System tracks your travel bookings and helps you understand your carbon impact. ...
... "The Travelport Carbon Tracker utilises a graphical interface and task-orientated approach that enables users to rapidly calculate and compare accurate CO2 analyses for each itinerary and obtain information on carbon emissions across multiple travel types (air, rail and car). " ...
Via Travelport: Carbon Tracker
"Officals from Major League Baseball, the ... (EPA), the ... (NRDC), Green-e Energy and WindStreet Energy, ... joined the Phillies in announcing a major initiative at Citizens Bank Park to aid in the efforts for a cleaner environment."
" To offset the carbon footprint created ... the Phillies have purchased 20 million kilowatt-hours of Green-e Energy Certified Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs). According to the EPA, this is the largest single purchase of 100% renewable energy in professional sports and is equivalent to the planting of 100,000 trees."
"The Phillies are the first Major League Baseball team to join the EPA's Green Power Partnership (GPP) program, ... According to the EPA, the team is the third largest Green Power Partner in Philadelphia and seventh largest Green Power Partner in Pennsylvania."
Via: PhiladelphiaPhillies.com Link
... "The University now buys 10 percent of its electrical power from renewable sources - mostly wind and biogas energy - through the Wisconsin Public Service Corporation's NatureWise program. Mary Ann Cofrin Hall on campus also uses solar power to generate electricity for the building and incorporates other energy-saving technologies. Special roofing materials and a thin film of photovoltaic material in the glass of the Wintergarden Atrium produce the electricity. " ...Via The University of Wisconsin-Green Bay: Sierra Club Honor
Friends Select, an independent Quaker school in center city Philadelphia, Pa, is constructing a thermal energy system,.
Drilling holes " ... 1,500 feet below the sidewalk ... in search of energy savings."
" ... will use the ambient temperature of the ground, about 50 degrees, to heat and cool the Quaker-run office complex."
" ... costing $1.3 million, ... will help eliminate the center's emissions of greenhouse gases and cut its energy costs by an estimated 46 percent. The payback period: six to eight years."
Freied Select has other "green" application ... " ... a green makeover that includes solar panels, a vegetated roof, and rainwater holding tanks to flush the toilets."Via: www.philly.com Link
Fortune's "Brainstorm Green" is an invitation only event on April 21 - 22, 2008 in Pasadena, California.
Set to occur during Earth Day, 2008 (April 22) the event brings " ... environmentally-minded business leaders and the green movement's brightest thinkers ..." together for "... for FORTUNE's first-ever Brainstorm: GREEN Conference."
" ... will be an unprecedented gathering of business and environmental leaders, as executives, academics, politicians and NGOs join to discuss the impact of the green movement and explore the opportunities and challenges facing FORTUNE 500 companies, entrepreneurs, government, and the financial world."
Continue reading "Fortune Brainstorm Green - April 21-22, 2008" »
Aramark, a large concession operator based in Philadelphia, Pa, has been using green cleaning products at some of the ball parks it serves.
Aramark ... " is working closely with many of its Major League Baseball partners to enhance existing in-stadium environmental efforts as well as implement new programs to reduce environmental impact. ..."
Aramark also provides recycling and uses post consumer recycled material at some parks LINK.
Via: Aramark.com Link
"PHILADELPHIA (March 24, 2008) – ... ARAMARK today announced a variety of environmentally-friendly practices that it will incorporate into its operations at Major League Baseball stadiums."
"... ARAMARK is working c... to enhance existing in-stadium environmental efforts as well as implement new programs to reduce environmental impact. ..."
“...Our environmental strategy provides us with an opportunity to reduce our carbon footprint, while continuing to deliver exceptional ballpark services and menus for our baseball partners and fans.”"
Ball Parks included are:
Citizens Bank Park,
Coors Field'
Fenway Park,
McAfee Coliseum,
Minute Maid Park,
Oriole Park at Camden Yards'
PNC Park.
Waste reduction / carbon footprint reduction efforts include " Recycling glass, plastic and cardboard generated from game day preparation, bio-degradable service ware and cups and napkins made from 100% post consumer fiber, Recycling frying oil to be used as bio-diesel fuel."
Via: Aramark Link
People want to know everything about their products ... including how green it might be.
Timberland is a leader in this regard and has had " ... a “nutritional label” on every box to educate consumers ... Where it was manufactured. How it was produced. And its effect on the environment...."
Taking this one step further is their " ... Green Index™ Rating ... to provide product-specific environmental impact information ... a scale of 0 (best) to 10 (worst), ... three key environmental factors: climate impact, chemical use and resource consumption. ... The Green Index™ rating will be carried on a select line of ... in 2007. ... goal is to have it on all of our shoes by 2010.
Via: Timberland 2006 CSR Report Link
Via: Timberland.com Link
... "The study, which was released at an environmental conference in Vancouver yesterday, points out that buildings in North America, including those in Canada, release 35 percent of all CO2 emissions. " ...Via London Free Press: Green buildings
... "Virgin Atlantic spokesman Paul Charles predicted this biofuel would produce much less CO2 than regular jet fuel ... " ...Via New York Times: Virgin Jet Uses Biofuel
Seeking to show that they can be both innovative and integrate traditional practices ... Abu Dhabi is planning aGREEN city in the desert.
" ... the Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company (Masdar) launched a $5 billion initiative to establish the world's first totally green city ... "
" ... six square kilometres plans to achieve zero carbon dioxide emissions and zero waste ..."
" ... completion by late 2009, ... part of a series of projects adopted by the emirate recently to curb the greenhouse gas effect on the climate."
Abu Dhabi also plans a 100-megawatt solar power plant. ... expandable to 500 mega-watts, with a target to generate enough power for 500,000 households ..."
"According to United Nations statistics, the UAE ranks 43rd among polluters."
Via: Gulf News Link
Recognizing their unique role in teaching future leaders, scientists, and policy makers ... The American College and University Presidents Climate Committee has set our criteria to help institutions of higher learning become carbon neutral. A framework is provided as well as actions to take along the way ...
"The American College & University Presidents Climate Commitment... to address global warming ...neutralize greenhouse gas emissions, and to accelerate the research and educational efforts ..."
"... the Presidents Climate Commitment provides a framework and support for America’s colleges and universities to go climate neutral. ... recognizes the unique responsibility ... in training the people who will develop the social, economic and technological solutions to reverse global warming.
Efforts involve:
Via: American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment Link
New York City is hosting the Greener Gadget Conference on Feb 1, 2008. The one day event details:
10am - 6pm
McGraw-Hill Conference Center
1221 Avenue of the Americas
New York City, NY
"... industry leaders, entrepreneurs, [and others] ... will gather to discuss the business case for the greening of the consumer electronics industry. ... featuring ... consumer electronics companies ..., innovators from academic thinktanks, members of startups ... and some of the leading minds in the word of sustainable design and business. Topics to be addressed include: design for sustainability, product life cycle management, take-back and recycling programs, energy efficiency, greener materials, and green lifestyle and product marketing. An attached gallery space will feature a green prototype office display and technology exhibits from companies on the cutting edge of green tech."
" ... will showcase revolutionary design and tech innovations that will shape the future of the consumer electronics and change your world... for the better."
Some discussion points:
Via: GreenerGadgets.com Link
Continue reading "Greener Gadgets Conference in N.Y.C. Feb 1, 2008" »
Jan 7, 2008 - Hong Kong - "Hong Kong's two electric power companies agreed ... to ...rate of return on assets based partly on how much pollution they emit, an approach that could someday be a model for mainland China's ..."
"If either company exceeds regulatory limits for any pollutant, then it would be required to charge less for its electricity, reducing its allowed rate of return ...[if] manage to cut their pollution by even more than required, then they raise prices so as to earn bonuses ...on their rate of return. A complicated calculation also allows them to charge slightly more for electricity as they make progress in using more renewable energy."
Via: International Hearald Tribune Link
"GE Energy Financial Services, PowerLight Corporation and Catavento Lda ... will build the world's largest solar photovoltaic power project. The 11-megawatt solar power plant, comprising 52,000 photovoltaic modules, ... in Serpa, Portugal, ... one of Europe's sunniest areas."
"... will produce electricity sufficient to power 8,000 homes and save more than 30,000 tons a year in greenhouse gas emissions compared with equivalent fossil fuel generation."
"... PowerLight's PowerTracker(R) ...patented tracking technology follows the sun ... generating more electricity than conventional fixed-mount systems. "
Via: RenewableEnergyAccess Link
Continue reading "Portugal to Build World's Largest Solar Powr Plant" »
... "Participation in the SCLC will provide Dell suppliers a standard globally recognized methodology to report emissions. Dell will work with its suppliers on reporting data relevant to Dells business and CDP will provide guidance on reporting requirements. Creation of a standardized system offers suppliers an efficient tool for reporting and helps avoid multiple reporting requirements. The SCLC was created to engage member companies supply chains to report carbon footprints and climate change-relevant information, such as greenhouse gas emissions data, emissions reduction targets and climate-change strategy. This is the first effort to create one single standardized mechanism, through the CDP questionnaire process, to measure company carbon footprints throughout their supply chain. " ...
Continue reading "Supply Chain Leadership through Carbon Disclosure" »
Being green can run the continuum from easy (use CFL bulbs) to hard (change your lifestyle) and low cost (turn off unused lights) to expensive (install a solar electrical system).
Why be green? Did you know that the " ... average American household generates 15,000 pounds of Carbon Dioxide each year ..."
"... replace regular light bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs. Carbon Dioxide Savings is 150 pounds per bulb annually. Cost: $2.50 per bulb."
" ... Move the temperature down 2 degrees in the winter and up 2 degrees in the summer. Saves 2,000 pounds of Carbon Dioxide each year. Cost : None (Cost Savings)"
Via: New York State Press Release Link
actions. The project includes a personal footprint calculator. ...
... "On a personalised page, you can track your progress, update your carbon-reducing actions and see a Google Map featuring the footprints and actions of everyone taking part. " ...
Continue reading "Individual Actions Accumulate to Improve Overall Carbon Footprint" »
Paper.
Writing paper.
Copy paper.
Coated and uncoated paper.
Newspaper.
Paper comes in a wide variety of types: copy paper, printer paper, note book filler paper,etc.
What is the impact our choice(s) make? Which choice(s) minimize impact on the environment?
>>> Read on to Lean More.
Use the PaperCalculator to see what impact various choices of paper can make.
### 100 lbs of copy paper, 0% recycled content requires:
2 million BTUs
285 lbs CO2
954 gallons of wastewater
114 lbs of solid waste
### The same paper BUT with 25% recycled requires:
2 million BTUs
258 lbs CO2
844 gallons of wastewater
100 lbs of solid waste
Imaging the difference when multiplied across a large office or entire business.
Via: Environmental Defense Fund Paper Calculator Link
"By agreement with the Vatican, Planktos/KlimaFa ... the Vatican plans to become the world's first entirely carbon neutral sovereign state, and it has accepted KlimaFa ecorestoration offsets to achieve this historic goal. ... ceremony on July 5th the Vatican ... accepted KlimaFa's offer to create a new Vatican Climate Forest in Europe that will initially offset all of the Vatican City State's CO2 emissions for this year."
"The new Vatican Climate Forest will be created in Hungary's Bükk National Park ... dimensions will be determined by the Vatican’s 2007 energy usage and the success of its current emission reduction efforts. KlimaFa has received EU JI Track 1 approval to plant thousands of hectares of new native species, mixed growth forests under the permanent protection of European national park systems. Its initial projects are being conducted in collaboration with Hungary's government, Academy of Sciences and National Parks Directorate."
"Planktos/KlimaFa has further committed to work with the Vatican ... to develop methods to calculate the CO2 emissions of individual Catholic churches and offer ecorestoration options to turn their carbon footprints green."
Via: KlimFa.com Link
The Taiwanese company "Evergreen" is building Green Cargo Ships. One major source of pollution takes place when cargo ships are docked at port - either loading or unloading. Read on how Evergreen solves this and other typical pollution sources from ocean going cargo ships.
>>>For details read on ...
Among the Green features ...
• "A double-skinned hull aimed at preventing accidents and oil spills. Oil tanks also are situated to minimize fuel spillage if there is an accident."
• "The ability to plug into “shore power” at ports, allowing the ship to turn off its generators while tied to a terminal. The Port of Los Angeles is the only port to require that ships shut down their diesel generators while in port. ...ships’ engines and generators also have the capability to use low-sulfur fuels while in port."
• "Large holding tanks that allow the ships to keep wastewater onboard until it can be properly disposed of at shore. Oily water separators help reduce the oil content in the wastewater."
• "Tin-free, anti-corrosive coating on the underwater hull. Older coatings contained tin, which can be harmful to marine life."
" ... ... technologies added $2 million to the cost of each ship ... said the green ships are worth the money."
“... our market is price-driven and highly competitive … we know most” of our customers “are also very aware of the environmental issues,” said Evergreen’s founder and Chairman Dr. Y.F. Chang. “We can assure them that Evergreen will provide first-class service (while) maintaining the highest environmental standards.”
Via: The New Tribune.com Link
We hear a lot about buying locally grown food. The "costs" of buying products from across the country or world are huge: fuel to freeze and / or refrigerate, fuel to transport and the resulting carbon impact.
To get better idea of this impact READ ON:
FLAVOR -
ENVIRONMENT -
worldwide. ..."COMMUNITY -
To learn more go to eatlocalchallenge.org Link
Via: Bon Appetit Management Company Link
Summer is almost over and there are still a few good BBQ days left. Wondering how to make your BBQ GREEN?
>>> Read on for some tips ...and interesting information ...
" ... notes that backyard grilling with either gas or charcoal is likely to be a better environmental option than "using an electric stove in your house" ... powered by a coal-burning power plant."
Here are some easy ways to Green-Up your BBQ ...
"... opt for compostable dishes and utensils made from renewable resources ... These items are sold in stores including Whole Foods, Wal-Mart and Target."
"Plan a menu based on sustainable food choices. ... local or organic foods where possible, ... Buying local minimizes the use of fossil fuels ... and supports the regional economy."
"Use DEET-free repellents to avoid mosquitoes, black flies and other bugs ... are numerous natural repellents available, many made with strong-smelling natural oils such as citronella or geranium."
Via: cnn.com Link
Want to be green?
>>Yes
Know how to be green?
>>No
Need Help?
>> What is available?
In addition to numerous web sites and countless articles there is now personal coaching available. Read on to learn more about the Carbon Coach ...
In the face of conflicting information about what the most significant sources of carbon dioxide are, we dither. When we aren’t sure what to tackle first, we delay. When we are short of time and personal energy, we only tackle things that we are confident will make a dent in our carbon footprint. That’s where I come in."I can help coach you toward a continual reduction of your carbon usage. ... shrunk my own carbon footprint significantly ... and I can steer you towards those actions that are the most effective, most practical and most rewarding in your situation."
" ... as ... with sports or life coaches, having a friendly source of enlightenment and encouragement can help you to turn more of your intentions into actions."
" ... As a result of working with me, people tend to find joy in 'travelling light' and often regret not taking action earlier. People also find that the financial savings they make quickly cover the cost of my involvement, generating a very welcome financial and environmental win-win."
Via: Carboncoach.com Link
G.E. Announces the Earth Rewards "Green Credit Card. The Rewards are in the form of reliable greenhouse gas offsets - even the application process is GREEN (paperless).
To learn more --- Read on:
"New York, NY, July 25, 2007 – ... the GE Money Earth RewardsSM Platinum MasterCard,® the first US credit card dedicated to reducing cardholders’ carbon emissions through trustworthy and reliable greenhouse gas emission offsets."
" ... the first consumer finance product in GE’s ecomagination portfolio – allows users to reduce their carbon footprint by automatically contributing up to one percent of their card purchases to buy greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions offsets. ... making Earth Rewards their primary card, a typical consumer could ... offset a significant portion of their likely direct annual GHG emissions. The application process is 100 percent paperless, ...".
“ ... the consumer-focused, educational MyEarthRewards.com and ecomagination.com web sites highlight the ways that GE is helping customers meet their growing environmental needs.”
" ... Each Earth Day (April 22), those Rewards will be used to purchase and retire greenhouse gas emissions credits through GE AES Greenhouse Gas Services, a joint venture between GE Energy Financial Services and The AES Corporation, ... ".
“GE and AES are committed to reducing 10 million metric tons of greenhouse gases each year by 2010 – equal to taking nearly 1.8 million cars off the road annually, ...”.
"... consumers will be able to select ... a full one percent of their card net purchases to GHG emission reduction projects; or contribute ½ percent to reduction projects and receive ½ percent cash back through their monthly statements ... will be able to switch back and forth between reward programs whenever they choose... ".
Sounds great. What is the impact a typical consumer cam make based on selected spending?
"Purchase Amount - Environmental Impact"
"$25 - Offsets the emissions associated with running a typical refrigerator for a month."
"$500 - Offsets the emissions from driving nearly 1,500 miles in the average car."