Many cities with harsh winters turn to salt to melt ice and make roads safer, but while this helps out drivers, it doesn’t do the environment any favors. Fifteen to 17 million tons of road salt are used on US roadways each winter, contaminating waterways and natural ecosystems … [Read more...] about More cities are using beets to beat icy winter roads
roads
Spray on road treatment cools cities and absorbs exhaust fumes
The heat island effect can make temperatures in cities ten degrees warmer than surrounding rural areas. This is not only uncomfortable for residents but can also have dangerous health impacts during heat waves. To address this issue, Pavement Technology Inc. has created a new … [Read more...] about Spray on road treatment cools cities and absorbs exhaust fumes
Scientists mix old tires and construction waste to make sustainable roads
Construction, renovation, and demolition account for about half the waste produced annually worldwide, while around 1 billion scrap tires are generated globally each year. The two issues may not seem to have a direct link with one another, but scientists in Australia have blended … [Read more...] about Scientists mix old tires and construction waste to make sustainable roads
“Anthropause”: 2020 has been a great year for conservation on our roadways
Among its disastrous effects on human populations, the pandemic has offered some reprieve for the environment. We discussed how quieter cities contributed to thriving bear populations in Yosemite and blue whale gatherings off the coast of San Francisco. Although not as glamorous … [Read more...] about “Anthropause”: 2020 has been a great year for conservation on our roadways
Plastic waste could soon be used to pave the roads you drive on
Last year China stopped accepting much of the world’s recyclable waste. Since then, many countries have been faced with the challenge of how to deal with their own trash. In Australia, however, recycling company Close the Loop has figured out a way to divert that trash from … [Read more...] about Plastic waste could soon be used to pave the roads you drive on