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Curious kids ask questions

Will we eventually have to send our trash into space if we run out of room on Earth?

Humans generate a lot of trash, but there are cheaper and safer ways to handle it than loading it on rockets.

Why does the Earth spin?

An astronomer takes us on a tour of the universe to learn about the birth of stars and planets and how they get their spin.

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

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

Thinking green

Thawing permafrost is roiling the Arctic landscape, driven by a hidden world of changes beneath the surface as the climate warms

Permafrost and ice wedges have built up over millennia in the Arctic. When they thaw, they destabilize the surrounding landscape.
Ground is collapsing and massive lakes are draining in a matter of days. Thawing permafrost is having profound effects on the region and its infrastructure.

Why the toilet macerator or grinder you choose is so important

(BPT) - When Matthew and Michele Jones decided to renovate their disabled son's basement so their adult grandson could move in to care for him, they didn't expect a toilet nightmare.To keep costs …

How Germany outfitted half a million balconies with solar panels

Grist spotlights balkonkraftwerk, the simple technology putting solar power in the hands of renters.

How to shop greener for the holidays. Tips for eco-conscious gifters of all levels.

Stacker analyzed data from the National Retail Federation, NielsenIQ, and other sources to see how gifting is becoming greener this holiday season.

4 expert poinsettia styling tips to add holiday cheer to your home

(BPT) - When it comes to Christmas flowers, poinsettias are the undisputed stars of the season. Their vibrant colors and festive charm bring instant joy to any room, making them a must-have for …

How an aerial gondola can benefit LA's small businesses

(BPT) - Small businesses are the lifeblood of our economy, particularly in Los Angeles. The county is home to more than 1.3 million small businesses, which provide the majority of jobs and income to …

Companies are still committing to net-zero emissions, even if it’s a bumpy road – here’s what the data show

Companies are cutting emissions fastest from energy use. Falling solar prices help.
Microsoft, Walmart and a few other high-profile companies made news for scaling back their public climate commitments. However, a closer look at the numbers shows commitments are still booming.
Household power costs: November prices, steep rise in winter power bills on its way
Arbor provides an overview of household energy bills as winter makes its way across the U.S.
Can these self-charging e-bike libraries bring mobility to low-income communities?
Next City profiles Metro Mobility, a self-charging e-bike library in Massachusetts.
Load centers: The heartbeat of home electrification
(BPT) - Historically, most homes had a stove, furnace and water heater all powered by gas. While gas-fueled appliances have been the norm for decades, more and more U.S. homes are being upgraded for …
Replacing windows and adding a heat pump in place of a furnace can save energy, reducing emissions.
Carbon offsets can help bring energy efficiency to low-income Americans − our Nashville data shows it could be a win for everyone
Insulating attics, replacing windows and adding heat pumps can save money and reduce emissions − if residents can afford the upgrades. Carbon-offset purchases by local companies could help.
Hurricane Beryl tore up homes in Freeport, Texas, in July 2024.
Americans face an insurability crisis as climate change worsens disasters – a look at how insurance companies set rates and coverage
Insurance costs are rising quickly across much of the country. Hurricanes are part of the reason, but it’s the other perils common across the Midwest and Great Plains that complicate costs.

3 Reasons to Ditch Your Laundry Detergent for Eco Strips

3 Reasons to Ditch Your Laundry Detergent for Eco Strips
(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, …

Solving traffic congestion: A greener way to get there

(BPT) - If you've ever been caught in a seemingly endless traffic jam, you've no doubt wondered why there isn't a better way. In many cities across the country, especially New York and Los Angeles, …