The Brain Lehrer Show

Judith Enck , founder of Beyond Plastics and former EPA Region 2 administrator, helps us sort through all the types of plastics in our lives, and understand exactly how they are making an impact on climate change. As we join other news outlets for #CoveringClimateNow the week of September 16, we’ll be talking to experts and our listeners about real solutions to climate change. And we’re challenging ourselves, our colleagues, and everybody to see, “How low can you go?” when it comes to single-use plastic. Take Brian’s challenge and follow along with Brian all week as we notice/track/reduce/quit our use of single-use plastic. Enter at any level: keep a log, take a picture of all the single-use plastic from your week, or the substitutes or hacks you find to #PlasticChallenge. Use that hashtag on Instagram and Twitter with pictures of things like: The non-plastic   cutlery   you keep at your desk; The barista refilling your   reusable coffee cup Your WNYC   eco-tote   [or other plastic bag alternative] in action; The   log   you’ve kept of all the plastic you’ve used or avoided using this week; The   pile   of discarded single-use plastic you’ve kept just to see how big it gets; The glass jar you take to the   bulk-goods   store; The single-use plastic you   simply can’t do without , and why; And   call in   to the show with our stories of the ways you   #PlasticChallenge! We know not using plastic won’t solve the climate crisis, but just maybe taking action in defense of the planet could become a habit… Instagram: Use the hashtag   #PlasticChallenge   and tag us [@brianlehrershow] and look for our stories and posts with some of our tips and hacks throughout the week. And tune in every day for conversations about real-world solutions for the climate crisis.

Binyamin Appelbaum , who writes about economics and business for the editorial page of The New York Times and is the author of The Economists' Hour (Little, Brown and Company, 2019), argues that the post-War II policy of relying on economists (and their emphasis on efficiency) to run the Federal Reserve and the Dept of Treasury has been bad for democracy.

Jenny Schuetz , fellow with Brookings Institution Metropolitan Policy Program, explains how the 2020 field's housing plans fit with reality

Annie Linskey , national political reporter, breaks down key moments from the third Democratic presidential debate. Plus your calls on whether any candidate changed your mind.

Three of our favorite segments from the week, in case you missed them. Malcolm Gladwell on Stranger Danger  (First) |  Fall Season Must-Sees  (Starts at 29:20) |  Brooklyn's Borough President on NYPD Morale and Solving the Rat Crisis   (Starts at 47:00) If you don't subscribe to the Brian Lehrer Show on iTunes,  .