I didn't think that the article was sensationalist at all. It briefly identified a problem and then discussed solutions used currently, possible future solution

I didn't think that the article was sensationalist at all. It briefly identified a problem and then discussed solutions used currently, possible future solutions, and interviewed plenty of people in relevant fields. Your grandmother's solution was even addressed (pouring the byproduct into rivers is environmentally harmful). I literally can't see how you found the article sensationalist. It's practically a textbook example of proper journalism.