Traditional farming can save threatened species
December 26, 2011 by John McRae · Leave a Comment
Traditional farming methods are crucial for protecting a number of threatened bird species in the developing world, including bustards, cranes, ibises and vultures, a study has found. Livestock grazing and features associated with arable farming — such as hedgerows — create environmental conditions that certain birds currently depend on for food, shelter and breeding, the authors report.
New EPA rules threatening aging power plants
December 26, 2011 by John McRae · Leave a Comment
More than 32 mostly coal-fired power plants in a dozen states will be forced to shut down and an additional 36 might have to close because of new federal air pollution regulations, according to an Associated Press survey.
Who pays most for electricity?
December 26, 2011 by John McRae · Leave a Comment
Want to lower your electricity bill? Move to Utah.
Cough … the 20 most polluted cities in America
December 26, 2011 by John McRae · Leave a Comment
L.A. ranks No. 2 on our list of America’s Dirtiest Cities, and San Diego is no. 9, but some of the worst air in the country is in smaller cities in the San Joaquin Valley, where a ring of mountains traps a stagnant stew of ozone and particulate matter.
States weigh pros, cons of ‘smart’ utility meters
December 26, 2011 by John McRae · Leave a Comment
The cost of using an air conditioner — whether it runs during the peak time for electrical usage or during off-peak hours — is still the same for many electricity users across the country. The same goes for using a clothes dryer.
Best Buy’s first small step into green education
December 26, 2011 by John McRae · Leave a Comment
Retail giant Best Buy announced last week that it’s making a modest bet on selling home energy gear to consumers via a new web portal and new Home Energy sections at just three stores nationwide.
Funerals undergoing an eco-friendly makeover
December 26, 2011 by John McRae · Leave a Comment
The green burial business has gotten bigger — there are close to 300 funeral homes in 40 states offering green services in 2011 — and noticeably more eccentric.
The best cities to live car-free in America
December 26, 2011 by John McRae · Leave a Comment
Several factors make a city easy to live in without a car. The most important one is a widely available and efficient public transportation system.
Companies sued for calling bottles biodegradable
December 26, 2011 by John McRae · Leave a Comment
The California attorney general’s office on Wednesday sued three companies over allegations they misled consumers by marketing plastic water bottles as biodegradable.
Solar company that got federal loan shuts down
December 26, 2011 by John McRae · Leave a Comment
A California solar-panel manufacturer granted a half-billion-dollar federal loan — is laying off 1,100 workers and filing for bankruptcy.
