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Why buy expensive, and possibly dangerous, cleaning chemicals when a little bit of vinegar can do the trick? What do you know about indoor air pollution, really? Can you compost eggshells? And what on this increadible shrinking planet are you gonna do with that shoebox of Triple A batteries? That's where your "Live Green" page comes in. Check in here for the latest tips on living an ecologically sustainable life. But, remember: You have to provide the vinegar!

Home Energy Audits

• One of the critical pillars of CPS Energy’s plan to reduce energy consumption in the community is through customer education.  To support the goal, CPS Energy has created a home energy audit checklist which identifies some of the obvious and not so obvious areas around the home to help improve its energy efficiency.  Take these Home Energy Audits from CPS Energy.

Tips for Green Living at Home

• Follow CPS Energy on Twitter for Energy Saving Tips.
• Yes, recycling really does matter.
• Understand San Antonio's two-cart system and use it.
• Love your topsoil: Grass-cycle, mulch & compost. Download your green guide to yard care to learn how.
• Make informed decisions about the chemicals you allow in your home.

ZeroHouse is Designed to be the Greenest of Them All

January 16, 2010 · It looks like it could take off. And the two Austin architects developing a prototype for an off-the-grid house designed to save as much energy as it consumes hope their project does just that, figuratively speaking.

Trademarked as the ZeroHouse, Scott Specht and Louise Harpman's compact modular structure shouts "futuristic," from the composting unit beneath it to the solar panels on the roof. It looks as if it could be housing for space pioneers, but Specht and Harpman have their sights set on planet Earth for its first occupant.

The ZeroHouse design is on the cutting edge of the green building movement: so-called net-zero houses that generate as much energy as they use over the course of a year and handle all or most of their own water and wastewater needs. They are built with renewable materials and advanced energy- and water-conservation features. [Source: Austin American-Statemen] -more-

Debate: Do Smart Meters Curb Energy Use?

January 8, 2010 · It's said that information is power but could information mean less power, when it comes to electricity use? Environmentalists and makers of so-called smart meters are convinced that's the case. They say if consumers could see in real time how much power they're using, they'd conserve more. But some behavioral economists say no way. They say electricity is so cheap that real-time information might lead people to run their lights and gadgets even more. -more-

Use of Potentially Harmful Chemicals Kept Secret Under Law

January 4, 2010 · Of the 84,000 chemicals in commercial use in the United States — from flame retardants in furniture to household cleaners — nearly 20 percent are secret, according to the Environmental Protection Agency, their names and physical properties guarded from consumers and virtually all public officials under a little-known federal provision. The policy was designed 33 years ago to protect trade secrets in a highly competitive industry. But critics — including the Obama administration — say the secrecy has grown out of control, making it impossible for regulators to control potential dangers or for consumers to know which toxic substances they might be exposed to. [Source: Washington Post] -more-

A Once-Dark Polaroid Factory Goes Green

January 4, 2010 · A shut-down Polaroid film factory in Massachusetts has gotten new life manufacturing flexible solar panels. It's just one example of a green industry that advocates say could use government support to spur job growth and help the environment. -more-

EPA Regional Chief an Activist

January 3, 2010 · After nearly a decade of feeling unheard by federal regulators, the activists say they now have one of their own as the top environmental official in the nation's oil, gas and chemical capital. [Source: Houston Chronicle] -more-

Going Organic Helps A Small Dairy Stay Afloat

January 3, 2010 · Up before dawn seven days week, Tim Maikshilo and Kristen Dellert still couldn't turn a profit off their conventional northern Vermont dairy farm. But after a couple of years with an empty barn, they gave it another go — this time, as part of an organic co-op. -more-

Landowner Calls On Death To Save Her Farm

October 25, 2009 · A few years ago, trees started coming down across the road from Joan Graham's Michigan horse farm. She set in place a plan to conserve her land after her death by giving it to a conservancy. But just to be safe, she added a grave twist: She would have her body — and anyone else who wanted to join her — buried on the land. -more-

Great Inventions Of 2009: The Vegawatt

December 27, 2009 · Restaurants usually pay about $100 a month to dispose of used oil from deep-fryers, but mechanical engineer James Peret of Massachusetts invented a way to turn that oil into energy savings. A small generator called the Vegawatt sits outside the restaurant, filtering out the old bits of food and pumping the clean oil into a system that can cut about $1,000 from a restaurant's utility bill. Guy Raz talks to Peret as part of our series on some of the great inventions of 2009. -more-

VIA Working to Recast Image of Mass Transit in San Antonio

November 29, 2009 · When one of San Antonio's best-connected political insiders was elected chairman of VIA Metropolitan Transit's board of trustees, it was a clear signal of imminent and sweeping changes for the agency. Henry Muñoz took over as chairman — elected to the seat by the board itself — on January 1, and quickly became the public face of an evolution already under way, one that had been quietly set in motion by Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff. Then, in May, VIA announced it recruited Keith Parker, a nationally renowned transit official from Charlotte, N.C., to lead the agency's day-to-day operations as president and chief executive officer. [Source: San Antonio Express-News] -more-

Financial Crisis Is 'Green' For The Environment

November 20, 2009 · New studies are projecting that carbon dioxide emissions — greenhouse gas emissions — will decrease for the year 2009. That is thanks to the global recession. But the reprieve is small and expected to be short lived. -more-

California Requires TVs To Be More Energy Efficient

November 18, 2009 · Power-hungry TVs will be banned from store shelves in California after state regulators adopted a first-in-the nation mandate to lower electricity demand. On a unanimous vote, the California Energy Commission on Wednesday required all new televisions up to 58 inches to be more energy efficient beginning in 2011. -more-

Nanosilver in Consumer Products: No Silver Lining for Fish

November 17, 2009 · Smaller than a virus and used in more than 200 consumer products, silver nanoparticles can kill and mutate fish embryos, new research shows. Tiny particles of silver – potent anti-microbial agents that can kill bacteria on contact – are becoming increasingly popular in consumer goods, including washing machines, refrigerators, clothing and toys. But as use of these microscopic silver particles grows, some scientists now are raising concerns about potential effects on the environment and human health. [Source: Environmental Health News] -more-

Green Movement Gaining Speed in Dallas-Fort Worth

November 1, 2009 · Local businesses selling Earth-friendly products and services say they're doing well despite the general downturn. City governments are boosting purchases of clean, renewable power. Planners and developers are working to limit suburban sprawl. And at Cedar Valley College in Lancaster, Shahed Mustafa's students are learning to make a living by analyzing homes' energy use to cut power demands, utility bills and pollution. As they chase down every wasted watt, they'll also be changing minds. [Source: Dallas Morning News] -more-

Climate Change in Our Own Backyards

October 27, 2009 · Marketplace sustainability reporters Sam Eaton and Sarah Gardner discuss the radical changes Americans are seeing to their surroundings as temperatures rise from global warming. -more-

Going 'Green' For Halloween?

October 25, 2009 · Many little trick or treaters are preparing for Halloween, and some parents are teaching their kids how to help the planet in the process. Regular parenting contributor Jolene Ivey is joined by Lynn Colwell and Corey Colwell-Lipson, co-authors of Celebrate Green! Creating Eco-Savvy Holidays, Celebrations and Traditions for the Whole Family, to discuss how to go "green" this Halloween. -more-

Blend of Native Grasses Shows Promise For Drought-Resistant Lawns

October 25, 2009 · When ecologist Mark Simmons stands on a well-kept lawn, he can appreciate its beauty and the tingle of close-cropped grass under bare feet. He also can't help but see water, fertilizer, pesticides and lawn mowers. For most homeowners the greenest-looking component of their residence — lawns of St. Augustine and Bermuda grass — belie their steep environmental costs of consuming half the area's drinking water and filling bayous and bays with pollutants. [Source: Houston Chronicle] -more-

Questions Linger Over Energy Star Ratings

October 22, 2009 · Energy Stars are those blue stickers that are supposed to help you choose the most energy-efficient appliances, TVs and other power-hungry gadgets. More than a third of Americans use them to pick products, but some flaws in the program have raised doubts about the ratings. -more-

Related Link: How Green Is It? Series

Prairie Pioneer Seeks To Reinvent The Way We Farm

October 21, 2009 · A man from the Plains is on a mission to change the way we farm. For the past 33 years, this farmer has devoted his life to creating new strains of crops that will thrive year-round without depleting the soil. -more-

Food Recycling Law A Hit In San Francisco

October 21, 2009 · As of Wednesday, the city is requiring residents to discard food waste in a separate bin. The food waste will be turned into compost and sold to farms and vineyards. Residents are so pleased about the law that many have been complying ahead of its start date. -more-

In Ariz., Luring Suburbanites To Greener, Urban Life

October 15, 2009 · Phoenix is one of the nation's fastest-growing and most sprawling metropolitan areas. Cheap and plentiful land has led to an ever-expanding ring of suburbs, and commuting downtown can take longer than an hour. Now, a small developer is buying up foreclosed houses near mass transit lines in the city, renovating them to green building standards, and marketing them to young professionals who may be tired of commuting. -more-

Related Link: How Green Is It? Series

Schools Go For Gold At Solar Decathlon

October 12, 2009 · Recycled blue jeans, solar panels and smart phones all helped make homes more energy efficient in this year's Solar Decathlon. Twenty teams are in the nation's capital, vying for the top prize in architecture, engineering and other fields. Winners will be announced later this week. -more-

Related Link: How Green Is It? Series

Thinking Of New Windows? Save Your Energy

October 11, 2009 · Anyone replacing old, drafty windows at home with new energy-efficient ones can get a federal tax credit of up to $1,500. But energy experts say there are less expensive ways to reduce energy costs. -more-

Related Link: How Green Is It? Series

Solar Power: Turns Out That Yes, You Can Take It With You

October 5, 2009 · I've been thinking about solar energy lately. And thankfully, it's more interesting to think about right now than it ever has been. I'm looking for solar chargers -- something light and durable that also works in partial sunlight. -more-

Greener Houston Grapples With Diversity And Sprawl

September 15, 2009 · The city of Houston faces two main challenges as it grows: protecting its environment and preserving its character. Local politicians are trying new approaches to solving those issues. A series of reports explores how their efforts are faring. -more-

Green Revolutionary Norman Borlaug Dies

September 13, 2009 · Nobel Prize-winner Norman Borlaug has died at the age of 95 at his home in Dallas, Texas. Borlaug was known as the father of the "green revolution." Independent radio producer Dan Charles has this obit. -more-

Scalding A Quarter-Mile In An Electric Ford Pinto

August 24, 2009 · For many, the image of an electric car is a hybrid, like the Toyota Prius. But can you picture a souped-up, battery-powered muscle car? On some racetracks, electric dragsters are beating their gas-guzzling counterparts. -more-

Clunker Program's Environmental Merits Questioned

August 23, 2009 · The Cash for Clunkers program was touted as a way to stimulate the flat-lining auto industry and to improve the environment. President Obama celebrated the program as a triumph. But while dealers could barely keep up with demand, questions remain about the program's effect on Mother Earth. -more-

For Early Man, It Wasn't Easier Being Green

August 23, 2009 · Researchers are rethinking the notion that hunter-gatherers lived in harmony with their environment. Archaeologist Torben Rick says indigenous people altered America's coastlines, thousands of years ago, to make their lives more comfortable. -more-

Sizing Up Sustainable Food

August 21, 2009 · [Talk of the Nation] These days some shoppers are looking at more than the price of their groceries; they're also considering "food miles" — how far the grapes or pork chops traveled to get to the store. But some experts say eating food grown locally isn't necessarily the best way to go green at the grocery store. -more-

Is 'Clunkers' Helping Or Hurting The Environment?

August 13, 2009 · The Los Angeles Times reported Thursday that the government's hugely popular Cash for Clunkers program is leaving some of the most polluting automobiles on the road. Cars built before 1984 are excluded from the program because of lobbying efforts by classic car interests. Madeleine Brand speaks with L.A. Times reporter Ken Bensinger about the exemption. -more-

White Pages Look to Go Green

August 13, 2009 · Each year, an estimated 5 million trees are cut down just to publish the White Pages phone book. It's hard to cut down on the environmental harm because many states require phone companies to publish and deliver white pages phone books to every landline subscriber. On Wednesday, Whitepages.com, an online directory, released a survey of 1,000 adults showing the great majority of people want laws to allow people to "opt-in" if they want a hard copy of the white pages. -more-

230 mpg for Chevy Volt? Not always

August 12, 2009 · General Motors says its Chevy Volt can get 230 mpg. But the bloggers over at Environmental Economics found out how GM really arrived at that number. -more-

Debate Over Plastic Bags Heats Up In Seattle

August 10, 2009 · In an effort to reduce plastic and paper waste, Seattle's City Council imposed a 20-cent-per-bag charge last year. But the American Chemistry Council helped fund a petition drive that forced the issue to a citywide ballot that is coming up on Aug. 18.-more-

The Costs of a More Efficient Home

August 10, 2009 · The House climate bill passed in June would require all new homes to be 30 percent more efficient by 2010. Will that hurt any housing rebound? Sam Eaton reports. -more-

A Green Makeover For Historic Boston Home

August 10, 2009 · A very old house in Boston's Roxbury neighborhood is getting an extreme green makeover. The house uses super-insulating materials so that it won't need a furnace in the winter. -more-

How Green Are Reusable Bags?

August 7, 2009 · They have become as much a fashion statement as a political one. From the Whole Foods Market to Home Depot, stores are jumping on the reusable-bag bandwagon, delighting many eco-minded shoppers. But bagger, beware! Not all reusable bags are created equal.-more-

This story is part of a special series on All Things Considered called "How Green is It?" Click here for more.

Discarded Clunkers Clog Up Junkyards

August 6, 2009 · Cash for Clunkers was supposed to reduce the number of polluting cars on the road. But all those discarded cars are now clogging up junkyards. And disposing of them will be no small task. Sam Eaton reports. -more-

The Shaky Economics Of 'Cash For Clunkers'

August 6, 2009 · A government program enticing people to trade in old cars for new ones has proved wildly popular, except with economists. They say the benefits of "cash for clunkers" may not outweigh the costs, in terms of finances or the environment. -more-

Critics Say 'Clunkers' Program Isn't Very Green

August 3, 2009 · The "cash for clunkers" program was designed to move new cars off the lots, and so far it's working. But it was also supposed to help the environment by replacing gas guzzlers with more fuel-efficient vehicles. Critics say it isn't creating a market for the most fuel-efficient cars. -more-

This story is part of a special series on All Things Considered called "How Green is It?" Click here for more.

There's Growth For Green Prefab Homes

August 4, 2009 · Glossy home magazines once celebrated the rise of modern prefab architecture with its clean lines and green materials. Then the housing market crashed. But green prefab isn't dead. Sam Eaton reports. -more-

Weak Economy Makes Solar Panels More Affordable to Homeowners

August 1, 2009 · If you're searching for a bright spot in a dismal economic climate, look no farther than your roof. The downturn is helping to make solar panels more affordable. Manufacturers are cutting prices to move inventory. Uncle Sam is helping too. As part of the economic stimulus package, the federal government this year boosted tax credits to homeowners who switch to solar power. Together with state incentives, those subsidies could slash the cost of some systems in California by 50% or more. Some homeowners are banding together into buying groups for even bigger savings. [Source: Los Angeles Times] -more-

White Roofs Catch on as Energy Cost Cutters

July 29, 2009 · Relying on the centuries-old principle that white objects absorb less heat than dark ones, homeowners are in the vanguard of a movement embracing “cool roofs” as one of the most affordable weapons against climate change.

Studies show that white roofs reduce air-conditioning costs by 20 percent or more in hot, sunny weather. Lower energy consumption also means fewer of the carbon dioxide emissions that contribute to global warming. [Source: The New York Times] -more-

'Smart Grid' May Have Safety Blind Spot

July 7, 2009 · Microsoft launched a free program this week that lets you track and change your energy consumption down to individual appliances. But what's being called the "smart grid" may be leaving the door open to cyber attacks. Sam Eaton reports. -more-

Measuring The Carbon Footprint Of A Charcoal Grill

July 4, 2009 · Researcher Eric Johnson recently revealed that charcoal grills leave a much larger carbon footprint than their gas-powered counterparts. On what may be the busiest grilling day of the year, Guy Raz speaks with Johnson about his study. -more-

Diesel Cars Attempt Comeback With Clean Diesel

July 1, 2009 · Hybrid cars have been getting a lot of publicity lately. Now some manufacturers are offering another option: "clean diesel" cars. Some can get 40 or even 50 miles to the gallon; they aren't the noisy, smoke belching and sluggish diesels of years ago. -more-

San Angelo HUD Home at Zero Energy

June 23, 2009 · Caroline Bowman has been on the City of San Angelo Community Development Division’s waiting list for a new house for six years. Her turn has finally come, and it was worth the wait. She will live in the first zero-energy Leaders in Energy and Environmental Design house in San Angelo, which is also the first U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development-funded zero-energy house in the nation. [Source: gosanangelo.com] -more-

Bubble Bandits Defy Dishwashing Soap Ban

June 22, 2009 · Spokane County, Washington, became the first place in the country to ban the sale of high-phosphate dishwasher soap — which includes most popular brands. And that's meant a boom in trafficking of "illegal" diswasher soap from nearby Idaho. -more-

Green East Austin Neighborhood to Reach Net-Zero

June 14, 2009 · Three miles from downtown in East Austin, the first homes are rising at a project that aims to set a precedent by combining green building, affordability and aesthetics.

Through solar power and other energy-saving features, the two- and three-bedroom homes are designed to produce at least as much energy as they consume over a year. [Source: Austin American-Statemen] -more-

Make a Splash Saving Pool-Related Energy

June 5, 2009 · Compact fluorescent bulbs? Check.

Low-flow showers and toilets? Check.

Swimming pool? Did that wash out some carbon credits?

True, pools can gobble resources, especially energy, with pumps, heaters and lights, and the obvious water. But green and pools don’t have to be mutually exclusive (though in the algae sense of green, we hope they are). [Source: Houston Chronicle] -more-

Where's My Cap-And-Trade Primer?

June 12, 2009 · Congress is about to take up legislation to curb carbon emissions with a cap-and-trade program. To understand how the cap-and-trade system works, no textbook is required. You just have to be familar with the word dude — like surfer dude.-more-

In India, Bucking The 'Revolution' By Going Organic

June 1, 2009 · When the modern, chemical-reliant system of farming — the so-called Green Revolution of the 1960s and '70s — swept across India's Punjab region, farmers abandoned traditional methods for synthetic fertilizers, pesticides and high-yield seeds. Now, an increasing number of Indian farmers are switching to organic methods. -more-

Students Prepare $100,000 Vehicle for its Run in the Sun

May 28, 2009 · Food shortages have doomed civilizations for millennia. Lester Brown, founder and president of the Earth Policy Institute, argues that environmental degradation could lead to devastating food shortages today, despite advanced farm technology and genetically engineered crops. [Source: San Marcos Record ]-more-

What's Behind that Energy Star Label?

May 26, 2009 · Consumers rely on the Energy Star label to tell them which products are the most energy efficient. But how thoroughly are those products tested before slapped with the green tag? Caitlan Carroll reports. -more-

Clean Scapes Landscapes Converts Mowers to Propane Power

May 26, 2009 · Local landscaping company Clean Scapes maintains the lush landscape at the Texas State Capitol. While it is the company's job to make sure the grass stays green, Clean Scapes has also made it their mission to use green equipment.

Clean Scapes recently spent thousands of dollars converting their gas-powered mowers to propane ones. Propane mowers run on cleaner fuel, do not produce as many harmful emissions, and decreases fuel costs. Propane currently costs 30-50 percent less per gallon than diesel fuel.

"We maintain hundreds of properties around Central Texas and San Antonio, but we feel we should do it in the best environmentally-responsible way. Converting our mowers from gas to propane seems like the most productive way," Clean Scapes co-owner Ivan Giraldo said. [Source: Community Impact Newspaper] -more-

Native Plants Bring Wildlife To The Garden

May 22, 2009 · [Talk of the Nation] Many ornamental plants common to American yards are exotic species that local bugs haven't evolved to munch on. In his book Bringing Nature Home, entomologist Doug Tallamy encourages gardeners to invite bugs, birds and other wildlife back by planting native species. -more-

Will Food Shortages Reshape The World Again?

May 21, 2009 · [Talk of the Nation] Food shortages have doomed civilizations for millennia. Lester Brown, founder and president of the Earth Policy Institute, argues that environmental degradation could lead to devastating food shortages today, despite advanced farm technology and genetically engineered crops. -more-

Backyard Coops Make Chicks Chic

May 21, 2009 · Chickens aren't just for farms anymore. Urban hens are now hip. Across the country, city dwellers — attracted by the idea of fresh eggs, a new hobby or even unique pets — are keeping flocks. -more-

Tests Find Suspect Materials In Chinese Drywall

May 21, 2009 · During the big building boom after Hurricane Katrina, drywall was scarce. Imports of wallboard from China helped fill the gap. Homeowners in at least 16 states are complaining that Chinese drywall is making them sick or corroding their appliances. Testing by the Environmental Protection Agency shows the Chinese drywall contains sulfur and other chemicals that aren't in American wallboard. -more-

Stimulus Offers Tax Credit For Energy Efficiency

May 12, 2009 · Need new windows or a heat pump? As part of the federal stimulus package, Uncle Sam is offering tax credits of up to $1,500 for homeowners who make energy efficient home improvements. And if you're installing solar panels the credits are even bigger. -more-

Green 'Czar' Pushes Jobs, Community-Building

May 12, 2009 · Van Jones has been on a crusade to "green the ghetto" by killing two birds with one stone: reducing poverty and saving the environment. Recently appointed as Obama's "green czar," Jones now has an opportunity to implement his vision: "new work, new wealth and better health for all Americans." -more-

Xeriscaping Causes Neighborhood Rift

May 10, 2009 · Motorists wound their way slowly through Alamo Heights and the Brook Hollow neighborhood Saturday, looking intently at yards. But it wasn't old exercise equipment and children's clothing that drew their attention. Instead, it was native plants, mulch and crushed rock.

The landscape is part of a movement called xeriscaping, and it's all about using drought-resistant native plants and other material that require a fraction of the water needed by a standard lawn. And with San Antonio in the grips of a prolonged drought, it's an alternative the San Antonio Water System and conservation-minded organizations want residents to take seriously, one reason the utility sponsored Saturday's tour.

Despite the cheerleading, changing out the classic American lawn for a more drought-tolerant landscape is not always an easy sell in San Antonio. [Source: San Antonio Express-News] -more-

Mandatory Composting May Come to San Francisco

May 8, 2009 · San Francisco wants to boost its high recycling rate, so it may become the first city to make composting and recycling mandatory. And there could be stiff penalties for those who don't comply. Caitlan Carroll reports. -more-

Solar Users Could Trade Power for Cash

May 7, 2009 · Solar panel users who generate more power than they need currently relinquish that excess energy to local utilities. A Senate committee is considering whether to require those companies to pay for that energy. Jennifer Collins reports. -more-

Tornado-Ravaged Town Seeks Rebirth as 'Laboratory for Eco-Friendly Living'

May 4, 2009 · This is the story of a High Plains town, the tornado that broke it and the forces of nature that could build it back.

The EF5 twister -- nearly 2 miles wide -- came from the south two years ago tonight. Winds clocked at more than 200 miles an hour lifted and shredded more than 95 percent of Greensburg's buildings.

A third of the town's 1,400 residents salvaged what they could and left, but those who stayed vowed to build back a 21st-century showcase of sustainability. [Source: New York Times] -more-

Austin Man’s Roadster Goes Fast — Without Gas

April 27, 2009 · Just before Barry McConachie presses down the pedal of his bright red Tesla Roadster, he likes to give a quick glance up and down the wooded road to make sure his neighborhood is all clear. Then, as the car pins him back with roller-coaster-like acceleration, he breaks into one of his self-described "Tesla grins" — a smug mug that says, man, can this thing move. [Source: Austin-American Statemen] -more-

Ban the Burger, Save the World

April 22, 2009 · Hamburgers and pizza disappeared from scores of university and corporate cafeterias across the country Wednesday to raise awareness about the effect food has on the environment. The University of San Francisco dining hall is among sites that pulled beef and cheese off menus in honor of Earth Day. -more-

Cap-And-Trade Could Reach Households

April 22, 2009 · The House will spend its Earth Day debating a plan to limit greenhouse gases. One proposal is a cap-and trade program that would drive 80 percent emissions reduction over 40 years, with costs passed onto households. Jennifer Collins reports. -more-

An Overflow of Green Marketing

April 22, 2009 · Companies are coming out in full force to show their support for green on Earth Day. But is all this green marketing effective? Jennifer Collins reports. -more-

Back To Basics: Good For You, Good For The Earth

April 22, 2009 · How we eat — and certainly what we eat — has a real impact on both our bodies and the Earth. That's something to think about on Earth Day. -more-

Ex-criminals Give Lives Solar Power

April 22, 2009 · A Los Angeles gang-prevention program helps give ex-gang members new direction by teaching them how to install solar panels. The program provides hope for ex-criminals, even in a tough job market. Caitlan Carroll reports. -more-

San Antonio Clean Tech Forum

April 22, 2009 · Video of the San Antonio Clean Tech Forum [Source: San Antonio Express-News] -more-

Payless Introduces Eco-Friendly Shoes

April 17, 2009 · One of the country's biggest shoe companies is trying to bring eco-friendly fashion to the feet of the masses. Payless ShoeSource introduced its first line of "green" footwear this week. -more-

Obama Plan Boosts S.A.-Austin Commuter Rail

April 17, 2009 · Long-planned but unfunded, the San Antonio-Austin passenger rail service gained a brighter outlook Thursday when President Barack Obama identified 10 potential corridors for high-speed rail and outlined plans to begin developing the network with $8 billion in already-approved stimulus funding. [Source: San Antonio Express-News] -more-

Eco-friendly Labelling? It's a lot of 'Greenwash'

April 17, 2009 · 98% of product claims fail 'sin-free' test, marketing experts say [Source: Toronto Star] -more-

Architects Fight Climate Change

April 16, 2009 · [Living on Earth] A group of architects have joined forces to design buildings that use no fossil fuels by the year 2030. -more-

Environmentalists Adopt New Weapon: Seed Balls

April 15, 2009 · Activists in Brooklyn, N.Y., are throwing seed balls into abandoned lots and dirt piles. The balls — made of mulch, seed mixture and red terra-cotta clay — break down in the rain, and the seeds germinate. One activist calls it a way to take control of a small piece of the planet. -more-

Could Battery-Powered Riding Mowers Catch On?

April 13, 2009 · Some see seated lawn mowers as an efficient way to cut the grass. Others find them to be a noisy and dirty intrusion. One company in Wisconsin is hoping to clean up the riding mower's image with a battery-powered model. Will consumers balk at the higher price? -more-

Eco-Christians are Wary of Carbon Sin

April 10, 2009 · A group of Christians staying vigilant over their carbon footprint for Lent is just one example of what the religious sect is doing to stay conscious of their eco-impact. Jennifer Collins reports on the effectiveness of a carbon fast. -more-

Talking Tomatoes Into Growing Bigger

April 4, 2009 · The proposition that certain sounds at certain pitches might assuage and delight plants is an article of faith among some plant lovers. That such sounds might include the human voice is a matter of some debate. -more-

Driver Technique Matters With Plug-In Hybrids

April 2, 2009 · The Energy Department has been testing plug-in hybrid cars. Road tests indicate the cars have gotten far lower mileage than expected. However, proponents say drivers need to be trained to take full advantage of the technology. -more-

A Social Experiment: Communes In Cul-De-Sacs

April 2, 2009 · Stephanie Smith, who launched the project "Wanna Start A Commune?" has created a model to show how communities that live in cul-de-sacs can share resources and save money. But these communes are integrated into society, not separate from them, as in past models. -more-

Cheaper Dinner Grown in the Backyard

March 23, 2009 · Vegetable gardens are becoming increasingly popular as people want to save money on food in tight times. Several edible landscaping companies have popped up across the country in response to the trend. Andrew Stelzer reports. -more-

Green is a Better Sell when it's Positive

March 17, 2009 · Many Americans are already working green ideas into their lives, but those who aren't on board may be turned off by negative marketing. Ashley Milne-Tyte reports turning people on to green is easier when the positives are emphasized. -more-