I understand that, despite the popularity of organic foods, clothing and other products, organic agriculture is still only practiced on a tiny percentage of land worldwide. What’s getting in the way? – Larry McFarlane, Boston, MA Organic production may still represent only a small fraction of agricultural sales in the U.S. and worldwide, but it Continue Reading »
Why was the Colorado River named the most endangered river of 2013? – Missy Perkins, Jenkintown, PA American Rivers, a leading non-profit dedicated to the conservation of rivers and riparian corridors across the U.S., recently unveiled its annual list of the nation’s most endangered rivers. The mighty Colorado earned the #1 spot, thanks mostly to Continue Reading »
Is nature photography good or bad for the environment? – Cal Moss, Camden, ME Nature photography is a wonderful way to share the beauty and wonder of the natural world with others who don’t have the opportunity to see a given subject first-hand. An obvious benefit of the art is raising awareness about and generating Continue Reading »
The three-year anniversary of the 2010 BP oil spill just passed. What do green groups think of the progress since in restoring the region? – Mary Johannson, New York, NY When an undersea oil well blew out 50 miles off the Louisiana coast on April 20, 2010 and caused an explosion on the Deepwater Horizon Continue Reading »
I’m concerned about toxic ingredients in my cleaning supplies, especially now that I have young children. Where can I find safer alternatives? – Betsy E., Hartford, CT It is true that many household cleaners contain potentially toxic substances, so parents especially should make an effort to keep them out of the reach of children or, Continue Reading »
Could it really be true that we are in the midst of the worst drought in the United States since the 1930s? – Deborah Lynn, Needham, MA Indeed we are embroiled in what many consider the worst drought in the U.S. since the “Dust Bowl” days of the 1930s that rendered some 50 million acres Continue Reading »
What are the big delivery companies like FedEx and UPS doing to green their truck fleets and operations in general? – Mitchell Glaser, Overland Park, KS Package delivery companies like FedEx and UPS have come a long way in a relatively short time regarding sustainability, but they still have considerable room for improvement. While there Continue Reading »
Now that hot weather is coming, I want to upgrade my home’s A/C. Which are the most energy-saving models and should I go central air or window units? – Jackie Smith, Cary, NC According to the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy (ACEEE), energy consumption for home air conditioning units accounts for more than Continue Reading »
The recent explosion at a West, Texas fertilizer plant that killed many people really alarmed me. Places like this must exist near many communities around the country. How do I know if my own community might be at risk of a similar disaster? – Mary Cyr, Sarasota, FL Many people may not realize that what Continue Reading »
I heard that a number of beer brewing companies have banded together to support the Clean Water Act. Can you enlighten? – Mitch Jenkins, Cincinnati, OH In April 2013 the non-profit Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) brought together two dozen nationally respected craft beer brewers to launch the Brewers for Clean Water Campaign, which aims Continue Reading »