‘Advanced’ plastic recycling using high heat and chemicals is environmentally problematic, a new government study finds

James BruggersFebruary 1, 2023

Industry is pursuing various technologies to recycle plastic, but environmentalists say they only worsen environmental problems.

PollutionYour Environment Update

Test your home (or school) for radon to reduce lung cancer risk

Kara HolsoppleJanuary 26, 2023

Many Pennsylvanians are unknowingly exposed to the radioactive gas in their homes, but there’s something they can do about it.

HealthYour Environment Update

Help wanted: River Ice Spotters to keep an eye on potential flooding

Kara HolsoppleJanuary 20, 2023

The National Weather Service in Pittsburgh is looking for volunteers to help identify hazardous river conditions like ice jams.

ConservationWaterYour Environment Update

DEP issues scathing report on the conventional oil and gas industry

Kara HolsoppleJanuary 13, 2023

DEP calls out the industry as having "a culture of noncompliance as an acceptable norm."

EnergyPollutionYour Environment Update

Turning to Forests for Better Health

Kara HolsoppleJanuary 12, 2023

People are finding that forests are good medicine. To improve health, one local therapist is taking groups 'forest bathing' in Frick Park.

HealthRecreationWild PennsylvaniaYour Environment Update

Groups, residents want EPA to protect Mon Valley from ‘unacceptably high’ levels of benzene pollution from U.S. Steel

Reid FrazierJanuary 4, 2023

Benzen, a known carcinogen, threatens ‘imminent danger’ to residents, the groups argue in a letter to EPA. They want action under the Clean Air Act.

HealthPollutionYour Environment Update

A wildlife biologist’s new birding guide brings everyone into the flock

Kara HolsoppleDecember 30, 2022

A co-organizer of Black Birders Week has written a new guide for people who love birds, and those who don’t know it yet.

ConservationCultureWild PennsylvaniaWildlifeYour Environment Update

Rachel Carson’s ‘Silent Spring’ turns 60. Why it still resonates

Kara HolsoppleDecember 23, 2022

The instant classic warned that chemicals could have unintended consequences on the environment. That same warning could be given today.

CultureHistoryYour Environment Update

A nature poet grapples with life at the edge of the climate crisis 

Kara HolsoppleDecember 23, 2022

Penn State professor Todd Davis has a new book of poetry that explores the damage that people have done to each other and nature.

Climate ChangeConservationCultureWild PennsylvaniaYour Environment Update

Ohio bill to spur fracking in state parks and forests heads to governor’s office

Julie GrantDecember 16, 2022

The bill has raised fears that Ohio agencies will be required to lease state-owned parks, forests, preserves and universities to fracking.

ConservationEnergyPoliticsYour Environment Update