EarthTalk Q&A

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.

Cell phones certainly do emit low levels of electro-magnetic radiation. While it is widely known that sufficient levels of non-ionizing radiation heat up body tissue and increase the risk for tumor growth, no conclusive link between cell phones and cancer has been found.

When I travel, how can I be sure that tour operators are practicing ecologically sound tourism? Are there certifications for “eco-tourism”?

Juice box packaging, which is called “aseptic,” was originally invented to safely ship foods without the need for refrigeration, and to recipients who lacked refrigeration. In fact, the invention has helped feed many needy people in the developing world.

Despite their name, “silver” fillings are actually composed of about 50 percent mercury and 30 percent silver, with the remaining components divided among copper, tin, zinc and sometimes cadmium. Dozens of Americans have complained that the fillings have damaged

Maybe you should feel guilty about your golf habit, given the toll the sport — and keeping the greens and fairways in shape — takes on the environment.

I’ve enjoyed organic wines, but do any companies make organic beer?