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Week of 3/21/08
Dear EarthTalk: How or where can I recycle clothes that are too old or worn out for Goodwill?
Dear EarthTalk: What are the conservation implications of all the wild colonies of escaped pet parrots that have turned up in and around some major U.S. cities?
Week of 3/14/08
Dear EarthTalk: I know there’s a big debate now as to why we need bottled water at all, but is anyone addressing the incredible waste of plastic bottles by this industry?
Dear EarthTalk: I’ve been hearing a lot about all the recycled materials being turned into handbags and purses. Are these bags actually fashionable?
Week of 3/7/08
Dear EarthTalk: My pediatrician swears by those gel hand sanitizers for lowering the risk of my family getting sick during cold and flu season. But I’ve also heard that these products can be dangerous to kids if ingested. Are there any safer alternatives that work just as well?
Dear EarthTalk: What are the environmental consequences of leather? Are there any good alternatives?
Week of 3/2/08
Dear EarthTalk: I just read an article that said air fresheners contain chemicals that can cause health problems when inhaled. Are scented candles any better?
Dear EarthTalk: I notice occasional solar panels on roadsides, powering individual streetlamps or signs. Is any research being done to expand on this idea and implant solar collectors in roads, parking lots or sidewalks to generate power in a similar but bigger way?
Week of 2/24/08
Dear EarthTalk: As an online gamer, I spend a lot of time in front of my computer. What’s the environmental impact? And are “greener” PCs available?
Dear EarthTalk: Vegetarians and vegans are so self-righteous about not eating meat and how meat eating is so bad for the environment. How true are these claims?
Week of 2/17/08
Dear EarthTalk: As I understand it, coal that is used to fuel power plants and other industrial activity is a key culprit in pollution and climate change. So what is “clean coal” and is it really?
Dear EarthTalk: Everybody says stop using plastic bags, but what about all the plastic, cellophane, cardboard and other materials used for packaging the food itself? What can we do to reduce how much of this unnecessary stuff comes wrapped around our food?
Week of 2/9/08
Dear EarthTalk: I've been reading about various green festivals going on around the country and I want to attend some and get up to speed on environmental issues and products. What are some good ones and how do I stay on top of all the where’s and when’s?
Dear EarthTalk: Is it possible to landscape my property in a green-friendly way? I would like to create a more natural and wildlife-friendly backyard, but I don’t want to break the bank doing it. Are there any tax incentives for completing such projects?
Week of 2/2/08
Dear EarthTalk: I heard a reference to “Earth-friendly chocolate” and was wondering about what goes into chocolate that would raise environmental concerns.
Dear EarthTalk: What’s a “land trust” and how does it help the environment?
Week of 1/27/08
Dear EarthTalk: What is the status of sharks around the world? I see occasional stories about sharks attacking humans, but on balance aren’t we a lot more brutal to them then they are to us?
Dear EarthTalk: What are some of the best online sources of environmental information?
Week of 1/20/08
Dear EarthTalk: What is the impact of all the littering that individuals do, largely from their cars and on highways? What can I do to help clean it up? How can we strengthen laws to prevent it?
Dear EarthTalk: My uncle worked for over a decade on the top floor of an office building with cell phone towers directly above him. He was recently diagnosed with cancer. Is there any scientific evidence of links between exposure to cell phone tower radiation and cancer?
Week of 1/13/08
Dear EarthTalk: Is it true that traditional mattresses and bedding can cause environmental and health problems, and if so, what alternatives are out there?
Dear EarthTalk: My global warming guilt is starting to catch up with me, and I’ve heard that I can buy “carbon offsets” to help make things right. How do they work?
Week of 1/6/08
Dear EarthTalk: Where do the leading presidential candidates stand on the issue of climate change and other environmental issues?
Dear EarthTalk: Most of us know how to recycle paper, plastic and glass, but how do we find out about recycling the many other items we use that eventually break or die out, such as light bulbs, disposable batteries, portable electronics, and so on?
Week of 12/30/07
Dear EarthTalk: Green groups don’t seem to discuss human population growth, but I think the biggest issue confronting the planet is the collective demand we put upon it. And what is the difference in impact between population growth in Third World countries, which are poor, against that in the U.S., where we consume and waste so much more?
Dear EarthTalk: How much of an effect, if any, does the carbon dioxide in carbonated beverages have on global warming?
Week of 12/22/07
Dear EarthTalk: My New Year’s Resolution is to reduce my “carbon footprint” to help fight global warming. Do you have suggestions for ways I can make good on my promise?
Dear EarthTalk: I can’t understand why it is not mandatory to recycle in the U.S. In my home we recycle 80 percent and toss 20 percent and I am trying to improve those percentages. What needs to happen to make recycling the law of the land?
Week of 12/15/07
Dear EarthTalk: We just started an environmental club at our high school. What issues and activities do you recommend we get involved with to make the most difference?
Dear EarthTalk: My condo kitchen floor is vinyl, installed back in 1979. I am told the vinyl contains asbestos. Now it needs replacing. How do I safely remove the vinyl and what are some green choices for a new floor?
Week of 12/8/07
Dear EarthTalk: I’m looking for a job and would like to find a position at a company that is either marketing a green product or service or that is seriously trying to improve its ecological “footprint.” Where do I look?
Dear EarthTalk: Why aren’t compact fluorescent light bulbs taking over more quickly from incandescents, given their substantial energy-saving advantage? And what about recycling them when they ultimately burn out? I’ve heard they contain mercury.
Week of 12/1/07
Dear EarthTalk: Many foods like tuna and pet foods that formerly were sold only in cans are now available in “pouches” as well. Is this kind of packaging less harmful to the environment or just cheaper to make for the seller?
Dear EarthTalk: I’m in the market for new furniture. What should I look for in natural furniture and where do I find it?
Week of 11/24/07
Dear EarthTalk: Where does all the medical waste from labs, doctor’s offices and hospitals go? Does it just get put in a barrel and buried? Do they dump it in the oceans? With all the waste that is probably generated, it would be interesting to know where all those vials of blood and stuff go.
Dear EarthTalk: The impacts of all the paving that is done for new roads and parking lots must be considerable. Other than Joni Mitchell’s “They paved paradise and put up a parking lot” issue, what else is this activity doing that will come back to haunt us?
Week of 11/17/07
Dear EarthTalk: I have been alarmed at recent news about dangerous substances in kids’ toys shipped to the U.S. from China, though I doubt that such concerns are limited to Chinese products. What are the major issues associated with chemicals in child toys?
Dear EarthTalk: What are the best sources out there for environmentally friendly consumer products? I don’t want to have to drive all over creation for green laundry and other cleaning products or to find carpets, bedding and other necessities that won’t bring chemicals into my home.
Week of 11/10/07
Dear EarthTalk: We’ve all seen the current generation of hybrid cars, but what vehicles do the automakers have coming out that are even greener?
Dear EarthTalk: I recently had an argument with a friend who says that if we pollute and cut down the forests, it doesn’t matter because the Earth will take care of itself anyway. How would you counter such an argument?
Week of 11/3/07
Dear EarthTalk: I would think that the glossy paper used by most magazines is bad for the environment, yet most publishers still use it, even the outdoors and environmental titles. What’s the scoop? Is paper made glossy by using chemicals that are not safe?
Dear EarthTalk: In lieu of federal action in the U.S. to combat global warming, have any states taken local measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions?
Weel of 10/27/07
Dear EarthTalk: Are the rumors true that refilling and reusing some types of plastic bottles can cause health problems?
Dear EarthTalk: Is it true that global warming can exacerbate allergies?
Week of 10/20/07
Dear EarthTalk: Please help settle the debate about whether or not my cats should stay in or go out. My neighborhood is relatively safe for cats, vis-à-vis car traffic, and I think it is more natural for them to be outside and not always inside. They do kill wildlife, including birds, but aren’t they just taking the place of natural predators that once did the same?
Dear EarthTalk: The hospital I work at doesn’t recycle at all, not even plastic bottles and cans or food service trays. I was wondering how to get the facility to start up some kind of recycling system?
Week of 10/13/07
Dear EarthTalk: I’ve heard about the die-off of coral reefs due to global warming. I’ve also read that coral reefs themselves store carbon dioxide (CO2), one of the main global warming gases. So if coral reefs are dying out, isn’t that a double whammy that increases the CO2 in the atmosphere?
Dear EarthTalk: Short of buying a new hybrid or other “green” car, are there ways I can make my existing vehicle more eco-friendly? I bought my car recently and am not quite ready to give it up.
Week of 10/6/07
Dear EarthTalk: Is it true that some ingredients in common air fresheners can cause health problems?
Dear EarthTalk: Are there any efforts underway to lessen the environmental impact—which must be considerable—of all the “18 wheelers”
and other large vehicles that are numerous on our highways?
Week of 9/30/07
Dear EarthTalk: Is it true that biologists want to bring African and Asian wildlife to roam free in North America to help restore natural ecological balances here? If so, what are the implications for biodiversity and our environment?
Dear EarthTalk: Is removing the salt from ocean water (desalination) a feasible fix for the world’s shortage of fresh water?
Week of 9/23/07
Dear Earth Talk: The soil beneath our feet is a critical resource we often take for granted. But I have heard that there are many threats to soil. What are they and how do we make things right?
IDear Earth Talk: Iwas surprised to learn recently that some cities, including New York, have outlawed kitchen-sink garbage disposals, at least in homes. I would have thought these machines were Earth-friendly. What’s the deal?
Week of 9/16/07
Dear Earth Talk: I want to give my baby fresh, organic food but I don't have the time to make her special meals. What options are out there?
Dear Earth Talk: What are the ramifications for shorelines around the world if predictions about rising sea levels due to global warming actually come true?
Week of 9/9/07
Dear Earth Talk: What would be the feasibility of having hybrid cars run on E85 or biodiesel? Wouldn’t this solve multiple problems?
Dear Earth Talk: OK, once and for all, which is more environmentally friendly: paper or plastic at the grocery checkout? And didn’t I just hear that San Francisco has banned plastic bags?
Week of 9/2/07
Dear Earth Talk: What is the issue with the Gulf Stream in relation to global warming? Could it really stop or disappear altogether? If so, what are the ramifications of this?
Dea EarthTalk: Is it true that anti-bacterial soaps are no better at preventing infections than plain soaps and that they are actually harmful to the environment?
Week of 8/26/2007
Dear Earth Talk: What is the status of the land mines issue popularized by Princess Diana and Paul McCartney’s ex-wife, Heather Mills? How many mines have been removed? How many are left? What is being done?
Dear Earth Talk: What are the best kinds of dishwasher and laundry soaps to use in consideration of where all the wastewater goes after use?
Week of 8/19/2007
Dear EarthTalk: How is it that flushing cat litter down the toilet has negatively affected sea otters? What is the responsible way to dispose of cats’ waste?
Dear EarthTalk: How can we get schools to offer healthier and more eco-friendly cafeteria food to our kids? I don’t have time to bag a healthy lunch every day.
Week of 8/5/07
Dear EarthTalk: How do I find a Styrofoam recycler in my area? My company receives huge sheets of the stuff on a regular basis and it just gets thrown straight into the trash. What can a business do to get this stuff recycled economically and efficiently?
Dear EarthTalk: Aside from the obvious benefits to mankind of reducing poverty, how would promoting more economic equality around the world benefit the environment?
Week of 7/29/07
Dear EarthTalk: Artificial turf has been popular on sports fields for decades for a variety of reasons, but is it also a good environmentally friendly option for residential lawns?
Dear EarthTalk: I am considering buying Honda’s natural gas Civic. What exactly comes out of a natural gas vehicle’s tailpipe, and how harmful to the environment is natural gas extraction and refinement? Which is greener, a hybrid or natural gas car?
Week of 07/22/2007
Dear EarthTalk: Bottled water companies would have us all believe that tap water is unsafe to drink. But I’ve heard that most tap water is actually pretty safe. Is this true?
Dear EarthTalk: What alternatives are there to traditional fertilizers and other chemicals typically used on golf courses? What other actions can be taken to make golf courses kinder to the environment?
Week of 07/15/2007
Dear EarthTalk: Is it true that there is a lot of waste associated with tampons and sanitary pads and their packaging? Are there any environmentally friendly alternatives out there?
Dear EarthTalk: I visited New York City recently and could not believe the number of taxicabs on the streets. Are there any efforts to “green up” these vehicles? They must be real gas-guzzlers, considering all the idling and stop-and-go traffic they face.
Week of 07/08/2007
Dear EarthTalk: How do I learn how to build an all-around “eco-home?” My wife and I have some land in Delaware and would like to build a state-of-the-art green home on the site.
Dear EarthTalk: I’m moving in eight weeks and am trying to find some “green guidance” for making my relocation as eco-friendly as possible. Any tips?
Week of 07/01/2007
Dear EarthTalk: What is the status of Sea Turtle protection efforts? Don’t many of them die in fishnets and, as a result, are threatened with extinction?
Dear EarthTalk: How much pollution do motorcycles generate? Are there efforts to make them more eco-friendly?
Week of 06/24/2007
Dear EarthTalk: Are mothballs safe to use? If not, are there any environmentally friendly alternatives?
Dear EarthTalk: Why do some people complain about fluoride in drinking water and toothpaste? I thought it was beneficial for dental health?
Week of 06/17/2007
Dear EarthTalk: Is there any proof linking human breast cancer to exposure to chemicals in the environment? Or do researchers think most cases of breast cancers are genetically inherited?
Dear EarthTalk: What is the population status of Africa’s large mammals, such as elephants, lions, rhinos, and hippos? Are they all headed for extinction?
Week of 06/10/07
Dear EarthTalk: I’ve been noticing a lot of organic wines lately in the supermarket. Is this going to be a continuing trend?
Dear EarthTalk: What is “Sick Building Syndrome?”
Week of 06/03/07
Dear EarthTalk: What is causing the dramatic decline in honeybee populations in the U.S. and elsewhere in recent years, and what is being done about it?
Dear EarthTalk: What is the “terminator seed” proposed for use in agriculture? Why is it so controversial?
Week of 05/27/07
Dear EarthTalk: I heard a reference to “The Magazine Paper Project.” What are they trying to accomplish?
Dear EarthTalk: How is it that the Bush Administration is said to have “censored” climate scientists?
Week of 05/20/07
Dear EarthTalk: Are my kids breathing in dangerous exhaust fumes by riding the school bus?
Dear EarthTalk: What is “light pollution?” Is it really a factor in breast cancer?
Week of 05/13/07
Dear EarthTalk: I know of issues associated with the Earth’s ozone layer, but what is “ground level ozone” and why is that a problem?
Dear EarthTalk: Are there organizations that specifically address the environmental challenges faced by poor and minority communities?
Week of 05/06/2007
Dear EarthTalk: What happens to my old cell phone after I upgrade? Do the stores really recycle them or give them to the poor, or are they just ending up in landfills? Where can I take mine to ensure that it is dealt with properly?
Dear EarthTalk: Are there nontoxic substitutes for Scotchgard? I just re-covered an antique chair and I want to protect the fabric from spills and dog paws.
Week of 04/29/2007
Dear EarthTalk: Are we making progress in cleaning up America’s rivers?
Dear EarthTalk: Did Exxon/Mobil really pay scientists and economists to write articles trying to de-bunk global warming?
Week of 04/22/2007
Dear EarthTalk: Are there any major efforts underway to interest and involve high school and college students in environmental issues?
Dear EarthTalk: What’s the deal with rBGH, the hormone given to cows that makes them produce more milk? Why do some groups want it banned?
Week of 04/15/2007
Dear EarthTalk: I’ve seen those images of polar bears stranded on small islands of ice and heard that some are now dying by drowning. How are other wildlife populations affected by global warming?
Dear EarthTalk: I see so much waste in packaging every day--from water in self-serve bottles to all the foil and cardboard you have to break through to get to a new print cartridge. What is being done to make packaging more “green friendly,” including cutting out as much of it as possible?
Week of 04/08/2007
Dear EarthTalk: How can ordinary people convince corporations to behave more responsibly toward the environment?
Dear EarthTalk: Every time I visit my local print shop, I am overwhelmed by the smell of chemicals, and wonder if the health of the workers there is affected. Is exposure to such chemicals known to cause human health problems, and what can be done to clean up the printing process?
Week of 04/01/2007
Dear EarthTalk: I have heard that wind power turbines kill a lot of birds, including migrating flocks, and that some people oppose wind power for that reason. If this is true, to what degree do they harm birds and what is being done about it?
Dear EarthTalk: What kinds of cat litters are kinder to the environment: traditional clay litters (so-called clumping litters) or other varieties? What about some of the new alternatives, such as those made out of wheat and corn?
Week of 03/25/2007
Dear EarthTalk: Which countries that signed onto the Kyoto Protocol, which set goals for reducing global warming emissions, are fulfilling or surpassing their commitments? Which are falling short and why?
Dear EarthTalk: I saw warnings on bags of charcoal that said carcinogens are released when the briquettes are burned. Is it safe to breathe in the smell of a charcoal grill?
Week of 03/18/2007
Dear EarthTalk: Where can I find non-polluting alternatives to those foam “packaging peanuts” used for shipping fragile merchandise?
Dear EarthTalk: Do buildings with various “green” features cost more to build and operate than traditional buildings?
Week of 03/11/2007
Dear EarthTalk: My local recycler won’t take my old phonebooks. What should I do with them?
Dear EarthTalk: I’m “pro-solar” all the way for the sake of the environment, but solar power has not historically been very cost-effective. What innovations are coming down the pike that will bring costs down to make solar competitive with other energy sources?
Week of 03/04/2007
Dear EarthTalk: Is there any theme for Earth Day this year, and what can I do to participate?
Dear EarthTalk: Have “green” or “socially responsible” investments performed better or worse than the rest of the stock market in recent years?
Week of 02/25/2007
Dear EarthTalk: Alternative energy sources like wind power, hydrogen and biofuels are getting a lot of headlines these days, but what about efforts to generate electricity from the ocean’s waves?
Dear EarthTalk: There has been so much attention paid to designing environmentally friendly cars. Is there a similar effort to replace gas-guzzling boats?
Week of 02/18/2007
Dear EarthTalk: What are the fast-food chains doing to cut back on--or at least recycle--the huge amount of paper, plastic and foam they use daily? Are there any laws or regulations to force them to be good environmental citizens?
Dear EarthTalk: What are the environmental pros and cons of switching to plant-based “bio-fuels” to reduce our reliance on oil?
Week of 02/11/2007
Dear EarthTalk: Are the recent cyclones and droughts in Australia and elsewhere more evidence of global warming?
Dear EarthTalk: Dairy products like yogurt always seem to come in packages of low recyclabilty (labeled “5,” which our town won’t take). Why aren’t these containers more recyclable? And isn’t there a more eco-friendly container these companies could use?
Week of 02/04/2007
Dear EarthTalk: What does it mean for a building to be “LEED certified?” Does that mean it is a “green” building?
Dear EarthTalk: What is an “urban heat island” and does it have anything to do with global warming?
Week of 01/28/2007
Dear EarthTalk: Which trees are best to plant to help combat global warming?
Dear EarthTalk: Does environmental education figure prominently in classrooms these days? By that I mean not just science but an understanding of key issues and environmental stewardship.
Week of 01/21/2007
Dear EarthTalk: Are the animals used in classroom dissection taken from the wild? If so, wouldn’t this be endangering their populations? Are there other environmental issues associated with classroom dissection?
Dear EarthTalk: What are the pros and cons of marine aquaculture, of raising ocean fish instead of catching them in the wild?
Week of 12/31/2006
Dear EarthTalk: I understand that you can run a diesel car on used cooking oil. Why would I want to do that and how would I convert such a vehicle to do so?
Dear EarthTalk: Is it true that some commercial fishing nets are 40 miles long? I heard a TV commentator accuse fishing fleets of “strip-mining the oceans.” If their nets are really that large, it certainly sounds like that’s what is happening!
Week of 12/24/2006
Dear EarthTalk: I’m moving into a freshly painted apartment, and am curious to know whether it makes any sense to repaint the walls with non-toxic paint in hopes of “covering up” the toxic stuff already there. Or is it too late?
Dear EarthTalk: I’ve heard the term “greenbelts” pertaining to the natural coastline barriers in India, Malaysia and Sri Lanka that protected some people from the worst of the Indian Ocean Tsunami. But what are greenbelts that exist in urban areas?
Week of 12/17/2006
Dear EarthTalk: What are the most environmentally friendly and highest mileage cars on the market today? Also, are the batteries in hybrid cars recyclable?
Dear EarthTalk: What is the status of horse slaughter in the U.S., which is done primarily to export the meat to Europe?
Week of 12/10/2006
Dear EarthTalk: A number of products, including paper and clothing--even food and beer--are made from hemp. What is it about hemp that makes it so versatile--and why is it illegal to grow in the United States? Is it also illegal in Canada?
Dear EarthTalk: Is it true that rainforests contain perhaps thousands of plants and herbs with medicinal properties?
Week of 12/3/2006
Dear EarthTalk: I’m concerned about all the talk of using hydrogen for fuel. Isn’t hydrogen what caused the Hindenburg blimp to explode back in the 1930s?
Dear EarthTalk: I’m a hair stylist and am wondering about the health and environmental impacts of the styling products I use every day on my customers.
Week of 11/26/2006
Dear EarthTalk: Where can I find green-friendly gifts for friends and family this holiday season?
Dear EarthTalk: Several of my neighbors have installed outdoor wood furnace boilers to heat their homes instead of relying on oil or natural gas. But is all the smoke these boilers create good for my health?
Week of 11/19/2006
Dear EarthTalk: What can I do, as just one individual, to help curb global warming?
Dear EarthTalk: Are the flame-retardants used in many products as a fire safety precaution dangerous to our health? If so, what can I do to avoid contact with them?
Week of 11/12/2006
Dear EarthTalk: The marketing of soda to school kids was a big item in the news this past year. What’s so bad about soda and where can I find healthier alternatives that still have the “fizz?”
Dear EarthTalk: What is the most environmentally friendly way I can wash my car: doing it myself or going to the local car wash?
Week of 11/5/2006
Dear EarthTalk: Is it true that driving with soft tires wastes energy and results in more pollution?
Dear EarthTalk: What exactly does “not tested on animals” mean on a product, like a shampoo? Where can I find products that are completely not tested on animals and are also eco-friendly?
Week of 10/29/2006
Dear EarthTalk: What kinds of home improvements could I do that would make my house healthier and more environmentally friendly?
Dear EarthTalk: What do you think of those “waste to energy” plants used by cities to generate power?
Week of 10/22/2006
Dear EarthTalk: Could our health be negatively affected by all the radio frequencies being bandied about by cell phones and cell phone towers, wireless pagers and Internet systems, and other uses of radio frequency and microwave radiation?
Dear EarthTalk: I recently heard the term “carbon sequestration” in relation to climate change. What is it and how can it help stave off global warming?
Week of 10/15/2006
Dear EarthTalk: What are so-called “debt-for-nature swaps” and how do they work?
Dear EarthTalk: My grandmother was a home canner, and I’m interested in getting involved myself. Where do I learn about the benefits to my health and to the environment?
Week of 10/8/2006
Dear EarthTalk: Are there any environmental or human health risks to using nail polish?
Dear EarthTalk: I read a disturbing report recently that the long-banned pesticide, DDT, was being used in Mozambique to combat malaria. Malaria is a killer, but isn’t a return to DDT even scarier?
Week of 10/1/2006
Dear EarthTalk: What is the best eco-friendly vehicle choice for those of us who need a pickup or SUV? We are about to replace two older trucks with one that is more fuel-efficient.
Dear EarthTalk:Why do environmentalists advocate that people “eat locally?” I don’t understand the connection between patronizing local food producers and environmental quality.
Week of 9/24/2006
Dear EarthTalk: Now that autumn is here the leaves are going to pile up in my yard again. Is it really that bad to burn them? Why is it illegal to burn leaves in so many places now?
Dear EarthTalk: I heard that using a solar powered water heater in my home would reduce my CO2 emissions significantly. Is this true? And what are the costs?
Week of 9/17/2006
Dear EarthTalk: What defines a “wetland” and how are wetlands protected in the U.S. and Canada from destruction by development and other threats?
Dear EarthTalk: What environmental impacts should our community expect if we allow Wal-Mart to open up a store nearby?
Week of 9/10/2006
Dear EarthTalk: Now that the school year is starting, how can I pack lunches for my kids that are less wasteful of packaging?
Dear EarthTalk: Is there a connection between Mad Cow Disease and Alzheimer’s?
Week of 9/3/2006
Dear EarthTalk: I know that global warming causes extreme weather and melts glaciers and causes sea level rises. But how does it increase the spread of disease?
Dear EarthTalk: I’m going to be remodeling and was wondering: Are there floorings or wall coverings available that won’t aggravate my child’s respiratory problems?
Week of 8/27/2006
Dear EarthTalk: Would removing dams in the Pacific Northwest allow the wild salmon that used to thrive there return to their former abundance?
Dear EarthTalk: Is it true that nothing really “biodegrades” in a landfill?
Week of 8/20/2006
Dear EarthTalk: A friend of mine refuses to swim at our beach near Los Angeles because the water is too polluted. What is the status of beach pollution, and is it safe for my kids and me to take a dip?
Dear EarthTalk: How can I reduce the amount of paper bills that arrive at my home?
Week of 8/13/2006
Dear EarthTalk: What are the leading causes of child mortality around the world, and what can be done about it?
Dear EarthTalk: Why does air quality get so bad during heat waves?
Week of 8/06/2006
Dear EarthTalk: In what ways is global warming already affecting us in North America?
Dear EarthTalk: I heard that Coca Cola is depleting ground water around bottling plants in India so surrounding villages have no safe water supply? Is this true?
Week of 7/30/2006
Dear EarthTalk: The term “sustainable” seems to be the new green buzzword. What exactly does it mean, particularly when applied to such things, say, as transportation or agriculture?
Dear EarthTalk: In a public restroom, which is the more environmentally sound and healthy option for drying your hands: a paper towel or an electric hand dryer?
Week of 7/23/2006
Dear EarthTalk: I’m familiar with the hybrid cars now widely available, but what ever happened to the purely electric cars that were around 10 years ago?
Dear EarthTalk: Are there any Amway-like multi-level marketing companies that focus on environmentally friendly products?
Week of 7/16/2006
Dear EarthTalk: The soda bottle I’m holding only lists a few U.S. states and deposit amounts on it. Aren’t more than just a few states requiring that bottles be returned for recycling?
Dear EarthTalk: What are the implications of the massive thaw that is taking place right now in Western Siberia?
Week of 7/9/2006
Dear EarthTalk: Can you explain what “hormone disrupting” chemicals are, how they affect our health and what they have to do with environmental problems?
Dear EarthTalk: Is bamboo really an environmentally friendly alternative to wood for making paper? If so, why are we still cutting down trees to keep our copiers and printers humming?
Week of 7/2/2006
Dear EarthTalk: What are the health and environmental issues associated with the noise and air pollution at airports?
Dear EarthTalk: What is better for the environment, cork wine stoppers, or plastic or screw tops?
Week of 6/25/2006
Dear EarthTalk: What have been the most significant environmental impacts of Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans?
Dear EarthTalk: Do fireworks celebrations cause any significant pollution?
Week of 6/18/2006
Dear EarthTalk: Do houseplants really help to clean indoor air?
Dear EarthTalk: Why do modern bacteria “resist” antibiotics, confounding medical treatment?
Week of 6/11/2006
Dear EarthTalk: What is the significance of the recent discovery of a cow in Alabama having Mad Cow disease? Isn’t that the very first in North America? Should we be worried?
Dear EarthTalk: Can old tires be recycled? If so, where, and what is the recycled material used for?
Week of 6/4/2006
Dear EarthTalk: I read somewhere that babies were being born nowadays with a number of man-made chemicals detected in their bloodstreams. This is pretty scary. How could it be?
Dear EarthTalk: Is it true that livestock grazing is harmful to the environment?
Week of 5/28/2006
Dear EarthTalk: What’s the controversy over bison hunting in the U.S. and Canada?
Dear EarthTalk: Where I live in Connecticut, our highways are “parking lots” many times a day. Isn’t this an ideal situation for public transit? Why isn’t it happening?
Week of 5/21/2006
Dear EarthTalk: What is the “Not Too Pretty” campaign pertaining to the use of cosmetics?
Dear EarthTalk: What is causing the bird flu? Could it really kill millions of people?
Week of 5/14/2006
Dear EarthTalk: Can you explain the “Zero Waste” movement in Europe, Australia and elsewhere that goes beyond recycling to reduce waste? How can we make it happen here in the U.S.?
Dear EarthTalk: How could there ever be a “water scarcity?” Isn’t water the most plentiful thing on Earth?
Week of 5/7/2006
Dear EarthTalk: Is General Motors’ new “H3” Hummer any friendlier to the environment than earlier models, or is it just a little smaller?
Dear EarthTalk: How is it that African-Americans are said to suffer the most in the U.S. from pollution and other environmental ills?
Week of 4/30/2006
Dear EarthTalk: I’ve heard that it is now safe to throw away common household batteries and that only rechargeable batteries can now be recycled. Is this true?
Dear EarthTalk: Is it true that logging companies have switched their focus from the Pacific Northwest to the Southeastern United States? And what have been the environmental effects?
Week of 4/23/2006
Dear EarthTalk: Several tragic accidents recently brought to light the lethal dangers of mines to mine workers. What are the environmental issues with mining, including their long-term impact on both public and mine workers’ health?
Dear EarthTalk: What killed all the birds and other sea life last summer on the U.S. west coast?
Week of 4/16/2006
Dear EarthTalk: I hear a lot about “eco-travel” and “green tourism” in far-away exotic places, but don’t we have some environmentally-friendly vacation spots right here in the U.S. and Canada?
Dear EarthTalk: It seems like the Amazon rainforest is not in the news nearly as much as it used to be. Have the environmental problems there been resolved?
Week of 4/9/2006
Dear EarthTalk: President Bush recently replaced Interior Secretary Gale Norton, who resigned, with Idaho governor Dirk Kempthorne. What was Norton’s environmental legacy and what can we expect from her successor?
Dear EarthTalk: Are there any environmentally friendly alternatives to using chemical weed killers like Roundup?
Week of 4/2/2006
Dear EarthTalk: I’ve heard some environmental advocates claim that organic farming could produce enough food to feed the world. Is this true?
Dear EarthTalk: How do solar swimming pool heaters work? Are they efficient? How do they compare in cost to conventional pool heaters?
Week of 3/26/2006
Dear EarthTalk: With the recent hubbub over the chemicals used to make Teflon linked to health problems, what is the safest cookware to use in preparing meals for my family?
Dear EarthTalk: I’ve heard that gas-powered lawn mowers, despite their small engine size, actually pollute as much as cars. If this is true, is there a greener way to cut my grass?
Week of 3/19/2006
Dear EarthTalk: I’m looking for projects for my son’s elementary school to do for Earth Day this year. Do you know of any that can teach children about taking care of our environment?
Dear EarthTalk: Is it true that some foods we buy contain genetically engineered ingredients known to cause health problems?
Week of 3/12/2006
Dear EarthTalk: Is it feasible to put up my own wind turbine to provide electricity to my home?
Dear EarthTalk: What are some green-friendly hardwood floor waxes I can use in my home that aren’t as toxic as conventional brands?
Week of 3/05/2006
Dear EarthTalk: As I understand it, “hybrid” cars make use of an electric motor that never needs to be plugged in. But what’s up with the proposed “plug-in” hybrids I’ve been hearing about?
Dear EarthTalk: Is it economical and environmentally friendly for me to recycle my empty inkjet printer cartridges instead of buying new ones?
Week of 2/26/2006
Dear EarthTalk: As warm weather approaches I know we’re going to have a problem again with ticks near our home. Are there any eco-safe applications we could use to get rid of them?
Dear EarthTalk: Did the car companies really conspire to kill the trolleys and streetcars of bygone days to force us to become dependent on automobiles instead?
Week of 2/19/2006
Dear EarthTalk: Do government “Energy Star” ratings for major appliances take into account their “cradle-to-grave” impacts, or are they just concerned with energy efficiency?
Dear EarthTalk: What are “El Niño” and “La Niña” and what relationship do they have with global climate change?
Week of 02/12/2006
Dear EarthTalk: Can you explain the tax credits I might be entitled to if I buy a hybrid car? Also, is it true that single-rider hybrids can now use HOV lanes in recognition of their fuel efficiency?
Dear EarthTalk: Some people argue that recycling uses more energy than it saves, and thus it is not worth the effort. Is this true?
Week of 02/05/2006
Dear EarthTalk: I really enjoy the various Survivor TV series, but what is the environmental impact of such productions on their remote locales?
Dear EarthTalk: What are religious leaders and organizations doing to communicate the importance of safeguarding our natural environment?
Week of 1/29/2006
Dear EarthTalk: Is it true that some sponges used for cleaning and bathing are real sea sponges? If so, are they endangered by our using them? Which are more eco-friendly, real or synthetic?
Dear EarthTalk:Are there sources for disposable cups, plates, napkins and dinnerware that are more eco-friendly than others?
Week of 1/22/2006
Dear EarthTalk: Is it true that the materials used in car interiors can be hazardous to our health?
Dear EarthTalk: What is the status of the seal hunt that used to be held each winter in Newfoundland, Canada? I thought it had ended but then I heard it had started up again.
Week of 1/15/2006
Dear EarthTalk: What are the environmental implications of the proliferation of iPods specifically and digital music in general?
Dear EarthTalk: What is the environmental impact of sugar, aside from its not-so-healthy aspects? I?ve heard that the industry is no friend to the outdoor environment.
Week of 1/8/2006
Dear EarthTalk: Is it more environmentally friendly to hand-wash dishes or use a dishwasher?
Dear EarthTalk:Someone told me that methane gas emitted by cows is a major contributor to global warming. I thought it was a joke, but is this true?
Week of 1/1/2006
Dear EarthTalk: What is the deal with plastics recycling these days? Can you explain what the different numbers molded onto the bottom of plastic containers stand for?
Dear EarthTalk:Are there humane ways of dealing with problem bears?
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