eco-friendly
Settle eco-friendly debates with data and practical tips
Making eco-friendly choices at home can cause arguments, but data-driven advice can help resolve common disputes.
In short:
- Green cleaning products now perform as effectively as conventional ones, provided they have independent certifications like Green Seal and EPA Safer Choice.
- At speeds up to 60 mph, it's more fuel-efficient to drive with car windows down; above that, using the AC is better, especially for sedans.
- Cloth cleaning rags are generally more effective and environmentally friendly than paper towels, but use paper towels for particularly messy jobs.
Key quote:
“Green products can and do perform as effectively as traditional cleaning products.”
— Jason Marshall, Toxics Use Reduction Institute at the University of Massachusetts at Lowell.
Why this matters:
Everyday household products, from cleaning supplies to furniture, often contain toxic chemicals that can pose significant health risks. By opting for eco-friendly alternatives, we can reduce our exposure to these harmful substances.
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Newsletter
EPA modifies car emissions standards, allowing extended credits for eco-friendly features
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has relaxed its vehicle emissions rules, allowing car manufacturers additional time and flexibility in meeting the new standards through credits for environmental innovations.
In short:
- The EPA's latest vehicle pollution standards extend two programs that make it easier for carmakers to comply with emissions requirements through innovative features.
- Environmentalists express concern that these extended crediting programs might serve as loopholes, weakening the rule's impact on reducing transportation emissions.
- The final rule anticipates a slower transition to electric vehicles than previously projected, with 56% of cars expected to be battery-operated by 2032.
Key quote:
“The result will be more pollution, more gas-guzzling, consumers pay more at the pump, we’re more in hock to OPEC. The consequences can go on and on.”
— Dan Becker, director of the safe climate campaign at the Center for Biological Diversity
Why this matters:
Automakers find themselves at a crossroads, navigating between federal mandates and consumer demand for more environmentally friendly vehicles. Electric vehicle adoption is on the rise, propelled by advancements in technology and a growing eco-conscious consumer base. Achieving widespread EV adoption requires not just innovation but also infrastructure development and policy support.
The role of electric vehicles in the push for environmental justice.
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Bangladesh apparel industry makes progress in ‘eco-friendly’ manufacturing
According to the United Nations Environment Programme, the fashion industry is responsible for 10% of carbon emissions annually. If the current pace of greenhouse gas emissions continues, it will surge by more than 50% by 2030.
Eco-friendly cruises: Examining the efforts to green the cruise ship business
Cruise ships are notoriously bad for the environment, but this might be changing.
King Charles praised for wearing 40-year-old coat: 'We stan sustainability'
King Charles III has won the praise of fashion-conscious social media users after he appeared at a recent Sandringham church service wearing a coat he's been seen in repeatedly over the past four decades.
How sustainable is wind power?
Wind power is essential to fighting climate change, yet building the turbines is energy-intensive and the blades are made from plastics. So how eco-friendly is wind power really?
Allbirds' new clothing line includes t-shirts made from crab shells
The eco-friendly startup launched with shoes. With its debut apparel collection, it is now a fully fledged fashion brand.
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