Improving the efficiency of milk production could produce significant annual savings and potentially cut the environmental impacts of the industry by up to a third, according to new research from Northwest Spain.

A new study highlights the environmental impact of beef produced from specialist meat production based on suckler herds, as opposed to that based on the calves of dairy cows. According to the study, beef produced in this way has a greater impact in terms of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, acidification and eutrophication potential, and on land use.

The threat of possible death from climate change may paradoxically reduce our motivation to protect the environment, according to a new psychology study conducted in Germany. However, this negative impact on the environment could be reduced if people’s environmental motivations stemmed from a desire to benefit humans rather than a desire to protect nature itself.

Researchers have examined environmental and economic impacts of supermarket food waste in a new study. Bread and meat products made the largest contribution to the environmental footprint of the supermarket assessed. Alternative waste strategies, such as using bread waste as animal feed, have the potential to reduce these impacts.

An EU project has developed a new crop spray system for orchards that is precise, efficient and safer for the environment. It sprays pesticides according to the needs of the crop and local environment, and can reduce spray drift by up to 80 per cent. Preliminary field tests conducted in Poland have demonstrated its effectiveness.

New research has compared life cycle environmental impacts of new petrol and diesel cars and highlighted options for improvement. It indicates that the greatest improvements are achievable through more efficient power trains and lightweight cars. However, these technological solutions come at a financial cost whereas other improvement options, such as behavioural changes, provide a win-win solution.

Subsidies support economic sectors and grant advantages to consumers, but can harm the environment. A new study has tested a number of existing tools for assessing environmentally harmful subsidies (EHS), developed a comprehensive methodology for identifying and analysing EHS and highlighted opportunities for reforming them.

The construction industry is among the top three drivers of resource use in the EU. This study investigated the environmental impacts of a common construction method, drill and blast tunnelling, using life cycle assessment. The researchers assessed 20 years of data on tunnelling in Norway to identify areas that could be targeted to reduce its environmental impact. They recommend reduced consumption of explosives and increased use of renewable energy.

Available evidence from the last decade, describing the nature, behaviour and effect of engineered nanoparticles (ENPs) in the environment, has been reviewed. It identified factors that influence ENP distribution and fate and highlighted the existence of significant research gaps which, if filled, would help in understanding the impacts of long-term accumulation of nanomaterials and the changes that occur to them when they are released into the environment.

A briefing document, providing policymakers with key information on environmental impact assessments of deep-sea mining, has been published. The authors describe the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process in detail to aid management and policy decisions regarding these sensitive habitats.

A new tool has been developed which highlights ‘hot spots’ of pharmaceutical pollution in Europe, where human health and aquatic environments could potentially be affected. The results suggest that the substances and locations posing the greatest risk are not the same for the aquatic environment as for human health.

Non-target aquatic wildlife species may be more vulnerable to pesticides’ effects, with repeated exposure to low doses over the long-term, if they compete with other species for food, according to a recent study. Understanding how this process occurs can help those undertaking risk assessments and managing pesticides in the natural environment.

New figures on how much titanium dioxide nanomaterial (TiO2-NM) could be released into the environment from photocatalytic cement — a new type of self-cleaning cement — are presented in a recent study. Based on experimental test results, the researchers estimate that between 0.015% and 0.033% of photocatalytic cement’s TiO2-NM content could potentially escape over several years of cement use, depending on the level of cement porosity. The study could help inform environmental risk assessment of TiO2-NM, as well as safer design of nano-products (i.e. commercialised products incorporating nanomaterials).

A recent study has assessed the environmental impact of a group of technology-critical elements (TCEs) — niobium (Nb), tantalum (Ta), gallium (Ga), indium (In), germanium (Ge) and tellurium (Te) — that, to date, have been relatively under-researched. The researchers reviewed published concentrations of these elements in environmental archives and evaluated trends over time in surface waters. Overall, they found no evidence that the rising use of these elements in modern technologies is causing environmental concentrations to increase on a global level. These findings are relevant to future policy discussions regarding the source, usage and presence of less-studied TCEs, particularly in relation to critical raw metals.

ew research indicates that educational policies can affect the environmental, health and financial impacts of school commuting. It found that the most effective school-enrolment policy for reducing traffic emissions is to send children to the school closest to where they live.

Researchers have presented an extensive analysis of the role of nanomaterials in environmental remediation and monitoring. Nanomaterials can be used to clean up toxins and bacteria from natural waters, wastewaters and the air.

A fast and reliable method to measure the environmental impact of landfill sites has been developed by researchers. Analysis of the chemical composition of gas emissions and water leaching from sites provides a detailed picture of the extent of environmental pollution around landfill sites. Such monitoring is essential in order to manage risks to human health and natural resources.

Engineering at the nanoscale brings the promise of radical technological development — clean energy, highly effective medicines and space travel. But technology at this scale also brings safety challenges. Nano-sized particles are not inherently more toxic than larger particles, but the effects are complex and vary based on particle properties as well as chemical toxicity. This Report brings together the latest science on environmental safety considerations specific to manufactured nanoscale materials, and some possible implications for policy and research.

Mazda MX-30

Cyclists have "increased heart rate and respiration," resulting in more CO2 emissions, said state Rep. Ed Orcutt.

If you thought the plastic bag waste from a loaf was a big problem, wait till you find out what's even more damaging.

Journalist Kate Sheppard covers the world of climate change, politics and energy for Mother Jones magazine.

Margaret Brown shares her insights about the Deepwater Horizon spill with MNN.

Journalist Heather Rogers maintains that we can't buy our way out of the crisis our planet is experiencing.

MNN's lifestyle blogger sent her hair in to get tested for mercury levels — and waited with bated breath to get the results. How would your hair score?

It's what you've been waiting for. Peter Dykstra lists his picks for America’s nine greatest environmental heroes.

Biodegradable products may not be as good for the environment as advertised. New research from North Carolina State University shows that biodegradable material

If you're an app developer, check out the Environmental Protection Agency's new Apps for the Environment challenge.

The slate of spending cuts could wreak havoc on everything from USDA meat inspections and FDA drug reviews to EPA research and national park staffing.

Meet the environmental organizations wielding the power of Facebook to inspire, educate and advocate for the planet.

The now former congressman leaves behind a lengthy pro-environment record.

Despite his recent silence on climate change, there's reason to believe Obama might focus more intently on environmental issues during his second term.

A new retrospective study finds that 1980s-era cleanup of Boston Harbor was well worth it from a return on investment standpoint.

From cheap fashion to the billion-dollar trash trade, the following five books demonstrate some of the key connections between economic and natural systems.

The Green Scissors 2010 report shines the spotlight on government spending that is both wasteful and harmful to the environment.

Just a few simple changes in your laundry routine can make a big difference, and you already have many of the best natural laundry products in your pantry.

For all its perks, like adding color and cozy softness to a home, carpeting is not typically an eco-friendly product. Often made from petroleum-based materials

Wyland Foundation's National Art Contest helps kids think about how they can protect the oceans.

New Mexico senator's plan to retire creates questions for Democrats and environmentalists in 2012.

The green gender gap is a thing. Studies show women are more attuned to the environment, and that some men may think the 'green' movement un-masculine.

Don't waste money on an old-fashioned tie. And don't waste money on these gifts either.

Artist Amy Guidry uses dreamlike and unusual images to make a statement about the relationship between humans and the world.

Netflix and other streaming video services have a climate footprint, but it's not as bad as the headlines say.

Why this foodie trend could be doing more harm than good.

President Obama's proposed budget may be a longshot in Congress, but it still offers a preview of what he hopes to accomplish if re-elected this fall.

Dozens of sunken ships off U.S. coasts, such as the Jacob Luckenbach and USS Arizona, are leaking oil or could in the future.

Vanessa Vadim and her mother, Jane Fonda, talk about Vanessa's childhood in California and the people and experiences that sparked her passion for the environme

Eating meat harms the environment as a result of large-scale, factory-style meat production, the modern practice of cramming huge numbers of animals together an

Fireworks are an environmental disaster, leaving behind lead, radioactive barium, perchlorate, fine particulates and dioxins.

As President Barack Obama nears the end of his second term, let's take a look at his final record on the environment, climate change and green policies.