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Last week an international treaty mandating the phase-out of a dozen highly toxic chemicals, including DDT and PCBs, took effect with 50 signatories despite lack of formal involvement by the United States.

"The natural building movement is where organic food was 20 years ago," says Joe Kennedy, co-editor of the new book <a href="http://www.newsociety.com/bookid/3697">The Art of Natural Building</a>. "Now we have exponential growth, and we’re riding an intense wave."

My town celebrated Earth Day about a month late, because the committee was waiting for a good date to use one of the local schools. Better late than never, I say. There were displays from solar groups, feel-good literature from the utility companies, and a surprisingly strong showing from the fuel-cell people, including a display from Avalence (launched by one of the founders of E), makers of a user-friendly hydrogen filler. There were also things for kids to do, and a pack of eco-conscious costumed figures.

Plastic-based litter from human beings is inundating the world’s oceans and polluting shorelines down to the microscopic level, according to British scientists who recently completed a multi-year study on the problem in and around Great Britain.

Scientists call it "global dimming," a little-known trend that may be making the world darker than it used to be.

According to a newly released report by the Pesticide Action Network (PAN), many U.S. residents carry unhealthy levels of pesticides in their bodies, with children, women and Mexican-Americans disproportionately exposed to the toxic chemicals.

Sales of full-size sport-utility vehicles tumbled last month, and sales of some smaller, more fuel-efficient SUVs boomed in what could be a sign that higher fuel prices are hurting automakers’ high-profit models. One of the largest sales drops was experienced by GM’s Hummer, which is now sold with rebates.

According to noted Kenyan environmentalist Richard Leakey, mankind’s closest animal relatives, the great apes, are facing extinction and need urgent action in order to survive.

Scientists joined environmental groups last week in petitioning the U.S. government to add 225 plants and animals to the endangered species list.