Delaware based DuPont and Copenhagen based Danisco announced a 50/50 JV to produce ethanol from the non food parts of plants - IE corn cobs and not corn.

May 14, 2008 - " ... DuPont and Genencor, a division of Danisco A/S,... an agreement to form DuPont Danisco Cellulosic Ethanol LLC, ... to develop and commercialize the leading, low-cost technology solution for the production of cellulosic ethanol -...biofuel produced from non-food sources –..."

" ... will initially target corn stover and sugar cane bagasse. Future targets include multiple ligno-cellulosic feedstocks including wheat straw, a variety of energy crops and other biomass sources."

"... The global joint venture expects its first pilot plant to be operational in the United States in 2009, and its first commercial-scale demonstration facility to be operational within the next three years. ..."

... "The trick lies in IBM's ability to cool the tiny solar cell. Concentrating the equivalent of 2000 suns on such a small area generates enough heat to melt stainless steel, something the researchers experienced first hand in their experiments. But by borrowing innovations from its own R&D in cooling computer chips, the team was able to cool the solar cell from greater than 1600 degrees Celsius to just 85 degrees Celsius. " ...

 Element is a new hotel chain from Westin - owned by Starwood.  Element takes into account the 3Rs .... Reduce, Reuse and Recycle.  For those who would like to continue being GREEN when they travel this might be the way to go.

Read on for more >>>

" ...  being kind to the environment. All ... guest room ...  kitchen appliances are Energy Star rated. ...use as many recycled materials as possible in design and construction."

" ... incorporates eco-friendly materials wherever possible. ... carpets with up to 100% recycled content and recycled carpet cushions. Art ... is mounted on a base made from recycled tires. And low VOC (volatile organic compounds) paints improve indoor air quality ..."

" ... silverware and glassware to reduce waste generated by plastic utensils and paper cups. Bath amenities are in a dispenser system rather than wasteful multiple mini-bottles. ... guest rooms include recycling bins for paper, plastic and glass."

The first locations are:  Lexington, MA, (summner 2008), element Summerlin (Las Vegas, NV);
element Houston Vintage Park (Houston, TX), and element Arundel Mills (Baltimore, MD)

Via:  Element by Westin  Link

Want to help reduce waste and get recognition for it?  California's WRAP program rewards businesses with the right to use the WRAP logo on products and advertising. 

Read on for more info: 

" ... Waste Reduction Awards Program (WRAP) ... administered by the California Integrated Waste Management Board. ... an opportunity for California businesses to gain public recognition for their outstanding waste reduction efforts and lets the community know your business takes waste reduction seriously. ... also provides businesses with examples of successful waste reduction techniques, which they may adopt as their own."

" ... businesses ... with California facilities are encouraged to apply for an annual WRAP award. ... Award winners receive authorization to use the WRAP winner logo with their products, advertising, and business websites to publicize waste reduction efforts."

Via: WRAP - California Integrated Waste Mgt Board Link

Read on for more ... 41pounds.org is named after the approx. 41 pounds of "junk" mail received annually by each adult in the US.

Did  you know that ".... average adult receives 41 pounds of junk mail each year. ... stops 80-95% of unwanted catalogs and junk mail for you. We’ll contact dozens of companies on your behalf to STOP YOUR JUNK MAIL and PROTECT THE ENVIRONMENT."

" ...  Junk mail wastes an incredible amount of natural resources and contributes to global warming. Our nonprofit service covers your entire household for five years, " 

" ... donate more than 1/3 of your fee to the environmental or community organization of your choice: EcoMom Alliance, StopGlobalWarming.org, Sierra Business Council, The Ocean Project and others. "

Via:  41pounds.org   Link

Wonder no more .. Nokia to the rescue!  Fill in the on line Web form and Nokia will send a postage paid mailing label for your old phone.

"Nokia is committed to the environment. ...Be gentle on the environment and let Nokia recycle it in a way that conserves our natural resources at no charge to you. Recycle your old phone today."

See site for more details ... 

Via:   Nokia  Link

By inserting another battery between the normal (small) battery and the computer control systems the Prius is tricked to keep running on battery as there is more battery power.  This additional battery boost can carry many people through their daily commute ... allowing them to power the car mostly by electric from their home.

" ... ... half of the cars in the U.S. are driven just 25 miles a day or less....Plug-in Conversion Modules enable your vehicle to achieve outstanding fuel economy by electrically supplementing the hybrid drive train for up to 40 miles. When the Hymotion L5 module is fully depleted, your vehicle will function as a standard hybrid until you recharge."

" ... plug your car into your house using an extension cord and a standard 120V outlet. Your L5 module will be fully charged when you are ready to go in the morning. ..."

Via:  A123 Systems   Link

... "As an additional benefit to the community, the highly reliable IBM BladeCenter Servers offer a proven open, easy and green technology that demands less energy and is easier and less costly to cool than other alternatives. " ...

" ... In addition to a 20% reduction in the plastic resin, there will be a 10% reduction in the label size and a 5% reduction in the shrink wrap film used to wrap the multi-packs."

“ ... challenge was to deliver significantly lighter packaging that would provide the same shelf life as the heavier bottle, withstand the manufacturing and distribution process yet not compromise aesthetics,” ..."

Via:  Pepsico.com   Link