Nov
21
Greenhouse Gases at Record Levels Prior to the commence of the Industrial Revolution, the levels of carbon dioxide inside the atmosphere had been about 280 parts per million by volume (ppmv). Present levels are about 370 ppmv. The concentration of carbon dioxide and other key greenhouse gases in our atmosphere right now is higher than …
Sep
15
The active ingredient in Drano and other conventional drain cleaners is sodium hydroxide, otherwise known as caustic soda or lye. It is a man-made chemical used for its corrosive properties. According to the federal Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, the substance is not considered a pollutant per se, as it separates into relatively …
Jul
17
The Whole Foods Market chain plans to stop using plastic bags in time for Earth Day 2008 (April 22). In place of plastic bags, Whole Foods customers will carry their groceries home in either recycled paper bags or reusable bags. Whole Foods officials estimate the chain currently distributes 150 million plastic bags annually through its …
Jul
07
The next time the clerk at your favorite grocery store asks whether you prefer “paper or plastic” for your purchases, consider giving the truly eco-friendly response and saying, “neither.” Plastic bags end up as litter that fouls the landscape, and kill thousands of marine mammals every year that mistake the floating bags for food. Plastic …