It sounds like a plot from some sci-fi movie. The crows are coming. However, the large increase in the crow population in Japan is causing serious problems. Their nests, which they often build on electric poles, have caused a string of blackouts.The crows in Japan are more aggressive than in the United States, and have been known to attack small children for their food. The explosion of Japan's population of crows has been the growing abundance of garbage. Trying to rid the crows has been a difficult task.  read more »

When we think about wind turbines, we usually think about rural houses far from electrical service, or remote areas with small populations. However, with new technology wind turbines are turning up in populated residential neighborhoods.  read more »

Many of us have a drawer or a cabinet filled with paper or plastic bags. The tremendous use of these bags, especially at supermarkets, have signaled an alarm that we can no longer ignore. The disposal of these bags is an environmental nightmare. With this in mind, Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels announced a new proposal. Beginning next year shoppers will have to pay a 20-cent fee for every new paper or plastic bag they use to carry away goods from grocery, drug or convenience stores. Shoppers will be encourage to bring their own bags.  read more »

Because wolves were once on the verge of extinction they were reintroduced into Yellowstone National Park. With the recovery of the wolf population federal protection will end later this month. Therefore, in order to keep track of wolf population a new technology will be introduced. It is called the Howlbox. The Howlbox will emit "wolf howls", that will fool wolves into responding to these calls. With audio software scientists will be able keep track of packs of wolves, as well as individual wolves.  read more »

Invasive plants are one of the major dangers facing the American environment. Foreign plants introduced into our environment often destroy the local vegetation and can cause serious problems to an area's ecological habitat. In Yellowstone, the Canada thistle is changing the ecosystem of that area with surprising results. The rapid spread of the Canadian thistle has brought about an increase in the population of the grizzly bear and gophers, which thrive on the plant. Animals that can take advantage of a new food supply would prosper,however the danger is to species that can't adapt.  read more »

With demands for energy continually rising and the price for oil and gas ever increasing solar power could be the answer. We are not talking about the kind that use panels on homes to produce power. This type would use mirrors to cover acres of desert to produce steam, by directing sunlight on a fluid, and powering turbines, which would produce electricity. There is still a long way to go, but plans are being made to construct ten new plants. Two prototype thermal plants were opened with the capacity to have the ability to power large hotels in Las Vegas.  read more »

We know the impact pollution has had on land and our atmosphere. Scientists are now looking at the impact of pollutions on our oceans. Scientist are discovering that agricultural runoffs and sewage, which are just a few of the ways we pollute our oceans, are having disastrous effects on our seas. About 40% of oceans areas are strongly effected. Waters that were once pristine are no longer so. Invasive species endanger indigenous species, causing great concern for their survival.  read more »

Biofuels have been considered to alleviate greenhouse emissions. The push has therefore been applauded by environmentalists. However, new studies show that the benefits of biofuels may not be what we hoped for. The new study by the journal Science claim that the use of biofuels increase global environmental cost. The destruction of natural ecosystems, and rain forests, so land can be converted to cropland, release greenhouse gases into the atmosphere when they are burned and plowed. Croplands also absorb far less carbon than rain forests.  read more »

For many consumers that support "Going Green", there are eateries which cater to their idealology. For example, Gusto Grilled Organics in Greenwhich Village, has been cerified organic under the Northeast Organic Farming Association of N.Y.. However, at 13 New York and Chicago restaurants, they have found other ways of going green. Although the menus may not translate into "Green" these establishments have found other ways to be considered Green". At Del Posto, biodisel trucks fueled by its used cooking oil bring ingredients from upstate and return with the restaurant's compost.  read more »

Go green has become a "Battle Cry" in many communities around the country. Unfortunately, currently, it is easier said then done. The challenges facing us include legal restrictions by states, constrained on budgets and people' unwillingness to change. For instance, a proposal in Providence to have police use four cylinder cars was rejected when police complain that they need more powerful engines to pursue criminals. In Cleveland, plans to retrofit a hot water plant had to be canceled because of lack of money.  read more »