Dear EarthTalk: What are the environmental implications of the current drought across the American West and how does it compare with past dry spells? – S. Diamond, Methuen, MA The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association’s U.S. Drought Monitor (USDM) database, found on Drought.gov, reports that as of August 31, 2021, 39 percent of the U.S. […]
Spiced Caramel Apple Cider
4 cups apple cider 1/4 cup caramel topping 1 tsp McCormick Apple Pie Spice 2 tsp McCormick Pure Vanilla Extract Bring apple cider, caramel topping and apple pie spice to simmer in medium saucepan. Stir in vanilla. Pour into serving cups. Serve topped with whipped cream, additional caramel topping and sprinkle apple pie spice or […]
Off-Earth Manufacturing
Dear EarthTalk: Is so-called “Off-Earth Manufacturing” really the environmental panacea that Jeff Bezos and other proponents say it is? – M. Traney, Smithfield, RI In July 2021, Richard Branson rocketed into suborbital space aboard a craft he helped fund, launching a new era of commercial space travel. About a week later, Amazon’s Jeff Bezos flew […]
Toffee Almond Chocolate Popcorn
4 cups popped popcorn 3/4 cup chopped toasted almonds, divided 6 tbsp toffee bits, divided 6 oz milk chocolate, melted 1 oz dark chocolate, melted In large bowl, toss popcorn, 1/2 cup almonds and 4 tablespoons toffee bits. Drizzle with melted milk chocolate; toss until well coated. Transfer to parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Drizzle with […]
Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole
20 oz ground turkey breast 1 yellow onion, chopped ¼ tsp salt ¼ tsp pepper 3 large bell peppers, chopped (1 each red, yellow & green) 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes ½ cup long-grain brown rice 1 tsp oregano ½ tsp garlic powder 8 oz shredded sharp cheddar cheese Heat oven to 350 F. […]
Green Laundry
Dear EarthTalk: I’ve heard that Americans waste a huge amount of water and energy getting their clothes clean and dry. Do you have any tips for greening the laundry process? – B. Jones, Troy, NY It’s true that Americans use huge amounts of water and energy to keep their clothes clean, dry and soft. Indeed, […]
Thousand Island Burger Pizza
1 can (11 oz) refrigerated thin pizza crust 12 oz lean ground beef 1 cup pizza sauce 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese 1 package (9.4 oz) Fresh Express Bacon Thousand Island Chopped Kit 1/3 cup dill pickle slices Heat oven to 400 F. Unroll dough and spread on 13-by-9-inch nonstick baking sheet. Bake 8 minutes; […]
Toyota Lagging in Electric Vehicle Sector
Dear EarthTalk: How did Toyota go from being the leader in mass-produced greener cars to being a laggard in the sector?– P. Brooks, Demarest, NJ It’s hard to believe that Toyota, the automaker behind the hugely successful hybrid-electric Prius, is no longer viewed as a leader in greener cars. According to Danny Magill, an analyst […]
Slow Fashion
Dear EarthTalk: What is “slow fashion?” Does it relate to sustainability? – K. Lam, Taos, NM In the U.S., millions of shoppers pack clothing stores, excited to key into the newest trends while paying low prices. On the other side of the world, low-wage workers—many of them young girls— are crushed under the hammer of […]
Chocolate Caramel Peanut Butter Pie
1 pkg (8 oz) cream cheese, softened 1 cup powdered sugar 1 cup peanut butter ½ cup milk 1 container (8 oz) whipped topping 1 graham cracker crust chocolate chips chocolate syrup caramel syrup In bowl of stand mixer, beat cream cheese until fluffy. Add powdered sugar and peanut butter; mix until blended. Add milk; […]