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America's first no-packaging grocery store coming to Austin

Within the next year, Austin, Texas, could be home to In.gredients, a grocery store that eliminates the paper and plastic containers that most food comes in. Instead, the zero-packaging store will offer most of its wares in bulk bins. (Some products will be “packaging-light” instead, with recyclable containers.) Customers can bring their own boxes and bottles or borrow compostable ones from the store, weigh them, and fill them with goodies. This includes beer (bring your own growler!) and cleaning products.

Check out this solar-powered 3D printer

Yo dawg, I heard you like solar power, so I put some solar power in your 3D printer so you can solar power while you 3D print.

Critical List: ‘Irrational exuberance’ about shale gas; doubling fuel economy in the U.S

The New York Times obtained government documents that call natural gas companies' enthusiasm about shale gas and hydrofracking "irrational exuberance.”

That exuberance has convinced some lawmakers, though. Nine of them are writing to President Obama to ask him to push for more gas drilling.

In other technology-that’s-not-actually-going-to-save-us news, China's building a $1.5 billion clean coal plant, the first commercial clean coal plant of this size.

Dirty blonde: Ask Umbra on composting dyed hair

Is dyed hair toxic for compost bins? Ask Umbra breaks down the question.

Youth and Positive Social Change

“That which touches me most is that I had a chance to work with peoplePassing on to others that which was passed on to meTo me young people come first, they have the courage where we failAnd if I can but shed some light as they carry us through the galeThe older I get the […]

Value of solar power far exceeds its cost

Solar power has a monetary value as much as 10 times higher than its energy value.

Why laying off ag reporter Philip Brasher is bad for food

Reporter Philip Brasher was recently let go by the Des Moines Register. Here's why you should be concerned about the future of food in this country.

Used fuel-efficient compact cars increase 30 percent in value

There may still be something tangible in your life gaining value: your used, fuel-efficient car.

Friday music blogging: The Chemical Brothers

An old favorite of mine, The Chemical Brothers, have just done a soundtrack for the new movie Hanna. It's awesome!

There's a Foxx guarding the ag-policy henhouse

Rep. Virginia Foxx recently sponsored an amendment to shut down the USDA's Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food initiative.