ENVIRONMENT

Oct 19 2025ENVIRONMENT

The Erie Canal: A Mixed Bag of Progress and Problems

The Erie Canal is a peaceful spot today, with people enjoying nature along its path. But back in 1825, when it first opened, it was a big deal for trade and travel. The canal cut through forests and fields, making way for mules to pull barges at 4 miles per hour. This was much faster than wagons on

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Oct 19 2025ENVIRONMENT

Double Trouble: How Urea and Glyphosate Mix Affects Earthworms

Earthworms play a big role in keeping soil healthy. But what happens when they're exposed to common farm chemicals like glyphosate and urea? A recent study looked into this and found some concerning results. First, it's important to know that glyphosate is a widely used herbicide. Urea, on the othe

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Oct 19 2025ENVIRONMENT

Alaska's Creative Trio Tackles Climate Change Through Art and Science

In the vast, icy landscapes of Alaska, three women are coming together to shed light on climate change in a unique way. Debbie Clarke Moderow, once a fierce competitor in the grueling Iditarod sled dog race, has traded her sled for a pen. Her journey from the race track to the written page is just o

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Oct 19 2025ENVIRONMENT

China's Battery Breakthrough: How Old EV Batteries Get a New Life

China is making big moves to handle old electric vehicle (EV) batteries in a smart and eco-friendly way. The country has set up 22 national standards to guide how these used batteries should be managed, taken apart, and tested. These rules are helping companies recover up to 99. 6% of valuable mater

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Oct 19 2025ENVIRONMENT

Sick Chickens, Bigger Carbon Footprint: How Diseases Affect Poultry Farming

Broiler chickens getting sick from pathogens like Eimeria and E. coli can really mess up their growth and make farming them worse for the environment. When chickens get these infections, they grow slower and need more food, which means they produce more carbon dioxide. This is bad news for both the

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Oct 19 2025ENVIRONMENT

Alaska's Ambler Road: A Costly Misstep?

The Trump administration has thrown its support behind a controversial mining road in Alaska's Ambler region, but is this really a good idea? The federal government has pledged $35. 6 million to Trilogy Metals, a Canadian company exploring the area. This investment is quite small for a mining compan

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Oct 18 2025ENVIRONMENT

Why Fall Cleanup Might Not Be So Clean for Nature

When the weather gets cooler, many people start cleaning up their yards. They cut back plants and remove leaves. They think they are doing the right thing. But is this really good for nature? Leaving plants and leaves alone can help insects and small animals survive the winter. These creatures need

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Oct 18 2025ENVIRONMENT

Balloons: Fun but Frightening for Nature and Power Grids

Mylar balloons, those shiny and colorful party favorites, come with a dark side. They might seem harmless, but they can cause big problems for both wildlife and power systems. These balloons can trigger fires and lead to massive power outages. Imagine a citywide blackout affecting hundreds of thous

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Oct 17 2025ENVIRONMENT

Michigan Takes Action Against Tiny Plastic Pollution

Michigan is stepping up its fight against microplastics, those tiny plastic bits that are everywhere. The state is launching a week-long campaign to educate people about this growing problem. From October 19 to 26, Michigan will host a series of events, including a cleanup in Lansing and a virtual s

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Oct 17 2025ENVIRONMENT

Protecting Our Wild Places: Why We Should Care About the Roadless Rule

People across the country, from different backgrounds and political views, agree on one thing: our public lands are precious and need protection. This was clear when millions of acres of public lands were almost sold off in a recent budget proposal. The public spoke up, and the sale was stopped. But

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