If you’re interested in going green, a big tip I recommend is finding a community (or communities) of green-minded people to “live in” or be a part of. Going green can feel like a constant battle or struggle, or it can be great fun and an ever-interesting endeavor. This depends partly on your own inner perspective, but it […]
Get into a Green Community.. or Green Communities (Going Green Tip #2) Read More 👉
From 1946 to 1958, the Bikini Atoll–a Micronesian, volcanic island group in the Pacific Ocean (part of the Marshall Islands)–was “home” to twenty three, U.S.-conducted, nuclear detonations, including the first true Hydrogen bomb test, in 1954. This latter detonation produced an explosion far more powerful than originally predicted and caused wide-spread contamination from radioactive fallout.
Bikini Atoll, Nuke Test Area, Listed as 'World Heritage' Site Read More 👉
Chicago is launching its first major bike-sharing program this month and Washington, DC is growing its from 120 bikes to 1,100 bikes. Back when I was the executive director of a non-profit promoting clean transportation (mostly bicycling) and sustainable development, I thought that bike-sharing could become one of the biggest, most popular, and most effective
When it comes to highly intelligent sea creatures, dolphins, whales tend to get most of the cerebral credit. But the “lowly” octopus—a popular dish in many Mediterranean cuisines—may be one of the most intelligent creatures in the sea, and is the only invertebrate (animals lacking bones) that has been conclusively shown to use tools…Possessing both a short and longer-term memory capacity, octopuses exhibit a wide range of fascinating behaviors, many of which have led some scientists to describe them as “highly intelligent”.
Are Octopuses Psychic? No, but They Are Darned Clever [VIDEO] Read More 👉
Homeless advocates are trying to get New York City to take over long-vacant luxury apartments to help house the homeless. Leaders in the real estate market are saying ‘no way’, but this is generating some movement forward. A coalition of community organizations in NYC, Right to the City Coalition, has found that 264 luxury residential
Put Homeless in Vacant NYC Luxury Apts, Advocates Say Read More 👉
Innovative Polish organization conducts meditations and Buddhist discussions in prison. It is looking to do more now. [social_buttons] Prison is supposed to be a place where people go to 1. reflect on life in order to be able to one day return to normal, free society (while also being punished and prevented from harming others)
Meditation in Prison Read More 👉
Guest author Jack Lundee of Everything Left provides us with this thoughtful and thought-provoking article on green spaces, green architecture and green infrastructure. The addition and/or substitution of green spaces have been quite controversial topics as of late. Senior resident of the Urban Land Institute (ULI) Ed T. McMahon states: “Green space adds value to property.”
Green Spaces Provide Great Economic Potential Read More 👉
Americans have no more desire in 2010 to be environmentally friendly than they did in 2000. [social_buttons]According to the large Gallup poll conducted March 4 – 7, Americans surveyed show very little desire to increase their more environmentally friendly actions. And though approximately three in four recycle, have reduced their household energy usage and buy
America’s Environmental Apathy Continues Read More 👉
I am so impressed with the line up of speakers at this season’s Green Festival in San Francisco going on now! [social_buttons] The Green Festivals are composed of a partnership between Green America and Global Exchange. These highly educational Green Festivals are all around the nation and if you are a green expert looking to
San Francisco's Green Festival Hosts a Diverse Group of Global Leaders Read More 👉
This post is our contribution to sustainablog’s Pedal-a-Watt Powered Blogathon this weekend. The long-running green blog (and new green shopping site) is publishing for 24 hours straight to raise funds for the Dancing Rabbit Ecovillage in Northeastern Missouri. Go join the fun: read post contributions from around the green blogosphere, leave a comment to be
Living in Community to Help the World — 7 Observations from Living in an Ecovillage Read More 👉
[social_buttons] We know that it is actually a positive thing these days to care about the environment. It is not a fringe, weirdo concern. For this reason, we now even have the problem of corporate greenwashing — companies (or politicians, people, etc.) trying to convince people they are green when they are not. As we
[social_buttons] New findings, published in the October issue of the Journal of Archaeological Science, indicate early Europeans enjoyed a much broader diet than first suspected. We have known for a long while that early man hunted big game such as mastodons, now prehistoric bone findings show that early man also hunted and cooked game fowl. The
Caveman Thanksgiving: Prehistoric Man Roasted Birds Too Read More 👉
[social_buttons] Whether you are eating turkey or tofurkey this Thanksgiving, you cannot deny the great sacrifice that turkeys are making to fill dinner plates across the nation. I figured I would honor their sacrifice here on the eve of thanksgiving, with some fun turkey facts. More than 45 million turkeys are eaten in the U.S. at Thanksgiving (one sixth
[social_buttons] When I first read the news that NASA was going to start experimenting on monkeys with radiation to study the effects of deep space travel, my heart sunk. As an anthropologist who has studied non-human primates I have seen up close the emotions, the feelings, and the physical qualities we share with our evolutionary
NASA to Irradiate Monkeys. Horrible Animal Experiments or a Sign of Progress? Read More 👉
[social_buttons] Hi, you might recognize that beautiful smiling face before you. That is my face, well it was my face over the last couple of years. I am not here to talk about my face or my smile, which some have called “winning.” I am not even here to talk about myself, although I could
Locks of Love: The Evolution of My Hair, and a Statement to Make a Difference Read More 👉
[social_buttons] If you could declare a home town of evolution it would be the Galapagos Islands. Back in 1835 a sea sick young naturalist, Charles Darwin, landed on the Galapagos to conduct a little research. That research was the genesis of Darwin’s seminal work “On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection.” Darwin
Tourist Mosquitoes Threaten the Galapagos Read More 👉
[social_buttons] Gliese 581 d. Such a catchy name eh? You probably have never heard of it. It is 20 light years away, but in late April 2009 new observations by the original discovery team concluded that the planet is within the habitable zone where liquid water, and therefore, life, could exist. Some of you may
ET Text Home? Send your own Texts Into Space Read More 👉
Unless you live in an eco village or other form of intentional community, you’re probably curious about the lifestyle. You’ve probably already got some images stuck in your head (I know the commune from Easy Rider always comes to my mind). You may even cling to a few stereotypes. But, as you’ve seen here at
Dancing Rabbit Eco Village: The Inside Scoop Read More 👉
[social_buttons] We have all been waiting for this day. Finally, shark repellent has arrived to the world… except this shark repellent is not used to save humans from sharks. No this shark repellent was made to save sharks from humans. With good reason, while only about 4 people die of unprovoked shark attacks each year,
Shark Repellent, Saves Sharks! Read More 👉
[social_buttons] If you missed Green iPhone Apps Reviewed Part 1: Free Apps, you can see it here. After my first batch of reviews on the free green iPhone apps, I have gotten some great suggestions on green apps. If you have any you you would like to see reviewed, you can comment here, head over
Green iPhone Apps Reviewed. Part 2: Paid Apps Read More 👉
[social_buttons] For years and years, humans considered themselves the one and only makers of tools. Homo sapien literally means “wise man” because we were so intelligent that it was us humans, and us humans alone, who could even have the brain capacity to create a tool. It was considered the key feature of the genus
Spider Monkeys Invent Medicinal Tools. Read More 👉
[social_buttons] Before I get into this topic, please read my article on cancer dedicated to someone special to me, each view constitutes a larger donation to cancer research. http://planetsave.com/blog/2009/07/27/help-me-fight-cancer/ The “green movement” is gaining some steam in the general public, and hey I am all for it. As long as it doesn’t become a fad
(Free) Green iPhone Apps Reviewed. Part 1: Free Apps Read More 👉
London’s mayor announced a new 2 million tree plan to help fight climate change and keep Londoners cool. The plan is designed to counteract the “urban heat island effect” in which urban areas absorb and release more heat than surrounding areas, due to having more pavement, traffic and power demand.
London to Plant 2 Million Trees by 2025 Read More 👉
The European Union (EU) and MTV are working together to get young people involved in the climate debate. The major entities started their “Play to Stop – Europe for Climate” campaign this month. Working with international music artists and other international celebrities, this is a major campaign to mobilize the youth around the topic of
The EU and MTV Team Up: Copenhagen Prelude Read More 👉
A new organization, starting off in South London, but open to working in other areas as well, is making links in the green world on the grassroots level and is getting some serious attention.
London Grassroots Activists Getting Attention Read More 👉
July 20th, 2009 was the 40th anniversary of Apollo 11’s historic flight to the moon, where astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin became the first human beings to walk on the moon. 40 years ago, space flight inspired such awe that astronauts were hailed as heroes and celebrities by men, women, and children alike.
Top 5 Reasons why Space Exploration is Important for the World Read More 👉
[social_buttons] A little dog has made a great big impression on many people around the country over the past few days. Lilly, a charming Chihuahua-terrier mix, was born in North Carolina along with several other siblings. But Lilly was born with something extra, a fifth leg. Otherwise healthy, Lilly’s extra rear leg would hang and drag, making it difficult for
Lilly the 5-Legged Dog: Animal Lovers Step Up and Keep Pup from Freak Show Read More 👉
[social_buttons] Most of us know the sad and destructive history of former widespread pesticide DDT (dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane for you chemists). It’s egg shell thining properties have famously taken out many a generation of bald eagle, as well as many other bird species. The once heralded solution to malaria, DDT was sprayed everywhere without a thought. This
The American Public Transportation Association is asking for great transit photos showing transportation that is green and friendly and will change our future. As shown year after year, public transit is a key factor keeping our planet from warming much further than it already is! It is also one of our best bets for slowing
Submit Your Photo of Public Transit Read More 👉
[social_buttons] EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson called on minorities to be a bigger part of environmentalism in a speech to the National Environmental Justice Advisory Council on Tuesday. Sierra Club showed their appreciation for the EPA’s remarks and highlighted their own commitment to diversity on the same day. “We applaud Administrator Jackson’s call for the environmental
Sierra Club Applauds and Echoes EPA on Green Diversity Read More 👉
In another effort to bridge the sustainability gaps in our society today, EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson called for more diversity in environmentalism yesterday. Speaking to the National Environmental Justice Advisory Council, she stated clearly that low-income and minority groups are often hit the hardest by environmental problems. “The place where I grew up is like
EPA Calling for More Diversity in Environmentalism Read More 👉
[social_buttons] In light of the 40th anniversary of mankind’s first steps on the moon, the Department of Energy (DOE) has launched its own “giant leap” venture. Energy Secretary Steven Chu is taking his small step into the Facebook world (an ever growing, ever consuming world). Chu set up a page that will hopefully make a
One Small Step For DOE, One Giant Leap For Mankind Read More 👉
[social_buttons] The first big victory against coal power plants in Virginia came a few days ago in a town of about 300. In a statement of independence, environmental justice, and the power a few people can have on the biggest issues facing our environment today, town councilors voted 3-2 to retain their zoning rights regarding
Big Victory Against Big Coal by Small Group Read More 👉
[social_buttons] Would you be so cavalier in throwing out a disposable razor if you knew how much it actually impacted your local environments? Would you think twice about purchasing a bottle of water if you knew how much it cost you to dispose of? That’s the question asked by the MIT SENSEable City lab these days.
One Man's Trash is…Well, Trash: MIT Announces Trash Track Program Read More 👉
I recently wrote a post concerning a report on climate change issued by the U.S. Government stating that “climate change has immediate and local impacts – it literally affects people in their backyards.” Well, as it turns out, there’s more to the story.
Let He Who Has an Ear Listen: Real Effects of Climate Change Read More 👉
For years and years parents have taken their children to zoos to see exotic animals, animals that they don’t get to see everyday. They want to see lions and tigers and bears. Oh my! High on the the list of animals to be seen are elephants, nature’s gentle giants. These cute, (hardly) cuddly animals are the largest of the land mammals. But all of that could change. Elephants could be removed from zoos forever if In Defense of Animals (IDA) and a handful of scientists and activists get their way.
Dumbo Behind Bars: Elephant-Sized Controversy Arises Over Captive Elephants Read More 👉
[social_buttons] Editor’s Note: This was a multi-party contribution involving Kim Komenich (photos) Kwan Booth (text) NewsDesk.org (editing) Spot.Us (financial support). This is part of a series that we’ll be posting over the next week. Tuesday night saw the end of two years of negotiations between the Port of Oakland, environmentalists, truckers and West Oakland residents,
Cleaner Trucks Coming to Oakland Ports Read More 👉
[social_buttons] Editor’s Note: This was a multi-party contribution involving Kim Komenich (photos) Kwan Booth (text) NewsDesk.org (editing) Spot.Us (financial support). This is part of a series that we’ll be posting over the next week. West Oakland is pinned between the Bay Area’s largest, busiest port and two major commuter freeways, and is home to decades
94607: Oakland’s Childhood Asthma Hotspot Read More 👉
[social_buttons] Editor’s Note: This was a multi-party contribution involving Kim Komenich (photos) Kwan Booth (text) NewsDesk.org (editing) Spot.Us (financial support). This is part of a series that we’ll be posting over the next week. Talking to Dr. Washington Burns the other day I learned some pretty shocking information: 37 percent of the adults and 20
Toxic Tour Blog: Inside West Oakland’s ‘Breathmobile’ Read More 👉
[social_buttons] Editor’s Note: This was a multi-party contribution involving Kim Komenich (photos) Kwan Booth (text) NewsDesk.org (editing) Spot.Us (financial support). This is part of a series that we’ll be posting over the next week. While much of the debate on reducing emissions from the Port of Oakland has revolved around trucks, diesel pollution from the
Ship Pollution Escapes Oakland Diesel Debate Read More 👉
[social_buttons] Editor’s Note: This was a multi-party contribution involving Kim Komenich (photos) Kwan Booth (text) NewsDesk.org (editing) Spot.Us (financial support). This is part of a series that we’ll be posting over the next week. Just about any long-term West Oakland resident can rattle off a list of health issues effecting their community: toxins from cargo
Utah’s Book Cliffs exist as one of the largest expanses of land in the lower 48 states without a paved highway. The BLM, however, is considering a project that would change that. Uintah County’s Seep Ridge Road Paving Project proposes paving over an existing road, which would allow greater recreational (and other, including hunting and
Paving Wilderness: Peril in Utah's Book Cliffs Read More 👉
There are no security guards or high-tech alarm systems to protect this treasure. Instead, it is the rock climbers, hikers, campers and recreationists that are working overtime to protect this gem from being stolen. Rock Canyon in Provo, Utah has long been a haven of solitude for the humble seeker of peace and the nature
Stealing Rock Canyon: Land Rights Dispute Sparks Activism Read More 👉
These organizations use tactics varying from direct action to job training, but they all are working to protect the planet in a substantial way. [social_buttons] Through twitter, anyone can stay up to date with their latest efforts to restore and protect habitats, influence environmental policy, and curb climate change. Take the opportunity to tap into
80+ Environmental Organizations to Follow on Twitter Read More 👉
While being nursed back to health, a sea otter was supported by a huge online gathering. [social_buttons] The California sea otter was found covered with oil, and stranded at Sunset Beach in Monterey. It was taken to the California Dept. of Fish and Game’s Wildlife Veterinary Care and Research Center in Santa Cruz. She was named ‘Olive’
Coyote attacks are on the rise in the Denver area this winter. Unfortunately, the simple solution that people have come up with is to shoot coyotes.
Who's At Fault for Coyote Attacks: People or Animals? Read More 👉
City officials in Houston, Texas have fired a veterinarian who has acted as a whistle-blower against botched and cruel operations on pets in the past. [social_buttons] But Kathy Barton, a health department spokesperson, said Gil Costas has been fired because he failed to file registration to handle controlled substances and drugs with the Department of
Veterinarian Fired After Blowing Whistle on Animal Cruelty Read More 👉
After years of protests and obstacles, Wal-Mart has given up on plans to build a giant SuperCenter store on the environmentally-sensitive White Slough in Vallejo, CA. [social_buttons] Environmental activists were joined by Vallejoans for Responsible Growth and California Healthy Communities Network in their opposition to the plans from the start. Due to their vocal opposition,
Wal-Mart Pulls Plan to Build SuperCenter on Sensitive Land Read More 👉