Jr.

The Four States NPR News Source 2025 Kansas Association of Broadcasters Award Winner 2nd Place for Website in a Medium Market

Donate

Play Live Radio

Next Up:

0:00

0:00 0:00

Available On Air Stations

Stream and Listen To KRPS's Weekday Morning & Afternoon Newscasts In The NPR App

Oil and gas companies making hay by making plastic?

NPR | By Kai McNamee,

Emily Kwong

Published May 2, 2026 at 4:47 PM CDT

Author Beth Gardiner talks about her new book, 'Plastic Inc.' and about what she learned about the relationship between oil and gas companies and the plastics industry.

Kai McNamee

Emily Kwong

Emily Kwong (she/her) is the founding reporter and now co-host for Short Wave, NPR's daily science podcast. Her first homework assignment in kindergarten was to bring in a leaf to class. She's been looking at trees ever since.