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Last Updated: Jan 31, 2019 11:27AM • Subscribe via RSS • ATOM

Investing for Good: How to Align Money With Values

Jan 31, 2019 11:27AM ● By April Thompson

Socially responsible investing, which accounts for a whopping quarter of U.S. funds under professional management, now offers options to suit every cause and income level.

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Cork Rocks: The Self-Regenerating Building Material

Dec 27, 2018 01:45PM

Cork, which regenerates its bark after harvesting, is an eco-friendly fire retardant and acoustic insulator that also controls odor and humidity.

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Poor Packaging: The Problem With Bottled Water Is the Bottle

Dec 27, 2018 01:45PM

Each minute, one million plastic bottles are sold around the world, and most end up in the trash rather than being recycled.

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Natural Awakenings Twin Cities
Smart Trash: Baltimore Rolls Out Sensor-Equipped Bins

Dec 27, 2018 12:41PM

Solar-powered trash cans with built-in Wi-Fi sensors are being installed in Baltimore to facilitate as-needed emptying of the cans.

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Seeking Sanctuary: How to Reduce Electromagnetic Radiation at Home

Dec 27, 2018 12:41PM ● By Emily Courtney

As technology brings increasing exposure to EMFs, we can take practical steps to reduce the risk of these ubiquitous waves inside our homes.

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Eco Jets: Electric Planes on Horizon

Nov 30, 2018 03:18PM

Europe’s EasyJet airline is working to get electric-powered planes into the sky with room for up to 220 passengers and a range of 335 miles.

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Green Cars Update: Plug Into the Latest Trends

Nov 30, 2018 11:10AM ● By Jim Motavalli

Plug-in or hybrid or battery electric? Here’s a practical guide to what’s happening with electric vehicles and to which one might suit our needs.

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Earth Christmas: Guide to Sustainable Merry-Making

Nov 30, 2018 10:59AM

Eco-strategies for trees, decorations and gifts mean we can extend our holiday good will to our beleaguered home planet as well.

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Eco-Packaging Progress Report: Innovative Uses of Pulp, Paper and Mushrooms

Oct 31, 2018 11:27AM ● By Avery Mack

Creative new options include carry-out containers made of wood pulp, baked-goods wrapping paper infused with antibacterial spices, and cardboard made of mushroom roots.

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Dumping Disincentive: Big Bank Acts to Protect Oceans from Mine Waste

Oct 31, 2018 11:04AM

Under pressure from the Ditch Ocean Dumping campaign, Citigroup is no longer financing mining projects that dump mine waste into the ocean.

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Teeny Town: Tiny Houses Can Benefit Seniors

Oct 31, 2018 11:04AM

By designing and building a $75,000 tiny modular home, the University of Southern Indiana wants to demonstrate how independent living can be made accessible for people of many ages and abilities.

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Breathe Easier: Hamburg Gets Serious About Diesel Fumes

Oct 31, 2018 11:04AM

Germany’s second-largest city is restricting diesel-powered vehicle from portions of two major streets, with exemptions for new, cleaner models.

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Plastic Pushback: Countries Ban Single-Use Plastics

Oct 31, 2018 11:04AM

The Bahamas is joining such countries as Antigua, Belize, Kenya and the United Kingdom in moving to ban plastics linked to marine litter.

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Rebirthing Books: New Life for Old Friends

Oct 31, 2018 11:04AM

Rather than letting books collect dust at home, we can donate them to local, national and international efforts that redistribute them to readers and underfunded libraries worldwide.

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Corporate Conscience: Leading Food Companies Aim to Slash Energy Footprints

Sep 28, 2018 10:58AM

McDonald’s plans to lower its greenhouse gas emissions by 165 million tons in 12 years, and Anheuser-Busch and Budweiser beer plans to wholly rely on renewable sources for energy in seven years.

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Debris Drop-Off: Plastic Bag Deterrents Working in European Waters

Sep 28, 2018 10:58AM

The number of plastic bags in waters around Norway, Germany, northern France and Ireland has dropped by 30 percent following those countries setting fees on bags.

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Last Straw: Groups Work to Make U.S. Go Strawless

Sep 28, 2018 10:58AM

To end the pollution caused by 500 million discarded plastic straws daily in the U.S., eateries are forgoing them, cities are banning them, and groups are selling bamboo and silicone replacements.

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The Rise of Blue Zones in America: Places that Encourage Healthy Living

Sep 28, 2018 10:57AM ● By Avery Mack

Blue Zone cities nationwide are making life for their citizens longer and better by encouraging healthy eating, regular exercise and activities that further connection.

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Zero Waste Lifestyle: Ways to Make Far Less Trash

Aug 31, 2018 11:10AM ● By Avery Mack

Light-years beyond the idea of basic decluttering is the concept of zero waste, which means adopting everyday strategies like halting junk mail and adopting gently used, pre-loved items in order to live lightly on the planet.

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Sunny Success: New Solar Capacity Outpaced Other Fuel Sources

Aug 31, 2018 10:51AM

Investors worldwide invested more in solar power than in any other single energy technology in 2017.

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Flower Power: Farms Test Low-Tech Pesticide Alternative

Aug 31, 2018 10:51AM

British farmers are planting wildflowers to understand if the presence of pest-eating insects can make their use of pesticide a last rather than first resort.

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After Plastic: New Eco-Packaging Options Underway

Aug 31, 2018 10:51AM

As leading industries turn their attention to adopt sustainable principles, engineers and inventors are developing product packaging bioplastics that readily degrade.

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Green Shoes: Being Sustainable Down to Our Soles

Aug 31, 2018 10:51AM

Living an eco-lifestyle extends to the shoes on our feet, with strategies that include better maintenance, eco-friendly materials and sustainability-savvy shoemakers.

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Hyperloop Hyper-Speed: Innovative Shortcut to Faster Travel

Jul 31, 2018 11:29AM

Plans are underway in Europe for a vacuum-tube mode of transport capable of zooming people and freight safely overland at 700 miles per hour.

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Plog On: Picking Up Litter While Jogging Becomes a Winning Trend

Jul 31, 2018 11:29AM

Plogging, Sweden’s latest fitness craze, is catching on in Europe and the U.S., as joggers not only clean up trash but also burn more calories in the process.

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Rethinking Toiletries: Using Less Saves Both Money and the Planet

Jul 31, 2018 11:29AM

It’s easy to load up on pricey personal care products that ultimately get little use, but a few key strategies can simplify daily life as well lower expenses and waste.

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Waste No Water: Communities Get Creative in Urging Conservation

Jul 31, 2018 11:29AM ● By April Thompson

As potable water gets scarcer worldwide, American communities are creatively exploring ways to encourage people to be always water wise.

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Art that Inspires Action: Artists Work to Save Nature’s Beauty

Jun 29, 2018 11:28AM ● By Avery Mack

By using marine debris, steel, twigs and even snow, artists are incorporating the natural world into their work while simultaneously sending out an SOS from the planet.

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Loving It: Fast Food Giants Finally Address Plastic Pollution

Jun 29, 2018 11:02AM

McDonald’s says it will end the use of harmful polystyrene foam packaging globally by year’s end, and Dunkin’ Donuts is phasing out its polystyrene foam cups in favor of paper cups.

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Meat Menace: Animal Product Emissions Rival Oil

Jun 29, 2018 11:02AM

New data shows that emissions from raising farmed animals make up about 15 percent of global human-induced emissions, with three large meat producers emitting as much as some oil companies.

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Natural Pools: Swim Amidst Stones and Plants

Jun 29, 2018 11:01AM

Natural pools, which may be built of stone and clay and filtered with aquatic plants, turn out to be both eco-friendly and price competitive compared to conventional swimming pools.

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We Need Clean Waters: Streams and Rivers Are Life Links

May 31, 2018 10:43AM ● By Avery Mack

Efforts are underway around the country to make polluted waterways clean again and to instill local appreciation for their many helpful roles.

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Livable Communities We Love: Good for People and the Planet

May 31, 2018 10:43AM ● By John D. Ivanko and Lisa Kivirist

Across the country, cities from Philadelphia to Pittsburgh to Portland are finding fresh new ways to create engaging street life for residents while eco-upgrading their green spaces, services and infrastructure.

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Quick Quarters: Simple Eco-Houses on the Upswing

May 31, 2018 10:41AM

Harnessing technology and cleverness, homebuilding startups in the Ukraine, Italy and Lebanon are offering tiny, energy-neutral, quick-built houses at low cost.

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Boston Ban: Plastic Bags Get the Boot

May 31, 2018 10:41AM

Joining a nationwide movement, Boston has banned single-use plastic shopping bags, requiring shoppers to bring their own totes or pay for eco-friendly bags.

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Eco-Upgrades for America’s Landmarks: Monuments and Parks Adopt Sustainable Practices

Apr 30, 2018 10:42AM ● By Avery Mack

From the Grand Canyon to the Gateway Arch to the Empire State Building, America’s landmarks are making the old new again with Earth-friendly changes.

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Obsolete Packaging: Grocer Shuns Plastic Trays

Apr 30, 2018 10:17AM

A British supermarket chain plans to drastically lower its use of plastic packaging in 1,000 of its own-label products.

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Recycling IQ: Take a Quiz to Help the Planet

Apr 30, 2018 10:17AM

Is this item trash, garbage or recyclable? As important as recycling is, it can sometimes be confusing. A short quiz offers answers to help sort out discards.

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Healthy Climate, Healthy People: Why a Warming Planet is Harming Our Health

Mar 30, 2018 11:57AM ● By Lisa Marshall

As the Earth slowly heats up, we’re being affected by rising allergens, disaster-related trauma and the increase in insects carrying dangerous diseases.

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Distributed Power: Energy Users Control Own Supplies

Mar 30, 2018 11:17AM

Across the U.S., energy users of all sizes are taking control of their power supply and relieving stress from the grid.

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Transforming Plastics: Mobile Trashpresso Turns Trash into Tiles

Mar 30, 2018 11:17AM

A British company has invented a solar-powered, onsite mini-recycling plant that transforms plastic waste into usable architectural tiles.

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Healthy House: Easy Ways to Green It Up

Mar 30, 2018 11:17AM ● By Avery Mack

From using defrosting trays to doffing shoes at the door to placing plants in the loo, easy ways abound to make our home healthier for us and easier on our environment.

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Protective Plants: Indoor Greenery Removes Airborne Toxins

Feb 28, 2018 11:10AM

Houseplants can help purify indoor air quality, which is often contaminated by toxic chemicals in paint, furniture, dry-cleaned clothes, cleaning supplies and other household products.

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Frugal Foodie: Practical Uses for Aging Produce

Feb 28, 2018 11:10AM ● By Judith Fertig

The average family throws away a quarter of the food it buys, wasting an average of $2,200 a year, but with some simple strategies no scraps need go to waste.

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City Homesteading: Creating Sustainable Urban Living

Feb 15, 2018 02:33PM ● By Randy Kambic

Across the country, people in communities of all sizes are crafting ways to grow food, build eco-homes and live in harmony with the environment and each other.

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Auto Revolution: Industry Revs Up for Electric Car Future

Jan 31, 2018 11:39AM

Thanks to environmental concerns and technology advances, cars with internal combustion engine are yielding to electric vehicles around the globe.

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Bottle Buyback: Britain May Charge Deposit to Reduce Bottle Litter

Jan 31, 2018 11:39AM

To increase recycling and reduce trash, Britain is considering charging a deposit fee for plastic bottles, an approach that worked in Denmark and South Australia.

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Yes to Yarn: Popular Needlework Crafts Go Green

Jan 31, 2018 11:39AM

By making and dying their own yarn, buying organic fibers and knitting for people in need, crafts people are making yarn arts more eco-friendly and fun.

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Eco Pesticide: Safer Product Controls Citrus Pests

Dec 29, 2017 12:37PM

A new aerosol pheromone biopesticide interrupts the mating cycle of an insect that invades citrus groves without killing the insect or harming other pollinators.

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Recycling Crusade: San Francisco Moves Toward Zero Waste

Dec 29, 2017 12:37PM

Recycling efforts are being expanded and technologically updated in cities that include San Francisco, Los Angeles and Washington, D.C.

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