Category Archives: Uncategorized
The Prettiest Pollutant
Fireworks light up the sky with spectacular colors, but many contain toxic chemicals like perchlorates, heavy metals, and other compounds that can harm wildlife, pollute soil and water, and even impact human health.
Perchlorate, a common propellant, has been detected in surface and groundwater, affecting drinking water for millions of Americans. While data on direct water contamination from fireworks is limited, the environmental and health risks are clear.
Read the full article on our website: The Prettiest Pollutant
Seaweed Diet Reduces Methane Emissions
Cattle are responsible for roughly 70% of agriculture-related methane emissions, a major contributor to climate change. Scientists have found that supplementing cows’ diets with red algae (Asparagopsis taxiformis) can reduce methane emissions by up to 80%.
The algae’s bromoform compound disrupts the enzymes that produce methane, offering a promising approach to make beef production more environmentally friendly—though it’s only found in this specific red seaweed.
Read the full article on our website: Seaweed Diet Reduces Methane Emissions
Red algae seaweed contains a compound called bromoform, which is responsible for interfering with the enzymes that product methane. Unfortunately, bromoform is found only in the red sea algae, not freshwater macrophytes, darn!
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Strategic Aquatic Plant Harvesting as a Multi-faceted In-Lake Management Tool
Research on Kohlman Lake in Minnesota shows how mechanical aquatic plant harvesting can play a vital role in improving water quality and supporting balanced lake management.
By selectively removing about 14% of peak plant mass, researchers found that harvesting eliminated 24% of the phosphorus captured by plants—making it a cost-effective method compared to traditional watershed management practices. Beyond improving navigation and recreation, strategic harvesting contributes to healthier, clearer lakes.
Read the full article on our website: Strategic Aquatic Plant Harvesting as a Multi-faceted In-Lake Management Tool
As Vermont Nears 75% Renewable Power, is it Clean Enough?
Vermont is often celebrated for having one of the cleanest electric grids in the U.S., with about 66% of its power from renewable sources—and a goal of reaching 75% by 2032. But much of that energy comes from HydroQuebec’s massive hydropower operations in Canada, which have caused widespread environmental and social impacts.
Flooded forests release carbon for decades, and millions of acres of native lands have been destroyed or altered—displacing Indigenous communities and polluting local ecosystems. Critics argue that this energy source, while renewable on paper, isn’t as clean as it seems.
Read the full article on our website: As Vermont Nears 75% Renewable Power, Is It Clean Enough?
Ice Harvesting in Wisconsin
Before World War I, Wisconsin’s frozen lakes supplied much of the nation’s ice, shipped by rail to cities like Chicago and as far away as Texas and Arizona. With its cold climate and abundant lakes, Wisconsin became a leading ice producer—fueling the growth of the brewing and meatpacking industries that relied on cold storage.
At its peak, Milwaukee’s breweries used over 335,000 tons of ice annually, and more than 100,000 tons were harvested from Madison’s lakes in a single winter. However, pollution and the rise of mechanical refrigeration brought the industry’s decline by the 1920s.
Read the full article on our website: Ice Harvesting in Wisconsin
The Looming Coffee Crisis
Coffee is one of the world’s most beloved beverages—with over 2.25 billion cups enjoyed daily. But the future of coffee is at risk.
With 60% of wild coffee species facing extinction and growing regions shrinking due to climate change, the stability of coffee production—and the livelihoods of 25 million farmers—hangs in the balance. The lack of seed diversity and breeding investment leaves the industry especially vulnerable to pests, drought, and disease.
Read the full article on our website: The Looming Coffee Crisis
In many other types of crops, there are seed companies that drive breeding and care about conserving genetic diversity, but that doesn’t exist in the coffee industry. There is a disconnect between the numerous coffee roasters and the breeders who could turn crop diversity into new varieties able to, for example, withstand a drought or resist the latest pest outbreak.
Cleaning up Muskegon Lake
Designated a Great Lakes Area of Concern in 1985, Muskegon Lake has a long history of industrial pollution—from sawmill debris in the 1800s to chemical contamination from factories in the 1900s.
Today, restoration efforts continue. A $3.1 million cleanup project led by the West Michigan Shoreline Regional Development Commission aims to remove debris, restore wetlands, and rehabilitate the shoreline—further transforming Muskegon Lake into one of Michigan’s premier recreational destinations.
Read the full article on our website: Cleaning Up Muskegon Lake
Protecting the Lake
Pewaukee Lake was created in 1838 and has faced decades of aquatic plant management challenges. For years, herbicides were used to control invasive weeds—but in 1985, the Lake Pewaukee Sanitary District discontinued chemicals and expanded its mechanical harvesting program instead.
By removing plants rather than killing them with herbicides, the district has reduced nutrients that fuel regrowth, encouraged native plant diversity, and supported a healthier ecosystem—all while balancing recreation and environmental protection.
Read the full article on our website: Protecting Pewaukee Lake
Balloons and Floating Lanterns – Should they be Banned?
Like balloons, sky lanterns eventually come down—and often end up as litter that harms wildlife and the environment. Despite growing awareness about the dangers of balloon releases, lantern festivals continue to draw crowds across the country.
One popular organizer, Night Lights, claims their biodegradable lanterns and cleanup crews make events environmentally responsible. But questions remain—particularly about fuel cells and whether attendees truly follow restrictions.
Read the full article on our website: Balloons and Floating Lanterns – Should They Be Banned?
300 lbs of Road Salt per Lane per Mile
It’s hard to believe, but about 300 pounds of salt are applied per lane per mile during winter road treatment—that’s the industry standard for keeping roads safe.
According to Wisconsin Salt Wise, just one teaspoon of salt can permanently pollute five gallons of water to a level harmful to freshwater life. In Dane County, an estimated 500 tons of salt enter Lake Mendota each winter as runoff. This not only harms lake ecosystems but also affects local drinking water quality.
Read the full article on our website: Madison’s Actions to Limit Salt Usage
Aquarius Systems 