Our trash pollutes beaches around the world

A recent cleanup of trash on a scenic Mexican beach seemed to confirm what many there thought: Most of the plastic garbage comes from outside Mexico. On Feb. 25, a cleanup collected more than 6 tons of trash and allowed participants to examine pieces for signs of where it came from. The answer: all over. …

Why do Americans think nuclear power is safe when near-meltdowns and leaks happen constantly?

In a previous post, I reported that 58% of Americans think nuclear power is safe. After reading the below reports one has to wonder why that is… 14 Near Meltdowns Among the litany of violations at U.S. nuclear power plants are missing or mishandled nuclear material, inadequate emergency plans, faulty backup power generators, corroded cooling pipes …

11 awesome achievements by the Department of Energy in 2011

Energy Secretary, Steven Chu January 10, 2012 Re: Year in Review   Dear Colleagues, As we enter the New Year and move forward with our efforts…(it’s) important to take a moment to reflect on the progress we have made. Across the complex, our workforce is reducing nuclear dangers, expanding the boundaries of science and innovation, …

Homemade organic toothpaste: baking soda and water (that’s it!)

A few months ago I made the switch from store toothpaste to the homemade version. There were so many recipes available on the internet that it was hard to find the right one. After several months of experimenting I’ve found the perfect recipe: Baking Soda + Water I can’t believe it either, but it works …

Homemade organic toothpaste: baking soda and water (that's it!)

A few months ago I made the switch from store toothpaste to the homemade version. There were so many recipes available on the internet that it was hard to find the right one. After several months of experimenting I’ve found the perfect recipe: Baking Soda + Water I can’t believe it either, but it works …

Our local toxic waste dump…in Huntington Beach

Down the street on Magnolia, just a few blocks form the beach, is the ASCON Landfill Site. This 38-acre parcel of land is a toxic waste dump containing waste from construction and oil drilling. It is considered a California Superfund site, meaning that it is one of the most toxic in the state. According to …

My first sex tape: The case against bottled water

Maybe you’ve seen SmartWater’s latest video featuring Jennifer Aniston, which they’ve dubbed “The Jennifer Aniston Sex Tape.” Today is World Water Day. I think it’s time to wean ourselves off the teat of the bottled water propaganda machine. I created “The Other Jennifer Aniston Sex Tape” in response to the insanity. Enjoy…

Am I a Crunchie Hipster or the New Urban Norm?

So there I am, in the kitchen, eating a Dupont Farmer’s Market carrot with some “Maryland-style” hummus I made at home. I proceed to throw the carrot top in the compost jar in the freezer, wash my hands with a locally made bar of soap (not an exotically scented bottle of liquid soap) which just …