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
roads
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
From oil to microalgae: the race to sustainable bioasphalt is on
Standard asphalt is composed mostly of bitumen, a byproduct of crude oil distillation. Like concrete, its production is resource-, carbon- and energy-intensive. It is also a poor choice to pave roads, since it easily cracks and degrades into potholes, requiring frequent and … [Read more...] about From oil to microalgae: the race to sustainable bioasphalt is on
Solar roads are the way of the future
If a six-month experiment in the Netherlands is any indication, roads paved with solar panels can provide a solid alternative for renewable energy generation. So far, results have exceeded expectations. In this context, it is encouraging to know that similar projects are brewing … [Read more...] about Solar roads are the way of the future