2019's Dirty Dozen and Clean Fifteen Are Here, Proving That Avocados Are Flawless
The Environmental Working Group just released its annual guide to pesticides in produce.
This Designer's 3D-Printed Flowers Could Help Insect Pollinators in Cities
The flowers will help feed bees and butterflies living in cities.
NYC's New Plant-Based Medicine Program Is Healing High Cholesterol and Obesity With More Plants and Less Medicine
Dr. Sapana Shah chats with Green Matters about Bellevue's new plant-based medicine program.
36 Beagles to Be Freed From Cruel Year-Long Fungicide Experiment, Following Undercover Investigation
The Humane Society plans to rehome each dog.
Greta Thunberg Shares Powerful Reflection on Youth Climate Strike: "We Need a Whole New Way of Thinking"
The 16-year-old Swedish activist doesn't believe the burden should fall on children.
China Comes Close to Ending Routine Post-Market Animal Testing — A Small But Powerful Step
China is slowly but surely reducing restrictions on cosmetic animal testing.
A Beached Whale in the Philippines Died Due to Ingesting 88 Pounds of Plastic
Plastic waste doesn't simply go "away."
As the Youth Climate Strike Wraps Up, What Should We Do Next?
As the Youth Climate Strike winds down, here are a few actions to continue helping the planet.
Carlsberg's Beer "Snap Packs" Use 76 Percent Less Plastic Than Six Pack Rings
The brewery spent three years developing this adhesive.
Greta Thunberg Is Nominated for Nobel Peace Prize, And She Could Be the Youngest Winner In History
The 16-year-old Swedish activist is a pioneer in the fight against climate change.
The First 3D-Printed Neighborhood Will Be Sustainable and Affordable, and It's Breaking Ground This Year
The CEOs of the two companies behind the neighborhood tell Green Matters about 3D-printed homes.
Everything You Need to Know About the Youth Climate Strike on March 15
Here's how to get involved, whether or not you're a student.
How to Make Your Own Zero-Waste, Non-Toxic Bar Soap
By making your own soap, you can know — and control — all the ingredients that go into it!
James Bond Goes Green in New Movie With Electric Aston Martin Car
Electric, not gas.
If You Love Animals, Don't Visit Zoos or Aquariums — Consider This Ethical Option Instead
Visiting zoos and aquariums are not the best way to show your love for animals.
This 89-Year-Old Is Winning Hearts for Knitting Dog Coats and Blankets for Her Local Shelter
Maisie Green has knit more than 450 doggie coats and blankets for the shelter.
Meatless Mondays Expands to All 1,800 New York City Public Schools
The program will officially kick off this fall, for all 1.1 million NYC public school students.
Girl Scouts Is Fostering Young Environmental Leaders as Programs Expand to Address Climate Change
The Girl Scouts are about so much more than cookies.
An Oklahoma Lawmaker Is Trying to Make Plastic Bag Bans and Taxes Illegal Across the State
It's a proposed ban on bans. Yup.
People Are Cleaning Up Garbage, and Encouraging Others to Do the Same With a Game of #TrashTag
Zero-Waste Moms Join Forces for #GreenMomsWeek, Showing that Eco-Conscious Parenting Is Not About Perfection
"It doesn't look Instagram perfect like one may think," @yourecofriend tells Green Matters.
Michael Bloomberg Launches "Beyond Carbon" Campaign to Shut Down All Remaining Power Plants in the U.S.
Bloomberg has a goal of shutting down every single coal-fired power plant in the U.S. by 2030.
7 Women Killing It in the Environmental Space, In Honor of International Women's Day
These seven women from around the globe are are the ultimate eco inspiration.
Lebanon Organization Pioneers Eco Movement With the Middle East's First Zero-Waste Shop
The zero-waste shop is supposedly the first in the Middle East.
How These Luxury Vegan Makeup Brushes Can Amp Up Your Beauty and Skincare Routine
Green Matters spoke with Artis to learn about the company's animal-free makeup brushes.
"Meal Prep Mate" Will Help You Reduce Food Waste and Meal Prep Like a Champ
Waste less food, save more money.
Beyond Beef Will Make All of Your Plant-Based Ground Beef Dreams Come True
Meatballs and tacos and sliders, oh my!
How to Filter Water Without Plastic
For those of us who don’t have the luxury of simply sipping our tap water (or want to take extra precautions to make sure our water is properly filtered), there is a way to purify water sans plastic.
Miami Bans Glyphosate, the Infamous Monsanto Herbicide Polluting the City's Lakes
The ban goes into effect immediately.
Trader Joe's Is Listening to Customers and Reducing Plastic In Its Stores
The new initiative will save 1 million pounds of plastic a year.
Mardi Gras Is Getting Greener as New Biodegradable Beads Emerge
A new invention could save tens of thousands of pounds of plastic throws from sewers and landfills.
The Late "Grandfather" of Climate Science Shared One Last Key to Solving Global Warming, Just Before His Death
Just before his death, Wallace Smith Broecker shared his final words for the climate science community.
The U.S. Sucks at Recycling, and This 9-Year-Old Is Trying to Fix It
Ryan of Ryan's Recycling is the newest spokesperson for Recycle Across America.
Chipotle Takes Out the Guesswork by Adding Vegan and Vegetarian Bowls to the Menu
Will guac still cost extra though?
Overheating Oceans and Overfishing Has Caused Fish Populations to Significantly Decline, Study Finds
We have the power to prevent a fishless ocean.
Gisele Bündchen Embraces Nature in Cover Shoot for 'Vogue Germany's' Sustainability Issue
"Nature is where I feel the most comfortable," the model said.
Pit Bull and Stray Kitten Form an Unlikely Bond in Pixar's Newest Short Film 'Kitbull'
Kitbull will have you wanting to run to your local animal shelter.
Exotic Animal Skins Are Leaving U.K. Department Store Selfridges' Shelves
"Conscientious and informed consumers absolutely reject the exotic-skins trade," a representative for PETA tells Green Matters.
7 Ways to Make Your Yoga Practice More Eco-Friendly
Yoga is pretty earth-friendly in itself, but there are a few ways to make your practice even greener.
You Won't See Single-Use Drink Bottles at This Major Music Festival Anymore
The festival will not sell or provide plastic drink bottles this year. Instead, attendees are encouraged to bring reusable bottles.
Etsy's Shipping Process Just Got a Lot More Eco-Friendly
Etsy is trying to neutralize its shipping process.
Your Used Makeup Could Help Animals in Need
Here’s a creative way to keep your used makeup out of the landfill: Donate your used mascara wands to help wildlife in need.
Researchers Discovered Microplastics in Animals in the Ocean's Deepest Trenches
Microplastics have officially affected animals living on the ocean floor.
Planting 1.2 Trillion Trees Could Neutralize CO2 Emissions, Says Ecologist
A new study estimates that Earth has room for 1.2 trillion more trees — and that planting them could be the key to canceling out CO2 emissions.
Eco-Friendly Apparel Company Tentree Wants to Plant 1 Billion Trees
Green Matters spoke with tentree's CEO to learn more about the company's mission and business model.
Panda Express Adds Vegan and Vegetarian Meals at All 2,000 Restaurants in Response to Petition
Panda Express previously had zero vegan or vegetarian options on its menu.
The U.K.'s First Certified Flushable Wet Wipes Are Finally Here
The U.K. rolled out a new "Fine to Flush" certification for wet wipes, and one brand has already come through with a flushable wipe.
California Legislator Proposes Bill to End Animal Dissection Statewide
Animal dissection could be a thing of the past in California if the new RAISE Act becomes law.
Kristen Bell and Dax Shepard Announce Hello Bello, Their Affordable and Plant-Based Baby Care Company
Kristen Bell and Dax Shepard just launched Hello Bello, which aims to make healthy baby care products more accessible.
Eco-Friendly Dresses at the 2019 Oscars Were Part of the 'Red Carpet Green Dress' Challenge
Eco-friendly Louis Vuitton and Christian Siriano designs lit up the red carpet at the 2019 Academy Awards.
How to Naturally Whiten Your Teeth at Home
If you want whiter teeth, you can make a super easy, zero-waste recipe at home.
How Often Are Extinct Animals Rediscovered? A Bee and Tortoise Recently Became "Lazaraus" Species
A Fernandina Giant Tortoise and a Wallace's giant bee were recently discovered, after decades of humans thinking they were extinct.
These 9 Vegan YouTubers Make Easy, Healthy, and Indulgent Plant-Based Recipes
These vegan YouTubers all share delicious recipes that you can make on a budget.
How Shipping Company Maersk Plans to Go Carbon Neutral
The world's biggest shipping company is switching to renewable fuel.
Beyond Meat Scores Investments from Shaquille O’Neal, Lindsey Vonn, and Other A-List Athletes
Shaquille O’Neal, Shaun White, and Kyrie Irving are among the 14 athletes to invest in Beyond Meat and partner with the brand on its new campaign.
New Report Reveals Which Sustainable Toilet Paper Brands Are Actually Sustainable — And Which Aren't
A new report ranks the most — and the least — eco-friendly toilet paper options on the market.
A Guide to Houseplants That Purify the Air
Who knew that “going green” could mean literally going green?
'Monarchs in the Rough' Program Has Helped More Than 300 Golf Courses Provide Butterfly Habitats
Since launching last year, Monarchs in the Rough has partnered with hundreds of golf courses to preserve monarch butterfly populations.
Australia Passes Bill Banning Animal Testing for Cosmetics Nationwide
Australia will no longer allow new products to go on the market if they aren't cruelty-free.
Sea Turtle Populations Are Recovering Thanks to Laws Put in Place to Protect Sea Life
Of the animals examined as part of a study, 75 percent of sea turtles have increased their populations.
ICYMI: 5 New Vegan Foods That Were Recently Announced
So many exciting plant-based foods rolled out over the past week. Anyone else feeling hungry?
Australia to Plant 1 Billion Trees in the Next 11 Years, Bringing the Country Closer to Paris Agreement's Goals
The Australian prime minister announced plans to instal nine forestry hubs across the country by 2030, which will help with climate change, forestry, and jobs.
U.K. Introduces Plastic Packaging Tax, Potentially Reducing the Demand for Virgin Plastic
The U.K. government is also streamlining household recycling and composting collections and introducing a bottle deposit return scheme.
Bill Gates Breaks Down Climate Change With Squishy Toys In YouTuber-Style Video
Bill Gates demonstrated the ways humans cause climate change in a YouTuber-style video, featuring squishy toys and a pie chart.
Solar Power From Outer Space Could Soon Bring Energy to the Earth, If China's Ambitious Vision Goes According to Plan
China is reportedly working on sending a solar power station into orbit, which will be used as energy on earth.
Restaurants Can Save Some Serious Money By Reducing Food Waste, Study Finds
The study's authors also shared tips that helped the 114 restaurants in the study reduce food waste.
New Study Confirms People Value Corporate Sustainability When Deciding Where to Work
This is a whole new definition to the term “corporate sustainability.”
Dirty Dozen and Clean 15 for Beginners
If you’re slowly becoming more aware about what goes into our food-aggregating, farming, and pesticides, then this is a great place to start.
Los Angeles Will Replace 3 Gas-Fired Power Plants With Clean Energy
The Mayor of Los Angeles announced plans to shut down three power plants and replace them with a clean energy source.
More Than 1 Million U.S. Acres Preserved Thanks to the Senate's Milestone Bipartisan Bill
Senate passed the Natural Resources Management Act, a milestone moment for land conservation in the U.S.
The Earth Is Greener Than It Was 20 Years Ago, According to NASA
Satellite images prove that the Earth is now greener than ever before — thanks, in part, to aggressive tree-planting plans.
Barbie Goes Green With New Careers in Wildlife Conservationism, Entomology, and More
Barbie is pushing past her plastic origins to take on new careers as a wildlife conservationist, a polar marine biologist, and more.
Hawaii's Plan to Ban Most Single-Use Plastic Is Extreme But Reasonable
Hawaiian lawmakers are proposing a bill that would eventually ban many forms of single-use plastic.
$3 Million Grant Awarded to Teams Developing Cell-Based and Vegan Meat Options
The Good Food Institute has awarded a $3 million grant to 14 scientists working on new faux meats.
This Completely Biodegradable Single-Use Water Bottle Could Change the Game
Cove is hoping to make the single-use water bottle game a little easier on the environment with its 100 percent biodegradable water bottle.
A Guide to Using Eucalyptus Around the House
There’s a reason why plants are a zero waster’s best friend.
Insects Are Rapidly Declining in Population, Which Could Be a Disaster for the Earth
More than 40 percent of insect species are on the path to extinction — here's how we can stop insect populations from declining.
Seoul Mayor Plans to Shutter the City's Remaining Dog Slaughterhouses
Seoul's mayor hopes to shut down the city's two remaining dog slaughterhouses, and eventually, the shops that sell dog meat, too.
Young Artist Upcycles Old Car Tires Into Pet Beds That Are as Adorable as They Are Eco-Friendly
23-year-old Amarildo Silva uses his off-time to collect abandoned tires and upcycle them into pet beds.
IBM Develops Innovative Recycling System For Fabric, Dirty Plastic Bottles, and More
IBM's new recycling system VolCat can break down materials that are often difficult to recycle, and it could help cut down on fossil fuel emissions.
Avocado Pits Are The Material of the Moment for Sustainable Single-Use Cutlery and Straws
People are loving Mexico-based company Biofase's single-use cutlery and straws, which are made from discarded avocado pits.
These Are the Best Places to Donate Clothes
If you’re looking for the best places to donate your clothes, look no further — these are the places you should donate your clothes.
Fashion Sustainability Experts Share Advice on How We Can Demand Fashion Brands Become More Ethical
Two fashion sustainability professionals share their advice for affecting change when it comes to ethical shopping — because it's so much more than boycotting fast fashion.
IKEA Is Now Selling and Leasing Refurbished Furniture, In Hopes Of Creating A Circular Business
IKEA recently rolled out new initiatives to help support a circular business, including a new refurbished furniture program.
Sunscreens Containing Harmful Chemicals to Be Banned in Key West
The vacation spot recently passed a measure banning sunscreen containing two specific chemicals, both of which have been linked to harming coral reefs.
Sustainable Babies 101: How to Stay Green As a New Parent
Sure, babies need things, but there is almost always a sustainable alternative.
Lyft Now Allows Riders to Summon Electric Cars, Making Ride-Hailing A Little More Eco-Friendly
Lyft just announced a new feature called Green Mode, in which passengers can request to be picked up in electric cars.
Scientist YouTuber Goes 24 Hours Without Touching Plastic — Well, He Tries To
People Think This Water Pollution Filter Is So Brilliant, It Should Be Everywhere
An Australian city recently installed drainage nets in its water reserve, and the innovative filtration system has gone viral for being so simple yet brilliant.
How to Wash Dishes Zero-Waste
Believe it or not, how you wash your dishes definitely has an impact on our environment.
Common Coffee Species Are at Risk of Extinction – Here's What We Need to Do
The varieties of coffee that make up most of our consumption — along with a variety of others — are at risk of extinction, as per a new study.
Hawaii Could Be the First State to Ban Cigarettes, Which Would Be A Huge Win for the Earth
A Vintage Commercial Airplane Is Getting The Electric Treatment Thanks To Tech Startup
Tech startup Ampaire is upcycling a Cessna airplane to run on electric power, and the company is hoping to be the first to operate an electric aircraft on a commercial airline.
This Robot Just Delivered 100,000 Baby Corals to the Great Barrier Reef
This could mean a major change for the Great Barrier Reef.
Microplastics Found in All Dead Dolphins, Whales, and Seals Tested in British Waters
Plastic pollution continues to be a huge problem for marine animals.
Emirates Sees a 40% Increase in Plant-Based Meal Requests on Flights
Traveling isn’t an excuse to abandon your plant-based lifestyle — especially when more people seem to be following a vegan diet than ever.
Waste Management Helps the Phoenix Open Become a “Net Neutral” Tournament
Since 2013, the efforts to divert 100 percent of the tournament waste to recycling, composing, donation, reuse, or the creation of energy has kept more than 6.4 million pounds of materials out of the landfill and onto their next best use.
Ben & Jerry’s to Phase out Single-Use Plastic at Ice Cream Shops
Of course, a waffle cone is the most sustainable option when it comes to enjoying your ice cream!
5 Creative Ways to Sustainably Reuse Jars
Since glass is 100 percent recyclable and has the ability to be endlessly recycled without losing its quality, they are perfect for storing just about anything.
Unilever, Coca-Cola, and P&G Among Brands Partnering With TerraCycle to Eliminate Single-Use Plastic
Some of the biggest producers of single-use plastic are coming together to make it a thing of the past.
What Causes a Polar Vortex?
Find out what causes a polar vortex, and how you can properly prepare for it.
Thinking of Going Zero Waste? Here’s What to Do With the Plastic You Already Have
So, you’ve decided to go plastic-free. The only problem is, you’ve spent these many years accumulated plastic products, single-use or otherwise.
Experts at Joshua Tree National Park Warn Damage Caused by the Shutdown Could Take “Centuries” to Heal
Even with the government up and running again, the future at Joshua Tree National Park is bleak.
Lawmakers Introduce Bill to Make Animal Cruelty a Nationwide Felony
If the bill passes, those convicted could face up to seven years in prison.
How to Regrow Plants From Kitchen Scraps
If you thought the compost was the most sustainable solution for your food scraps, think again.
Zero-Waste Skincare: 5 Low-Impact Face Masks You Can Make at Home
Do it yourself means you can control all the ingredients you’re putting on your face.
Budweiser Now Brews Their Beer With 100% Wind Energy
They’re celebrating the major milestone with a Super Bowl ad.
More Than 30,000 Belgian Students Skip School in the Name of Climate Action
The youth know that they’re the future — so they’re fighting for the future they deserve.
High School Students Upcycle Plastic Bags to Make Mats for the Homeless
These high school students managed to tackle two major problems at once.
SeaWorld Rebrands Its Last Shamu-Themed Attraction
Seaworld has a long way to go — but it’s finally making right by Shamu.
How to Store Produce Without Plastic
It’s not impossible to store produce without plastic. In fact, it’s probably healthier.
Japan Suggests Using Recycled Materials for Medals at Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games
This is just one of the many ways they’ll incorporate sustainability into the Olympic games.
Celebrities Are Using the 10-Year Challenge to Show How Much the Planet Has Changed
You're not the only one to undergo a significant — and maybe even shocking — transformation during the past decade.
How to Eliminate the Waste From Your Dental Routine
Sure, the waste created as part of your oral hygiene routine may not seem like a lot — but it quickly adds up.
These Are the Best Cities in the U.S. for Vegetarians
The top spot on the list of best cities for vegetarians may surprise you!
The World's Largest Roofing Company Wants to Add Solar Panels While Re-Roofing Your Home
Standard Industries is getting into the solar game in a major way.
Zero-Waste Laundry Options
You can’t eliminate laundry — but you can eliminate the amount of waste you create while cleaning your clothes!
The Alliance to End Plastic Waste Launches With $1 Billion Commitment to End Plastic Pollution, Faces Criticism
The “alliance” is made up of 26 major companies.
Impossible Burger CEO Reveals Plans to Make Plant-Based Steak
The world of plant-based “meats” is always growing — and Impossible Foods is adding steak to their menu.
The Oceans Are Warming Even Faster Than Researchers Thought
The Oceans are warming at an even faster rate than the United Nations guessed they would just five years ago.
How to Remove Stains Sustainably
Everyone needs a handy-dandy stain removal chart, whether you’re living a zero-waste lifestyle or not.
Spain Brings Renewable Energy to State-Owned Paradores
Spain is hoping to influence other businesses in their country by embracing renewable energy at their state-owned luxury hotels.
5 Things to Change Now in Your Bathroom to Make it More Zero-Waste Friendly
Your bathroom is likely the smallest room in your house — but is still responsible for producing a lot of waste.
“Paws on Plastic” Campaign Encouraging People to Pick Up Litter While Walking Their Dogs
This new initiative out of Scotland is simple: You’re already walking your dog, may as well pick up litter while you’re at it.
New Bill Introduced in California Would Make It the First State to Require Digital Receipts
Should the bill pass, consumers would not only eliminate waste but will also be protected from toxins that often coat the receipts.
How to Make Your Period “Greener”
You can make the most “green” decision possible — even during your time of the month.
Serbia Has Officially Shut Down Fur Farms
The decision is expected to save around 12,000 chinchillas every year.
What to Do With Old Citrus Peels
Next time you eat an orange or cook with a lemon, hold onto the peel — you can do a lot with it!
New York City’s Foam Ban Is Finally In Effect
It’s taken about half a decade, but New York City’s ban on all things foam is finally effective.
The Ocean Cleanup’s System 001 Breaks Down While Cleaning the Great Pacific Garbage Patch
After The Ocean Cleanup’s System 001 broke down cleaning The Great Pacific Garbage Patch, it’s more important than ever for us to do our part.
Ethical Clothing Brand PANGAIA Creates Vegan Down Jacket With Wildflowers
PANGAIA isn’t just fashionable — they’re also incredible ethical.
Shopping for Sustainable Clothing 101
Learn how you can lower your impact by thinking globally every time you shop.
Washington D.C. Moves Forward With Goal of 100 Percent Renewable Energy by 2032
Washington D.C. has voted in favor of passing the Clean Energy Omnibus Amendment Act of 2018, which may implement the country’s most ambitious renewable energy policy in the country.
How to Detox Your Bedroom
Start your new year off on the right foot by detoxing your bedroom.
California Bans Pet Stores from Selling Puppy Mill Dogs
California has taken a big step in the direction of animal rights by banning pet stores from selling dogs bred by puppy mills.
How to Make Eco-Friendly Confetti
If you celebrated New Year’s, you probably know what a hassle confetti can be — but what you may not know is that it’s also harsh on our planet.
Carl’s Jr. Partners With Vegan Meat Company Beyond Meat
Starting this year, you’ll be able to get a vegan patty by Beyond Meat at Carl’s Jr. restaurants.
Why It’s Time to Make the Switch to Compostable Band-Aids
Switching to compostable band-aids is a small change you can make to lower your impact.
Purple Carrot Introduces New Plant-Based Breakfast and Lunch Options
Purple Carrot is making it even easier to eat plant-based around the clock.
First Plastic-Free Passenger Flight Takes Off
Portuguese charter airline Hi Fly says they made history when they flew the first flight without any single-use plastic.
How to Easily Get Rid of Your Christmas Tree in an Eco-Friendly Way
Many people make the mistake of tossing natural Christmas trees away because they're biodegradable -- it actually harms that process in landfills. There are easy ways to recycle these trees, even for those that have opted for the artificial variety.
I Have a Dog: How Do I Keep Pet Care Low-Impact?
With so much “stuff” necessary to take care of your dog, it can be tricky figuring out a low-impact plan that keeps everyone happy — you, your pup, and the environment.
Crayola’s ColorCycle Lets You Recycle Any Markers — Not Just Their Own
Crayola wants to help you recycle any markers — not just their own.
McDonald’s Introduces Vegan Menu Item at Their Chicago HQ
McDonald’s is the latest fast food company to embrace the vegan life — by introducing a new meat-free option at their headquarters.