EarthTalk®

Dear EarthTalk: How can we design houses and buildings that are resilient to climate change, that can survive the extreme weather events increasing in a warming world? – P. Smith, Wayne, PA

Since the frequency and intensity of floods, wildfires and heat waves has increased due to climate change, the U.S. housing market has become steadily more volatile. Billions of dollars’ worth of damages have already piled up from these disasters, and they will only increase unless we drastically shift how we build. To make matters worse, climate disasters disproportionately affect vulnerable populations due to their proximity to areas most susceptible to hazardous climate conditions and the poorly constructed buildings.

Despite the scope and precarity of housing issues in the era of climate change, the Climate-Resilient Housing Initiative has put forth plans to build affordable, sustainable and resilient homes for 10 million people by 2030. Many types of model homes have been developed and built to demonstrate how housing could be adapted to handle natural disasters. For example, homes that will be built in areas prone to flooding could either be elevated on stilts or designed to be buoyant in anticipation of rising water levels.

Other examples of climate-resilient housing include homes designed for rising temperatures and drought conditions, including features like reflective surfaces, green spaces, solar panels and good insulation. Architects have found plenty of affordable ways to produce climate resilient housing as well by building well-insulated, wind-resistant houses with locally sourced clay, or designing wooden buildings that can easily be taken apart and moved to higher ground in the event of a flood. Other housing allows for an easy exit in the event of a fire, or the ability to safely adjust airflows to provide ventilation during windstorms.

In light of the impending dangers to our housing, the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has released a report outlining recommended resiliency strategies for buildings. Also, companies like Green Builder Media are putting resources into learning how to make climate-resilient housing. And since natural disasters are bringing down the value of houses so rapidly, realtors are being encouraged to implement proper climate-resiliency standards into their homes in order to keep them marketable.

The vast majority of U.S. housing was built decades ago, long before climate change was a threat. As such, millions of homes are completely unprepared for the natural disasters that are coming their way. We still have a long way to go before we’re fully prepared, but the technology, scientific knowledge and financial incentives are all there for us to begin building more resilient communities.

CONTACTS: How To Make Housing More Resilient Against Natural Disasters, https://www.unep.org/news-and-stories/story/5-ways-make-buildings-climate-change-resilient; How Climate Change Contributes To Issues Within The Modern Housing Market, https://www.theverge.com/23951223/housing-climate-change-zoning-nimby-sustainable-design

Dear EarthTalk: Are mainstream dish soaps really that bad for the planet? And if so, what are some greener alternatives? -- P. McGrath, Boulder, CO

Popular dish soaps often claim to easily tackle grease, leave dishes sparkling clean and uphold commitments to sustainability and safety. But these promises are often misleading. These products may deliver on cleaning power, but they often come at a high cost to human health, animal welfare and the environment. Many well-known dish soaps contain synthetic chemicals and additives that are harmful.

The main chemicals in dish soaps include Methylisothiazolinone, 4-dioxane, and fragrance and dye additives. Methylisothiazolinone is a synthetic preservative which inhibits the growth of bacteria and fungi, helping to give sponges a long useful life. The chemical is also a skin irritant for many and highly toxic in aquatic environments. 4-dioxane, though not intentionally added into dish soaps, is the byproduct of other chemical reactions. As a recognized groundwater pollutant, 4-dioxane is notoriously difficult to filter out during water treatment. The lemony-fresh scent many associate with cleanliness comes from synthetic fragrances, which act as air and aquatic pollutants. Dyes, which create visual appeal, are persistent pollutants that can linger in the environment for decades, contaminating waterways.

The environmental harm of dish soap extends beyond usage to its production. The industry ranks as the fourth-largest contributor to toxic pollution, with weighty impacts on communities near production facilities. The factories emit high levels of harmful chemicals, worsening climate change and exposing local populations to increased cancer risks. The toxic footprint also extends along transportation routes, especially from South Carolina through Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana and Texas.

Luckily, there are several options that are better for the environment and individual health. Cleancult Liquid Dish Soap is made from plant bases and does not use animal testing. It cleans efficiently, is easy on sensitive skin, does not contain harmful chemical, and received an “A” environmental rating. Dr. Bronner’s Pure Castile Liquid Soap, generally known as a camping dish soap, is another grade “A” certified soap with strong Environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles guiding production. It uses basic ingredients, designed to be safe in waterways. Koala EcoNatural Dish Soap is made without synthetic fragrances, using essential oils instead, and holds two toxic chemical-free certifications. These alternatives are available at a slightly higher price point, but are much worth the investment.

CONTACTS: The 9 Best Eco-Friendly Dish Soaps, https://www.treehugger.com/best-eco-friendly-dish-soap-5115036; Dish Soaps: The Good, The Bad, and The Toxic, https://www.practiganic.com/2014/05/dish-soaps-good-bad-and-toxic.html; The Dirty Secret of America’s Clean Dishes, https://www.propublica.org/article/the-dirty-secret-of-americas-clean-dishes/amp.

Dear EarthTalk: Is it true that glass recycling isn’t worthwhile and that some municipalities are stopping doing it? -- R. Bigelow, Houston, TX

Glass recycling has long been touted as a sustainable way to reduce waste and conserve resources. But in recent years—while glass remains theoretically recyclable and environmentally friendly—a growing number of municipalities have been discontinuing glass recycling, citing various challenges.

The high cost of transporting and processing heavy and fragile glass is one such challenge. Recyclers complain that the expense of managing glass outweighs the potential profits. Also, the market for recycled glass has declined due to the availability of cheap virgin materials, as reported by the American Chemical Society (ACS). Tacoma, Washington, is one city that suspended glass recycling due to its costs.

Glass recycling also faces significant challenges due to contamination. When glass is mixed with other recyclables in single-stream systems, shards can contaminate paper and plastics, rendering entire batches unrecyclable. And sorting and separating different types of glass—such as colored and clear—adds to the complexity and cost of the process.

Glass recycling does save energy and reduces landfill waste. Producing glass from recycled materials consumes significantly less energy than doing it from raw materials. Furthermore, recycling reduces the need for extracting raw materials like sand, which has its own environmental footprint.

When recycling programs are halted, glass waste often ends up in landfills, where it can take hundreds of years to decompose. This not only increases environmental pollution but also undermines public confidence in the broader recycling system. To address these challenges, investment in better recycling infrastructure is needed. Technologies that can separate and process glass more effectively can make recycling programs more viable. Additionally, expanding bottle redemption programs could incentivize consumers to recycle glass responsibly.

Government incentives could encourage manufacturers to incorporate more recycled glass into their production processes, creating a sustainable market for these materials. Collaboration between public and private sectors can also help reduce costs and increase the economic feasibility of glass recycling.

The environmental benefits of glass recycling make it worth preserving. Improved infrastructure, market reforms, and responsible recycling practices can work together to make it a viable solution once again.

CONTACTS: Why glass recycling in the U.S. is broken, https://cen.acs.org/materials/inorganic-chemistry/glass-recycling-US-broken/97/i6; Why is glass recycling going away? https://www.roadrunnerwm.com/blog/why-is-glass-recycling-going-away.

Dear EarthTalk: Is climate change decimating the U.S. cranberry industry? -- D.K., Chico, CA

Cranberries are a vital crop in the U.S., deeply intertwined with the nation’s agricultural economy and cultural identity. Grown predominantly in Massachusetts, New Jersey and Wisconsin, cranberries contribute significantly to regional economies. However, the industry now faces growing challenges due to climate change, threatening its sustainability and economic viability.

Cranberry farming relies on precise environmental conditions, so it is especially vulnerable to climate change. Rising temperatures disrupt the delicate timing of cranberry flowering and fruiting cycles. According to a study in PLOS Climate, this affects crop yields and overall quality. Precipitation patterns have also become unpredictable. Cranberries need controlled water levels, but climate change has brought frequent droughts and floods, both which stress the crops. According to Yale Climate Connections, these extremes have left farmers grappling with inconsistent harvests. Warmer climates are also fostering ideal conditions for pests and diseases that harm the plants, exacerbating the challenges faced by growers.

The effects of climate change on cranberry production vary by region, but the challenges are universal. In Massachusetts, unpredictable weather patterns have slashed yields and driven up production costs. Farmers often face additional expenses to manage water resources and protect crops from extreme weather events. Wisconsin, a leading cranberry-producing state, has seen erratic spring temperatures disrupting the growth cycles of its crops. Meanwhile, New Jersey cranberry farms are contending with coastal flooding and rising soil salinity, which are direct consequences of climate change in the region.

Despite these mounting challenges, farmers are fighting back. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is emerging as a powerful tool, helping farmers make informed decisions. According to CNBC, farmers are using AI to monitor and predict weather patterns, optimize irrigation and manage pest outbreaks. Sustainable farming practices are also gaining traction, from water-efficient irrigation systems to crop rotation methods that preserve soil health. Also, collaboration with scientists has become crucial. Researchers are working to breed more resilient cranberry varieties that can withstand the changing climate.

While the challenges facing cranberry farmers are formidable, the resilience and innovation within the industry provide a glimmer of hope. From cutting-edge technology to sustainable practices and scientific research, efforts are underway to ensure the longevity of this vital crop. As climate change continues to pose threats, the cranberry industry stands as a testament to the adaptability and determination of farmers and researchers committed to preserving an essential piece of American agriculture and culture.

CONTACTS: The enduring nature of cranberry production in a changing climate, https://journals.plos.org/climate/article?id=10.1371/journal.pclm.0000350.

Dear EarthTalk: What is the status of the monarch butterfly in the U.S. and is it listed as threatened or endangered? -- M. Smith, Raleigh, NC

The monarch butterfly, known for its awe-inspiring migration across North America, has become a symbol of both ecological wonder and environmental decline. Once abundant across the continent, their numbers have plummeted in recent decades, raising concerns about the species’ long-term survival.

In 2014, the Center for Biological Diversity (CBD), a leading conservation group, petitioned the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (FWS) to list the monarch as “threatened.” FSW launched a review of the butterfly's status, concluding six years later that listing was warranted although other species took priority. In 2022, CBD filed a federal lawsuit and won a settlement calling for the government to decide whether to list monarchs by late 2024, which FSW did in December, finally granted “threatened” status to the species.

The monarch’s eastern population, which migrates from the U.S. and Canada to central Mexico for the winter, has experienced a staggering 80 percent drop over the past 20 years, largely due to habitat loss, especially the destruction of milkweed—the sole food source for monarch larvae. The widespread use of herbicides and pesticides kill both milkweed and other pollinator-friendly plants. Climate is compounding the issue by altering the availability of suitable habitats, affecting migration patterns. The monarch’s western population migrates along the U.S. West Coast to winter in California, and has also seen a drastic decline. It has not yet been listed as threatened or endangered by FWS, but the western monarch is still considered to be in serious jeopardy, with some estimates suggesting a 99 percent decline since the 1980s.

Being listed as "threatened" means that while monarchs are not yet in immediate danger of extinction, their populations are at significant risk. This status has prompted federal agencies to prioritize monarch conservation, leading to a variety of initiatives aimed at halting or reversing the decline. FWS has created a recovery plan, which includes restoring migratory and breeding habitats, reducing pesticide use and raising public awareness about the importance of monarchs and pollinators in general.

Despite official recognition of the problem and action, habitat destruction continues at an alarming rate, exacerbated by logging and urban sprawl. In response, conservation and governmental agencies and researchers are all working toward restoring monarch habitats and promoting the planting of milkweed.

Everyone can play a role in helping the monarchs. Readers can help by planting milkweed in your garden, backyard or community space. You can also reduce pesticide use in your yard and choose organic gardening practices. Support organizations working to protect monarch habitats and advocate for policies that protect pollinators and raise awareness about their decline can also create broader change.

CONTACTS: FSW, https://www.fws.gov/initiative/pollinators/monarchs; Monarch Watch, https://www.monarchwatch.org; Monarch Joint Venture, https://monarchjointventure.org.

EarthTalk® is produced by Roddy Scheer & Doug Moss for the 501(c)3 nonprofit EarthTalk. See more at https://emagazine.com. To donate, visit https://earthtalk.org. Send questions to: question@earthtalk.org.