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Until recently, drilling a mile-plus deep shaft into the earth and blasting through this type of shale to release natural gas was inefficient and unprofitable. But thanks to the coupling of two types of technology—horizontal drilling and Halliburton-developed hydraulic fracturing—now, it's just inefficient. Huge gas-drilling companies standing to make a profit using the new combo method, which includes the use of carcinogenic chemicals and millions of gallons of water, the clean drinking-water supplies of millions are at serious risk.

Even communities that are nowhere near a drilling site may end up contaminated with water that's been shipped from fracking sites for treatment. And taxpayers could be on the hook to clean up the mess years down the line, unless strict regulations are put in place soon.

Fracking is one of 7 key trends affecting our planet and our health.

Learn more from the Rodale.com news archive:

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Drilling for Natural Gas Jeopardizes Clean Water

What you can do: Write letters and make phone calls to put a halt to natural gas drilling in the Marcellus Shale until strict regulations are put in place to protect drinking water.

Natural Gas "Fracking" Threatens National Water Supply, Human Health

What you can do: Demand your gov't reps support the FRAC Act; be prepared for a leasing push in your area; consider leasing your land for solar energy instead.

How Slop from Natural Gas Fracking Could End Up in Your Food

What you can do: In the immediate, buy organic. Beyond that, push your reps to support the FRAC Act and a moratorium until hydraulic fracturing is proven safe.

Natural Gas Drilling Releases Uranium, Study Reveals

What you can do: Organize your community before the gas companies start leasing in your area or bringing toxic flowback water to local wastewater-treatment plants.

Survey: Red State or Blue, Most People Are Concerned about Fracking's Effect on H2O

What you can do: Tell your federal legislators to reintroduce and support the FRAC Act in 2011.

5 Facts about Fracking Every Family Needs to Know

What you can do: Get up to speed on what science says about natural gas drilling, so you can join the conversation and protect your family.

Fracking Update: Dirtier Than Coal, Natural Gas Drilling Threatens U.S. Drinking Water

What you can do: Sign the petition to keep fracking out of the Delaware River watershed.

7 Key Trends That Will Affect Your Health, and the Health of the Planet

What you can do: Press your legislators to make the right decisions about food policy, food labeling, and clean energy. Look for opportunities to buy organic and buy local.

Hundreds of Protesters Say “NO!” to Natural Gas Fracking

What you can do: Educate yourself on the facts about fracking.

1,300+ Chemicals Are Messing with Your Hormones

What you can do: Demand organic, support a ban on natural gas fracking, and keep out as much household plastic as possible to stop an assault on your hormonal system.