From the Forums: Does Oil Have a Role to Play?

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 13:33:22 GMT

Image Credit: david jonze via Flickr Capitalist Pig writes:

I have invested in companies, which make crude oil from waste. Recently I have talked to environmentalist type people, I suppose here they might be tree huggers, who tell me that crude oil, even carbon-neutral crude oil, must be forbidden. Is that the way environmentalists feel about hydrocarbon fuels?

What do you think? Join the conversation.... Read the full story on TreeHugger

From the Forums: Are Stadium Flyovers Worth the Fuel?

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 14:24:04 GMT

Image Credit: Paul Keleher via Flickr dballisonnyc writes:

I went to an NFL game on Sunday and like about half of the NFL games I've been to, there was a flyover by military jets immediately following the national anthem. Like always the crowd ate it up and cheered loudly, but even though i think a flyover is kind of cool, I can't help but wonder how much fuel does this use?

So what do you think? Are stadium flyovers cool, just plain wasteful, or maybe both? Join the conversation.... Read the full story on TreeHugger

From the Forums: Tell Obama We Need Climate Change!

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 11:11:26 GMT

Image Credit: oporder via Flickr greenferret has a call to action:

Right now, the most ambitious climate bill in Washington calls for reducing greenhouse gas emissions 7% below 1990 levels by 2020. That's pathetic. According to the Nobel Prize-winning International Panel on Climate Change, the world must reduce emissions far more aggressively -- 25-40% by 2020 -- to have a 50/50 chance of avoiding runaway climate change. Tell President Obama and your Members of Congress to support an emissions reduction target of 40% by 2020.

So what does Obama need to hear? Join the conversation.... Read the full story on TreeHugger

From the Forums: When is Driving Better Than Biking?

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 07:29:24 GMT

Image Credit: TheTruthAbout... via Flickr environmental wakko writes:

I live 10 miles from my workplace (20 miles round trip). If I bike in, I have wipe myself down with some soap and water as well as 2 paper towels each day... So, which is worse?

What do you think? Join the discussion.... Read the full story on TreeHugger

From the Forums: Will China Save the Tigers?

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 09:50:59 GMT

Image Credit: Brimac the 2nd via Flickr wildlifer writes:

Whether the tiger goes extinct in the next 10 years is all up to China, because that's where all the demand for tiger bones and body parts is coming from. The Chinese government could launch a massive public education campaign, start enforcing international wildlife trafficking laws and essentially be the hero that saved the tiger from disappearing. Or, the Chinese can continue tolerating trade in tigers, and become forever known as the nation and people who drove the world's favorite animal into extinction.

So what do you think? Will China step up to the plate? Join the conversation.... Read the full story on TreeHugger

From the Forums: How About a Driving Tax?

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 15:40:57 GMT

Image Credit: 91RS via Flickr greenvert has a proposition:

The Dutch cabinet today approved a plan to tax drivers 7 cents for each mile they drive. Revenues from the bill, which still has to pass parliament, would replace road tolls and some of the taxes on automobile purchases. This seems like a great idea to me, and I'd love to see it implemented in the US. I'm doubtful it'll ever happen, though- we love driving way too much. Now seems like the time to do it, though, while all the major auto companies still owe the government big time.

What do you think? Will Americans go the way of the Dutch? Join the discussion.... Read the full story on TreeHugger

From the Forums: Is the Green Movement Bull?

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 11:05:44 GMT

Image Credit: cheesy42 via Flickr REFUSE writes:

The green movement is bull because: ...it doesn't matter how many of us own a Prius. It's still a car. ...30% less plastic in a bottle is still 70% plastic. ...we don't know what "eco-friendly" actually means. ...no matter how green we are, our existence still harms the environment. ...we're only being manipulated into consuming a different way. ...we purchase green grocery bags only to fill them with plastic. ...third world countries don't have to try, and are doing better than we are.

So are these valid points, or just anti-green rhetoric? Join the conversation.... Read the full story on TreeHugger

From the Forums: Help a Californian Go Green

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 22:26:33 GMT

Image Credit: Kevitivity via Flickr hanguolaohu needs some help recycling:

I live in Playa Vista, a community in the Westside of Los Angeles. Although we have recycling here, it is more limited than the blue bins that the City of LA now uses which accepts plastics #1-7 and styrofoam. I just realized how many wooden chopsticks and plastic spoons and forks I accumulated...I realize that these will decompose if I throw them in the waste bin. How about plastic spoons and forks or other plastics that don't have a recycling #1-7 on them? Styrofoam? Any info would be most appreciated! Thanks.

Have any suggestions for hanguolaohu? Post here. ... Read the full story on TreeHugger

From the Forums: Let Them Make Soap!

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 10:41:48 GMT

Image Credit: Harlequeen via Flickr greenbrad needs some help:

I have been searching for what seems like days online to find a way to make a true "green" soap / shampoo / body wash. The reason for this is since I have moved away from commercial products like Irish Springs I have noticed my body has become less dry and my skin is a lot cleaner...I want to make my own soaps, washes and scrubs. Heck maybe even bath bombs. The problem is that I can't find an Earth Friendly recipe/instruction set...If anyone has some articles or tips for me I would appreciate it a great deal!

Have suggestions for greenbrad? Want to make your own soap, too? Join the conversation. And make sure to check out TreeHugger's own easy homemade soap article.... Read the full story on TreeHugger

From the Forums: Control Your Dog!

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 16:15:46 GMT

Image Credit: footloosiety via Flickr ask-the-dust has a bone to pick:

I have a particular pet peeve (no pun intended) with people who go hiking and let their dogs run off leash. Wildlife biologists have shown that dogs off leash flush wildlife at really great distances - much greater than dogs on leash or people hiking without dogs...Flush distance is really important because wildlife survival depends largely on conserving energy expenditure. When wildlife are flushed from the spot, they spend a lot of energy traveling to another place. So when thousands of people are hiking on trails everyday with dogs off leash, it likely causes big population declines in wildlife.

What do you think? Is this an overreaction, or should leash laws be stricter? Join the discussion.... Read the full story on TreeHugger

From the Forums: Do Meat and Dairy Cause Cancer?

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 10:07:40 GMT

Image Credit: FotoosVanRobin via Flickr dezso3 writes:

There have been several studies showing that vegetarians are 40% less likely to develop cancer than meat-eaters. On GoVeg.com, it specifically states that the prime carcinogen in meat AND dairy is the animal protein...However, I am not so sure that this is the case. In The Safe Shopper's Bible, Dr. Samuel Epstein points to pesticides, synthetic growth hormones (rBST and rBGH), antibiotics, and other chemicals as the primary carcinogens in meat and dairy. So who's right and who's wrong???

What do you think? Join the conversation. Don't want to give up meat or dairy? Check out these foods that fight cancer.... Read the full story on TreeHugger

From the Forums: Help Tokyo Go Green

Sun, 15 Nov 2009 21:43:09 GMT

Image Credit: ngader via FlickrI live in Tokyo, a concrete jungle par excellence, if very polite about it. One day as I was standing looking out of the window...and saw hundreds of acres of unused flat roof space. It got me to thinking. Walk through any neighborhood in Tokyo and you'll see flower pots on every doorstep...but on the roofs nothing...So what we're proposing to do is make rooftop ecologies i.e plants, animals, fungi, algae and bacteria on rooftops...We're kind of new to this, though we have mentors from all over, but any helpful hints, suggestions, crazy ideas would be greatly appreciated. Have suggestions? Post them here.... Read the full story on TreeHugger

From the Forums: Will We Have Enough Food in 2050?

Sat, 14 Nov 2009 15:45:21 GMT

Image Credit: Kevin Lallier via Flickr hillsidedigger writes:

FAO says "global food output will have to increase by 70 percent to feed a projected population of 9.1 billion in 2050. To achieve that, poor countries will need $44 billion in annual agricultural aid, compared with the current $7.9 billion, to increase access to irrigation systems, modern machinery, seeds and fertilizer as well as build roads and train farmers." It's seems quite clear to me that far less food will be grown in 2050 than now. Machinery, fertilizers, foreign seeds and irrigation systems defeat the purpose of learning to farm the most productive way, that is, with time tested methods and seeds appropriate for individual localities.

So is future food production in major trouble? Join the conversation.... Read the full story on TreeHugger

From the Forums: How to Bring Light to Rural India?

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 15:42:51 GMT

Image Credit: DrBacchus via Flickr parkashone writes:

According to Indyalive's managing director, only 19 percent of rural areas in India have electricity. The rest use foul-smelling kerosene lamps to light their huts, which pollute, provide little light and are major fire hazards...As in any non-electrified society, life is defined by the sun; little is accomplished once it sets. With children helping out with chores during daytime, it leaves little chance for them to study from reading lamps.

What are your thoughts? Have any ideas to bring better lamps to rural India? Join the conversation.... Read the full story on TreeHugger

From the Forums: Beekeeping: From Hobby to Cash Cow

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 10:40:29 GMT

Image Credit: wohack via Flickr SgtMajor has a dilemma:

It's time for a career change for me, and after much consideration we decided to take my beekeeping to a commercial level and start a commercial, migratory pollination beekeeping business. Yeah, I know, I said I'd never use bees to make money, and now I'm going back on that word, but let me explain a bit of my reasoning. Yes I know that hauling bees for hundreds of miles to pollinate various crops is not the greenest thing in the world, but neither is what I do now (work for a large private defense contractor)...I also have both the know-how and desire to do this in a more natural and eco-friendly manner than is currently the norm.

What do you think? Is SgtMajor going back on his word, or is the new career the better move? Join the conversation. Interested in beekeeping? Click here to learn more.... Read the full story on TreeHugger

From the Forums: "Clean Coal" Is at It Again!

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 15:41:05 GMT

Image Credit: j3net via Flickr Hyrdotopia writes:

Clean Coal has realized their "Clean Coal" campaign wasn't fooling anyone so now they are going for the same self-promoted PR by presenting Bush voter-types speaking about a new coal power plant in Arkansas. They are using subtle psychological warfare tactics and trying to show themselves as the realistic ordinary middle...The subtle psychological message here, without saying it directly, is that normal people see realistic solutions and others are unrealistic environmentalists...These corporations just seem to have an inherent ethics and honesty problem. They are inherently evil. Business to them is planned corruption...Others eating the outcome and casually expected to pay for it.

So is Hydrotopia right in saying that these corporations are purely evil? Or does clean coal have a place in the green movement? Join the conversation. ... Read the full story on TreeHugger

From the Forums: What About the SIGG Bottle Exchange?

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 10:20:01 GMT

Image Credit: ensign_at_e233net via Flickr Porter's wondering:

Has anyone received a replacement bottle through SIGG's bottle replacement program? I sent my old bottle in weeks ago and have received nothing from SIGG by email.

Any know what's going on? Post here.... Read the full story on TreeHugger

From the Forums: NYT Reports on the Great Pacific Garbage Patch

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 16:10:38 GMT

Image Credit: Joe Schlabotnik via Flickr Greenvert writes:

This week's New York Times Science section included an article on the great Pacific garbage patch. I can't decide what I think about the article just being published now- most people aware of the state of our environment know all about the garbage patch, right? Or am I wrong? Is the NYT making a great contribution to general knowledge by bringing this issue to light? Or is it too far behind the movement to really help?

What do you think? Join the discussion. Click here to learn more about the great Pacific garbage patch.... Read the full story on TreeHugger

From the Forums: Green Business Owners Unite!

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 11:07:52 GMT

Image Credit: sun dazed via Flickr aj wants to know:

Just looking to see how others are doing and if there are resources out there that I haven't found yet. Sometimes being a small business owner gets a little lonely and lately I'm feeling like it would be nice to communicate with others about their own experiences, but all the communities I've found are just for profit and trying to get small biz people to buy ads. I'm more interested in real people connecting in a real way, not just networking type stuff...Anyone have this type of resource (on or offline)?

Have ideas for aj? Looking for the same kind of help? Join the conversation.... Read the full story on TreeHugger

From the Forums: Is the 100 Mile Challenge Doable?

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 15:52:47 GMT

Image Credit: ilvana*.* via Flickr greenbrad has a problem:

I've been trying to ease my way into a 100 mile challenge. As I live in Orange County CA I am discovering how dependent we are on trucked in food. I have been searching high and low for locally raised beef or chicken and guess what - it doesn't exist...Virtually the only thing we have are local organic produce and even that is scarce...I'm almost frustrated to the point where I am despising the county due to how environmentally-challenged it is.

Have suggestions? Need to vent some frustrations? Join the conversation. Don't know about the 100 mile challenge? Check it out.... Read the full story on TreeHugger

From the Forums: Help a School Newspaper Go Green

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 09:28:32 GMT

Image Credit: Alex Barth via Flickr xoxo_unibrow needs some help:

I'm the editor in chief of our high school newspaper, and I feel like an absolute hypocrite whenever we try to sell the 500 copies of newspaper that we print each month...I know the most environmentally friendly idea is to go online, but that's a hard transition in such a short time...Are there any ideas? Every printing company I search online does not do newspapers, only newsletters. What are my options to make the newspaper more eco-friendly?

Have suggestions? Post here.... Read the full story on TreeHugger

From the Forums: Costs of Spray Foam Insulation?

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 15:09:18 GMT

Image Credit: Velo Steve via Flickr Bratley75 needs some help:

Would anyone be willing to share their cost for spray foam insulation or any estimates they have gotten. Cost per square foot. I have looked high and low and have had little luck. All the contractors I have contacted won't give an estimate over the phone without a visit. We are planning on building a home, there is nothing to see. We are currently in a 40's traditional that is a nightmare to heat/cool. Can't do much without spending more than I will gain in equity. The housing market is junk down here. The price you pay when you live in a small town of 800 convenient to nothing.

Have some helpful info? Looking for some yourself? Join the conversation.... Read the full story on TreeHugger

From the Forums: What's Your Energy Usage?

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 09:58:07 GMT

Image Credit: pittaya via Flickr stevejust writes:

I just looked at my bill from the last two months (los angles dept. of water power does a two month billing cycle) and I was floored to see that my average usage was 7 kwH per day...This has me interested in getting a power meter like never before. This is way more than I would have predicted. (Think about 7 150 watt solar panels). I'm just curious to see what other treehuggers' average kwH per day electric usage rates like... and if anyone has a particular wattage meter they would recommend or not recommend.

So what's your energy usage like? Interested in a power meter as well? Join the conversation.... Read the full story on TreeHugger

From the Forums: Green Christmas Cards

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 20:33:40 GMT

Image Credit: St0rmz via Flickr TreeHuggerForever wants to know:

Does anybody know where I can find recycled Christmas cards? I don't want to order online, I would like to get them local. Any big retailer will do. Target had a few but they were kind of old fashioned. Any other stores? I don't really have time to make my own...

Have suggestions? Post here.... Read the full story on TreeHugger

From the Forums: How About a Pellet Stove?

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 17:32:41 GMT

Image Credit: Florian via Flickr environmental wakko writes:

Considering getting one of these but I have a few questions: 1) Would they cause less pollution to heat a room compared to heating with electricity (coal fired power plant). 2) I heard these require electricity to work. About how many Watts, or kWh per hour? 3) Is pellet supply really a big concern? I'm in Florida, if that makes a difference. 4) Can the exhaust go right up an existing chimney? Any other things I should know or keep in mind?

Have suggestions? Want to see what others think? Join the discussion.... Read the full story on TreeHugger

From the Forums: Black Bears Prefer Minivans

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 20:10:29 GMT

Image Credit: emple via Flickr AsktheDust has a quick question:

Funny that they just did a study on black bear break-ins at Yosemite. One car was 4x more likely to get broken into based on its relative makeup of cars in the park. What do you guess...? And why? The answer's here.

Surprised by the answer? Post here.... Read the full story on TreeHugger

From the Forums: Lost in Transmission

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 17:09:11 GMT

Image Credit: St_A_Sh via Flickr Greenteadrinker writes:

The way we generate and deliver electricity has basically not changed in a century. The system is massive, a marvel of human engineering, with 160,000 miles of lines designed to move electricity from power plants to customers...Unfortunately, the grid, however fast, is not efficient: up to two-thirds of the fuel burned to produce electricity is lost in the process of generation and delivery. Wasted. Electricity is the only industry that has not yet been revolutionized by the information technology that has so utterly transformed the rest of our lives.

So, is Greenteadrinker right? And more importantly, what's to be done? Join the conversation.... Read the full story on TreeHugger

From the Forums: When the Carrot Doesn't Work...

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 18:14:31 GMT

Image Credit: stevendepolovia Flickr Greenvert writes:

This MSNBC article reports that international negotiators in Barcelona are working on a global climate change treaty. However, it seems they've settled on a political agreement rather than a legally binding treaty, meaning that no one will have to follow the agreement if they don't want to. Aren't we at the point where we need concrete goals, and penalties for harming the environment? Enough of the carrot, break out the stick!

... Read the full story on TreeHugger

From the Forums: Trees vs. Solar Panels

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 15:05:08 GMT

Image Credit: ellie via Flickr environmental wakko writes:

I have solar panels...Lately (past week or 2) at least one of the panels are shaded every hour of the day except between 2-4pm. I can see 2, possibly 3 trees that are the culprits for the high degree of shading. The question I have is...is it better environmentally to let these trees stand, or cut them down?

So what do you think? Is cutting down trees to get solar power the right move, or should the trees stand? Join the debate.... Read the full story on TreeHugger

From the Forums: Coyotes: Friend, Foe, Nuisance?

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 17:47:05 GMT

Image Credit: donjd2 via Flickr TreeHuggerForever writes:

It seems that lately there have been a lot more stories about coyote attacks on both livestock and people's pets. I know that this is mainly because of human encroachment on wildlife habitats. Still, it is devastating to both farmer's and pet owners...I don't really agree with killing any predators for doing what they are instinctively born to do. If it's okay for humans to kill animals for food, fur and pleasure, then what gives them the right to kill animals that kill for food? But the point is, farmers are losing valuable livestock and people are losing precious pets. What is the solution? Is there one?

So what do you think? Join the debate.... Read the full story on TreeHugger

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