Articles Index
State of the Union: Obama Urges Clean-Energy Economy
One year after taking office, President Barack Obama outlined his vision for a clean-energy economy in his first State of the Union address.
State of the Union 2012: Clean Energy and an Economy Built to Last
In his third State of the Union address, President Barack Obama shared his plan for rebuilding the U.S. economy and his vision of a return to basic American values.
Obama Kills Keystone XL Pipeline Project – For Now
President Barack Obama rejected TransCanada's application for a permit to build the $7 billion Keystone XL Pipeline from the tar sands oil fields of Canada to U.S. refineries along the Gulf of Mexico.
Obama Links Energy, Economy in Second State of the Union
In his second State of the Union address, President Barack Obama told the nation that America's economic future is linked to innovation and clean energy, but he renewed his support of clean coal and nuclear power.
EPA Issues First National Standards to Reduce Mercury from Power Plants
The EPA issued the first national standards for mercury and other toxic emissions from U.S. power plants, which are expected to bring enormous economic and public health benefits.
Where to Find Eco-Friendly Carpet Cleaning Options
Traditional carpet cleaning solution contains chemicals that can damage health and the environment. Learn where to find healthier professional and do-it-yourself carpet cleaning options.
Real Sponges or Artificial Sponges: Which is Better for the Environment?
A sponge is a sponge, right? Well, no. Some sponges are living organisms that have been harvested for centuries and used in the ways we know them best. Others are artificial replicas, made from wood pulp and other ingredients. Which is better for the environment?
What Does "Biodegradable" Claim Really Guarantee?
Many products claim to be biodegradable, but what does that label actually mean? With no legal definition for the term and no clear standards for enforcement, consumers have no guarantee that "biodegradable" products are good for the environment.
What are the Best Eco-Friendly Dishwasher and Laundry Soaps?
Keeping your clothes and dishes clean is just part of living a healthy life, but are you using dishwasher and laundry soaps that put the envrionment at risk? Phosphates and other chemicals in many dishwasher and laundry soaps can pollute lakes and waterways, kill many plant and animal species and pose human health risks. Learn about the alternatives.
The Politics of Poison: Many Americans Still Breathe Toxic Air
The Clean Air Act has given Americans cleaner air overall, but many U.S. communities still have local polluters that spew toxic chemicals and other pollutants into the air, poisoning residents and confounding state and federal regulators.
Global Population Hits 7 Billion
World population reached an all-time high 7 billion in 2011, and the population is still growing rapidly. What effects can we expect from having 7 billion people living on Earth?
Eco-Friendly Car Washing: Is It Better to Wash Cars at Home or at the Car Wash?
What is the best way to wash your car and keep the environment clean at the same time? Is it better to break out the bucket and sponge at home or drive through a commercial car wash? Learn the pros and cons of commercial car washes versus scrubbing your car in your driveway.
The Benefits of Aluminum Recycling: Why Recycle Aluminum?
Recycling aluminum saves energy, is good for the environment, and provides funds for many community programs and projects. Learn about the other benefits of aluminum recycling.
The Benefits of Paper Recycling: Why Recycle Paper?
Paper recycling has many benefits, from saving energy to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Why recycle paper? Get the details.
In Defense of Car Pools
Are car pools a valuable part of a comprehensive transportation solution, or a failed initiative? Two environmental experts square off on the subject.
Expediting U.S. Oil Production Will Not Lower Fuel Prices
President Obama's move to open offshore drilling sites and take environmental shortcuts to expedite U.S. oil production won't lower gasoline prices or decrease American dependence on foreign oil.
How Dangerous is Atrazine?
Atrazine is a widely used herbicide that is banned in Europe, but often found in U.S. drinking water supplies. Growing evidence about the health effects of atrazine are leading many people to question its safety.
Nations of the World Pledge to Conserve Biodiversity
The Nagoya Protocol and other strategic plans to conserve biodiversity were adopted by 193 nations in October 2010 in Nagoya, Japan, but 50 countries must ratify the Nagoya Protocol by February 1, 2012, before it can take effect.
Top Climate Scientist Arrested in White House Oil Pipeline Protest
Hundreds of environmental and climate activists, including NASA scientist Dr. James Hansen, have been arrested outside the White House for protesting the proposed Keystone XL oil pipeline, which would carry oil nearly 2,000 miles across the United States, from the tar sands fields of Alberta, Canada to refineries on the Gulf Coast of Texas.
Bill Gates is Reinventing the Toilet
Billionaire philanthropist and Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates is leading a life-saving effort to improve sanitation and reduce disease worldwide by reinventing the toilet as a device that can transform human waste into an asset while keeping drinking water clean.
Do Biodegradable Items Really Break Down in Landfills?
The majority of garbage that goes into landfills is biodegradable, but most landfills are too tightly packed for biodegradation to occur and biodegradable items to break down. Learn what can be done to make landfills more effective.
NOAA Predicts a Busy Hurricane Season for 2011
NOAA and the National Hurricane Center published an August update that predicts more tropical storms and hurricanes than the annual May forecast indicated. Predictions for both the number of tropical storms and the number of hurricanes edged up slightly, while the number of major hurricanes remained roughly the same.
I'm Hatin' It
Low-income Americans are spending less of their budgets on food, but obesity is increasing. How is this possible? Because the federal government makes less-healthy food cheaper and more available than food that is actually good for you.
Agreement to Raise Debt Ceiling May Lower Environmental Protections
An agreement between the White House and congressional leaders to raise the debt ceiling and reduce deficit spending could have serious consequences for the environment. Many provisions in the original plan cut funding for critical environmental programs and reduce or eliminate important environmental protections.
Litter Trashes the Environment
Litter is more than an eyesore on city streets and alongside highways. Litter pollutes waterways and leaches toxic chemicals into soil and groundwater as it breaks down. Most litter begins with a careless or thoughtless act by a single person who tosses away a cigarette butt or an empty soda can, which means there is a lot you can do to prevent litter.