News online for Encinitas, Calif.

North Coast Current

News online for Encinitas, Calif.

North Coast Current

News online for Encinitas, Calif.

North Coast Current

Conventional chemical pesticides are less effective today, and all-natural versions are turning out to be a better solution. (Photo by Alexas Fotos, Pixabay via EarthTalk)

EarthTalk: Consider natural alternatives for pest control

Roddy Scheer and Doug Moss February 21, 2024
Natural pest control has become increasingly popular given the slew of health and effectiveness issues with conventional pesticides derived from synthetic chemicals.
These ‘bioplastic’ cups such as these can only be composted in an industrial composting facility, studies report. In most cases, they end up in landfills because they can’t be recycled. (Photo by Brian Yurasits via Unsplash)

EarthTalk: Breaking down the reality of compostable plastic

Roddy Scheer and Doug Moss January 19, 2024
In recent years, there has been a global movement to pressure corporations into becoming more eco-friendly. One of the most frequent measures taken by these companies is limiting the use of single-use plastics and replacing them with so-called compostable plastics.
A northern spotted owl. (Photo by Jennifer Helen Seeman, iStock Getty Images)

EarthTalk: 30 years later, how is the northern spotted owl faring?

Roddy Scheer and Doug Moss November 21, 2023
The northern spotted owl faces a web of challenges from habitat loss to invasive species, but ongoing conservation efforts underscore a collective commitment to securing their survival.
Researchers are starting to find links between warming-induced rises in temperature and increased violent human behavior. (Photo by Pavlofox via Pixabay)

EarthTalk: Research indicates link between warming, violent behavior

Roddy Scheer and Doug Moss October 10, 2023
It’s not uncommon to hear talk about the dire consequences of global warming — rising sea levels, extreme weather and ecological disruptions. But there’s another dimension to this crisis that doesn’t get much attention but is equally concerning: the link between global warming and increased violent behavior.
Gardening. (Photo by Anthony Wade via Unsplash)

EarthTalk: Fall prep key to spring garden success

Roddy Scheer and Doug Moss September 10, 2023
Preparing your garden in the fall is an important step to ensure it’s in ideal condition for the next spring. Depending on the size and scope of your garden, you might have a lot to do.
Oceanside firefighters work to control a brush fire near West Coast Growers in 2015. (OsideNews file photo by Steve Marcotte)

EarthTalk: Is it really a good idea to use controlled burns to prevent wildfires?

Roddy Scheer and Doug Moss June 24, 2023
Burning parcels of land intentionally, known as controlled burning, has long been a controversial practice aimed at reducing the risk of larger uncontrolled wildfires.
A coyote is pictured at Point Reyes National Seashore in October 2021. (Photo by YS via Unsplash)

EarthTalk: Get used to coyotes staying in urban environments

Dylan Stoll November 12, 2022
As many experts agree, the coyote is an incredibly adaptive animal. This evolutionary advantage has kept the species not only surviving but thriving in response to human expansion. This is one of the reasons the coyote has prevailed where other species have faltered and why their sightings have only increased along with urbanization.
Wind energy. (Photo by Karsten Würth via Unsplash)

EarthTalk: Is climate change actually good for the economy?

Roddy Scheer and Doug Moss July 14, 2022
Strangely enough, climate change does produce jobs and boost the economy as we struggle to make ourselves more resilient to its ravages.
Allergies. (Photo by Brittany Colette via Unsplash)

EarthTalk: Climate change can indeed worsen allergies

Roddy Scheer and Doug Moss May 10, 2022
Pollen may be an unfortunate contributor to poor health in the first place, but there are signs that this nuisance will become worse.
Ukrainian flags are shown during an anti-invasion protest near the White House in Washington, D.C., on Feb. 26. (Photo by Yohan Marion via Unsplash)

EarthTalk: Environmental impacts of Russia’s war on Ukraine already evident

Roddy Scheer and Doug Moss April 13, 2022
Russia’s war on Ukraine is one of the worst humanitarian crises facing Europe since World War II. As Russian military forces continue their violent, murderous invasion, environmental organizations worldwide are raising additional concerns of the war’s far-reaching devastation to the environment.
Waste from disposable personal protective equipment is piling up. (Photo by Anna Shvets via Pexels for EarthTalk)

EarthTalk: Pandemic-era masks pose problems, but there are solutions

Roddy Scheer and Doug Moss March 24, 2022
With personal protective equipment becoming part of our daily routine, we have alternative solutions to sustain both our health and the environment.
Furniture. (Photo by Jonathan Borba, Unsplash)

EarthTalk: There are sustainable ways to furnish your home

Roddy Scheer and Doug Moss March 17, 2022
Like any sustainable lifestyle choice, furnishing a home or apartment is about more than choosing a comfortable couch or chic end table. It’s about how the item was made, what it’s made with, and where it’s ultimately going to end up.
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