Environment

Tom Burack: NH's Commissioner Of Environmental Services

Laura Knoy — Thu, 02 May 2013 13:00:00 +0000

We sit down with New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services Commissioner Thomas Burack. The state’s environment has seen some hopeful trends recently, particularly when it comes to air quality. The story changes, however, when it comes to our lakes and coastal waters. We’ll get an update on what’s been working in addressing these issues, and what still needs to be done.

Guest

Tom Burack - New Hampshire Commissioner for Environmental Services

'Greenwashing'

Sun, 21 Apr 2013 04:00:00 +0000

EarthTalk®
E - The Environmental Magazine

Dear EarthTalk: I hear the term “greenwashing” a lot these days but am still not sure exactly what it means. Can you enlighten?-- Ruth Markell, Indianapolis, IN

Hawaii's Threatened Coral Reefs

Sun, 21 Apr 2013 04:00:00 +0000

EarthTalk®
E - The Environmental Magazine

Dear EarthTalk: What’s the prognosis for Hawaii’s coral reefs in the face of global warming, invasive algae and other environmental threats?-- Bill Weston, San Francisco, CA

Biological Stowaways: Deadly Ballast Water

Virginia Prescott — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 13:26:16 +0000

Thirty years ago, a North American ship dumped ballast water containing comb jellyfish into the black sea and triggered a catastrophic decline in marine life. A decade later, discharged ballast containing a strain of cholera contaminated shellfish of the coast of Peru, killing more than 12,000 Latin Americans. These cases of biological stowaways are being targeted by the United Nations for regulation – but the treaty that would prevent future catastrophes has yet to be ratified. Fred Pearce is the environment consultant for New Scientist discusses the stowaway problem and potential solutions with us.

Getting Kids Outside To Appreciate Nature

Sun, 14 Apr 2013 04:00:00 +0000

EarthTalk®
E - The Environmental Magazine

Dear EarthTalk: My kids just want to play videos games and watch TV all day. Do you have any tips for getting them outside to appreciate nature more?-- Sue Levinson, Bowie, MD

African Elephants Declining Rapidly

Sun, 14 Apr 2013 04:00:00 +0000

EarthTalk®
E - The Environmental Magazine

Dear EarthTalk: How are populations of African elephants faring these days? What conservation efforts are underway and are they working?-- Libby Broullette, Salem, MA

Nature Schools

Melanie Plenda — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 17:11:58 +0000

President Obama’s newly unveiled budget is making political waves…he’s pushing for publicly funded “preschool for all,” paid for with a new tax on cigarettes. Here in New Hampshire, there’s been a different kind of preschool push…toward teaching kids outside. So-called nature preschools and forest kindergartens may sound like more fun than foundational, but this approach to early learning is gaining popularity for teaching the basics, while getting kids away from screens into the wilderness.

Cloud Cult: Musicians On A Mission

Virginia Prescott — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 15:16:02 +0000

You may know the band cloud cult from an animated commercial that aired during the Super Bowl a few years ago. In exchange for the work, e-Surance helped fund some of the band's costs for greening the recording of album. The fact that Cloud Cult chooses deals like that--writes heart-warming songs, and travels across the country to perform for good causes--may have you wondering if they are for real. But doing good and staying positive are deeply embedded in the DNA of Cloud Cult. This evening the band will perform a live acoustic set during a yoga class at the At Om Yoga studio in Concord. It’s a benefit for a local child with pediatric cancer. I talked with Craig Minowa, singer, guitarist, and leader of Cloud Cult before they headed to New Hampshire and can say that the whole kind-hearted thing is not just PR. In fact, I told him that they are just about the least cynical indie band I can think of.

Avoiding Environmental Cancer Triggers

Sun, 07 Apr 2013 04:00:00 +0000

EarthTalk®
E - The Environmental Magazine

Dear EarthTalk: I know that some of us are genetically predisposed to get cancer, but what are some ways we can avoid known environmental triggers for it?-- B. Northrup, Westport, MA

Global Warming Solutions

Sun, 07 Apr 2013 04:00:00 +0000

EarthTalk®
E - The Environmental Magazine

The "Production Tax Credit" for Renewal Energy Development

Sun, 31 Mar 2013 04:00:00 +0000

EarthTalk®
E - The Environmental Magazine

Dear EarthTalk: What is the "Production Tax Credit" and why is it so important to developing alternative renewable energy?-- Sean Gallagher, Boston, MA

Earth Day 2013: April 22

Sun, 31 Mar 2013 04:00:00 +0000

EarthTalk®
E - The Environmental Magazine

Dear EarthTalk: What is the theme of this year’s Earth Day festivities? -- J. Worden, Austin, TX

The Budget Sequester's Impact On The Environment

Sun, 24 Mar 2013 04:00:00 +0000

EarthTalk®
E - The Environmental Magazine

Dear EarthTalk: What does the budget sequester that recently took hold mean for the environment?-- Jane Burgos, Los Angeles, CA

Solar Roof Shingles

Sun, 24 Mar 2013 04:00:00 +0000

EarthTalk®
E - The Environmental Magazine

Dear EarthTalk: I’m getting my roof redone and have heard about solar shingles. Are they available—and are they practical for the Northeast?-- John Denson, Glastonbury, CT

Getting Kids Excited About Science On The Seacoast

Deborah Schachter — Sat, 23 Mar 2013 04:00:00 +0000

At the Seacoast Science Center at Odiorne Point in Rye, visitors learn about the science and beauty of marine life and the Gulf of Maine. Myra Sallet is a 13-year-old volunteer who particularly likes working with younger kids who come to explore.