Beyond Plastic: Scientists Who Made Flip Flops from Algae Are Creating More Biodegradable Alternatives to Petroleum-Based Products

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It is heartening to see the research community continue the quest to find realistic alternatives to petroleum-based plastics. A group at the University of California San Diego (UCSD) continues building on previous work that developed algae-based flip flops and rigid foam used in surfboards. Their latest effort is purifying oil from green microalgae for use … Read more

The Fascinating Reasons Behind the Welcoming Scent of Rain on Dry Earth

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Rainstorm approaching mountains

Close your eyes and imagine the wonderful earthy smell that greets you when you open the door after the first refreshing rainstorm in a long, long time. It’s unmistakable. No matter if you are in Toledo or Toronto, the smell is the same and it has a name: Petrichor.1 It turns out that a central … Read more

Need some things to feel optimistic about? The BBC has this!

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There is a wonderful podcast and video series on the BBC News called “People Fixing the World.” Their Facebook page describes it as the “BBC’s solutions programme finding the amazing people tackling some of the world’s toughest problems.” Many of the solutions center on environmental challenges. One of the videos shares a growing urban farming … Read more

FarmCams! If You Need a Farm Fix, Check Out These LiveCam’s!

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Pig Looking at Camera

We’ve all had fun with virtual visits to an amazing array of museums, theatrical performances, and concerts from around the world. But those of us who yearn to get out and see some farm animals and rich soil may still be wanting. Take heart…we have some terrific live FarmCams lined up just for you! If … Read more

Agility Training Isn’t Just for Dogs: Hamsters, Gerbils, Even Guinea Pigs Can Be Stars!

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Photo of jumping hamster

Agility training is a popular sport for people who enjoy more structured activities with their dogs. According to the website of famous dog behavior expert, Cesar Millan, agility training helps your pup realize its innate hunting skills, is great exercise for your pet, helps get the human owner in shape, and strengthens the human-dog bond.1 … Read more

Tragically, Plastic Waste Smells Like Dinner to Hungry Sea Turtles

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It has long been said that sea turtles eat plastic bags because they look like jellyfish. Matthew Savoca, a doctoral student in Ecology at the University of California Davis, wasn’t content to accept this as the only reason. Surely there was more to it. He devoted his dissertation research to understanding why marine animals confused … Read more

Now for Some Good News About the Environment!

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Crane in Gloucestershire

While we want to engage with our readers about issues affecting the environment, we worry that a never-ending stream of dire news makes it seem like meaningful change is impossible. So, we decided to highlight some good news in this brief compilation of progress in reestablishing majestic cranes in Britain, an update on efforts to … Read more

Ghost Forests: Sad Legacies of Climate Change

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Forests are in the fight of the century. Covering almost 30% of the earth, forests provide a home to 80% of life on land, including plants, animals, and insects.1  Millions of acres of trees are lost to drought, heat stress, insect attacks, fires, and rising sea levels. Often several of these factors work together to … Read more

Truly Biodegradable Straws and Cutlery Made From Avocado Pits

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An innovative company looks to end plastic pollution by using a waste product that was, until now, burned in landfills by the millions of pounds every year. What are we talking about? Avocado pits, the seeds at the heart of avocados used to make the guacamole that so many of us love. In recent years, … Read more