Weather Olympics: Records aren't only being smashed in London swimming pools this summer, temperatures are reaching new highs all over the United States. And now, you can watch old records fall and track the new winners in real time. Go team? Climate Central
The big (box) 5-0: Walmart turns 50 this month. In the last half century, the megastore has expanded to 27 countries with 10,185 stores and employed one, oft-criticized sustainability initiative. Watch in these infographs how the chain has spread across the United States. Bloomberg
Green is the new black: Sustainability is so next season (and the season after that and the one after that...). Check out the Sustainable Apparel Coalition's recently released Higg Index, which shows how some of the biggest names in clothing measure up when it comes to dressing the Earth right. Grist
Converted climate skeptic: Just when you've just about given up on trying to convince global warming deniers of the reality of climate change, a once skeptical scientist explains why he changed his mind. Lesson: It can be done! New York Times
Hope on the range: Ranchers in the American West aren't known for their tree-hugging, granola-crunching ways. But a new generation of cowboys is realizing that sustainable ways can be profitable ones. Yee haw. Christian Science Monitor
When plastics attack: In yet another chapter of the "things in plastic that are bad for you" saga, researchers have discovered that common household plastics and medical supplies contain chemicals called phthalates that are linked to diabetes in women. Women with the highest exposure to phthalates -- who usually lived in impoverished communities -- had almost double the rate of diabetes. Environmental Health News
Lost keys: The final resting place for more and more pianos isn't a dusty corner of an old house but the landfill. The economy has booted many people from homes, and big baby grands don't always make it into the moving van. Upset about how many pianos were playing their last notes as they fell into dumps, one mover has set up a piano adoption service. Play it again, anyone ... anyone? New York Times
I wanna be a smoothie!: A new mural in Spain celebrating vegetarianism depicts a throng of veggies celebrating around and worshipping a juicer. (They are apparently very excited to give their lives for your health.) Last one in the V8 is a rotten tomato! Street Art News
Tips: @OnEarthMag (tag it #greenreads)
Image: Daniel Hoherd
