Dear EarthTalk: When the plug-in Prius is released, how much electricity will it use? Will my electric bill double if my Prius is plugged in each night? Or will the increase be minimal? Also, will all this recharging put a strain on the existing electricity grid? — G.
CITY HALL — Environmentalist Terry O’Day, a former chairman of the Planning Commission, was selected by the City Council Tuesday night to fill the seat vacated by the death of Mayor Ken Genser last month.
Dear EarthTalk 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.
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 It’s true that the melting of the polar ice caps as a result of global warming is sending larg
CITY HALL — With the City Council scheduled to select a new member on Feb. 23, potential appointees are taking different approaches in their behind-the-scenes campaigns to fill the vacancy.
Editor’s note: This story is part of an ongoing series that tracks the city’s expenditures appearing on upcoming Santa Monica City Council consent agendas.
Dear EarthTalk Short of massive efforts to build a public transportation infrastructure, which doesn’t appear likely anytime soon, what is being done to address traffic congestion, which is reaching absurd levels almost everywhere? John Daniels Baltimore, MD Traffic congestion has gotten way out of
CITY HALL — Delegates from Gumi, South Korea visited Santa Monica Tuesday as part of a seven-day sustainability tour of some of California’s greenest cities.
Dear EarthTalk What are the environmental implications of all the food we throw away here in the United States? Mike Schiller Cambridge, MA Food waste is a huge issue in America, especially in light of the growing divide between the profligate rich and the hungry poor.
Dear EarthTalk What are the primary environmental concerns in the aftermath of the big earthquake in Haiti? Frank Dover Portland, Ore. As would be the case after any natural disaster, water-borne illness could run rampant and chemicals and oil could leak out of damaged storage facilities as a result
SM BEACH — Wildlife officials have collected nearly 70 California brown pelicans that have been battered by rains and urban runoff and are gearing up to help dozens more.
CITY HALL — City Council on Tuesday decided it will consider changing its stance on leaf blowers and gourmet food trucks, but gave few details about potential new ordinances on either topic.
