Photo caption: The bionic leaf is a system for converting solar energy into liquid fuel developed by the labs of Daniel Nocera and Pamela Silver at Harvard. Credit: Jessica Polka, CreativeCommons. Dear EarthTalk: What the heck is a “bionic leaf” and how does it help the planet? — William Friend, Billings, MT Brainchild of Harvard […]
Photo caption: A few good scrubbies, some elbow grease and a little all-natural soap is all it takes for many household cleaning jobs. Credit: Marco Verch, FlickkrCC. Dear EarthTalk: I’ve heard that many household cleaners contain toxic ingredients that can pollute my indoor environment. How do I avoid such chemicals and can you suggest any […]
Public needs to fight plastic waste Photo caption: A London-based start-up wants to replace plastic water and soda bottles with these edible (and biodegradable) “Ooho” pods made from seaweed. Credit: Skipping Rocks Lab. Dear EarthTalk: What are some examples of ways food and drink producers are fighting the ever-growing torrent of plastic waste they have […]
Photo caption: Seaweed — easy to grow without chemical inputs — is one of many healthy green options that kids love to snack on that parents can get behind as well. Credit: Roddy Scheer. Dear EarthTalk: I’m looking for ideas for healthy, green snacks to have around the house and for packing with the kids’ […]
Photo caption: Research bears out the theory that a walk in the woods — otherwise known as “forest bathing” — can actually be good for your health and your mental outlook. Credit: Roddy Scheer, roddyscheer.com. Dear EarthTalk: What is so-called Forest Therapy?—Larry Schwarzwald, Page, AZ Forest therapy uses immersion in nature to help soothe frayed […]
Photo caption: Studies are mixed about whether permanent hair dye causes cancer, but there is no doubt that conventional formulas contain carcinogenic ingredients. Credit: Samantha Steele, FlickrCC. Dear EarthTalk: My hairdresser was just diagnosed with leukemia and I wonder if there is a link between the chemicals in hair dye and cancer? — Cyndi B., […]
Photo caption: China, Australia, Pakistan, Brazil and other countries have undertaken massive reforestation campaigns, but the United States? Not so much. Credit: Garrat, FlickrCC. Dear EarthTalk: I’ve heard that China and other nations have gone gangbusters with reforestation projects that are ambitious enough to have a significant impact on cutting carbon emissions. Why aren’t we also […]
Photo caption: While Americans typically associate homesteading with conquering the western “frontier” during the 19th century, a new breed of homesteaders is looking to the sea. Dear EarthTalk: What are the environmental benefits of so-called “seasteading” as opposed to building more housing and communities on land? — Marge Weston, Camden, NJ We’ve all heard of […]
Photo caption: Uniboard is one of the leading particle board alternatives out there that don’t use toxic formaldehyde to bind its filler material together. Dear EarthTalk: I recently read about the toxic dangers of particle board. I still am using the same laminate on particle board bedroom furniture that I bought new 30 years ago. […]
Photo caption: Taylor Guitars is one of the leaders in efforts to move the guitar industry toward “ethically harvested” tonewoods. Dear EarthTalk: I’m in the market for a new acoustic guitar and I’m wondering what are my options if I care about its impact on the environment?— Angelo Martinez, Scranton, PA The fact that the […]
