Sustainable Living
The hidden cost of antibacterial products
[audio:http://wamcradio.org/EarthWise/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/EW-10-14-13-Hidden-Cost-Antibacterials.mp3|titles=EW 10-14-13 Hidden Cost (Antibacterials)]
A new study is the first to reveal that triclosan – a synthetic antibacterial widely used in personal care products – is fueling the growth of resistant bacteria in streams and rivers. [Read more…] about The hidden cost of antibacterial products
A debate over trash
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There is no shortage of trash in the world. Figuring out what to do with it is a challenge that grows larger all the time. [Read more…] about A debate over trash
Old car or new car?
So, you want to do something good for the environment. Should you replace your old car with a fuel efficient model or keep it because you know it takes a lot of energy to produce a new car? A clear answer to this question has been elusive. [Read more…] about Old car or new car?
Green power for the U.S. military
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Due to a combination of economics and national security, the U.S. military has become one of the biggest investors in green energy over the past five years. [Read more…] about Green power for the U.S. military
Gray seals thriving off Cape Cod
If you visited Cape Cod this summer, you probably heard tourists and locals all over town talking about the seals. [Read more…] about Gray seals thriving off Cape Cod
Hydrogen fueled cars
[audio:http://wamcradio.org/EarthWise/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/EW-10-07-13-Hydrogen-Fueled-Cars.mp3|titles=EW 10-07-13 Hydrogen Fueled Cars]
We are starting see some real momentum in the adoption of electric cars. There are more models to choose from, and public charging stations are starting to show up in our neighborhoods. [Read more…] about Hydrogen fueled cars
Fuel cells for refrigerated trucks
Refrigerated trucks are a crucial part of our food delivery system. Approximately 300,000 of them are on the road in the United States. Most of them use an auxiliary power unit, which is a small diesel engine that burns about 10 gallons of fuel a day keeping food cold. [Read more…] about Fuel cells for refrigerated trucks
Dams complicate river management
Managing fish in human-altered rivers is a challenge because their food webs are sensitive to environmental disturbances. So reports an exhaustive three-year analysis of a 240-mile stretch of the Colorado River downstream of Glen Canyon Dam. [Read more…] about Dams complicate river management
Virtual net metering for apartment dwellers
Homeowners across the country are increasingly taking advantage of the benefits of solar power, either by leasing or purchasing photovoltaic systems for their rooftops. Unfortunately, apartment dwellers have not had much opportunity to use on-site solar electricity because it would require installation of separate PV systems for each tenant, which is complicated and expensive, even if building owners were agreeable. [Read more…] about Virtual net metering for apartment dwellers
Trapping carbon in rock
Fossil fuels like coal are relatively cheap and abundant, which is a huge motivation for finding a way to burn those fuels without releasing carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. The most obvious approach is sequestration – capturing the CO2 during combustion and storing it away. While simple in concept, carbon sequestration is a huge challenge to accomplish on a large scale, and at an acceptable cost. [Read more…] about Trapping carbon in rock
Swamp rats: Coming to a neighborhood near you
There are many consequences of climate change, but here’s one you probably haven’t considered: swamp rats. As winters warm, large, semi-aquatic rodents called nutria have been expanding their range. [Read more…] about Swamp rats: Coming to a neighborhood near you
Solar philanthropy
About 20% of the Earth’s population – roughly 1.5 billion people – live without electricity. Mostly, these people are in sub-Saharan Africa and Asia, along with some in Latin America and the Middle East. [Read more…] about Solar philanthropy
Reducing paper waste
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This fall, New York State residents will have the opportunity to vote on a constitutional amendment that would save countless trees. [Read more…] about Reducing paper waste
Streams and rivers on rolaids
Our activities are changing the water chemistry of many streams and rivers in the Eastern U.S., with consequences for water supplies and aquatic life. [Read more…] about Streams and rivers on rolaids
Mapping renewable energy
Developing and emerging nations face serious energy challenges and renewable energy sources represent key resources that they need to exploit. Many of these countries have abundant renewable resources but at the same time have substantial portions of their population without any access to electricity. [Read more…] about Mapping renewable energy
Lots of fuel from pond scum
Algae contain lots of oil – or lipids – and these can be used to produce biodiesel. There are other biofuels that can be derived from algae as well. There is enough promise in this technology that researchers in academia and industry are investigating ways to improve it by growing algae that contain more oil, that live longer, and that live in a wider range of environments. [Read more…] about Lots of fuel from pond scum
Global dimming
Scientists refer to the reflectivity of a surface as its albedo. Snow and ice have high albedo relative to soil and water. The average albedo can be measured for any area that contains a diversity of surfaces. [Read more…] about Global dimming
Keeping Asian carp out of the Great Lakes
The Great Lakes are currently facing a significant threat from invasive carp. [Read more…] about Keeping Asian carp out of the Great Lakes
A greener way to heat and cool your home
