Dr. Rudolf Diesel developed the diesel, or internal combustion, engine between 1892 and 1897. Interestingly, instead of running on today’s petroleum-based diesel fuel, at the time his engine used peanut oil. Dr. Diesel speculated,

Antiperspirants often contain aluminum, zirconium or both. These substances tighten or close underarm skin pores in order to block sweat glands and the moisture they produce. While underarm products often contain both antiperspirants and deodorants, deodorants alone do not contain aluminum.

While cotton is more biodegradable (and less flammable) than polyester fabrics, the heavy use of chemical aids by most cotton farmers has many green organizations concerned. The Organic Trade Association (OTA) says the cotton industry uses approximately

Clay-based cat litters contain crystalline silica, the main component in sand, rock and mineral ores. A possible health threat from these litters is posed by silica dust, which can be kicked up and breathed in by both cats and humans.

Despite common beliefs, there is no evidence that feeding wild birds changes their migratory patterns or makes them in any way more dependent on people, according to John Bianchi, a spokesperson for the National Audubon Society.”

Congress established the Superfund Program, also called the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), in 1980 to locate, investigate, and clean up the thousands of hazardous waste sites created by industry, mining,

“With produce and other food items, the required U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) certification and labeling process is stringent enough, but the USDA doesn’t regulate household cleaners, body care products, and other household items, and that’s where fraudulent labeling occurs,”

Both technologies have environmental impacts. It may be counterintuitive, but your best option could be a single-use camera, often referred to as a disposable camera, according to James Blamphin, manager of environmental news and information at the Eastman Kodak Company.

An excellent resource on the potential toxicity of art supplies is the Art and Creative Materials Institute (ACMI). ACMI also maintains a certification process through which materials and ingredients are inspected and then approved or rejected by a toxicology team.