Daily Inbox

It's common knowledge that hybrid cars are better for the environment than traditional internal combustion engine vehicles; hybrids release between 25% and 35% less harmful emissions into the environment, on average. Since hybrids have been on the market for some time now, there is another issue that can affect the environment, however -- and not in a positive way. Hybrid batteries do fail and, in fact, this has been a major source of anxiety for hybrid owners, since replacement was so costly and in many cases unexpected. Battery warranties vary by state, but the average is eight years or 100,000 miles. Hybrid batteries, however, were failing as soon as six years after the initial purchase. These days, hybrid batteries are more efficient, better performing, and longer lasting -- but recy...

The results of the latest University of Michigan Energy Survey, released Jan. 26, suggest that Americans are equally concerned about the environmental impacts of their energy sources and their affordability. This marks the first-year result of the study, which has been carried out quarterly. It examines consumer attitudes toward the affordability, reliability and environmental impact of energy, as well as their individual concerns. “This new survey is unique in how it examines personal concerns about energy as consumers view it in their everyday lives,” survey director John DeCicco, a research professor at the U-M Energy Institute, said in a statement. “This careful approach differs from surveys that prompt consumers for their responses on the often politically driven energy debates ...

Starting Monday, February 9th, the Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) began offering a digital bus tracking timetable for its public bus lines running in Baltimore and the surrounding suburbs. Although the real-time tracking system is new, public demand for accurate bus arrival information has been building up for quite a while. As the Baltimore Sun explains, “riders have been clamoring for the system for years, complaining that MTA buses often operate outside of posted schedules -- leaving them [the riders] out in the cold and making their commutes unpredictable..” The timetable tracking system, called “My MTA Tracker,” will allow commuters to access updated arrival times for each of the MTA’s buses. The system is not yet available as a mobile app, but it’s accessible via the MTA’s web...

The city of Tempe, Arizona is providing relief for its residents through landscaping discounts. Azfamily.com reports that the city government has negotiated a referral program for its residents. Known as the "Tempe Landscape Referral" program, the initiative offers residents discounted rates for three local landscaping companies. The discounts can save residents up to 25% from what they would pay otherwise for basic landscaping services. "The City uses its, basically, bulk purchasing ability to get you the best rate possible," said city council member Kolby Granville. "You contract with them, they do the work. You pay on a monthly basis: $35 a month for the front yard and $70 a month during the summer months." The three landscaping companies -- Artistic Land Management , Inc., J.A. Dese...

Winter has settled over the country in full and unforgiving force, and many Americans are looking for any way possible to keep the cold out and the heat in. When it comes to making your home more energy efficient, the answer may be as simple as a new set of drapes. In fact, in addition to making a home more comfortable and saving homeowners on utilities, NJ.com reports that certain types of drapes are actually eligible for the same energy efficiency federal tax credits as installing a solar water heater or adding attic insulation. According to the U.S. Department of Energy's website, Energy.gov, window coverings can play a role in reducing heat loss in a home by 25% when installed properly. The Department of Energy advises that homeowners should hang blinds or shades as closely to the wi...

With the Pope's highly anticipated visit to the City of Brotherly Love rapidly approaching, how are Philadelphians going to rock their papal pride? One young, newlywed couple hailing from Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania may have the perfect answer: Pope T Shirts. Newly married couple Michael and Ally Tandarich are designing custom Pope Francis T-Shirts -- the Official Pope Francis Philadelphia Apparel, mind you -- with great emphasis on what the city of Philadelphia is known for: brotherly love, of course. Michael, who also runs a branding agency in the city, No-Comply Designs, felt that designing custom t-shirts would be an excellent way to show support and give back to the Catholic community while continuing to build excitement for the papal visit. Also, it gives papal fans something unique to...

The marriage of Denver Broncos player Eric Decker and country singer Jessie James brought their gorgeous rural venue, Castle Cliff Estates, into the national spotlight. But other brides who booked the venue won't be able to get the fairy-tale ending they envisioned. According to Catherine Chase-Groos, who owns the estate in the hills of Douglas County, CO, bookings soared after the celebrity wedding. But the 40 brides who already booked the venue for 2015 will have to be married elsewhere. After the Decker wedding, several neighbors filed complaints against Castle Cliff Estates, arguing that the property is zoned as agricultural land and is not permitted to be used as an event venue. Castle Cliff Estates is located on a horse farm. The complaints resulted in Chase-Groos being approached...

Millions of people will likely need bankruptcy help at some point in their lives. However, seeing prominent companies begin the same process can often come as a surprise. For this reason, many people were shocked to learn that RadioShack Corp., a technology retailer that has been in business for almost a century, will close on a bankruptcy agreement on or after after Thursday, February 5. RadioShack traces its roots back to 1921, when the company began as a mail-order retailer for amateur radio operators and maritime communications officers. Over time, the company shifted its focus, becoming the go-to source of hard-to-find electronics and other technology. In recent years, however, RadioShack has faced increasing competition from Wal-Mart, Amazon.com and other tech retailers. To make m...

The Washington State House of Representatives is currently considering bills that would seek to make oil transportation safer for workers, the public and the environment, if passed. According to the Columbian, one of these bills, House Bill 1449, would increase regulations placed on railway and waterway oil transportation. The bill would require all railroads to develop a set of procedures and plans for oil spills, and to report information about the oil loads they transport to the state Department of Ecology. In addition, the bill seeks to increase the tax levied on oil transported by rail and pipeline. For oil transportation workers in Washington state, safety has long been a neglected priority, the bill's supporters say. "What I've seen ... is safety takes a backseat to product...

A recent study by nonprofits As You Sow and the Natural Resources Defense Council showed that the food industry has a long way to go toward reducing the environmental impact of their product packaging. The study analyzed 47 prominent companies and ranked them Poor, Needs Improvement, Better Practices, or Best Practices based on their commitment to recycled content, recyclability in materials used, switching to reusable packaging, and boosting material recycling. Of the 47 companies analyzed, zero achieved Best Practices status, and only two (Starbucks and McDonalds) reached Better Practices. McDonalds reached Better Practices status by reducing the weight of its packaging and using 33% post-consumer recycled content to make its sandwich boxes. McDonalds has also made a pledge to phase ou...