earth talk

Is Silicone Bakeware Safer Than Teflon?
EarthTalk
March 15, 2010
EarthTalk® From the Editors of E/The Environmental Magazine

Dear EarthTalk: Are there any health hazards associated with the use of the new silicone bake ware and cooking utensils? I have found information associated with the hazards/benefits of Teflon and other cookware but nothing on the use of silicone. -- Jean McCarthy, Sebastian, FL

With all the negative press about Teflon and about metals leaching out of...

Will hybrids make us more dependent on coal?
EarthTalk
March 15, 2010
EarthTalk® From the Editors of E/The Environmental Magazine

Dear EarthTalk: Isn't the interest in electric cars and plug-in hybrids going to spur increased reliance on coal as a power source? And is that really any better than gasoline/oil in terms of environmental impact?

-- Graham Rankin, via e-mail

It's true that the advent of electric cars is not necessarily a boon for the environment if it means simply...

What is the potential for carbon “nanotubes" in battery technology?
EarthTalk
March 4, 2010
EarthTalk® From the Editors of E/The Environmental Magazine

 

Q: What is the potential for carbon “nanotubes" in battery technology? I heard them referred to as the biggest battery breakthrough to come along in years. And what else can we expect to see in terms of new battery technology in coming years?                  ...

Where Do I Recycle Old Ski Boots (Hard Plastic)?
EarthTalk
February 23, 2010
EarthTalk® ¨From the Editors of E/The Environmental Magazine

Q: Dear EarthTalk: Where do I recycle old ski boots (hard plastic)? My recycling center does not take hard plastic.

-- Beth Fitzpatrick, Stamford, CT

A: Americans recycle more plastic than ever these days, but there are still plenty of items that are not accepted by municipalities, including many hard plastic items like ski...

What is the Effect of Melting Polar Ice Caps On the Salt Content of the Oceans?
EarthTalk
February 23, 2010
EarthTalk® ¨From the Editors of E/The Environmental Magazine

Q: Dear EarthTalk: If the ice caps are melting, what is happening to the salt content of the oceans? And might this contribute to weather patterns or cause other environmental problems?

 George Boyer, via e-mail

A: It's true that the melting of the polar ice caps as a result of...