Photo courtesy of Lemelson-MIT Program

A former Department of Agriculture chemist who played a major role in the development of wrinkle-free cotton has died. Ruth Benerito passed away Oct. 5 at her home in Metairie, La., at the age of 97. In the late 1950s, Benerito led a team of researchers that developed a chemical treatment that reinforced cotton fibers, making them less likely to wrinkle. The innovative chemical changed the world and the cotton industry. Cotton was a main staple in everyday living, with the only drawback being its ability to wrinkle so severely that it could be uncomfortable to wear or use as bedding. The chemical alleviated this problem and further refinements allowed cotton fabric to hold creases and be stain and flame resistant. Benerito worked for the Agriculture Department from 1953 to 1986 and received 55 patents. Read more (Washington Post).

The U.S. Forest Service is offering free access to national forests throughout the country on Saturday, Sept. 28 as part of the 20th annual National Public Lands Day. This is the nation’s largest, single-day volunteer effort for public lands. Fees will be waived for day-use areas such as picnic grounds, developed trails and visitor centers. This is one of six fee-free days the U.S. Forest Service offers annually. Last year, about 175,000 volunteers worked at 2,206 sites across the United States, collecting nearly 500 tons of trash and 23,000 pounds of invasive plants. Volunteers also planted 100,000 trees and built or maintained 1,500 miles of trails. Learn more.

Photo by PhytoKinetic

Buses are going green, but not by using alternative fuel or electric motors. These public buses are using rooftop gardens to improve the ecosystem by purifying city air. The Phyto Kinetic project also provides energy-saving alternatives by keeping the buses 38 degrees cooler. The garden uses hydroponic foam as soil to reduce the weight of the garden on the waterproof rooftop. The design allows condensation from the air conditioning to irrigate the plants. Read more (CNET).