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All CategoriesEarthTalk: Toxic hair salonsfrom:EarthTalkDear EarthTalk: As I understand it, hair salons are pretty toxic enterprises on many counts. Are there any efforts underway to green up that industry? -- P.H. Hair salons... 4 comments Read more...EarthTalk: Recession hurts green group effortsfrom:EarthTalkDear EarthTalk: Is it true that environmental non-profits have been hit hard by the economic downturn, and has this had an impact on their effectiveness? -- B.W. Non-profits of... 1 comment Read more...EarthTalk: Disposable paper products decimate forestsfrom:EarthTalkDear EarthTalk: Are any major brands of disposable tissues, paper towels, napkins and toilet paper yet using recycled content and chlorine-free bleaching? -- S.C. Not many. In... Read more...EarthTalk: Pesticides, fertilizers and water pollutionfrom:EarthTalkDear EarthTalk: What effects do fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides used on residential lawns or on farms have on nearby water bodies like rivers, streams—or even the ocean... Read more...EarthTalk: Green Power for Homesfrom:EarthTalkDear EarthTalk: I’d like to know the relative electricity cost of utility scale solar and wind plants versus rooftop residential solar. In other words, how can I know whether to... 3 comments Read more...EarthTalk: How "green" is Borax for housecleaning?from:EarthTalkDear EarthTalk: I’ve heard so much about using Borax for green housecleaning. But if this mineral has to be mined, doesn't that negate some of its... Read more...EarthTalk: Green life lessons for youngstersfrom:EarthTalkDear EarthTalk: What are some things that children and families can do to be greener (and to provide life lessons for the kids in the process)? -- C.M. There are many ways... 1 comment Read more...EarthTalk: Cigarette litterfrom:EarthTalkDear EarthTalk: Has anyone ever studied the environmental impact of discarded cigarettes? I’m constantly appalled at the number of drivers I see pitching their butts out their... 2 comments Read more...EarthTalk: Green ways to keep groundhogs and others awayfrom:EarthTalkDear EarthTalk: What would you recommend as a non-toxic/non-lethal way to keep squirrels, gophers and groundhogs away? -- F.G. Keeping unwanted critters away can... 1 comment Read more...EarthTalk: Upgrading older appliancesfrom:EarthTalkDear EarthTalk: I am considering upgrading some older appliances in my home. Where can I find information on which models are the most energy efficient? -- J.D. There has... 1 comment Read more...EarthTalk: Tax incentives for energy-efficiencyfrom:EarthTalkDear EarthTalk: Since Obama took office, have any new incentives been put in place for homeowners looking to increase energy efficiency and reduce the overall environmental... Read more...EarthTalk: Can cars run on water?from:EarthTalkDear EarthTalk: I’ve heard that cars can be modified to run on water. How is this possible? -- D.M. There are a number of online marketing offers of kits that will convert... Read more...EarthTalk: Can we bring back train travel?from:EarthTalkDear EarthTalk: If train travel is so much less polluting than driving or flying, why are passenger rail options in the U.S. so limited compared to Europe? And is anything being... Read more...EarthTalk: The stimulus package and green jobsfrom:EarthTalkDear EarthTalk: What kind of job opportunities might be opened up by the new federal emphasis on green projects? -- D.W. If it’s a U.S. industry that has the potential to be... Read more...EarthTalk: Insulating paintsfrom:EarthTalkDear EarthTalk: Do insulating paints actually insulate and save energy? If they do, are they environmentally friendly to use? -- B.D. Paint additives that claim insulating... Read more...EarthTalk: Do sunspots and solar wind contribute to global warming?from:EarthTalkDear EarthTalk: Don’t some scientists point to sunspots and solar wind as having more impact on climate change than human industrial activity? -- D.N. ... 2 comments Read more...EarthTalk: Neighborhood Solar Powerfrom:EarthTalkDear EarthTalk: I know of solar power systems that people can put on their roofs to generate electricity or heat water. Are there systems that serve whole neighborhoods? -- L.H. ... 1 comment Read more...EarthTalk: Recycling mattressesfrom:EarthTalkDear EarthTalk: How can I recycle my old mattress if the place I buy a new one from doesn’t take it? What do mattress companies do with old mattresses when they do take them? Do... 1 comment Read more...EarthTalk: Where will we re-charge our plug-in cars?from:EarthTalkDear EarthTalk: With plug-in hybrid and electric cars due to hit the roads sometime soon, will there be places to plug them in besides at home? And if so, how much will it cost to... Read more...EarthTalk: Microwaves vs. gas and electric ovensfrom:EarthTalkDear EarthTalk: How does the microwave compare in energy use, say, to using a gas or electric stove burner to heat water for a cup of tea? -- T.D. The... Read more...EarthTalk: Nanotechnology forges aheadfrom:EarthTalkDear EarthTalk: What is "nanotechnology?" I’ve heard that nanoparticles are already in consumer products, yet we haven't really studied their potential health... 1 comment Read more...EarthTalk: Global warming, human illness and loss of lifefrom:EarthTalkDear EarthTalk: Has anyone been tracking whether climate change is causing more loss of human life as it gets more pronounced? -- G.G. Researchers... Read more...EarthTalk: Nontoxic flea and tick products and remediesfrom:EarthTalkDear EarthTalk: Are there any flea and tick products out there that don’t contain toxic chemicals? --E.L. Harmful pesticides in mainstream flea and tick products are... 1 comment Read more...EarthTalk: More fuel-efficient diesel cars coming to the U.S.from:EarthTalkDear EarthTalk: I don’t understand why there are many European diesel cars with very high mileage ratings that are not available in the U.S. Can you enlighten? -- J.H. ... Read more...EarthTalk: What does Carbon Neutral really mean?from:EarthTalkDear EarthTalk: What does "carbon neutral" really mean? And is it really possible to live in such a manner without just resorting to buying carbon credits? --V.H. ... Read more...EarthTalk: Sun-protective clothingfrom:EarthTalkDear EarthTalk: Is there really such a thing as “sun-protective clothing?” If so, does it mean I can dispense with oily sunscreens once and for all? -- J.S. ... Read more...EarthTalk: Global warming skepticsfrom:EarthTalkDear EarthTalk: I keep meeting people who say that human-induced global warming is only theory, that just as many scientists doubt it as believe it. Can you settle the score? --... Read more...EarthTalk: Living near a gas stationfrom:EarthTalkDear EarthTalk: I am looking at possibly buying a house that is very close to a gasoline station. Is it safe to live so close to a gas station? What concerns should I have? I have... Read more...EarthTalk: Backyard (organic) vegetable gardening in small spacesfrom:EarthTalkDear EarthTalk: I want to start an organic vegetable garden in my yard and I would like to know how to combine crops to make better use of time and space. -- Val Thomason,... Read more...EarthTalk: What role might biomass play in our energy future?from:EarthTalkDear EarthTalk: There’s a lot of talk today about solar and wind power, but what about biomass? How big a role might this renewable energy source play in our future? Couldn’t... 2 comments Read more...EarthTalk: Does a cold and snowy winter mean that global warming is bunk?from:EarthTalkDear EarthTalk: Don’t all these huge snow and ice storms across the country mean that the globe isn’t really warming? I've never seen such a winter! -- M.F. ... 1 comment Read more...EarthTalk: Smart grid technology for conserving energyfrom:EarthTalkDear EarthTalk: What is the so-called “smart grid” I've been hearing about, and how can it save energy and money? -- L.B. America’s... Read more...American Cancer Society Flapjack Fundraiserfrom:Town Of Apple ValleyThe Apple Valley Relay for Life is holding a Flapjack Fundraiser (Pancake breakfast). This Relay Rally is a great way to learn more about our event and the American Cancer... Read more...EarthTalk: Is #5 plastic, used for some food containers, safe?from:EarthTalkDear EarthTalk: It seems like more products are being packaged in #5 rather than #2 plastic today, and my local recycling agency won’t take #5. I’ve also heard that #5... Read more...EarthTalk: Technological climate change fixesfrom:EarthTalkDear EarthTalk: What are some of the leading proposed technological fixes for staving off global warming, and how feasible are they? -- J.H. While... Read more...EarthTalk: Comparing battery to gasoline power, electricity wins hands downfrom:EarthTalkDear EarthTalk: If you have an electric or plug-in hybrid car, you’re paying for electricity rather than gasoline all or most of the time. How does that cost compare to a... Read more...Free Business Survival Workshopfrom:Town Of Apple ValleySan Bernardino County hosts free Business Survival Workshop in Apple Valley. Workshop will bring together resources to help businesses increase sales, reduce... Read more...EarthTalk: Toilet paper and other disposable paper products decimate forestsfrom:EarthTalkDear EarthTalk: Are any major brands of disposable tissues, paper towels, napkins and toilet paper yet using recycled content and chlorine-free bleaching? -- S.C. ... Read more...Don’t Be A Litterbug, Spay and Neuter Your Pets Today!from:Town Of Apple ValleyWin one free spay or neuter in honor of Spay Day USA. Five dollar tickets are on sale now through February 24 at the Town of Apple Valley Animal Shelter. A drawing will... Read more...EarthTalk: Which parts of the U.S. will be hardest hit by global warming?from:EarthTalkDear EarthTalk: Which parts of the United States are or will be hardest hit by global warming? -- A.P. It’s difficult to predict which areas of the U.S. will suffer... Read more...American Cancer Society Relay Rallyfrom:Town Of Apple ValleyWhat - The American Cancer Society’s Apple Valley Relay for Life is holding a Relay Rally. This event is a great way to get a taste of what a Relay is all about and learn more... Read more...EarthTalk: The "green cities" movementfrom:EarthTalkDear EarthTalk: What is the “green cities” movement? -- J.M. Best described as a loose association of cities focused on... Read more...Form a Team Today for the American Cancer Society Relay for Lifefrom:Town Of Apple ValleyApple Valley, CA---The American Cancer Society Relay For Life of Apple Valley is just around the corner! Register your team today by visiting www.relayforlife.org/applevalleyca or... Read more...Another Way To Go Green!from:Town Of Apple ValleyApple Valley, CA - Residents of Apple Valley can turn in their tires free of charge during Tire Amnesty Day, at Lion’s Park in Apple Valley. Passenger car and light truck tires... Read more...Appliance Disposal Dayfrom:Town Of Apple ValleyApple Valley, CA – The Town of Apple Valley Appliance Drop Off Day. Code Enforcement and Burrtec Waste Industries/AVCO Disposal will host the event at Lions Park on Highway 18,... Read more...EarthTalk: Synthetic chemicals in baby bottlesfrom:EarthTalkDear EarthTalk: Is it true that some baby bottles contain chemicals that can cause health problems for babies? If so, how can I find alternatives that are safer? -- A.G. ... Read more...Blood Donors Neededfrom:Town Of Apple ValleyJanuary is National Blood Donor Month! In conjunction with Life Stream the Town of Apple Valley is holding a blood drive at the Recreation Center. The... Read more...Apple Valley 4th of July Fireworks, parades and more - Fourth of July 2009Fireworks have been a traditional part of the 4th of July celebration ever since 1777 (more 4th of July facts). Start here to find the best Apple Valley, California 4th of July... Read more...From Christmas to Curb To Compostfrom:Town Of Apple ValleyWhen the presents are unwrapped and the needles are starting to drop, it’s time to give Christmas trees the retirement they deserve – curbside pick-up! Instead of... Read more...EarthTalk: Desalinization of ocean water for drinkingfrom:EarthTalkDear EarthTalk: With all the talk of desalinization of ocean water for drinking, what do we know about the impacts this might have on climate, ocean salinity and other natural... Read more... |