Down to Earth Archives
Plan to clean-up power plants unveiled
The Energy Department has unveiled its blueprint for spending up to $1.3 billion to develop a non-polluting, coal-fired power plant. The idea is to capture carbon emissions from such plants and permanently store them underground.
Cold weather takes toll on Minnesota songbirds
"They'd fly out a little, come back, sit down, and within that little group of swallows that were all huddled together they were just dropping over dead."
US ship spills fuel off Peru
The spill is threatening a national reserve, home to sea lions and dolphins.
California monastery goes green
The monastery has already installed a $500,000 solar energy system. They claim the savings equals about 120 tons of carbon dioxide a year, or roughly the same as driving 240,000 miles.
Discarded garbage a problem in Colorado Springs
Just one month's worth of garbage gathered from creeks and ditches stands a good 30 feet high and 50 feet across. Somewhere inside the pile is a hot tub, more than 20 grocery carts, and old bicycles.
Drivers training school goes green
A company that teaches students to drive uses only hybrid vehicles.
Scientists study 1,100 lb. giant squid
It measures 26 feet long, weighs nearly 1,100 pounds and is the largest and best preserved giant squid ever caught
More investors putting money into green companies
Noel Haras said becoming a father changed his world forever. His new children changed the way he looked at his portfolio, too. Haras said he started working with a financial advisor 19 months ago, when his twins were born.
New Zealand Glacier melting at alarming rate
A lake has formed next to it and is gradually melting the glacier.
Tornado victims rebuild green
"We're shooting to make it the greenest town in America." They'll use wind, solar and biofuel. National Renewable Energy Lab consultants are helping residents build homes up to 50% more energy efficient than their old homes.
More homeowners installing fake grass
The change cut Kathleen and Bob Stauffacher's water bill in half.
Plant your greeting cards to grow flowers
You plant the paper right in the ground. Water it and within five to ten days, it sprouts.
Moo poo to power brew
Long Trail Brewing Company gives grain by-products from the brewing process to farmers to feed their cows. Now, Long Trail will use electricity generated from cow manure to power the brewery.
Lawsuit filed over slaughtered bison
The lawsuit claims the disgruntled neighbor hired 14 hunters to kill the animals. The carcasses of the buffalo were found last month strewn over hundreds of acres.
People celebrate Earth Day in Pueblo
The world's population is larger than ever, higher gas prices than ever, and fighting pollution is a day to day effort. But there is a silver lining on Earth Day 2008. The renewable energy business is growing and creating a new industry with jobs for young people. News First has a recap of Earth Day activities in Pueblo.
Lynx wandering from Colorado to New Mexico
About 60 lynx have strayed into northern New Mexico since the Colorado Division of Wildlife began releasing the animals in Colorado in 1999. Environmentalists want them protected in New Mexico.
Bigger in Texas: the world's largest wind farm
Each of the 426 wind turbines in Horse Hollow, the world's largest wind farm, generates 1.5 megawatts per hour -- about as much as a home would consume in an entire month.
Green business thrives in slow economy
A flailing economy scarred by record foreclosures has left the housing industry struggling to survive. But those selling "green" continue to see green.
Climate change could mean more hurricanes
New research shows the jet stream is slowly creeping northward and weakening. The changing conditions could translate into more and stronger hurricanes. That's because the jet stream suppresses their formation.
Advocacy group calls Colorado river endangered
The Northern Colorado Water Conservancy District says water needs to be diverted to serve a growing Front Range population, or they run the risk of shortages or of drying up farmland.
Surfboards made of soy-based foam
The bio-foam formula is cleaner, safer and uses about 35 percent less energy to produce.
President Bush unveils climate plan
President Bush is calling for a gradual halt in the growth of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions. "The growth in emissions will slow over the next decade, stop by 2025, and begin to reverse thereafter."
Earth Day activities planned at Garden of the Gods
This Saturday is Earth Day, and what better place to celebrate the earth than the stunningly-beautiful Garden of the Gods.
Future air quality could be factor in building power plants
Colorado lawmakers are debating whether to give state regulators the ability to factor-in future costs of greenhouse gas emissions when evaluating new power plants. That would make it more expensive to operate coal- and gas-fired power plants.
Trees being planted at Hayman Fire site
Efforts to recover the Hayman Burn Area continue as the planting of another 130,000 seedling trees is underway. This year, Douglas Fir and Ponderosa Pine are being planted, which are native to the area.
Nuclear war would be devastating for earth's atmosphere
A new analysis warns that a regional nuclear war would not only be devastating to the countries involved, it would cause havoc worldwide for at least a decade.
Flood threat for Canon City increases
Flood experts pay attention to April 1st. By measuring the mountain snowpack, analyzing the weather patterns, and looking at climatological averages, hydrologists can predict the likeliness of flooding.
Colorado wind turbine plant expanding
It just opened last month, but it's already expanding. The world's largest wind turbine manufacturer is expanding its plant in northern Colorado.
Free bikes for lending in Fort Collins
The bike library is funded by a $132,000 federal grant for reducing traffic congestion and improving air quality.
Nuclear power plant could be built near Holly
Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association has a site in Prowers County near Holly and water rights for a plant that could be either coal-fired or nuclear.
Colorado's snowpack still 123 percent of normal
If you think it's been a long, cold snowy winter - you're right. As we begin April, the Colorado snowpack is still measuring 123 percent of normal.
Gore launches $300 million environmental campaign
Critics have questioned the cost of the campaign, pointing out that the money could have been used to erect 300 state-of-the-art, super windmills that could generate enough power for thousands of people.
NYC toll aimed at getting cars off the streets
Under the so-called "congestion pricing" plan, drivers would pay $8 to enter the most gridlocked parts of Manhattan.
Denver receives $200,000 solar grant
The $200,000 from the Energy Department will be used to integrate solar energy technologies.
Lake Pueblo ramping-up Zebra Mussel battle
Lake Pueblo State Park is looking for summer workers to check boats for Zebra Mussels and to educate the public about the invasive shellfish.
Ancient artifacts found in nearby forests
US Forest Service volunteers are sifting through 2,000 historical artifacts found in the Pike and San Isabel National Forests. The items range from a 7,000 year old arrowhead to castoffs from miners and loggers.
County Parks Department changing its schedule
The weather's getting nicer, and that means more people are heading outdoors to enjoy the weather.
CBI to join bison slaughter investigation
Slaughter of bison may have been prompted by dispute between neighboring ranchers. One rancher had just filed a lawsuit against the bison owners.
Automated meter reading helping the environment
Half of all electric meters in Colorado Springs have now been automated. That means meter readers aren't burning gas to get to neighborhoods, and they're not kicking-up dust from dirt roads in remote areas.
Plan ahead for Springs Earth Day activities
Garden of the Gods and Cheyenne Mountain State Park both have activities planned for the whole family.
Earthquake rattles Yellowstone National Park
People reported feeling the quake as far away as Thermopolis in western Wyoming and Billings in southern Montana.
No jail time for gray whale killers
Five members of a Washington state Indian tribe have agreed to plead guilty for killing a gray whale during a rogue hunt off the state's northwest coast.
Organic blankets gaining a niche
It's one thing to eat organic. It's another thing to cuddle with it.
China drought could impact the Olympics
A province that's supposed to supply extra water for China's Olympics is in a severe drought.
Rio de Janiero's famed bay polluted by slums
It's an iconic vista--Christ the Redeemer statue with Jesus' arms stretched over Rio de Janiero and Guanabara Bay. But that bay has become a polluted, brown mess.
New project to provide clean drinking water for all Chinese
The UN estimates that 300 million Chinese don't have adequate access to clean water and sanitation.
Salmon fan? A shortage could take it off your dinner plate
California and Oregon may ban salmon fishing this year because of an alarming shortage of the pink fish. Spawning salmon could decline as much as 80 percent this year. If fishing is banned, expect higher prices at the grocery store or outright shortages.
St. Patty's beer drinkers have "greener" alternatives
Many people will be drinking green beer for St. Patrick’s Day. But according to experts, some beer is more "green" than others when it comes to the environment.
Colorado getting a new ethanol plant
Colorado is getting a new ethanol plant as businesses seek to take advantage of increased demand with gasoline prices setting records.
Giant glacier in Argentina disappearing
Scientists in Argentina said Tuesday that a giant glacier in the southern part of the country could disappear before the end of this century.
Catholics declare environmental apathy a modern evil
It used to be, someone throwing trash on the street was known as a litterbug. These days that same person might be called a sinner.
Colorado can't meet new air quality standards
New air quality standards set by the Environmental Protection Agency mean Colorado will be out of compliance at more than twice the rate it is now.
Backlash against plastic bag bans
When San Francisco became the first U.S. city to prohibit disposable plastic bags in March 2007, it appeared to have sparked a trend. The plastics industry had no intention of allowing the San Francisco model to spread without a fight, though.
Solar-powered trash cans
"We emptied every day - 2 trash bags - 7 days a week. That's 14 bags. We put this in and we change it maybe twice a week, that's 2 bags."
Electric cars in the spotlight at auto show
Electric cars got a lot of attention at the Geneva Motor Show held last week in Switzerland. Dodge exhibited the ZEO, a very sporty electric concept car.
Southern Baptists embrace environmental issues
Some Southern Baptist leaders say their denomination has been too timid on environmental issues and has a biblical duty to stop global warming.
Traces of drugs found in drinking water
Tests of drinking water supplies across the country revealed a pharmacological surprise ... your glass of tap water could include traces of antibiotics, sex hormones, mood stabilizers and over-the-counter pain medicines.
Good for your skin and the environment
Finding good skin care products is a priority for a lot of women. Now it's possible to care for your skin and the environment at the same time.
Managing manure: turning cow poop into electricity
“It’s poop, you know." A California utility is using cow manure to generate electricity.
Trying to save a Colorado bird
Thousands of acres are being closed to people to protect the habitat of the threatened sage grouse.
The Grand Canyon gets a bath
The Grand Canyon is being scrubbed by an artificial flood in an attempt to restore beach erosion and the natural habitats of some endangered species of fish.
Wolf advocates speak out
Few mammals are as controversial as wolves. Pro-wolf organizations are mounting campaigns to force Rocky Mountain National Park to use wolves to control the elk population.
Colorado Springs Utilities wants your input in "going green"
Colorado Springs Utilities is asking the community to get involved in their effort to "go green."
Mandatory inspections of boats at Lake Pueblo
State officials will start inspecting boats, jet skis, and other vessels to prevent transferring zebra mussels from Lake Pueblo to other waterways.
Biodiesel so safe, you can drink it
Bertha Vasquez uses a fuel container to pour a drink and then fill up her tank.
Dog enlisted in the war on mosquitoes
Buffy, a Golden Lab, is the newest member of the Alameda County, California Mosquito Abatement District. She sniffs out stagnant water where mosquitoes can breed. Buffy doesn't work for free -- she gets treats and plenty of Frisbee playtime.
Consumers snapping up carbon offsets
That credit pays for a project that will reduce green house gases, negating the bad effects of your driving. This market is booming. Consumers spent more than $100 million on carbon offsets in 2007.
Quarry turned down in effort to expand operations
Siloam Stone Mines leases mineral rights under privately owned land along Highway 96 in western Pueblo County. Most of the 100 homeowners who packed the meeting were against the move. Commissioners sided with homeowners.
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo joins effort to save frogs
Zoologists say we are facing the largest mass extinction since the disappearance of the dinosaurs.
Confusion surrounding zebra mussels and boat inspections
There's a lot of confusion surrounding Lake Pueblo, the zebra mussel infestation and possible boat inspections. State agencies are receiving numerous calls from concerned fishermen who want to know when the inspections will begin and what to expect. Colorado State Parks Southeast Region Manager Mike French says the plan is to train staff, secure funding and begin some type of inspection program sometime in March.
NASA may bulldoze wetlands for launch pads
Public outcry has erupted over NASA's plans to build a new launch site inside a Florida wildlife refuge. NASA plans to use the new launch sites for commercial launches, in an effort to head-off massive layoffs when the space shuttle fleet is permanently retired.
Paper or plastic: which is better for the environment
Many people are making an effort to avoid plastic bags by reusing paper ones. But is this practice really better for the environment.
Front-load washers good for environment and energy bills
It's the "gotta have" appliance in laundry rooms across the country. We’re talking about those fancy front-loading washing machines.
Save money while going green
Rechargeable batteries, bottled water and clothes dryers--all lend themselves to saving money while going green.
Too quiet? Hybrids take unexpected flak
With gas prices reaching new highs, more people are purchasing hybrid cars. But some folks are making noise about hybrids, claiming the energy efficient vehicles don't make enough noise.
Gov. Bill Ritter asks for long-term federal help for Leadville mine
Gov. Bill Ritter met with Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne Sunday morning, asking for long-term help in securing the Leadville mine drainage tunnel.
Pumping to begin at Leadville mine tunnel
Pumping could begin Thursday or Friday on the blocked mine drainage tunnel in Leadville. Officials from the Environmental Protection Agency and the Bureau of Reclamation briefed reporters at Congressman Doug Lamborn's request.
Figuring out the rules of recycling
Deciding what you can and what you can't recycle can be a difficult task. In fact, every town has drastically different requirements about what is acceptable and how to sort it.
Leadville mine tunnel update
Warning sirens will be tested in Leadville this week. There are fears that a partially collapsed mine drainage tunnel could rupture. Millions of gallons of toxic water trapped inside the tunnel could be released and spill into the Arkansas River.
Biofuels accused of harming the environment
Biofuels, touted as cleaner burning and better for environment, are being accused of hurting it instead by adding carbon dioxide, the pollution creating global warming.
Veriflora certified? Organic cocoa? The greening of Valentines Day
Red is usually the color associated with Valentines Day, but more and more, Cupid's arrows are targeting green, as in environmentally friendly.
Shipping goes green, again
The world's first commercial ship partially powered by a giant kite completed its maiden voyage across the Atlantic Ocean this week, a century after ships abandoned sails to travel the seas.
Two CSU-Pueblo students finalists in environmental contest
Two college students in Pueblo are trying to raise interest in cutting down on pollution and increasing recycling. In fact, they've received national attention for their ideas on positive change.
Find a carpool for your kids activities online
Spending a lot of time in the car is something that every parent experiences if they have kids involved in activities. Now there is a better way to get them where they need to go, that doesn't burn as much time and gas.
Babies going green--lots of products are available
Living the green life is getting easier in the world of babies, with chemical free mattresses and clothing, car seats and toys.
Colorado Springs tops nation in BioDiesel Fleet
The city of Colorado Springs can pat itself on the back for going green--Government Fleet magazine named the city tops in the nation for its BioDiesel Fleet.
Colorado Mental Health Institute at Pueblo goes green
Some major energy-saving changes are taking place at the Colorado Mental Health Institute at Pueblo. The entire campus is going green, as part of an executive order from Governor Bill Ritter last spring.The governor directed all state agencies to reduce the use of energy consumption.
Ft. Carson solar project largest in Army
Sitting in the place of an old landfill, more than 27,000 solar panels face the Colorado sunshine. Fort Carson's utilities program manager says, "We're the largest in the Army." The solar array, positioned on a 12 acre site on Fort Carson, can produce enough electricity to power hundreds of homes.
