[audio:http://wamcradio.org/EarthWise/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/EW-04-17-14-Plastic-from-Shrimp.mp3|titles=EW 04-17-14 Plastic from Shrimp]
Technology
Progress in artificial photosynthesis
Artificial photosynthesis, the technology of converting sunlight into liquid fuels, would be the greenest of green technology if it can be done economically and on a large scale. Plants store energy derived from the sun in the form of chemical bonds created by photosynthesis. We would like to do the same thing in the laboratory. [Read more…] about Progress in artificial photosynthesis
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
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
Consider going DEET-free
[audio:http://wamcradio.org/EarthWise/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/EW-04-02-14-DEET.mp3|titles=EW 04-02-14 DEET]
DEET, also known as N, N-diethyl-meta-toluamide, was developed during World War II to protect our troops during military operations in the tropical Pacific from mosquitoes and the diseases they carry. It undoubtedly saved thousands of lives. At war’s end, it was commercialized for public use. Countless families have slathered on DEET to ward off bugs on weekend picnics, camping trips, and nature walks. [Read more…] about Consider going DEET-free
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
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
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
[audio:http://wamcradio.org/EarthWise/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/EW-03-20-14-Plastic-Bag-Ban.mp3|titles=EW 03-20-14 Plastic Bag Ban]
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
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
Sea snakes, oysters, and magic carpets
[audio:http://wamcradio.org/EarthWise/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/EW-03-12-14-Sea-Snakes-Oysters-and-Magic-Carpets.mp3|titles=EW 03-12-14 Sea Snakes, Oysters, and Magic Carpets]
Scotland is one of the best places in the world to make use of ocean-based energy. It has 25% of Europe’s tidal potential and 10% of its wave potential. Because of this, the Scottish Government has established a competition to reward ocean energy breakthroughs. [Read more…] about Sea snakes, oysters, and magic carpets
Trains and oil spills
[audio:http://wamcradio.org/EarthWise/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/EW-03-11-14-Trains-and-Oil-Spills.mp3|titles=EW 03-11-14 Trains and Oil Spills]
During the past five years, U.S. domestic oil production has risen 50 percent. This surge has outpaced the pipeline infrastructure needed to move oil to consumers. [Read more…] about Trains and oil spills
Antibiotics in meat
Concerns have long been raised over the presence of antibiotics in the meat we eat. Now, a federal analysis has shown that many of those antibiotics are likely to blame for the increasing number of bacterial infections resistant to treatment in humans. [Read more…] about Antibiotics in meat
Solar gardens
[audio:http://wamcradio.org/EarthWise/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/EW-03-05-14-Solar-Gardens.mp3|titles=EW 03-05-14 Solar Gardens]
Solar power is growing by leaps and bounds, but there are still many people who can’t access it for their own homes. Renters, people who live in communities with obstructive building codes, and people whose roofs are shaded by trees or other tall structures don’t have the option of installing their own solar panels. [Read more…] about Solar gardens
Power from sewage
[audio:http://wamcradio.org/EarthWise/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/EW-03-04-14-Power-from-Sewage.mp3|titles=EW 03-04-14 Power from Sewage]
Located on the banks of the Potomac River, the Blue Plains wastewater treatment plant serves over two million people in D.C., Maryland, and Virginia. It is also the largest consumer of electricity in the District of Columbia. [Read more…] about Power from sewage
Packaging with mushrooms
The wide use of Styrofoam presents a number of problems for the environment. It is a petroleum-based material that is not biodegradable. Although it can be recycled, it seldom is. Most Styrofoam winds up in landfills, or even worse, floating in waterways. [Read more…] about Packaging with mushrooms
Batteries from rhubarb and sugar
[audio:http://wamcradio.org/EarthWise/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/EW-02-26-14-Batteries-from-Rhubarb-and-Sugar.mp3|titles=EW 02-26-14 Batteries from Rhubarb and Sugar]