News

Green Tip

Go red, white, and green this 4th of July and celebrate our nation by keeping it clean. Festivities and fireworks can cause tons of waste and environmentally harmful toxins. For the grill, try Wicked Good Charcoal, which is made from industrial scrap wood, or Kingsford Charwood, which is produced using clean-energy turbine heat. Consider biodegradable or reusable dishware. Buy bamboo stem sparklers if possible as they have the lowest volume of chemicals. Read more »

Carolina Professor Awarded National Medal of Technology and Innovation

Joseph DeSimone, distinguished professor of chemistry at UNC and engineering at NC State, was honored with the country’s highest award for technology and innovation for his years of innovative and beneficial work in material science. The award recognizes those who have made lasting contributions to quality of life and strengthening the nation’s technological workforce. Over his career, DeSimone has focused on creating utilitarian technology, from developing environmentally safe processes for everyday materials, like detergents and dry cleaning, to creating the world’s most sophisticated 3-D printer. The award, he said, is a “huge testimony” to students in his lab, faculty, colleagues and the entrepreneurial culture at Carolina. Read more »

Environment, Economy, Entrepreneurship: Is Clean Energy Good Business?

UNC Institute for the Environment professor Jordan Kern, along with Chief WRAL meteorologist Greg Fishel and former congressman Bob Inglis, will hold a town hall on clean energy and its benefits. The discussion will be held at the WRAL 3D Theater, Museum of Natural Sciences, in Raleigh on July 14 at 7pm. Read more »

Intensive, Week-Long, Natural Building Workshop

The Eco-Institute at Pickards Mountain in Chapel Hill is hosting an intensive, week-long, natural building workshop July 16-22. Learn strawbale and slip-straw construction and how to mix cob and natural plasters for interior walls through the process of constructing a 600-square foot, permitted cabin. Early bird registration is $580 through July 2. Read more »

Nature Adventures Camp

Duke Gardens’ Nature Adventures summer day camp is for young minds interested in learning about nature. Campers may sign up for any or all weeks, with differing activities every week. The NC Botanical Garden also hosts camp sessions throughout the summer for ages 3-12. See the full schedule here.

2016 Festival for the Eno

The annual Festival for the Eno will be held on the West Point banks on July 2 and 4. The event is “green” certified by NC Green Travel and features live music, food trucks, a craft show and more. Tickets are $23 for a single day and $35 for both. Read more »

Climate Strategies Forum

The East Coast Climate Strategies Forum will take place July 18-20 in Arlington, Virginia. The forum will feature keynote conversations, a Women's Climate Collaborative speed mentoring session, networking events, workshops, panel discussions, and working group meetings. Read more »

WonderSphere Invention Helps Pediatric Patients Heal with Science and Nature

North Carolina Botanical Garden’s Wonder Connection program recently won a Core77 Design for Social Impact Award for its WonderSphere. Invented by Katie Stoudemire, WonderSphere is a sealed, mobile chamber that empowers pediatric patients with the wonders of nature. Built-in gloves enable hospitalized, immune-compromised children to plant, dig, water, and touch nature without danger of infection, providing a bedside field trip that is hands-on, experiential, multi-sensory, and safe. Research shows patients have better outcomes if experiencing fun and positive emotions — making it easier for them to learn and heal. Read more »