Dear EarthTalk: What is the “Fair Trade Your Supermarket” campaign? — Brian Howley, Washington, DC A project of the non-profit Green America, the “Fair Trade Your Supermarket” campaign aims to empower consumers to advocate for more “Fair Trade” products on store shelves at their local supermarkets.
MICHIGAN AVE — Drive along Michigan Avenue today near Crossroads School where it overlooks the buzzing I-10 Freeway, and you’ll notice something different — trees.
Dear EarthTalk: I understand there is to be another Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in June 2012, 20 years since the last one was held in the same city.
CITY HALL — Negotiations between City Hall and developers of a Downtown hotel will begin after the City Council voted to move ahead with the project in the wee hours of Wednesday morning despite widespread concerns about its design and imposing size.
CITY HALL — City officials remained silent as the Airport Commission hosted a series of presentations Monday night examining how flights at Santa Monica Airport could be reduced or altogether ended and what could be done with the land afterward.
Editor’s note: This story is part of an ongoing series that tracks the city’s expenditures appearing on upcoming City Council consent agendas. Consent agenda items are routinely passed by the council with little or no discussion from elected officials or the public.
Dear EarthTalk: I’ve heard that many air fresheners contain toxic chemicals. Are there any green-friendly, non-toxic air fresheners out there, or how can I make my own? Jenny Rae Bolton, Mass.
CITYWIDE — Santa Monica’s environmental efforts were recognized April 17 when City Hall received the 2012 Siemens Sustainable Community Award in the midsize community category.
A pet groomer that turns discarded dog fur into clothing and a huge chain hotel that rewards guests who drive hybrid cars are among the winners of this year’s Sustainable Quality Awards.
Dear EarthTalk: What is “pesticide drift” and should I be worried about it? — Nicole Kehoe, Burlington, VT If you live near a big farm or an otherwise frequently manicured landscape, “pesticide drift” — drifting spray and dust from pesticide applications — could be an issue for you and yours.
Dear EarthTalk: How is it that dams actually hurt rivers? — Missy Davenport, Boulder, Colo. Dams are a symbol of human ingenuity and engineering prowess-controlling the flow of a wild rushing river is no small feat.
Dear EarthTalk: I understand that there are a number of bills before Congress right now that seek to turn over public lands to destructive commercial and recreational activity.
