Nature & Community

Where do the Presidential Candidates Stand on Environmental Issues?

Mother Earth News — Mon, 04 Feb 2008 01:48:46 GMT

Compare the 2008 presidential candidates as they stand on environmental issues, including links to easy-to-read charts, in-depth interviews and the candidate's environmental ratings from the League of Conservation Voters. Also, register to vote and locate your primary election polling place.

What's the most endangered mammal in the United States?

Mother Earth News — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 21:09:59 GMT

A Nature Conservancy director discusses the most endangered animal in the United States. The good news is this critter is on the rebound.

What Happened to Global Warming?

Mother Earth News — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 23:22:48 GMT

Brrr, it’s cold outside! Frigid temperatures and record snowfall in many areas may leave some people wondering what happened to global warming. Given the whiter-than-normal winter, is the Earth really still heating up? We talked to an expert climate scientist to get the scoop on whether recent wicked winter weather means global warming is cooling down.

Water Wars: Bottled or Tap?

Mother Earth News — Sun, 03 Feb 2008 06:52:24 GMT

Bottled water manufacturers’ marketing campaigns capitalize on isolated instances of contaminated public drinking water supplies by encouraging the perception that their products are purer and safer than tap water. But the reality is that tap water is actually held to more stringent quality standards than bottled water, and some brands of bottled water are just tap water in disguise. What’s more, our increasing consumption of bottled water — more than 22 gallons per U.S. citizen in 2004 according to the Earth Policy Institute — fuels an unsustainable industry that takes a heavy toll on the environment.

Sustainability Goes to College

Mother Earth News — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 14:56:07 GMT

From using biodiesel in their buses to serving locally grown food in their cafeterias, universities that belong to the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE) are taking steps to reduce their environmental impact and build stronger, more self-sufficient communities. Many member universities offer sustainability-related degrees, access to online publications, presentations and resources shared from other universities, and more.

Refuges are “Wildly” Successful

Mother Earth News — Sun, 03 Feb 2008 23:32:45 GMT

Our national wildlife refuges are more popular than ever as recreational destinations, according to a new report. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service estimates that nearly 35 million people visited refuges in 2006, generating almost $1.7 billion. The report also revealed that 27,000 private-sector refuge jobs produced $543 million in employment income.

News from Mother: More Interactive Than Ever Before

Mother Earth News — Sun, 03 Feb 2008 23:43:26 GMT

Mother Earth News is better than ever, with new departments, including more space for reader letters, reports and photo sharing, stemming from great reader feedback. Learn more about these recent improvements and Mother’s biggest, most engaged community yet.

Grow-Off, Show-Off Contest Winners

Mother Earth News — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 15:08:03 GMT

This year’s Grow-Off, Show-Off kitchen garden winners work hard promoting nutrition and building vibrant communities. Discover an international selection of the best kitchen gardens around.

Coming to Terms with Nature Terms

Mother Earth News — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 21:26:55 GMT

Ever wonder what’s the real difference between a bug and an insect? Between a fruit and a vegetable? Between a moth and a butterfly? The sometimes subtle differences that distinguish these terms are more than just busywork for scientists, they point to important distinctions that can be fascinating to learn. Plus, you can impress your friends with what separates turtles from tortoises, millipedes from centipedes!

Catch the Great Crane Migration

Mother Earth News — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 14:37:09 GMT

Each spring, hundreds of thousands of sandhill cranes make a much-needed pit stop on the Platte River in Nebraska as they make their journey north to Alaska and Canada. Anyone can watch this amazing spectacle; here’s how.