In downtown Reykjavik, several restaurants catering to tourists offer whale meat. Perhaps they find the idea of doing something that’s illegal back home tempting. Perhaps they believe eating whale is a traditional Icelandic experience. Whatever their reasoning, many tourists will choose to eat whale steak during their Iceland vacation. But the environment is global, and whether you are acting at […]
Earth Action: Protect Parks From Plastic Pollution
Earth Day is on April 22, but we shouldn’t limit our action for the planet to one day in April. Earth911 is honoring the 52 years of Earth Day with 52 Actions for the Earth. Each week from Earth Day 2022 to Earth Day 2023, we will share an action you can take to invest in the Earth and make […]
Earth911 Inspiration: That Tiny Pea, Pretty and Blue
Today’s inspiration is from astronaut Neil Armstrong. Commander of NASA’s Apollo 11 mission, Armstrong was the first man to walk on the moon. He is quoted as saying, “It suddenly struck me that that tiny pea, pretty and blue, was the Earth. I put up my thumb and shut one eye, and my thumb blotted out the planet Earth. I […]
Home “Eco”nomics — New Landscapes
How can we improve the carbon footprint of our yards and gardens? The traditional tools and designs of American landscaping need to change to become sustainable, so let’s take a look at the factors that are easy and harder to change at our own homes. Small gas-powered engines of the type that power lawnmowers and leaf blowers emit about 242 […]
Good, Better, Best: Cutting Carbon From Your Diet
This is the final article in a five-part series that helps you find ways to reduce your carbon footprint by exploring the main carbon culprits in the average American’s lifestyle. Whatever deficiencies Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs may have, few people would argue with the idea that food is a basic necessity that outweighs most others. It’s only natural for people […]
Why Our Cities Need Green Spaces
During the 20th century, urban development took the value nature provides for granted. Some city planners even considered green spaces archaic and redundant because they did not deliver direct profit. Now we know better. Today’s city planners understand that climate change is real and environmental footprints have consequences for health and quality of life. We’ve realized that there is a […]
Earth911 Quiz #68: Know Your Diet’s Water Footprint
In this Earth911 quiz, check your knowledge of the water used to produce the food you eat. The water footprint of a meal is secondary to the CO2 emissions that were generated making your food, but water use is just as important to understand when making informed eating decisions for the planet. Making smart sustainable choices requires practice. Earth911’s weekly […]
Should Your Small Business Install EV Charging Stations?
The growing popularity of electric vehicles means that drivers need more places to charge them. This presents an enticing opportunity for businesses of all sizes while government agencies work to expand the nation’s charging infrastructure. Could installing EV charging stations in your parking lot benefit your small business? Installing car chargers can attract new customers, improve your business’ reputation, and […]
Earth911 Podcast: Pam Gill-Alabaster on Mattel’s Sustainability Strategy & Cultural Influence
Pam Gil-Alabaster, Global Head of Sustainability and Social Impact at Mattel, maker of Barbie dolls, Hot Wheels, American Girl dolls, and more than 150 other brands of toys. She shares how Mattel works to eliminate manufacturing waste and replace virgin plastic in its packaging with recycled and recyclable plastics. The company has pledged to reduce its carbon footprint by 50% […]
Flip the Grill Script This Summer: Greek-Style Quinoa Burgers
There’s something special about grilling in the summer: the aroma, the familial togetherness, the juicy meal resulting from one’s efforts. Generally, hamburgers and hot dogs can be expected on the menu, as they’re traditional essentials at summertime cookouts. This summer, flip the script. Trade your beef for a grain that is more beneficial for your health, yet just as tasty: […]