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Last Updated: Dec 29, 2017 12:37PM • Subscribe via RSS • ATOM

Recreate Comfort: Secrets to Better Furniture

Dec 29, 2017 12:37PM

Bringing eco-awareness to furniture can mean everything from buying something that’s vintage or made from sustainably harvested sources to DIY reupholstering with fabric remnants.

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Kick the Plastic Habit: Choose Earth-Friendly Alternatives

Dec 29, 2017 12:10PM ● By Avery Mack

With the oceans predicted to contain more plastic than fish by 2050, we can join vital efforts underway at personal, local and global levels to reduce plastic use.

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Erase E-Waste: Regift or Recycle Smart Phones

Nov 30, 2017 03:20PM

Instead of trashing or trading in old smartphones and other electronics, you can donate them to worthy causes that either give them away or recycle them.

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Go Eco Like Grandma: Honor Her Wisdom in New Ways

Nov 30, 2017 03:20PM ● By Avery Mack

People are devising tech-savvy strategies to give new life to our grandmothers’ dictum “Use it up, wear it out, make do or do without.”

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Pumped Up About Geothermal: Homeowners Like its Eco-Friendly Cost Savings

Nov 02, 2017 01:07AM ● By Jim Motavalli

People are finding that geothermal pumps, which draw on the below-ground temperature of 50 degrees to heat and cool buildings, make sense environmentally and economically.

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Pedestrian Power: Smart Street Lights Powered by Footsteps

Oct 31, 2017 11:55AM

Las Vegas has arranged to install some streetlights that will be powered by pedestrians walking on kinetic energy pads on the sidewalk.

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Getting Greener: Renewables Hit High Mark in UK

Oct 31, 2017 11:55AM

Wind, solar, hydro and wood pellet burning generated 50.7 percent of the United Kingdom’s electricity on June 7, a significant marker of in use of renewable energy sources.

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Creating Community: 15 Ways to Craft a Circle of Caring

Sep 29, 2017 07:53PM ● By Linda Buzzell

With simple, clear steps and procedures, we can build bonds with our neighbors to create a better tomorrow together.

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Eco Sneakers: Biodegradable Reeboks Help Solve Waste Problem

Sep 29, 2017 06:18PM

With a compostable sneaker made of cotton and corn, Reebok is moving to reduce the negative impact of shoes on the environment.

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Resource Saver: Innovative Building Material Trumps Concrete

Sep 29, 2017 06:18PM

Building biodegradable bricks built with sand and bacteria depositing chemicals similar to the way coral grows is proving to be more energy efficient than cement manufacturing.

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Mold Gold: Decaying Autumn Leaves Feed Summer Gardens

Sep 29, 2017 06:18PM

Instead of burning fallen tree leaves or carting them to the landfill, we can use them as mulch to enrich the soil and discourage pests.

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Milkweed Mittens: Common Weed Is Lightweight Insulator

Aug 31, 2017 11:14AM

Milkweed pods, which are five times lighter than synthetic insulation, are being tested by the Canadian Coast Guard as filler in prototype parkas, gloves and mittens.

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Easy Mark: Lasers Stamp Prices on European Produce

Aug 31, 2017 11:14AM

European supermarkets are cutting costs and saving energy by using high-tech lasers to mark prices on avocados, sweet potatoes and coconuts, with more to come.

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Solar Heats Up: Demand Surges as Prices Fall

Aug 31, 2017 11:14AM ● By Jim Motavalli

Rapidly improving technology and sharply declining prices are making solar energy an ever more attractive option for homeowners.

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Help for Injured Wildlife: Caring Rehab Gives Them a Second Chance

Jul 31, 2017 11:48AM ● By Sandra Murphy

Wildlife rehabilitation centers across the country are providing help to lost, injured or orphaned animals in need of care.

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Healthy Eye-Catching Eco-Wear: It’s in Style and Easy Care

Jun 30, 2017 10:23AM ● By Avery Mack

Wrinkled cotton T-shirts used to define planet-friendly clothing, but today’s fashion designers are producing distinctive eco-lines that feel good and look great.

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Autonomous Autos: Driverless Cars Promise Safety and Savings

May 31, 2017 11:04AM

Within seven years, driverless cars will be hitting the market, and studies project they will eventually slash driving-related deaths by two-thirds and lower fuel use by 20 percent.

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Prohibiting Plastic: Banning Bags Is Making a Difference

May 31, 2017 11:04AM

From Tasmania to San Francisco to Morocco, governments are moving against pollution and trash by banning plastic shopping bags, water bottles and even microbeads.

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Green Car Buying Tips: Fuel Economy Plus Sales Incentives Equal Big Savings

May 31, 2017 11:04AM ● By Jim Motavalli

To move stock and meet environmental goals, carmakers are offering great deals on eco-friendly cars; substantial subsidies and tax write-offs further sweeten the deal.

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Cycling Chicago: Pioneering Bike Paths Promise Easy Commutes

Apr 28, 2017 10:47AM

With 100 miles of new bike lanes already, Chicago is now moving to build floating, solar-powered paths along the Chicago River to create an auto-free commute.

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Balloon Doom: Far-Flying Rubber Harms Sea Creatures

Apr 28, 2017 10:47AM

The helium balloons released into the sky at special events often come down in ocean waters, where they damage the digestive tracts of fish, dolphins, whales and sea turtles.

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Eco IKEA: Designing Cabinets and Chairs Made from Recyclables

Apr 28, 2017 10:47AM

Ikea’s new line of “no waste” products includes cabinet doors made partly of recycled plastic bottles, a chair made of recycled plastic and wood, and vases made of recycled glass.

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Choo Choo Breakthrough: Wind-Powered Trains in Holland

Apr 28, 2017 10:47AM

All of the electric trains in the Netherlands are now running on energy generated by wind turbines, transmitted via high-voltage power lines.

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Greener Diapers: Cloth Better than Disposable for People and the Planet

Apr 28, 2017 10:47AM

About 7.4 billion pounds of dirty plastic baby diapers pile up in landfills each year, yet cloth diapers offer clear environmental and cost advantages and even help with potty training.

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Herbs that Beat the Heat: Favorite Varieties that Flourish in Summer

Apr 28, 2017 10:47AM ● By Barbara Pleasant

Some of the best plants to keep as summer companions are herbs that enrich life with their flavors, fragrances and beauty. Whether potted or in the garden, these herbs thrive in hot weather.

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Eco Yards: Turning Lawns into Native Landscapes

Mar 31, 2017 09:31AM ● By Lisa Kivirist and John D. Ivanko

In all climates and terrains, native plants offer more attractive, lower maintenance, planet-friendly alternatives to monoculture turf lawns.

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Butterfly Rescue: How to Create Helpful Home Habitats

Mar 31, 2017 09:20AM

We can give a helping hand to vanishing species of butterflies by planting blossom-rich landscapes.

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Eco-Friendly Home Building: Innovations Boost Energy Efficiency

Mar 31, 2017 09:20AM ● By John D. Ivanko and Liam Kivirist

Smart energy technologies make our homes healthier, more comfortable and more affordable, all while helping our home planet.

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Forever Green: Eco-Burial Options Grow

Feb 28, 2017 11:45AM ● By Avery Mack

The latest creative and Earth-friendly options include converting remains into tree planters, jewelry, ocean reefs and even vinyl records.

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Raw Hide: A Veggie Leather Alternative

Feb 28, 2017 11:25AM

Iowa State University researchers have made synthetic-leather shoes and vests out of fabric they developed using kombucha tea, vinegar and water.

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Bag Ban: California Outlaws Single-Use Plastic Bags

Feb 28, 2017 11:25AM

After 52 percent of voters gave a thumbs-up, California is banning all single-use plastic bags, which have numbered a whopping 25 million daily.

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Eco-Joe: Making a Cuppa More Planet-Friendly

Feb 28, 2017 11:25AM

Coffee can be relished even more when it’s made with low-energy coffeemakers, is sustainably grown and equipment and accessories are recyclable.

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Repurposed Pallets: Texas Company Turns Wood Waste into Furniture

Jan 31, 2017 11:46AM

The two billion pallets in use in the U.S., which eat up 50 percent or our annual hardwood harvest, are being converted into furniture by an enterprising Fort Worth company.

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Laundry List: Cool Tips to Save Money and Energy

Jan 31, 2017 11:46AM

By using cold water, natural stain removers and line drying, we can turn out sparkling clean clothes in a planet-friendly fashion.

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Sustainably Stylish Home: Relax into Nurturing Furnishings

Jan 31, 2017 11:45AM ● By April Thompson

Buying a sofa or carpet? Now we can check out its origins to verify it’s made from sustainable products without child labor or toxic chemicals harmful to family members.

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Protecting Pollinators: Maryland Bans Bee-Killing Pesticides

Dec 28, 2016 12:43PM

After losing 60 percent of its beehives last year, Maryland has become the first state to pass a law severely restricting pesticide use.

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Bird Buffet: Making Feeders Safe for Wild Birds

Dec 28, 2016 12:43PM

When avians crowd together to eat from feeders they can pick up parasites and viruses from each other, but there are ways to ensure their safety and our viewing pleasure.

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Good Move: Officials Urge Chinese to Cut Meat Consumption

Nov 30, 2016 11:33AM

China is using a campaign by Hollywood icons Arnold Schwarzenegger and James Cameron.to urge its citizens to eat half as much meat.

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Solar Sidewalk: Missouri Debuts Energy-Generating Pavers

Nov 30, 2016 11:33AM

In literally groundbreaking news, photovoltaic pavers are to grace a sidewalk section of a rest stop on iconic Route 66.

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A Gorgeously Greener Holiday: Fresh Thinking About Décor

Nov 30, 2016 11:33AM ● By Avery Mack

With a little creativity, we can decorate with eco-friendly holiday trees, wreaths and table settings that festively marry cherished traditions with contemporary delights.

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Eco-Toy Story: Safe, Fun Gifts for Kids

Nov 30, 2016 11:33AM

Planet-friendly toys are both more sustainable and often more entertaining for youngsters.

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Bleep Cheap: Quality Clothes are Planet-Friendly

Oct 31, 2016 10:13AM

Rather than buying inexpensive faddish items for special occasions and sticking them in the back of our closets, there are smart ways we can shop well and stay green.

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One-Person Pamper Party: Natural Ways to Refresh and Renew

Oct 31, 2016 10:13AM ● By April Thompson

In these stressful times, it’s critical to practice the ancient art of self-pampering in salons, spas and our own homes.

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Biodegradable Bottle: Algae-Based Jars Quickly Decompose

Sep 30, 2016 09:59AM

An Icelandic student has invented a water bottle made of red algae and water that, unlike plastic bottles, will decompose naturally and quickly.

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Bright Idea: Incandescent Lights Reinvented as Eco-Friendly

Sep 30, 2016 09:59AM

MIT scientists have found a way of recycling the energy within incandescent light bulbs, aiming to make them even more efficient than compact fluorescent bulbs.

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Planet-Friendly and Profitable: The Rise of Ecopreneurs

Sep 30, 2016 09:59AM ● By Avery Mack

Facial scrubs from recycled coffee grounds, urban delivery of potted herbs, shared bikes: there’s no end of good ideas—and customers—when people combine enterprise with eco-concerns.

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Hello Escargot: Pest Control Without Chemicals

Aug 31, 2016 12:43PM

A South African vineyard uses Indian runner ducks to devour the snails that would otherwise consume delicate grape vine buds.

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Nuclear Advancement: Aerospace Giant Closes in on Superior Fusion Power

Aug 31, 2016 12:43PM

Lockheed Martin scientists are well-along in developing a safe nuclear-fusion reactor small enough to fit on the back of a truck and powerful enough to power 80,000 homes.

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Water-Wise Kitchen: A Few Small Steps Can Make the Difference

Aug 31, 2016 12:43PM ● By Avery Mack

By choosing, cooking and storing family food wisely, we can play a role in solving our planet’s diminishing potable water supplies.

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The Garden Cure: Natural Sanctuaries Heal Body and Spirit

Jul 29, 2016 12:30PM ● By Sandra Murphy

Winding nature paths, fragrant lavender fields, heirloom-tea tasting… a world of sensory delights awaits us in America’s parks and farms.

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