A firefighting plane dumps water on one of the fires in the Los Angeles area in January 2025.

Firefighting planes are dumping ocean water on the Los Angeles fires − why using saltwater is typically a last resort

In emergencies, dumping ocean water on fires may be the best option. But seawater can have long-term effects on equipment and ecosystems, as a novel coastal experiment shows.

They wanted to save the boulevard trees along six blocks of 29th Ave. and they came together to do just that. Then they celebrated together at Arbeiter Brewing. (Photo by submitted)

Residents along six blocks of 29th Ave. S have banded together to save 40 ash trees. “These are public trees that the whole community benefits from,” observed Loey Colebeck. “Many …

A second run leads to a home run

Longfellow resident Mary Haugh got a second run at life and decided to give vintage homes a second life, too. After surviving an aggressive form of cancer in the prime of her professional marketing …

The Minnesota Toy Library is for parents, grandparents, educators, occupational therapists, and mostly, for kids, to come and choose toys that are fun and that help them learn. MTL Executive Director Rebecca Nutter said, “We can’t just keep consuming things. We need to do better.” (Photo submitted)

Minnesota Toy Library opens third metro location

The Minnesota Toy Library (MTL) is a toy lending program for families with children ages birth to five years. Members can check-out up to five toys at a time, and take them home for 2-4 weeks. And …

Aaron Blaser, owner of the Curioso Coffee Bar in Seven Points mall, said he has a “guarded optimism” about Uptown’s future. He believes in its potential “to be a real point of interest,” and thinks that having street construction wrap up will make a big difference.

Uptown: Reimagined

With significant street construction coming to an end along Hennepin Avenue from 31st to 28th Streets, Uptown is ready for a renaissance – French for rebirth. “I think we’re on the …

Pianocycle founder Zero One is a music maker and mathematician, as well as a piano recycler. "Pianos often have high sentimental value. Even if your family piano can’t be played anymore, we ensure that it still leaves a legacy," said One.

Reuse, replay, or recycle your old acoustic piano

It’s one thing to cull outgrown or unused clothes from your closet, but what do you do with a piano that’s outlived its usefulness in your home? Pianocycle is a Public Benefit Corporation …

Will we eventually have to send our trash into space if we run out of room on Earth?

Humans generate a lot of trash, but there are cheaper and safer ways to handle it than loading it on rockets.

Why does the Earth spin?

An astronomer takes us on a tour of the universe to learn about the birth of stars and planets and how they get their spin.

Why do we use gasoline for small vehicles and diesel fuel for big vehicles?

Both gasoline and diesel fuel are refined from crude oil, but they are good for different things and can’t be used interchangeably.

How the world fell in love with plastic without thinking through the consequences – podcast

Plastic waste expert Mark Miodowonik explains the history of plastic and why he believes manufacturers must be responsible for making sure plastic is recycled.

Ambitious L.A. water recycling plan could serve half a million households

LA Post reports on a new UCLA study that confirms LA's ambitious wastewater recycling initiative would strengthen the city's water security amid growing climate challenges and potential natural disasters.

A Greener Home Starts Today: Save on ENERGY STAR Appliances with New Home Rebates

(BPT) - Energy efficiency isn't a trendy buzzword — it's quickly becoming the new normal for everyday Americans across the country. Beginning this fall and throughout next year, consumers will …

Coal plants are closing. What can be done with them?

(BPT) - The next generation of energy technologies is coming online, delivering energy that is more affordable, reliable and cleaner than ever before. But what happens to the older generation of …

Make a New Year's resolution to prepare your home

(BPT) - When it comes to goal setting for the new year ahead, why not put prepping your home for unexpected life moments top of the list? After all, your home is the center of your life, and the …

How the Earth’s tilt creates short, cold January days

The Sun rises in Midland, Michigan, shortly after 8a.m. on Jan. 13, 2017.

The winter solstice is past, but bundle up – January is when winter really arrives in many parts of the Northern Hemisphere.

End your year meaningfully with a gift that grows

(BPT) - With one year coming to a close and another about to begin, this is the perfect time to reflect on how you've been blessed this year, as well as ways to best live your values going forward. …

The giant panda's diet is almost 100% bamboo.

Climate change is making plants less nutritious − that could already be hurting animals that are grazers

Rising carbon dioxide levels in the air are making plants grow larger and faster, but diluting their nutritional content. This could threaten the health of herbivores worldwide.

5 tips for staying safe during a winter power outage

(BPT) - Winter is in full swing. It's a beautiful season, but as the temperature drops and the snow, ice and cold approach, there's always the possibility of a power outage. When it's cold outside …

Top 2025 outdoor design trends

(BPT) - Americans are spending more time in their outdoor spaces — and want to maximize those spaces. Studies show that nearly 90% of homeowners consider their outdoor areas to be important to …

How Solar Generators Revolutionize All-Hazards Preparedness

(BPT) - By Craig Fugate, former Administrator of FEMA and a lifelong advocate for all-hazards preparednessWhen you've been in emergency management as long as I have — whether it was leading …

14 million tons of plastic are dumped into the oceans each year. 6 ways you can help reduce waste

(BPT) - The world's oceans are a magical, beautiful ecosystem ... and they also need help — urgently. According to the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, by 2050, there will be more plastic by weight …

3 Reasons to Ditch Your Laundry Detergent for Eco Strips

(NewsUSA) - The laundry industry would have you believe that in order to get brilliant, clean laundry, you need to use powders, liquids and pods that are diluted with water, and come in bulky, …

Why the toilet macerator or grinder you choose is so important

(BPT) - When Matthew and Michele Jones decided to renovate their disabled son's basement so their adult grandson could move in to care for him, they didn't expect a toilet nightmare.To keep costs …