HowStuffWorks Green Living  Tags: howstuffworks energy science_questions science_explanations science organic green recycle conservation hybrid global_warming alternative_fuel  

What do Bono, hemp producers and the USDA have to do with each other? They're all helping to shape the way we dress-- via organic clothing. So what makes a garment "organic," and why buy it?

Although modern appliances have removed much of the misery of doing laundry, someone still has to sort it, load the washer, etc. Read these cleaning suggestions for clothes that are made from natural fabrics.

The word "green" is so ubiquitous these days, it's almost irritating. Companies are vigorously marketing their new green products, but consumers aren't total suckers. Who's to say these products really are green?

I am wondering what the little recycling symbols that you see on some plastic items mean. How many different symbols are there?

Are multipurpose plastic bags or those throwback brown paper bags more environmentally friendly? That question could leave you speechless on your next trip to the grocery store.

Watch this video showing new ways to reduce your carbon and garbage footprint by the products you buy at the grocery store. Try buying detergent concentrate, reuse plastic bags or return them to Wal-Mart, and recycle plastic water bottles.

What is the most recycled product in the U.S.? It's not newspapers or plastic. The most recycled product in America is automobiles. According to the EPA, 95% of all automobiles are recycled.

Organic food promises freedom from synthetic ingredients. Find out what organic food is, how organic farming works, what the pros and cons are, and why you should care.

Consumers are becoming more and more knowledgeable about food safety and their health. As a result, organic farming has entered the agriculture mainstream. But what methods must be used, and how is organic farming certified?

Organic foods and other products are popping up everywhere. USDA organic seals make them fairly easy to spot. But what's behind the label? How do products become certified organic?

Scientists are stockpiling the world's seeds, organizing them in giant libraries of planting possibilities. Is every type of plant included? Or, are the seeds of pesky plants shunned?

Many dieters use artificial sweeteners as a way to cut sugar without eliminating all things sweet. But did you know that some artificial sweeteners have almost as many calories as sugar?

Because sustenance ensures our survival, food preservation is one of the oldest technologies developed by human beings. Find out what's being done to your food to make it last longer.

When farmers go to market, they cut out the middleman and bring fresher products to the consumer. So how do farmers' markets run, and where can you find one?

Cloned-animal products could be welcome in U.S. grocery stores by the end of 2007. But technically, you may already have been eating them.

Many people believe buying organic or local food helps the environment. But which purchase is more environmentally sound? Is it better to buy pesticide-free food from exotic spots or local food from non-organic farms?

I've been reading about genetically modified (GM) food. It seems to be stirring up quite a controversy. What is GM food all about?

Flavorists are enlisted by food manufacturers to concoct new and improved flavors for food. But how natural is the process?

We know which is greener when it comes to gas and electric cars. But which is greener when it comes to stoves: gas or electric? There's more than one way to save energy when you cook.

Bet they didn't teach you this in school! This clip from Discovery teaches you the ABCs of organic living.

Before your next jolt of java, learn the benefits of drinking organic coffee.

GM Crops Increase Efficiency; Madero Reaps Benefits in Corn & Soy. Since planting genetically modified (GM) soy and corn crops, Argentine farmer Andres Madero has increased production, lowered costs and incorporated sustainable agriculture methods into hi

The real success of organic gardens lies in the methods used to keep plants growing vigorously, without a heavy reliance on sprays. Organic gardening cuts right to the heart of the matter: soil.

An herb and vegetable garden is a great addition to any kitchen garden. Or you can grow herbs in containers if your space is limited. Learn all about planting and caring for an herb or vegetable garden.

Gardens have lots of benefits, but what if you don't have any land to start your own? If you're strapped for green space, a community garden might be the answer.

Forget those boring plots of fruits and veggies. Why sacrifice aesthetic appeal when growing your own food? Border your garden with lettuce, use mint as ground cover and encourage your kiwi vines to climb trellises.

In some parts of the UK it's illegal to alter public spaces, but that's not stopping a growing band of guerrilla gardeners. These individuals are planting flowers, bushes and shrubs to help beautify local landscapes.

Watch this video about the urban farmer, a New Yorker who tried to live off the land in his 200-square foot Brooklyn backyard. Manny Howard grew vegetables, raised chickens and ducks and even tried to raise halibut (fish) in order to live off of the land.

Building a compost pile allows bacteria to break down all kinds of organic material- from banana peels to newspaper. Learn more about composting and thousands of other topics in this HowStuffWorks video.