Solar Panel Basics At the most basic level, solar panels take light from the sun and turn it into electricity that you can use to power your stuff, from the small (your phone) to the large (your home or your business). The number of solar panels it takes to power your home depends on how…
Jan 25
2018
2018
Jan 16
2018
2018
How to Save Energy (and Money!) During a Cold Snap
New England was recently blasted by an early winter storm. It was called a “bomb cyclone” and a “snow hurricane,” and for a while we all tried to huddle inside and stay warm. While temperatures have now risen back to a balmy 60 degrees, we know it won’t stay that way. So when the temperature…
Jan 10
2018
2018
Cold Snap Shows We Still Don’t Need New Gas Pipelines
New Englanders just weathered the worst cold snap that we’ve faced in 100 years, complete with a new phenomenon known as a “bombcyclone.” Now don’t be mistaken, a “bombcyclone” does not involve Armageddon, the sky falling, or even blackouts due to energy shortages. But you’d have thought so based on the news over the past…
Jan 5
2018
2018
Why We Should Modernize Our Electric Grid
Our electricity grid was designed over 100 years ago. But times have changed. Today, clean, renewable energy can be harnessed right where we live, so electricity doesn’t have to come from polluting power plants miles away. But we have to update our grid to take advantage of it. Technology will let us modernize our grid…
Jan 4
2018
2018
Radical Five-Year Offshore Plan Will Heighten Spill Risks For U.S. Coastal Areas
The proposed plan promises “severe and unacceptable harm” to America’s publicly-owned oceans, coastal economies, public health, climate and marine life – all in a bid to pursue dubious energy sources that America does not need.
Dec 20
2017
2017
CLF Healthy Neighborhood Work Gets Massive Boost
“From addressing air pollution, to improving public transit, to building sustainable food systems and more, community health is the cornerstone of everything CLF does,” said CLF president Bradley Campbell. “New research collected on-the-ground has enabled us to chart a course for transformational change in Boston and other urban centers across Massachusetts tailored to the unique needs of each community. Thanks to this generous grant from RWJF, this proven model will be expanded and replicated nationally.”
Dec 20
2017
2017
Bad Policy Could Crash the Achievements of Self-Driving Cars
There’s a consensus that self-driving cars are on the cusp of bringing about a transportation revolution that will address many environmental and societal challenges. However, it relies on a few critical assumptions about our future that are not guaranteed. The self-driving car industry paints a picture of blissful commutes, less pollution, and fewer accidents. But…
Dec 12
2017
2017
Congressional Tax Bill a Direct Attack on Environment and Economy
A country’s tax policy is about a lot more than expenses and revenues. It’s a value statement about who we are as a nation. And as both houses of Congress go through the process of reconciling their tax bills, the statement being made is disturbingly clear. This bill says we value dirty, outdated fossil fuels…
Dec 5
2017
2017
Celebrating One Year of Regionwide Ocean Planning in New England
The ocean contributes $352 billion annually to the U.S. economy, and supports 3.1 million jobs nationwide – and it’s continuing to grow. Commercial shipping traffic is increasing at an unprecedented rate. Offshore wind energy is booming off the coasts of Rhode Island and Massachusetts, and small new aquaculture businesses are cropping up left and right.…
Nov 29
2017
2017
All Hands on Deck to Save the Endangered North Atlantic Right Whale
2017 has been a heartbreaking year for anyone following the news about the shocking number of North Atlantic right whale deaths. With fewer than 460 remaining, right whales are one of the most endangered whale species in the world, so even one death threatens the species’ existence. Tragically, the number of right whale deaths this year now…