What Do I Do With Non-Recyclable Plastic? (And How Do I Identify It?)
Not all materials are created equal and certainly not all plastic is, either.
Are Plastic Straws Recyclable?
You don’t have to self-identify as an eco-warrior to know that straws are having a moment right now.
Ponix Is Bringing Local Produce to Food Deserts With Hydroponic Technology
“We believe everybody should have access to fresh food,” the Ponix CEO tells Green Matters.
Are GMOs Sustainable?
How exactly do GMOs affect the environment?
Hundreds of YouTubers Just Planted 5.6 Million Trees to Fight the Climate Crisis
#TeamTrees.
David Burtka Is a Meat-Eater, But He Loves Vegan Meat: "You Really Can’t Taste the Difference"
David Burtka sat down with Green Matters to share his love of vegan meat.
Bill Making Animal Cruelty a Felony Nationwide Passes in the House
The PACT Act is one step closer to becoming a federal law.
Why the Greenhouse Effect Is Important: How It Works and Causes Global Warming
The greenhouse effect is why so many of the things we do are hurting the planet.
How to Recycle Old Electronics, No Matter the Condition
There are plenty of options for giving your old technology new life.
What Can Go in the Compost? Here's Our Ultimate Guide
Reduce your waste and lower your impact!
Can Clothing Be Recycled? How to Give Your Old Clothes New Life
Clothing recycling isn't as complicated as it sounds — here's a guide.
Natural Remedies for High Blood Pressure
A few lifestyle changes can make a huge difference.
These Remedies Will Treat Your Anxiety — Naturally
Want to treat your anxiety the all-natural way? Try these natural remedies!
California Bill Prohibits Circuses From Using Wild Animals
The California Assembly just passed a bill that will ban circuses from using almost all kinds of animals.
Little Rock Expands Program That Pays the Homeless to Collect Litter
The Bridge to Work program is expanding in Little Rock.
Which Plants Attract Butterflies? Support Pollinators With a Butterfly Garden on Your Lawn
Make butterflies feel at home in your very own backyard.
Do Vegans Eat Honey?
Have you ever wondered why some people don't eat honey?
The World Can’t Survive Without the Amazon: Here’s Why
The fires in the Amazon aren’t just affecting those who live there — it’s also affecting you.
How to Fight the Climate Crisis at Home: Small Tips for Making Big Change
Do your part to help stop climate change.
An Unlikely Funeral: Iceland Lays to Rest a Deceased Glacier
The glacier's funeral is a wake-up call to protect the Earth.
Reef-Friendly Sunscreen — Why It's Important, Plus Our Recommendations
Here's everything you need to know about sunscreen and coral reefs.
How Plastic Straws Affect the Ocean and Sea Turtles
Are plastic straws really that bad?
Why Toxic Blue-Green Algae Blooms Have Killed 4 Dogs This Week
How to Use Coffee Grounds in Your Home Garden
Coffee grounds have so many applications in the garden.
Eat Plant-Based to Save the Earth, Says Landmark UN Report
Here's what we need to do.
Ultimate Guide to Eco-Friendly School Lunches: Recipes, Lunchboxes, and Everything Else Your Kid May Need
Keep your kid's lunch as zero-waste as possible with these tips.
All the Sea Ice Surrounding Alaska Has Melted — Here's What It Could Mean
Melting ice and rising sea levels could have dire consequences.
Plastic Bottles Can Now Be Recycled in Exchange for Train Fare on the Rome Metro
30 bottles will get you a free ride on the Rome metro.
How to Switch to a Plant-Based Diet: Tips, Resources, and More for Trying Veganism
Here are a few tips to make the transition easier.
Best Environmental Charities to Donate To
Fight the climate crisis with your dollar.
18-Year-Old's Solution to the Microplastic Crisis Wins the Google Science Fair
This could remove 85 percent of microplastics from the ocean.
Single-Use Grocery Bags Are Becoming Obsolete in the U.K.
The U.K.'s 5p fee on bags has been extremely effective.
Why Is Organic Food More Expensive Than Conventional Food?
Here's everything you need to know.
Pay Off Your Parking Ticket By Donating Kitten Supplies to This Animal Shelter
The Muncie police department's recent promotion was a huge success for the animal shelter.
Why Is Locally Grown Food Better for the Environment?
Eating locally is a crucial tenet of sustainable agriculture — which, in turn, helps all living things flourish.
Is Rawhide Bad for Dogs? Everything You Need to Know, Plus Safer Alternatives
Rawhide chews are popular dog treats — but are they safe?
How "Buy Nothing" Facebook Groups Work to Create a Gift Economy in Communities
Give and receive for free in your local Buy Nothing group.
Is Zero-Waste First Aid Possible? These Compostable Bandages Can Help
Have you ever tried compostable bandages?
How to Sustainably Shop at the Farmers Market: 7 of Our Best Tips
The farmers market can even help you save money.
One of the Biggest Giraffe Subspecies Is Officially Endangered
Masai giraffes have gone down in population by almost 50 percent.
Scotland's Wind Energy Just Set a New Record, Putting Country on Track for 100% Renewable Electricity in 2020
Scotland's wind turbines are killing it.
Bees Can Take Refuge on These Bus Stop "Green Roofs"
The bus stops are also great for biodiversity, absorbing carbon, and more.
Jaden Smith Feeds Free Vegan Food to the Homeless From His 'I Love You' Truck
Mark Ruffalo and Don Cheadle Donate to Zero Hour's Youth Climate Summit in Miami
The summit will take place in mid-July.
Are Fireworks Bad for the Environment? Here's What You Need to Know for July 4th
6 Endangered Right Whales Died in June
How Feeding Your Dog a Vegan Diet Can Lower Your Carbon "Pawprint," According to an Expert
Plastic Free July: 5 Tips for Reducing Disposables for the Summer Challenge
Your actions can make a difference.
This Engineer Has Recycled 50 Tons of Plastic Into Fuel
How to Use Soap Nuts to Make Your Laundry Routine Zero-Waste
Interested in finding out how to use soap nuts in your laundry routine?
7 Zero-Waste Uses for Flaxseed Around the House
Get ready to flax up your hair.
633 Scuba Divers Picked Up Trash From the Ocean Floor Together, Breaking a Guinness World Record
The group smashed the world record and recovered thousands of pounds of ocean trash.
Endangered Sea Turtles Are Laying Eggs at Record Pace Along Georgia Coast
Sea turtles could soon be off the endangered list!
This School Cafeteria Is the 'Greenest Restaurant in the World,' So We Interviewed Co-Founder Rebecca Amis
Grocery Store Hilariously Shames Its Customers Into Bringing Reusable Bags
If you don't want people thinking you bought wart ointment, you should probably remember your tote bags.
The Modern Plant Extinction Rate Is the Worst It's Ever Been, According to New Study
Plants are going extinct far too quickly.
Justin Trudeau Announces Canada's Intention to Ban Single-Use Plastic
It's Now Illegal to Keep Dolphins, Whales, and Porpoises in Captivity in Canada
Canada finally passed a bill protecting marine mammals.
Here Are 6 Ways to Celebrate Our Oceans This World Oceans Day
Other than going for a swim, here are six ways to protect oceans in honor of World Oceans Day.
5 Easy Ways to Fight Air Pollution in Honor of World Environment Day
World Environment Day 2019's theme is air pollution.
Carnival Cruises to Pay $20 Million Penalty for Dumping Plastics Into the Ocean
This isn’t their first offense: They previously paid a $40 million penalty for illegally dumping oil-contaminated waste.
This Circus In Germany Is Using Holograms Instead of Real Animals
Children will now be able to enjoy the circus without the animal cruelty.
Michelob ULTRA Is Rewarding Environmentally Conscious NYC Marathon Runners for “Plogging”
To be eligible to win one of the coveted bibs, all you have to do is make the planet a little cleaner.
“Loop” Review: What I Thought of the Milkman Model Platform’s First Delivery Round
Here are my initial thoughts on Loop's first round.
These 11 Baltimore Organizations Fighting Food Waste Just Received Grants for Their Work
All 11 organizations are doing incredible work for their Baltimore communities.
Students in the Philippines Must Plant 10 Trees Before Graduating, Says New Law
The law is called "Graduation Legacy for the Environment Act."
"Eco-Village" That Produces Net Zero Emissions to Break Ground in Baltimore's Tivoly Triangle
The neighborhood will be "net zero," meaning it generates as much energy as it consumes.
'Loop' Launches in the U.S., Bringing Customers the Products They Love in a Milkman Model
"We’re really trying to go back to the imagery of the milkman," Loop VP Tony Rossi tells Green Matters.
It's National Rescue Dog Day — Here's What You Can Do to Celebrate Dogs Today
Adopt, don't shop!
8 Eco-Friendly Swimsuit Brands for All Shapes and Sizes
Your summer swimwear can be cute and sustainable.
England Sets Up Fund to Plant 130,000 Trees in Next Two Years
England will have at least 130,000 more trees planted come 2021.
Clothing, Shoe, and Accessory Options Made From Recycled Ocean Plastic
These products give ocean plastic a new life.
How Broadway Actors Serving as "Green Captains" Are Turning the Great White Way Green
Green Matters spoke with two Broadway Green Captains to learn more.
What Are Microfibers? Here's What You Can Do to Avoid Them
A garment can produce 1,900 microfibers in just one wash cycle.
Why You Should Consider Ethical and Sustainable Diamonds
When it comes to buying a diamond, you should make the ethical and sustainable choice — here’s why.
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.
Jason Momoa Raises $31,000 for Beach Cleanups by Ax-Throwing on 'Ellen'
His ax-throwing skills are literally helping the Earth.
A Breakdown of That Gloomy Global Assessment of Environmental Change — Plus, Solutions
We need to protect Mama Earth.
Minnesota House Bans Recreational Wolf Hunting Across the State
Wolf hunting is a hot-button issue in Minnesota.
5 Tips to Get Kids of All Ages Involved in the Kitchen
Your child is about to become your sous-chef.
Oil-Free Cooking Basics: Why People Are Embracing the Trend
Buh-bye, olive oil.
L.A. Announces a Green New Deal for the City, Including a 100 Percent Renewable Electricity Goal
Los Angeles is now the biggest U.S. city to pledge 100 percent clean energy.
Some California Restaurants Are Adding a Climate Change Tax to the Bill
Here's how the new tax will incentive sustainable farming practices.
An Emaciated Baby Dolphin Washed Up With Plastic in Her Stomach in Florida
Edible Seaweed Pouches Replaced Plastic Bottles at London Marathon, Reducing Water Bottle Use
Ooho drink pouches helped the marathon be more sustainable.
Google's 'Your Plan, Your Planet' Game Encourages Users to Make Eco-Friendly Fashion Pledges
The tool has new tips for making your wardrobe more eco-friendly.
Arbor Day Foundation Has Planted 20 Percent of Its 100 Million Tree Goal
Happy Arbor Day!
The Most Eco-Friendly Non-Dairy Milks
There are so many to choose from these days.
‘Today’ Show Introduces “One Green Thing” Challenge to Show Everyone Can Easily Go Green
When it comes to climate action, the Today show believes big change starts with “one small thing” — and we couldn’t agree more.
6 Tips for Zero-Waste Grocery Shopping, Even if You Don't Have a Bulk Section
Just because you don't live near a bulk shop doesn't mean you can't grocery shop sustainably.
9 of the Best Quotes From Greta Thunberg's Speech to the House of Parliament
"We must start today. We have no more excuses."
7 Documentaries and Sitcoms to Stream on Earth Day
From Our Planet to 30 Rock.
5 Actionable Things to Do On Earth Day 2019
How to Talk to Your Friends About Going Zero Waste
The idea of living a zero-waste life may be foreign to your friends and relatives — here’s how to start the conversation.
Jason Momoa Shaved His Beard to Get You to Ditch Single-Use Plastic
Khal Drogo no more — Jason Momoa shaved his signature beard in an effort to get you to rethink plastics.
5 Tips for Keeping Your Passover Seder Eco-Friendly
Are you up for the challenge of a zero-waste seder?
Chicago Pledges 100 Percent Renewable Energy by 2040
The mayor officially signed the resolution this week.
10 Zero-Waste Uses for Vinegar Around the House
Vinegar can help you with so many things around the house.
The States That Use the Most Glyphosate — And What You Can Do About It
Here's what to do if your state ranks high on the list.
How to Recycle Your Car Seat at Target and Get 20% Off New Baby Gear
Target just announced its latest trade-in event.
Whole Foods Is Lowering Prices Across the Store, and Introducing New Deals for Amazon Prime Members
Prices are going down at Whole Foods.
What Are Carbon Offsets?
Carbon offsetting is popular yet controversial.
Virginia Officially Declares Pet Cruelty a Felony Statewide
Abusing a dog or cat is now a felony in Virginia.
UN Encourages Companies That Use Animals in Their Ads to Donate to Conservation Efforts
The UN is reminding people that if they profit off of ads featuring animals to give back to those animals in need.
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.
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.
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.
Lawmakers Introduce Bill to Make Animal Cruelty a Nationwide Felony
If the bill passes, those convicted could face up to seven years in prison.
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.
6 New Year’s Resolutions That Will Help You Help the Planet
These New Year’s resolutions will help you make a change — for not only you, but also the planet.
Endangered Whales, Giraffes, and Gorillas See Population Increase
Thanks to conservation efforts, select species of endangered whales, giraffes, and gorillas are seeing population gains.
What Is Ocean Plastic?
Researcher Postpones Retirement After Accidentally Discovering Method to Restore Coral Reefs
Dr. David Vaughan had plans to retire but called them off after he discovered a way to restore dying coral reefs — by accident.
Kids Cover A Swiss Glacier With Postcards To Raise Environmental Awareness
The giant postcard urges world leaders to take action on climate change, and it may just have set a Guinness World Record.
Scientists Are Using Drones To Track These Critically Endangered Parrots
Could robots hold the key to saving Tasmania's vulnerable swift parrots?
How A Girl Scout Troop Helped Pass Local Legislation On Single-Use Plastics
Narberth, Penn. is the first town in the state to regulate single-use plastics, and it's all thanks to Troop 7885.
5 Ethical And Stylish Jewelry Brands
These social enterprises and Fair Trade companies support underserved communities with their incredible, sustainable accessories.
How To Help Victims Of The California Wildfires
Donate your money and time to these nonprofits assisting Californians through the devastating Camp, Woosley, and Hill fires.
This Abandoned Lot In Miami Is Being Transformed Into A Beautiful 10-Mile Park
Once an abandoned space, The Underline is a 10-mile park that aims to connect communities in Miami.
Zoos Release Critically Endangered Dusky Gopher Frogs Into The Wild
Zoos from Detroit, Dallas, Omaha, and Memphis added roughly 300 dusky gopher frogs to the wild this month, in an effort to stabilize their populations.
Chernobyl's Nuclear Disaster Site Is Now A Solar Farm
The Ukrainian government has transformed the former nuclear power plant into a functioning solar-electric farm.
More Than 300 Endangered Turtles Hatch On The Beaches Of Singapore
The hawksbill turtle had an excellent month, as hundreds of hatchlings made their way into the Pacific Ocean.
An Endangered Baby Giraffe Just Took Its First Steps At This Wildlife Park
Woburn Safari Park welcomed a baby Rothschild's giraffe to the herd. She's named Sandy and she's already walking.
Canadian Government Donates Land To Protect Endangered Newfoundland Pony
To help the native pony recover from near extinction, the Newfoundland and Labrador province will provide land for pasture and breeding.
10 Organizations Helping The Carolinas After Hurricane Florence
Support the victims of Hurricane Florence by giving to one of these nonprofits.
Endangered Water Voles Are Making A Comeback In The UK
Conservationist believe 94 percent of the water vole population has disappeared from Britain. But now, they're reentering a national park.
How Mapping Trees Can Help Endangered Lemur Populations
Scientists at Duke University are using trees to locate the remaining lemurs in Madagascar.
World Bank Introduces A Water Bond To Raise Money For Clean Oceans
The new World Bank bond series aims to raise $3 billion for water projects around the world.
4 New Environmental Documentaries You Can Stream Right Now
You can rent these documentaries on elephants, vegan meat, mountains, and wild rivers on iTunes and Vimeo.
Why Disability Activists Are Speaking Out Against Plastic Straw Bans
Plastic straw bans harm people with disabilities — especially since eco-friendly alternatives like metal and paper straws don't work for them.
This Drone Sucks Up Trash From The Water Like A Roomba
The WasteShark aquadrone vacuums plastic trash from harbors and ports, keeping it from entering oceans.
How A Teen Girl Got The Government To Clean Up Her Hometown River
Stella Bowles convinced the Canadian government to stop polluting the LaHave River with a simple science fair project.
How The National Forest Foundation Helps Trees Recover After Wildfires
NFF President Mary Mitsos tells us about post-fire restoration and the $500,000 crowdfunding campaign "Summer of Trails."
This New Bucket Challenge Has An Environmental Twist
Louisiana fishers are taking the 5 gallon bucket challenge to keep their lakes and bayou clean.
Global Climate Action Summit Will Highlight Eco Solutions
This meeting of industry leaders, politicians, and celebrities will brainstorm ways for the world to hit the goals of the Paris Agreement.
How Guatemala Is Kicking Plastic Out Of Its Towns
At least 10 municipalities in Guatemala have implemented single-use plastic bans over the past two years.
This Father And Son Fish For Trash Along The Detroit River
Tom and Mark Nardone spend their weekends on the Detroit River, pulling garbage out of the water.
Could Missoula Become A Zero-Waste City By 2050?
The city of Missoula could go "zero waste" by 2050 with an ambitious plan to cut its waste stream by 90 percent.
This Brazilian Drag Queen Teaches Kids About The Natural World
Wearing leaves and bright colors, Uyra Sodoma encourages children in Amazon communities to protect their environment.
How Nuns Are Fighting For The Environment
"Green sisters" are helping to save endangered species and blocking pipelines with makeshift chapels.
Belize's Barrier Reef Is Off Endangered List After Banning Oil Activity
Belize has saved the second-biggest coral reef in the world, which provides food and economical benefits to the Central American country. After passing legislation to ban oil exploration, UNESCO has taken it off their endangered list.
This Beluga Whale Sanctuary In Iceland Is Officially Welcoming New Residents
Beluga whales are heading from China to a new home on an Icelandic island that brings them closer to a natural habitat. Multiple organizations are not only providing them a better home, but are hoping that other entertainment parks follow in their footsteps.
Why This Dutch Town Installed Bat-Friendly LED Street Lights
To keep rare bat species in an area where they thrive, a community that's already created nearly 100 sustainable homes is changing their street lights. These new red LED bulbs will allow humans to continue operating at night while the bats can avoid it.
Endangered Mountain Gorilla Population Is On The Rise Despite Challenges
Mountain gorillas remain an endangered species, but conservation efforts such as regulated tourism and habitat protection has increased their population over the last 35 years. It's jumped 25 percent in a specific African region in the past eight years.