Daily Roundup: November 15, 2010

Beyond Funding: Though BP has reimbursed the federal government $518 million for the Gulf oil spill's cleanup costs, the total cost of restoration has reached $581 million, and is still rising. Washington Post

Silent Spring Returns: A decline in bird and bee populations across Europe and the U.S. has led to a great deal of research; likely culprits in the die-off are neonicotinoids, a new kind of insecticide. The Independent

Sweet Solution: An Australian company believes it's found an organic alternative to plastic. Called "Plantic", it's biodegradable, dissolves in water, and will soon be used to package a line of Swiss chocolate. The Melbourne Age

Shawshank Environmentalists: Hong Kong's first eco-friendly prison is generating controversy; many say that the government doesn't do enough to encourage healthy environments for the city's denizens who aren't imprisoned. AFP

Fracking Debate: A segment on natural-gas extraction ("fracking") and its harmful side effects, including an interview with the Sierra Club's executive director Michael Brune, aired last night on 60 Minutes. CBS

--Ronny Smith