Author Archive

The Silicon Valley Toxics Coalition reports that 70 percent of the heavy metals in U.S. landfills are from discarded electronics. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency reports that Americans trash two million tons of unwanted electronics each year -¬ six times the amount they recycle. Pictured, e-waste in Ann Arbor, Michigan readied for recycling. »

According to the blog Futurewheels.com, electric cars and plug-in hybrids (those that have been converted by owners) currently average about two cents per mile to recharge, while gasoline-only cars average about 10 cents per mile to refuel. »

Americans recycle more plastic than ever these days, but there are still plenty of items that are not accepted by municipalities, including many hard plastic items like ski boots. »

Real linoleum is one of the greenest flooring options out there today and there are many safe, non-toxic ways to keep it maintained so it will last for decades. »

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Loss Project, Americans throw away more than 25 percent, some 25.9 million tons, of all the food we produce for domestic sale and consumption. »

The role of migratory birds in spreading bird flu is not well understood, but waterfowl are a “natural reservoir” of mostly harmless H5 and H7 influenza A viruses. Recent research suggests that these viruses may be mutating into more pathogenic (disease producing) forms that can “jump the species barrier” and infect people and other... »

Traditional auto detailing employs a range of not-so-eco-friendly products. But the industry is starting to examine its environmental footprint and some shops have a decidedly green bent. There are also now many do-it-yourself green detailing products and kits out there, easily found through an Internet search. »

EarthTalk article correction. »

Just how concerned should you be concerned with your children sitting too close to the boob tube? »

Researchers have now linked chlorine in drinking water to higher incidences of bladder, rectal and breast cancers. A recent study found that women with breast cancer have 50-60 percent higher levels of organochlorines (chlorination by-products) in their breast tissue than cancer-free women. »