PDX-Earth

08/30/2024

PDX-Earth Tip: As the Paralympics kick into gear in Paris this week, Coca-Cola will again offer up its reusable plastic cups, rebate programs and promises of plastic-free options as eco-friendly – with questionable results.

Paris organizers promised the “greenest” Olympic Games and Paralympic Games ever, and as official beverage supplier at these games, Coca-Cola – which paid $3 billion for the exclusive right to sell its soft drinks and waters in and around Olympics stadiums – was expected to tow the line. Paris planners committed to reducing the carbon output of the 2012 and 2016 Olympic Games by half and eliminating single-use plastic was a massive target.

But Coca-Cola consistently ranks as the world’ s largest corporate plastic polluter at over 3.4 million metric tons of plastic packaging per year, and the company has shown little sign of being “green” in Paris. Fans at Olympic venues are sold drinks in plastic cups that are individually filled from plastic bottles – even though a reused cup comes with a 2 Euro rebate – and alcohol-free beer is served in Coke plastic cups. Each of the 45,000 Olympic volunteers were also supplied with reusable Coca-Cola plastic water bottles.

As a result, Coca-Cola officials admit that more than 40 percent of the drinks served in Paris and outlying venues will come from plastic bottles and transferred into reusable plastic cups. An estimated 6.4 million drinks will be sold to spectators from plastic bottles, compared with just 1.6 million from fountains or glass bottles.

For more, visit kpsu.org.

08/14/2024

Excellent reporting by The Oregonian to reveal Nike's extravagant use of private jets - a blatant reversal of their eco-commitments - that emitted 20 percent more carbon dioxide than the company did in 2015.

Nike jets emitted almost 20% more carbon dioxide last year than in 2015 — one small factor in the company's failure to slash emissions.

07/25/2024

PDX-Earth Tip: The 2024 Olympic Games that get underway this week in Paris will be the largest in history, with 10,500 athletes from 206 countries competing in 329 events in 32 sports. But that also means the Games’ carbon footprint will be immense, even if Paris officials have done double back-flips to try and make these the greenest Games ever.

The combination of fuel, added energy, construction, air travel, food, and resources arguably transform the Games into environmental disasters in their own right. The expected carbon budget for the 2024 Paris Olympics is 1.58 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions – which is equivalent to annual Co2 output of countries like Chad, Togo or Bhutan. Transportation accounts for the highest emissions at 34%, followed by operations & logistics (26%), and construction (25%). The fact that Paris only built one venue – the aquatic center – means that these Games have already reduced the usual green impact.

The organizers plan to power the events’ operations with 100% renewable energy from wind and solar, and brought in thousands of seats made of recycled plastic. Even the food is targeted for a 50% emissions cut compared with the average meal by increasing the use of plant-based foods.

Nevertheless, the International Olympic Committee recently announced that all Olympic Games must be certified as carbon-neutral or carbon-negative starting in 2030.

But with the French Alps (2030) and Salt Lake City (2034) receiving future Olympic Games this week, it’s clear the Games must also re-tool if they are going to address climate change in a responsible manner. Critics call for the Olympics to be downsized by cutting both sports and competitors, and to revise carbon offset programs to make them more transparent.

For more, visit kpsu.org

07/04/2024

PDX-Earth Tip: Computers, TVs, DVRs, tablets and other electronics left running for days, weeks and even months at a time can come with a hefty environmental price tag.

Computers contribute to carbon emissions in two primary ways: energy consumption when in use and the energy expended in standby mode. While advancements in technology have led to more energy-efficient power consumption, the cumulative impact of computers left on overnight - or longer - is a lot. A single computer left running 24 hours a day, 7 days a week can emit as much as 500 Kg of CO2 annually.

And about that screen saver. A screen saver is not an energy saver. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, 75% of all the electricity consumed in the home is standby power used to keep electronics running when those TVs, DVRs, computers, monitors and stereos are "off."

The average desktop computer, not including the monitor, consumes from 60 to 250 watts a day. Compared with a machine left on 24/7, a computer that is in use four hours a day and turned off the rest of the time would save you about $70 a year. The carbon impact would be even greater. Shutting it off would reduce the machine's CO2 emissions 83%, to just 63 kg a year.

For more, visit kpsu.org.

07/03/2024

PDX-Earth Update: Two sea otters were spotted this week near Ecola Point along the Oregon coast, fueling hopes that the species that was hunted to the brink of extinction by fur traders in Oregon a century ago may be making a comeback. Experts believe this pair may be an offshoot of the nearly 2,000 sea otters found further north in the Olympic Peninsula. Hundreds of thousands of sea otters once lived in coastal waters in the northern Pacific Ocean but are now classified as an endangered species. (Photo by Elakha Alliance).

06/29/2024

PDX-Earth Episode 68
A discussion of the surge in climate jobs spurred by the Inflation Reduction Act, Paris' bid for an eco-Olympics, how Colombia's revolution battlefield became a bird watchers' paradise, wayward Gray whales along the Pacific Coast, Oregon's rank as a hiker's heaven, an interview with Oregon State University's Dr. Jack Barth regarding low-oxygen hypoxia in the Pacific Ocean, the eco-impact of electric fans, tips for reducing your carbon footprint, and music from Mongolia, England, New Zealand, Egypt, Japan and Motown.

Click here to download and listen:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1p0tc5dodjROuRjnykbc7STsY9xUJ6WCh/view?usp=sharing

For more, visit kpsu.org.

06/26/2024

Want to keep up on the environment? Join me every Wednesday for "PDX-Earth" on Portland State University's KPSU radio from 1-2 p.m. (PST) where we'll discuss what you and I can do to save the world. Today's show will examine the surge in climate jobs spurred by the Inflation Reduction Act, Paris' bid for an eco-Olympics, how Colombia's drug battlefield became a bird watchers' paradise, wayward Gray whales along the Pacific Coast, Oregon's rank as a hiker's heaven, an interview with Oregon State University professor Jack Barth regarding low-oxygen hypoxia in the Pacific Ocean, the eco-impact of electric fans, tips for reducing your carbon footprint, and music from Mongolia, England, New Zealand, Egypt, Japan and Motown.

For more, visit kpsu.org.

06/20/2024

PDX-Earth Episode 67
An examination of summer's soaring heat, raging wildfires and massing tropical storms, Europe's plan to restore damaged nature by 2030, salmonella outbreaks linked to bearded dragons, the U.S. government's admission that dams damaged Pacific Northwest nations, the Makah Tribe's whaling win, an interview with Oregon State University associate professor Mindy Crandall on the Douglas fir die-off, the eco-impact of electric fans, tips for reducing your carbon footprint, and music from Ireland, Australia, Four Corners, India, the Mississippi Delta and Motown.

To listen, click and download here:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1tQ0PGV4CYVVSmQsaqvE41Tzcx23ZNJ7d/view?usp=drive_link

For more, visit kpsu.org.

06/19/2024

Want to keep up on the environment? Join me every Wednesday for "PDX-Earth" on Portland State University's KPSU radio from 1-2 p.m. (PST) where we'll discuss what you and I can do to save the world. Today's show will examine the soaring heat, raging wildfires and massing tropical storms of summer, Europe's plan to restore damaged nature by 2030, salmonella outbreaks linked to bearded dragons, the U.S. government's admission that dams damaged Pacific Northwest nations, the Makah Tribe's whaling win, an interview with Oregon State University associate professor Mindy Crandall on the Douglas fir die-off, the eco-impact of electric fans, tips for reducing your carbon footprint, and music from Ireland, Australia, Four Corners, India, the Mississippi Delta and Motown.

For more, visit kpsu.org.

06/19/2024

PDX-Earth Tip: Ever wonder what the environmental impact of ordinary household items might be?

Take kitchen sponges, for instance. The multi-colored squares that reside on the backsplashes of sinks around the world come with a hefty environmental price tag. For starters, they’re not actually sponges – they are plastic, and limiting the flow of plastics is essential to taming climate change. The top layer of most sponges, which is usually dark and coarse, is made from polyethylene and the thicker, softer layer of the sponge is made of polyurethane.

Kitchen sponges are also wasteful. Although they’re not single-use items, they have a very short lifespan, and in the U.S. alone we throw away an estimated 500 million plastic sponges per year. With over 120 million households in the U.S., that equates to about four sponges per household per year.

Sponges can also fall apart after a few uses, especially lower-quality ones, and the particles of plastic they shed can enter sewage systems, resulting in microplastics that damage water systems and wildlife.

Kitchen sponges are also generally not recyclable. Even though polyethylene and polyurethane are recyclable, they are not recyclable in this form.

Thankfully, eco-alternative sponges are increasingly becoming available in grocery stores and markets. Although sea sponges are an option – and do decompose – they are actually a marine animal and would not be viable choices for vegans, vegetarians or many of the rest of us. But cellulose sponges that are made from wood fibers are good options, as are plant-based sponges made from cotton too.

Walnut scrubber sponges, scrubbers made from beechwood and union fibers, and other plant-based alternatives are worth a try.

For more, visit kpsu.org.

06/13/2024

PDX-Earth Episode 66
An examination of the soaring price tag of climate change disasters thus far in 2024, violence and threats towards environmental journalists, the far right attacks on the environment in European Union elections, how fish farming replaced actual fishing, an inter-active map that projects Oregon's climate change future, an interview with Oregon Shores Conservation Coalition executive director Elise Newman regarding the dangerous toxins that cancelled Oregon's shellfish season, the eco-impact of kitchen sponges, tips for reducing your carbon footprint, and music from Athens, Chicago, Atlanta, Zimbabwe, Panama and Motown.

To listen to the episode, click here and download:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1SKV5SDREgfSvoihuoyIJ2HHGwkcVWRXl/view?usp=sharing

For more, visit kpsu.org.

06/12/2024

Want to keep up on the environment? Join me every Wednesday for "PDX-Earth" on Portland State University's KPSU radio from 1-2 p.m. (PST) where we'll discuss what you and I can do to save the world. Today's show will examine the soaring price tag of climate change disasters thus far in 2024, violence and threats towards environmental journalists, the far right attacks on the environment in European Union elections, how fish farming replaced actual fishing, an inter-active map that projects Oregon's climate change future, an interview with Oregon Shores Conservation Coalition executive director Elise Newman regarding the dangerous toxins that cancelled Oregon's shellfish season, the eco-impact of kitchen sponges, tips for reducing your carbon footprint, and music from Athens, Chicago, Atlanta, Zimbabwe, Panama and Motown.

For more, visit kpsu.org.

06/06/2024

PDX-Earth Episode 65
An examination of Donald Trump's latest threats to abolish the Interior Department and slash "wasteful" environmental programs if elected, Vermont's so-called "climate superfund" law, Mexico's new Nobel Prize-winning president who also happens to be a climate scientist, falling prices for electric vehicles, the paralytic shellfish poisoning that caused Oregon to ban mussel harvests, the eco-impact of Fleet Week in Portland, an interview with Oregon state climatologist Larry O'Neill regarding clear air turbulence, tips for reducing your carbon footprint, and music from New Jersey, South Africa, Japan, Ecuador, Argentina and Motown.

To listen, click here and download:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Jj2aoYE8DxK7SHYRs9m774gPhDFGxP80/view?usp=sharing

For more, visit kpsu.org.

06/05/2024

Want to keep up on the environment? Join me every Wednesday for "PDX-Earth" on Portland State University's KPSU radio from 1-2 p.m. (PST) where we'll discuss what you and I can do to save the world. Today's show will examine Donald Trump's latest threats to abolish the Interior Department and slash "wasteful" environmental programs if elected, Vermont's so-called "climate superfund" law, Mexico's new Nobel Prize winning president who also happens to be a climate scientist, falling prices for electric vehicles, the paralytic shellfish poisoning that caused Oregon to ban mussel harvests, the eco-impact of Fleet Week in Portland, an interview with Oregon state climatologist Larry O'Neill regarding rising air turbulence, tips for reducing your carbon footprint, and music from New Jersey, South Africa, Japan, Mexico, Argentina and Motown.

For more, visit kpsu.org.

05/30/2024

PDX-Earth Tip: Summer is almost here in the Pacific Northwest, and that means higher temperatures and no rain whatsoever until probably late September or early October. That also means brown lawns, dusty walkways and only a hose to help water flowers or plants.

But what if it didn’t have to be that way? What if the rain that falls so steadily here through the winter months – or perhaps year-round if you live in the East or Southeast – could be saved up and re-used? Luckily, rain harvesting is increasingly easy to do at home, and provides a number of environmental and economic benefits.

The process of harvesting rainwater typically involves installing gutters, downspouts, and filtration systems to ensure that the collected rainwater is clean and safe for use, but in the end, it really comes down to a rain barrel strategically placed to catch the runoff.

The savings of rainwater harvesting show up quickly. On average, rainwater replaces 40-50 percent of a home’s water usage, and that means a water utility bill can be reduced by around 45 percent. The actual amount of water saved is substantial too – a three-person household can expect to save about 5,370 gallons per year, or enough water to fill 100 bathtubs.

One of the primary benefits of harvesting rainwater is water conservation. By collecting rainwater that would otherwise be lost as runoff, homeowners can reduce their reliance on municipal water sources. This is especially true during droughts or water restrictions.

Rainwater harvesting promotes environmental sustainability by reducing the demand for freshwater from natural sources such as rivers, lakes, and underground aquifers. This helps preserve natural ecosystems.

Rainwater is naturally free of the chemicals and additives found in treated municipal water. Using harvested rainwater for irrigation can improve soil health by providing plants with pure, chemical-free water, leading to healthier landscapes.

Harvesting rainwater promotes localized water supply and reduces the need for long-distance transportation and distribution. This helps conserve energy and reduces the carbon footprint associated with water supply systems.

And what can you do with all the water you’ve saved?

Well, one of the most common uses of collected rainwater is irrigation. Rainwater is well-suited for watering plants, gardens, and lawns as it is free from chemicals, additives, and salts often found in treated municipal water.

Collected rainwater can be used for various outdoor cleaning tasks, such as washing vehicles, outdoor furniture, decks, and driveways.

Rainwater can serve as a safe and natural water source for pets and livestock.

Harvested rainwater can also serve as an emergency water supply during power outages, natural disasters, or other emergencies that disrupt municipal water services. And in some cases, collected rainwater can be treated to make it suitable for potable uses such as drinking and cooking.

For more, visit kpsu.org.

05/30/2024

PDX-Earth Episode 64
An examination of the methane leaks from U.S. landfills, the Supreme Court's decision to calculate what constitutes "too much" pollution, warnings of a coming wave of "Forever Chemicals" lawsuits, National Park Service staffers getting approval for Pride events, a humpback whale that washed ashore in Oregon, the eco-impact of rainwater harvesting, an interview with Wildlife Center of the North Coast executive director Kari Henningsgaard on efforts to rescue oil-soaked birds, tips for reducing your carbon footprint, and music from Senegal, Japan, Spain, New Zealand, Cuba and Motown.

To listen, click here and download:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1TOrmM1KR22jLWg7CO3M6gF_3khg2zTUH/view?usp=sharing

For more, visit kpsu.org.

05/29/2024

Want to keep up on the environment? Join me every Wednesday for "PDX-Earth" on Portland State University's KPSU radio from 1-2 p.m. (PST) where we'll discuss what you and I can do to save the world. Today's show will examine the methane leaks from U.S. landfills, the Supreme Court's decision to calculate "too much" pollution, warnings of a coming wave of "Forever Chemicals" lawsuits, National Park Service staffers getting approval for Pride events, a humpback whale that washed ashore in Oregon, the eco-impact of rainwater harvesting, an interview with Wildlife Center of the North Coast executive director Kari Henningsgaard on efforts to rescue oil-soaked birds, tips for reducing your carbon footprint, and music from Senegal, Japan, Spain, New Zealand, Cuba and Motown.

For more, visit kpsu.org.

05/24/2024

PDX-Earth Tip: As the weather warms up and spring becomes summer, it’s a sure bet that mosquitoes and other outdoor pests will soon appear. But the answer isn’t just chemicals and sprays – there are natural ways to repel mosquitoes and other biting insects that are eco-friendly.

There are over 3,500 subspecies of mosquitoes worldwide, and scientists believe those subspecies are splitting into subfamilies as well, meaning that control methods that work for one variety may not work for another. In addition, utilizing pesticides can have nasty adverse impacts like running off into any nearby water sources, building up in gardens and crops, and causing skin and lung damage.

First off, try planting your garden and outdoor areas with plants that naturally repel pests. Garden plants that have strong scents can help camouflage the scents that these insects use to target their victims, thereby confusing the bugs and protecting us from bites. For example:

Lavender
Rosemary
Mint
Catnip
Lemongrass
Marigolds
Fennel

Natural oils are also effective mosquito repellents and can be applied directly to the skin to double your protection. For example:

Lemon eucalyptus oil
Crushed lavender flowers
Cinnamon oil
Thyme oil

And while it’s great to repel mosquitoes, what about mosquito eggs? Any standing water is prime territory for mosquito larvae, but those with backyard ponds or fish displays can put those same fish to work and some species are known to feast on mosquito eggs. For example:

Goldfish
Koi carp
Guppies
Mosquito fish
Minnows

For more, visit kpsu.org.

05/23/2024

PDX-Earth Episode 63
An examination of the long, hot days and nights ahead with La Niña, the threat of the melting "Doomsday Glacier" in the Antarctic, the gap between electric vehicles and charging stations, the 10 billion oysters tasked with saving the Chesapeake Bay, eco-friendly ways to ward off mosquitos and biting insects, the lawsuit attempting to block Oregon freeway expansion plans, an interview with Portland State University professor Jonathan Fink regarding direct air capture and the 280 Earth facility, eco-friendly ways to ward off mosquitos, tips for reducing your carbon footprint, and music from Central California, South Africa, France, the Australian Outback, Peru, the Nakota Nation and Motown.

To listen, click here and download:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1hnoQ2Z11ZPhKlOI2bYXXn_aDP9qRbz_Q/view?usp=sharing

For more, visit kpsu.org.

05/22/2024

Want to keep up on the environment? Join me every Wednesday for "PDX-Earth" on Portland State University's KPSU radio from 1-2 p.m. (PST) where we'll discuss what you and I can do to save the world. Today's show will examine the long, hot days and nights ahead with La Niña, the threat of the melting "Doomsday Glacier," the gap between electric vehicles and charging stations, the 10 billion oysters tasked with saving the Chesapeake Bay, eco-friendly ways to ward off mosquitos and biting insects, the lawsuit attempting to block Oregon freeway expansion plans, an interview with direct air capture expert Jonathan Fink from Portland State University, tips for reducing your carbon footprint, and music from Central California, South Africa, France, the Australian Outback, Peru and Motown.

For more, visit kpsu.org.

05/16/2024

PDX-Earth Episode 62
Today's show discusses Donald Trump's bold promise to close down wind power technology, the growing impact of Canadian wildfires on U.S. air quality, orcas that sink yachts in the Strait of Gibraltar, American progress on over-fished species, the climate change secrets hidden in trees, how Oregon activists lost their federal appeal, the environmental impact of plastic plant pots, an interview with Willamette Riverkeeper officials Michelle Emmons and Lindsey Hutchison on Oregon's river pollution crisis, tips for reducing your carbon footprint, and music from Central California, Namibia, India, Romania, England and Motown.

To listen, click here and download:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1dzZwKyijDB9uVJP_FUlhOAkqFe6Qda0r/view?usp=sharing

For more, visit kpsu.org.

05/15/2024

Want to keep up on the environment? Join me every Wednesday for "PDX-Earth" on Portland State University's KPSU radio from 1-2 p.m. (PST) where we'll discuss what you and I can do to save the world. Today's show will examine the growing impact of Canadian wildfires on U.S. air quality, orcas that sink yachts in the Strait of Gibraltar, American progress on over-fished species, the climate change secrets hidden in trees, how Oregon activists lost their federal appeal, the environmental impact of plastic plant pots, an interview with Willamette Riverkeeper officials Michelle Emmons and Lindsey Hutchison on Oregon's river pollution crisis, tips for reducing your carbon footprint, and music from Central California, Namibia, India, Romania, England and Motown.

For more, visit kpsu.org.

05/11/2024

PDX-Earth Interview: Climate change activist Adah Crandall discusses Gen Z's commitment to political and social change, the lack of government leadership, the need for a Green New Deal, and what it's like to be arrested for protesting outside the Vice-President's house when you're just 18 years old.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/10YC0f0uazsWPCqPF4Q-a_OH9nZRzgDnC/view?usp=sharing

05/09/2024

PDX-Earth Tip: Nearly 20 states are preparing to hold primary elections in May ahead of the 2024 general election in November, and each features the usual roster of dueling candidates and well-meaning measures. But what about the actual act of voting – what impact does that have on the environment? Whether paper ballots of mail-in ballots or electronic ballots or on-line voting, there’s still a carbon price to pay.

Paper Ballots: Old-fashioned paper ballots have to be cast at designated polling places if mail-in voting is not feasible and that requires travel — likely by car. Since standard vehicles get 15 miles per gallon in the city and 23 on the highway, a two-mile round trip to submit a ballot would likely produce as much as two pounds of carbon dioxide.

Mail-in / Absentee Ballot: The environmental impact of paper waste and disposing of mail is relatively low, and direct mail accounts for only about 2 percent of the total tonnage of the U.S. municipal waste stream. One mailed ballot produces 0.055 pounds of carbon dioxide. By comparison, a drive to the polling place costs 36 times as much in the way of carbon footprint and greenhouse gas emissions.

Electronic Ballot: Paperless voting certainly sounds eco-friendly but electronic ballots require the use of electricity — about 0.2 kilowatts when in use. With screens running 12 hours for a voting day, each vote alone would produce 0.024 kilowatt-hours of electricity and 0.03 pounds of carbon dioxide.

Online Voting: Online voting is far and away the best option from an ecological standpoint, with the least impact and carbon footprint. There’s no transportation, no paper waste, and minimal electronic impact, and some studies suggest online voting reduces your CO2 emissions by up to 98 percent. But many jurisdictions lack the cyber security to implement online voting and the vast majority of American voters are only allowed to vote using an in-person or absentee ballot, which is then counted by a machine that is not connected to the internet.

Of course, in the end, what’s important is that you participate and that your vote counts.

For more, visit kpsu.org.

05/08/2024

Want to keep up on the environment? Join me every Wednesday for "PDX-Earth" on Portland State University's KPSU radio from 1-2 p.m. (PST) where we'll discuss what you and I can do to save the world. Today's show will examine Indonesia's plan for a new capital city because the current one is sinking, Elon Musk's shock decision to halt the production of EV charging stations, the rare and powerful storm that washed 500 baby sea turtles ashore in South Africa, Oregon's decision to ship air conditioners and purifiers to Medicaid patients, zebras on the loose in the Pacific Northwest, the environmental impact of vote-by-mail, an interview with teenage climate change activist Adah Crandall, tips for reducing your carbon footprint, and music from Central California, Australia, Brazil, South Africa, Fort Lauderdale and Motown.

For more, visit kpsu.org.

05/07/2024

PDX-Earth Interview: Bird Conservation Oregon director Bob Sallinger discusses the potential impact of relocating thousands of cormorants to East Sand Island near the mouth of the Columbia River, following a decade of mismanagement by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers that devastated the Western population of the birds.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1MsH5jvZRltjAoSFWEXUHJtuaHiKL_Xpm/view?usp=sharing

05/02/2024

PDX-Earth Update: Today's episode of PDX-Earth was cancelled due to the student protests that have closed Portland State University and the KPSU radio station this week. Please join us Wednesday, May 8, at 1 p.m. (PST) for the next PDX-Earth at kpsu.org.

04/25/2024

PDX-Earth Tip: Urban agriculture is one of the fastest growing segments of 21st century cities and communities. As urban populations expand cities are increasingly turning to local food sources to supplement supplies and address inequitable food access, and the urban farming market is expected to reach around $281.9 billion by 2030, growing at an annual rate of 3.1%.

Urban crops, including cucumbers, potatoes, and lettuces, can yield twice as much as their rural counterparts, and some city crops can even double that output.

Approximately 15% to 20% of the world’s food supply is now produced within cities.

But is urban agriculture climate-friendly?

Surprisingly, the infrastructure required to erect most urban farms – from concrete pathways and greenhouses to raised beds and water supply systems - means more carbon emissions per serving of produce than the average wide-open fields on conventional farms.

But there are some ways to do better:

1. Using old building materials for constructing farm infrastructure, such as raised beds, can eliminate the climate impacts of new lumber, cement, glass and other materials, and could cut a site’s emissions 50%.

2. Using food waste as compost can avoid both the methane emissions from food scraps buried in landfills and the need for synthetic fertilizers made from fossil fuels, cutting greenhouse gas emissions by nearly 40%.

3. Capturing rainwater or using greywater from shower drains or sinks can reduce the need for pumping water, water treatment and water distribution.

4. Produce crops that are carbon-intensive when grown by conventional methods. Tomatoes are a great example of fruits and vegetables that can cut emissions when grown with low-tech urban agriculture. Commercially, they are often grown in large-scale greenhouses that can be energy-intensive.

5. Keep urban gardens going long term. Cities are constantly changing, and community gardens can be vulnerable to development pressures. But if urban agriculture sites can remain in place for many years, they can avoid the need for new infrastructure and provide ecosystem services and social benefits, such as fresh produce, community building and education. Urban farms also create homes for bees and urban wildlife, while offering some protection from the urban heat island effect.

For more, visit kpsu.org.

04/25/2024

PDX-Earth Episode 59
Today's show examines the latest round of negotiations on a global plastics treaty underway in Ottawa, a partisan battle brewing over tailpipe emissions in the U.S., the Biden Administration's commitment to protect and restore 8 million acres of wetlands over the next 6 years, the 18-month jail sentence slapped on celebrity designer Nancy Gonzalez for smuggling animal skins, Portland's new ranking as the greenest city in America, an interview with the Portland State University earthquake expert Professor Yumei Wang regarding the "Big One" along the Cascadia Subduction Zone, the eco-impact of urban gardens, tips for reducing your carbon footprint, and music from Niger, Taiwan, the Choctaw Nation, Pakistan, South Dakota and Motown.

To listen, click here and download:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/14ktLIbRJWgE2LMUPBj7ZY8-btddyJ64Q/view?usp=drive_link

For more, visit kpsu.org.