Green Ideas
Antibacterial products doing more harm than good, scientists say
August 18, 2016We all know that proper hygiene starts with hand washing – but are you doing your body — and the environment — more harm than good? You are if you’re using antibacterial soap, it seems. Scientists and doctors have long warned that antibacterial soap is creating antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Hospitals are increasingly seeing cases of MRSA …
From deep underground to deep trouble
August 1, 2016Can you name the next big thing in the mining industry? A newfound vein of gold or silver, perhaps? Rare earths that are used in cell phones? Previously untapped supplies of coal? Nope. It’s water. In India and other countries all over the globe, people have given up traditional farming and instead are selling water…
Every drop really does matter
July 25, 2016As you probably know, part of LCA’s motto is “every drop matters,” but have you ever thought about what that really means? As Dr. Kathryn Sullivan, Administrator for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration recently pointed out, “You may think every drop of rain falling from the sky, or each glass of water you drink, is…
Get mosquitoes to bug off – naturally
July 13, 2016With all the talk about the Zika virus this year, on top of the threat of West Nile, mosquitoes are more unwelcome than ever. While sprays with DEET work wonders, there’s always a concern that the chemicals could be doing as much harm as the biting bugs. We found a recipe on diynatural.com for an all-natural…
Install a rain barrel to keep that garden growing
July 7, 2016We’re entering the hot stretch of summer, when temperatures hover in the 90s and rain doesn’t arrive often enough to keep our vegetables and flowers sufficiently watered. It also means the water table will start to drop. In fact, the U.S.G.S. is already showing areas of the state that are nearing — or already in —…
Going with the flow
June 6, 2016How much water does your family use in a day? The answer may surprise you, because we’re not just talking about your daily home use — showers, laundry, toilet, etc. — of about 300 gallons. We’re talking about all the other products you use or consume that required water for their creation. An interesting National…
Aye, robot: Tiny techno tools can remove heavy metals from water
May 26, 2016Imagine a scene that sounds like it’s straight out of “Star Trek”: a scientist releases thousands of tiny robots into a heavily contaminated water supply. Within an hour, the water’s almost clean. According to an article from Water Online, this story isn’t science fiction at all. Researchers from Singapore, Germany and Spain have created…
Beware of the blob!
May 12, 2016According to the Ohio EPA, a toxic blob of PCB-laced sediment in Lake Erie is creeping closer and closer to a drinking water supply that’s used by 11 million people. Where’s Steve McQueen when you need him? While this blob may not be from outer space, its origins are just as creepy: It’s leftover sludge…
Let wildlife off the hook — clean up your trash this fishing season
April 14, 2016Trout season opens statewide on Saturday, and thousands of anglers will descend on the waterways of the Lehigh Valley to try their luck and test their skill. Yet fishing season also brings with it an increase in pollution in and around our lakes, rivers and streams. Anglers often leave behind discarded fishing line, bait tins, bottles…
It’s time to get that garden started
April 6, 2016It doesn’t feel like it, but it’s spring, and that means it’s time to start your vegetable garden. Start with the wrong veggies, though, and you’ll end up with … nothing but frost-wilted plants ready for the compost heap. The folks over at Rodale have some handy tips here and here to get you growing despite winter…