Environmental News

5 key decisions to make before building an ADU

Friday, September 25

(BPT) - Are you considering or in the midst of planning to build an accessory dwelling unit (ADU)? If so, you're part of a fascinating trend that's meeting multiple housing needs across the United …

Being prepared: How to know what kind of backup power is best for you

Tuesday, September 8

(BPT) - No matter where you live, you can be at risk for short- or long-term power outages. Between extended heat waves, hurricane season, wildfire risk and upcoming winter storms, the aging power …

Need to stay cool? Consider a portable power station

Friday, August 14
(BPT) - Does it feel like heatwaves keep happening, no matter where you live? It's not your imagination. June 2026 was the second-warmest June on record in North America, and this summer's heat is …

3 Reasons to Ditch Your Laundry Detergent for Eco Strips

Thursday, October 6, 2022
(NewsUSA) - The laundry industry would have you believe that in order to get brilliant, clean laundry, you need to use powders, liquids and pods that are diluted with water, and come in bulky, …
Curious kids ask questions

Why do we use gasoline for small vehicles and diesel fuel for big vehicles?

Michael Leamy, Georgia Institute of Technology, The Conversation
Monday, October 28, 2024

Both gasoline and diesel fuel are refined from crude oil, but they are good for different things and can’t be used interchangeably.

Save the Earth!

Natural Food Storage Containers Can Help Save Money

Natural Food Storage Containers Can Help Save Money
Thursday, September 29, 2022
(TVA) - As food costs continue to rise, many people are seeking creative solutions to stretch their dollars and reduce wasted food. Buying and cooking food in bulk helps save money, as well as …

What if we never built another new building?

Michaela Haas for Reasons to be Cheerful
Tuesday, September 8
Reasons to be Cheerful reports on Swiss architect Barbara Buser, who advocates for reusing existing buildings to combat climate change, promoting sustainable construction by cutting carbon emissions and creating vibrant community spaces.
Live well and protect the earth

Wildfires can leave surviving homes and their water unsafe – safety tips for residents as they return

Smoke from burning buildings and vehicles, such as Spokane, Wash., experienced in August 2026, can carry harmful pollutants into neighboring homes.

Andrew J. Whelton, Purdue University, The Conversation
Thursday, August 13

A home might appear fine, but toxic contamination isn’t always evident by sight or smell.

Canada’s sustainable finance taxonomy: What it is, what is happening, and what’s coming next
Diane Berard for Future of Good
8 hours ago
Future of Good reports on Canada's sustainable finance taxonomy aimed at ensuring credible "green" investments as the country seeks $115 billion for net-zero targets by 2050.
The Louisiana fishermen refusing to go down with the ship
Katie Hill for Atmos
3 days ago
Atmos reports on Louisiana fishermen struggling against the impacts of a massive LNG plant in Cameron, which destroys their fishing grounds and livelihoods.
Come hell or high water: How a small town became a blueprint for building climate resilience
Katie Hill for Atmos
4 days ago
Atmos reports on Machias, Maine, a small town facing extreme flooding due to climate change. 
A rural county banned renewables. It’s having second thoughts
Julia Tilton for The Daily Yonder
Friday, September 25
The Daily Yonder reports Bannock County, Idaho, faces a pivotal vote to potentially reverse an ordinance banning utility-scale solar and wind development. 
America’s air monitors are disappearing. So is your power to expose polluters.
Ames Alexander for Floodlight
Monday, September 21
Floodlight reports America's air monitors are declining, limiting public ability to detect pollution. 
How one factory is surviving America’s solar policy whiplash
Emily Jones for Grist
Friday, September 18
Grist reports on Qcells, a Georgia solar factory adapting to shifting U.S. solar policies amid competition from China, focusing on domestic production and tariffs.
Live Green

Joseph Winters for Grist
Monday, August 10
Grist reports that major banks are increasing financing for fossil fuels, undermining climate commitments and supporting the petrochemical industry's growth strategy.
Read more.
How to safeguard your home from the hidden costs of power outages
Friday, July 31
(BPT) - When you think of power outages, you may initially imagine a minor inconvenience: You're grabbing flashlights because you're in the dark briefly, until power is restored. But recent extreme …
Louisiana communities are left in the dark on toxic air, and industry helped keep it that way
Ames Alexander for Floodlight
Tuesday, July 28
Floodlight reports Louisiana communities struggle with toxic air pollution, as industry influences laws limiting monitoring, leaving residents unaware of dangers.
The best battery backup for your budget
Friday, July 24
(BPT) - Key takeawaysBackup power solutions are essential with today's tech-dependent lifestyles, extreme weather events and aging power grids.Solar generators provide a noise-free, fume-free battery …
The school bus was built for a cooler America
Steve Mitchell for BusesForSale.com
Monday, July 20
BusesForSale reports that many U.S. school buses lack air conditioning, posing heat risks for children, especially in high temperatures, due to funding issues.
Cow manure could be the next data center fuel
Marin Scotten for Sentient
Wednesday, July 15
Sentient reports that cow manure is being explored as an energy source for data centers, potentially powering operations while aiming for sustainability.