February 25, 2013: Legislation to Ban Tris Flame Retardants Hits Snag: Third Try by Toxic Free Legacy Coalition to Remove Its Use in Sofas and Children’s Products

Of the estimated 80,000 chemicals used in everything from sofas and mattresses to baby bottles and car seats, only 200 have been assessed for health risks. Individual states have succeeded in banning chemicals one at a time. In Washington, foes of the toxic flame retardant Tris have proposed legislation to not only ban its use, but make sure manufacturers find less toxic alternatives.

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February 15, 2013: Can Farms Save Puget Sound Shellfish?

An unusual new program is using upriver sustainability measures to improve conditions for salmon and shellfish downstream.

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February 5, 2013: Solar Comes to Washington With Grassroots and Non-Profit Efforts

One of the grayest corners of mainland USA, is slowly going solar, one community at a time. Solarize Washington, a program of Northwest Sustainable Energy for Economic Development (Northwest SEED), couples non-profit know how with grassroots energy. First a community finds interested homeowners, then Solarize Washington hosts a workshop complete with group discounts and know-how from solar installers. Martha Baskin has our story.

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January 24, 2013: Raising Elijah: Protecting Our Children In An Age of Environmental Crisis - Interview with Author and Biologist Sandra Steingraber

Fifty years ago, Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring carried warnings of the dangers of pesticides. Yet toxic chemicals are still on the market today. In her book, Raising Elijah: Protecting Our Children in an Age of Environmental Crisis, acclaimed biologist and author Sandra Steingraber lays out a plan to get chemicals out of our lives and reform the industry once and for all. Martha Baskin caught up with Steingraber via phone from her home in upstate New York where she’s engaged in a citizen uprising against hydro-fracking.

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January 17, 2013: Unfazed by Power Shifts, Environmental Community Sets Priorities for 2013 Legislative Session

A coalition of environmental groups is wasting no time in setting priorities for the legislature. “Clean Energy Solutions”, “Toxic-Free Kids and Families” and “Conservation Works” are the buzz words. Themes range from putting people back to work and stopping giveaways to dirty fuels, to protecting waterways across the state from polluted runoff. On a recent Saturday activists learned how to lobby their legislators. But not everyone was convinced the priorities were urgent enough for the next generation. Martha Baskin has our story.

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December 26, 2012: Unique Urban Farm Takes Off With Youthful Converts and Seasoned Educators

In a neighborhood that boasts one of the most diverse zip codes in the nation, urban farming is finding an eager crowd. Rainier Beach Urban Farm and Wetlands in southeast Seattle has all that it takes to draw in the community -- financial support from the city, seasoned educators experienced with working with low income and people of color communities, and even a wetland waiting to be restored. Martha Baskin has the story.

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December 17, 2012: Home for the Holidays with Energy Efficiency 365 Days a Year

From federal gas mileage standards to Department of Energy Retrofit Ramp Up grants, the US is seeing a renaissance in energy efficiency. A 20 million grant to the City of Seattle is delivering energy solutions to residential and business communities, one of many programs in the region, leveraging rebates, incentives and funding programs. Whether 20 million is enough to wean the city off of fossil fuels is another story.

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