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July 03, 2009

NYC Carbon Counter - Real Time Carbon Counts




NYC Carbon Counter

You cannot manage what you cannot measure ... everyone is hearing about the increasing carbon / greenhouse emissions .. but just how big a number is it?  How fast is it growing?

To get a real time view take a look at the 10 character - 70 foot "meter" in New York's Times Sq on the Deutsch Banks billboard.

" ...displays the amount of equivalent greenhouse gas emissions in terms of carbon in the atmosphere, and is constantly updated based on measurements from NASA, NOAA, and supporting research from MIT. ... the number is a reflection of all greenhouse gas emissions (methane, nitrous oxide, etc.) by their impact equivalencies in carbon. It even accounts for dips and rises in the amount of carbon in the atmosphere due to seasonal changes so not to appear to be slowing down certain times of the year.

"Before ... the information was only updated every five years. ... displaying the count in real time "allows people to begin to engage in the debate around the issue." ... the counter creates a sense of urgency, a call to action, and is intended to spur action to take the steps necessary in saving our planet."


Track the carbon count in real time on your PC ... download the Carbon Counter widget ... LINK

 

Via:  SustainLane  LINK

 

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July 02, 2009

Fat Spaniel - Monitor Solar PV Systems in Real Time




Fat Spaniel logo

Fat Spaniel Technologies provides real time monitoring of your solar PV system.  Read their case studies of Jay Leno's car garage and SF International Airport.  

Track your actual generation / performance and see ... "... display total power generated by ... day, week, month, or year ... local irradiance, cell temperature, and ambient temperature ... avoided greenhouse gases (CO2, NOx and Sox) over the lifetime ..."

It can be used to proactively guide behavior changes ... " Generate Energy Fat Spaniel Insight Manager screenSavings Via Behavior Modification ..." ... Educate ... by publishing real-time and historical data ... Cut electricity usage up to 10% by changing habits of building occupants ..."

 " ... Fat Spaniel provides ... an industrial-grade, Software-as-a-Service renewable energy plant management system that enables plant operators to: ... Manage renewable energy plants in real-time ... Communicate and interact with mobile personnel ... Generate revenue utilizing back-end services for regulatory agency reporting, renewable energy certificate (REC) registration, and environmental reporting"

 

Via: Fat Spaniel Technologies LINK
 

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July 01, 2009

Zwahlen's Ice Cream Goes Green With SRS Energy's Sole Power Tile




Zwahlens Ice Cream and Chocholate

 Zwahlen's is a local (Audubon PA) ice cream and chocolate establishment that just so happens to have the first commercial use of SRS Energy's Sole Power Tile Roof.

I was driving past the store last evening when my son told me about the sign on the front that  said --- something along the lines "the best ice cream under the sun is now powered by the sun".  I needed to check this out ... SRS logo

" SRS Energy, ...installed ... the first building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) roofing product designed for curved roofing systems, ... the first commercial installation of the Sole Power Tile(TM) system  ..."

"T...a great example of how time-tested traditions and cutting-edge technology can meet to create something beautiful," said Marty Low, CEO of SRS Energy and owner of Zwahlen's. "

" ... designed to blend seamlessly with several styles of US Tile's clay tiles, providing energy without the use of traditional solar panels that can compromise a building's roofline and curb appeal. ... preserves Zwahlen's charming Swiss chalet look."

"SRS Energy recently introduced the Sole Power Tile(TM) system to the greater Philadelphia region at the PV America show, held at the Pennsylvania Convention center during the week of June 7, 2009."

SRS Energy's Sole Power Tile can generate 500 Watts per sq ft.

 

Via:  EarthTimes  LINK

Via:  SRS Energy  LINK

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June 29, 2009

Pervious Pavements - Helps Water Soak into the Grond and not Run Off




Pervious pavement solve the need for a hardscape surface that can also allow water to soak int the earth rather than flow into a storm sewer. Among the more costly means to handle water are catch basins and ponds to allow for a more controlled flow and absorption.Pervious Pavement

" ... a unique and effective means to address important environmental issues and support green, sustainable growth.... porous concrete is instrumental in recharging groundwater, reducing stormwater runoff, and meeting U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) stormwater regulations. ... pervious concrete is among the Best Management Practices (BMPs) recommended by the EPA ...  for the management of stormwater runoff ..."

" ... Typically, between 15% and 25% voids are achieved ...  flow rates ... typically around 480 in./hr (0.34 cm/s, which is 5 gal/ft²/ min or 200 L/m²/min),... "
 

 

Via:  PerviousPavement  LINK

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June 26, 2009

Starbucks Sustainable Store Strategy




Starbucks updates its retail store strategy to incorporate strong sustainable design elements and will place emphasis on unique local characteristics at each location to accentuate the customer experience. ...
... "Derive 50 percent of the energy used in company-operated stores from renewable sources by 2010; Reduce greenhouse gas emissions by making company-operated stores 25 percent more energy efficient by 2010; Achieve LEED certification for all new company-operated stores worldwide by late 2010; " ...
Via Starbucks: Store Experience Reinvention

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June 25, 2009

Microsoft Hohm - Energy Management




Microsoft Hohm

You can only manage what you can measure .. the old adage about management ... applies to energy usage as well.  A new Microsoft product, Microsoft Hohm, will allow individuals to monitor their energy usage and make changes based on recommendations to SAVE MONEY and ELECTRICITY. Microsoft Hohn

" ... Microsoft Hohm, a new online application that enables consumers to better understand their energy usage, get recommendations and start saving money. ... uses advanced analytics licensed from the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and the U.S. Department of Energy to provide consumers with personalized energy-saving recommendations. ... beta application is available at ...http://www.microsoft-hohm.com."


Via:  Microsoft  LINK
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HP Greener Servers




HP logo Not long ago data centers were concerned with maximum density and processing power.  But as electricity cost have risen and supply becoming a gating factor - the data center is changing .. 

" ... companies have become increasingly concerned over the state of the environment.... new generation of servers: machines that deliver more performance per watt adata centernd, perhaps to a lesser degree, are built in a more environmentally responsible manner. Hardware makers are stepping up to meet the challenge, "

 cpus

" ... HP, ... a new line of ProLiant G6 servers that, claims the company, deliver twice the performance of the previous generation of ProLiant servers -- while using half the energy. ...  replacing servers purchased prior to 2006 with new HP ProLiant G6 servers, customers can slash their energy bills in half."

" ...HP is certainly not the only vendor touting the green credentials of its server hardware. ...  AMD and Intel are working furiously to make CPUs that are high on performance and low on energy consumption."

Via: Infoworld.com  Link

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June 23, 2009

Ecolife Products - Green Products for the home





Ecolife ProductsEcolife is a Canadian company that makes a line of earth friendly line of cleaners and biodegradable plastic bags.

Ecolife Products tagline is "Changing the world without changing the Earth". 

" ... we believe in making the world a better place ... by promoting biodegradable, compostable and other eco friendly products... "

" ... we care about the environment and our products are designed to work with no or little effect to the world around us.  ... an old native proverb about the earth we believe in.  It reads, " We did not inherit the Earth from our grandparents. We borrow it from our children"."

 

Via:  Ecolife Products  Link


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June 17, 2009

Exelon's ComEd is a Major Green Fleet (cars, trucks, etc.)




 com ed logo

ComEd, a Exelon company has bought 50 Toyota Prius to add toExelon 2020 Seal its already substantial GREEN fleet of cars and trucks. 

" ...One of Nation's Largest Green Fleets ... save utility 6,500 gallons of gas in 2009, ...  including 10 Priuses that have been specially converted into electric plug-in hybrids. ..."
   
" ... Compared to an average subcompact, the Prius hybrid and plug-in electric version consume about 30 and 65 percent less fuel, respectively. ... reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 60 metric tons."

" ... 63 percent of the ComEd fleet uses a fuel source other than 100 percent gasoline.... 1,774 trucks that use biodiesel fuel ...250 E85 flex-fuel vehicles ... 91 hybrid Ford Escape SUVs; one biodiesel-electric hybrid bucket truck; one liquid petroleum gas (LPG) bucket truck; and the 50 new Prius vehicles. ..."

 

Via:  Exelon  LINK

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June 15, 2009

Energy-Inc. - Profitable Solution to a Zero Carbon Footprint





Energy-Inc.

 

John O'Hurley ... of Seinfield fame as J. Peterman ... has co-founded Energy-Inc.   The Las Vegas, Nevada company has a variety of services and technologies for producing power from waste ...

>>> Their tagline is ... a profitable solution to a zero carbon footprint. 

>>> Their message is Waste to Energy rather than waste to landfills.

 

They design, build and manage waste to power systems. Rather than paying to dispose of waste you can turn it into power ... Listen to the video for more ... and see how they plan to make landfills obsolete. They guarantee performance and up to 100% financing ...

 

Via:: Energy-Inc. Link

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Wired Home in Chicago




Chicaog Wired Home

Wired Magazine has created their Smart Home  .. which is Green + Wired.  The design uses green materials and techniques along with tools to allow you to be GREEN with energy.

" ... high-design demonstration homes ... technologies we present aren't stuck in beta, but are available now. Trends driving the developments? Environmentally smart architecture, affordable automation systems, and real-time energy monitoring."

" ... use prefab construction ... automation systems we use are affordable, and upgradeable ... same access to energy data as the latest car dashboards, showing daily and weekly electricity and water consumption, as well as up-to-the-minute electricity pricing to help homeowners make smart decisions."

The Wired Home is open from March 19th, 2009 through January 3red, 2010.  If you are in Chicago and want to tour the home ... CLICK FOR DETAILS.

Via:  Wired  Link

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June 09, 2009

Dow Captures Solar Power with DOWTHERM




sloar panels There are multiple approaches to using solar to create power ... one option is PV (photovoltaic) where panels convert sunlight directly to DC current ... another is CSP (concentrated solar power).

CSP is a form of solar power that uses mirrors to focus the suns rays on panels ... these panels have a heat transfer fluid in them that then is used to generate steam which drives a trubine to produce electricity.

>>> Basically a nuclear type approach with solar replacing the nuclear energy source.

" ... mirrors to reflect and concentrate sunlight onto receivers ... DOWTHERM™ ... heat transfer fluids collect the heat ... converts water to steam, which in turn drives turbines to make electricity.  ... DOWTHERM™ A, has the high temperature stability required to collect, transport, and store that solar generated heat."


" ... Dow ... commitment and leadership in energy efficiency ...  Over the last 14 years, Dow's efforts to conserve power globally have resulted in saving more than 1,600 trillion BTU's of energy and prevented the release of about 86 million metric tons of carbon dioxide."

 

Via:  Dow Chemical Company  LINK

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June 04, 2009

Platinum LEED homes in Manayunk (Philadelphia), Pa




Sheldon Crossing - Manayunk, Phila, Pa

Green living options are increasing in the Manayunk section of Philadelphia.  Manayunk is accessible to the R6 regional rail line to center city and is a very walkable village ...

Sheldon Crossing is a new Platinum LEED (to be certified) development ...

" ...16-unit carriage home development in Manayunk, PA, ... to meet and surpass green standards, which will earn us a LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) Platinum level of certification. As we are redefining eco-conscious living, we have not lost sight of the importance of design. ..."

" ... less energy and resources consumed ... will result in significant savings for the homeowner as utility bills dwindle. ... Sheldon Crossing homes will use less energy, water, and natural resources. They create less waste, have less exposure to mold, mildew and other indoor toxins. ... features to highlight are PV solar panels, green roofs, Icynene insulation, high efficiency heaters, WaterSense plumbing fixtures, water purification, heat recovery ventilators, smart home technology, Energy Star appliances, windows and doors and much more. ..."

 

Via:  SheldonCrossing  LINK

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June 03, 2009

U.S. Wants to Go Green with White Roofs, White Roads and Light Colored Cars




whote roofs in Bermuda One possible way to save energy is to paint your roof white ... or some other light color.  This would keep buildings cooler and lessen the need for air conditioning.  Same for roads and other dark surfaces ... which would reflect heat back into space instead of warming the earth.  Concrete could be used instead of painting road a lighter color ...

" ... solution to climate change could be as simple as a big bucket of whitewash, ... Steven Chu believes that painting the world's roofs, roads and pavements white would keep buildings cooler as temperatures rise and cut the need for air conditioning."

"... the U.S. Secretary of Energy and a Nobel prize-winning scientist, said the low-tech solution would be as effective at reducing global warming as taking all the world's cars off the road for 11 years."

 

Via:  DailyMail  LINK

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June 01, 2009

Arizona State U - - Global Institute of Sustainability




ASU - Global Institute of Sustainability Logo

" ... evolved from over 30 years of environmental research conducted by the Center for Environmental Studies at Arizona State University (ASU).... conducts research, education, and problem-solving related to sustainability, with a special focus on urban environments. ... initiates and nurtures work on issues of sustainability across ...  ASU, and collaborates with other academic institutions, governments, businesses and industries, and community groups locally, nationally, and globally."


"Greater Phoenix is one of the fastest-growing urban environments in the US, ...  is a preeminent laboratory for solving problems that face urban areas ... strive to discover new knowledge and develop new solutions for our own region, we also provide models and solutions that can work in Los Angeles, New York, Dubai, and Beijing."

 

Via:  Arizona State University  LINK

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May 28, 2009

Nellis AFB Solar Array - 30 million kWh System




POTUS Oboma at  Nellis with Solar PanelsMay 27th, 2009 - Nellis AFB - Nevada.

U.S. president Obama went to Nellis AFB to see " ... the nation's largest photovoltaic array and speak ... about the importance of alternative energy initiatives. ... highlighted Nellis' 14-megawatt solar project as a stellar example of environmental stewardship and innovative energy technology."

Facts about the Nellis system:
Solar panels at Nellis AFB
" ... completed in December of 2007, is America's largest solar photovoltaic array. ... will generate more than 30 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) of clean electricity annually and supply approximately 25% of the total power used at the base, ... covers 140 acres ... 33 acres of which are a capped landfill which has been reused for this "green" energy project.  ... over 72,000 solar panels which track the sun to maximize the solar renewable energy we can receive. ... will reduce carbon emissions by 24,000 tons annually."


Via:  WhiteHouse.gov  Link

Via:  Nellis  Air Force Base Link

Continue reading "Nellis AFB Solar Array - 30 million kWh System" »

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May 21, 2009

U.S. Geothermal Energy Technology, Finance, and Development Workshop




Geothermal Energy Association logo

The U.S. Geothermal Energy Technology, Finance and Development Workshop will be held June 3rd, 2009 in Seattle, Washington.

Geothermal is becoming more popular as a renewable source of clean energy ... LINK

" ... U.S. Geothermal Energy Association is a trade association composed of U.S. companies who support the expanded use of geothermal energy and are developing geothermal Resources worldwide for electrical power generation and direct-heat uses."

" ... GEA advocates for public policies that will promote the development and utilization of geothermal Resources, provides a forum for the industry to discuss issues and problems, encourages research and development to improve geothermal technologies, presents industry views to governmental organizations, provides assistance for the export of geothermal goods and services, compiles "

 

Via:  U.S. Geothermal Energy Association LINK

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May 20, 2009

Nevada Goes Geothermal




Pictorial: How Geothermal Works

The western part of the US has a large geothermal potential ... as ween from the map below ... the red areas have temperatures of over 100 C.  Nevada Geothermal Power is making the most of this potential ...basically energy free energy ... geothermal map of the US

Read on for more >>> 

"Nevada Geothermal Power Inc. ... emerging renewable energy developer focused on producing clean, sustainable geothermal electric power from high temperature geothermal resources. ... has four properties in ... Blue Mountain , Pumpernickel, and Black Warrior - in Nevada - and Crump Geyser - in Oregon."

" ... Nevada has over 16 power plants, with ...approximately 333 MW of geothermal power. ...Geothermal is not the future; geothermal is NOW!" Nevada Geothermal Power logo

Geothermall is / has  " ...  Clean, renewable electricity, Low or no emissions. Proven technology, No fuel required; energy cost not an issue, Low operating costs ..."

 

Via:  Nevada Geothermal Power  LINK

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May 15, 2009

Penn State Solar and Sustainability




Penn State sustainability efforts span education, application, research and technology. The University participates in events such as the Solar Decathlon and uses outreach to shares its experience beyond Pennsylvania. ...
... "This year the center piloted a new service-learning course that helped to install a solar array on a school in Honduras and created an opportunity for Honduran electricians to learn about solar energy systems. " ...
Via Penn State: Sustainability Programs

Continue reading "Penn State Solar and Sustainability" »

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May 14, 2009

More Energy Saving Tips .... from Google




Google logo
Check out these links on GOOGLE.org for ways to save energy.  Some are NO COST and others are eitehr low or moderate cost ...

Read on for more and to get the actual LINKs ... >>>

" ... Grist, Alliance to Save Energy, Department of Energy, Carbon footprint calculator, ACEEE, Home Energy Savers, Get a home energy audit ..."

Via:  Google  LINK

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May 13, 2009

801 Market St in Phila to be LEED Green




801 Marklet St, PhilaThe former Strawbridge and Clothier flagship department store in Philadelphia is being remodeled in a green way.  PA. REIT has posted window signs and made green dioramas in the store's street side display cases (most of the building has been closed for some time).

" ... bring together 16 state agencies in a former retail space, a 13-story historic building on Market Street, bringing renovations and modernizations throughout the space. ... the arrival of the state agencies will bring 750. employees to the Market East section of Center City, as the state consolidates agencies ... PREIT, which controls everything from the sub-basement to the sixth floor, will renovate vacant space to make room for retail on the first, second and third floors, while maintaining the historical aspects of the building and complying with LEED silver certification requirements."

 

Photos to follow ...

 

Via:  Phila Biz Journal  LINK

 

 

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May 11, 2009

Green Supply Chain





Green Supply Chain logo

Green Supply Chain helps business get greener by working on their supply chain ... the process of getting raw materials  / making goods and delivering to the customer

" ... address how being green in the corporate world can translate to reduced waste, increased efficiency and a positive impact on the bottom line–how supply chain operations can be automated to help reduce carbon footprints ..."Go Green

" ... our own commitment to reduce our carbon footprint. ...team also plans and implements programs in the following areas: Waste Reduction and Recycling, Energy Conservation, Environmentally Preferable Purchasing, Water Conservation, Sustainable Building, Alternative Transportation, and Corporate Social Responsibility. ..."

Check their resources section  LINK for Blogs, Resources, White Papers, etc ...

 

Via:  GreenSupplyChain  LINK

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May 08, 2009

Bio Diesel via Mushrooms





enlared view of fungusMany crops have been considered / experimented with as a source of bio fuel or bio diesel.  Some carry risks of causing unintended consequences as land is cleared for farming -- Now the mushroom is looming large!

" ... biofuels from corn and soy ... destructive to the planet in certain ways as farmers in developing nations slash and burn forests to grow new crops. ... alternative: a ... genetically-modified mushroom that yields a large biomass which can be converted into a first-rate biofuel."

" ... genetically-engineered them to be ... more sustainable in culture during fermentation, and have both enhanced growth rate and spore production...."

Via:  TreeHugger  LINK

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May 07, 2009

EnviroShell Environmentally Friendly Packaging




 EnviroShell

 I noticed an improved packaging design while buying some sunscreen at my local Costco.  The packaging was items packed in EnviroShellmarked as 100 % recyclable and called EnviroShell ; made by Winterborne, Inc.

Basically there is a top and bottom cardboard layer with a cut-out in the top layer  for the items ... these are protested by a #1 plastic inset ... the package is sandwiched together and is all secure ... but comes apart into cardboard and a recyclable plastic that most locals can recycled.

The packaging is secure / tamper resistant / proof, uses eco-freindly adhesives, has post consumer recycled content and is recyclable!

 

Via: EnviroShell  LINK

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May 06, 2009

ebay Green Campus




ebay green campus eBay has many green aspects to its business model ... including the basic eBay design - helping people sell unneeded / unused stuff ...

They are also greening their campus by making the most of available sunlight, using a smart irrigation system, recycling / using recycled materials, using SOLAR and designing for and achieving LEED ...  ... 


" ... newest building, in San Jose, California, was designed and built to the  ... (LEED) Gold standard."


" ... automatic dimming system detects the amount of natural light ... and adjusts the electric light accordingly, resulting in an estimated 39% energy savings.... Recycled materials are used throughout, including 95% recycled structural steel, 38% recycled carpet tiles and 100% recycled workstation fabric. ... smart irrigation system ...  monitors weather conditions, including forecasts, dewpoint and relative humidity levels to determine the optimal and most efficient irrigation pattern."


" ... a 650 kW solar installation at our San Jose North location ...  3,248 panels cover more than a football field of roof space and will take up to 18% of our energy demand at that campus off the grid completely."

 

Via:  ebay  Link

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May 05, 2009

SAP LEED Platinum Building Design Elements Demonstrate Enterprise Commitment to Sustainability




SAP's enterprise commitment to sustainability translates well into its facility expansions. The company's new office building at its Newtown Square campus demonstrates the potential that sustainable design practices can offer. The building is under review by the US Green Building Council for LEED Platinum-level certification and incorporates the smart use of sunlight, a greef roof, intelligent water management and recycling, geothermal heating and cooling, and time shifting of energy consumption. SAP collaborated with FXFOWLE Architects to deliver this achievement. Green construction techniques were adhered to. Here are highlights of sustainable design features from SAP's release. ...
... "Located on the 110-acre campus of SAP North America and adjacent to its existing LEED-certified building, the new building features a floor-to-ceiling glass exterior and an open-space plan that takes maximum advantage of daylight. The green grass roofs, the use of native and regional vegetation species in landscaping and the maintenance of extensive open space highlight SAP's goal of integrating the building with the surrounding natural environment. The new building also incorporates numerous innovative features to reduce water use. Rainwater from the green roof and other areas is collected in a 50,000-gallon cistern, which supplies water for landscape irrigation and the flushing of toilets in some of the building's bathrooms. Additionally, low-flow bathroom fixtures will greatly reduce water usage, with an expected saving of over one million gallons of water per year. Energy-efficient features abound in the building. Geothermal wells use the constant ground temperature of the earth to both heat and cool areas of the building. Lighting systems based on the concept of daylight harvesting are controlled by sensors that dim the lighting levels and raise or lower window shades based on the level of sunlight coming through the triple-glazed glass exterior wall. A hybrid air conditioning system produces ice during the overnight hours when energy demands and electric rates are lowest, with the chilled water from the melting ice used to cool the building during the heat of the day. " ...
Via SAP: New LEED Platinum Building

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April 30, 2009

Preserve Products




Preserve Products logo

Preserve Products are recyclable, made with 100% recycled content and made in the US.

" ... products that offer more. ... performPreserve Productsance and style are every bit as important as their impact on the earth.  ... make our products from 100% recycled materials,  ... all of our products are designed to stay out of landfills when you are finished with them."

" ... products are powered by you and your recycling efforts. ... Preserve's Gimme 5 program, you can recycle your #5 plastics—a kind of plastic that many towns and cities won't recycle...."

" ... Preserve team is made up of 17 people and a host of talented interns who bike, walk, train, and drive (some in bio-diesel fueled cars) to our office outside of Boston i..."

 

Via: Preserve Produts LINK

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April 28, 2009

Recycling Water Filter Cartridges





Take Back the Filter logo

Here is an interesting area for green technology ... many folks use water filters but these end up being thrown inBrita Water Filter Cartridgeto the trash when spent - and represent an opportunity for recyclers.  This is very much in line with the manufacturers and 3rd parties that "rebuild / recondition laser and ink jet print cartridges.

"... Take Back The Filter campaign is thrilled to announce that Brita and Preserve have teamed up to create a take-back recycling program for Brita pitcher filter cartridges ... beginning in January [2009], ... drop off filters at Whole Foods Markets or mail them in. Preserve, a U.S. company manufacturing household products from recycled plastic, will recycle 100% of the plastic casing. And the filter material will be regenerated or converted to energy."


"Contact your local Whole Foods Market and ask the store manager to join Preserve's Gimme 5 program. Each individual store can decide whether or not to participate in collecting #5 plastics, including Brita filters, ..."

 

Via: takebackthefilter.org   LINK

 

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April 27, 2009

GHG Inventory Sets the Baseline with LEED Buildings Making Improvements




Vanderbilt U affirms its commitment to sustainability with a meaningful inventory of its greenhouse gas performance, setting the baseline for its future actions. The GHG inventory baseline will be used to develop the improvement strategy and to measure performance. The University has mulitple buildings operating at LEED levels of performance that will deliver carbon footprint reductions. ...
... "In addition to releasing the commitment statement, a crucial first step in evaluating the university’s sustainability was conducting Vanderbilt’s first greenhouse gas (GHG) inventory. This first inventory provides a baseline of detailed information to help stakeholders make informed decisions to determine reduction strategies and compare future changes in greenhouse gas emissions on campus, said Judson Newbern, deputy vice chancellor for facilities and environmental affairs. " ...
Via Vanderbilt University: Environmental Commitment

The University GHG report card.

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Environmentally Friendly Food Packaging




bio plus fold-pak

I found what seems like an environmentally friendly packaging material at Whole Foods.s .. they use Bio-Plus

fold-pak logo

Earth packaging for take out foods ... made by Fold-Pak.

Read more about Fold-Pak Bio-Plus  >>>> 

" ... Fold-Pak... favorite packaging choice for environmentally conscious restaurants because our containers are made from paper ... Our paper comes from environmentally managed bio pakforests, using no old growth trees. 

" ... our newest product offering, Bio-Plus Earth®. ... is made from 100% recycled paper; using a minimum of 35% post-consumer reclaimed paper. Bio-Plus Earth is endorsed by the Green Restaurant Association and carries the endorsement printed on the bottom of each container. "

 

Via: Fold-Pak LINK

 

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April 24, 2009

Comcast Philadelphia HQ is LEED Certified




Comcast Phila LEED BuildingComcast's HQ in Philadelphia is now LEED Gold certified ... and the tallest such building in the US.
LEED Gold logo
Read on for more  >>>

" ... received LEED Gold certification for the building's core and shell from the national organization. ... using 40 percent less water than a typical office building, with fixtures that save more than 3 million gallons of drinking water annually and waterless urinals in all restrooms that save 1.2 million gallons."

" ... a shaded plaza reduces the heat-island effect caused by pavement by 70 percent and ... low-E coating ... blocks 60 percent of heat while allowing in 70 percent of the sun's visible light, reducing energy used for air conditioning while using natural light to its fullest."

Via:  Philadelphia Business Journal  LINK

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April 22, 2009

HAPPY EARTH DAY!




Earthday Every Day

Earth Day logo


HAPPY EARTH DAY

... make every day Earth Day !!!!

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Project P.U.M.A. (Personal Urban Mobility & Accessibility)




P.U.M.A. (Personalized Urban Mobility & Accessibility) vehicl

What do you get when you take a Segway "scootehttp://www.segway.com/puma/images/clean-design-powered-efficiently.jpgr" and put a seat and "body" on it?  GM and Segway are prototyping this concept to develop a P.U.M.A. - personal urban mobility and access device.

Read on for more ... 

" ... Project P.U.M.A. (Personal Urban Mobility & Accessibility) prototype. ... working concept ... in collaboration with General Motors Corp. ..."

"... demonstrate a dramatically different approach to urban mobility ... Built off of the proven reliable and safe technology you find in Segway Personal Transporters (PTs), the prototype truly does expand upon the exhilarating riding experience…"

Via:  Segway  LINK

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April 21, 2009

Earth Day / Earth Week Fast Approaching





earthweekl ogoGet Ready - Earth Day is Coming!!

Earth Day in the US is April 22. 
Earth Week in the US is April 20 - 25.

What are you planning to do for Earth Day / Earth Week?

"Earth Day, celebrated April 22, is a day designed to inspire awareness and appreciation for the Earth's environment. ...  held annually during both spring in the northern hemisphere and autumn in the southern hemisphere. ... "

"Many cities extend ... Earth Day observance events to be an entire week, usually starting on April 16, and ending ohttp://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/b/b7/Earth_day.svg/200px-Earth_day.svg.pngn Earth Day, April 22.[22] These events are designed to encourage environmentally-aware behaviors, including increased recycling, improved energy-efficiency, and reduction in disposable items. ..."

So ... what are you going to do?

>>>> I will be making some mulch (chipping up leaves) and planting flowers ... and of course recycling ...

 

Happy Earth Day / Earth Week.

 

Via:  Wikipedia  LINK

 

 

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Smithsonian (Washingotn, DC) Goes Green




http://media.smithsonianmag.com/images/smithsonian-castle-green-388.jpgI was in Washington DC this past weekend and saw some small buses with the Smithsonian log on the side - promoting them as green hybrids.  This prompted me to see what else our nations museum is up too in the green space. 

Turns out quite a bit ... Read on for more >>>

" ... in 2008, 3.7 percent of our electricity came from renewable energy sources. ... reducing our carbon footprint [by]... 4.2 metric tons of greenhouse gases..."

" ... Smithsonian manages a fleet of over 700 vehicles ... As we finished 2008, over 76 percent of that fleet is now either hybrid electric or capable of working off of alternative fuels."

" ... have several people on staff who are LEED accredited professionals, ... design managers, architects and some engineers and are there to assist Smithsonian in seeking these LEED certifications."


 

Via:  Smithsonianmag.com  LINK

 

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April 20, 2009

CelluBlox Building Blocks from Recycled Materials





cellublox logo

CelluBlox is a man made building block - similar in some ways to cinder blocks but made with a high percentage of recycled materials.  

"... CelluBlox ... is a structural building block made from recycled materials.  It averages a rate of about 89% recycled materials with no harmful bi-products ...  is virtually fireproof, with exceptional R-value and sound deadening qualities.  Its incredible strength to weight ratio provides for ease of installation and a quality finish."

" ... a composite of materials, re-cycled and man-made products that when mixed together form an incredible bond.  ... were created to not only offset the cost of construction prices, but to allow eco-friendly people and those that are concerned about the devastation of natural resources, the ability to do something about it ..."

 

Via:  cellublox  LINK

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April 15, 2009

Marcal Small Steps - Recycled Paper Produsts




 Marcal Small Steps logo

Marcal has been making recycled paper products for many years.  Their "Small Steps" branding helps bring this to the markets attention.

In addition to providing employment and a use for recycled paper ... trees are not being cut down as new rMarcal Trees Saved countaw materials needlessly.  

Read on for more >>>

" ... Marcal is an "Earth-Friendly Paper Goods Company" ... For over 50 years, Marcal has been making its paper from recycled paper, not from trees. ... saving trees and the wildlife it supports, ..."

" ... over five decades, ... saving trees and reducing landfill ... uses paper collected from curbs in residential neighborhoods in cities and towns across America ...uses recyclables from more than 600 municipalities from New Jersey, Pennsylvania, New York and New England. ..."

Via:  Marcal Paper LLC  LINK

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April 14, 2009

Green Catering in Seattle, Washington




Cameron Catering logo

Cameron Catering of Seattle Washington, is a green caterer ... just what is a green caterer - what sets them apart from your regular caterer ?

" ... We also believe that we need to protect the earth and the people who live on it. That is why we research our menus with an eye towards ethics and sustainability and treat our environment with respect. ... commits to: ...  Take advantage of seasonal fruits and vegetables from local producers ... Incorporate alternative energy vehicles into our delivery fleet ... Recycle everything possible ... Maintain partnerships with like-minded organizations "

" ... Cameron Catering offers a "zero waste" events.  ... an event where all the items on the table are 100% compostable.  ... able to find corn based products to replace all traditional plastic products.  ...  all food are compostable through our commercial composting service.  In 60 days, these items become nutrient rich soil.  ..."

Via:  Cameron Catering LINK

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April 12, 2009

ebay 30 Days of Green




think green logo

What can you do in 30 days?  ebay believes you can change the world by making greener choices ... their "30 Days of Green" is meant to highlight this ... "

" ... In 2007, forty eBay employees stepped up to help the company make greener decisions. Now, more than 1,000 are working together as eBay Green Team members.ebay green team "

" ... 86 million buyers and sellers on eBay have reused over $100 billion worth of products since 1998. By giving used toasters and toys a longer life and keeping sweaters and cellphones out of landfills, they're making a big difference for the planet."

>>> For links from ebay for more tips, ideas and news about being green and buying green LINK

 

Via:  Green Team  LINK

 

 

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April 07, 2009

Sustainable Print Services




Procter & Gamble partners with Xerox on a print services strategy that will yield cost savings and sustainability improvements, such as lower paper and power consumption. ...
... "Working with Xerox, P&G has the opportunity to deliver substantial sustainability benefits in addition to cost savings and increased user satisfaction and reliability. P&G predicts it will reduce print-related power usage by 30 percent and paper consumption by 20-30 percent annually. " ...
Via Xerox: Procter & Gamble Global Print Services

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Green House - Video Tour




bbc logoCheck out this BBC video of a prefab house ... some neat ideas that make for green living ...

" ... One of the exhibits at the TED2009 conference is a pre-fabricated house that boasts state-of-the-art technology and a sustainable design that promotes a green way of living. ... Peter Bowes was given a look inside the home. "TED logo

>>> To see the video "Inside the new 'green' house" ... LINK

 

Via:  BBC  Link

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April 06, 2009

Green Thing




Green Thing logo

The Green Thing is about showing you how becoming green and offering easy ways to achieve this.  There are 7 things you can do ... " ... walk the walk,  stay grounded, all-consuming, easy on the meat, human heat, plug out, stick with what you've got .."green thing

"Green Thing is a public service that inspires people to lead a greener life. With the help of brilliant videos and inspiring stories etc. from creative people and community members around the world, Green Thing focuses on seven things you can do - and enjoy doing. ..."

Check out the cool video narrated by "green thing" that gives details to these 7 principles ... 

 

 


 

 


Meet Green Thing from Green Thing on Vimeo. Via:
  Green Thing  Link

 

 

 

 


 

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Green Empire State Building Renovation Reaches for the Gold




Johnson Controls collaborates with partners, such as the Clinton Climate Initiative, to remake the Empire State Building as the model for sustainability renovation that can be replicated to other commercial buildings. This building retrofit integrates multiple energy efficiency strategies to significantly reduce power consumption. The project schedule is front-end loaded with retrofit tasks that will accrue energy savings early as the building systems are completed. The project team expects the building to to achieve LEED Gold performance levels. ...
... "The program is expected to reduce energy consumption by up to 38 percent and will provide a replicable model for similar projects around the world. Work has already commenced, and building systems work is slated to be completed by year-end 2010. The balance of the work in tenant spaces should be concluded by end of 2013. Work that is scheduled to be completed within 18 months will result in over 50 percent of the projected energy savings. The balance will be an additional 36 months completed by 2013. The project will prove the viability for energy efficiency retrofit projects to dramatically increase building energy efficiency and reduce its overall carbon output with sensible payback periods and enhanced profitability. At the end of the project definition process, the team analyzed the steps to be taken in conjunction with other steps towards sustainability as part of the Empire State ReBuilding program within the framework of the existing USGBC LEED rating system. Internal calculations show that the Empire State Building will be able to qualify for GOLD certification for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) for Existing Buildings ... " ...
Via Johnson Controls: ENERGY EFFICIENCY RETROFIT PROJECT AT EMPIRE STATE BUILDING

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April 03, 2009

Go Green Expo ... NYC and Atlanta





Go Green Expo logoGo Green Expo for NYC (April 17 - 19) and Atlanta (June 26 - 28) are on the way.  Go Green Expo has already been to LA and Philadelphia ...

 

The Green Dude and Green Tech both visited the Phila show and came away impressed by the information available.  Among the neat things I saw were ... Go Greeen NYC

- solar powered garbage can ... when the trash level crosses a light beam it is crushed down ... it can be equipped with a wireless devise to alert  you when full ...

- paper made from elephant dung ... used for business cards and fine writing paper ...  Go Green Expo Atlanta

- several manufacturers of dry cleaner garment bags ... you take your dry cleaning to the cleaners in these bags and they are returned in the same bag -- eliminating the need for plastic bags.  There were several models available ... from organic cotton to bags made with recycled plastic bags (though a much heavier fabric).

 

>>> QUESTION to our readers ... I am considering getting one of the dry cleaner bags (permanent end to plastic bags) ... have any of you tried these and how hove your cleaners responded?

 

Via:  Go Green Expo   LINK

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San Francisco Green Initiatives




Gavin Newson, mayor of SF, shares his thoughts on how the city can reduce emissions and become more green and environmentally friendly ... maybe even be the electric car capital of ... the US? Video below ... At the Green: Net '09 Conference in San Francisco, Mayor Gavin Newsom lays out the city's future plans for reducing emissions even further. He explains the city's current electric-car project, and the coming green initiatives of wave technology and tidal-flow generators--a steady stream of energy, he says, that will come right from San Francisco Bay. Via: ZDNet Link
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April 01, 2009

Clemson Bio Fuels Research




                                                                                                                                                                 Clemson University and the US DOE Savannah River National Lab are working together on the South Carolina BioEnergy Research Collaborative. The expectation is to advance the development and use of biofuels in agriculturally rich S.C. SRNL logo

Clemson University Restoration Institute

Read on for more info >>>

" ... Clemson University Restoration Institute and the ... Savannah River National Laboratory are founding members of the S.C. BioEnergy Research Collaborative, ... will enhance the exchange of ideas and the development and use of new technologies. ...  the agreement, the Restoration Institute and the laboratory will ... Research crop development and harvesting, including switchgrass, sweet sorghum and pine ... Study emerging energy alternatives, such as algae; and ... Research crop-processing techniques to yield viable energy and chemical products, including ethanol, biodiesel and energy briquettes.







The project has the potential not only to enhance South Carolina's reputation as a leading alternative-energy researcher, but also boost Palmetto State agriculture, said Karl Kelly, director of corporate operations at the Restoration Institute.

The pilot plant will allow researchers to "scale up" new biofuel technologies, a crucial step between small laboratory experiments and full-scale production, he said.

"It's a project that addresses the entire process, from the field to the production of ethanol," Kelly said. "We'll look for gaps in the technology and fill them."

Initial funding was provided by a $1.2 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy. The collaborative is actively seeking funding for construction of the plant, which will take about 12 months to build.


 

 

Via:  Clemson University  LINK

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March 31, 2009

Green Apple Festival - Earth Day 2009




Green Apple Festival

Earth Day 2009 is fast approaching ...

" ... As "America's Largest Earth Day Action", the fourth annual Green Apple Festival ... focuses on the environmental volunteerism of thousands of participants in cities across the nation. ... "  Check out the web site for events in numerous cities including New York City, Washington DC and Seattle.

What can you do about climate change?  Click LINK to see many simple and easy and cheap things we can all do ... 

 

Via:  Green Apple Festival  Link

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March 27, 2009

Honda's 2010 INSiGHT Hybrid Sedan




Honda Insight

Honda launched the first electric car with the Insight and it was available during the 2000 - 2006 model years.  Honda is introducing it's new version for 2010.

" ... 2010 Honda Insight has made its debut on America's streets. ... hybrid technology ... affordable price and 41 mpg* combined fuel economy. ... increased the green factor with a sophisticated new system called Eco Assist™"

 
"*40 city/43 hwy/41 combined mpg. Based on 2010 EPA mileage estimates, reflecting new EPA fuel-economy methods beginning with 2008 models."

 

Via:  Honda  LINK

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March 26, 2009

Calculate your Cabon Footprint - with EarthLab's Calculator ...





Calcyulate Your Carbon Footprint

Check out EarthLab's carbon calculator.  By asking along series of questions about where you live, what kind of hoMy Carbon Historyme, how you commute, number of and kind of cars, how much and how you travel, how large your family is  it calculates your carbon footprint and your ECP. 

It then shows how you compare to the average in the US, your state and ZIP code.  When I first took the test on March 25, 2009 my numbers were:


CEP:       317myepc score
Carbon   12.4 tons of CO2.

I will retake he test periodically and see how (if) my numbers change (for good or bad) and update in future posts.

 

Via:  EarthLab.com  Link

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March 24, 2009

EPA: CO2 a Danger to Public Health





US Capital power plant" ... Environmental Protection Agency has sent the White House a proposed finding that carbon dioxide is a danger to public health, a step that could trigger a clampdown on emissions of greenhouse gases across a wide swath of the economy. ... "

EPA logo

" ... would raise pressure on Congress to enact a system that caps greenhouse gases ... and creates a market for businesses to buy and sell the right to emit them,..."

"... the EPA believes the health effects of elevated greenhouse-gas levels could cause "severe heat waves...with likely increases in mortality and morbidity, especially among the elderly, young and frail." The agency also said climate change caused by higher greenhouse-gas levels could result in more severe storms and more suffering related to "floods, storms, droughts and fires.""

 

Via:  Wall Street Journal  LINK

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March 23, 2009

Dell's Oklahoma City Campus - 100% GREEN ENERGY




Dell logo" ... Dell now powers its 240,000 square-foot Oklahoma City campus with 100-percent wind energy, the latest action in its commitment to become the 'greenest' technology company on the planet. ...  partnering with Oklahoma Gas and Electric on the use of renewable energy and expects to avoid nearly 5,100 tons of CO2 emissions per year."Dell Oklahoma City

" ... Dell now sources about 35 percent of its U.S. energy use from green power and approximately 20 percent globally. ... continuing to purchase enough green power, verified emission reductions and renewable energy certificates globally to cover its total electricity use. ... also helping suppliers achieve their environmOklahoma Gas and Electric logoental goals. ... was the first IT company to join the Carbon Disclosure Project's Supply Chain Leadership Collaboration to help suppliers with emissions reporting."


 

Via:  Dell  LINK

 

 

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March 20, 2009

Dow Carpet Backing Polymers Allow for Easier Recycling




Dow logo

Dow ... developed new HYPOD™ Polyolefin Dispersions (PODs) for carpet applications. ... allow manufactures to apply thermoplastic carpet backing using conventional coating equipment. Unlike many carpet backing technologies that are available today, PODs are thermoplastic, not thermoset, which makes it easier to recycle the carpet at the end of its life.

HYPOD Polyolefin Dispersions offer this enhanced recyclability, and low odor and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), while maintaining excellent physical properties ... carpet industry has a goal to divert 40 percent of discarded carpeting from landfills by 2012, under a joint industry-government effort known as Carpet America Recovery Effort (CARE). ..."

 

Via:  Dow  Link

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March 19, 2009

Microgrids - May Back Up Power Grid




Microgrids may offer part of the answer to an aging Power Grid.  A microcgrid is ..." ... A localized grid powered by a cluster of on-site generators, backup batteries, an array of solar panels or other sources of energy. ... can operate in parallel with the larger grid or independent of it. ... If the high-voltage grid we all rely on fails, the clusters of buildings or residences powered by a microgrid could keep operating normally until power is restored on the failed grid.Power Line / Grid""

" ... much of the work on microgrids today lies in the research side, real-life applications are beginning to spread. Clean Edge says Wal-Mart (nyse: WMT - news - people ) has two stores running on microgrids, one in Colorado and the other in Texas, ... Sacramento, Calif., Municipal Utility District, ...  announced in November that it plans to install a demonstration microgrid with a 310-kilowatt load at its headquarters. Another microgrid backup power system will be installed at the Santa Rita Jail in Alameda County, Calif., linking to the 1.2-megawatt solar photovoltaic system and a one-megawatt fuel cell already at the jail.

 

Via:  FORBES  Link

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March 13, 2009

PowerNap for Data Centers Can Save Energy




University of Michigan logo" ... Putting idle servers to sleep when they're not in use is part of University of Michigan researchers' plan to save up to 75 percent of the energy that power-hungry computer data centers consume.... Thomas Wenisch, ... and students David Meisner and Brian Gold will present ... on March 10 at the International Conference on Architectural Support for Programming Languages and Operating Systems in Washington, D.C."Thomas Wenisc - Univ of Michigan h_Small.jpg

" ... PowerNap, the plan to put idle servers to sleep, and RAILS, a more efficient power supplying technique. (RAILS stands for Redundant Array for Inexpensive Load Sharing.)"

"Data centers waste most of the energy they draw. The facilities are inefficient because they must be ready for peak processing demands ... typical industrial data center, the average utilization is 20 to 30 percent."

"While PowerNap would require a new operating system to coordinate the instantaneous sleeping and waking, most of the other technologies that would make this possible already exist, Wenisch says."

 

Via:  University of Michigan Link

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March 12, 2009

Go Green Expo - Philadelphia March 13 - 15, 2009





Philadelphia skylineThe Go Green Expo comes to Philadelphia, at the PA Convention Center in center city Philadelphia, this weekend ...hours are ...

Friday, March 13th • 10am - 5pm
Saturday, March 14th • 10am - 6pm
Sunday, March 15th • 10am - 5pm


GoGreenExpo logo"Go Green Expo, ... was conceived after a viewing of the film "An Inconvenient Truth." It prompted the question, "How can we make a difference?" ... will change not only the public's perception of environmentalism but also how events like this are produced and managed. ... Even the event itself is environmentally friendly utilizing a ZERO Carbon footprint approach ... Biodegradable trash bags, eco-friendly printing, table coverings, recycled signs, compostable sponsor banners and more. Event waste will be separated and sorted to ensure the least amount of refuse going to the landfills. Staff travel and a portion of every ticket that is purchased will be carbon offset."

 

 

See the Video by Ed Begley -- he is not at the Philadelphia show ... Via:  GoGreenExpo  Link

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March 11, 2009

More About Fox 24 Going Carbon Neutral - Behind the Scenes




Here are some behind the scenes Videos about the TV show "24" and their work to become carbon neutral ... and the FIRST TV show to become Carbon Neutral. Part 1 24 Behind the Scenes Part 1
Part 2 24 Behind the Scenes Part 2
Via: News Corp Global Energy Initiative Link

Continue reading "More About Fox 24 Going Carbon Neutral - Behind the Scenes" »

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Shell Partners with Codexis on BioFuel Research





Shell logo

"Royal Dutch Shell plc and Codexis, Inc. today [10-March-09] announced an expanded agreement to develop better enzymes that could accelerate commercialisation of next generation biofuels. ...Shell also increased its equity stake in Codexis ..."
Codexis logo
" ... enhance the efficiency of enzymes used in the Iogen cellulosic ethanol production process.  The world-leading Iogen demonstration plant in Ottawa, Canada currently produces hundreds of thousands of litres of cellulosic ethanol from agricultural residue, such as wheat straw. "

" ... aims to enhance the Iogen process and shorten the timeline to its full-scale commercial deployment. ..."

 

 Via:  Shell  Link

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March 10, 2009

Fox 24 - First Carbon Neutral TV Show




 

Fox logo The Fox TV Show "24" " ... becomes the first carbon neutral television production."


" ... Nearly a year after announcing its aim to reduce its carbon footprint and inCast of "24"spire its viewers to do the same, "24," ... has far exceeded its carbon-reduction goals and will be the first television production ever to achieve carbon neutrality.  ... reduced the carbon emissions associated with its production by a staggering 43%, and ... has purchased high-quality carbon offsets to address its remaining unavoidable emissions. "

 

 

24 Going Green PSA - Kiefer Sutherland
Via: 
Fox  Link

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Green Advantage - Green Building




 
greenadvantageWant to become certified in Green Building or looking for a Green Certified Contractor?


Check out Green Advantage >>>

 "Green Certification Available for Building-Related Practitioners ... environmentally consciouUSGBC logos client prefers structures that are ... energy and water efficient, ... healthier and environmentally friendly. Green Advantage® certifies your knowledge of the latest in "green" building practices, technologies and techniques. ..." 

" ... homeowners directly benefit from green building practices: lower energy bills, lower water bills, and healthier longer-lasting homes. ... cumulative effect of large-scale green building can have enormous benefits for the community, the nation and the planet. ..."

To find a Green Advantage certified contractor ...LINK

 

Via:  Green Advantage  LINK

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March 09, 2009

Green Certified Site - Making Website GREEN




 CO2 stats logo

Want to support GREEN energy with your web site? 

CO2 stats Logo

Check out CO2 stats ...

"CO2Stats is the only service that automatically calculates your website's total energy consumption, helps to make it more energy efficient, and then purchases audited renewable energy from wind and solar farms to neutralize its footprint carbon ..."

" ...Neutralize your site's carbon footprint with audited renewable energy.... With CO2Stats, your visitors can see live reports on your site's CO2 emissions.

 

Via:  CO2stats LINK

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Energy Savings Can Add Up




http://a323.yahoofs.com/ymg/the_conscious_consumer/the_conscious_consumer-636332711-1235688578.jpg?ymCCL3ADmTGHhBeSMany (most??) people leave their electronics plugged in all the time ... many devices use power even when "turned off".

Here are some interesting facts about saving energy with electronics ...some are easy to do and others not ... so you can save energy.

" ... Set-top cable boxes and digital video recorders are some of the biggest energy hogs. Unfortunately, there's little consumers can do since television shows can't be taped if boxes are unplugged. It also typically takes a long time to reboot boxes. "

" ... computers, multifunction printers, flat-screen TVs, DVDs, VCRs, CD players, power tools, ..." all draw power even when "off" if they have clocks or remote controls.

"... each ... draws relatively little standby power, ...when added together, standby power can amount to 10% of residential energy use."

One easy solution is to use a "power strip" and turn it off when the items are not in use.  At work I have a laptop charger, phone charter, monitor and other items on one strip and I turn this off at the end of the day.  


CAUTION >>> DO not overload the power strip!

 

Via:  Yahoo Green  Link

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March 05, 2009

Eco Button - Energy Savings for your PC




eco button

It is very common to leave computers on all the time - even when not in use.  eco button

Most PCs have a hibernate or suspend or sleep mode but many that do not use these features as they seem too complex. Eco Button makes this process easy and gives you an idea of how much energy and Co2 you are saving!

Read on to learn about Eco Button's one button solution >>>

" ... acts as a strong visual reminder and prompt ... sits ... next to your keyboard. ... connects to your computer via a USB cable. ... simply press the ecobutton™ and your computer is put into energy saving 'ecomode' ... simply pressing any key on your keyboard ... your computer instantly returns to where you left off."

" ... each time your computer is put into 'ecomode' ... software records how many carbon units and how much power and money you have saved ... you can use this data to help reduce your carbon footprint as well as your energy bills."

 

Via:  ECO BUTTON  Link

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March 04, 2009

Starbucks Shared Planet




 Starbucks Shared Green Planet

Starbucks Shared Planet is " ...  commitment to doing business in ways that are good to the earth and to each other ... it's using our size for good....committed to minimizing our environmental footprint, tackling climate change, and inspiring others to do the same"Starbucks LEED plant

One shining example of this is their new (Feb 19th - 2009) South Carolina " ... state of the art roasting plant ... an example of the company's global commitment to green design and has been awarded LEED® Silver certification for New Construction by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC)."

LEED Logo" ...20 percent – of building materials were from recycled content and over 75 percent of construction waste was recycled. ... drought tolerant landscape and a portion of the power used for operations will be green power supplied by wind energy."


Via:  Starbucks  Link

 

 

Continue reading "Starbucks Shared Planet" »

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March 03, 2009

Sustainable Software




SAP's software solutions in environmental, health and safety (EHS), enterprise performance management, energy monitoring, waste management and recycling, and supply chain management enable customers to achieve their sustainable development goals. The company has created a chief sustainability office position and organization to drive achievements in internal carbon footprint reduction and external customer sustainability applications. ...
... "SAP is also watching developments of proposed Cap & Trade proposals in the United States and intends to develop solutions for existing or future Cap & Trade programs as an extension of its emissions management solution set to address this area. SAP plans to further build on its applications for EHS management, risk management and strategy management by bringing a sustainability performance management solution to the market. " ...
Via SAP: INCREASED FOCUS ON SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS (PDF)

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VerandaSolar - Possible Easy to Install Solar Systems




 Veranda Solar panels

Solar panels are a promising alternative energy solution ... VerandaSolar takes the basic concept and brings ease of installation for the average person to install themselves.Easy to instal VerandaSolar panel

Read on for more on this interesting idea >>> 

"Veranda Solar makes affordable ... solar panels that hang out your window or clip to gutters and balconies. ... easy installation saves you half the cost of traditional panels. ... snap together. Now you can make the decision to go solar and hook up your house, all in a single afternoon."

" ... was launched at Stanford University in spring of 2008 ... are currently in a start-up phase and hope to offer panels and flexible inverters on the market in spring of 2009. "

 

Via:  Veranda Solar  LINK

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February 27, 2009

GreenWheel Battery Powered Bike





MIT logoGreen Wheel is a cross between a regular bicycle and a motorcycle developed by scientists at MIT.

" ... GreenWheel ... will turn any pedal bicycle into an electric hog. ... has the radius of a small dinner plate and is about 2 inches thick. Inside the aluminum frame sits the three major GreenWheel components: an electric generator, batteries and an electric motor."

green wheel " ... a bike powered solely by a single GreenWheel ... has an estimated range of 25 miles. ... bike can be charged by pedaling or by plugging it into the electric grid.

" ... estimates its range at 40,000 miles, or about eight years work of travel at an estimated 20 miles per business day. ...

" ... getting people out of cars and onto bikes ... GreenWheel designers hope to reduce the use of fossil fuels and carbon emissions. ... GreenWheel is also made from environmentally friendly processes by companies like A123 Systems, which manufactures the lithium ion batteries used in the GreenWheel."


 

Via:  msnbc.msn.com  LINK

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February 26, 2009

Green IT Virtual Event - Feb 26th!




InformationWeekHere is a twist on the typical business conference ... a VIRTUAL Conference ....


VIRTUALLY - Green IT Virtual Event
Date:  February 26, 2009
Time: 10:00 am EST/ 7:00 am PST

" ... concept of green IT ... initiative that every business and IT vendor is embracing. ...  maximizing energy efficiency ...and reducing the negative impact on the environment of computing materials are noble causes, but companies are also realizing the business value of reduced energy output, resource consolidation, and improved ROI."

" ... address increasingly complex challenges such as regulations, compliance, global incompatibilities, ... Experts in green IT, ... will discuss best practices for continuing a path toward a more environmentally equitable computing environment, and one that improves the bottom line."

Just like a real conference ... "attendees" can "... Download informative research, white papers, and other resources ... Visit vendor booths, browse through products and solutions, and join Q&A sessions ..."

 

Via:  techwebonlineevents  Link

 

 

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USPS Recycling Programs




USPS logo

In addition to its own "green initiative" that include recycling, buying and using recycled materials and reusing old materials ... the
USPS will soon help you recycle small electronics.itmes ot recycle

Read on for more ... >>>

"This spring in select Post Offices, customers can get free prepaid mail-back envelopes for recycling inkjet cartridges, cell phones, PDAs, digital cameras and other small electronics."

Via:  USPS Green Recycle  Link

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February 25, 2009

Catalog Choice - Reduces Unwanted Catalogs




Catalog Choice logo

Getting too many catalogs?  Want to gain some control over mail you do not want?

>>> Check out Catalog Choice - a free service that allows you to "opt out" of selected catalogs.

" ... allows you to decide what gets in your mailbox. ... reduce your mailbox clutter, while helping save natural resources. ... a sponsored project of the Ecology Center. ... endorsed by the National Wildlife Federation and the Natural Resources Defense Council, ..."

" ... mission ... is to reduce the number of repeat and unwanted catalog mailings, ... Consumers can indicate their mail preference for catalogs, and businesses can receive the list in a secure manner so that they can efficiently honor the requests."Green Certified Site logo

" ... You benefit by reducing mailbox clutter, ... benefits merchants, lowering their cost of distribution and helping them better target their market. ..."

Via:  Catalog Choice LINK

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Green Smart - Bottles 2 Bags




Green Smart logo

"All fabrics used for the GreenSmart Bottles 2 Bags are derived from certified 100% post-consumer recycled PET water and soda bottles."Bottles to Bags logo

" ... coGreen Smart bags mmitted to converting all items the Company  makes to green material composition. ... any company can make a few products green, we will commit to making them all green—and we'll tell people what that greenness is product for product and what positive result there is."

     

          

Via:  act2greensmart  Link

 

 

Continue reading "Green Smart - Bottles 2 Bags" »

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February 23, 2009

UK Wind Turbine Test Bed ...




A UK farm in the Midland is bieng used to test a number of wind to energy devices ... shows a wind turbine imported from Holland ... information gleaned from tests here will be used for manufacturers to improve their models ... Via: YouTube LINK
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February 20, 2009

Energy Saving Tips from GOOGLE




Google Google has some energy saving tips on their web site .... some are easy / low cost / DIY ... here they are for your review and use >>>

" ... Weatherstrip and caulk your windows and doors ... Cover your hot water heater with an insulation blanket ... Reduce the temperature of your hot water heater to 120F or less ... Install a low flow shower head ... Learn how to set power management on your computer ... Plug home electronics into a powerstrip and turn off when not in use. ..."

Via:  GOOGLE  Link

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February 19, 2009

Cisco EnergyWise - Energy Monitoring and Control





Cisco LogoCisco has developed EnergyWise, an approach to monitor, control and report on energy use across the enterprise. 

With EnergyWise you can ..." Reducing energy costs and greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) footprint. ... Monitor the power of all Cisco network-connected devices, from Power over Ethernet (PoE) devices to IP-enabled building controllers. ... Report aggregated power consumption ... Optimize overall power usage ..." 

 

 

 

Via:  Cisco  LINK

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February 16, 2009

Frito Lay Packaging





Frito Lay logoFrito Lay is working to reduce the impact of their packing materials.  Chips and other snacks come in Mylar type plastic bags that are not sustainable ...

" ... problems with our packaging today: the empty bags sometimes wind up as litter, and ... are produced from non-renewable materials ... "

" ... first step ... is to simply use less. ... over the past five years we've eliminated five billion square inches of packaging by reducing the materials we use by 10%. ... address the environmental impact of our packaging, we are looking for new packaging materials made from renewable resources."

Via:  Frito Lay  LINK

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February 11, 2009

Green Plants for Better Air




air cleaning plants
We all know / should know that plants toke in CO2 and release O2 (or carbon dioxide into oxygen) - basically cleaning the air.  This works in the home as well as in the great outdoors.

"Kamal Meattle used three just three indoor plant species to increase oxygen, filter air, and boost general health at a a New Delhi business park. ... Meattle's presentation at the TED 2009 conference details a large-scale success, ... In any living or working space, ... Areca palm, Mother-in-law's Tongue, and a "Money Plant"—can be used to convert carbon dioxide into oxygen, remove organic compounds, and generally filter and freshen the ambient air. ..."

 

See the video >>>

 

 

Via:  LifeHacker  LINK

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February 09, 2009

Become a GREENER IT Organizaion




tech soup stock logo

Below are some ways to become a GREENER IT organization ...

" ... (*) ...telecommute. ... big green benefit is fewer people commuting, which means fewer cars on the road emitting CO2. (*) Virtualize your servers. ... (*) ... Begin using thin-clients. They use less power and require fewer materials to make. ...(*) greener hosting provider. Ask if they have solar or wind power, virtualized servers, carbon offsets, adaptive power (PDF), etc. I...(*) ... projectors in conference rooms. ... instead of printing handouts.

Via:  TechSoup stock  LINK

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February 08, 2009

Renewable Energy World Conference - March 10 - 12: Las Vegas




Renewable Energy World Conference & Expo North America logo

The 6th Renewable Energy World Conference is March 10 - 12 in Las Vegas, Nevada. 

 " ... Renewable Energy World Conference & Expo North America (formerly POWER-GEN Renewable Energy & Fuels) ... now in its 6th year ... offers a worldwide audience who will hear papers, panel discussions and presentations during technical sessions related to technology, markets, business strategies and policy covering the wind, solar, biomass, hydro, geothermal, ocean/tidal/wave, bio-power, bio-fuels hydrogen and energy sectors. ... Connecting 5,000 renewable energy power professionals with 300 exhibitors for three days of networking, new business negotiation and the exchange of important ideas and information impacting the renewable energy industry today.

Listen to why YOU should attend ... .

Via: Renewable Energy World Conference & Expo North America Link

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Energy Biz Leadership Forum





Energy Biz Leadership ForumThe Energy Biz Leadership Forum is March 8 - 10 in Washington DC.  www.energybizforum.com


" ... we stand on the precipice of a historic moment, with the ability to choose the "moon shot" of energy independence or to continue in a cycle of our own demise. ... To help you understand and survive these frightening times, EnergyBiz Magazine has teamed together with USA Today to prEnergy Biz Magazineoduce the EnergyBiz Leadership Forum."

" ... single most influential conference of 2009 focused specifically on the confluence of the energy and economic crises and its impact on your business. ... the first-of-its-kind gathering of the broad spectrum of professionals — industry executives, policy makers, regulators, consumers, and members of the financial community, along with thought leaders from outside the industry — that will help you understand where the industry is going today and tomorrow."

 

Via: Energy Biz Leadership Forum LINK

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February 06, 2009

Green Car Tips - to Save Gas (and $$)





NADA Green tips

Check out this copy of "GREEN CHECKUP" available at participating NADA car dealers.  Read it to find ways you can save gas and wear on your vehicle.

Some tips are DIY such as watching your speed (every mph over 55 lowers mpg by 1%) or emptying your truck of unneeded items to getting a tune up.   Stop getting 0 mpg by excessive idling ...  

There are 10 tips  that collectively are said to be able to save approx. $1,600 for a car and $2,400 for an SUV on an nada logoannual basis based on gas at $4 / gal.

Check it out!

 

Via:  NADA  LINK

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February 04, 2009

Ford Announces Hybrid Car Battery Partner




Ford Motor Company "Ford ... entered into a partnership with battery producer Johnson Controls-Saft to develop advanced lithium-ion battery system ...  seven regional electric utility partners are joining Ford and the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) to conduct real-world tests on an expanding fleet of Ford Escape PHEVs.Johnson Conmtrols Logo"

" ... partnerships will help Ford accelerate its electrification strategy, including bringing a full battery electric vehicle (BEV) van to market in 2010 for commercial use, a small BEV sedan developed jointly with Magna International by 2011 and a PHEV by 2012."

" ... battery system that Johnson Controls-Saft is designing and manufacturing ...  the cells will be produced at the supplier's production facility in France, but the system will be assembled in the United States. The five-year supply agreement includes delivery for committed production in 2012 with a target of at least 5,000 units per year."

 

Via:  Ford Motor Company  LINK

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February 02, 2009

Green Hotels




wholetravel.comEver wonder what impact your choice of travel destination / hotel has on the environment?  Wonder just how green your hotel / resort really is?

Check out wholetravel.com .... 

" ... Feel good about your vacation from the moment you start planning, and long after you return. ... sustainable travel options for everyone – from high-class luxury hotels to huts in the rainforest ... Whole Travel works against "green-washing" and ensures the sustainability of our destinations through Whole Ranking ®. You can see each hotel's Whole Ranking ® scores, and read about their philosophies in "Their Story".

Via:  wholetravel.com  Link

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January 29, 2009

Storing Wind Power for Later Use





Iowa Stored Energy Park - diagramThere are several "limitations" to wind power --- one is that the source is concentrated far from the using population (issue with transmission).  Another is that wind is available when demand for power is not; so there for the need to "store the wind energy".

Check out this possible solution from Iowa ...

" ... municipal utilities ...are planning to build a new energy park that would integrate a 75-150 megawatt wind farm with Compressed Air Energy Storage (CAES) technology."

" ... Iowa Stored Energy Park (ISEP), will use ... wind energy that is not being sold on the grid at that time -Iowa Stored Wind Park Location- to store air in an underground geologic structure of porous rock. ... as demand for electricity rises, the stored air will be released, heated, and used to drive generators -- in turn producing electricity for residents in Iowa, Minnesota and the Dakotas."

"F ... hopes that construction on the park will commence in two years. ... expected to be fully operational and providing electricity to Iowa and surrounding states by May 2011."

Via:  Renewable Energy World Link

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January 26, 2009

Earth Drive - World's First Recyclable USB Drive




EarthDrive
EArth Drive - logo

EarthDrive is a "USB thumb drive" made with PLA -polyactic acid) - and is highly recyclable.

" ... built using ... (PLA), resulting in a fully recyclable product. PLA ... polylactic acid) is a biodegradable polyester derived from renewable resources, such as corn. ...

" ... partnership with American Forests' National Tree planting projects ... planting of over several thousand trees already, we have made on ongoing commitment to continue the planting of trees with a portion of the profits generated from the EarthDrive line of products. ..."

Via:  EarthDrive  LINK

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January 23, 2009

Sustainability Series - Radnor Township (Pa)




Radnor Twp logoRadnor Township has a number of "green" sites:  a new school has a green roof, restored wetlands at Villanova University and leaf pick up / composting by the township.  Now they are presenting a series of lectures on Sustainability in Radnor. 

Read on for more >>>

" ... Sustainability Series: Issues in Sustainable Living and Growth in Radnor Township ... GREEN BUILDING 101 ... Thursday, January 29, 2009 - 7 to 9 pm ... Radnor Township Municipal Building (also aired live on Comcast Cable Channel 10 and Verizon FiOS Channel 30)"

Topics covered include " ... What is Sustainability and Green Building ... How Green is Green? ... Promoting Green Building ... Making it Real in Radnor, a Success Story ... "

Via:  Radnor Township  LINK

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January 19, 2009

Contessa Green Cuisine





Contess Green CuisineContessa's plant in Los Angeles, California was designed to minimize it's environmental impact ...

Read on for more >>>

" ... Contessa’s Green Cuisine plant  ... reduces its energy use and CO2 (carbon dioxide) emissions by more than 65% daily ... the first environmentally responsible, LEED... is carbon neutral ...  uses recycled and recyclable materials in its packaging, and recycles paper, materials and equipment in its operations and offices."

" ... Individuals can make a difference in mitigating climate change. But manufacturers can do more toward achieving that goal in a single hour than 100 well-intentioned people can accomplish in an entire year."

 

Via:  Contessa Green Cuisine   LINK

 

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January 09, 2009

Hitachi Automotive Products - Contributes to Hybrids




Watch this video to see how Hitachi Automotive Products is working with Eaton Group to make commercial hybrid trucks for companies like FedEx. FedEx currently has the largest hybrid truck fleet in North America ... Via: Hitachi - True Stories LINK
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January 07, 2009

Motorola W233 - First Carbon Neutral Cell Phone




motorola W233

Motorola's W233 Renew is " ... made from plastics that contain recycled water bottles and is the first certified Carbonfree® cell phone on the market. ... offset the enMotorola logoergy to manufacture, distribute and operate the phone by investing in renewable energy sources and reforestation.  ... 100% of the Motorola W233 Renew's phone housing is recyclable. ..." 

" ... packaging, ... reduce its size by 22 percent and the box and all of the materials inside are printed on 100 percent post-consumer recycled paper. ... a postage-paid recycling envelope in box makes it easy to return your previous mobile phone for recycling at no cost."


Via:  Motorola  LINK

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January 05, 2009

EcoHomeGear - Green Products for Living




 eco home gear logo

Looking for home products that were made that are made with a GREEN approach?  Eco Home 

"Eco Home Gear, LLC strongly believes that environmental education is the key component for consumers to make the right purchasing decisions. ... our products may have one or more of the following characteristics, ... "

Recycled or Reclaimed Materials ... using ... recycled plastic or paper (pre- and post-consumer waste) or reclaimed wood (i.e. from a manufacturing process). ...Energy and Natural Resource Saving ... products that, when used ... conserve energy and natural resources. ...Responsibly-Grown Natural Materials ... materials that are grown with a minimal environmental impact ... Environmentally-Responsible Manufacturing Process ... manufacturing process that reduces waste, natural resource consumption and/or polluting emissions.

 

Via:  ecohomegear  Link

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January 03, 2009

PECO's First Green Building - West Chester, PA.




PECO logoAs part of their 2020 Low Carbon Roadmap .... PECO opened their first "green" building in West Chester (Chester County) Pa. 

" ... $2 million, 8-month project to open PECO's first 'green building' at the company's service site in West Chester, Chester County. ... expected to use about 20 percent less energy and 40 percent less water. ... the use of reflective roofing materials; low flow water devices; recycled construction materials, ... energy efficient lighting, ... and more .."


Via:  PECO  LINK

 

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December 28, 2008

PECO Green Roof in Center Citry Phila, Pa.




PECO logo

PECO is installing a green roof at it's Phila HQ location at 23rd and Market Sts.  The planned 45000 sq. foot roof will " ... reduce the summertime temperature of a dark roof by 60 to 80 degrees, saves on heating and cooling costs, and grows without conventional soil..."

" ... green roof development ... is part of the company’s recently-announced comprehensive environmental initiative with a range of programs over the next several years.

 

Via:  PECO  PECO

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December 27, 2008

First Green Dental Office on the East Coaast - in PA




Here is the first I have read about Green Dentistry ... an established practice (over 50 years) in Aston, Pa that is Green Dentistry ... renovating to become GREEN.

" ...Dental Health Care Associates ... undergoing a major renovation ... and will soon become the first LEED certified "green" dental office on the East coast."

"... measures are being taken to create a state-of-the-art facility that will meet or exceed the Gold certification standards for LEED  ... buildings. ... renovations include, but are not limited to:tooth and toothbrush

    " ... recycled building materials ... Geothermal HVAC ... Solar and wind-powered energy ... No-VOC cabinetry, carpets, flooring, and paints ... rainwater collection tank ... Water-free landscaping ..."


Via:  PAGreenDentist.com  Link

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December 22, 2008

Excelon to be Carbon Neutral by 2020: 3 Prong Road Map




Excelon 2020

Excelon, whose PECO subsidiary servers Pennsylvania; has stated that they want to be carbon neutral by the year 2020.Excelon logo

" ... goal is to reduce, offset or displace more than 15 million metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions per year by 2020.  ... more than our current annual carbon footprint ... equivalent to taking nearly 3 million cars off our roads ... a three-pronged strategy ..."


" ... Reduce or offset Exelon's carbon footprint by greening our operations ... Help our customers and the communities we serve reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. ... Offer more low-carbon electricity in the marketplace."

 

Via:  Excelon  LINK

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December 18, 2008

Honda's GREEN Data Center





Honda's Longmont, Colo Data Center

Honda has always been known for its fuel efficient and low emissions vehicles ... it is now known for its LEED cetrified data center in Longmont, Colo.Honda logo

" ... 61,000-square-foot data center, ... certified by the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design rating system for green building construction. ... selected building materials based on proximity to the data center's location and ... recycled 73% of the construction waste ... left much of the site undeveloped and replanted trees and shrubs indigenous to the area."

" ... administrators were ... advised to decommission unused equipment quickly and to use management tools to ensure that servers are optimally provisioned...."

Via:  Informationweek.com  LINK

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December 15, 2008

Electrovaya Maya-300 Electric Car





electrovaya logo

 Toronto Canada based electovaya (Toronto Stock Exchange EFL) has announced its Maya-300, a ZERO emission elelectrovayaelectric car that will go up to 35 mph and have a range of up to 120 miles.  Using Lithium ion type batteries with film materials from ExxonMobil the Maya-300 might be your next city car ... or second car.

Read on for more ...

" ... Maya-300, a zero-emission ... transportation solution with sufficient range for many drivers. Its top speed is electronically regulated to either 25 or 35 mph ...  long electric range of up to 120 miles on a single charge and works very well in cold weather conditions ...on-board battery charger allows for convenient recharging with standard 110V outlets ..."

 

Via:  elecrovaya  LINK

 

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Austin, Tx - Smart Energy Grid




 

It is time to inject some "smarts" into the nations energy grid.  A consortia to be based in Austin, Texas plans to do just that.  The smarter grid will be much more efficient and possibly delay / eliminate the need for additional power plants.Smart Energy meter

Read on for more  >>>> " ... nonprofit organization, the Center for the Commercialization of Electric Technology ...made up of investor-owned utility companies, a high tech firm, and six public universities ... has set out to apply the latest in communication and information technology to the grid in the form of a "smart energy network,"  ... will make the grid more reliable and more efficient ..."
 

Via:  AustinChronical.com  Link

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December 11, 2008

Recycle old Christmas Tree / House Decorating Lights





Holiday LEDs LogoSo ... you are finally convinced to switch from incandescent bulbs to LEDs for your tree and house ... and other decorations?  Good idea ... but what to do with the old bulbs?

Holidayleds.com will take them for you and recycle them and give you a discount off products.
recycle logo
Read on for more >>>

" ... Mail them in and the company recycles the lights and the box they were shipped in, ... will send you a coupon for 15 percent off LED light purchases through their site. ..."

" ... lights will be processed and any material that cannot be recycled (i.e. loose bulbs)is discarded. ... we take them to a 3rd party recycling facility ... recycling company puts the lights through a commercial shredder, ... the various components ... are separated and transported to a region center for further processing...."

 

Via:  Holiday LED  LINK

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December 10, 2008

Eco Hand Powered Media Player




eco media player 

High tech media player meet low tech hand cranked "power supply"?  Green powered media player?

" ... Eco Media Player ...music, ...movie clips ... .FM radio  ... without the need for external power or expensive and environmentally harmful batteries."

"One minute of winding ... provides up to 45 minutes play time, ..."u're on holiday abroad or commuting to and from work, the Eco Media Player is the ideal personal entertainment solution.

 

Via:  ecomediaplayer  LINK

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December 09, 2008

Green up your Christmas Tree




green holiday logoWant to make it a GREEN Christmas this yer?  Wondering what you can do to be GREEN this holiday season?

Read on for more ...

"... LED Light ... switch from ... incandescent lights to LED (light emitting diode)  ... and watch your energy bill and carbon footprint drop. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, ten incandescent Christmas light strands, running all night, produce 300 pounds of CO2, versus 30 pounds with LED lights."

" ... Rent a Tree ... The Living Christmas Tree Company in Portland, Ore., will deliver ... then return and pick up the tree after Christmas and deliver them to local parks, schools and other groups who pay $10 to have the trees planted on their property. ..."

 

Click the LINK below for lots more ... 

 

Via:  earth911.com  LINK

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December 08, 2008

Rockefeller Center's Solar Powered Christmas Lights




 Rockefeller Center

Rockefeller Center has solar powered lights on its huge tree.  Just like last year the popular tourist attraction in NYC has solar powerred lights. 

" ... the solar-powered Christmas tree ... is sending a good clean message to cities and towns far beyond the city limits ..."


 

Via:  energyrefuge / godcleantech  LINK

 

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Recycle your Christmas Tree





earth911 logoChristmas tree

If you have a cut Christmas tree - you probably threw it in the trash each year ... now there many local options to "recycle" your cut trees into mulch. 

Check earth911 for a location near you.  Enter your ZIP code to see what your options are ...LINK

 

 

Via:  earrth911.com  LINK

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December 07, 2008

Philadelphia's Solar Powered Chrismas Tree Lights





solar powered Chrostmas Tree Lights" ... Christmas tree at 3rd and Poplar Streets in Northern Liberties [Philadelphia, Pa] is 40-feet-tall, and it's lit by solar panels ..."

" ... sponsored by the Northern Liberties Business Owners Association,... a nice twist for the neighborhood especially being a neighborhood developed by artists and folks that really focus on alternative methods ... after they're done with it, it will be chipped and used as mulch ..."

 

Via:  KYW1060.com LINK

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December 04, 2008

Energy Saving Calculators




PECO logo
Energy Savings CalculatorsEver wonder what the saving might be to switch from Gas to Oil or Incandescent to CFB?  What different types of TVs "cost" in electric usage?

Check out these easy to use calculators.

Via:  PECO  LINK

 

Continue reading "Energy Saving Calculators" »

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December 03, 2008

NatureWorks Compostable PLA Plastic




NatureWorks LLC logoMy family and I had Thanksgiving dinner at Longwood Gardens (Kennett Sq, Pa) - a beautiful garden that is getting more into being GREEN and their impact on the planet.  As I was eating leftovers I noticed that the plastic container was not the #1, #2 or #5 that I expected ... but #7 (inside a recycling triangle) PLA and was marked as composable.compostble plastics

"PLA stands for polylactic acid, or Polylactide, ... produced by NatureWorks LLC.  ...  made from lactic acid. Lactic acid is made from dextrose by fermentation. Dextrose is made from starch and starch is made from carbon dioxide and water."

"Ingeo™ biopolymer is the world's first and only performance plastic made from 100% annually renewable resources. Corn-based Ingeo™ biopolymer ... Clear and strong like petroleum-based plastic, yet Ingeo™ biopolymer can be commercially composted."

The label shows the container comes from NatureWorks and is composable.  I will see if it decompooses in my mulch pile (may take a while as it is probably inactive in the winter ...)

Look for a future post on my success with composting this ...

 

Via:  NatureWorks  LINK

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Marriott Embraces Going Green




 

recyclable plates made from potatoesMarriott International Inc has embraced going green.  Read about what they are doing corporate wide to become more environmentally friendly.
Marriott logo
" ... a brochure, printed on recycled paper, titled "Social Responsibility & Community Engagement," that outlines the company's environmental sensitivities. ... chief executive Bill Marriott blogs about the "greening of Marriott." ... travels to hotel groundbreakings to tout environmentally sensitive buildings and speaks regularly about his commitment to the subject."

" ... has installed low-flow shower heads and toilets at its hotels. It is moving to compact fluorescent light bulbs. It strives to reduce energy consumption year-over-year. At its headquarters cafeteria, Marriott is using biodegradable utensils made of potatoes. And by 2010, the firm hopes to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 1 million cubic tons."


" ... getting help from Conservation International, an on-the-ground protector of the environment that is now nudging companies ... toward meaningful green efforts."

Via:  Washington Post  Link

Via: Marriott  Link

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November 29, 2008

Solar Panels in Spanish Cemetary





Solar Panels on Spanish mausoleums"Santa Coloma de Gramanet, near Barcelona [Spain] , has placed 462 solar panels over its multi-storey mausoleums. ... the scheme was initially greeted with derision, but families who use the cemetery eventually supported the idea ... are now plans to erect more panels at the cemetery and triple the amount of electricity generated.Solar Panels in Spanish cemetary

" ... installation cost 720,000 euros (£608,000) but will keep about 62 tonnes of carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere every year, 

" ...solar panels cover less than 5% of the total surface area of the cemetery, ... Santa Coloma de Gramanet - has four other solar parks, mostly on top of buildings, but the cemetery is by far the largest"

 

Via:  BBC News  Link

 

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November 28, 2008

GreenPots - Planters made from RICE





ecosource logoWhile browsing through the Longwood Gardens (/www.longwoodgardens.com/ - Kennett Square, Pa) gift shop, I came across a neat product ... GreenPots, made by Ecosource.  GreenPots These are planters that are environmentally friendly.

" ... ecosource was born… to source products that are better for the planet ... in order to minimize our own impact on the earth ... to keep goods affordable and accessible to tgreenposts logohe average consumer ..."

" are made from rice hulls, a natural by-product of renewable and sustainable crops ... contain no harmful ... ingredients, ... deplete no natural resources, breakdown to easily decompose in landfills or into the earth ... 

 

 

Via:  Ecosource  Link

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November 24, 2008

BMW MINI E (electric)




 e-mini plugs in 

The very popular Mini (by BMW) is set to come out in a plug in version.  Dubbed the Mini e ... the first 500 are planned for the greater LA area and NYC.

"introduced the MINI E electric vehicle at the 2008 Los ABMW -e-Miningeles Auto Show ... MINI E is a pure electric ... runs on lithium-ion batteries. ... "

" ... have set up a special website where you can put your name on the list. ... taking reservations until December 10, 2008 ..."

" ... the MINI E will be the first lithium-ion powered electric to hit the streets in any quantity. This is just the start of more electric happenings to come. "

 

Via: Examiner.com LINK

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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November 19, 2008

Vatican Solar Panels




Vatican Solar Panels

" ...the first solar panels have been installed on the Paul VI auditorium at the Vatican. ... BBC News reports Pope Benedict has become the first pontiff to harness solar power to provide energy for the Vatican."

"Roof tiles on the Paul VI auditorium, ...  are being replaced by 2,700 solar panels ... photovoltaic cells ... generating enough power to light, heat or cool the 6,000 seat hall ..."


" .... When ... not in use, the surplus energy produced will reportedly be fed into the Vatican's power network."

 

Via:  CathNews.com  Link

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November 18, 2008

Ulilities Provide Lower Cost Energy Saving Kits




Energy Saving Kit
PECO logoMany utilities are offering coupons with their bills for lower cost energy savings kits.  One from PECO (servers Philadelphia and region) with electricity and Natural Gas (ex-Philadelphia) includes 3 CFB, Energy Tips wheel, faucet aerators, and other goodies.

 

 

Via:  PECO  LINK

 

 

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November 15, 2008

Sustainable Forestry Initiative





Sustainable Forestry Iniative logoAccording to the Sustainable Forestry Initiative - recycling is only part of the solution ... where the wood ultimately comes from is also important.

"  SFI Inc. is an independent, non-profit organization responsible for maintaining, overseeing and improving a sustainable forestry certification program that is internationally recognized ..."

" ... SFI 2005-2009 Standard is based on principles and measures that promote sustainable forest management and consider all forest values. ... SFI certification also extends to the market. When they see the SFI label on a product, consumers can be confident they are buying wood or paper from well-managed, legal sources – whether it is reams of paper, packaging or two-by-fours."

Via:  Sustainable Forestry Initiative  LINK

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Bank Rewards those who Go Green





Citizens Bank logoCitizens Bank will reward customers who GO GREEN - up to $120 / year by making paperless payments.

Read on for more  >>> 

"Green$ense is simple ... it's free. Enroll ... and we'll pay you 10 cents for every paperless payment you make with us - that's 10 cents every time you use your debit card (whether you sign or enter your PIN), make a payment using online bill pay, or have an automatic payment charged to your checking account or debit card. You can earn up to $120 a year!"
greensense logo
" ... even receive a new Green$ense debit card made from recycled plastic."

 

Via:  Citizens Bank