Green Science

Clean coal -- isn't that an oxymoron? Not anymore. See how energy companies are using coal in cleaner ways to generate massive amounts of electricity. Alternative fuels may be making headway, but coal isn't used up yet. Find out why.

By Sarah Dowdey

Forest-fire prevention has been a touchstone of American consciousness since the creation of Smokey the Bear in the 1940s. But now, environmental experts believe that some amount of fire is good for the forest too.

By Laurie L. Dove

The idea behind a green transportation infrastructure is one that provides opportunities for people to get around their communities using their own power -- such as walking or biking. In this article we 10 ideas for greener transportation.

By Chris Warren

The transportation sector is the second largest producer of carbon dioxide emissions is the U.S. Is it possible to reduce emissions without stiffing the importing and exporting of goods? You'll discover the answer in this article.

By Dave Roos

Lots of people consider recycling to be kind of a no-brainer, something we all should do. It's good for the environment, it re-uses materials rather than creates new ones, it reduces landfills - the list goes on and on.

By Meghan E. Smith

Polystyrene -- the plastic used in items ranging from plastic forks to take-out boxes to life rafts -- can be recycled, but not without costs. What does it take to recycle polystyrene?

By John Kelly

What's the smartest step you can take to help reduce pollution and live in a more sustainable way?

By John Kelly

The automobile is one of the most important inventions of the past 150 years. This is not only because it provides convenient personal transport and great independence through mobility, but also because of the problems it can cause.

By Jane McGrath

Landfills have long been the final destination for garbage, but as they start to fill up, we're left to find ways to reduce our waste. What challenges are involved, and why isn't reducing waste as easy as it sounds?

By Jennifer Sellers

Although a certain amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) occurs naturally in the Earth's atmosphere, there are several human activities that increase levels of the greenhouse gas.

By Heather Kolich

Sunlight can break plastic down but not very fast. Is there a way to speed up the process so that natural environments like this one aren't cluttered with plastic debris for centuries?

By Nathan Chandler

The green movement isn't going to die just because the world ends. In fact, sustainable types might even have a leg up post-apocalypse. Here's how.

By Robert Lamb

Invasive species are found around the globe, and their presence outside of their native areas is damaging the world's ecosystems and threatening biodiversity. Some -- like the five on this list -- seem almost unstoppable.

By Melanie Radzicki McManus

Plastic's handy, hardy stuff, but we don't want to leave piles of old forks and water bottles for future generations to trip over. Can special additives that break down plastics faster save the day?

By Nathan Chandler

Only 25 percent of glass containers used by U.S. consumers were recycled in 2018, the most recent year for statistics. So, why aren't Americans doing better?

By Patrick J. Kiger

Farming technologies have allowed the world to be fed, even though most people no longer farm. Only 2 percent of Americans are farmers, versus 90 percent in the 1700s. Which tools and technologies have had the most impact on farming and why?

By Laurie L. Dove

Introducing a new species into an ecosystem can have unforeseen and disastrous consequences for the species that already live there.

By Karen Kirkpatrick

Global warming and climate change are terms often treated like synonyms, but they have different meanings. We'll explain the difference and why both are so important to know.

By Mark Mancini

Satellite data shows just how much air quality has improved during the coronavirus crisis, from China, India, Italy and beyond.

By Marco Hernandez

Will Amazon's age of home delivery bury the environment in extra boxes? You might be surprised by the answer.

By Laurie L. Dove

The unlikely symbiotic relationship of solar panels and agriculture is known as agrivoltaics. Is it coming to a farm near you?

By Allison Troutner

The disastrous Feb. 3 train derailment contaminated East Palestine, Ohio. We talked to an expert about the potential environmental and health impacts to come.

By Andrew J. Whelton

You may have seen an expiration date on your bottle of water, but why? Can a natural substance like water really go bad?

By Alia Hoyt

Rising sea levels, increased flood and extreme heat are all signs of climate change. Cities are trying some innovate strategies to cope with and mitigate these events.

By Dave Roos

The Mushroom Burial Suit is designed to give our dead bodies new life by breaking them down and nourishing the soil.

By Jesslyn Shields