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Environment

What are some of the more dangerous threats to our air quality and what can be done to eliminate them so we can all breathe more easily?

EarthTalk® E – The Environmental Magazine Dear EarthTalk: What are some of the more dangerous threats to our air quality and what can be done to eliminate them so we can all breathe more easily? — Melanie Smith, Pomfret, CT The main threats to local air quality across the United States (as well as most […]

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Environment

I thought that putting ethanol in our gas tanks was going help fight climate change, but lately I’ve heard reports to the contrary. Can you enlighten?

EarthTalk® E – The Environmental Magazine Dear EarthTalk: I thought that putting ethanol in our gas tanks was going help fight climate change, but lately I’ve heard reports to the contrary. Can you enlighten?       –– Bill B., Hershey, PA Ethanol and similar “biofuels” made from corn and other crops seem like a […]

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Environment

How can retail stores reduce waste?

EarthTalk® E – The Environmental Magazine Dear EarthTalk: I work for the Gap and know firsthand the amount of waste that’s produced at my store. Can you suggest ways retail stores can reduce waste? And how can I get a conversation started with the people upstairs about recycling and being less wasteful? –– Name withheld, […]

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Environment

American kids going through early puberty

Dear EarthTalk: Is it true that American kids are going through puberty earlier today than in previous generations, and are there any environmental causes for this?    — Paul Chase, Troy, NY Research indicates that indeed Americans girls and boys are going through puberty earlier than ever, though the reasons are unclear. Many believe our […]

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Environment

What are ‘ghost factories’

Dear EarthTalk: What are “ghost factories?” — Philip Walker, Hartford, CT In April 2012, USA TODAY published a series entitled “Ghost Factories,” a report on an investigation into lead contaminated soil in hundreds of neighborhoods around the U.S. where lead factories once operated. The investigation addressed the lack of action taken by the U.S. Environmental […]

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Environment

Environmental Internships

Dear EarthTalk: I understand that there are many internships available at environmental organizations, some involving working outdoors, some year-round with expenses paid. Where do I find these?       — Jason Baar, Los Angeles, CA Internships can provide professional experience and on-the-job training for individuals looking to enter the environmental field. There are numerous […]