"Paper or plastic?" Of course the correct answer is "neither." But on the (hopefully rare) occasions you find yourself without your personal shopping bag, what is the best response for the eco-conscious consumer? Organic food is always better, or is it?

Mercury in the fish we like to eat is a big problem in the United States and increasingly around the world.

Dear Lynn, Is there any feng shui advantage to keeping bedroom doors (or other rooms) closed or open when not in use? I like to keep doors open but my husband likes doors closed. I appreciate any insight you can provide.

Urban biking is flourishing. It's emission-less, cheap, readily accessible transportation that improves health and brings together communities.

A new survey finds more Americans would choose providing clean water for the world than accepting $1 million for themselves.

Dear Lynn,I need back surgery that will require an extended recuperation time at home. Is there any feng shui advice you can give me to turn my bedroom into a more healing environment? I have a supportive husband at home, so that is a help. — SJ, Beverly, MA

Dear EarthTalk: Some drycleaners I've seen offer "wet cleaning" as opposed to dry cleaning. What's the difference? Is it better for the environment? — Elizabeth Connelly, Tampa, FL

Dear EarthTalk: I heard someone say that legalizing pot — as Californians considered doing last year — would benefit the environment. How would that be? — William T., Portland, OR

NPR recently blogged about a new use for banana peels discovered by Brazilian environmental chemist Gustavo Castro working at Sao Paulo University.

Boston enjoys a rich history of parks and green space. The Boston Common, the oldest city park in the United States...

Dear EarthTalk: How are wild dolphins faring on the high seas? Recent reports of dolphin deaths in the Gulf of Mexico may well be due to last year's BP oil spill, but I imagine there are many threats to dolphins from pollution, human over fishing and other causes. — Henry Milken, Atlanta, GA

Hi Lynn, I have a question that I am sure you can help me with. The wealth corner in my house [left, rear sector] is a bedroom closet that is mostly used for storage of items that are used infrequently such as holiday dinnerware, a massage table, some seasonal comforters.

Aren’t environmental issues primarily about health since the bottom line is that pollution makes us sick?

Has anyone ever studied the environmental impact of discarded  cigarettes?

Natural, upward growth is the feng shui remedy for a house embanked on a downward slope.

A year of organic farm hoping. That was the aspiration of high school science teacher Brian Bender.

I had no plans to become a gardener. It just happened, quite unexpectedly. And it completely changed the focus and quality of my daily life.

We would not be here long on this Earth if it weren't for the soil recycling efforts of the multi-celled organism we call mold.

Hi Lynn,We live in a small condo and there is only one place for the couch — on the same wall as the entrance. It feels uncomfortable. Any ideas? — Snail Mail

Dear EarthTalk: I saw a TV ad for toilet paper with no cardboard core to save paper...

Dear EarthTalk: Why did 34 million wild sockeye salmon return to the Fraser River in British Columbia this year?

A garden provides nourishment, both physical and emotional, and gardening, itself, can be transformative for body, mind and spirit.

Every year since 1995 the International Herb Association (IHA) has chosen an Herb of the Year noted as outstanding in two of three criteria: culinary, medicinal and decorative.

Is there anything better than a gentle summer breeze with the scent of herbs from the garden?