Sustainability News
Latest in Sustainability
Plastic-eating enzyme could help solve the world’s pollution problem4/17/2018
Researchers believe the accidental discovery could be adapted at the industrial level
An international team of researchers may have accidentally engineered an enzyme that could help mitigate the global plastic pollution crisis.The enzyme… continue readingBy Sarah D. Young
Nestle can collect more water from Michigan despite 80,000 opposing comments4/12/2018
Michigan officials said that Nestle’s request to take more groundwater for its bottled water brand complied with the law
In a state with a history of water quality issues, locals are questioning why Nestle will soon be able to speed up its bottled water operations.The Mic… continue readingBy Amy Martyn
McDonald’s to ban plastic straws at some of its restaurants3/28/2018
Starting in May, the company will use paper straws at its U.K. restaurants
In response to growing public concern over the use of plastic straws in restaurants, McDonald’s has announced that it plans to start phasing out straws in… continue readingBy Sarah D. Young
McDonald’s, Starbucks commit to eco-friendly goals3/21/2018
The burger chain is reducing its emissions while Starbucks is developing a greener cup
More retailers than ever are taking measures to curb their negative impact on the environment and win over eco-minded consumers. McDonald’s and Starbucks a… continue readingBy Sarah D. Young
Straws are the latest frontier in battle to curb plastic pollution3/5/2018
One California town is banning plastic straws by June 1
A drink with a plastic straw is a familiar part of the restaurant experience for diners, and placing a straw in a glass can feel like second-nature for wor… continue readingBy Amy Martyn
Emissions from consumer products rival motor emission, study finds2/16/2018
Researchers say everyday products contribute to air pollution as much as cars
A new study finds that consumer products like cosmetics, soaps, paints, household cleaners, and other chemical-containing products are now a key contributo… continue readingBy Sarah D. Young
Dunkin’ Donuts announces eco-friendly switch to paper cups2/8/2018
The switch will remove a billion foam cups from landfills each year, the company says
Dunkin’ Donuts announced that it will start phasing out its controversial foam cups and replacing them with double-walled paper cups.The Massachusetts-… continue readingBy Sarah D. Young
Red Lobster makes sustainable seafood commitment2/5/2018
Promises only traceable, sustainable, and responsibly sourced fish are served
Seafood restaurant chain Red Lobster has announced a Seafood with Standards platform, promising to only purchase sustainably-produced fish.There are th… continue readingBy Mark Huffman
January, 2018
Storing food correctly is key to curbing waste, nutrition experts say1/25/2018
Here’s what you can do to lower your grocery bill and reduce food waste
Imported solar panels and washing machines hit with tariff1/23/2018
Trump Administration said it acted to protect U.S. jobs
September, 2017
What consumers can do to curb food waste9/20/2017
Moving past the idea that 'more is better' is key, experts say
Company says its natural gas pipeline 'operated safely' through Hurricane Irma9/14/2017
However, activists say the Sabal Trail Pipeline is dangerous and needs to be removed
Hurricane Irma likely to affect consumers in several states9/11/2017
About seven million Florida consumers are without power
Four less obvious hurricane hazards9/7/2017
Wind and water are not the only thing causing a threat
Irma fear factor sparks run on East Coast gas stations9/7/2017
Stations as far away as North Carolina are running dry
Study says most tap water contains plastic particles9/7/2017
Researchers say the environment is now filled with plastic
The ignored warnings before Hurricane Harvey9/6/2017
Before Hurricane Harvey, Texans tried to call attention to issues that the storm is once again bringing to light
August, 2017
Mexico offers help to Harvey-stricken Texas8/28/2017
The neighbor to the south sent troops and food to New Orleans after Katrina
Hurricane Harvey hammers Texas, threatens energy production8/27/2017
Houston freeways, airports flooded, causing flight delays nationwide
'Clean meat' start-up corrals some big-time investors8/24/2017
Food industry behemoth Cargill sees the potential to produce meat without killing animals
Solar eclipse blamed for salmon farm bust-out8/23/2017
Thousands of farmed fish escaped, putting native Washington State salmon at risk
Beverage industry lobbies for more bottled water at national parks amid attempts to curb plastic waste8/18/2017
The Park Service says that national parks can't stop concession providers from selling bottled water.
July, 2017
Scientists calculate the amount of plastic on earth7/20/2017
Most of it goes into landfills or the environment
Forest industry wants to blanket the south with invasive, flammable tree species7/12/2017
The federal government is clearing hurdles for a genetically modified eucalyptus tree to flourish.
Consumers voice overwhelming support to keep national monuments intact7/12/2017
Senators and environmental groups speak out against attempts to reduce or eliminate protected lands
Major tuna producer agrees to sustainable standards7/12/2017
Greenpeace calls it 'huge progress for oceans'
June, 2017
Mining industry hopes Trump will open more of the Grand Canyon for business6/30/2017
Energy companies have a chance of drilling or mining on more public land under a friendlier administration
Activists urge Mexican shrimp boycott to save a tiny porpoise6/12/2017
China's demand for an exotic fish bladder is driving a rare breed of porpoise to extinction
Local lawmakers carry heavier climate change burden in wake of Paris accord6/6/2017
Even corporations that plan to burn more fossil fuel are critical of President Trump's decision to leave the Paris climate agreement.
Dakota Access Pipeline firm monitored protesters and shared intel with police6/1/2017
Police have arrested dozens of anti-pipeline protesters and even filed federal charges against some
May, 2017
How paper waste could lead to a boom in the U.S. economy5/16/2017
Researchers say turning lignin into carbon fiber could create jobs in rural America
April, 2017
Florida's congressional establishment dips toes into grassroots anti-pipeline effort4/20/2017
Lawmakers are asking environmental groups about controversial oil and gas projects coming to Florida
Shoppers finding more sustainable tuna on store shelves4/18/2017
But Greenpeace charges major tuna producers have made less progress
Texas landowners, facing pipelines and border walls, push for eminent domain reform4/17/2017
An oil company is able to seize land to deliver natural gas to Mexico while the feds prepare for a border wall
Recycling program from Tom's of Maine aims to keep old toys out of landfills4/3/2017
Spring cleaning? Here's where to send your kids' broken toys
March, 2017
Feds deny bid to ban agricultural pesticide3/30/2017
Environmentalists say chlorpyrifos poses hazard to consumers and farm workers
Documents suggest EPA official helped Monsanto protect reputation amid glyphosate concerns3/16/2017
Critics for years had warned that there was not enough data affirming the safety of the most-used agricultural chemical
Cops get warrant to search an anti-Dakota Access Pipeline Facebook page3/10/2017
Attorneys from ACLU are fighting the Washington state warrant in court
In North Dakota, protesters are heavily monitored while a pipeline leak is ignored3/3/2017
A major protest and a major pipeline spill, both on reservations, drew very different responses
February, 2017
Witnesses describe heavily-armed police presence invading Standing Rock protest2/24/2017
One officer is heard asking another to pose for a photograph with a protester who says his hip is broken
Warm temperatures, not just drought, are shrinking the Colorado River, study says2/24/2017
The lifeblood of the Southwest is losing its flow
Tyson now says it will phase out all antibiotics in its chickens2/22/2017
Corporations are slowly heeding public health concerns
Is recycling really the best way to keep plastic out of the oceans?2/8/2017
Op-ed suggests that landfills keep plastic where it belongs -- in the earth
Critics warn Congress not to roll back Obama-era methane rules2/8/2017
Rules are intended to reduce emissions of the greenhouse gas
North Dakota lawmakers prematurely celebrate approval of Dakota Access Pipeline2/2/2017
Authorities say pipeline completion is inevitable, but the Corps of Engineers has not yet granted a key easement
January, 2017
Trump's 'order' to revive Dakota Access and Keystone XL pipelines may not be binding1/25/2017
The Army Corps of Engineers is still obliged to follow procedures established by law
A pipeline giant steamrolls its way through rural west Texas1/23/2017
Energy Transfer Partners is building a natural gas pipeline from Texas to Mexico, whether people want it or not
If Trump wants to fast-track oil and gas pipelines, he can thank Obama1/13/2017
The Obama administration issued quick permits for massive oil and gas projects
Complaints mount over dicamba-based herbicide sprays1/5/2017
Food growers say that a newer strain of genetically modified seeds is hurting their businesses
December, 2016
ExxonMobil, facing investigations over climate denial, says it is being discriminated against12/22/2016
Environmental groups hit with subpoenas as Rex Tillerson and company go on the offensive
With phones and drones, capturing Standing Rock images the public was never supposed to see12/20/2016
Social media has mobilized activists fighting the Dakota Access Pipeline
An oil pipeline leaks in North Dakota and experts aren't surprised12/12/2016
More than 176,000 gallons of crude oil recently leaked into a North Dakota creek, keeping up a troubling pattern
At Standing Rock, a mighty fortress grew12/9/2016
People of all faiths, ethnicities, tribes, and beliefs came together to work as one
Wendy's joins group in advancing sustainable beef12/6/2016
Company is joining the U.S. Roundtable for Sustainable Beef
Princess Cruise Lines pleads guilty to felony pollution12/1/2016
Officials claim one ship routinely dumped oily water and covered it up
November, 2016
Before Standing Rock, Dakota Access Pipeline faced resistance in Iowa11/29/2016
Energy Transfer Partners built its controversial pipeline in Iowa via eminent domain and slipshod science, locals testified
Exxon's investors sue energy giant for downplaying climate concerns11/25/2016
After Exxon revealed that it would have to write off some oil reserves, investors are suing
Hawaii counties can't regulate pesticides or GMOs, federal appeals court rules11/23/2016
An appeals court has sided with biotech companies
Tesla and SolarCity to run an entire island on solar power11/23/2016
A 1.4 megawatt microgrid will cover nearly 100% of power needs
Pipeline magnate has close ties with Texas institutions11/17/2016
Energy Transfer Partners, the company behind the Dakota Access Pipeline, wields an outsized influence in local and national politics
Wind developers expect more of the same under President Trump11/15/2016
The renewable industry isn't expecting more tax breaks, but they are optimistic that they will keep what exists.
October, 2016
Greenhouse gas pact will phase out HFCs in home appliances10/17/2016
The global agreement is supposed to help save the planet, but it will raise costs for manufacturers
August, 2016
Student-designed bottle cap could cut water waste by 33%8/30/2016
Attaching the caps to your faucets would increase the water pressure and reduce the flow rate
U.S. economy can't outgrow future natural disasters, study finds8/22/2016
Addressing global warming may be the only way, researchers suggest
California's Salton Sea becoming a toxic witches' brew, Boxer warns8/19/2016
State and federal agencies dawdle while the huge lake becomes more dangerous to humans and wildlife
California may ditch Daylight Saving Time8/15/2016
Enough with the sun already, a hot and drought-ridden state exclaims
Ultrasonic dryers may be the future of energy-efficient dryers8/12/2016
Instead of heat, these clothes dryers will use vibrations
Google's Project Sunroof puts solar energy within reach8/5/2016
The online tool shows homeowners their roof's solar panel potential
February, 2016
Switching to a more water-efficient showerhead can help combat water waste2/8/2016
Installing a WaterSense labeled showerhead can help your family conserve up to 2,900 gallons of water per year
October, 2015
Green buildings: great for the environment and for landlords10/26/2015
A new study shows that occupancy rates and tenant satisfaction are greater for green buildings
August, 2015
Price of wind energy at an all-time low8/12/2015
But most consumers have seen electric rates rise this year
July, 2015
Green buildings are good for the environment, but also for those that use them7/9/2015
Researchers have reported that there are several health benefits to living or working in these structures
September, 2013
The Italian job: When non-GMO farming didn't work9/25/2013
Sticking with non-GMO agriculture isn't always the solution
October, 2012
How Long Will Food Stay Fresh in a Powerless Fridge?10/29/2012
Millions of East Coast consumers may be asking that question
December, 2010
Which States Do You Think Produce the Most Inventions Per Capita in One Year?12/23/2010
Chances are they’re not the one’s you’d expect
April, 2008
Hybrid Parking Perk Under Fire in Los Angeles4/2/2008
Growing budget problems prompt closer look at hybrid perks
February, 2008
Tests Find Toxic Chemicals in Furniture2/26/2008
Toxins found in most Americans; highest levels in children
November, 2007
Tough Fuel Economy Demands from Senator Clinton11/6/2007
She joins other candidates in supporting 40 mpg by 2020
June, 2007
Honey Bee Disappearance May Be Linked To Pesticides6/29/2007
Pesticides Build Up in Hives, Researchers Find
March, 2007
Ethanol Driving Up Meat Prices, Congress Told3/8/2007
No Such Thing as a Cheap Lunch?
December, 2006
"Hot Fuel" Bilks Consumers, Lawsuit Charges12/18/2006
Fuel Expands When Hot, Delivering Less Energy Per Gallon
July, 2006
U.S. Fuel Economy Stagnant for 12 Years7/18/2006
Average New Vehicle Gets 21 MPG
May, 2006
Alternative Fuel Sources Are No Secret5/18/2006
Diesel, BioDiesel, E85, Hydrogen Top the List