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You Flushed the Toilet. They Made Some Bricks.

JoAnna Klein

January 31, 2019 |

The New York Times |

Text |

Under 800 Words

Response Location: Australia, Melbourne, Australian Capital Territory

A civil engineer at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology University in Australia is converting biosolids, or disinfected leftovers from the water treatment process, into bricks for building. He claims they look, smell, and work the same as conventional fired clay bricks, but with an added benefit of saving land and energy and reducing carbon emissions.

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On-the-ground pollution data spurred stricter zoning in Los Angeles

Ruxandra Guidi

January 31, 2019 |

High Country News |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, Boyle Heights, California

In Boyle Heights, a working class neighborhood of Los Angeles, members of the community have taken to the streets armed with clipboards and pens to document environmental hazards, zoning violations, and and other things that endanger their fellow residents. They then took this on-the-ground information, which they called "ground truths," to local politicians to advocate for change.

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Nepalese Rice Farmers Boost Yields By Sowing Fewer Plants And Cutting Water

Danielle Preiss

January 30, 2019 |

NPR |

Multi-Media |

3-5 Minutes

Response Location: Nepal

Using a somewhat counter-intuitive process, rice farmers in Nepal are seeing higher yields practicing the system of rice intensification (SRI), a method which calls for planting fewer seedlings, planting them younger and using less water. Some farmers have reported a 100% increase in crop yields, which can triple incomes with an added environmental benefit.

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Native American Tribes Gaining Recognition For Timber And Forestry Practices

Brian Bull

January 30, 2019 |

KLCC |

Radio |

5-15 Minutes

Response Location: United States, Roseburg, Oregon

Native American tribes in Oregon have garnered attention for their sustainable forest preservation, especially since recent national legislation passed that gave thousands of acres of land land back to several Native American tribes. Dedication to the land over short-term profit has allowed these forests to thrive. By using techniques that promote longevity of wildlife, these forests are cost effective and managed to last.

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Western Water Managers Bet On Cloud Seeding, Despite Gaps In Science

Luke Runyon

January 29, 2019 |

KUNC |

Radio |

5-15 Minutes

Response Location: United States, Wolcott, Colorado

In the American Southwest, state water managers have been investing for decades in weather modification programs, otherwise known as "cloud seeding." Colorado River Basin states recently agreed to expand that effort, hoping to build crucial snowpack. But some scientists are skeptical that cloud seeding can produce reliable supplies, citing huge data gaps.

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The shopping mall where everything is recycled

Dougal Shaw

January 29, 2019 |

BBC |

Broadcast TV Programs |

Under 3 Minutes

Response Location: Sweden, Eskilstuna

In Eskilstuna, Sweden, there is a different kind of shopping mall – one that sells used and upcycled goods. In an effort to combat consumerism and bolster sustainability, the mall, called ReTuna, is nicely curated and organized, making second-hand shopping mainstream. The mall sees 700 people each day, on average, and has sold nearly $3.5 million worth of items.

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La revolucionaria energía de los jacintos de agua

Nils Adler

January 29, 2019 |

El País |

Text |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: Kenya, Kisumu

La invasión de jacinto de agua —una planta acuática perenne— bloquea las rutas pesqueras y asfixia a los peces al consumir el oxígeno del agua y alimentarse de sus nutrientes. Un invento keniano ha permitido a las comunidades pesqueras que viven a la orilla del lago Victoria convertir una invasión de plantas acuáticas en biogás y fertilizante.

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This microplastic biodegrades instead of sitting around for hundreds of years

Adele Peters

January 28, 2019 |

FastCompany |

Text |

Under 800 Words

Response Location: United States

Microfiber company PrimaLoft has developed a new insulation material for clothing like fleece jackets that is made from recycled fiber. Other materials can take hundreds of years to biodegrade, but the new material breaks down quickly in landfills and oceans.

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The natural products that could replace plastic

Adrienne Bernhard

January 28, 2019 |

BBC |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, New York

As many governments and societies are waking up to the negative effects on the environment that comes with an overreliance on plastics, scientists, engineers, and designers are developing myriad new materials. From stone wool, in which igneous rocks are spun into fibers, to mycotecture, in which mushrooms and other fungi are turned into packaging and insulation, these new materials are helping turn the tide of climate change.

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Out-Of-Work Appalachian Coal Miners Train As Beekeepers To Earn Extra Cash

Jodi Helmer

January 28, 2019 |

NPR |

Text |

Under 800 Words

Response Location: United States, Hinton

For people in West Virginia who have lost their jobs due to the decline in the coal mining industry, the Appalachian Beekeeping Collective can help them - and other low-income residents - learn about beekeeping and generate supplemental income. The nonprofit provides free introductory classes and more advanced training and has trained 35 beekeepers to date, with around 50 more on the waitlist.

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