SunPower won several US Government contracts to install solar products for numerous agencies " ...  Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Lab (NREL), the General Services Administration (GSA), the Navy and the Air Force. ... "  These will create " ... more than 1000 local jobs during the construction ... represent a minimum of 20 megawatts (MW) of new solar projects ..."

One for the Air Force is to be the largest federal solar site in the US at Luke AFB in Glendale, Arizona.

SunPower is a leader in solar products and technology and was founded in 1988.  They have worked with various federal agancies since 1999.  They are listed on NASDAQ [SPWRA, SPWRB] and have their HQ in San Jose, California.

Via: SunPower  LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 05:31 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Most municipalities accept #1 - PET and #2 - HDPE plastics for recycling.  Philadelphia now accepts #3 -#7 as well! This means #3 - Vinyl, #4 - LDPE, #5 - PP, #6 - PS and #7 - other / mixed. 

" ... Philadelphia has citywide single stream recycling. ... all recyclables can be put in the same container, including plastics and cardboard."  This makes it easier for residents and business as there is no more sorting into different containers at home.

There is even a section about debunking Phila Recycling Myths ... that gives the real info on recycling in the City.

Check out the web site for information you can use no matter where you live !

Via:  Recycle Now Philadelphia LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 05:45 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Lennar builds the PowerSmart home in several states.  These homes have efficiency and energy savings build it.

" ... PowerSmart home by Lennar. ... green home designed to save you money while ... saving the environment. ..."

Via: Lennar ™ LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 02:11 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Poland Spring has been actively reducing the amount of plastic in its water bottles.  Less plastic means less enerfy to make, less energy to ship and less impact overall.  Of course recycling the bottles completes the loop.

" ... Eco-Shape® bottle ... made with an average of 30% less plastic ... a label approximately one-third smaller ... more flexible so it's easier to crush for recycling. ..."

The label notes that the cap is also smaller ... resulting in less plastic !

Via:  Poland Spring LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 08:29 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Posted by Green Dude at 05:11 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Las Vegas is well known for the Strip and night life ... it is also becoming known for Sustainability.

Las Vegas has a number of sustainability initiatives underway ... the City's Sustainability Web site lists a number of information resources for learning about and implementing sustainability.  Topics listed include Green Building, Recycling and Energy Efficiency.

There are also programs for low income families and incentives to build green (new or retrofits).

" ... pilot program with Green Chip ... to perform energy audits and retrofits for ... qualifying low income households ... "

"  ... expanded its Green Building Program ... incentives to stimulate new green building construction and provide energy efficiency retrofits to existing buildings ..."

Via:  Sustaining Las Vegas LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 05:40 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Plastics and fibers made from renewable agricultural products can reduce our dependency on oil and petrochemicals.

" ... Sorona® is made partially with agricultural feedstocks ... reducing our dependency on oil. In addition to fibers and fabrics, Sorona® can be used in films, filaments, engineering resins and other applications."

" ... contains 37% renewably sourced ingredients by weight."

Via:  DuPont  LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 05:50 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

When buying Viva Terra products you have the option to purchase carbon offsets for the delivery of your order.

" ... reduce the environmental impact ... by selecting EarthEra® ...  For ... $1 per order, customers balance the carbon emissions associated with the delivery of their purchases ..."

" ... EarthEra is powered by NextEra Energy Resources, America's largest producer of wind and solar power."

Via:  Viva Terra LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 05:05 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

EcoMotors International has developed the OPOC engine - opposed-piston opposed-cylinder engine.  This engine can run on a number of fuels and is lighter in weight and produces more power than a conventional engine.

The engine has 2 pistons per cylinder and multiple "units" can be coupled for a more powerful engine.

" ... demonstrate, in 2010, the automobile industry's first 5-passenger car capable of 100 mpg on the EPA highway cycle."

" ... ground-breaking internal combustion engine ... eliminates the cylinder-head and valve-train components ... lighter, more efficient and economical, with lower exhaust emissions compared with conventional designs...."

Via:  EcoMotors International  LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 06:33 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Viva Terra's Mad Mats®are made from recycled plastics. 

" ... Mad Mats® are made from recycled plastic bottles and packing materials ... absorb no stains, can easily be cleaned with garden hose or sponge, and won't trap water or mildew. ..."

For an additional $1 in shipping fees you can offset the carbon impact from shipping.  Details on the Viva Terra web site under shipping.

Via:  Viva Terra LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 05:53 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

The EPA has statistics on who uses the most renewable energy. For the nation as a whole the biggest users are found in the Top 50 ... first by kWh is Intel with 51% of its total electric use and second by kWh is Kohl's department store at 100 % of its total electric use!!

" ... Green Power Partnership works [to] ... reduce the environmental impacts of electricity use "

" ... top 50 largest purchases amount to more than 12.3 billion kilowatt-hours annually, ... more than 70 percent of the green power commitments made by all EPA Green Power Partners."

Via: EPA LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 09:45 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

San Diego is currently in a Level 2 - Drought Alert Condition.  San Diego imports over 80% of its water so when water supplies get tight water conservation and reuse is critical. Two new plants provide for 45 million gallons / day of water from waste ...

" ... has built ... plants [to] treat wastewater to a level that is approved for irrigation, manufacturing and other non-drinking, or non-potable purposes. ... Recycled water gives San Diego a dependable, year-round, locally controlled water resource."

Via: The City of San Diego LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 05:54 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

The University of San Francisco has a Green Team that focuses on sustainability.  One interesting outcome was to modify water fountains so they more easily fill water bottles - helping to foster using a reusable bottle.

" ... reduce the ... use of plastic water bottles by using refillable bottles and drinking tap water. ... switching to compostable flatware to assist the composting program ... starting composting in the residence halls ..."

Via:  University of San Francisco  LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 05:42 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

The auto marketplace has been eagerly waiting official pricing for the Chevy Volt - an all electric auto.  Unlike hybrids with a gas engine that provides additional HP for motion the Volt engine does not directly drive the wheels but recharges the battery.

Pricing is approx. $41,000 before a federal tax credit of $7,500 resulting in $33,500 to the consumer.

" ... uses gas to create its own electricity. ... run on a pure electric charge for up to 40 miles ... gas and emissions free. ... uses a range-extending gas generator that produces enough energy to power it for hundreds of miles on a single tank of gas. "

Via:  Chevrolet  LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 05:24 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Howard University, Washington, DC, has entered into a partnership with Parento Energy to create a microgrid for the university campus.

Mircogrid growth is being driven by concerns about the robustness of the national energy infrastructure as well as green jobs and green technology growth.  Along with the smart grid they are seen as the futur

e way power will be brought to users.

" ... Microgrids are decentralized power systems that often utilize renewable energy, ... "

" ... will support critical infrastructure ... while greatly reducing the carbon footprint ... will utilize highly efficient cogeneration technologies ..."

Via:  Howard University LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 06:07 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Sometimes being green really is plain and simply easy -- low or now cost and with little downside.  There are lots of little things that taken together, over time can really add up. 

Check out these and other great idea from Earth911.com ...

Here are 3 ...

(1) Skip the drive through and park ... " ... every minute the average car engine idles, it emits 6 to 7 grams of pollutants into the atmosphere. ... "  Taken collectively for say a millions cars over the period of a year and you reduce / eliminate over 700 tons of emissions.  You also save a lot of gas and money ... and get some exercise !

(2) Pay your bills on-line ... " .. reduce your household’s paper consumption ... eliminate paper waste ..."

(3) Turn stuff off ... not just lights that are on when no one is in the room but electronics.  Many devices are actually sucking power in standby mode and not actually "off".  " ... Even a cell phone charger continues to use energy when plugged in, whether your cell phone is charging or not. ... "  This often called phantom power users because many electronic devices are drawing power in standby mode and collectively that adds up.  Save money, reduce the demand for power and keep the air cleaner.  For your computer consider plugging all the electronics into a single power strip and with one switch you can turn off a PC, printer, monitor and  other devices.

Via:  Earth911.com  LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 05:03 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

GREENandSAVE has a Website and Blog with lots of good "green" information.  In addition to tips to increase your "individual green-ness" there are links to many green items in the news including green job training.

Check out the Experts Tip section for lots of ideas you can use to save energy, money and the planet.  Tips I found include ways to save water this summer and ideas for a greener Christmas.

 ... strives to inform the public about eco-conscious living, environmental matters, ... feature daily news, information and blogs  ... mission is to expand readers’ awareness of environmentally conscious efforts ... and encourage participation."

Via:  Green and Save  LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 08:26 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Some retailers are promoting their Green-ness and Sustainability with measures of their products on the environment.  One the quickly comes to mind is Timberland.  Timberland has a label on all their shoe boxes that tells the environmental impact and how it breaks down by shipping, raw materials, manufacture, etc.

While very informative and helpful there is still no meaningful way to compare across manufacturers ... much like the federal EPA stickers for cars.

That is about to change ... 

" ... some 100 retailers ... working together to minimize their impact on the environment, ... measure environmental factors, from creating a product right through its disposal."

" ... the "Eco Index," ... hope ... will become as recognizable on clothing as Energy Star is on appliances. ..."

Via:  Brand Channel  LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 06:25 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

The oceans and the power of the waves and tides waves might be the source of your electricity someday.  Systems that can convert the constant undulation of the waves into energy can harness  what seems like an unlimited renewable energy source.

"...  potential to be one of the most environmentally benign forms of electricity generation ... wave energy around the British Isles ... estimated to be equivalent to three times current UK electricity demand, ..."

Pelamis  are minimally impactful ... their visual impact is small as they are half submerged so are not nearly as visibly on the horizon as wind trubines.  They appear to have minimal impact on marine life as well and can be removed much easier than a wind turbine.

They currently have installations undergoing tests in Portugal and Scotland. 

Pelamis has their HQ in Edinburgh, Scotland.

Via:  Pelamis Wave Power  LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 06:12 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Braxton's in Devon, PA (western suburbs of Philadelphia) is a 3rd generation family business.  We buy a lot of our dog stuff there ... one day I noticed a sign outside touting their "green-ness" by installing LED lighting.

Their lighting solution came from LED Saving Solutions of Devon, PA..

After installing LED lighting their electric  bill went from over $750 / month to around $100 / month.  Projected lifetime savings are over $260,000 as well as eliminating 100,00 lbs of carbon emissions.

Via: LED Saving Solutions LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 12:34 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Philadelphia is becoming well known for  its green activities ... including solar powered compacting trash bins that can signal when they are full and need to be emptied.

They are also upgrading standard traffic signals with ones that contain LED light "bulbs".  LEDs are even more energy efficient and longer lasting than CFBs - and do not contain any mercury.

" ... funding through the U.S. Department of Energy’s Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG).  ... reducing energy use and costs, ... and furthering the City’s sustainability priorities."

"Replacing 85,000 traffic lights with new, low energy LED lights."

 Via:  Phila.gov LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 05:28 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

" .. goal ... to be the premier research facility in the world focused on the economic, technical, and public policy issues associated with the development and deployment of solar energy to meet global energy needs and environmental challenges."

" ... through independent research, soliciting and funding internal and external research proposals on defined topics and responding to outside requests for proposals that fit the Solar Institute's objectives.

VIA: The GW Solar Institute LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 06:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

The Philadelphia Bourse has gone Solar.  The old Bourse Building on Independence Mall East has solar panels from SolarDock of Wilmington, Delaware.  These roof panels are designed to not impact the integrity of the roof of the historic building.

" ... SolarDock system for mounting the panels without any penetration of the roof surface ... "

This allows mounting in locations where there is concern about leaks in the roof or a roof warranty that does not allow for through roof mounts.

Via:  Delaware Business Blog LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 06:44 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

IBM has developed a water cooled supercomputer that uses the extracted heat to heat a building.  Normally A/C is needed to remove the excess heat to prevent damage to computer systems. 

The A/C to remove heat can use almost as much or more energy than that used to power the computers ... resulting in lots of wasted energy and extra carbon footprint  What a waste !!

" ... Aquasar, consumes up to 40 percent less energy than a comparable air-cooled machine. ... carbon footprint is reduced by up to 85 percent."

" ... micro-channel liquid coolers which are attached directly to the processors, where most heat is generated. ..."

"

Via:  IBM  LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 06:39 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

I noticed the apples at my local Costco were packaged in plastic containers to keep the apples from bruising.  What really intrigued me was the information on the plastic containers.  Made by Peninsula Packaging of California ... they are:

- made from 70% recycled drink bottles
- made with 50% energy from the sun

" ... as much as 70 percent recycled ... are themselves recyclable ..."

" ... 10-acre photovoltaic "sun farm" generates 1.1 megawatts ... produces about one-percent of all of California's solar generated power."

Via:  PenPack  LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 05:36 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

When in Hawaii you can rent a car from Bio-Beetle -their mission statement is " ... be the "GREENEST", and "BEST", rental car company
on the planet."

In addition to biodiesel from 100% vegetable oil they use " ... earth friendly coolants, synthetic engine oil and non toxic cleaners ... 100% recycled or tree free paper ... organic cotton uniforms, and recycled items when obtainable. ..."

Via:  Eco-Beetle  LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 03:55 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Want to be more green and not really sure where to start?  Making good progress and want to kick it up a notch or two?  Need inspiration or answers to questions ?

" ... goal ... to be the most comprehensive and diverse resource available for people looking to live ... environmentally conscious lifestyle.  .... GenGreenLife.com where we have over 60,000 listings to help you live your green life. "
 

Posted by Green Dude at 08:50 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Ever wonder how solar cells work?  Sun light hits a photovoltaic panel and somehow electrons start flowing. 

Check out this neat graphic that shows how suns rays are converted to power that flows from your home's outlets.

" ... Follow the path ... from the sun, through the pv panels, its conversion to AC electricity ... into the utility grid. ..."

ailed explanation of solar energy.

For a full size of the image CLICK

Via:  CoolerPlanet LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 06:24 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Happy Father's Day.

Remember to incorporate some green ideas into your celebration.

Enjoy the day and be green - they can go hand in hand.  Teach as green lesson.  Lead by example.  Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.

Use compostable plates or normal dishes instead of throw away paper plates.   Use a gas grill instead of wood or charcoal (less GHG).  Use local produce / meat / stuff.  Watch your carbon footprint.

Happy Father's Day.

Via:  GreenTechnolog.com  LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 09:24 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

My daily papers are rolled and covered with a plastic bags I noticed my newspapers were rolled in a new plastic bag before being tossed on my driveway.  I noticed a neat new bag called green15™.

" ... every ... bag is made with at least 15% recycled material.  ... allows us to use up to 15% less plastic ... join us to promote more recycled products & use less plastic ..."

Of course I collect these and recycle them at the local food store.

Via:  Green15bags   LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 06:11 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Timberland is well known for its green activities including putting a label on most shoes boxes that details the carbon impact of each product.

Their Earthkeeper line features products made to have a smaller environmental footprint ... usually from the user of recycled materials.

" ... Earthkeepers™ collection ... footwear with a small environmental footprint. ...rubber lug outsole made with 42% recycled Green Rubber™ material"

To learn more about green and the outdoors ... check out Timberland's Earthkeeper Blog

Via:  Timberland  LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 04:35 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

 Wallenius Lines, a Swedish owned car carrier vessel is testing a fuel cell for auxiliary power.  Fuel cells are clean power sources - in this case fueled by methanol (alcohol).  Wallenius Lines has a major commitment to being green (using non toxic paint to reduce barnacle drag, handling bilge water carefully, reducing impact overall, etc.) and this is the next step in the journey.

"Wärtsilä’s WFC20 fuel cell ... onboard the ’Undine’,  ... is the first of its kind in the world ... during the test period provide auxiliary power to the vessel while producing close to zero emissions...."

Methanol can be made from biomass so can be a renewable fuel ... in addition to providing clean power.  The trails started in May 2010 and extend until November 2010.

Via:  Wallenius Lines  LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 05:45 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Sustainability / Green Business  Key to Ongoing Success ... many businesses are seeing sustainability and green as a lead to future growth or as a line extension to their current business offering.

The ""nice to have is becoming the "must have".

>>> Read on for more.

" ... SAP will not survive ... one decade from now if it fails to embrace sustainability principles end-to-end."

" ... Panasonic’s ... “Green Transformation 2012″ strategy ... become the world’s leader in green innovation  ...  " 

Hitachi and Samsung have announced similar offerings / objectives.

Via:  ZDNet  LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 05:06 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Calstar bricks and pavers are targeted to the green market.  Among their features are that they use recycled materials and generate less CO2 when produced and they are priced to b e competitive with their non-green competing products.

" ... architectural facing bricks and durable pavers for the green building market. ...contain 40% post-industrial recycled material, use 90%" less energy ... generate 90% less CO2 than traditional fired clay brick and pavers."

To hear move about the technology and sustainability ... CLICK

Via:  Calstar  LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 06:05 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Dell is using new bamboo packaging materials that are compostable making them easier to dispose of in places other than a dumpster (read landfill).  The result is a more sustainable packaging solution.

" ... mechanically pulped bamboo ... will compost and biodegrade ... comparable to known compostable materials ..."

" ... building on its commitment to make ‘being green’ easy and cost-effective for customers. "

So why bamboo ?  Bamboo is a natural as it is fast growing, strong and " ... doesn't require replanting after harvest".

Via:  Dell  LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 06:09 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

"Minesto contributes a solution to the worldwide energy demand by offering a unique technology that explores the vast, renewable and abundant ocean power resource."

" ... new concept for tidal power plants called Deep Green. ... based on a fundamentally new principle for electricity generation from tidal currents. ... is applicable in areas where no other known technology can operate cost effectively due to its unique ability to operate in low velocities...."

Check out this video ... LINK

Via:  Minersto  LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 11:45 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Microsoft Hohm is a free software application that lets you improve the energy efficiency of your home.  You can add details about your specific home and see recommendations for improvements ... as well as how you compare to other homes in your area or across the country.

" ... check your energy consumption and compare it to others around the nation. ... [to the left] ... heat map of the United States and the average Hohm Score per state."

Check out the BLOG for useful tips.

Via:  Microsoft Hohm  LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 09:49 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

It is Memorial Day - the start of summer and BBQs .... you can GREEN Up your Memorial Day with these green tips. 

The choices you make can lead to a GREENER result and little or no impact on the FUN and ENJOYMENT.

• " ... biodegradable utensils, bowls and cups to cut down on waste. ... write ... names on cups to set a limit on the number doled out ... reusable, cloth napkins ... can be washed and saved for your next get together. ..."

" ... Gas, propane and electric grills burn cleaner and more efficiently than charcoal or wood ... contribute fewer hydrocarbons and soot particles than charcoal. ..."

Via:  USA Today  LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 08:50 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

It might be a marriage made on the farm .. with data centers being located in rural areas that have lots of farms using manure to power data centers is a way to be green

"Data centers need a lot of energy. Dairy farms create a lot of methane. ... HP Labs has done the math to show that one could be used to support the other."

" ... data centers ... increasingly being located near existing power generation or cooling resources. ... untapped source of energy, however, is the methane generated by manure on farms around the world."

" ... HP ... paper shows how a farm of 10,000 dairy cows could ... power a typical modern data center and still support other needs on the farm."

" ... turning data centers from being energy hogs into energy neutral facilities ... goal ... see if we can take the data center completely off the grid."

Via:  Hewlett Packard  LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 05:32 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Data Centers are moving to rural areas where land and labor are less expensive.  There are often farms and lots of cows ... and therefore lots of cow manure.

A significant cost of operating data centers is the electric bill.

" ... data centers ... building them in rural areas, which happen to have an excess of animal waste. The heat from a data center could be used to improve the process by which the waste turns it into methane, which can be used in place of natural gas or diesel, HP's researchers maintain. "

"... average dairy cow, ... produces approximately 120 pounds of waste a day. It would take 10,000 cows to produce enough energy for a data center big enough to support a bank.  "

Via:  Fierce CIO LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 06:32 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

While driving through Chester County, Pa to pick my son up from a camping trip I saw an Amerigreen gas station and thought I should check it out ... in addition to gas they sell diesel, propane and heating oil.  In addition to biodiesel and bio heating oil they have  E85.

"E85 Ethanol (85% ethanol, 15% gasoline) is a clean fuel with superior performance characteristics. It burns cleaner than gasoline, is renewable, and environmentally safer."

 "... we became one of the first oil companies in the United States to provide our customers with 100% North American made fuel--drilled, refined, and sold exclusively in North America. ..."

Via:  Amerigreen  LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 07:46 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

My brother and his girlfriend sent photo's of her new Ford Fusion Hybrid.  They and the car live in the Research Triangle Park area in NC ... 

Buying a hybrid can help you as an individual take action and be greener ... here is a real word experience.

They report ..."We went to the beach week before last and got about 39mpg averaging 70mph.  The Fusion has an LCD dashboard display for everything except the speedometer, and uses a “growing  vine” to show how well you are managing the hybrids capabilities."

That is some pretty good MPG ... stay tuned for more updates on the Fusion.

Via:  Greentechnolog and ES  LINK 

Posted by Green Dude at 07:42 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

"MIT ... two new airplane designs ... create more environmentally friendly planes ... quieter ... can take off from shorter runways ... ..."

" ... “D” or “double bubble,” would use 70 percent less fuel than a Boeing 737, according to MIT. Note the long, skinny wings and the small tail."

"NASA will pick two of the six teams to move forward, probably within the next few months. ... these planes won’t be ready to fly until 2035. ..."

Via:  SmartPlanet LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 07:24 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

"... U.S. Chamber of Commerce Business Civic Leadership Center (BCLC) and Siemens Corporation has presented the 3rd Annual Siemens Sustainable Community Award ... to the City of Philadelphia. ... recognizes Philadelphia’s outstanding efforts to achieve complementary economic, environmental and social goals, ..."

"... training our workforce to install solar panels and cool roofs, and we’re putting Philadelphians to work weatherizing homes and installing green stormwater management infrastructure."

Via: City of Philadelphia LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 12:29 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

About a week ago I wrote about the cool roof project in Philadelphia [LINK].  The winning block was just announced ... the 1200 Block of Wolf Street.

The residents on this block showed tremendous enthusiasm and community spirit in their quest to become the 'Coolest'. Plus, every roof on the block is suitable for a 'cool roof' coating! 

"In the coming weeks, ... this block ... receive its prize-an energy audit and energy-efficient upgrades, such as insulation, air sealing and a 'cool roof'! And we'll celebrate with a block party in June!"

" ...  check out their winning essay!"

"Cool roofs reflect the sun's heat ... are about 50-80 degrees cooler than typical asphalt roofs and come in a variety of colors.  White is the "coolest" because it most efficiently reflects the sun's rays. "

Via:  RetroFit Philly LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 05:29 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Springside School - Chestnut Hill, Philadelphia has  the largest solar installation in the city of Philadelphia.  You can see the solar progress with the monitoring station ... the system has the capacity of 92.4 kW DC.

As of May 15th, 2010 the system has generated 21,201 kWH - equivalent to powering 2 homes for a year.

See  the current operation / historical data at LINK

 Via:  Springside School  LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 05:32 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

"The Delaware Solid Waste Authority ... is near completion of an environmentally green project of constructing a landfill phyto-cap (vegetative covering) over a landfill for the purpose of treating leachate generated by rainwater and decomposition of materials at the Solid Waste Management Center in Sandtown, Del."

" ... generates an average of 8,000 gallons of leachate each day. ... natural cap, technically known as a “phyto cap” was the answer utilizing an environmentally friendly leachate treatment system that avoids having to transport and store the waste."

" ... The phyto cap is 25-acres in size and consists of man-made wetlands and over 10,000 planted trees that play a crucial role in the water recycling process. ..."

Via: Water Efficiency  LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 08:34 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Real Estate developers are seeing the value in being able to offer sustainable green buildings.

"Aegis Property Group ... integrating energy and environmental leadership principals and practices into its development management services capabilities. ...Corporate commitment to LEED program. ...an active leadership role ... in the Green Building Council ... continuing education in green principles and LEED ... Advocacy of green principles ... as appropriate in our client’s projects."

"Sustainable design, construction and operation ... is no longer a luxury - it is an absolute necessity."

Via:  AEGIS Property Group  LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 07:54 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

" ... RetroFIT PHILLY "Coolest Block" contest ... with product and technology contributions from The Dow Chemical Company ... invites row home owners to enter to win energy-saving cool roof, air sealing and insulation upgrades for their entire block."

"... Greenworks Philadelphia  goal is to retrofit 15 percent of the city's row home roofs, and the 'Coolest Block' contest is jumpstarting this effort," said Philadelphia Mayor Michael A. Nutter...."

" ... cool roofs are a proven way to combat urban heat island effect. The roof's exterior is 50 – 80 degrees cooler on hot summer days, helping to lower high temperatures and improve air quality. ..."

Via: The Dow Chemical Company  LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 09:11 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Via:  SmartPlanet  LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 06:48 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

 FiberCell technology uses a honeycomb shape that allows  for greater light absorption ... by catching light from multiple angles having more periods of "peak" efficiency.  The cells are fiber based and use dye from the pokeberry to increase efficiency.  FiberCell is based in Winston-Salem NC.

"FiberCell ... strong IP position comes from a portfolio of patents covering its unique light gathering design, absorber compositions, and manufacturing approach.... "

" ... FiberCell absorbers are fully integrated into the light collection system, making it a solar cell and solar concentrator in one. ...  "

" ...  depends only in part on organic absorbers. This allows for better overall sealant performance. ... During a day, FiberCell can generate up to twice the power of a traditional flat panel device of the same effeciency rating ...  Internal resistances are very low for the cells. ... Rugged performance with continued module funtion even when individual cells are lost due to damage ..."

Via:  Fibercell  LINK  and SmartPlanet

Posted by Green Dude at 06:23 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Ready to drink once used water?  Folks in Cloudcroft, NM do - every day !

Cloudcroft NM runs 100% on recycled water.  From soup to nuts - washing to drinking ... toilet to tap !

" ... a town of ... 800 ... used to ... truck in upwards of 20,000 gallons of fresh water every day. ... got $600,000 from the state to put toward a $2 million water re-use system."

" ...“zero discharge” system is very unusual ... people tend get about phobic about the idea of drinking water that has been used for some other purpose ... sort of system you might find on a submarine ... everything is ... closed-loop. ..."

" ... ITT technologies ... include the Sanitaire membrane bioreactor, the WET reverse osmosis system, and the PCI ultrafiltration system.

Via:  SmartPlanet  LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 06:44 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Google has made its first DIRECT investment in a production scale wind farm ... 

" ... wind farms that generate 169.5 megawatts of power, enough to power more than 55,000 homes. ... developed by NextEra Energy Resources, ... use existing transmission capacity to deliver clean energy to the region ... $38.8 million investment, we’re aiming to accelerate the deployment of renewable energy ..."

" ... been looking at investments in renewable energy projects, ... that can accelerate the deployment of the latest clean energy technology ... providing attractive returns to Google and more capital for developers to build additional projects."

" ..  uses some of the latest wind turbine technology and control systems ... turbines can continuously adjust the individual blade pitch angles to achieve optimal efficiency ... larger blades with 15 percent more swept area than earlier generations, ..."

Via:  Google  LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 04:47 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Check out this float-o-voltaic system at Far Niente Winery in Oakville, California.  Since land is so expensive / valuable they using an irrigation pond to "host" their solar system.  Via: Far Niente Winery  LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 05:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Brooklyn may not be the first place you thing of when ROOFTOP gardens come to mind ... BUT Roof Top Farms grows pumpkins, peas and other produce - organically.

" ...The garden, 15 m above the Greenpoint sidewalk, is like a peaceful oasis in an otherwise throbbing industrial district. ..."

" ... Rooftop Farms project started in 2008 ... About 90 tonnes of specially mixed soil from Philadelphia was spread on the roof in March 2009 ... The garden users receive organic waste for their patches from the restaurants who by some of the vegetables, enabling them to avoid the use of artificial fertilisers."

Other benefits include controlling water runoff and less water treatment needed as well as possible reduced heating / cooling loads on the buildings.

Via: Sustainable Cities  LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 06:32 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

In a recent daily email from my college - Lafayette College, Easton, PA - there was a link about green graduation gowns.

Seems more colleges and universities are going green and using gowns made from recycled materials ... typically plastic bottles.

" ... University of Texas students ... saving 23 water bottles from landfills just by donning their cap and gown."

"GreenWeaver graduation regalia are being introduced to graduates at several universities nationwide this year as part of the growing movement to make graduation ceremonies more eco-friendly."

" ... Michigan State University is printing diplomas and graduation programs on recycled paper in addition to using recycled caps and gowns. Texas State University in San Marcos, Texas will be using artificial flowers to decorate the stage ... Lafayette College ... is offering biodegradable robes that will easily degrade after one wear."

Via:  ABCNews LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 05:17 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

"UPS ... became the first small package carrier to offer its customers the ability to offset the carbon dioxide emissions generated by the transport of their packages within the United States."

" ... offer U.S. shippers the option of paying a small fee to calculate and offset the climate impact of the shipment of each of their packages. information about UPS carbon neutral services is available at ups.com/carbonneutral."

" ... To encourage customers to participate ... UPS will match the offset purchases, effectively doubling the offsets purchased in 2009-2010, up to $1 million."

" ...  the carbon offset process is ... certified by The CarbonNeutral Company. "

Posted by Green Dude at 05:41 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

UPS " ... put 200 additional hybrid electric delivery trucks to work in Austin, Houston, Philadelphia, Washington, New York, Minneapolis and Louisville. ... had 50 of these vehicles in Atlanta, Dallas, Houston and Phoenix; ... another 20,000 low-emission and alternative fuel vehicles throughout its fleet ... In all, about 1,000 of the fleet is hybrid while the rest are low emission types."

" ... will cut its fuel consumption by 176,000 gallons annually, compared with putting an equivalent number of new diesel trucks on the road. .. reduction in carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions is about 1,786 metric tons, ..."

Via:  Smart Planet  LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 08:12 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Wonder how plastic bags get recycled? You see the recycling bins in most grocery stores that take #1 and #2 plastic bags and newspaper sleeves. Watch the video to see how they are recycled back to plastic material.

Trex recycles 2 billion bags / year and turns then into "plastic lumber" and recycles most of the other non PE that comes in with the plastic bags when they are recycled.



Via: Clean Skies LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 08:31 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Amtrak is experimenting with a bio-diesel fueled train ... called the Heartland Flyer.  

" ...  nation’s first-ever test of a cleaner and renewable biodiesel fuel blend to power a daily interstate passenger train between Oklahoma City and Fort Worth ... research project ... on the daily Heartland Flyer train operated by Amtrak ... biodiesel blend includes beef byproduct and is provided by a Texas-based vendor."

" ... the biodiesel blend known as B20 (20% pure biofuel and 80% diesel) reduced hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide each by 10 percent, reduced particulates by 15 percent and sulfates by 20 percent. ... measurements will be taken ... at the end of 12 months so any impact of the biodiesel on valves and gaskets can be measured...."

Via:  Amtrak LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 06:06 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Happy Earth Day !!

 Today is the  40th anniversary of Earth Day !!

To learn more about Earth Day 2010 and things ** YOU ** can do ... LINK

Via: Earth Day 2010  LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 05:14 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Emeco chairs are traditionally made from 100 recyclable aluminum (80% recycled content).  Their expected life of 150 years makes adds to the sustainability.

Now they are making a chair from recycled Coke bottles ... 111 bottles per chair.  " ... 111 Navy Chair: When you recycle a plastic bottle, you're doing something good. When you recycle 111 of them, you're doing something great. Help your bottle become something extraordinary again."

Via:  Emeco Chairs  LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 06:11 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Green Touch is a program at Alcatel-Lucent that focuses on green aspects of technology.  " ... looking at how the world of telecommunications is responding to the urgency of preserving our natural environment.  ... Green Touch ... a consortium of telecoms operators, manufacturers, universities and non-profit organisations with a mission to conceive and demonstrate the effectiveness of this revolutionary low-energy network - all within the next five years… "

To see the associated video follow the link and look for "Innovation at Work / Green Touch" LINK 

Via:  Alcatel-Lucent  LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 07:11 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Want to get an idea of your carbon footprint?  Know what a "carbon footprint" is?

" ... measure of the impact our activities have on the environment, and in particular climate change. ... amount of greenhouse gases produced in our day-to-day lives through burning fossil fuels ..."

"... units of tonnes (or kg) of carbon dioxide equivalent."

" ... primary footprint is a measure of our direct emissions .. including domestic energy consumption and transportation ...  secondary footprint is  ... indirect CO2 emissions from the whole lifecycle of products we use - those associated with their manufacture and eventual breakdown. ..."

Check out the link below for a great personal carbon footprint calculator.  There is also a calculator for business.

Knowing what makes up your carbon footprint gives you options to reduce its size.

Via:  carbonfootprint LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 05:28 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Ideally you should use a reusable cup rather than a disposable cup.  I try to .... how about you?

Some coffee places even reward you for using your own cup.  Starbucks gives a 10 cent / cup discount when you bring your own cup.

But sometimes you just need to use a disposable cup ... but rather than toss it when the coffee is done --- can you find another use for it?

"58 billion paper coffee cups are thrown in the trash each year. ... teamed up with the betacup to bring you the Coffee Cup Challenge! ... Enter your awesome idea for a paper cup reuse and win a solar-powered Voltaic backpack!"

For the rules see the link at the bottom of this post ... 

Via:  Instructables  LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 08:13 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Everyone has seen trucks idling when they seem to be "just waiting" at a truck or rest stop.  Many drivers keep the engine running to allow for heating / cooling and even to run appliances in their sleeper cab.

While diesels are efficient they are polluting ... and use fuel at the rate of a gallon / hour at idle.

TSE - Truck Stop Electrification "... helps drivers, their trucks and our planet rest a bit easier. Supported by Carbonfund.org ... reduces tailpipe emissions ... system consists of an in-cab service module ... that heats, cools, and powers the interior of the truck ... without forcing the engine to burn diesel while saving about a gallon of diesel per hour. ... over one hundred locations throughout the United States."

Via: CarbonFund.org Blog LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 08:06 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

China is looking to use off shore wind farms to help power the country ... with a significant part of the population on the eastern shore this may prove to better than bringing coal generated power in from the west of China.

China will " ... bring online ... its first offshore wind farm, a 102-megawatt array located in the Yangtze River delta ..."

"... latest in a series of moves ... to pad its lead as the world’s largest market for wind power. ..."

" ... Azure International predicts that China will install 514 megawatts of offshore wind over the next three to four years. By 2010, ... expected to invest $100 billion to install up to 30,000 megawatts ..."

Via:  SmartPlanet LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 02:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Folks in Sonoma, California are working to design and refine a Passive House ... but what exactly is a passive home?

" ... a building that has a minimal impact on its surroundings. ... as systems unto themselves. ... well-insulated — virtually airtight — ... most of the “heat” ... comes from the humans and appliances and other stuff running in them. Heat exchangers are used to circulate it. ... in the United States ... focus has been certifying according the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED framework ...."

Via:  SmartPlanet  LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 07:22 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Bio fuel is being looked at for cars and commercial jets ... now the USAF is looking to see if J8 jet fuel can be supplemented or even replaced by bio-jet fuel.

"... Air Force consumes 2.4 billion gallons of jet fuel each year ... 40th Flight Test Squadron is on a mission to change that.  ... climbing into the cockpits of jets filled, in part, with alternative fuels."

" ... A-10C Thunderbolt II took off from Eglin Air Force Base in Florida powered by Hydrotreated Renewable Jet (HRJ) and JP-8 (Jet Propellant 8, the military standard and kerosene-based). ... mission is being considered a success: a fighter jet can fly on a synthetic fuel blend."

Via:  SmartPlanet  LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 07:22 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Canvas Dreams is a green sustainable web host service based in Oregon.  They are green from their source of power to their business practices.

"... is a sustainable Web host based in Portland, Oregon. ... firstt Web hosting company in the Pacific Northwest to use 100% clean wind energy, generated locally by Portland General Electric ... commitment to sustainable practices ... a sustainability program, including a reduction in waste and energy usage, responsible electronics and plastic

recycling, telecommuting and carpooling, ..."

Via: Canvas Dreams Sustainable Web Hosting LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 09:53 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

While at the National Geographic Museum in DC I noticed that their entrance doors are made by Besam and were marked as "low energy power operated door".

Many businesses are reluctant to not have the door always open to make the store more inviting and easier for customers to come in - this wastes tremendous amounts of energy and money in heating and cooling costs.

" ... Besam strives to manufacture ... automatic entrances in a manner that limits their impact on the environment, ... "

" ...study conducted .... energy use and customer counts were monitored before and after the installation of Besam Holland’s “Green Door” ..."

" ... cost of heating the shop was reduced by 43%. ... there was virtually no decrease in the number of customers entering the store after the installation of the automatic sliding door."

Automated doors have been shown to both save energy and keep store traffic at high levels.

Via:  Besam.com LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 05:01 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Ghost power users are devised that are "turned" off but still draw power.  Included in this  category are batter charges used for cell phones and the like.

Most people leave these charges plugged in all the time and they are "burning power" all the time.  Feel the charger and it is usually warm .... wasting electricity.

"AT&T estimates their customers consume enough energy by leaving idle phone chargers in the walls to power 24,000 homes for a year. ... their new ZERO charger .... Available at the end of May ... will sense when it is not connected to a cellular phone and will block the power supply from the socket."

Via: SmartPlanet LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 06:02 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Whether you are a landlord, run a bar or hotel there are things YOU can do to celebrate Earth Hour. 

"Earth Hour 2010 is a global call to stand up, to show leadership and be responsible for our future. ..."

Show you support for Earth Hour by ... "Turning off your lights at 8.30PM on March 27 ... Adding Earth Hour widgets, logos and banners to your blog or website ...Get together with your friends and family, by hosting an Earth Hour party or holding your own candlelit affair ...Encourage your employer and workmates to take part in Earth Hour and make energy savings every day ... "

For the full list LINK

Via:  Earth Hour LINK

To create the next generation of water heaters, GE rethought every aspect of this appliance from the ground up. The result is an innovative new product that can reduce water heater operating cost up to 62% and save $320 per year.* That adds up to significant savings, and you won't have to give up a single drop of hot water.

Via:  GE LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 06:33 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Earth Hour 2010 is just a few days away.

Earth Hour is a symbolic way of supporting global action for the environment.  For  the lst few years folks all around the globe haves turned off their lights for one hour as a very visible show of support.

"Earth Hour 2010 will continue to be a global call to action to every individual, every business and every community. A call to stand up, to show leadership and be responsible for our future."

"Pledge your support here and turn off your lights for one hour, Earth Hour, 8.30pm, Saturday 27th March 2010."

Via:  Earth Hour LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 06:06 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

India has lots of gas and diesel powered rickshaws ... these emit significant quantities of pollution ... there is work to outfit rickshaws with batteries and an electric motor.  These cost close to 3 x the cost of a traditional rickshaw but the government may offer loans to help offset the cost differential.

" ... Soleckshaw ... can either be pedaled or run off of a 36-volt battery that is charged every 45 miles from a solar charging station ... prototype ... seats three and has electric lights, an FM radio, four mobile phone chargers, and can travel at 12 and a half miles per hour. ..."

Via:  cleanechnica LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 06:32 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Movie theaters are embracing the the green movement including LEED.

" ... theaters are making an effort to help viewers go green ... including Georgia-based Carmike Cinemas ... built a LEED-certified theater in Chattanooga, Tenn., which opened in November ... "

" ... Environmentally conscious theater construction and design are growing trends ... Some theaters are installing solar panels ... and using recycled building materials for new theaters and existing facilities that are under renovation."

Via: FORBES LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 06:26 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Darden Restaurants - owner of Red Lobster and other restaurant brands - is embracing the USGBC LEED Standards.

" ... launching a sustainable restaurant design initiative ... will require that all new restaurants be built to the U.S. Green Building Council's LEED standards ... need to be built following the LEED Rating Systems code when feasible."

" ... launching with eight restaurants that have been built, or are in the process of being built, to achieve LEED certification."

Via: FORBES LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 06:36 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

DASANI® Water (part of the Coca-Cola Company) is rolling our plant bottles in the western US.  These bottles have UP TO 30% plant-sourced plastic and are just as recyclable - 100% - as their normal #1 PET bottles.

" ... Today, the plant-based material is made from sugar cane juice and/or molasses, which is a by-product of producing sugar."

" ... in Denmark, 65 percent of PlantBottle packaging will come from a combination of recycled and plant-based material ... "

" ... Ultimately, our goal is to develop recyclable plastic bottles made from plant-based waste -- thereby turning waste into a resource."

Via:  DASANI® LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 05:39 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Dixon Golf's "GREEN" golf balls are truly green - made with recycled materials and themselves recyclable.

" ...first high-performance eco-friendly golf balls ... all balls manufactured by Dixon Golf are "green" to the core ... 100% recyclable and made from reprocessable materials ... packaging is made from 100% recycled material."

Via: LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 04:57 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

"PlanetSolar ... topped by a large array of photovoltaic solar panels ... will be both silent and clean. The goal is to navigate around the world at an average speed of 8 knots ..."

" .. will be home to two sailors during the round-the-world attempt, and can accommodate up to fifty people during the promotional trips planned ..."

Via:  PlanetSolar  LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 05:27 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

GE has created a new water heater - a next generation - that saves energy by novel use of technology.  Advanced (for a water heater at least) technology from other areas like sophisticated controls, hybrid modes and heat pumps can result in a very energy efficient water heater.

" ...  GE rethought every aspect of this appliance from the ground up. ... can reduce water heater operating cost up to 62% and save $320 per year ... "

" eHeat™ Mode (most energy efficient mode) ... [using a heat pump] removes heat from the surrounding air, heats the water ... Time required to heat water is longer in this mode, but should be adequate for normal demand households. ... Hybrid Mode (default mode) Combines ... eHeat with the recovery speed and power of standard electric. ...  High Demand Mode ... higher than average water usage ... Standard Electric Mode ... faster than all other modes but it is the LEAST energy-efficient mode."

A control panel at eye level allows for easy access  and control.  Leave it alone or use it as needed to customize your hot water needs . " ... enables the vacation mode " .... system will drop the temperature set point to 50°F to save energy ... preventing the water from freezing ... automatically heats the water to the previous set temperature the day before you are expected to return. ..."

The GeoSpring electric heat pump water heater is the first residential electric water heater with an electronic back-lit LCD display. The panel features a user-friendly control system located at eye-level to eliminate the need to bend down to the floor to adjust temperature settings. Changing the mode and temperature is as easy as following the on-screen menu. This easy-to-use electronic control panel offers both simplicity and flexibility, giving consumers as much or as little control as they like.

Via:  GE LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 06:33 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Chemists at UCLA have created a "gene" that might capture CO2 and help control CO2 emissions.

"UCLA chemists report creating a synthetic "gene" that could capture ... carbon dioxide emissions, which contribute to global warming, rising sea levels and the increased acidity of oceans."

" ... taken organic and inorganic units and combined them into a synthetic crystal which codes information in a DNA-like manner ... no means as sophisticated as DNA, but it is certainly new in chemistry and materials science."

" ... could lead to cleaner energy, including technology that factories and cars can use to capture carbon dioxide before it reaches the atmosphere."

" ... invented a class of materials called metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), sometimes described as crystal sponges ... openings on the nanoscale ... which ... can store gases that are usually difficult to store and transport. ..."

Via:  UCLA  LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 05:52 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

The "Low Carbon World" website ... www.LowCarbonEconomy.com - was officially launched today ... [25-Feb-2010] ...in Bali, Indonesia at the United Nations Environment Programme's annual Governing Council. ... joint project between Low Carbon Economy.com and the United Nation's Climate Neutral Network ... aims to facilitate the move to global low carbon economies, ..."

" ... will assist knowledge transfer and simplify access to information and tools that can be difficult to trace ... will list every country's carbon policies, commitments, historical performance, future projections and opportunities, ..."

Posted by Green Dude at 05:50 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

The reasons to recycle are many and should be helpful to any business ... lower  cost with less trash to dispose and pay for and "bragging rights" to promote are just two ... Yet two very large "inductries" have not jumped on the recycling bandwagon ...

" ... a The New York Times article, Leaving the Trash Behind, explored the aviation industry’s massive contribution to global waste ... millions of plastic bottles discarded at security checkpoints, but separate recycling containers in terminals or on board planes are not common. ...no industry standard for recycling ..."

"Recycling procedures vary by airline and airport. Environmental programs involve many entities ... each of the nation’s 552 commercial "airports has its own way of handling waste."

" ... Continental Airlines has been recycling oil, antifreeze and other aircraft maintenance products for two or three years. Recently it began onboard collection of bottles, aluminum cans and cardboard boxes. ..."

" ... Green America, an environmental group, started a campaign to get air travelers to report back on their website what airlines were recycling ... to hold the industry accountable in enforcing their polities and to push them to do better."

" ... medical centers are the second-largest waste producers in the United States, after the food industry. ... In operating rooms, some items that are never even used are thrown away simply because they are taken out of their packaging and could have been contaminated."

Via: SmartPlanet LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 07:58 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

BloomEnergy has announced a novel fuel cell and unlike typical fuel cells if does not require precious metal catalysts. Fuel cells are typcially "cleaner" than other power sources.

" ..  an innovative new fuel cell technology ... derived from a common sand-like powder ... technology is able to produce clean, reliable, affordable power,... practically anywhere,... from a wide range of renewable or traditional fuels."

" ... Energy Servers™ are among the most efficient energy generators on the planet; providing for significantly reduced electricity costs and dramatically lower greenhouse gas emissions ... "

" ... Originally called Ion America, Bloom Energy, was founded with the mission to make clean, reliable energy affordable for everyone on earth."

" ... After two years of successful field trials in Tennessee, California, and Alaska, to validate the technology, the first commercial (100kW) products were shipped to Google in July 2008."

" ... Bloom's Energy Servers have helped our customers generate millions of kWhs of electricity and eliminate millions of pounds of CO₂ from the environment."

Via:  BloomEnergy LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 03:58 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

David de Rothschild has built a boat from recycled plastic bottles and plans to sail it from San Francisco in the US to Sydney, Australia. 

 Yes he is from the famous Rothschild family. 

The boat and crew will travel in a green manner (composting toilets and vertical green garden fertilized by composted poop) Power for on board electronics comes from solar cells and wind turbines.  The boat uses glue made from cashew nuts.

Follow the journey and check out the web site for lots of geen info.

Via:  Plastiki  LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 06:48 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

... "Selection -- Walmart will focus on the product categories with the highest embedded carbon. This is defined as the amount of life cycle GHG emissions per unit multiplied by the amount the company sells. To find the embedded carbon, the ASC reviewed the GHG emissions associated with all Walmart product categories. This approach ensures the project team focuses on the categories that have the greatest opportunity for reductions. Reductions can come from any part of a product’s life cycle." ...

Continue reading "Walmart green supply chain opportunity wiil target carbon intense products" »

Posted by Green Tech at 02:29 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Along the lines of which is better for the environment - paper or plastic bags is the "which is better for the environment" paper or digital format for documents.  Bet you are leaning towards digital --- I am.

" ... main selling points ... of eReaders is that they are greener than print. ... common view held by consumers ... is that going digital means going green and saving trees. Many are in for a rude awakening. ... subjected to ‘cradle-to-cradle’ life cycle analysis, eReading is not nearly as green as many naively assume it is."

" ... Computers, eReaders, and cell phones don’t grow on trees and their spiraling requirement for energy is unsustainable."

" ... digital devices require a constant flow of electrons that predominately come from the combustion of coal, and at the end of their all-too-short useful lives electronics have become the single largest stream of toxic waste created by man...."

Via:  ZDNet  LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 06:01 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

" ... The number of affordable, energy-efficient modular homes continues to increase as Pennsylvania-based builder Excel Homes offers a new line aimed at first-time buyers ... targeted to be sold for under $100,000, and depending on region, for as low as $60,000. ..."

" ... Excel Homes ... has built 28,000 modular homes since its founding in 1984 ...  built in sect

ions ... in Liverpool, Pa., and Marlboro, N.Y., and transported ... where they are assembled... come with the government's Energy Star label for energy efficiency ... prices do not include the cost of land...."

Via: USAToday LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 02:35 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Posted by Green Dude at 07:12 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

San Francisco is known for embracing many things green.  The city recently developed and released an iPhone app for recycling information.

"San Franciscans already lead the nation in recycling – in May [2009] we announced a 72% diversion rate of all materials going to the landfill ... pledged to recycle 75% of the materials that would otherwise go to the landfill by 2010 and zero waste by 2020."

" ... find out where to recycle or properly dispose of materials using ... location-based mobile application. Instead of dumping old electronics or furniture on the sidewalk, the EcoFinder iPhone app tells you where these materials should go, based on your location."

Via:  CleanTechnica  LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 05:57 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Posted by Green Dude at 05:25 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

U2 has taken a novel approach to getting fans to getting fans to think about the bands carbon footprint and in doing so may help promote the idea of carbon offsets.

U2's show uses quite a bit of carbon in getting things set up and moved around the world.  They are promoting to fans that they can do their part to help offset the carbon footprint of the concert when they buy tickets ... read on for more.

Posted by Green Dude at 06:38 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Via:  Ford LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 06:35 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Scientists from CalTech have developed technology that might lead efficient solar cells from silicon nanowires.  This could lead to all sorts of configurations for solar cells including fabrics.

" ... CalTech scientists say they have the underlying technology. Silicon nanowires, arranged in arrays, have been engineered that ... grab power from visible light ..."

" ... a cell geometry that not only uses 1/100th the material of traditional wafer-based devices, but also may offer increased photovoltaic efficiency owing to an effective optical concentration of up to 20 times ...”

"If nanowires can be woven into a viable matrix, combined with other material, it means fabrics can double as solar connectors, once they have a way to off-load the power they create."

Via:  SmartPlanet  LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 06:32 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

H-P's newest data center in Wynyard England is cooled ENTIRELY by wind blowing off the nearby North Sea.  The North Sea is cold and so are its winds. It is H-P's greenest data center yet ...

The " ... new 360,00 sq. ft. Wynyard center is 40 percent more energy-efficient than conventional data centers ..."

" ... Traditional data centers use thousands of megawatt hours per year ... if they were classed as a separate industry, they would be the sixth-largest user of electricity ... "

 Other energy saving / carbon saving features of the Wynyard data center are: " ... harvesting rainwater ... to maintain proper humidity levels in the air that’s brought in from outside ... light-colored server racks because they reflect light, allowing for 40 percent less lighting to be installed compared to using black cabinets."

"HP had previously announced that it plans to reduce the combined energy consumption of operations and products by 25 percent below 2005 levels by 2010."

Via:  SmartPlanet LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 06:26 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Volvo is looking at a possible new battery technology that can double as the car "skin".    The idea is to make new hybrids lighter and more efficient by having the car's "skin" serve a dual purpose.

"Researchers from Imperial College London ... and Volvo are developing a prototype material that’s strong and light enough to be used as a car’s skin but can store and discharge electrical energy."

" ... material is made of carbon fibers and a polymer resin and can store and discharge large amounts of energy much more quickly than conventional batteries."

" ... does not use chemical processes, making it quicker to recharge than conventional batteries. Unlike conventional chemical batteries, the recharging process also causes little degradation in the composite material."

" ... could also be used as both battery and shell of consumer electronic devices such as mobile phones and computers. Without conventional batteries, the devices could be smaller and more lightweight."

Via:  SmartPlanet  LINK

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A MIT spin-off has created a solar powered refrigerator that can bring cooling to those far from the electric grid - especially those in developing countries like India and China.

"Promethean Power Systems has developed a solar-powered refrigeration system for commercial cold-storage applications in off-grid and partially electrified areas of developing countries. ... store and preserve perishable food items ... without the need for expensive diesel-powered generators"

" ... a for-profit enterprise. We believe that creating a cost-effective solution for cold-chain food distribution in emerging markets is an excellent business opportunity that could deliver enormous social and environmental benefits."

" ...  study revealed a large business opportunity in India for an efficient cold-storage solution targeted to the dairy industry ... Cold-storage at the village level minimizes the number of collection trips and reduces transportation cost in half. Today, the only alternative is to use commercial refrigerators with diesel-powered backup generators, a no-win situation that further exposes the dairies to escalating energy prices. "

Via:  Coolectrica  LINK

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" ... what to do with the 30 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide the human race produces every year by burning fossil fuels. Half ... is absorbed by oceans, plants and trees. The rest contributes to the atmospheric build-up of greenhouse gas ..."

" ... a bold solution that will inevitably come up is to capture and sequester some of that carbon dioxide deep underground. Onshore geologic cavities in the U.S. could hold 2 trillion tons of CO₂ ... enough to soak up 300 years of national output ... and would generate a good deal of anxiety for those living above the gas...."

" ... put the carbon where nobody lives ... a perfect place 130 miles off the eastern U.S. seaboard and 2 miles below the ocean ... porous sandstone formation, trapped under 3,200 feet of hard shale, that stretches from New Jersey to Georgia ... "

"SCS Energy ... aims to start injecting CO₂ into this undersea rock by 2016 and to make a profit ... "

" ... technique called coal gasification that heats coal and partially combusts it in pure oxygen to make carbon monoxide and hydrogen. Adding water turns the carbon monoxide into CO₂. The 5 million tons of CO₂ produced annually by the plant would be piped out to sea and injected into ... sandstone. Almost all the hydrogen would be used to power a turbine during hours when the price of electricity is high. When power prices are lower, more hydrogen would be diverted to make ammonia or urea for fertilizer."

"Carbon capture and storage on a large scale is still more theoretical than real ... Sequestration's critics are legion, but it may be a requirement to meet the 2020 greenhouse-gas-reduction goals most countries set for themselves prior to the Copenhagen talks...."

Via:  Forbes  LINK

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• Ford's new Transit Connect is the ideal taxi platform as it is both big enough to accommodate CNG or Propane fuel tanks and is available with CNG or Propane engine options that from Ford - maintaining the  manufacturers warranty.

" ... meeting with taxi operators ... found considerable interest for vehicles that run on alternative fuels ..."

“ ... they provide an overall lower emission of greenhouse gases compared to gasoline. Additionally, operating on CNG or LPG provides the operators lower fuel/operating costs ..."

Posted by Green Dude at 02:40 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

The GSA is renovating the 18 story federal building in Portland, Oregon.  Green features include a vertical green wall and reduced water usage with low flow fixtures and recycled roof water.

"... part of a $133 million renovation, the General Services Administration wants to grow “vegetated fins” on the western facade of the Edith Green-Wendell Wyatt Federal Building ... save energy year-round using one of Mother Nature’s own tools."

" ... will use 60 to 65 percent less energy than comparable buildings. That translates to an energy cost savings of $280,000 per year."

"Solar panels could also provide up to 15 percent of the building’s power needs. Energy use for lighting will be halved."

Posted by Green Dude at 06:51 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

United Technologies is looking at how blood captures CO2 to see if this has potential for larger scale carbon capture / sequestration.  One targeted industry is coal-fired power plants.

"Blood cells in all breathing creatures are constantly capturing carbon dioxide and moving it someplace better--just what coal-fired power plant operators may soon have to do with all the carbon dioxide produced by burning coal."

" ... trying to develop industrial blood--a synthetic version of the enzyme that blood uses to capture CO2 ... best known chemistry for CO2 management ... "

"Current carbon capture approaches use chemicals ... system has to be huge and the process requires a pile of heat, which means a pile of energy and therefore a pile of cash. The cost of electricity from a coal-fired plant is projected to rise 80% in order to pay for a 90% reduction in CO2."

" ... envisions a simpler, cheaper system involving membranes that sift carbon dioxide out of the flue gas ...  hopes to do is dope the membrane with a substance based on the enzyme that blood uses to capture CO2, called carbonic anhydrase."c--are also working to develop carbon capture devices based on carbonic anhydrase.

Via:  Forbes LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 06:16 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

 "San Francisco based, Climate Earth has developed new software technology that measures and analyzes the carbon impact inside the supply chain, from the production of a carton of orange juice to the construction of a giant skyscrape ...

Via: SmartPlanet  LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 07:50 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

"Equator Coffees ... is going green ... using sustainable farming practices to grow their coffee cherries by partnering with local farmers in developing countries. On their site, they also have a smart coffee roaster that burns 80 percent less natural gas than a traditional coffee roaster and a food composter that turns excess coffee waste into fertilizer."

To learn more about Equator Coffee CLICK HERE.

Via:  SmartPlanet LINK

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Dow has products for many part of the green economy ... from solar cells to batteries for electric cars to materials for solar cells.

"Dow ... has embarked upon a multi-pronged strategy to capitalize on the demand for renewable energy and low-carbon alternatives to conventional products. ... "

" ... Dow's secret [is] ... Material science, i.e. membranes, coatings and other difficult-to-manufacture items that require a lot of chemical know-how. ... will have a huge impact on ... core green markets ..."

" ... Dow Corning ... brought a silicone sealant originally devised for outer space solar panels to the conventional solar panel market ... Dow signed a multimillion dollar, multi-year research alliance with Caltech to develop next generation solar technologies. ..."

" ... will sell copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS) solar roofing tiles. Initial customers for the tiles, developed in conjunction with Global Solar, include mass market home builders Lennar and Pulte Homes."

" ... is sponsoring Electric Avenue, the electric car hall at the North American International Auto Show  .... Dow Kokam, a joint venture, will also discuss batteries for electric cars at the show."

" ... wants a larger part of the water purification and desalination market, buying Rohm & Haas to help it expand ..."

Via:  Greentechmedia  LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 05:04 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

"Samsung and Korea Electric Power Corp. will invest $6.6 billion into wind and solar projects in Ontario ... will build and maintain power plants as well as erect four new factories in North America for making the equipment for the power plants ... plants will employ 1,440 and building and maintaining the power plant will keep 16,000 busy ..."

" ... 2.5 gigawatts of renewable capacity ... triple renewable capacity in Ontario."

" ... Samsung hopes to translate its expertise in electronics, deep financial pocket, and manufacturing heft into a leading role in building management systems, energy efficient electronics and solar power ... "

"Samsung has already stated a public goal of becoming number one in solar in 2015 ... laid out an ambitious carbon reduction plan ... wants to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from both its operations and from the use of its products by 50 percent by 2013 on a normalized sales basis...."

In 2008, Samsung and its products emitted 9.4 million tons of greenhouse gases with about 60 percent of the emissions coming indirectly through products. ..."

Via:  Greentechmedia  LINK

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Green buildings and designs are being found all across the country ... the Housing Authority Administration building in Newport, Tennessee is green.  Read about the many green features and technologies used.

" ... 8,585 square foot administration building ... Design included multiple "green" features: photovaltaic solar panels, geothermal heating and cooling, premium insulation package, Energy Star windows and lighting, low flow faucets and toilets and low impact site design. Project cost was $1,000,000.00."

Via:  McGraw-Hill Construction Community   LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 05:02 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

I came across the EnviroBubble wrap while looking for packing supplies on the U-Haul web site.  It looked interesting so I researched some and have an interesting post ...

"Sancell’s ... EnviroBubble is the worlds first totally degradable bubble wrap incorporates EPI’s TDPA (Totally Degradable Plastic Additives) ... Since its release in May 2005, Sancell’s EnviroBubble product has become an industry leader ... strengthening its reputation as the most effective, versatile, cost effective and environmentally friendly product available today ... a controlled shelf life of a minimum of 12 months as the TDPA additives are added at a controlled rate to monitor and control the useable life of the product and allowing the bags to degrade at a specific rate."

" ... Sancell have now introduced EnviroProtecta Bags – the worlds first totally degradable padded mailer bags."

Via: Sancell LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 05:32 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Via: United Technologies Corp. LINK

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Fuel cells are making there way to a food store near you - if you live in Dedham, Mass.

" ... newest and largest Whole Foods Market in New England ... in Dedham, MA. ... the first store in Massachusetts to generate on-site power with fuel cell technology (one of the cleanest forms of energy)! 90% of our power will be generated by this fuel cell - this is something that we are very proud of."

Via:  Whole Foods LINK  and United Technologies LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 06:38 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

" ... our corporate commitment ... on reducing waste and any harmful environmental impact throughout the manufacturing process or footprint ... we can’t eliminate all activities that affect the environment ... we can focus on the activities that can reduce our environmental impact ..."

"Lili ... is a commitment shared by the leaders and employees of Intertape to continually look for opportunities to lower our environmental impact so sustainability is within reach.  We invite you to do the same."

" ... try this suggestion for lowering your impact ...  Lower your energy consumption and save money by replacing bulky computer monitors with a flat panel monitor.  They use 1/3 of the electricity which is the equivalent to the savings of leaving a 50W bulb burning for one year. "

Via:  Intertape Polymer Group  LINK

Continue reading "Intertape Polymer Group - Green Packaging and Lili" »

Posted by Green Dude at 07:04 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

"Our product range includes: Areca palm leaf plates, sugarcane fibre (bagasse) tableware, GM-free starch cutlery, plantation timber cutlery, PLA Bioplastic cups and containers, PLA coated coffee cups, paper straws, recycled napkins and lots more..." 

"Green Pack caters for a wide range of customers. From wholesalers, hospitality, general business users to schools, hospitals, airlines and the general public. We also specialise in green event supply from the small private event to the supply of large organised public events."

Via: greenpack LINK

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Big Green Purse believes the way to drive environmentally friendly products is to spend on them ... and use dollars to vote in the marketplace.

" ... we believe that the fastest, easiest, most direct route to a clean and healthy environment is to shift our spending to environmentally-safe, socially responsible products and services."

" ... Big Green Purse ... our focus on women because women spend $.85 of every dollar in the marketplace. That's a lot of power packed in a purse...... used in a way that can't be ignored. ... encouraging A MILLION WOMEN to shift at least $1,000 of money they already spend for an initial $1 billion Big Green Purse impact. ..."

" ... saves you time. ... found products that are really green (not just "green washed") at prices you can afford ... pinpointed goods that are not only green but "fair trade," meaning people are paid a fair wage for their work and no child labor is involved."

Via:  Big Green Purse  LINK

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Puppy Toys have gone GREEN.

We recently got a puppy and have noticed there are lots of GREEN puppy (and cat) things to be had ...

" ... In an age of disposability, these products stand the test of time. ... Utilizing eco friendly materials, such as reclaimed cotton, organic cotton, eco fabric and stuffing made with IntelliLoft™ recycled fibers, reyclable Zogoflex, and recycled fabric that can be recycled again ... "

" ... developed a manufacturing process that minimizes waste (currently as low as 2.4%!) ... our state-of-the-art building ... was constructed using the latest developments in energy efficient design in 2001 ... building expansion in 2009 and 2010 ... reclaiming 30,000 lbs of concrete."

" ... Reclaimed and reused old boxes are utilized to store finished goods rather than plastic manufacturing totes ... also incorporate recycled material in our shipping boxes."

Via:  West Paw Design  LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 07:47 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Nissan has announced the Nissan Leaf - a zero emission electric car that is designed for "the mass market".  In addition to the car, Nissan is working with partners to develop the required infrastructure to support an a all electric car.  The LEAF is expected to be priced similar to other family sedans.

" ...  Nissan LEAF zero-emission, all-electric car ... five-passenger, five-door, gasoline-free car ..."

"Nissan is the only automaker committed to making all-electric vehicles available to the mass market on a global scale. ... has partnered on the development of an electric-vehicle infrastructure through partnerships in the State of Tennessee, the State of Oregon, Sonoma County, San Diego, Phoenix, Tucson, Washington D.C., Seattle, Raleigh, and Vancouver. Additionalpartnerships will be announced in the near future."

Via:  Nissan  LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 09:23 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

" ... Prince Charles, the U.K.'s version of Al Gore, has taken another step in a green direction: his 1970 Aston Martin DB6 has been converted to run entirely on bioethanol ... fuel ... made from a white wine produced near the prince's Highgrove Estate, itself a showcase for organic farming ..."

" ... goal of reducing emissions from his planes, trains, and automobiles 25% by 2018 ... European Union limits annual wine production, so any leftovers from England's current vintage can be converted to bioethanol by Green Fuels Ltd.... company has previously provided bioethanol to power the royal train. The prince's other vehicles, which include a smattering of Jaguars, a Range Rover, and an Audi, have been converted to run on bioethanol made from cooking oil...."

Via: RiverWired LINK

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"If you want ... ‘green’ biodiesel, but don’t want to produce it yourself, you can buy high quality fuel from one of our Green Fuels approved dealers nationwide ...you will always save money compared with standard garage fuels ... "

"Biodiesel is a clean-burning biofuel produced from domestic renewable resources such as used cooking oil, oil seed crops such as rapeseed, or unused vegetable oil. It is biodegradeable, non-toxic and carbon neutral ... has 80% lower emissions than mineral diesel, it dramatically reduces pollution. It is inexpensive and easy to produce at home and is safe to use in any diesel vehicle without any modifications to your engine."

" ... two models in the Fuelpod range by Green Fuels - the safest way to produce high quality biodiesel at home. Both are supplied as complete systems and have minimal operating costs, with exceptionally low electricity consumption."

Via: Green Fuels Ltd. LINK

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I am always on the lookout for something GREEN to write about ... the advertising on some Chinet products caught my eye.

While at my local Costco last night I saw some interesting information info on Chinet plates ... they are now compostable !!

"Preserving natural resources for future generations is important to us, and to our extended family, which includes you. So, start to finish, we pursue sustainable practices, from using recycled materials to produce our disposable tableware products to reducing the amount of energy we use and waste we create to make them. "

They have "how to do it" instructions for composting their plates along with other compostable material ...  LINK

 Chinet is made by Huhtamaki  Americas

Via: Chinet  LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 08:19 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

" ... began recycling paper in the 1940s, have used recycled paper in products and packaging since the 1970s ... established a corporate-wide environmental conservation program in the 1990s...."

Other efforts include ... " ... sponsors e-waste events to collect and responsibly dispose of employees' discarded electronics ... actively participate in the Environmental Protection Agency's WasteWi$e and Energy Star Building programs ... Since the early 1990s we have reduced solid waste by 70 percent and hazardous waste by 90 percent ... waste-to-energy program at our distribution center in Enfield, Conn., has resulted in an ongoing zero percent waste program since 1998. Materials not recycled are used as electrical generator fuel."

Via: Hallmark LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 08:24 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

" ... inhabitants on the small Danish island of Samso have ... become one of the first industrialised places in the world to qualify as being totally energy self-sufficient ... Denmark ... can now boast a region that can be used by the rest of the planet as the blueprint for future green energy production ... started in 1997 when Samso won a competition ... to become Denmark's "Renewable Energy Island" by presenting a 10-year plan to convert its energy consumption from oil and gas to clean technology ... 21 wind turbines have been built on Samso ..."

" ... houses in Samso's 22 villages are heated by power plants that rely on furnaces fired by wood chips and straw and farms of man-sized solar panels inhabit the fields ... project also creates new jobs as ... island's plumbers and carpenters have now all become experts in energy-saving home conversion and insulation techniques, and even get the opportunity to carry out installations in mainland Europe and the US ..."

For more on this project check out this video ...

Via: Power and Energy News LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 08:02 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

PNC is well known for their green projects ... one of their ads says they have more green buildings than any other bank ...

In addition to having green buildings - PNC now has a GREEN WALL. " ... the largest green wall in North America ... 2,380 sq. ft., soil-based wall - similar in size to a doubles tennis court - features a variety of regional plants grown into living art on the south-facing wall of One PNC Plaza ... in downtown Pittsburgh." " ... estimated that each of the 602 panels, with 24 plants in each 2x2 sq. ft. space, will offset the carbon footprint of one person. ... similar to a green roof, will help to cool the 30-story building ... wall is a fitting reminder that PNC is the world leader in green building ...".

" ... has more newly constructed buildings certified by the United States Green Building Council under its LEED® program than any other company in the world ... includes 64 trademark Green Branch® locations and two office buildings. About 20 environmentally friendly branches and two other major buildings are under construction or awaiting LEED certification." Via: PRNewsWire LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 05:39 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

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

Posted by Green Dude at 11:41 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

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

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