The diaper debate, shrinking beaches and shingle recycling.

Fiber Risks, Recycling Rules and Reducing Ticks Are there any health risks involved with polyester clothing? —Amily Atwell, Dublin, OH Polyester has come a long way since leisure suits, and can now be found in everything from carpeting and totebags to artificial arteries. Because it’s strong, wrinkle-resistant and quick drying, it’s in just about every […]

I’ve heard that you can buy the "development rights" to rainforest land in order to protect it. How does one go about that? Several environmental organizations sponsor programs that allow the conservation-minded to protect development rights in the rainforest.

I’ve heard that leaving a light on for a given length of time may use less energy than turning it off and on again. Is this a myth? —Allison Nelson, Glen, NH Leaving a light on to save energy is not a bright idea. This myth arose in the 1940s when energy was cheap and […]

What are the pros and cons of juice pasteurization? —Sabrina Coolidge, Portland, OR Some consumers are skeptical of pasteurization because they are concerned that the heat treatment will compromise the nutritional value of juice. According to Odwalla, a natural juice company, there is an approximate 30 percent nutrient loss during pasteurization. But the U.S. Food […]

Do airplanes contribute significantly to air pollution? —Neil Gladstone, New York, NY Airports cause as much pollution as power plants, incinerators and oil refineries, although they are subject to less regulation, according to the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC). The hundreds of thousands of airplanes taking off, landing, taxiing and idling each day across the […]

I have been searching for an environmentally-friendly way to repel moles from my home without killing or harming them. Any suggestions?—Elizabeth Powell, Marion, OH Having moles in your yard is not necessarily detrimental. In fact, moles eat destructive creatures like Japanese beetles and grubs, and aerate the soil by tunneling, bringing subsoil close to the […]

Reusable Mugs, Bleach Alternatives and Acid Rain What are the main causes of acid rain, and where are the highest concentrations found in the U.S.? —Jeff Ohmberger, Lincoln, NE A vast medley of chemicals and pollutants can contribute to acid rain, but emissions of sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxide (NOX) are primarily to blame. […]

Should I Worry About…Airports, Siding and CFCs? Does the airport near where I live emit any kind of magnetic or electrical waves that will impact my health? —B. Sachau Living near an airport poses no special risk from electromagnetic fields (EMFs) , though there is both air and noise pollution to consider. The National Council […]

Away With Additives, Landfill Clutter and the Buy-and-Spend Mentality Can you explain the effects of MTBE on drinking water? Do any of the major low-cost water filters remove it from the tap —John Jacobson, Oakland, CA Methyl Tertiary-Butyl Ether (MTBE) is added to gasoline to reduce the effects of automobile emissions on air pollution. But […]