Green Technology

Business are seeing Zero Landfill status as a benefit to the business and valued by customers.

DuPont’s Business Innovations business has achieved zero landfill status.  Three years into the effort Business Innovations “ … has become completely landfill-free, reducing its environmental footprint from 81 million pounds of landfill waste annually to zero.”

15 locations around the globe were included in this effort and materials “ …even cafeteria waste were all within scope …”

Materials that previously were landfilled are now … repurposed (cafeteria waste becomes energy), recycled (Tyvek® scraps),  or reused (pallets are reused to ship goods or to make animal bedding).

No waste from the production of Corian® , Zodiaq®, Tyvek® or geosynthetic textiles is landfilled.

Via:  DuPont  LINK

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DuPont’s Business Innovations business has achieved zero landfill status.  Three years into the effort Business Innovations “ … has become completely landfill-free, reducing its environmental footprint from 81 million pounds of landfill waste annually to zero.”

15 locations around the globe were included in this effort and materials “ …even cafeteria waste were all within scope …”

Materials that previously were landfilled are now … repurposed (cafeteria waste becomes energy), recycled (Tyvek® scraps),  or reused (pallets are reused to ship goods or to make animal bedding).

No waste from the production of Corian® , Zodiaq®, Tyvek® or geosynthetic textiles is landfilled.

Via:  DuPont  LINK

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Nike collects and recycles old sneakers.  You can drop sneakers off at Nike Stores (LINK to find one near you).  The sneakers are separated into 3 components … sole, foam and fabric.  The soles are used to make tracks surfaces.

See video for more information on the process. 

Via:  Nike  LINK

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Cascades’ Moka brand reduces the environmental impact “of its raw material by 25% and greenhouse gas emissions by 30% compared to our greenest white bathroom tissue also made from 100% recycled fiber.”

Made from “ … 100% unbleached recycled fiber, is the most environmentally responsible choice on the market.”

For consumers looking to reduce their environmental footprint this product may be the way to go.

Via:  Cascades  LINK

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PSE&G is using the thermal energy from a sewage plant in Camden, NJ to help heat the facility.  The system is closed loop – meaning the sewage does not enter the building – but the heat energy is extracted and used to offset the need for electric to heat the facility.

The “ … $1.3 million project … is one of 18 funded by PSE&G toward meeting a state requirement that utilities invest in improving energy efficiency …”

“ … project is believed to be the first of its kind in the United State …”

The waste heat system is expected to save “ … $80,000 a year on electricity bills, about a quarter of its heating costs.”

In addition to the energy / electric savings there is a positive environmental impact.

Via:  Philly.com  LINK

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Starting in January 2012, Madison Wisconsin will begin to collect certain plastic bags (#2 and #4) curbside along with other residential recycled materials.

“ … will start accepting plastic bags in the curbside recycling program.  Plastic bags must be put inside a
plastic bag and that bag should be tied shut.”

Perhaps other cities will take the lead from Madison and offer curbside recycling of plastic bags.

Via:  City of Madison  LINK

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In 2008 California passed legislation that requires “packing peanuts” to contain recycled material – starting with 80% by 2014 and going to 100% by 2017.

The law, AB 3025, was passed as traditional “packing peanuts“ are “ … difficult to recycle and piling up in the landfills, California environmentalists point to its impact on their coastline.”

Additionally “ … particularly dangerous because it is light and easily airborne, so it can be quickly transported by wind and rain into the marine environment …”

Via:  California Government Web Site LINK 
and  Earth 911  LINK

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Bare® products, by Solo®., are made with recycled content, and are recyclable o compostable.  Products lines are available for commercial or consumers and are both paper based (compostable) or plastic based (recyclable). 

Solo is “ … actively involved in developing large-scale applications to make foodservice in public venues greener. … partnership with The Chicago Cubs is a great example!” 

See the Real Fans Recycle” video >>> LINK

Via: Solo Cup LINK

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Longwood Garden’s casual dining spot, the Terrace, has achieved “Certified Green Restaurant® [from] … the Green Restaurant Association (GRA)”

I recently had dinner there (it had been a ling time since I had been there) and noticed that they replaced the china type pales and bowls with plastic and compostable tablewear.

My first reaction was “more junk for the landfill”.  I then  noticed that the table busing area had containers for:

- recyclables (plastics marked #1 or #2)
- compostables (foods)
- trash (all the rest)

The Green Restaurant Association’s mission “ … creating an ecologically sustainable restaurant industry, and … to make the process as simple and effective as possible.    “

Certification includes meeting certain criteria areas including … Water Efficiency, Waste Reduction and Recycling, and Sustainable Furnishings (and more).

Via:  Longwood Gardens LINK and Green Restaurant Association  LINK

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South African mining company AngloAmerican is using a waste product of coal mining to make bricks for homes.  Gypsum a by-product, is mixed with cement to make “ …‘low cement’ bricks for housing in the city of eMalahleni.” 

Operations recover about 200 tons / day of gypsum and at a rate of about 8 tons / house can be used to make close to 25 homes / day.

Estimates are that the low cement reduce 3 metric tons for each house build compared to houses made from traditional bricks.

See this CNN video for more information.

Via:  SmartPlanet  LINK

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Happy New Year … as the Christmas Trees start to come down consider RECYCLING / MULCHING / COMPOSTING rather than landfilling your tree.

Check out their Treecycling Guide …

Check for locations to recycle your tree at Earth911.  Follow the link and enter “Christmas tree” and your ZIP code in the search boxes for locations near you.

Via:  Earth911.org LINK

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

Follow the link below for some very easy ways to save energy, reduce your carbon footprint and green your lifestyle.

Here are some …
- wash laundry in cold water
- turn down the temperature on your water heater
- insulate your water heater
- use reusable shopping bags
- compost what you can

Via:  Wise Bread  LINK

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Green Planet bottles are 100% made w/o petroleum – 100% from plant based materials.

“ … bottles … that outperforms other biopolymer bottles … a bottle that can be reused as well as biodegradable in a commercial compost in under 85 days.”

The bottles  are:

- free from BPA
- recyclable
- reusable when washed by hand

This bottle reduces reliance on petroleum products and since it is compostable can reduce landfill space … as well as just be recycled

It looks like a good deal for the planet ….

Via:  Green Planet LINK

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Data centers use a lot of energy to power servers and in doing so generate a lot of heat.  Additional energy is then needed to keep the servers and other equipment from overheating (air conditioning or chiller systems).  Could the heat from servers be repurposed instead of cooled ?

According to a research paper (link below) “ … “data furnaces” could offer a lower carbon footprint … [in] home offices or office buildings. … servers could … become a primary heating system for these buildings …”

There are obstacle to overcome but in theory it seems to make sense.

What do you think ?  Will there ever be a server farm in your apartment building / complex or office tower?

>>> To read the Microsoft research paper LINK

>>> Fujitsu is using a similar concept for heat reuse – using it to drive data center cooling systems LINK

Via: ZDNet   LINK

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Seventh Generation is known for its green products and low impact manufacturing.  Their paper package for 4X detergent takes this to a new level.

Seventh Generation has developed a paper container for its 4x detergent.  Made from “… 100% recycled fiber. The entire packaging system (fiber bottle, pouch, spout, cap) system uses 66% less plastic than a typical 100 oz 2X laundry bottle …”

A plastic pouch / liner provides a barrier for the detergent and allows the paper to still be fully recyclable.

For those wishing to minimize their environmental and carbon footprint this may be the way to go and make a positive impact.

Via:  Seventh Generation  LINK

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Energy Hub’s Energy Management System lets you understand and manage your home’s energy usage.  Web and mobile phone access allow for remote viewing and control.

“ … Home Base … understand and manage the energy use from your major and smaller appliances—down to the last cell phone charger. …”

“… one-touch modes like “At Home,” “Goodnight” and “Away” let you control your home… “

Watch the video below for more information.

Via:  Energy Hub  LINK

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HolidayLEDs will take your old / broken Christmas lights and safely recycle them.  In return they will send you a coupon for 25% off new HolidayLED Christmas lights.

LED Christmas lights typically use only 10% of the energy of incandescent lights, are much cooler to the touch and last up to 25 times longer.

Follow the instructions on their website and mail the lights to the address on their Web Site for recycling. 

“ … a 3rd party recycling facility … puts the lights through a commercial shredder, which chops the lights up into little pieces. … processed and sorted into the various components that make up the lights (pvc, glass, copper.) …. materials are … transported to a region center for further processing. …”

Help the environment in two ways … (1) reduce landfill waste by reusing materials and (2) get new lights that use significantly less electricity than incandescent bulbs.

Via:   HolidayLEDS  LINK

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Infineon Raceway has a number of green indicatives underway including solar power (over 1,600 panels), recycling and using sheep to cut the grass instead of gas powered equipment.

“Since 2004 … has recycled more than 141 tons (282,541 pounds) of materials … “ including 14,000 tires.

“ … partnership with Panasonic Corporation [on a] … major solar installation that accounts for 41-percent of the raceway’s overall energy usage …”

The video below gives more details on the sustainability efforts at Infineon Raceway.

Via:  Smart Planet  LINK and Infineon Raceway LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 10:21 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

The statistics on waster are amazing … “Less than 10% of plastic trash is recycled … because of the massively complicated problem of finding and sorting the different kinds. …” 

Mike Biddle has developed a solution to change that “ … developed a patented 30-step plastics recycling system … that takes less than a tenth of the energy required to make virgin plastic from crude oil. …”  The process is sustainable, uses waste streams as a raw material, helps eliminate waste and reduces CO2 emissions … instead of oil.

See the fascinating TED video for details …on an efficient plant that can, and does, recycle any kind of plastic.

Via:  TED LINK

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Peninsula Packaging uses recycled materials and green energy.  I recently saw some apples packed in one of their clamshells that noted the plastic was 70 % recycled and made with 50% solar energy.

They own and operate “ … one of the largest privately funded renewable energy solar "farm" in North America.”

Over the past 3 years their use of recycled plastics and green energy have resulted in some impressive results …

“ … 2.9 billion drink bottles recycled … ..enough electricity saved to power 20,600 homes … over 84,000 tons of green house gas … was NOT emitted in the atmosphere … “

Via: Peninsula Packaging Company Link

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Germantown Friends School’s (Philadelphia) new science center is very green.  The facility is energy efficient, has rainwater cisterns, a green roof, solar panels and a dashboard that provides real time data on water and power usage. 

Click HERE to see the current dashboard information and to learn more about this unique facility.

The building uses geothermal wells for heating and cooling to greatly reduce the energy costs.

The cisterns collect rainwater for use as gray water for flushing toilets leading to significant water savings.  The green roof absorbs rainwater that would otherwise have to be treated by the city sever system.

The facility will receive LEED certification.

Via:  Germantown Friends   LINK

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Canon Canon supports sustainability … from using bio-plastics to remanufacturing products … They also support inkjet and toner cartridge recycling.

“ … first in the printing industry to create a toner cartridge recycling program. … toner cartridges are 100% recovered with zero landfill waste.”

“ … offers a collection and recycling program for … plastic toner containers. … “

“ … strives to attain 65% recyclability and 75% recoverability for its products, as stipulated by the EU Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive …”

Via:  Canon LINK

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Temple University and Sodexo launched (Sept. 19th) the Waste Not Project.  The program has multiple goals including portion control and nutrition.

One big goal is REDUCING FOOOD WASTE.  

At dinner time – for a week starting Sept. 20 – uneaten food is weighed and recorded.  “ … raise awareness … conscious about what they’re … throwing away …”

“ … conceived in conjunction with Temple’s the Office of Sustainability. … working with Waste Management to deposit leftover food from the dining hall into 64-gallon compost totes. “

Via:  Temple University  LINK

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Call2Recycle^® partners with various organizations to collect and recycle cell phones and batteries.  Organizations can collect either internally (staff and members) or externally as well (community).

Sites (schools, townships, retailers, etc) collect cell phones and and batteries and then ship them (shipping is prepaid) for sorting and recycling.  “ … None of the … material makes its way into landfills. Since Call2Recycle was created in 1994, 60 million pounds has been diverted from landfills.”

For a simplified overview of the recycling / recovery process …. LINK

So far this year they have recycled … “5,132,062 pounds of batteries”

Via:  Call2Recycle  LINK

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Many communities recycle glass, aluminum and paper … maybe even some plastics.

What about old appliances ?  In addition to containing easy to recycle metals some appliance also contain harmful refrigerants.  9 million (+ / –) refrigerators are thrown out each year in the U.S. and most are shredded to reclaim the metal … the foam and other materials go to a landfill and may release GHG to the atmosphere.

GE and Home Depot have a different approach that keeps an additional 47 lbs of a typical refrigerator out of landfills (resulting in 102 lbs not sent to landfill per refrigerator).

With Responsible Appliance Disposal a refrigerator’s refrigerant is safely removed and recycled / processed.  Then any GHG from foam insulation is safely processed and the remaining material is separated for recycling.

“ … Refrigerants and recoverable components are removed … will reduce the weight of typical refrigerator landfill waste by approximately 85%.”

“ … Approximately 95% of the insulating foam is recovered, compressed and can be used as fuel”.

Many Home Depot locations  will take the appliances for recycling.  For locations see links below …

Connecticut     Delaware     District of Columbia     Maryland      Massachusetts    
New Jersey     New York     North Carolina     Pennsylvania     Rhode Island    
Vermont     Virginia     West Virginia

Via:  GE  LINK

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A lot of people compost things like grass clippings and leaves.  Some even compost kitchen scraps like coffee grinds, egg shells and vegetable scraps.

Soon you may be able to toss other non-typical items in the compost bin – see this video for what tomorrow might bring to the compost bin.

Via:  ZDNet  LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 07:13 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

PrintEco saves paper when printing web pages.  Using software to determine how to eliminate wasted space PrintEco can show you how many pages and pounds of CO2 were saved by “reformatting” a web page.

Saving paper can save money, reduce waste, save printer toner and reduce your carbon footprint. 

“ … track the financial and environmental impact of your printing habits through our web-based dashboard, PrintEco Analytics.”

See video below for details showing a web page before and after PrintEco …

Via:  PrintEco  LINK

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Georgia-based Lehigh Technologies is building its business, as more customers use the company to supply rubber powder in their tire formulations.  The company is a recipient of a National Science Founding research grant and has been recognized by the World Economic Forum as a 2010 Technology Pioneer.  Former Rohm and Haas Company leader, Alan Barton, is its current CEO and has ignited Lehigh Tech’s growth phase.  Currently, there are over 100 million tires containing Lehigh’s micronized rubber powder.  The company recently inked a partnership with Dow Chemical to collaborate on the chemistry.  …

…   “The company is out to show its green credentials with that effort, because that rubber powder is derived from scrap tires, which keeps used tires out of landfills and replaces non-renewable materials.”   …

Via Tire Business: Lehigh Technologies.

Lehigh Technologies manufactures engineered ultra-fine rubber powder that delivers enhanced performance, as well as cost savings and environmental benefits, at a price point that is affordable and sustainable for a wide range of applications. Unlike traditional rubber recyclers whose coarse products are only used in low-value applications,

Lehigh produces engineered performance materials that can be used as substitutes or additives in the manufacture of various high-value products. Based in Tucker, Georgia, Lehigh is a privately held venture-backed company whose investors include Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers, Index Ventures, NGP Energy Technology Partners and Florida Gulfshore Capital.

Posted by Green Tech at 03:26 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

ecoATM wants to make electronics recycling easy and convenient.

ecoATM created a self serve Kiosk that takes your used electronics and gives you cash or store credit.

The kiosk “ … patented, advanced machine vision, electronic diagnostics, and artificial intelligence to evaluate and buy-back used electronics directly from consumers for cash or store credit. …”

Watch this video to see how easy the process is for the user …

Currently (Sept 2011) there is a cluster of ecoATM locations on the west coast stretching from just north of Los Angeles to just south of San Diego and two others – one in Kansas City, Kansas and one in Redmond, Washington.

Via:  ecoATM  LINK

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GreenSmart makes bags from rPET – recycled PET (Polyethylene terephthalate).  All their “GreenSmart Bottles 2 Bags” come from …” certified 100% post-consumer recycled PET water and soda bottles.”

“ … primary objective with every product and material we make or use is eco-progress …  is no eco-perfect and we are not perfect either, yet we plan to continue to improve.”

Check you this video from Act2 / GreenSmart to learn how PET plastic bottles are recycled and turned into fabric or other plastic items.

Via:  GreenSmart  LINK

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Charleston County, South Carolina deploys RFID pilot to increase the participation in its program with the ease of single stream recycling.  …

…   “With a solid waste diversion goal of 40 percent, Charleston County is addressing improvements in all facets of its recycling program, including residential single stream recycling, where the RFID solution has proven invaluable in its ability to precisely identify recycling participation and increase collection operations productivity.”   …

Via RFIDa: RFID enabled recycling program.

Posted by Green Tech at 09:42 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

GE’s recently announced Platinum LEED data center in Kentucky is a rare breed.  It is GE’s first Platinum LEED data center and one of just a few in the world.

• Materials were over 50% locally sourced, approx. 30 % had recycled content and 80 plus % of construction waste was recycled and not landfilled.

Approx. 6% of LEED facilities in the world meet Platinum certification.

Here are some key highlights:

“ … reducing water consumption inside the building by 42 percent …”

“ … offset 35 percent of the data center’s predicted annual energy consumption through the purchase of off-site renewable energy … “

“… Outside … reducing water consumption by 100 …”

Via:  GE LINK

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Ditto's goal " ... is to elevate your customer’s perception of your core brand, enriching the consumer experience through smart, ecological design."

One of their products is an Environmentally Friendly Hanger made of paper.  Retailers can use these in place of wire or plastic hangers and make a statement about their support of the environment and sustainability.

Ditto hangers are reusable and recyclable ...

Hangers are everywhere in the clothing business ... according to Ditto's website an estimated 8 BILLION hangers are landfilled each year ... companies using Ditto paper hangers can have a very positive impact on that number!

I saw Ditto paper hangers in a display window at a GAP in Ardmore, PA. 

Via:   DITTO Brand Solutions  LINK

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The CBS series “The Good Wife” is a green production.  From the practices on the set to the scenes they film they are being green. 

The set has made significant reductions in waste … using soda fountains instead of cans of soda, mostly eliminating paper plates and plastic ware, using reusable water bottles and sending scene / script rewrites electronically rather than printing paper copies.

They even “lead by example”  by modeling green behaviors … having characters carry reusable water bottles instead of single use plastic bottles. 

See the video for more information … two of the actors and the Executive Producer tell how they live green in real life.  This is an impressive story.

Via:  Smart Planet  LINK

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Consultancy KPMG is committed to being green.  With their Living Green program they have made significant progress in key areas such as reducing carbon footprint and waste between 2007 and 2010.

Notable achievements include " ...reduce ... carbon footprint by 25 percent... reduce waste by 10 percent ... Achieve ... (LEED) certification with 100 percent of new construction ..."Increase alternative transportation by 5 percent

Via:  KPMG  LINK

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Fracking (hydraulic fracturing for oil in shale formations) is a contentious subject.  But the demand for energy - including natural gas in shale formations is rising.

Researchers from Penn State has found a way to use waste from industry in place of sand.  Currently sand for fracking comes from mines in the mid-west. 

The "new material" called PennProd would replace sand (lowering the carbon footprint of bringing in a non local raw material) and help eliminate industrial waste.

This process would treat industrial waste and use it in the fracking solution ... eliminating waste that would otherwise have to be landfilled.  Since a typical Marcellus Shale well would take 25 rail-cars or 5 million lbs of sand this eliminates a good amount of industrial waste.

PennProd is "...engineered to use waste from metabasalt mines. Heated to 3,000 degrees, the metabasalt forms into molten obsidian spheres. The glassy pellets are then heat-tempered into a hardened ceramic."

Via:  Bellingham Herald  LINK

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United has a green sustainability program called eco-skies.  Among the highlights of the program are ...

... over 300 planes with winglets that reduce emissions by up to 5% ... 3600+ service vehicles that are either electric or alternative fueled ... recycling over 3 millions lbs plastic and aluminum from flight service over a 5  year period ... 

"First U.S. biofuel and synthetic fuel demonstration flights and signed letters of intent to advance cost-efficient and environmentally responsible alternative jet fuels derived from biomass feedstock ..."

Via:  United  LINK

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The rubber industry is looking for alternatives to petroleum based rubber as pricing for petroleum is going up fast.

Researchers at Ohio State University, The University of Akron, Oregon State University, Cooper and Bridgestone are looking to see if the Russian dandelion is a route to rubber. 

"... "Russian dandelion ... is being domesticated ... and produces high-quality natural rubber in its fleshy taproot. ... performance mirrors the natural rubber produced from ... Brazilian rubber tree ... "

Via: Ohio BioProducts Innovation Center (OBIC) LINK

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Ever wonder what to do with corks after you finish that bottle of wine?  How about recycling them ?  Whole Foods and Cork ReHarvest has partnered to set up recycling boxes at Whole Foods MArkets.

" ... make it easy ... to properly dispose of cork at all of our 292 stores in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom. ... "

Did you know that cork production is environmentally friendly as trees are not cut but the bark (cork) is harvested approx every 10 years from trees that can live for 300 years.

What about the environmental impact of cork recycling - the energy and cost to ship cork back for processing?  The cork is returned on the same trucks that deliver so there is a close to ZERO net carbon footprint.  So the cork recycling loop is close to impact free.

Depending on the location the corks are used to make floor tiles or other products.

Via:  Whole Foods Market  LINK

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Greenversations is the official blog of the US EPA !  Check out the various sections including the Question of the Week".

A good source for green information you  can use ...

Via:  EPA  LINK

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e-Waste is a growing problem - one significant issue is that it is often taken to other nations for handling and improper or unsafe disposal.

The EPA and the United Nations University (UNN) are partnering to reduce pollution and health effects from improperly disposed e-waste.  The EPA gave a 5 year 2.5 million USD grant to the UNN to help develop programs to " ...  help authorities track shipments of North American electronic waste and provide support to nations in both Africa and Asia coping with e-waste imports ..."

" ... improper disposal can threaten the health of local people and the environment ..."

Goals include better tracking of e-waste and better methods for refurbishment and safer disposal.

Via:  EPA  LINK

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TD Bank recently opened a call center in Auburn, Maine that is 100% powered by green energy sources.  The center is designed for US LEED Gold certification. 

Among the green design elements / features are " ... plumbing fixtures that use 33 percent less water, drought tolerant plants ... a recycling system that will collect paper, glass, metal, plastic, cardboard, fluorescent lamps and batteries."

For more on the green features check out the link at the bottom of this post.

TD has also committed to going carbon neutral and is one of the largest US Banks to commit to being carbon neutral.

Via:  Environmental Leader  LINK

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Why recycle used motor oil?   Two reasons are to reduce dependence on imported oil and to protect the environment  Improperly disposed motor oil can cause significant damage to the environment – especially to water supplies … “ … just one gallon of used oil can contaminate up to one million gallons of water ….”

“ … motor oil doesn't really wear out … it's the additives that wear out …”

Check out this video to see the engine oil life cycle and what happens to oil as it is reprocessed “from oil pan to oil can”.

Via:  Valvoline  LINK

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SFO offers travels free water refills as a way to help reduce the use of single use plastic water bottles and the associated waste / carbon footprint.

...  innovative water bottle refill stations provide access to San Francisco's free high-quality, great tasting tap water. ... some of the purest, safest and best tasting water in the world."

The Hydration Stations are located throughout the SFO airport.

Via:  SFO  LINK and  San Francisco Public Utilities Commission LINK

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San Francisco's new Terminal 2 was retrofitted to be green by design.  It is the first Airport Terminal in the US to achieve GOLD LEED. 

Among the green features in the design were waste reduction (achieved by reusing or recycling all construction waste), reduced water use (achieved by a closed loop reclaimed water system for the toilets and urinals that is treated on site) and Greenhouse Gas - GHG - reductions (achieved by eliminating the need for airplane auxiliary power units by providing preconditioned air and power at the gate).

Via:  SFO  LINK

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Starbucks is celebrating EARTH DAY by giving a free cup of coffee if you skip the paper cup .... either bring in your own refillable cup or ask for your coffee in a "for-here" cup.  Either way it is free.  Last year Starbucks had 1.2 million participants ! 

" ... on Earth Day ... inviting everyone to bring in a reusable mug or tumbler and get a free brewed coffee or tea ... hot or iced ... at participating stores in the United States and Canada."

"... We recognize the impact one can make through careful, conscious choices ..."

If you do not have a reusable mug and want to buy one you can get one for 20 % off and then get 10 cents off each time you use it at Starbucks.

Here is your chance to make a positive impact on the environment on Earth Day and every day !

Via:  Starbucks  LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 03:36 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Check out the  Save Some Green at 2005 Chestnut Street in Philadelphia, Pa.v

"ALL of our products are better for the environment ... Recycled, Recyclable, Biodegradable, Compostable, ... Sustainable, ... Less-wasteful, Local – or a combination."

The store fixtures are reused or made from bamboo or recycled cardboard. 

" .... carry products which are reasonably priced ... "

They offer to recycle materials such as # 3 - # 7 plastics and even take food for composting !

Check out their website to learn more about what they do and what they offer LINK

Don't live in Philadelphia - see their Amazon store !

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

The other day while walking in the city I noticed an interesting large green sticker on a intercity bus.  It was from the Green Coach Initiative and promoted the bus line's "support being and acting green."

What a great way to raise Green Awareness !

The University of Vermont with the American Bus Association and the United Motorcoach Association launched the Green Coach Certification Research initiative.  Companies that meet the standards are able to "Wear" the appropriate certification; such as the "Green Coach Energy Reduction CERTIFIED" label below.

There are a variety of stickers such as " meeting or exceeding ... 148 passenger miles per gallon ... and ... Offsetting carbon emissions by 80 through an endorsed carbon-trading organization".

Is your bus Green Coach Certified ?

 Via:  University of Vermont  LINK

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

The Seattle Mariners have joined other professional sports teams to form the Green Sports Alliance, an organization that encourages professional sports teams to be  greener and make reductions in their "... impact on the environment...."

Members are " ... urged to initiate strategies that reduce energy and carbon emissions, ... encouraged to promote their greening initiatives throughout their respective leagues and surrounding communities. ..."

For more information on the Green Sports Alliance visit www.greensportsalliance.org. 

Via:  Seattle Mariners  LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 07:13 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

85 acre Brooklyn Bridge Park was built with sustainability in mind ... from EV service vehicles to reused / recycled construction materials from prior buildings on the site.

" ...  Designed and built by BE, ... the first solar-powered charging station in New York City and one of only a few in the world. ..."

Over the projected 25 year life of the EV chargers will save "... more than $200,000 in gasoline costs ... More than 530 tons of CO2 ..."

The EV charging system has 24 PV panels with battery storage for 7 x 24 availability can produce 5.6 Kw. 

Via:  Beautiful Earth Group  LINK

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

BIC® ecolutions^TM product line is formulated to be green … from using recycled plastic for pen barrels to recycled paper for packaging to water based solutions for the Correction Aqua “white out”.

“ … perform to the same high quality that you’ve come to expect from … BIC products …”

Check out their “tips for a greener office” link …

Via:  Bic Ecolutions  LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 06:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

I saw this sticker on a paper towel dispenser and wanted to know more about it.  It seems this was a grass roots effort that seems to work.  From their website ... " ... From our field testing, each sticker deployed saves about a tree's worth of paper (~100 lbs.) a year. Crazy, isn't it?" and saves about 29% per year in paper.

The idea is to use what you need but not more ... many folks grab lots of paper towels (same for napkins) and toss most unused into a trash can.

According to the blog site there are over 10,000 of these at Starbucks and 10,000 at McDondald.  A typical coffee shop or fast food restaurant can use 1000 - 2000 lbs of paper towels a year.  I saw "mine" at a local Starbucks (I ask for my coffee in a reusable ceramic mug or my reusable thermos !)

If you are looking for a way to green your office or work site consider buying a few ... !

 Be Green and make a difference.

Via:  These Come From Trees Blog LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 05:13 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

 I saw these multi-stream recycling stations all over the Philadelphia International Airport. 

 In one easy to use spot you can recycle glass, cans and plastic (most commonly recycled materials).  Very handy with nice appeal to help folks recycle while not at home or the office.  If you make it easy folks will recycle.

 "Envyrozone ... believe in LOHAS, a Lifestyle of Health and Sustainability, ... a core principal that we bring to every customer relationship."

Via:  Envyrozone  LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 05:46 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

e-waste is a growing problem.  When tossed into a landfill they can cause water and soil pollution.  Several Stanford University students have tackled the problem by developing a prototype laptop that is modular so it is easily “de-manufactured”.  The process is fast and can facilitate recycling the constituent components.

Theoretically manufacturers could use this in “green advertising” to differentiate their product from others.

Check out this video … 

Via:  SmartPlanet  LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 10:41 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Kigo uses CYCLEPET for some of its shoes ... CYCLEPET is made from Post Consumer PET (#1 PE).

"PET ...  most important raw material in the textile industry."

Using recycled POST Consumer PET keep plastic out of landfills and reduces the need to use petroleum for new PET.

"kigo footwear uppers, lining and packaging are all crafted from recycled elements. ... CYCLEPET – plastic jugs are [turned] into strong, soft fabric. ..."

 Via:  HOYO LINK and KIGO  LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 09:10 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

My son showed me this neat green packaging product ...

Companies are looking to reduce the environmental footprint of their packaging materials and are moving away from foamed PP and PS.

Using a green packaging material is a great differentiator and can minimize the downstream waste that is generated as part of the product life cycle.

"EcoCradle™ ... made of agricultural byproducts ... from renewable sources. ... is just as reliable, easy to use,
and affordable ..."

" ... literally grown, ... uses a filamentous fungi (mushroom roots) to bond this packaging into almost any shape. ..."

When it comes time to dispose of this packaging material you can break it into small pices and add to your garden, put it in a compost pile or even throw it in the trash where it will decompose EVEN WITHOUT oxygen !

Posted by Green Dude at 07:43 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Use EcoSquid to find a new home for your old electronics. 

In a few minutes you can either find where to safely recycle your e-stuff or see if it can be sold for a few bucks.

Reduce e-waste and feel good … it’s easy to do.

See the video for more information on the process.

“EcoSquid: Be awesome. Feel Good. Get Paid. Sell and Recycle your old electronics “

Via:  EcoSquid  LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 09:33 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

in collaboration with the EPA under the Responsible Appliance Disposal (RAD) Program.  Now, the insulating materials will be recycled in addition to the metal.  The Appliance Recycling Centers of America process will be deployed to recycle the foam insulation and reduce landfill disposal.  …

…   “The URT system includes the capability to automatically capture the blowing agents, such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), hydro chlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), and cyclopentane from the insulating foam in refrigerators and freezers.

GE and ARCA’s initial recycling efforts will begin at ARCA Advanced Processing’s regional recycling center in Pennsylvania. The center is on schedule to be fully operational in the first quarter of 2011.”   …

Via GE: Appliance Disposal Press Release.

Appliance Recycling Centers of America.

Posted by Green Tech at 01:34 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Kigo embraces the reduce, reuse, recycle approach ... 

"... aspires to be responsible throughout the entire lifecycle of our shoes so our team and all who wear our shoes can leave a positive...Footprint

They support telecommuting (lowers carbon footprint and saves resources) ... use recycled packaging and plastic for shoe fabrics (reduce, reuse, recycle) and use ony enough packaging to protect their shows (reduce).

Via:  Kigo  LINK

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

What makes a Super Bowl (or any party) GREEN ?

Use technology to send invitations (no paper wasted).  Buy local foods (minimize your carbon footprint).  Buy foods that use alternative energy .

For invitations use " ...  Evite or MyPunchBowl ..."

For beer try New Belguim " ... brewery is wind powered! ..." and they are green in many other ways

For serving use real plates or at least real flatware / tableware ... to get a mix of easy to clean and minimize some trash.

Via:  Fun Time Guide to Living Green LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 06:57 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

The First National Bank of Omaha (Nebraska) has as green focus.  They have a fuel cell powered data center that is a GHG free power source.  They also offer paperless / online banking which can reduce your impact on the environment.

Thinking of switching to paperless banking?  Know what the environmental impact is … ?

Did you know that by switching to paperless / electronic banking the average US household can ovoid using and wasting “ … 6.6 pounds of paper and avoid producing 171 pounds of greenhouse gas emissions … equivalent of not driving 169 miles, consuming 8.8 gallons of gas or preserving 24 square feet of forestland.”

Via:  First National Bank Omaha  LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 09:32 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Syracuse University students worked with consultants to create an eco friendly  green office at the University's Smith Hall.

“

… teams of ISD 351 students in the College of Visual and Performing Arts (VPA) presented their green office designs to Syracuse University’s Sustainability Division on Oct. 18. The designs were unique and highly creative. …”

See the video for more details …

Via:LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 07:05 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

There can be a lot of "energy" hidden in waste materials and land-filling is not a good solution ... it takes up limited landfill space and can be expensive ... waste minimization or W2E is often a better choice.

A turn-key W2E systems can be just the thing you need ...

IST Energy manufactures systems that can convert trash to energy (electricity and heat).  The integrated systems can turn  " ... paper, wood, plastic, agriculture waste, and food into electricity and heat."

" ... transformation ... within a self-contained, modular environment designed for ease of operation and maintenance."

Via:  IST Energy  LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 07:48 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Every HOUR 16,000 cell phones are thrown away.  Sprint wants to keeps these out of landfills and has programs that make it easy for everyone to recycle (and not contribute to to e-waste) your cell phone and related accessories

Check out these 2 videos for more information on Sprint’s recycling programs …

Via:  Sprint and You Tube

Posted by Green Dude at 10:05 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Check out this You Tube video from Naked Juice talking about their reNEWabottle – made from 100% post consumer recycled PET (rPET).

Made with recycled plastic and fully recyclable … helping to reduce energy and reduce landfill waste.

Via:  Naked Juice LINK

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

Naked® Juice is the first nationally distributed brand to have a" ...100% post-consumer recycled PET (rPET) bottle..."

The new bottles are called the "Naked reNEWabottle" ... and in addition to being made with recycled material are 100% recyclable PET (codes as #1).

The amount of virgin plastic replaced with the 32-oz bottle is 1 millions lbs / yr and when used across the product line will amount to 8.1 million lbs / yr.

Via:  Naked Juice  LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 10:12 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Sprint is developing a standard for green phones called eco-criteria.  Manufacturers who meet the standards will be able to use the eco-criteria symbol on the phone … scoring “points” for both Sprint and the manufacturer with the green community.

This is a natural extension of their other ongoing “green” initiatives.

The standard sets categories and as total point level required to be green.  The categories are “Reduction of Environmentally Sensitive Materials (ROH), Energy Management, Lifecycle Management, Sustainable Packaging, Eco-Friendly Applications and Innovation.

Points are awared for " ...  RoHS Compliance, low levels of PVC, BFRs, Phthalates, Beryllium ... Energy Star qualification ... High recyclability rate, recycling envelop included in box, standardized connector, recycled plastic or renewably sourced plastic content  ..."

There are 115 available points and 70 or more are required for the eco-criteria logo.

Via:  Sprint LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 02:45 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

A "hotel" in Madrid has been built completely from waste materials.

Showing both what can be done to re-purpose items and potentially how dirty beaches are the "... walls of the Beach Garbage Hotel ... made of materials found in landfills, the beaches and even flea markets ..."

" ... created the Beach Garbage Hotel because the oceans of our planet are the biggest garbage dump ... 30-40% of the objects used for the hotel were found on the beaches of Britain, France, Germany, Italy and Spain ..."

The temporary "hotel" closes soon (Jan 23rd) so book soon if interested!

Via:  Huffington Post LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 07:25 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

The Motorola Citrus is one green cell phone.  Showing that consumers want green items the phone advertises an “eco-friendly design that is carbon free and made in part with 25% recycled plastic”  If you want / need a cell phone why not look for one that allows you to consider the individuals impact on the environment.

“ carbon free through a partnership with carbonfund.org; eco-friendly packaging” are also noted.

Less waste in packaging, lower toxic materials add up to a more environmentally friendly product.

Via:  Motorola  LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 09:25 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Alchemy's mission "is top turn useless into useful"  They reuse / recycle / up-cycle inner tubes and seat belts to make wallets, belts,  bottle openers and messenger bags. 

They partner with REI and Trek to take back and recycle inner tubes.  You can even take your used inner tubes to REI or a Trek store for recycling.

Each product has a small number to the left of and above the Alchemy Goods logo.  That number indicates the % b y weight of up-cycled material in the product.

" ... Alchemy Goods bags are, ... recycled. ... we hope you’ll also appreciate our effort to work with recycled materials. Purchase Alchemy bags knowing that you’ve helped limit the consumption of Earth’s natural resources. ..."

Via:  Alchemy Goods LINK

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

Oil soaked booms from BP’s Gulf oil spill are being recycled into Chevrolet’s electric vehicle polymer-based components for the Volt.  …

…   “The parts, which deflect air around the vehicle’s radiator, are comprised of 25 percent boom material and 25 percent recycled tires from GM’s Milford Proving Ground vehicle test facility.

The remaining is a mixture of post-consumer recycled plastics and other polymers. 

GM worked with several partners throughout the recovery and development processes.”   …

Via General Motors: Chevrolet Volt Components.

A view of the value chain for GM parts where recycled materials are integrated into the supply.  …

Lucent Polymers.

Posted by Green Tech at 06:54 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

I saw a trailer in a parking lot with the Sustainable Waste Solutions and knew there would be a blog post there.  SWS is a local company with a Souderton, Pa  address that turns waste to energy (W2E).

" ... a landfill-free alternative for recycling, waste transportation, and disposal to companies ... throughout Southeastern Pennsylvania, Lehigh Valley and Delaware. ... we generate enough electricity from waste to power tens of thousands of homes per day ..."

W2E burns waste material to generate electric and results in waste that is only 10% by volume compared to the starting amount.

Until we run out of trash this is a renewable energy solution!

See SWS website for more details ... 

Via:  Sustainable Waste Solutions  LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 03:13 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

 Kristianstad Sweden uses no fossil fuels for heating.  Instead they uses biomass from farming leftovers.  80,000 homes heated by biomass and not fossil fuels like coal, oil and gas!  And this is an area of the world where it gets VERY COLD !

Since solar and wind would not be effective in Kristianstad they worked with biomass.  " ... remains from farming ... manure, potato peels, pig intestines, and even cookies, .... to create biogas  ... a certain type of  methane, ... heat of the entire city, and to provide electricity for the city as well."

The driving force for the move away from fossil fuels was to protect their environment and they did not want to import fossil fules from abroad.

Via:  Metrolic  LINK

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

The computer has not eliminated paper and printing has a huge impact on the environment ... paper, ink / toner, electricity ... and then the waste once the printed item is no longer needed.

" ... tendency to print is not diminishing, ... solution should not try to change the printing increase trend, but suggests means to alleviate its impact on the environment. "

 " ... PretonSaver™ reduces the surplus consumables which are not required to produce high quality “fit for the purpose business documents” ... "

To see some details on the impact of printing on the environment in terms of GHG, waste sent to landfills and the like ... CLICK.  

Via:  Preton  LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 08:56 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Burt's Bees is known for their environmentally friendly products.  They are also an environmentally friendly company.

" ... goal is to be the "greenest personal care company on earth." ... by 2020 ... be carbon free and operating on 100 percent renewable energy ... [no] waste to be deposited in landfills ... manufacturing facilities will have LEED certification. ..."

They plan on having a Platinum LEED green building by 2020 ... and recycle recycle wood, shrink wrap, and even waste water.

In addition to the usual paper and aluminum they recycle wood, corrugated cardboard, shrink wrap chipboard and fiberboard. Break rooms are equipped with composting bins and reusable / compostable utensils.

Via:  Burt's Bees  LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 10:13 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

According to the Scott's web site 17 billion toilet tissue tubes are thrown away each year ..." That's enough to fill the Empire Sta Building.  Twice".  Or 20 747s.

That is a serious waste of a natural resource.  Scott Naturals™ Tube-Free  are made without the cardboard core and are helping to reduce waste and save natural materials.

What a simple but great idea.  Think of all the energy avoided by not manufactuing and then throwing away all those roll cores.

Something so simple can help individuals make an impact on the environment and save landfill space.

It is better to reduce than recycle or reuse!

Via:  Scotts  LINK 

Posted by Green Dude at 09:54 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Sustainability is integrated into the design of the Arizona State University College of Nursing & Health building.  This green building has achieved LEED Gold status through its design principles and construction materials and techniques.  …

…   “The sustainable LEED-NC Gold certified building features solar water heating, which harvests Arizona's abundant renewable energy while reducing the building's carbon footprint.

More than three-quarters of construction waste (967 tons) was diverted from conventional landfills, materials used for the project contained recycled content and 70 percent of all wood products were certified by the Forest Stewardship.”   …

Via Arizona State University: LEED Gold Building Design.

Posted by Green Tech at 09:58 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Samsung's Evergreen is one GREEN phone.

" ... built with recycled plastics, is hazardous substance free and comes with all sorts of eco-themed apps and tools ...  packaging is green, made 80% of recycled paper and uses soy ink."

Via:  Samsung  LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 10:27 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

PepsiCo and Waste Management are trying to increase the rate of plastic bottle recycling from the current 34 % to " 50 % by the year 2018.

A key tool may be the Dream Machine ... which has " ... a personal reward system that allows consumers to collect and redeem points for each bottle or can they recycle in the kiosk."

Currently about 12% of spaces have a recycling container.  The Dream Machine will bring recycling to thousands of locations and facilitate recycling away from home - who wants to carry bottles home for recycling?

In case you are asking what you can do ... the numbers are  are compelling for individuals to make a change.  If each household in the country recycled just 3 more plastic bottles a month the result would be over 23 millions pounds diverted from landfills !

Wow!  3 more bottles a month - that is not hard to do !

Via:  PepsiCo  LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 07:59 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Thinkeco has a way to find the energy wasters in your house.  Appliances are big power users and can even draw power when "off".  Some refer to this as vampire poser draws.

We sort of know that many electronic devises are drawing power all the time but also realize that it is not practical to unplug all you appliances when not in use; or even to be sure which are drawing the most power.

modlet solves this problem.

" ... plug the modlet into an existing electric outlet and plug your appliances into it. ... use your web browser to wirelessly monitor and manage your power consumption."

It is expected that the modlet can save 10 - 120% on your energy bill and pay for itself in 6 months.  It is expected to be available for sale on-line and else where this year.

Via:  thinkeco  LINK

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

We all know to "Reduce, Reuse, Recycle "---  Want to learn more about recycling?  Are you doing all your can?  Do you have questions ... ?

" ... here to help answer your questions and help make recycling easier, more fun, and even profitable. ... simply give you practical information so that you can do your part."

Recycling is easy and there just might be more you can do with little effort involved ... check it out.

Be sure to check out >>>  the "Greener Choices Search Engine"

Via:  Recycling Revolution  LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 06:17 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Emerson's data center in Missouri is green ... boasting solar panels, design features to minimize wiring needed and reuse of construction waste.

" ... more than 550 solar panels can generate 100 kilowatts ... enough to power the average American home for more than three days ..."

" ... 80 percent of the construction waste ... diverted from landfills through recycling ...  ."

LEED Gold from USGBC is expected.

Via:  Emerson  LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 06:22 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Ever wonder what the real impact of your purchase are ... the total environmental impact?  GoodGuide - an app for the iPhone can help.

Scan the items bar code and GoodGuide does the rest ... " ... instant access to over 65,000 products and ratings at your fingertips. Check a product, see top-rated products in a category, and access your personalized recommended list to quickly find safe & healthy products."

For those w/o an iPhone you can use text messaging to get the same kind of information.

Text to:   41411.  Start each message with gguide and the item name or of 12 digit UPC bar code.

Via:  Good Guide  LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 06:55 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

e-waste does not belong in landfills - so what do you do with your old electronics?  How many old cell phones, etc. are laying around your house ? 

Here are several companies that will take and safely recycle old electronics.  Check each for specifics on what they will take.

Among those taking electronics are .."Target, Best Buy, Verizon,Staples, Goodwill, Close the Gap, EcoSquid, ..."

Another good option if there is useful life left in the product is to FREECYCLE it ... reuse is a great way to keep something out of a landfill.

Each offers some type of recycling ... Stables takes old cell phones and printer cartridges, Best Buy takes old PC monitors (charges $10 but gives a $10 gift card so it is essentially free) ... check each out find a way to  safely dispose of e-waste.

Via:  ZDNet  LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 05:22 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Follow the simple directions on the bag and you could be on your way to saving 2000 gallons of water a year with Scott Smart Flush^™.  Smart Flush^™ is a bag that sits in the water tank of the toilet and reduces each flush by 1 liter. 

Currently available in 8 and 12 pack rolls of Scott Naturals.

This is a simple and for now free way to save water and money - and be GREEN.

Via:  Scott  LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 03:40 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

What's a quick easy way to save money .... year after year? 

Insulate !!

EcoBatt insulation is made from "bio-based" binders - not petroleum derived raw materials and is certified to GREENGUARD standards so it is safe for children and use in schools.

 " ... reduces binder embodied energy by up to 70%, and does not contain phenol, formaldehyde, acrylics or artificial colors used to make traditional fiberglass insulation."

" .... combines sand ... renewable resources, post-consumer recycled bottle glass ... to create ... sustainable insulation…"

Via: EcoBatt  LINK

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

Smith Electric Trucks has approx. 80 years (in the UK) building electric vehicles and has US Operations that have delivered electric trucks to companies such as Staples, Frito-Lay and AT&T.

Electric Vehicles produce no smog in operation and are very low cost to operate.  They have a range of up to 100 miles and are great for city use. 

Via:  Smith Electric Smith Electric Vehicles

Posted by Green Dude at 05:48 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

One problem with alternative energy sources like solar and wind are that the peak consumption times are often not the same as the peak generation times.  This issue plagues both commercial and residential generators.  If the power cannot be stored it is wasted ...

Ice Energy provides one solution.

" ...  can offset the need for peak generation, relieve summer transmission congestion, ... enable the reliable integration of renewable energy resources by reshaping the load on the system ..."

This solution can be combined with a/c units to significantly less energy than standard systems.

Via:  Ice Energy  LINK

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

Here are 10 quick things you can do to get your house in better shape for winter.  Total time to complete is estimate to b e a weekend and costs are in the order of $100 making for a great return on time and investment.

Here are some highlights - "Change your furnace filters ... Insulate your pipes ... Caulk your windows ... Weather stripe your doors ... [get / install a]  Programmable thermostat ..."

Do the ones you can yourself and save some money - consider a contractor if some arel.  beyond your skill level.  Each will make a difference to the environment and your energy bills.

While not on the list - do not forget to use CFLs or LED bulbs ... in my area (SouthEastern PA) they are reasonably inexpensive as they are subsidized (at least at the Home Depot) by PECO (local utility). 

Via:  SustainLane  LINK

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

Walmart is planning to add solar systems to an additional 20 - 30 in California and Arizona using new technology lower cost PV cells.

" ... leveraging our global scale to ... help develop markets for new technologies ... commitment to solving business challenges through technology."

The systems are expected to provide about 25 % of the total energy needs of each location.

Some details about the systems:

- can product up to 22.5 kW / yr - equiv to the energy needed for 1750 home / yr

- avoid 11,650 metric tons CO2 - equiv to 3000 cars

The technology planned includes gallium selenide and cadmium terruride films and are exected to use less raw materials then earlier versions of PV cells.

SolarCity will do the design work as well as install, own and maintain the systems.

Posted by Green Dude at 05:34 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Here is a chgecklist (pdf format) from the University of Texas at Austin. lf, your team, your home, whatver. 

While there is no scale or rating given the checklist offers a wide range of things to look at in your quest to be greener ... in your daily life.

Assess yourself now as a baseline and then in a few months to see what kind of progress you have made.

" ... self-assessment form covers offices, conference rooms, common areas, etc. "

Via:  University of Texas at Austin Office of Sustainability LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 07:52 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Dog waste is often picked up in plastic bags and dropped in the trash - to spend eternity in a landfill.  What a waste of waste ...

Here is a novel idea to turn dog waste into methane ...   "dog waste ... decomposes over time. The anaerobic conditions inside the digester create methane gas ... "  The methane gas lights a gas lamp.

If successful this could be deployed to larger dog parks across the country.

Funded by MIT and located in Cambridge, Mass the digester shows a creative use for waste .. a great "reuse" idea.

Via:  TerraPass Blog  LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 09:38 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Two Particular Acres is PA's first composting farm and has PA's first "On-Farm Compost Permit".

Noticing that the "manure management" on horse stables that were buying their hay was "less than optimal" they decided to address the issue.

 " ... creating an organic loop infrastructure ... manure is properly composted ... finished product is distributed through utilization on our farm and ... into the local community through suburban homeowners, landscape contractors, nurseries and golf courses. ..."

Via:  Two Particular Acres  LINK

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

Lafayette College students have a program underway with the end goal of reducing by 1,000 lbs / day the amount of food scraps sent to landfill.  The composted food will be turned to compost and used in the college gardens.  Full cycle back to the kitchen !

As this is being done on a large scale some special equipment homeowners might not need was required ... " ... two industrial-strength food pulpers that pulverize food remains ... " were needed. 

Via:  Morning Call LINK

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 Cement manufacturing is an energy intensive process and typically generates LOTS of CO2.  It is estimated that cement manufacture produces 5% of global CO2 !

The challenge for the developing world (and the developed world) is how to make cement and not make so much CO2.

 "... carbon negative cement ... based on a non-carbonate raw material, magnesium silicate, and uses a relatively low temperature production process. ... more CO₂ is absorbed during production than ...emitted"

Substituting a ton of Novacem in place of standard cement would avoid 852 kg of CO2 emissions.

Novacem is based in the UK.

Via:  Novacem  LINK

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Wisconsin recently enacted a law prohibiting disposal of certain electronics in landfills.  e-Waste is one of the fastest growing sources of landfill trash and improper disposal can leach toxic chemicals into the air and water.  

Effective September 1, 2010 " ... establishes a statewide program, now called E-Cycle Wisconsin, to collect and recycle certain electronics. ... assigns primary responsibility for collection and recycling to the manufacturer. ..."

Via:  Wisconsin DNR  LINK

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Beyond Low Energy homes are Zero Energy Homes (ZEH).  Using technology including geothermal heating and cooling, PV panels, heat recovery ventilation and super insulation and high efficiency windows the homes in Green Acres (New Paltz NY) may be the first ZEH in the world.

" ... first zero energy (ZEH) community in the United States and possibly the world..."

" ... each home has the capacity to generate enough renewable energy to offset its annual energy needs. ..."

Via:  Green Acres New Paltz (NY)  LINK

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Bank of America's One Bryant Park in Manhattan NYC has achieved LEED Platinum certification.  This is a first for a US high rise commercial building - achieving LEED platinum.

" ...  glass curtain wall permits maximum sunlight ... under-floor air delivery system ... power comes from an on-site cogeneration plant, which works in concert with an ice storage system ..."

The building reuses most all rainwater and sink water saving millions of gallons of potable water yearly. 

Via:  Bank of America  LINK

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Streetline uses software and sensors to adjust parking meter pricing to reduce cars circling for parking spaces.  It is estimated that up to 30 % of carbon emissions are caused once a car is in the city - circling for a cheap parking space at a parking meter.  When meter prices are close to the rate of a parking lot the incentive to keep driving looking for a cheap meter spot goes way down ... as does wasted fuel and emissions and Co2.

" ... estimated that 30% of urban traffic congestion is caused by drivers looking for parking. ... reducing congestion ... makes finding a parking space that much easier. ..."

Via:  Streetine   LINK

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NYK's (Nippon Yusen Kaisha) Yamatai will have a unique method to reduce CO2 ... by injecting air bubble at the bottom of the hull.  This reduces drag between the hull and sea water.  The result is lower CO2 emissions. 

" ... first vessel engaged in overseas transport to make use of a permanently installed air-lubrication system using an air-blower ...   generate bubbles ... to the vessel bottom ... expected to result in 10 percent less CO₂ emissions from the vessel."

Via:  NYK Group LINK

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Each year eBay hosts" ...  Innovation Expo ...  to develop prototypes for new products and breakthrough innovations ... ".

The winner this year developed " ... a durable box ... designed to be used over and over and over.."  Since may eBay buyers are also sellers the box would have many "lives" before no longer being usable.

" ...  reused at least five times, we could protect nearly 4,000 trees, save 2.4 million gallons of water ..."

Via:  eBay LINK

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Gazelle provides a safe, easy way to implement the 3Rs for old electronics like cell phones, monitors, calculators, camera lenses, laptops, external drives ... see their website for complete details.

They match goods to sellers (if the item has sufficient demand and is in acceptable condition) or arranges for safe and responsible e-recycling.  In addition to keeping e-waste out of landfills you might even get some cash !

" ... easy, fast, and safe way for you to sell electronics and recycle electronics. ... process takes about a week ... Items without market value are recycled responsibly"

Via:  Gazelle LINK

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Eliminating waste sent to the landfill saves both money and the planet.  Many GM plants " ...  no longer send any production waste to landfills." 

43 % send no production waste to landfills !

LINK to see plants by type and location.

The numbers are huge ... " ... 2 million tons ... will be recycled or reused ...additional 45,000 tons ... converted to energy at waste-to-energy facilities...."

Via:  General Motors  LINK

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SEPTA and Viridity Energy are working to reclaim and then reuse or resell the electricity generated by SEPTA subway and trolley cars. 

Much the same as a hybrid auto using regenerative braking to charge a battery - this system  sends the energy generated from braking subway cars back to the Subway power system for short term storage.  This turns the normally wasted energy into a resource.

Viridity Energy 's solution will " ... allow SEPTA to recycle the energy created from the regenerative braking ability of trains and trolleys ... ".  The braking energy will be stored in a large battery.

Benefits will include energy savings by storing the energy that can then be used to reduce SEPTA's draw from the GRID or even returned to the GRID for revenue during peaks use times.  It is projected that energy savings will result in over 1,200 tons of carbon emissions avoided per year and helping " ... balance electric generation and electric load on the PJM interconnection ..."

Via:  Viridity Energy  LINK

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 EPA Fuel Economy stickers are on all new cars and light trucks and ahve been for decades. They list the city and highway mpg as well expected annual feul costs and some information about emissions.

The EPA is now looking to modify (again) the labels ... to allow meaningful comparisons between newer type vehicles ... such as hybrids where MPG does not really apply.  They might group cars by letters like A, B, and C.

" .. provide ... simple, straightforward energy and environmental comparisons across all vehicles types, including electric vehicles (EV), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV), and conventional gasoline/diesel vehicles. ... information, such as ratings on fuel economy, greenhouse gas emissions, and other air pollutants ..."

Via:  EPA  LINK

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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

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Cleveland is taking their recycling program to an extreme with tracking technology.  …

…   “enforce recycling program by tracking citizen performance using RFID technology … ”   …

Via RFIDa: Cleveland RFID Recycle.

Posted by Green Tech at 09:04 PM | 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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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)

What do you do with your old cookware when you upgrade?  Rather than toss it in the trash you can use Freecycle. 

If you buy from Calphalon you can have your old cookware recycled for free.

Pack the old cookware in the box from the new cookware (reuse) and they will provide a UPS shipping label to cover the shipping.  Shortly after you should receive two 100% recycled cotton shopping bags (reduce and reuse).

Here is an interesting bit of information from their web site ...

"Fact: Over 80 percent of items in landfills can be recycled, but they're not."

Via:  Calphalon LINK

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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

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Levi Strauss has taken a number of steps to make their jeans "greener" including minimizing the number of labels and the wording on the label.

This can help you - the consumer - save money and the environment by making less of an impact.

The care label suggests washing in cold water, line drying and giving to Goodwill so they can have another useful life.

Posted by Green Dude at 03:00 PM | 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

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 This all started when I was looking for a "green" way to dispose of an microwave ... that was broken.  My local trash hauler /recycler suggested earth911 ... so I looked there for an idea ... none was found ... BUT ... I found some neat suggestions on recycling plastics.

I am currently recycling #1, #2, #3, #4, #5, #6 and some #7 plastics that are marked as recyclable but you never know when you might find something new.

PP #5

Expanded foam # 6

#2 and #4 bags

Via:  Earth911 LINK

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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

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The University of New Hampshire ranked in the top 5 percent in a recent DOE study for energy efficiency among a group of 180 colleges and universities.   Comparing their energy expenditures to the average they save approx. $7 million per year in energy costs (and it gets cold in New Hampshire in the winter)

" ...  in 2000. In our peer group, UNH was in the top five percent for energy efficiency. ... one of the most energy efficient colleges that offers 4 year programs through post-Doctoral research."

Via:  University of New Hampshire  LINK

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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)

UPS ' sustainability efforts are well known.  Perhaps you have seen their hybrid delivery trucks - sporting their neat hybrid logo.  I have seen them on the streets of Philadelphia.

UPS is also a leader in recycling.  In addition to paper they recycle batteries and e-waste; which is fast becoming a problem due to the rapid rate of obsolescence of computers and cell phones. e-waste contains significant toxins including lead.

" ... "e-waste" ... a significant global problem. ...  UPS recycled 27,753 pounds of batteries in 2008.  This included nickel cadmium, nickel metal hydride, lithium iron,  ... implemented its own e-waste recycling program ...  has recycled more than 24.5 million pounds of electronic equipment."

VIA: UPS  LINK

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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

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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) |