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Environment Stories

Coca-Cola goes compostable at UW

The UW lives on the cutting edge of green products and that's why the soft drink giant picked it to unveil a new compostable eco-tainer.

Migrating swans end up dead in Skagit County

Some people believe the swans were mistaken for geese, but others believe the swans were intentionally targeted.

Experts worry about storm system headed our way

The light at the end of our storm tunnel is blocked by another dark cloud.

• This time it's rain

Protesters block access to Maury Island mine

A group of Maury Island and Vashon Island residents joined arms and voices Friday to block access to a controversial sand and gravel mine.

Anchorage gives up on glass recycling

The downturn in the economy means that up to 150 tons of glass a month will go straight to the Anchorage dump, rather than recycling bins, beginning in the first week of the New Year.

Stephen Colbert's eagle 'son' spotted in Oregon

"Stephen Jr." was spotted by a man photographing eagles at the Lower Klamath National Wildlife Refuge the day before Christmas.

Navy, environmentalists settle sonar lawsuit

The Navy says the deal reached with the Natural Resources Defense Council and other groups requires it to continue to research how sonar affects whales and other marine mammals.

Incentives for recycling programs lose their steam

Like the U.S. and global economy, the recycling commodities markets have crashed in recent months, recycling and solid waste officials say.

Ore. retailers get ready for bottle bill changes

Starting Jan. 1, Oregonians will have pay a nickel deposit when they buy a bottle of water. Legislation approved in 2007 law also allows customers to bring the empties back to any retailer that sells a particular product.

TIMES: Gov. wants to boost spending on Puget Sound

Despite the state's dour economy, Gov. Chris Gregoire's proposed budget would increase spending on her signature environmental issue.

Jell-O could help kill non-native fish

A researcher at Montana State University says Jell-O, ultrasound, microwaves and electroshocking are among the possible solutions to eliminate lake trout in Yellowstone National Park.

Once world's smoggiest, Mexico City cuts pollution

The metropolis ranked the world's most polluted by a 1992 U.N. report has since slashed some of its worst emissions by more than three-quarters and has become a model for improving urban air quality.

What does organic dry-cleaning really mean?

It seem the "organic" label has crept into just about every corner of our lives these days. It's on food, personal care products and even at a dry-cleaner near you.

US Forest Service to clear way for pipeline

The U.S. Forest Service plans to alter its environmental standards to allow a proposed $800 million natural gas pipeline to run through 47 miles of Mount Hood National Forest.

LED's help light the way to the future

LED lights not only use less power and they last longer. But they aren't the smart choice just for the holidays.

Wash. state finds 30 dangerous illegal dams

State officials began investigating illegal dams after discovering several while reviewing aerial photos of their own projects last spring.

State pursuing pared-down climate change agenda

Recognizing a tough budget situation, the state is planning to pursue a less aggressive plan to curb climate change than many had hoped.

Scientists look for clues to orca decline

When seven resident killer whales that frequent inland waters of Washington went missing this year, there was no shortage of suspects.

Report: Endangered species decisions tainted

Julie MacDonald, a former deputy assistant secretary overseeing the Fish and Wildlife Service, did pervasive harm to the department's morale and integrity and may have risked the well-being of species with her agenda.

Inslee blasts new Bush rules on endangered species

U.S. Rep. Jay Inslee says it is unfortunate that the Bush administration is leaving office the way he says it started: by doing everything possible to weaken protections for the environment.

Environmental fugitives get own most-wanted list

These fugitives allegedly smuggled chemicals that eat away the Earth's protective ozone layer, dumped hazardous waste into oceans and rivers and trafficked in polluting cars.

Free computer and TV recycling program starting soon

Here's a reminder that E-Cycle Washington starts January 1, 2009.

Seattle aims to ease stress over Styrofoam ban

The city's ban on Styrofoam food containers is just weeks away and some restaurant owners are worried about the deadline.

• Ban takes affect Jan. 1

National study lists some NW schools for worst air quality

USA Today used EPA pollution data to pinpoint the worst of 128,000 schools nationwide.

• 8-year-study of pollution data

Wash. environmentalists outline priorities

With Washington facing an expected deficit of more than $5 billion in the upcoming two-year budget cycle, environmental groups say they're heading into the 2009 legislative session with a wish list that adds jobs and revenue.