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Sustainable Living
Salt-water fish save water
An estimated 80% of the water used in the U.S. supports crop and livestock production. Resource managers are increasingly concerned about the excessive amount of water required to satisfy our nation’s appetite for beef. Using conservative estimates, it takes 441 gallons of water to produce one pound of conventionally raised beef. [Read more…] about Salt-water fish save water
U.S. business goes solar
America’s largest companies are embracing solar technology in a big way. As of the middle of 2013, there were nearly 33,000 commercial buildings in the US deploying solar technology totaling more than 3 gigawatts of generating capacity. This represents an amazing 40% increase over last year. [Read more…] about U.S. business goes solar
Evolutionary traps
It’s no secret that humans affect wildlife in a myriad of ways. But scientists are discovering that even seemingly benign human activities can have enormous consequences when they create evolutionary traps. [Read more…] about Evolutionary traps
High tower decisions
Each year, when migratory North American birds attempt their flight to Central and South America, more than seven million die in collisions with communications towers. Only house cats result in more human-induced bird deaths. [Read more…] about High tower decisions
Golfers can breathe easy
A lot of Americans take to the golf course on Saturday afternoons. There must be something about beating on a little white ball and then chasing it across the countryside that is soothing after a week at work. Across the U.S., prodigious amounts of fertilizer, irrigation water, and pesticides are used to keep golf courses green. Today, let’s focus on the pesticides. [Read more…] about Golfers can breathe easy
Coping with a changing grid
California is on the cutting edge of a transformation in its electricity grid. Solar power in the state has grown tenfold since 2006 – presenting its power system with unprecedented challenges. [Read more…] about Coping with a changing grid
Dirty drinking water
A new government study is raising red flags about the safety of our drinking water. EPA and U.S. Geological Survey scientists analyzed treated water samples from 25 U.S. utilities. They found that more than 1/3 contained chemicals not regulated by the federal Safe Drinking Water Act. [Read more…] about Dirty drinking water
The U.S. is emitting less carbon
In 2012, carbon dioxide emissions from energy use in the US reached the lowest level since 1994 and were 12% lower than their peak in 2007. This is certainly good news, but just how good? [Read more…] about The U.S. is emitting less carbon
What’s all the talk about mute swans?
In the late 1800s, mute swans were brought from Europe to the eastern U.S. to enhance the beauty of ponds on private estates. Unlike the dark-billed native swans that migrate through our region in the spring and fall, mute swans are easily distinguished by their pinkish-orange bills. They also spend the entire year here. [Read more…] about What’s all the talk about mute swans?
Renewable energy sources in the Caribbean
A number of Caribbean islands are experimenting with the use of renewable energy and hope to provide a model for other nations. The effort is being led by the Carbon War Room, a nonprofit organization founded by billionaire Richard Branson to help fight climate change. [Read more…] about Renewable energy sources in the Caribbean
The costs of a warmer Arctic
As the Arctic warms in response to rising concentrations of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases in Earth’s atmosphere, some eagerly anticipate the opening of the Northwest Passage for ship navigation. Others applaud the potential to ramp up petroleum exploration and fishery efforts in the Arctic Ocean. But, there are real costs to Arctic warming. [Read more…] about The costs of a warmer Arctic
Phthalates: A toxic swap
A nationwide study of the controversial group of chemicals known as phthalates has shown human exposure is still high, despite bans. [Read more…] about Phthalates: A toxic swap
A boom in sun and wind
Recently, the media reported that installations of solar power will overtake those of wind power for the first time. This year, new wind farms are forecast to add some 35 gigawatts of new capacity, but new solar installations will add almost 37 gigawatts. [Read more…] about A boom in sun and wind
Plastic bag ban
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California is poised to become the first state to enact an official ban on plastic shopping bags, with a measure currently before the state legislature. [Read more…] about Plastic bag ban
Allocating carbon emissions
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The recent report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has adopted a different way of looking at reducing carbon dioxide emissions. Since carbon dioxide largely stays in the atmosphere for centuries, the emphasis needs to be on our cumulative emissions over time rather than on tracking yearly totals. [Read more…] about Allocating carbon emissions
Water supply and beer
Water has historically been undervalued – at least in those regions with a plentiful supply. It’s seen as natural, abundant and limitless. But climate change and human consumption have put a strain on this natural resource. [Read more…] about Water supply and beer
Treating roads with cheese
[audio:http://wamcradio.org/EarthWise/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/EW-03-14-14-Treating-Roads-with-Cheese.mp3|titles=EW 03-14-14 Treating Roads with Cheese]
Local governments across the country are always experimenting with cheaper and more environmentally responsible ways of keeping roads passable during icy and snowy conditions. Rock salt is the long-standing way to get the job done, but it is harmful to cars, washes away easily, pollutes waterways, and kills vegetation. [Read more…] about Treating roads with cheese
Hot nights in the greenhouse
Physicians have long noted that deaths spike during heat waves. Compared to periods of normal temperature, more people die of heart attack and stroke during hot periods. And hot periods are also associated with the greater formation of ozone and other air pollutants that exacerbate respiratory illnesses such as asthma and emphysema. Electricity generation for air conditioning peaks on hot summer days. [Read more…] about Hot nights in the greenhouse
Sea snakes, oysters, and magic carpets
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