environment

Tips and ideas for environmentally friendly living.

Dear EarthTalk: I drink a lot of coffee and I'm wondering how bad this is for the environment? And how I can make sure I'm feeding my 3-cup-a-day habit in the greenest way possible? - Denny Mahon, Worcester, MA

Dear EarthTalk: What are PFASs and why should we be concerned about them? -- Jim Stobbins, Cary, NC

PFASs--short for perfluoroalkyl substances--are synthetic chemicals of various formulations (including PFCs, PFOA, PFOS and GenX, among others) that are used widely in various products for moisture and stain resistance. Non-stick pans, rain jackets and carpeting are among thousands of different types of consumer goods that now contain one form or another of PFASs.

Dear EarthTalk: Considering all the well-publicized problems with plastic in our oceans, do you think that plastic has any kind of future? -- Lea Mauduit, via EarthTalk.org

Dear EarthTalk: Do environmental factors influence fall foliage colors? - Bess Walker, Clinton, CT

Dear EarthTalk: When will those gasoline driven leaf blowers that gardeners use be outlawed? The noise and toxic fumes they emit can't be good for us.   -- Judy, via email

Dear EarthTalk: I'm getting ready to join the electric car revolution now that my old clunker is getting on in age. What's the latest and greatest? And is now a good time to buy an EV? -- Doug Ellis, Sacramento, CA

Hybrid-electric cars have become more and more common on American roads since the Prius launched here in 2001. Now fully electric vehicles (EVs) are finally coming of age thanks to innovations by Tesla, Nissan, BMW, General Motors and others.

Dear EarthTalk: What are we doing about getting rid of all the plastic floating in the ocean and forming giant gyres far from land?  -- Jake Johnson, Merrimack, NH