German scientists have invented a cooling system that doesn’t harm the planet
You may not realize it, but your air conditioning is warming up the planet. That’s because air conditioning systems contain highly toxic fluorocarbons that have proven to be powerful greenhouse gases with remarkable heat-trapping capabilities. The good news is better cooling systems are on their Read More...
New Zealand’s second largest national park just got a whole lot bigger
Not too long ago, an area of unspoiled land near Kahurangi National Park in New Zealand was at the center of a major environmental row as developers sought to take over the land. Now that land has received special protection and will become the largest addition to a national park in New Zealand’s Read More...
Study: produce at dollar stores are just as good as those from expensive chains
If you’re looking to buy quality fruits and vegetables, you don’t need to go to the most expensive supermarkets. In a new study, researchers looked at the quality of produce and other healthy food options at discount stores and compared it to that of more expensive supermarkets. What they found Read More...
Why don't we replace the border wall with an energy-water corridor?
Here’s an idea: Instead of an endless, inert wall along the U.S.–Mexico border, line the boundary with 2,000 miles of natural gas, solar and wind power plants. Use some of the energy to desalinate water from the Gulf of Mexico and the Pacific Ocean and ship it through pipelines to thirsty Read More...
A boom of wildflowers has taken over a desert in California
California’s Anza-Borrego desert is experiencing a once-a-decade “super boom” of wildflowers for the second time in two years. After weeks of heavy rain and warm temperatures, the state park to the east of San Diego is now covered in swathes of purple, yellow and orange flowers including Read More...
The nation’s largest school system will soon enforce Meatless Mondays
When you think of school lunches, healthy dishes are probably the last thing that come to mind. School lunches in America don’t have a good rep as options such as pizza and cheeseburgers often adorn the menus, which hurts the health of kids and the environment. In an effort to improve health and Read More...
This startup is 3D-printing beautiful low-cost homes in Latin America
In Haiti, where progress to rebuild after 2010 was painfully slow, a nonprofit developed a new process to build more efficiently. But it realized that the pace of traditional construction would always hamper its ability to address the global need for better housing. After analyzing various options Read More...
Five techniques for talking to kids about climate change
Around the world, children are taking action against climate change inaction—they’re going on strike from school, calling on governments to do something, and filing lawsuits. They are willing to be bold in the face of indifference and to shout louder than today’s failing leaders. We need to Read More...
Europe’s biggest dairy company pledge to make operations carbon-neutral by 2050
To make dairy products, you need cows. And with cows come direct emissions of methane, an extremely potent greenhouse gas. Yes, the dairy industry is a dirty one environmentally speaking, but moves are being made to clean it up. Recently, the largest farming co-operative in Europe, Arla, has Read More...
Eating mushrooms on a daily basis can protect your brain from cognitive decline
We've already heard how the psilocybin from so-called "magic" mushrooms may help to alleviate depression. Well, a new study now suggests that a compound found in all mushrooms could also assist in warding off mild cognitive impairment (MCI). The researchers found that by consuming different Read More...