‘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."
Parents Want Schools to Teach Children About Climate Change, Survey Shows
Parents want their kids to be informed.
Pokémon Go Celebrates Earth Day by “Gaming for Good”
Pokémon Go is rewarding their virtual players for getting involved in the real world.
5 Actionable Things to Do On Earth Day 2019
Reebok's Eco-Friendly 'Cotton + Corn' Sneakers Go Vegan
The low-impact shoes are even more eco-friendly now.
Ariana Grande, Leo DiCaprio, and More Stars Come Together to Record “Earth,” Lil Dicky’s New Climate Change Anthem
Listen to "Earth," the new song that can not only motivate you about climate action, but also show you what it would be like if Ariana Granda was a zebra.
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.
Endangered Right Whales Spotted With New Calves, Providing a Ray of Hope for the Species' Future
The right whale population is finally growing again.
'Big Bang Theory' Star Melissa Rauch Releases Free Children's Book 'The Tales of Tofu,' Making Healthy Eating Fun and Accessible
Rauch hopes the book will give children a positive and fun association with healthy eating.
Chicago Pledges 100 Percent Renewable Energy by 2040
The mayor officially signed the resolution this week.
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.
New Bioplastic-Rubber Blended Material Could Be the Plastic Packaging Alternative the Earth Needs
The new material is strong enough to replace plastic packaging.
There Are More Than 500,000 Potential Wind and Solar Energy Storage Spaces on Earth, Study Finds
There are 530,000 potential PHES sites on the planet.
Netflix's 'Our Planet' Has People in Tears — And Ready to Do Good for the Earth
Twitter is full of people #crying over the Netflix series.
Compostable Wild Grass Straws Are Vietnam's Newest Zero-Waste Straw Option
The wild grass straws are 100 percent natural.
Chemical Recycling Is Completely Changing the Plastic Recycling Game
Chemical recycling works very differently than standard plastic recycling.
Nine New Non-Animal Cosmetic Tests Approved in China, Bringing the World a Step Closer to Ending Animal Testing
There's still a long way to go when it comes to banning animal testing, but this is an important step.
The USDA Will No Longer Conduct Lab Tests on Kittens, Will Rehome Remaining 14 Cats
The controversial practice is finally over.
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.
Virginia Officially Declares Pet Cruelty a Felony Statewide
Abusing a dog or cat is now a felony in Virginia.
A Pregnant Whale Found Was Dead on Italian Beach With 49 Pounds of Plastic in Her Stomach
A dead fetus was also found inside the female sperm whale.
New York City Is Establishing a Congestion Toll in Congested Midtown
Manhattanites will have to pay to enter the borough below 60th Street.
Burger King's Whoppers Go Impossible With the Popular Plant-Based Patty
Plant lovers, rejoice!
New Yorkers Better Dust Off Their Reusable Totes, Because the State Is Banning Plastic Bags
The ban will go into effect in early 2020.
Earth Hour Is This Weekend – Here's Everything You Need to Know, And a Few Suggestions for Observing
Here are a few suggestions for observing Earth Hour this weekend.
Bill Proposes Warning Labels for Kids’ Cosmetics That Might Contain Asbestos
In the wake of the Food and Drug Administration finding dangerous levels of asbestos in cosmetic products marketed to children, new legislation has proposed warning labels on products that might contain the known carcinogen.
Monsanto's Roundup Loses Second Cancer Case, With 11,000 More to Come
The corporation was found guilty of not including a cancer-causing warning.
Grocery Store Lidl Is Saving Produce From Landfill With "Too Good to Waste" Discount Veggie Boxes
It's going to save customers a boatload of money, too.
75-Year-Old Woman Upcycled Wegmans Plastic Bags to Knit a Skirt Suit, And She Looks Fabulous
Biodegradable Plates and Cutlery Made from Wheat Bran May Not Be Gluten-Free, But They Are Pretty Cool
Wheat bran is the newest material for biodegradable tablewares.
'Mean Girls' Star Daniel Franzese Takes on a New Kind of Plastics in PSA Against Single-Use Straws
Green Matters spoke with the actor and comedian about the fun new campaign.
French Beach Covered With Mangled Dolphin Corpses, As a Side Effect of the Fishing Industry
Hundreds of dolphin bodies keep washing up.
Figuring Out if a Hotel is Eco-Friendly Just Got a Lot Easier
This is an excuse to book a vacation, right?
TerraCycle Unveils First Nationwide Razor Recycling Program, And It's So Easy to Participate
You can now recycle disposable razors, blades, and packaging.
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.
James Bond Goes Green in New Movie With Electric Aston Martin Car
Electric, not gas.
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
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.
Beyond Beef Will Make All of Your Plant-Based Ground Beef Dreams Come True
Meatballs and tacos and sliders, oh my!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
'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.”
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
“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.
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.
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.
New Poll Shows Support for the Green New Deal
Polling released by the Yale Program on Climate Change Communication shows that 81 percent of respondents support the Green New Deal.
New Study: Cyclists Exposed to Less Air Pollution Than Any Other Commuters on Busy Roads
A new study suggests that the “cleanest” way to commute in a city is to take a bike.
Norway Becomes First Country to Ban Palm Oil-Based Biofuel
Norway has banned palm oil-based biofuel, taking a major step towards protecting the rainforest.
Milan Plans to Plant 3 Million Trees by 2030
Milan shares their ambitious plan to fight for a greener future for its citizens.
Costa Rica Goes 300 Days Using Only Renewable Energy
Costa Rica just had a major clean energy milestone: They went 300 days using only renewable energy.
Plastic Bag Circulation Down 80 Percent in Australia Following Supermarket Ban
There are 1.5 billion less plastic bags in circulation in Australian after two major supermarket chains banned their use.
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.
WWF And Tesco Team Up To Cut Environmental Impact Of UK Groceries In Half
The nonprofit and grocery store chain will collaborate on reducing food and packaging waste, and offering more sustainable food options.
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.
What's The Green New Deal?
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and other progressive politicians are pushing for this legislation. But what does it do?
"Forest School" Is Where Orphaned Orangutans Learn How To Be Apes
The orphaned orangutans must pass a test at the end of their schooling to prove they've been rehabilitated and can do things like build nests, identify natural enemies, and forage for food.
Spain Sets Goal To Achieve 100% Renewable Electricity By 2050
The government will shut down most of its coal plants by the end of the year and halt new licenses on drilling and fracking to achieve this target.
California Will Replace Gas Power Plants With The World's Largest Battery System
It's the first time a utility and its regulators have replaced power plants with a renewable energy source.
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.
New Hampshire's Pay-As-You-Throw Programs Are Reducing Waste By 50 Percent
Research suggests the trash pricing system is having an positive impact in the Granite State.
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 Treadmill Generates Electricity As You Jog
The sustainable exercise machine from SportsArt produces renewable energy with each workout.
"Single-Use" Is 2018's Word Of The Year
Collins Dictionary says there's been a fourfold increase in the usage of the word since 2013, partly due to increased news coverage surrounding environmental issues.