Plastic Bag Bans
California made big news recently when it announced the first statewide ban on plastic shopping bags set to kick in during the middle of 2015.
EarthTalk Q&A
Threats to Air Quality
Particulate matter and smog-forming ground-level ozone continue to pose health risks for millions of Americans every year, despite forty years of progress on regulating pollution from various types of smokestacks and tailpipes.
Rocking Out With Greenpeace’s Music Wood Coalition
Gibson, Taylor, Fender, Martin, Guild, Walden & Yamaha have signed onto Greenpeace’s Music Wood Coalition to help protect threatened forest habitats…
Look Ma, No Hands
Just a decade ago most of us wouldn’t have dreamed we’d live to see driverless cars whisking people around, but things are changing fast and analysts now think they will be common by 2020 and account for the majority of cars on the road by 2040. And with Google’s recent unveiling of its latest prototype—complete with no pedals or steering wheel—the future is indeed closer than we ever imagined.
Mobile Apps for Environmental Stewardship
Dear EarthTalk: What are some cool apps that work with a mobile phone that can help me get in better touch with the environment?
Dealing with Mounting "E-Waste"
With electronic equipment and gadgets the fastest growing waste stream in many countries, how to deal with so-called “e-waste” may in fact be one of the most pressing environmental problems of the 21st century. While some countries and even some U.S. states have their own laws regulating the disposal of electronics and other technology items, environmentalists would like to see the federal government take a stand against e-waste.
Rooftop Solar Finally Cost Competitive with Grid in U.S.
Deutsche Bank reports that by 2016 residential rooftop solar panels will deliver electricity to homeowners at rates equal to or lower than fossil-fuel-derived grid power in 47 out of 50 U.S. states — but only if Congress extends the generous 30 percent solar investment tax credit currently available.
Global Warming and the Loss of Whitebark Pine Trees
Dear EarthTalk: How is it that climate change is responsible for killing whitebark pine trees and thus impacting mountain ecosystems?
Ocean Debris
Researchers are worried about the long-term implications of so much plastic and other debris finding its way into our oceans. We can all play a role in reducing this marine litter by recycling more and littering less, while manufacturers need to reduce the wasteful packaging so common for many consumer and industrial items.
Over-Fortified Processed Foods
Could there really be too much of a good thing when it comes to fortifying foods with nutrients? The non-profit Environmental Working Group thinks so, especially when it comes to vitamin A, niacin and zinc — all of which are added to a variety of breakfast cereals and snack bars marketed to kids but with nutritional servings for adults. The group would like to see nutrition labels updated to reflect higher risks for kids, pregnant women and others.