The Planet Magazine is the quarterly student publication of Western Washington University's Huxley College of the Environment. Founded by students in 1979, it is the capstone course for students enrolled in Huxley College's undergraduate environmental journalism major.

The magazine's mission statement, as articulated by its student editors, is as follows: "We are dedicated to environmental advocacy and awareness through responsible journalism."

Winter 2009
Restoration Through Filtration
Restoration Through Filtration

Rainwater rushes from polluted streets to storm drains, dumping 150,000 pounds of toxic chemicals into Puget Sound daily. Property owners are beginning to incorporate permeable surfaces that can capture and filter the water before it gets there.

 

The Straight Flush
The Straight Flush

Toilets consume more water than any other appliance in the average home, but three new designs could significantly lower this amount, saving you money and the earth a precious resource.

 

Rough Scales Make Smooth Sails
Rough Scales Make Smooth Sails

Sharks spring to mind as deadly predators, but scientists are learning from these ocean dwellers’ adaptations. A texture based on sharkskin is being developed as a green alternative to toxic paints to keep marine organisms from attaching to boat hulls – and the applications don’t stop there.

 

Pandamotion
Pandamotion

The mission: building a bamboo bicycle using only local and sustainable parts, with no power tools, for less than $200.

 

Cutting the Cord
Cutting the Cord: Living Off the Grid

Some people in Whatcom County choose to live off the power grid, even though it may mean going without things most of us take for granted.

 

A Saline Solution
A Saline Solution

For many Lopez Islanders, the glass is half empty. As their freshwater supply wanes, some coastal residents have found an answer in desalination technology.

 

A Seed in Hand
A Seed in Hand: Techniques for Food Security

As genetic uniformity threatens America’s food supply, small farmers sustain unique seeds with something everyone can use: two hands.

 

Dry Cleaners Come Clean
Dry Cleaners Come Clean

For decades, the dry cleaning industry has relied on a solvent that is both a carcinogen and an environmental pollutant. But an increasing number of businesses are responding to this concern, and implementing new chemicals and safer practices to reduce the impact of professional clothes laundering.

 

Hay is for Horses, Straw is for Structures
Hay is for Horses, Straw is for Houses

If you’re thinking about building green, start by using straw bales for your walls. This non-traditional construction method results in a typical-looking but eco-friendly structure that can outlast even the rainiest Washington weather.

 

Clearing the Skies
Clearing the Skies

Have you ever considered the environmental impacts of air travel? Seattle-Tacoma International Airport is attempting to make flying less harmful to the environment by reducing emissions with several new technologies.