by Kristina McKean Shopping as a sustainably-minded consumer can be a minefield. While on the hunt for a phone case recently (a purchase that should theoretically be simple), I was torn between products that ranged from “biodegradable” to “made from recycled material” to “carbon neutral” and everything in between. While assessing the various options’ ability […]
When green isn’t what it seems Read More »
by Michael Buza, Mike Carberry, Larry Gosselin, Julie Lowe and Richard Rollins We are in the midst of a global transition to clean energy. In the United States, although not receiving regular coverage in mainstream news, recent federal legislation and incentives are accelerating renewable energy development in every state. In rural areas, agricultural lands are
Best practices for agrivoltaics land-use planning and regulations Read More »
by Finley Harckham It wasn’t long after my daughter was born that I became hyper aware of just how prevalent gas powered leaf blowers (GPLB) are: first in my neighborhood in Los Angeles, and then even more so, in the New England suburb we moved to. Before becoming a parent, I’ll admit I didn’t give
A nightmare on our streets – fighting the insidious gas-powered leaf blower Read More »
by Neil Auwarter “If you can’t lend a hand, then get out of the way.” –Bob Dylan In March 2023, Sonoma County, CA, enacted an ordinance prohibiting new gas stations in the county’s unincorporated areas. “Gas stations can be toxic sites . . . and we need to shift away from fossil fuels if we’re
Red state legislatures use preemption to stymie local climate change measures Read More »
by Larry Gosselin, Julie Lowe, and Richard Rollins Agrivoltaics, which pairs solar panels (photovoltaics) with agriculture, is a double-duty climate solution that yields benefits to farmers while minimizing the Nation’s need to use undeveloped natural lands for solar energy development. By putting aside the historical practice of devoting land to a single purpose, this approach
Agrivoltaics combines production of agriculture and solar power Read More »
by Lauren Dixon After living through a tornado in March of 2023, it became clear to me that people are not treated equally when it comes to the resources and support available after experiencing a natural disaster. While the relationship between tornadoes and climate change may not be entirely clear, we do know that a
Caring for the environment also means caring for fellow humans Read More »
by Neil Auwarter “A society grows great when old men plant trees in whose shade they shall never sit.” – Greek Proverb But imagine if the reverse was true. Imagine that many of your elders not only failed to plant trees, but actively cut down existing forests. And imagine those elders seemed intent to smash,
Young activists trade backpacks for briefcases to litigate against climate change Read More »
by Lauren Dixon Hyperconsumerism is the excessive and relentless consumption of products and services beyond our basic needs. This phenomenon is driven by various factors, such as social pressure, a desire for status and identity, the urge to keep up with the latest trends, and the belief that material possessions bring happiness and fulfillment. The
Hyperconsumerism, fast fashion and the climate crisis Read More »
by Richard Rollins Over the years, it’s become clear that local actions often provide the incentives that government officials need to take critical actions designed to help us step back from the brink of climate disaster. “Public will, especially as expressed through citizen activism, is an important influence on the policymaker process,” noted Yale University’s School
Community Climate Action Awards lay the foundation for transformative change Read More »
by Roberto A. Chia-Balmaceda It comes as no surprise to see that companies such as Dominion Energy, with an ingrained stake in the future of the fossil fuel industry, would want to market energy sources such as natural gas (aka methane, its primary component) in a way that makes it as palatable as possible, even
The myth of the methane transition fuel Read More »
