... "An intensive three-week course and other opportunities will be offered in May 2010 on the Morris campus. " ...Via University of Minnesota Morris: May 2010 biomass gasification course
Continue reading "Renewable energy course focuses on biomass gas" »
... "The resources will be used to implement the Greening of Oregon’s Workforce project to develop local networks that will deliver training in green occupations. The State’s Green Jobs Council will be responsible for implementing the green jobs strategy which is mandated by Oregon State law, and will link to other state efforts, such as the Networks of Excellence that are emerging around green industries. Training will prepare workers for occupations in energy efficiency and renewable energy industries, including occupations that have long-term demand, offer the potential for high wage, career pathway jobs, and support local sourcing and innovation. Program partners will develop new curricula, adapt existing curricula, and complete development of the Oregon Green Tech Certificate. " ...Via Oregon Institute of Technology: |Renewable Energy Internships
Continue reading "Oregon Green Tech Education and Certificate" »
IBM has the perfect Green Gift ... bringing together both GREEN and Six Sigma.
" ... author, Eric Olson, is an IT strategist ... wields degrees from the likes of Cornell University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute ... approach... emphasizes practical steps for setting a specific “environmental stewardship” plan in motion ... draws heavily on IBM’s Green Sigma approach for running a green business ... might be just the ticket for someone who is sick of hearing ideas OR someone who might need proofpoints to get their own managers to buy into green."
Download a sample chapter - LINK.
Via: ZDNet.com LINK
Looking for a great gift for that special green tech or green dude in your life? Check out "I'm Dreaming of a Green Christmas" by Anna Getty.
" ... Anna Getty ... heiress, environmental advocate, writer, television personality, chef, mother, organic living expert ... believes that being green is not a trend but a way of life and in her 180-page book, “I’m Dreaming of a Green Christmas” she shares her favorite holiday projects and recipes. "
" ... printed on 100% post-consumer recycled paper ... is filled with ideas for gifts, decorations and recipes that use less and mean more ... shows readers how to reduce their carbon footprint and save money ... "
Check out this interesting video ... very cool ...
Via: EcoFabulous LINK
... "At present, two-year community colleges and workforce training centers are the prime institutions developing green job programs. Their students are training to become wind turbine mechanics, solar panel installers, fuel-cell engineers and energy efficiency experts. " ...Via Rhode Island College: Green-collar workforce
... "The Solar Installer Instructor Training network was launched in October 2009 to address a critical need for high-quality, local, and accessible training in solar system design, installation, sales, and inspection. Solar Installer Instructor Training is a 5-year effort intended to create a geographic blanket of training opportunities in solar installation across the United States. " ...Via Dept of Energy: Solar Installer Instructor Training Network
Solar Decathlon 2009 is in full swing on the Mall in Washington DC.
With the US Capital on one end and the Washington Memorial on the other it is an amazing site. Sponsored by the U.S. DOE there are 20 houses showing what is possible with green technologies - using current off the shelf products and some very creative thinking.
Most of the teams are from US colleges with several international entries ... including Spain and Germany.
Given parameters of 800 sq ft there are some very creative solutions. Some stress extreme insulation, all have some sort of garden area, all have solar PV and some have solar hot water. Most interesting is the creative use of 800 sq ft ...
As of this writing RICE is in the lead ... thought the difference between top and bottom on the ranking is not all that great. Yesterday was very sunny so anyone with LOTS of PV was sure to get extra points ...
Look for more posts and some GREENTECHNOLOG pictures ...
Via: Greentechnolog.com LINK
Learn more about Green building and design trends .... see booths, vendors, exhibits ... listen to seminars and speeches and see demonstrations.
Open to industry professionals on Thursday Oct 8th and the public on Friday Oct 9th at the Edison NJ Convention and Expo Center.
The Green Dude and Green Tech visited this same show earlier in the year in Philadelphia and found it both interesting and worth the time to attend ... we may try to get to this one as well ...
Via: GoGreenExpo Link
... "The college recently received approval from state high education officials to offer three solar energy certificate programs: basic solar photovoltaic, solar thermal installation and photovoltaic installation. " ...Via The Citizen Telegram: Solar energy oportunities
The Omega Center for Sustainable Living in Rhinebeck, NY is " ... a state-of-the art education center and natural wastewater treatment facility. "
" ... is a pioneering project in the Living Building Challenge and is expected to be the first building in the United States to receive the Living Building designation in addition to receiving LEED Platinum certification."
" ... the Living Building Challenge requires buildings to be informed by their eco-region's characteristics; generate all of their own energy with renewable resources; capture and treat all of their water; operate efficiently; and be designed for maximum beauty. ... six performance areas—site, energy, materials, water, indoor quality, and beauty & inspiration—and certain criteria to be met in each category in order for a building to be designated a Living Building."
Via: Omega Center for Sustainable Living LINK
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle with Oak Hall Industries.
They have a selection of eco-friendly 100% recycled graduation gowns. Each gown is made from approx. 23 plastic bottles helping to reduce landfill space and reusing materials.
" ... Colleges and Universities are making the comm
itment to turn their campuses green. ... this movement can be carried forward to graduation. "
" ... new line of graduation wear, named "GreenWeaver" is made of fabric spun from molten plastic pellets. ... fabric so comfortably soft you have to feel it to believe it! It takes an average of 23 bottles to make each gown."
Via: Oak Hall Industries Link
Colorado State will develop hybrid electric vehicle education to increase the knowledge of maintenance workers, emergency responders, and the public about the high voltage used in fuel cells. ...
... "This grant will help create an innovative and integrated education program that ties community outreach with secondary school awareness, technician and first responder training, and college/post-graduate level education in sustainable transportation, namely electric vehicles and their support systems ... ' ...
Via Colorado State University: $5 million stimulus DOE grant
For those who follow this blog and live in Cherry Hill, NJ - check out Sustainable Cherry Hill.
" ... The goal of Sustainable Cherry Hill is to help educate and empower our community to view the world through a different set of glasses and to act upon this new understanding of the world. We are all in this together and the one resource that Cherry Hill possesses is PEOPLE! Lots of folks making small changes will result in large scale transformation."
"Stay tuned for lots of great information about how we are creating and organizing SCH into a non-profit group. ... "
Join one of 11 task forces ... "Green Building, Educating for Sustainability, Community Composting, Green Business, Bike Path/Sidewalks, Transportation, Renewable Energy, Local Food/Gardening, Land, Air & Water Conservation, Zero Waste, Urban/Regional Partnerships for Environmental Justice"
Via: Sustainable Cherry Hill LINK
... "In addition to the credit toward their master's degrees, the teachers left MSU with the working solar cells they created, as well as the resources to teach students at their schools about how the cells work, Kaiser said. Giving teachers the laboratory experience lets them pass on lessons in applied science to their students, which is important to building interest in engineering, Kaiser said. " ...Via Montana State University: Solar cells course
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 
Savings 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
I am looking to install solar panels on my house and would like to know ... before teh vendors start coming by .... what my "solar value" amounts to.
RoofRay is a "BETA app" that uses GOOGLE maps to find your building / house location and determine the solar potential. You trace out the viable roof areas, show the slope direction and get an estimate of the roof solar potential.
You can use it to check out your current house .... or a property you might be interested in purchasing ...
Check out the YouTube video ...
Via: RoofRay LINK
Get Ready - Earth Day is Coming!!
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 on 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
Here are some tips from Marcal Paper's web site for getting kids more involved in the green movement ... these ideas can be a fun way to educate kids and get them to start thinking green!
" ... CFL's (Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs). If every American replaced just one ordinary bulb for a CFL Compact Florescent Light bulb, ... save enough energy to light more than 3 million homes for a year, more than $600 million in annual energy costs, and prevent greenhouse gasses equivalent to the emissions of more than 800,000 cars. ..."
"... a reusable water bottle .... choose a stainless steel reusable water bottle that prevents harmful plastic or aluminum from leaching into the drinking water."
"... reusable grocery bags. ... saves using countless plastic bags ... keeps our landfills free of plastic bags which take up to 1000 years to break down in nature. ..."
" .... Compost your food and yard waste—make some clean, nutrient dirt!"
" ... time your showers and use a bucket to collect the cold water that runs while you're waiting for your shower or bath to heat up. Your garden and plants will appreciate it ..."
Via: Marcal Link
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 r
aw 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
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 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
Go 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 ... 
- 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 ... 
- 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
Check out EarthLab's carbon calculator. By asking along series of questions about where you live, what kind of ho
me, 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: 317
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
The 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
"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
Here is a twist on the typical business conference ... a VIRTUAL Conference ....
VIRTUALLY - 
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
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."
" ... You benefit by reducing mailbox clutter, ... benefits merchants, lowering their cost of distribution and helping them better target their market. ..."
Via: Catalog Choice LINK
... "Green Supply Chain: Players evaluate a traditional supply chain model and are tasked with reducing a fictional company's carbon footprint. " ...Via IBM: Serious Game Training to Tackle Global Challenges
The 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 pr
oduce 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
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 
annual basis based on gas at $4 / gal.
Check it out!
Via: NADA LINK
Radnor 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
Continue reading "Sustainability Series - Radnor Township (Pa)" »
" ... uniquely interactive format and high caliber of participants, ECO:nomics debuted last year as the premier forum for CEOs and entrepreneurs driving growth at the intersection of business and the environment...."
Snippets of the Program ... "... Green People - What do consumers want, and what will they pay for it? ... Power Play - What will keep the lights on: nuclear energy or "clean coal"? ... Fresh Juice - Can wind and solar grow big enough to matter? ... The Future of Coal ... The Future of Biofuels ... The Future of Solar ..."
Via: eco-nomics LINK
Northampton Community College, in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, creates solar photovoltaics installation course for the Fall of 2009. ...
... "NCC will use the funds to create a course in solar PV installation and design. The course will be introduced in fall 2009 and will include, as its capstone, the design and installation of the solar panel array. " ...Via Northampton Community College: Getting Off the Grid
Ever 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
University of California business students collaborate with industry and government to commercialize promising clean technology research projects. ...
... "They are investigating the business parameters of going commercial with an enhanced method for pre-treating biomass from wood waste and plants that can be grown on non-agricultural lands. Lorimer says the new technology promises to solve many problems with existing inefficient and environmentally harmful methods of breaking down the cellulose in these crops into sugars for conversion into liquid fuel. " ...Via University of California Berkeley: Cleantech Partnership
The California Academy of Sciences is an example of GREN design - from solar cells, to green roof, to skylights to reused literature ...
See the Video for more ...
Via: ZDNet LINK
Many 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
" 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
The Center for Architecture Science and Ecology has been created by RPI and a leading architecture firm to develop advanced green strategies for building design by pushing the frontier of material use and building configuration. ...
... "CASE participants will explore the use of natural dehumidifying materials, the naturally cooling properties of terra cotta walls and ways in which a structure can be modified to harness wind energy. " ...Via New York Times: Green Building Design
"Think of Green Festival™ as a walk through a sustainable community. ... Individuals along with business and community leaders come together .... Organizations and businesses showcase programs and products th
at restore the planet and all that inhabit it ..."
" ... the nation's premier sustainability event, where you will see the best in green. ... renowned authors, leaders and educators; great how-to workshops; cutting-edge films; fun activities for kids; organic beer and wine; delicious vegetarian cuisine and diverse live music. Shop in our unique marketplace of more than 350 eco-friendly businesses ..."
"Green Festival™ is the largest sustainability event in the world ... is the only green event that screens exhibitors for their commitment to sustainability, ecological balance ... offsets 100% of its electricity emissions with clean, renewable energy. ... walks its talk: each year it gets closer to being a zero-waste event.."
The next 2 GreenFestivals are:
Wasington, DC - Nov 8 and 9
San Francisco, California - Nov 14, 15, and 16
Via: GreenFestivals Link
... "Dave Sommer, business leader for Trane Indiana, discusses how green architecture incorporates innovative designs and technologies to significantly reduce a building’s negative impact on the environment." ...Via Trane: Ball State University Indiana University visit
Sometimes it is very easy to make changes in your daily activities that make your actions GREENER. Here are 10 things you can do to make your home or office greener.
"Shutting off the lights, powering down PCs and monitors, using coffee mugs instead of Styrofoam cups, encouraging use of mass transit, and other simple, common-sense steps can reduce consumption and contribute to a greener environment, making your company and your employees more eco-friendly. This video looks at ways businesses can spur green behavior on - and off - premises."
VIDEO -- could not get it to embed in this post ,,, it's a 3:41 min clip.
Via: eweek Link
Here is an interesting approach to GREEN advertising - a GREEN Pages. For those in Florida looking for businesses that are involved in the GREEN movement ... check this out. Listed are
Via: Florida's Green Pages Link
... "Working with the non-profit organization Climate Cycle, the Motorola-funded solar panels will be installed by the end of this year. Part of a one- to two-kilowatt photovoltaic system, the solar panels come with a display showing how much power the panels are providing and when, offering real-time educational observation for the students. Along with daily observation, new lesson plans will include coursework on green and solar technologies, further driving student interest in the field. " ...Via Motorola: Chicago Public Schools
We hear a lot in the news about Carbon Footprint. This is the impact, expressed as an amount of carbon, that an item produces during its manufacture and distribution. Do you know what the carbon impact of typical consumer items really are and the major components?
Read on to find out ...
" ... pop quiz, based on a recent Wall Street Journal article ... of various household goods. ... guess their single biggest contribution to global warming. Consider all aspects of the product: raw materials, manufacturing, transportation, and end use...."
Here are two of the six:
" ... Milk. ...once again, cows. ... cows are responsible for about 28% of milk's carbon footprint. If you add in their feed, that figure goes up to 51%, ..."
" ... Calculating carbon emissions is complicated business, ...environmental impacts are spread widely throughout our integrated economy, often hiding in unexpected places...."
Otherwise, a few points do jump out from the analysis.
The first is that transportation costs just aren't the biggest impact for most products. Patagonia could manufacture their jackets in the basement of their stores, and they would barely make a dent in their footprint. In aggregate, of course, transportation makes up a huge percentage of the world's carbon budget, so its importance can't be discounted. But buying local still doesn't seem like the best lever for consumers looking to green their lifestyles.
The second is that products that consume energy in their end use tend to be wildly more environmentally harmful after they get into consumers hands than during manufacturing. In other words, if you want to reduce your carbon footprint, consider driving less.
The third is that cows remain a really big problem without an obvious solution. Methane digester projects like the ones that TerraPass funds help to decrease the impacts of agriculture, but as individuals the best lever we have is to reduce our consumption.
Via: Terrapass Link
I missed this one and would have like to check it out. What really caught my eye was a photo in the local newspaper (Phila Inquirer, Monday Sept 8th) that showed a person dressed as a "bag monster" covered in 700 plastic bags - the number the average person uses per year!
"GreenFest Philly is a one-day street fair FREE to the public. Over 200 exhibitors and 20,000 people are expected ... features vegetarian food, sneaker recycling, live music & entertainment, kids activities, bicycle valet, yoga, local produce, organic pastry contest, composting and recycling, ... theme is water quality so grab your reusable water containers and fill up at our no-waste drinking water stations."
Via: GreenFest Philly Link
"The Sustainable Living Fair is a solution based, hands-on, family oriented event designed to educate people of all ages and backgrounds about Sustainable Living Practices,... and more."
" ... 10,000 people attended last year, yet the Fair only produced 230 pounds of trash. Recycling bins and compost receptacles are everywhere, and the Fair also purchases offset credits. ..."
Key Note speakers include Ed Begley ...
Via: EcoLocolizer Link
... "Super Energy Saver classroom kits, designed for grades K-5, are available for purchase through your local Touchstone Energy cooperative. The kits are packed with materials that will teach kids how to become Super Energy Savers at home ... " ...Via Touchstone Energy Cooperative: CFL Charlie Ready for Classroom
... "Self-Reliance is offering a 40-hour installation course for those looking for hands-on training with photovoltaic technology. The course will run from 6 - 9 pm on July 9, 10, 11, 16, 17, 18 and from 9 am to 5 pm on July 12 and 19. This course introduces students to the fundamentals of photovoltaic system design and installation procedures. The class will be divided between indoor classroom activities and fieldwork ... " ...Via Cape & Islands Self-Reliance: PV Installation Workshop June 2008
Want to help dad learn move about fuel cells ... and give a neat father's day gift?
Then check this out >>>
" ... kit lets you build your own Fuel Cell car and then watch it travel across the room powered only by water. ..."
" ... also comes with experiments and demonstrations that you can do on your own, or with friends."
" ... can build your own experimental reversible fuel cell car to learn more about this energy source. ... learn how a reversible fuel cell works to perform electrolysis as well as to create energy. The electricity required to activate electrolysis is created with a large solar cell included with the kit. During electrolysis, water is separated into hydrogen and oxygen and the resulting energy is stored as a gas. When needed, the gas is fed into the fuel cell, which then serves as the power source."
Pretty Cool ... for the Green Dad in your family ...
Via: Terrapass.com Link
... "Addressing these needs and concerns, the Alternative Energy Banner Center will offer two core programs in photovoltaic (solar electricity) and solar thermal (solar hot water and pool heating) technologies. Both programs will be designed for students at any level, regardless of previous skill level. The results from the initial program offerings will be analyzed and used as feedback to update and finalize the curriculum. After the first year, the plan will be expanded and offered throughout Florida at other community colleges and technical centers. " ...Via The University of Central Florida: Alternative Energy Training Program
Continue reading "Alternative Energy Education Programs Focus on Solar Technologies" »
... "Career Moves announces Green Careers I, on Tuesday, May 20, 6 -- 8 p.m. to focus on careers in green building. At NEXUS Green Building Resource Center, 38 Chauncy St., Seventh Floor, Boston. " ...Via Wicked Local West Roxbury: Regional calendar of Events
... "The course addressed energy sources that provide alternatives to fossil fuels. The instruction also focused on the technology basis of alternative energy methods and their practicality, potential for widespread use and economic effectiveness. The class covered energy technologies such as photovoltaics, solar thermal, wind energy, geothermal and thermal gradient sources, biomass and synthetic fuels, hydroelectric, wave and tidal energy, and nuclear energy. " ...Via Johns Hopkins University: Green Engineering Grows in Classrooms
RecycleBank helps communites increase participation in their recycling programs via incentives. The incentives take the form of awards that can be used at participaing local stores.
"Cherry Hill [NJ] was looking for a cost-effective way to reduce waste and curb rising landfill fees, and double ... its existing recycling program. By offering a reward-based initiative and streamlining recycling efforts, RecycleBank makes it easy for citizens to participate in the program. "
"... RecycleBank ... provides communities with a cost-effective and environmentally conscious solution to the rising cost of waste collection."
"RecycleBank ... [provides] ... tools to quickly and easily measure the amount of material each home recycles. ... then converted into RecycleBank reward dollars that can be used with hundreds of local and national reward partners. ..."
Via: Recycle Bank Link
Via: Cherry Hill, NJ Link
Continue reading "Recycle Bank and Cherry Hill, NJ: Increasing Recycling Rates" »
Looking for something green items that can make a difference or just to have fun with ... ? 
Check out the items on Terra Pass ...
Want to know how much energy an item uses ... check out "Kill A Watt EZ" ...
How about "Greenopoly" where you can trade carb
on credits ...
Or an Wind Up MP3 player ...
Via: Terrapass 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" »
... "UD's Department of Chemical Engineering and the Center for Catalytic Science and Technology will administer the three-year, $300,000 NSF Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) grant, which will enable 10 exemplary students per year in chemical engineering to work with UD researchers on such projects as the design of new fuel cells, to the engineering of novel nanomaterial coatings to reduce the drag on ships in water. " ...Via University of Delaware: Internships offered
"Earth Hour ... annual international event started in 2007, held on the last Saturday of March, that asks households and businesses to turn off their lights and non-essential electrical appliances for one hour in the evening. ...promoted by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Australia and the Sydney Morning Herald."
See Wikipedia for images of major locations before and after the lights are turned off.
Via: Wikipediua Link
Continue reading "Earth Hour - Global Awareness of Global Warming" »
... "The new major in environmental studies will complement the renewable energy and sustainability initiatives that are already in place or in progress at UMM. " ...Via University of Minnesota, Morris Campus: Options in Environmental Studies
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
More and more people WANT to go GREEN. More and more companies SAY they are GREEN.
How do you get some objective idea about what is really green?
>>>Green-e may be able to help ...
"...Green-e is the nation's leading independent consumer protection program for the sale of renewable energy and greenhouse gas reductions in the retail market. ... offers certification and verification of renewable energy and greenhouse gas mitigation products. It is a program of the Center for Resource Solutions."
Via: green-e.org Link
Some schools are already green. Others are just getting started. Many need help with a structured program to guide them. 
Green Flag promotes 4 key areas:
-- Indoor Air Quality - looking at mold, irritants, etc
-- Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, - pretty self explanatory
-- Non Toxic Products - cleaning products and others
-- Integrated Pest Management - for grounds and indoors
"Schools across the nation are using the Green Flag School Program to make their schools healthier places to work and learn. ... Achieve recognition for ... your school already does, and improve your program with the support of teachers and field experts across the country. ... check out the Green Flag School Program today!"
Via: Green Flag Program Link
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
... "Harry Barkus Gray from the California Institute of Technology will speak on Powering the Planet with Solar Energy. Gray is the Arnold O. Beckman Professor of Chemistry
New Jersey's Clean Energy Conference,on September 27 - 28, 2007 will honor nominees that are saving energy and advancing the state of clean energy in New Jersey. The winner will be named at the conference.
Nominees include Home Builders, Colleges and Universities, and Vendors.
The annual conference is in it's 3rd year. " ...brings together ... leading energy professionals and businesses to learn, network, and discuss the issues shaping the energy market and the New Jersey energy market in particular."
" ... provides an excellent forum ... to learn more about the economics of renewable energy and energy efficient technologies and how to hedge against rising energy costs, to leverage the financial and environmental benefits of clean energy."
" .. Conference ... has been expanded to 2 days. New workshops and programs are being added ... A special Municipal track and evening networking session will be the focus of day 1. Day 2 will have new workshops and sessions and the luncheon presentation of the Clean Energy Leadership Awards. ... "
"... Special workshops include:"
Via: NewJerseyCleanEnergy.com Link
Recycling Fun Facts:
>>> Read on for some intersting information....
* "The first real recycling program was introduced in New York City in the 1890s. The city's first recycling plant was built in 1898."
* "By 1924, 83% of American cities were separating some trash items to be reused."
* "Every year, each American throws out about 1,200 pounds of organic garbage that can be composted.""
* "This chart shows the composition of an average garbage dump. Notice how much of it is recyclable!!"
Via: Recycling FunFacts Link
"Marine Current Turbines Ltd (MCT) is developing radically new technology, backed by the UK government, for exploiting tidal currents for large-scale power generation. We do not have any commercially available products at present, but we aim to achieve this by 2007-8."
"The basic requirements for cost-effective power generation from tidal streams using MCT's technology are a mean spring peak velocity exceeding about 2.25 to 2.5m/s (4.5 to 5 knots) with a depth of water of 20 to 30m - the red spots on the map (right) show some of the locations meeting these criteria around the UK and northern France."
"Our technology represents a novel method for generating electricity from a huge energy resource in the sea. ... even rarer if the technology, as in this case:-"
"produces no pollution and has negligible environmental impact"
"delivers energy to a predictable timetable"
"has the potential to make a major contribution to future energy needs"
"... the relentless energy of marine currents has been obvious from the earliest days of seafaring, it is only now that ... this a technically feasible and economically viable possibility."
Via: Marine Current Turbines Link
So ... you think you are doing all you can to be GREEN and help the environment? Would you pass an AUDIT? Would you want to?
Just in case you want to have someone check up on how good, environmentally, you are ... Read on:
Donnachadh McCarthy is an environmental auditor. "Through his auditing company "3 Acorns Enviromental Tranformations" he provides an environmental auditing service to individuals, families and small businesses, assisting them to improve their environmental performance." 
"... believes ... environmentalists should lead by example and so seeks as far as practical to live by the green principles which he promotes.
>> Thus his home was the first private home in London to export solar electricity from the roof of his home in Camberwell to London Electricity.
>> His hot water is heated by a solar water heating system powered by a solar pump.
>> His WC is supplied by a rain harvester.
>> He travels to work by cycle.
>> On the 24th of October 2005 he had a wind turbine installed on his home and became London Energy's first ever domestic wind electricity supplier."
An audit consists of a review of these areas with " ... assessment of current environmental practice and proposals for its improvement ..."
For more information see McCarty's book "Saving the Planet without Costing the Earth " Link
Via: 3 Acorns Eco Auditing 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
" Here are some more of the 50 Easy Ways to go Green". For the complete list follow the link at the end of this BLOG post.
"Go native - Plant flowers and shrubs that are well suited to your climate (the staff at your local nursery can help). The benefit: You'll use less fertilizer and pesticides."
Five eco labels you can really trust
"USDA Organic - Seen on: Food products - What it means -Food is produced without antibiotics, genetic engineering, or most synthetic fertilizers and pesticides."
"Rainforest Alliance Certified -Seen on: Coffee, chocolate, bananas - What it means - Companies harvesting the food practice soil and water conservation; they also reduce the use of pesticides."
"Fair Trade Certified - Seen on: Coffee, tea, chocolate, fruit, rice, sugar -What it means - Food is grown on small farms; farmers receive a fair price."
"Certified Humane - Seen on: Eggs, meat -What it means - Animals raised for dairy, meat, and poultry products are treated humanely. Growth hormones are prohibited, and animals are raised on a diet without antibiotics."
"Green Seal - Seen on: Napkins, toilet paper, paper towels - What it means - they must meet recycling and bleaching standards."
Via: MSN.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."
"$750/month for one year - Offsets the direct emissions one consumer is likely to produce in a year."
"The Earth Rewards card was launched at 7 World Trade Center, New York City’s first high performance LEED-certified commercial building (“LEED” is the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Green Building Rating System™,... ".
For educational information: ecomagination.com
Via: G.E. NewsCenter.com Link
" Here are some more of the 50 Easy Ways to go Green". For the complete list follow the link at the end of this BLOG post.
"Become a flexitarian - Swap out one meat dish a week for a veggie plate. ... raising produce is "cheaper," in terms of energy, than raising animals. Log on to vegweb.com to find tasty, meatless recipes..."
"Go for the gold- coffee filters ... - Spare trees by replacing paper filters in your coffeemaker with reusables (usually gold colored).""Compost - Instead of trashing food scraps, toss them into Gardener's Supply Company Kitchen Compost Crock, a ceramic countertop composter that's perfect for first-timers (gardeners.com)."
"Break out the bamboo -... is a far more sustainable natural resource than wood because it grows very quickly."
"Buy a laptop - It uses considerably less power than a desktop computer.
"Get off junk mail lists - Register with the Direct Marketing Association's Mail Preference Service (dmaconsumers.org) ... a significant reduction in mail after three months."
"Buy organic for baby - ... 100 percent organic cotton grown without harmful chemicals (hannaandersson.com)".
"Teach kids to be green - Give your little ones responsibility for your family's recycling ... ".
Via: MSN.com Link
There are many companies that offer Green Products. Many provide a wide range of products. All have neat web sites.
Seventh Generation's web site has lots of great Green Factoids and links to living the Green life.
We can all make a difference - one at a time. "Each individual can make a difference .... The choices we make everyday regarding the food we eat, how much water and energy we consume, the types of cleaning products we use, the kind of car (and how often) we drive, all can have a positive or negative impact on the earth."
What about the name? What is the meaning or message?
"... derives its name from the Great Law of the Iroquois that states, In our every deliberation, we must consider the impact of our decisions on the next seven generations."
"... provide interesting and relevant information through our product packaging and other initiatives including printed materials. .. "The Seventh Generation Guide to a Non-Toxic Home," a comprehensive guide designed to help consumers and retail buyers make better health and environmental choices ... perhaps the most important lesson ... is that "as goes the earth's health, so goes ours."
Interesting Factoid:
"If every household in the U.S. replaced just one 4 pack of 400 sheet virgin fiber bathroom tissue with 100% recycled ones, we could save: 1,450,000 trees, 3.7 million cubic feet of landfill space, equal to 5,500 full garbage trucks, 523 million gallons of water, a year’s supply for 4,100 families of four, and avoid 89,000 pounds of pollution!"
Via: Seventh Generation.com Link
Starbucks and Global Green USA collaborate to promote awareness and education of the choices 
needed to stem global warming. Playing the green game requires the user to look for ways to reduce CO2 emissions and lower the impact on global warming. ...
Enter the Green Game.
