Hedgerows are vital habitats in intensively managed landscapes, providing food and shelter for wildlife. How hedgerows are managed affects their structure, with dense, woody hedges being the most valuable for conservation. A recent study has found an alternative method of hedging that is cheaper than traditional hedge laying but offers the same benefits of dense new growth and berry provision for wildlife. Use of this method could double the length of hedgerows being rejuvenated in England, the authors estimate.

Judging whether to replace a hazardous conventional chemical in a product with a nanomaterial — i.e. to assess which is the safer alternative — is challenging for many reasons. A new study suggests that chemical-alternative assessment frameworks could be adapted to better assess engineered nanomaterials with the help of new tools which provide data on hazards of, and exposure to, nanomaterials.

A new study shows that run-off from de-icing road salts can affect freshwater aquatic ecosystems by increasing certain types of plankton. The study is the first to compare effects of the most popular road salt, sodium chloride, with the effects of alternative salts and additives used to increase de-icing efficiency. Based on their findings, the researchers recommend that magnesium chloride and salt additives are used cautiously near water bodies.

PFASs — per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances — are a family of chemicals used in a wide range of industrial and consumer applications. Due to concerns about their persistence, bioaccumulation and toxicity, long-chain PFASs are increasingly being phased out, creating a growing market for alternatives. Researchers have developed a novel method, based on molecular simulation techniques, to estimate the rate at which novel PFASs interact and bind with particular proteins (‘binding affinity’) — an important factor in determining a substance’s bioaccumulation potential in organisms. The method indicates that replacement PFASs may be just as bioaccumulative as original (legacy) PFASs and are, therefore, not necessarily safer. If correct, this finding has significant policy implications.

A new study has raised safety concerns over PFO4DA, a substance increasingly used as a substitute for PFOA, a harmful persistent organic pollutant (POP), in plastic production. PFO4DA was found to cause liver damage to mice in lab tests, and is also an environmental pollutant. The researchers caution that it may not be a suitable alternative to PFOA.

Conventional municipal waste-water treatment processes are based on aeration, which is energy intensive. Now, researchers have developed an alternative waste-water treatment process. In addition to avoiding the use of aeration in favour of filtration/biofiltration and encapsulated denitrification (the application of capsules containing nitrifiers, which convert ammonium into nitrate), the process also uses waste biosolids to generate electrical energy. The process has been tested in a pilot facility and found to require just 15% of the energy required for conventional approaches. Moreover, the process is energy positive, as the biosolids are able to generate more than enough energy to power the treatment plant. If this technology could be scaled up to the municipal level, it could significantly reduce the energy use and environmental impacts of waste-water treatment.

Kia adds another option to the Ceed range with this trendy XCeed SUV. Jonathan Crouch checks it out.

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If you’re concerned about the health effects of regular deodorants, here are some natural homemade deodorant options.

The gradual recovery of the building and remodeling industries is being slowed by high prices for lumber. However, there is a plentiful, sustainable alternative

Alternative energy sources that are cost-competitive with fossil fuels may be closer to fruition than previously thought. Recent studies from global leaders in

If you’re gluten-free or just avoiding the dreaded beer belly, consider trying these lighter, lesser-known alternatives to beer instead.

Nobody likes bathroom clean-up, especially with harsh chemical products. Here are some cheap and natural cleaning alternatives.

TV networks hope animal-centric programming can lure viewers who care more about pets than the big game.

Are all the alternative packages green or are some of them greenwashed?

Avoiding chemical starter logs and gels but not in the mood to go out and gather pine needles? As fireplace season approaches, consider these fume-free fire sta

Another huge honor for the mushroom insulation wizards at Ecovative Design: Scoring the top prize in the 2013 Buckminster Fuller Challenge.

AT&T is now one-third of the way through its 15,000 alternative fuel vehicle goal.

The biennial event is dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of alternative fuel vehicles.

According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, alternative fuel vehicles could have a nearly 50% market share by 2035.

Aluminum foil may be convenient, but it may also be toxic. Here are some alternatives for when you're cooking over high heat.

Ditch those store-bought products with microbeads and make your own with natural exfoliants like poppy seeds, grits and salt.

The news about baby powder, ovarian cancer and mesothelioma may have you rethinking your daily routine.

Your aging parent may prefer living in a tiny house in your backyard.

Predicted to be a hot trend in 2020, the rise of everything butters and spreads has only just begun.

Danish environmentalist Bjorn Lomborg discusses his new book "Smart Solutions to Climate Change: Comparing Costs and Benefits'" as well as the film "Cool It," w

Algae alternative fuel research could change the future, and ASU is leading the way. A $15 million U.S. Department of Energy grant was awarded to the Algae Tes

Some of the most common foods we eat for breakfast so we don't start the day on an empty tank are full of sugar or have little nutrition.

Winner of international James Dyson Award invents marine bioplastic made of algae and fish parts.

The following article lists some simple, informative tips that will help you reduce cellulite. This article can give you an insight into everything you've ever wanted to know about alternatives for cellulite reduction.

When women eneter the menopause, most are invariably prescribed hormone replacement treatment (HRT). However, medical research has concluded that these drugs can increase the incidence of breast and other cancers and there is a natural alternative.

Even though alternative health treatments are becoming increasingly popular, there are very few health plans that will pay for alternative treatment. Here's some things you might want to ask before you pay out of pocket for any treatment.

Conventional doctors will tell you to take aspirin and may offer water pills or hormonal therapy but alternatives to these forms of comfort can be more relaxing and have fewer side effects.

Alternative medicine and modern medicine have may differences and whose to say which is best? This article explores the roots of alternative medicine and compares it's healing style to that of modern medicine

Are features offered by Dish TV making its Satellite TV service a valuable alternative?

If you someday become diagnosed with skin cancer and survive, one of the most worrisome issues you will face will be preventing a recurrence of the cancer.

Travelers and Staycationers planning to relax in warm destinations now have a natural, eco-friendly and effective solution to help protect them from mosquito bites following the launch of a natural indoor mosquito repellent plugin collection.

Move-in Assistance, Healing Touch and Polarity Therapies are Now Offered

Former Senior Housing Executive Tests Innovative Community Care Model in North Carolina Triad

Oaks at Hampton is an Oaks Senior Living operated community.

Atlanta natural health clinic Southern Environmental Medicine Center notes taking melatonin supplements is effective for treating frequent insomnia. This is a naturally occurring hormone in the body that regulates the sleep cycle.

Kennedale Alliance of Business Owners (KABO) Lays Out Vision for City and Seeks More Members

The BEACON-4-LIFE was created by a First Responder to provide advanced warning of a disabled vehicle or an emergency scene

Total Shade Inc., an industry leader with existing patents that reduce heat transfer beyond windows, is set to excite the market again with its latest product launch.

The objective is to envision and create a seamless 'digital dining' experience that will make the customers feel safe while trying to preserve the warmth and emotion of dining out.

Grand Canyon National Park will host the third annual Alternative Spring Break (ASB) program sponsored by the Student Conservation Association (SCA) in partnership with American Eagle Outfitters. https://www.nps.gov/grca/learn/news/2010-03-04_asb.htm

On Sunday, July 10, 47 college students, from 17 states around the country will descend on Grand Canyon National Park to learn the art of facilitating an alternative break experience. https://www.nps.gov/grca/learn/news/09jul10_news.htm

Grand Canyon National Park hosted a group of students from the University of Texas at Austin (UT-Austin) as part of an Alternative Spring Break (ASB) program. The event took place at Lees Ferry, which is jointly managed by Grand Canyon National Park and Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, from March 12-15, 2012. https://www.nps.gov/grca/learn/news/grand-canyon-national-park-hosts-alternative-spring-break-at-lees-ferry.htm

On Tuesday, July 16, 42 college students, from 27 colleges and universities around the country will descend on Grand Canyon National Park to learn the art of facilitating an alternative break experience. https://www.nps.gov/grca/learn/news/grand-canyon-to-host-alternative-break-citizenship-school-2013.htm

College students from around the country participated in Alternative Spring Break by helping Grand Canyon National Park's wildland firefighting crew. https://www.nps.gov/grca/learn/news/alternative-spring-break.htm