Eco Report – February 6, 2026

In this week’s Eco Report an interview we played last week on Grow with Glo, a new Youth Radio show produced by middle school student Gloria Chi.

Indiana has rich biodiversity with thousands of species in unique habitats, but the ornamental plant trade, globalization and development have introduced new threats to these ecosystems. In 2020, the Indiana Department of Natural Resources implemented the Terrestrial Plant Rule banning the sale, gifting, barter, exchange, distribution, transportation or introduction of 44 invasive species, like autumn olive, wintercreeper and Japanese stilt grass. But the move came after many species have found a foothold in the state. And, unfortunately for landowners, many invasive species are also proving to be a nuisance in neighborhoods and urban areas.

The plants, which can rapidly take over gardens and front lawns, can be tricky to identify and expensive to remove. Here are five species to watch for and a few resources in case you find them. Tree of heaven: The tree of heaven (Ailanthus altissima) is an aggressive, stinky plant that has found its way into many Indiana front lawns. As it spreads, it chemically attacks nearby species, hurts local bird populations and attracts spotted lanternflies — a highly invasive pest. Adding insult to injury, the whole plant smells like rotten peanut butter. “A lot of people have very good intentions and would like to get rid of invasive trees in their yard, but it costs real money. It’s not like digging out a little shrub,” said Ellen Jacquart, a retired botanist and president of Monroe County – Identify and Reduce Invasive Species (MC-IRIS). Scientists suggest a multifaceted attack against the trees.

When they’re small, manually digging them up year after year can help keep an area clear. But you’ll have to repeat the process as roots can persist in the soil and grow new trees. A mature tree of heaven is trickier to destroy. Chopping them down, injecting their bark with herbicide and spraying their stumps can prevent further growth and limit spread.

Wintercreeper: If you’re in the market for a mid-century style home right now but want to avoid purchasing a lawn full of wintercreeper, good luck. Wintercreeper was brought into the United States as an ornamental landscaping plant more than a century ago, and before its reputation soured, it was a darling of landscapers and homeowners” selected.

Indiana lawmakers are clearing the path for nuclear power to expand across the state. This week, the House Committee on Utilities, Energy and Telecommunications voted 7 to 3 to advance Senate Bill 258, which would dramatically roll back regulations on nuclear facilities. If it becomes law, the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (or IDEM) would no longer be the ones issuing permits for constructing, operating, or expanding nuclear power plants and fuel processing facilities. The bill would eliminate requirements for public hearings on environmental effects and repeal rules designed to protect Hoosiers from radiation hazards.

But this begs the question, why now? Indiana currently has no operating nuclear plants. So far at least eight former coal plants have been identified as potential sites for small modular reactors, and a nuclear startup called First American Nuclear Company recently moved its headquarters to Indiana with plans to bring reactors online by 2032. Currently, about 10 percent of Indiana’s power comes from the Donald C. Cook Nuclear Plant just across the Michigan border along Lake Michigan.

For environmentally concerned residents, this raises critical questions: Is it possible this nuclear power could help Indiana transition away from coal and reduce carbon emissions? Or does removing environmental oversight and public input create unacceptable risks? Reducing the regulatory permitting process and allowing a more open stream of potential nuclear plants is a change Indiana could feel immediately. The bill will next be voted on by the House of Representatives. Concerned residents can contact our state representative before the vote. This decision will shape Indiana’s energy future and environmental protections for decades to come.

For our fashionista listeners of Eco Report, your closet has more power than you think. The fashion industry produces 10% of global carbon emissions—more than all international flights and maritime shipping combined. The environmental toll of fast fashion is even more staggering. According to a 2019 Green America report, the fashion industry uses about 700 gallons of water to produce one cotton shirt and 2,000 gallons for a pair of jeans, making it the second-largest consumer of water among all industries. Adding to that, textile dyeing is the world’s second-largest source of water pollution, since leftover dye is often dumped into ditches, streams, or rivers.

Then there’s the plastic problem. 35% of microplastics in the ocean come from washing synthetic clothing like polyester and those tiny, non-biodegradable particles that end up in our water and food chain. 85% of all textiles go to dumps each year, and the world now consumes 80 billion new clothing items annually—400% more than two decades ago. The production process itself is energy-intensive and toxic, relying on petroleum for synthetic fibers and releasing harmful chemicals. Cotton production requires heavy pesticide use that poses health risks to farmers.

But this isn’t a secret and the regulation of the fashion industry varies. French President Emmanuel Macron has signed a pact with 150 fashion brands to make the industry more sustainable, and the UN launched an Alliance for Sustainable Fashion. However, when UK members of parliament proposed regulations to address fast fashion’s environmental effects in 2019, ministers rejected the initiative.

What we know is that the average American now generates 82 pounds of textile waste each year, and without stronger regulations, the power to change the industry largely sits with consumers. Bloomington has a variety of thrift and consignment shops, and even mending and repair groups that meet regularly. For those wanting to make a change in their own footprint, simple shifts like thrifting, clothing swaps, or just buying less can make a real difference.

In this week’s Eco Report an interview on Grow with Glo, a new Youth Radio show produced by middle school student Gloria Chi.

Credits:

On Air………………………………….Julianna Dailey
On Air…………………………………Cynthia Roberts
Headlines……………………………..Carrie Albright
Headlines………………………………….Rich Benak
Feature Report……………………………..Gloria Chi
Script………………………………….Julianna Dailey
Events Calendar……………………..Julianna Dailey
Engineer……………………………Branden Blewett

Are you looking for a way to make a difference on environmental issues?

Eco Report is  looking for reporters, engineers, and segment producer to report facts on how we’re all affected by global climate disruption and the ongoing assaults on our air, land and water. We also celebrate ecologists, tree huggers, soil builders and other champions who actively protect and restore our natural world, particularly those who are active in south central Indiana. All levels of experience and all ages are welcome, and we provide the training you’ll need. WFHB also offers internships.

To volunteer for Eco Report, call at (812) 323-1200, or e-mail [email protected].