Plastic utensils are not recyclable. If you’re considering buying any “disposable” with the intention of recycling it, it’s better to choose a reusable or compostable alternative. It’s time to move on from plastic utensils, plates, cups, and bowls — and in some nations, provinces, and states, single use plastics are being phased out through new bans on selling them. But […]
Electric Scooters: Navigating the Path to Sustainable Urban Mobility
Our cities are choked by traffic and drowning in pollution that the humanity an estimated $8.1 trillion in 2019, which is equal to 6.1% of global GDP. Choosing greener solutions has become imperative. A compact, nimble and zero-emission electric scooter is an effective environmentally responsible solution. Scooters could represent a paradigm shift in how people navigate their daily commutes. In […]
Earth911 Podcast: Concrete.ai CEO Alex Hall On Mixing Embodied Carbon Out Of the Built Environment
The built environment will evolve constantly, and NextCity.org reports that 75% of the infrastructure that will be in use by 2050 has not yet been built. That calls for a lot of concrete, and we need to avoid the emissions associated with that growth if we are to provide housing, workplaces, and everything that connects humanity on an equitable basis […]
Is Sustainable and Affordable Housing Feasible Amid the Global Housing Crisis?
The world is facing a global housing crisis. If the status quo persists, there won’t be enough affordable homes for billions of people by 2030. Even the most powerful governments struggle to figure it out, so who can do something about it? You can. Ordinary individuals play vital roles in helping address this basic need. Take a few minutes to […]
We Earthlings: 1.1 Billion Pounds of Pesticides
American agriculture is heavily dependent on chemical fertilizers. According to the Centers for Disease Control, U.S. farms use 1.1 billion pounds of active pesticides, not including filler. That translates into 3.34 pounds of chemicals per American. Print or share We Earthling posters to inspire others to live more sustainably. Click the image below to get a larger image. This poster […]
Home Buying Risks From Climate Change
Should you move to avoid climate-related extreme weather, drought, or disasters? There is certainly an argument to be made in favor of working to stop climate change wherever you live, rather than moving someplace where there are fewer climate risks. But you might not have a choice. Online tools can help you understand the climate risks where you live now, […]
Homesteading DIY: Building a Shed with Reclaimed Wood
Looking to expand your storage space without splurging on a new shed? Consider making one from reclaimed wood. Not only is it sustainable, but it also adds rustic allure to your backyard. Follow our step-by-step guide to building a roomy shed from reclaimed materials. Follow the steps we recorded when we were tasked with relocating a horse stable to a […]
Toxic Exposure At Military Bases: A Civilian Perspective
The military is built to keep citizens safe, but often, the environmental hazards associated with military operations pose unseen risks, not only to service members but also to civilians who live on base and in the vicinity. One of the many concerns is the prevalence of toxic substances discarded in these facilities. The health risks for those working on a […]
Best of Earth911 Podcast: Irrigreen’s Shane Dyer on Water-Saving Precision Irrigation
Water is getting more expensive as drought spreads due to climate change, and in the Western U.S., scarcity continues to drive water prices higher. Meet Shane Dyer, CEO of Irrigreen, a precision irrigation company that recently released its first product for the home. Think of the Irrigreen sprinkler system as inkjet printing applied to putting water exactly where needed to […]
We Earthlings: Turn On Your Vehicle’s Auto Start-Stop System
Most new vehicles now come with an automatic start-stop system that turns the engine off when idling at a stoplight. According to Natural Resources Canada, these systems are effective ways to reduce emissions and save money. Over 10 years, the start-stop system can reduce emissions by as much as 3,450 kg (7,804 lbs.) while saving you as much as C$2,000 […]