Dear EarthTalk: I hear the term "greenwashing" a lot these days but am still not sure exactly what it means. Can you enlighten?
-- Ruth Markell, Indianapolis, Ind.
Dear EarthTalk: My kids just want to play videos games and watch TV all day. Do you have any tips for getting them outside to appreciate nature more?
— Sue Levinson,
Dear EarthTalk: What would you say are the most important steps we need to take as a nation to counter the impacts of climate change?
— Ned Parkinson, Chino, Calif.
Americans
Dear EarthTalk: I'm getting my roof redone and have heard about solar shingles. Are they available-and are they practical for the Northeast?
— John Denson, Glastonbury, Conn.
Solar shingles
Dear EarthTalk: I'd like to have a garden that encourages bees and butterflies. What's the best approach?
— Robert Miller, Bakersfield, Calif.
Attracting bees and butterflies to
Dear EarthTalk: I like the feel of carpeting, but I'm concerned about all the chemicals. What are some good non-chemical (but still soft!) options?
— Jennifer Jones, Madison, Wisc.
Dear EarthTalk: I understand that the "environmental justice" movement seeks to protect the poor and non-white communities from being unfairly targeted to host activities like sewage treatment plants,
Dear EarthTalk: I've read conflicting reports about the dangers of non-stick cookware. I have a set of older non-stick pans and am not sure if I need to
Dear EarthTalk: How are droughts and wildfires caused by global warming? I thought warming mostly brought on wet and flooded conditions.
— David Mossman, Albuquerque, NM
By throwing the planet'
Dear EarthTalk: What is "biomass" and why is it controversial as a potential source of energy?
— Edward White, New Bedford, Mass.
Biomass is plant matter that is burned
Dear EarthTalk: My family has bad allergies and I'd like to improve our indoor air quality. What are some steps I should take?
— Marcia Lane, Scranton, Pa.
Even
Dear EarthTalk: What are some tips for keeping my dogs and cats healthy?
— Kim Newfield, via e-mail
Believe it or not, our pets may be exposed to more harsh chemicals
