Articles

This is the first public library without any books

The all-digital books at this library may save trees, but they're not very compostable.

Holly Richmond Technology

Will the U.S. lift its 38-year ban on crude oil exports?

Oil companies and oil-loving politicians alike are anxious to ship U.S. oil abroad and are pushing for an end to the ban.

John Upton Technology

New York City is using its food waste to create heat

This is a few steps more complicated than burning your trash pile.

Sarah Laskow Culture

This company is making vodka out of melted icebergs

An iceberg's worth of vodka? That's a lot of vodka

Sarah Laskow Technology

60 Minutes’ ‘Cleantech Crash’ segment misses the point, critics charge

The 60 Minutes segment questions whether "cleantech" has become a "dirty word."

James Gerken Technology

California’s cap-and-trade program could fund high-speed rail

Gov. Jerry Brown wants to take $250 million raised by the state's carbon-trading program and put it toward a fast train between L.A. and San Francisco.

John Upton Climate & Energy

It’s too cold in Chicago for even polar bears to stay outside

For a polar bear, Chicago is usually the equivalent to living in Costa Rica.

Sarah Laskow Culture

During a storm, this guy powered his TV with his Prius

When an ex-mechanic lost power for almost a whole day, he just hooked up his Prius and powered his furnace, lights, fridge -- even his TV.

Holly Richmond Culture

McDonald’s will shift (very slowly) to sustainable beef

The fast-food giant will start buying some in 2016, and then gradually work toward its "aspirational goal" of buying 100 percent verified sustainable beef.