These toxic metals make Diwali firecrackers 'beautiful'

From tremors, weakness, anxiety, shortness of breath to paralysis and cancer, the colours in Diwali firecrackers all have a toxic source

How crop burning affects Delhi's air quality

Polash Mukerjee from Centre for Science and Environment explains how crop burning in Punjab and Haryana affects Delhi's air quality

Why virginity tests should be banned

In a global call against violence against women and girls, UN agencies— UN Human Rights, UN Women and the World Health Organization—have called to end virginity testing, a medically unnecessary, and often times painful, humiliating and traumatic practice.

IIT Delhi develops a cheap cure for snake bites

Researchers from IIT Delhi have developed a cheaper and more effective antidote for snake venom. The research has been done this in collaboration with San Jose University, US. The new drug could cost as less as Rs 70 from the current price which could be as high as Rs 1000

86-year-old Gandhian GD Agarwal fasts unto death to save the Ganga

Noted Gandhian and environmentalist GD Agarwal has fasted many times before to save the Ganga. But this time he will give up water too if the government does not help to rejuvenate the Ganga.

Home made leave-in conditioner using flax seeds with Kirti Negi Bajoria

Making your own personal hygiene products is easier than you think. Kirti Negi Bajoria, a professional who is on a sabbatical, makes a lot of household and personal care products on her own. In this video, she demonstrates a simple recipe to make a leave-in conditioner that is free of harmful chemicals.

Detergent and fabric softener with Reetha (soapnuts) and Pudina (mint) with Kirti Negi Bajoria

Making your own personal hygiene products are easier than you think. Kirti Negi Bajoria, a professional who is on a sabbatical makes a lot of household and personal care products on her own. In this video, she demonstrates a simple recipe to make detergent and fabric softener using Reetha or soapnuts and mint and which is free of harmful chemicals. This detergent can be used in your washing …

These self-taught doctors treat over 2000 wild birds a month in Delhi

Brothers Mohammad Nadeem and Mohammad Saud, have been rescuing birds for over 14 years. Every month, they treat 2000 birds out of their own income and small donations from family and friends. They run one of the world's biggest hospitals dedicated to predatory birds in Delhi

Is climate change making our food less nutritious?

This video explains why we should be worried about climate change vis-à-vis nutritional security. It could actually make our food less nutritious.

Youngsters help Mumbai manage its waste better

A young group of environmental engineers has begun a startup to manage municipal solid waste in Mumbai. The company called Sanjeevani S3 is helping residential societies, school, eateries and hotels manage their waste in a sustainable and affordable manner.

DIY shampoo, body wash and dog wash using reetha or soapnuts with Kirti Negi Bajoria

Making your own personal hygiene products are easier than you think. Kirti Negi Bajoria, a professional who is on a sabbatical makes a lot of household and personal care products on her own. In this video, she demonstrates a simple recipe to make floor cleaners and dish-wash which is free of harmful chemicals

Cowering countryside: The effect of cow vigilantism on India's agriculture sector

Down to Earth travels across north India to speak with farmers and animal rearers to find out how cow vigilantism has affected the rural economy

Make floor and dish cleaners at home using reetha or soap nuts with Kirti Negi Bajoria

Making your own floor cleaner and dish wash liquid is easier than you think. Kirti Negi Bajoria, a professional who is on a sabbatical, makes a lot of household and personal care products on her own. In this video, she demonstrates a simple recipe to make floor and cleaners that are free of harmful chemicals.

Sikya Kheer: A recipe from the Baiga tribes of Madhya Pradesh, made with wild crabgrass

Sikiya (Digitaria Sanguilanis) is a variety of wild millet harvested by the Baiga tribals of Dindori district in Madhya Pradesh. Its grains are even smaller than those of little millets and has a yellowish colour. The Baiga tribals prepare rice and kheer out of it.Currently, the Indian Institute of Millets Research (IIMR) based in Hyderabad is researching on Sikiya for nutritional analysis. …

Our Agenda for survival Ep3: I have a problem with illegal GM in my food

A recent study by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) found genetically modified ingredients in processed foods sold in India. Sunita Narain, director general of CSE and editor of Down To Earth raises questions on legality of these products in the Indian market and asks why Indian consumers are deprived of their right to make an informed choice about food they eat?

How CSE tested GM ingredients in packaged foods

Rajarshi Banerjee, who heads CSE's laboratory, explains the method adopted to detect GM ingredients in packaged foods

Findings of the CSE study on GM ingredients in foods

Amit Khurana, Programme Director, Food Safety & Toxins, Centre for Science and Environment, talks about the findings of the study on GM ingredients in foods. 

First Food recipes: Aloo ke gutke and Dawai Phool ki daal

Jakhiya or Cleome Viscosa comes from the tribes of Garhwal, Uttarakhand. Also known as wild mustard or dog mustard, they are found in tropics throughout the world. When cooked with potatoes, they make a flavourful combination

Indian Budget 2016: In conversation with Sunita Narain

Budget 2016 was a surprise due to its thrust on strengthening the rural sector. DTE Editor Sunita Narain explains what it holds for the environment and our country