Archives

February 2009 Archives

Score One For Sustainable Agriculture: Obama to Nominate Kathleen Merrigan to be Deputy Secretary of USDA - 2009-02-24
"The choice of Tom Vilsack to head up the USDA was seen by many advocates of organic agriculture as being a pat on the back to agribusiness. Well, you lose some you win some: President Obama has announced that he will nominate Kathleen Merrigan to be Deputy Secretary of the USDA. Considering that's she's on the Sustainable Dozen list out forth by the Food Democracy Now campaign this is certainly great news..."

No Lunch Left Behind - 2009-02-24
"THIS new era of government bailouts and widespread concern over wasteful spending offers an opportunity to take a hard look at the National School Lunch Program. Launched in 1946 as a public safety net, it has turned out to be a poor investment. It should be redesigned to make our children healthier..."

E.U. Official: Organic Farming Fights Climate Change - 2009-02-24
"For many years there has been growing interest in growing and eating organic produce. Consumers cite its health benefits, more robust taste, and its tendency to come from small-scale producers. That said, the environmental benefits of organic farming over conventional farming have been a matter of a long, sometimes roiling discussion — and often enough, organic farming has come down on the wrong side of the equation..."

FedEx's Smith Favors Carbon Tax Over Cap-And-Trade - 2009-02-24
"WASHINGTON -(Dow Jones)- Congress should consider imposing a "carbon tax" to curb pollution and use the proceeds to reduce U.S. payroll taxes, FedEx Corp. ( FDX) Chairman and Chief Executive Fred Smith said Monday. A carbon tax would be a much more efficient way to reduce pollution than a cap-and-trade system that would cap the emission of air pollutants and permit trading in pollution credits by firms that stay below the cap, Smith said in response to questions after a speech to the National Press Club... "

Ten Best Green Jobs for the Next Decade - 2009-02-24
"Massive investments in clean energy promise to keep farmers, urban planners, and green-tech entrepreneurs in business for the next decade. This guide to sustainability focused career paths will help solar-charge your work life..."

Electric Cars: What if There’s a Blackout? - 2009-02-24
"Better Place aims to create networks of electric cars, which can be recharged at home or at work over the course of several hours. Much like cellphone subscription plans, drivers will be able to choose when and how much to recharge. When the battery is nearly drained and drivers have no time to wait for a recharge, they will be able to stop at a “battery exchange” station and, in a five-minute procedure, swap out the battery..."

West blamed for rapid increase in China's CO2 - 2009-02-24
"The full extent of the west's responsibility for Chinese emissions of greenhouse gases has been revealed by a new study. The report shows that half of the recent rise in China's carbon dioxide pollution is caused by the manufacturing of goods for other countries - particularly developed nations such as the UK..."

The fall of green travel - 2009-02-19
"So where does that leave you? Here are a few thoughts about traveling in a post-green world..."

D.C. Green Building Law Hits Enforcement Snag - 2009-02-19
"One of a handful of laws in the U.S. requiring private buildings to meet LEED standards, legislation passed in 2006 in Washington, D.C., may be unenforceable as currently written. According to the Washington Business Journal, the D.C. Department of Environment is working to address a complaint from the surety industry, which issues bonds that guarantee the completion of construction projects..."

Organic Monitor Gives 2009 Predictions - 2009-02-19
"At the end of the first month of 2009, Organic Monitor gave its predictions on its specialist industries for the year ahead. Global sales of organic food & drink have been increasing by over US $ 5 billion a year, reaching US $ 46 billion in 2007. With the slowdown in the global economy, there is some uncertainty about the year ahead for ethical & sustainable industries. Positive growth is expected to continue in 2009, however slower growth rates are envisaged in countries affected by the financial crisis..."

Natural and Organic Sunscreen - 2009-02-19
"In this article, eventual benefits or downsides of sunscreens, denoted as natural, organic, hypoallergenic, or biodegradable are presented on (hopefully) unbiased way..."

California Building Owners See Green in New Regulation - 2009-02-19
“The 2006 California Solar Initiative and the Greenhouse Gas Emissions Bill (Senate Bill 1 and Assembly Bill 32) set goals to increase solar generated electricity and reduce greenhouse gas emissions in California. The new laws have prompted the California Legislature and the Public Utility Commission (CPUC) to remove regulatory obstacles for commercial building owners to implement energy efficiency measures and install solar energy infrastructure...”

Economic stimulus package must be used to launch long-term 'green' revolution – Ban, Gore - 2009-02-19
“United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and former United States Vice-President Al Gore today called on the world to use the coordinated economic stimulus urgently needed to tackle the global economic crisis to launch a long-term 21st century revolution of green growth...”

It's Getting Easier to Be Green - 2009-02-17
"Environmentally conscious travelers now have a wide-ranging choice of luxurious resorts, where they can kick back and relax with a clean conscience (tree-hugging optional)..."

It May Market Organic Alternatives, but Is Your Cleaner Really Greener? - 2009-02-17
"Government and environmental watchdogs say many cleaners are turning to methods that are only slightly less toxic than perc. The National Cleaners Association, a trade group, says some businesses are using the term “organic” in a blatantly misleading way — not in the sense of a chemical-free peach, but in the chemistry-class sense of containing carbon, the element found in all organic compounds, including perc.."

10 green building trends for 2009 - 2009-02-17
"Green building consultant Jerry Yudelson has published his "Top Ten" list of green building trends for 2009. Yudelson says that green building will continue to grow in spite of the global credit crisis and the ongoing economic recession in most countries..."

Hydrogen Fuel From Woodchips And Other Non-food Sources - 2009-02-17
"Researchers at Virginia Tech, Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), and the University of Georgia have produced hydrogen gas pure enough to power a fuel cell by mixing 14 enzymes, one coenzyme, cellulosic materials from nonfood sources, and water heated to about 90 degrees (32 degrees Celsius)..."

Wind Power Forecasting For The US - 2009-02-17
"An unexpected lack of wind in the US can cause blackouts. This is one problem that many regions in the United States of America may face on the short and medium term as a consequence of the country's growing dependence on renewable energies, particularly wind power..."

Organic Agriculture Can Feed the World - 2009-02-17
"The report by the UNCTAD and UNEP, the Wisconsin Integrated Cropping Systems Trials, The Scientific Review by the Cornell University and US Agricultural Research Service (ARS) Pecan Trial have proved that organic systems are producing higher yields. “Best practice organic agriculture can get better yields than conventional agriculture. Four recent credible studies show organic systems producing higher yields, particularly in the drier years that are predicted to increase with climate change,” according to Andre Leu, Chair of the Organic Federation of Australia..."

Nuclear Fusion-fission Hybrid Could Contribute To Carbon-free Energy Future - 2009-02-17
"Physicists at The University of Texas at Austin have designed a new system that, when fully developed, would use fusion to eliminate most of the transuranic waste produced by nuclear power plants. The invention could help combat global warming by making nuclear power cleaner and thus a more viable replacement of carbon-heavy energy sources, such as coal..."

Businesses Believe in Green Building Benefits, according to Report from McGraw-Hill Construction - 2009-02-12
“While building 'green' may still cost more upfront, many building industry professionals realize that the health benefits, employee productivity, and the overall positive impact to the environment far outweigh the initial fees. Better yet, environmental responsibility and green building eventually will lead to lower operating costs and increased revenue for building operators and owners. A new report by industry giant McGraw-Hill Construction backs these assumptions, showing an increase in the perceived value of green building among architects, engineering firms, contractors and owners over the last three years, especially the financial benefits.”

Food Trends for 2009 - 2009-02-12
"TORONTO (Reuters) - From recalled tomatoes to calorie counts on menus, food and health was a big part of the news in 2008, and it looks to again have a high profile in 2009. Here are five food-related topics and trends to watch for this year..."

Ancient Soil Replenishment Technique Helps in Battle Against Global Warming - 2009-02-12
“The potential of biochar lies in its ability to sequester-capture and store-huge amounts of carbon while also displacing fossil fuel energy, effectively doubling its carbon impact," said Steiner, a soil scientist whose research in the Amazon Basin originally focused on the use of biochar as a soil amendment. At UGA's Biorefinery and Carbon Cycling Program, he now investigates the global potential of biochar to sequester carbon. He also serves as a consultant to the UNCCD, a sister program to the climate change convention.”

Going Green: Green Real Estate - 2009-02-12
“The American Institute of Architects has highlighted 10 buildings it considers the best of the breed. The group is trying to demonstrate the possibility of creating sustainable, environmentally friendly architecture that dramatically reduces energy use and thus minimizes "carbon footprint"--the amount of carbon dioxide gas, which contributes to global warming, that the buildings generate.”

Biodiesel in the Pacific Northwest - 2009-02-12
"Recent growth in the Pacific Northwest biodiesel industry owes much to the research on biofuels spurred by the twin oil price hikes of the 1970s. Low oil prices throughout the 1990s slowed, but did not totally halt research and development efforts. Today's successful companies turned that research into practical applications employing several different production technologies and distribution plans. Two companies currently in production and distribution, Sequential Biofuels, based in Portland, OR, and Imperium Renewables, based in Seattle, WA, demonstrate the scalability of biodiesel business models, making them amenable to rural and urban locations."

Organic Gardening: The Positive Effects - 2009-02-12
"Organic gardening is defined as a system that excludes the use of synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, and growth regulators. Beyond that, technology and horticultural practices between conventional vegetable gardening and organic gardening production don't differ that much. The main difference is that organic gardening features compost as both mulch and organic fertilizer, and organic gardening features organic pest control and organic weed killer."

Listed Green - 2009-02-12
Link to the multiple listing service for green, sustainable, and energy-efficient properties.

Eco Lodges Around the World - 2009-02-12
"Designed to be in harmony with their surroundings, eco lodges offer travelers an intimate getaway in a natural setting. They are often found in remote locations and range from basic budget to high-end luxury, although the latter is more often the case." The following article gives 6 locations of Eco Lodges featured on Ecotourism Logue.

Green Building News January 2009 - 2009-02-12
"Habitat for Humanity International and The Home Depot Foundation undertake a national green building initiative, Partners in Sustainable Building. The program will provide funding and resources to assist in making at least 5,000 homes built by Habitat affiliates more energy efficient and sustainable according to nationally recognized green building standards. Sustainable homes cost less to operate and maintain and have less of an impact on the environment. The Home Depot Foundation is providing $30 million in financial and in-kind support, technical resources and training to establish a foundation of green building expertise that will impact Habitat builds for years to come."

Slogging through the Swamp - 2009-02-12
Includes recipes for: all purpose spray cleaner, cutting boards, mildew/books, moisture problems, mold, musty smells, air fresheners, laundry, sweet linens, carpets, drains, fireplaces, floor/furniture wax/polish, wood floors/ sinks/tubs/toilets, and window cleaner.

Toxins in Bottled Water - 2009-02-12
"The ability of water treatment facilities to remove toxic chemicals such as lead, mercury, arsenic and other toxins is minimal, and in some geographical areas, non-existent. Even the pipes through which clean water must travel may itself be the source of toxins."

How to Get Started Eating Clean - 2009-02-12
"Many people are looking for a way to lose weight and improve their health in a healthy way. Fed up with fad diets, people want an eating plan that will not only help them lose weight and get fit, but also a plan that is more of a lifestyle, not something that they have to go "on" and "off." Eating clean is one way to do just that. Here are a few tips to get started eating clean."

Benefits of Getting into Green Real Estate - 2009-02-12
"If you’re looking to buy a rental property, you might want to think about getting on the green bandwagon. There are many benefits of being an eco-friendly property owner. Take a look at just a few of them..."

Your Ultimate Guide For Acne Home Remedy - 2009-02-12
"Acne is a skin problem widely known and experienced by almost all of our people especially teenagers and young adults. When not given enough attention and care, acne can actually give you serious problems. Nowadays, doctors and advertisements offer us different products that might help solve our worries about acne. However, it is still better if you can actually cure it before seeing or consulting your doctor. There are actually acne home remedies that you can find and use inside your home or in your garden. All you have to do is to know how you can use that acne home remedy to finally say goodbye to your acne worries."

Enhancing Solar Cells With Nanoparticles - 2009-02-12
“Deriving plentiful electricity from sunlight at a modest cost is a challenge with immense implications for energy, technology, and climate policy. Scientists are developing a relatively new approach to solar cells: lacing them with nanoscopic metal particles. As the authors describe in a new article, this approach has the potential to greatly improve the ability of solar cells to harvest light efficiently.”

Is a New Food Policy on Obama's List? - 2009-02-12
“Although Mr. Obama has proposed changes in the nation’s farm and rural policies and emphasizes the connection between diet and health, there is nothing to indicate he has a special interest in a radical makeover of the way food is grown and sold. Still, the dream endures. To advocates who have watched scattered calls for changes in food policy gather political and popular momentum, Mr. Obama looks like their kind of president...”

Quick Tips: Homemade Skin Care Recipes - 2009-02-12
A list of various skin care concoctions with basic ingredients found in your kitchen. Quick, effective, and synthetic-free.

Renewable Energy Sources in the United States - 2009-02-12
For those who have heard about the function of renewable energy, but may not understand what it is or where it comes from. This article from National Atlas explains the functions of hydropower, wind power, solar power, geothermal power, and biomass power, and includes where these sources can be found in the United States.

Carbon-neutral Way to Power Your Home - 2009-02-12
“A super-efficient system that has the potential to power, heat and cool homes across the UK is being developed at Newcastle University. It works by burning vegetable oil to power a generator and provide electricity for the home.”

How to Transition to Buying Organic - 2009-02-12
"These days it seems everyone around is “going green.” When it comes to eating, being green means going organic and largely local in food choices. While you may want to eat organic food for the sake of your health and the environment, your pocketbook may not be able to absorb the high cost of many organic products. Instead think about moving to organic food in a slower fashion. Taking these simple steps may be a better way to get yourself into the habit of eating organic."

Budgets Squeezed, Some Families Bypass Organics - 2009-02-12
"It turns out that when times are tough, consumers may be less interested in what type of feed a cow ate before it got chopped up for dinner, or whether carrots were grown without chemical fertilizers — particularly if those products cost twice as much as the conventional stuff..."

Green Lives Despite Economic Crisis - 2009-02-12
"Conventional thinking might tell you that in times of economic crisis, the last thing on institutional investors’ minds is sustainability and green initiatives. But a new report from San Francisco-based RREEF, “How Green a Recession? — Sustainability Prospects in the U.S. Real Estate Industry,” makes the case that in spite of this recession, sustainability should be a fundamental part of any long-term investor’s strategy."

Types of Solar Power - 2009-02-12
"According to the American Solar Energy Society, a minute's worth of sunshine provides enough energy to power the earth's needs for a year. So then, what's the problem? Translating the laws of physics into practical applications often turns out to be as challenging a task as is the task of discovering those same laws."

The Health Benefits of Antioxidants - 2009-02-12
"Antioxidants are the nutritional equivalent of man's best friend - they are loyal protectors and nurturers of our cells, repelling disease, and promoting good health. Antioxidants can come from healthy eating or in the form of supplements, and they include a family of naturally formed components like vitamin A, beta-carotene, lycopene, vitamin E, and more. They are believed to protect cells from free radicals, harmful oxygen molecules thought to damage cells that result in cancer, atherosclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, and rheumatoid arthritis, and they may be the underlying reason why we age."

Organic Skin Care Makes Sense - 2009-02-12
"Organic refers to a food that is grown without the use of synthetic pesticides, insecticides, herbicides, fungicides, fertilizers or other toxic substances. Organic skin care products are created from herbs, fruits, and flower buds. This article will argue the many aspects of using all organic skin care products to benefit your body and skin."

Seabreeze Organic Farm - 2009-02-12
A collection of recipes from Seabreeze Organic Farm. Includes the ingredients, the preparation, and is complete with categories to guide you directly to what you are looking for. Each time you click "Recipes", a new one appears.

Cosmetics and Breast Cancer - 2009-02-12
"It’s important for women to take health matters into their own hands, educating themselves about environmental estrogens and limiting their exposure. The following table delineates the endocrine-disrupting chemicals found in cosmetics and beauty products. Many are used in multiple products, so it’s important to read product labels carefully."

Real Estate Investors benefit from Green Building Momentum - 2009-02-12
“While there isn't enough room in these pages to quote every green building study ever conducted, there is certainly little doubt that the economic benefits of green building are very real. And as we move forward, digging ourselves out of one of the worst economic meltdowns in recorded history, investors would be wise to follow this trend – as it really does represent what will one day be the status quo of building and construction.”

Top 10 Eco Resorts - 2009-02-12
Reducing our carbon footprints is becoming a priority for many of us, and where you live plays a large part in this. Luckily, saving the planet doesn’t have to mean going back to basics – as these luxurious, state-of-the-art green developments reveal…"

Top Island Destination Ecolodges - 2009-02-12
National Geographic brings you an introduction and brief description of the top island destination ecolodges, ranging from the Maldives to Mozambique.

Green Homes for Sale - 2009-02-12
Link to the green and healthy home marketplace, featuring domestic and international listings.

A Progressive Nod to the Old World - 2009-02-12
"PALIO RISTORANTE has one foot in the past and the other in the future. This lovely Jericho restaurant has the look of those elegant places where life’s milestones are celebrated. It is also a contemporary, progressive spot, a “green” dining destination. The menu states, “All ingredients are from local organic farms and sustainable whenever possible.” That’s just the beginning. Excess cooking oil is converted into biodiesel fuel; menus are printed on recycled paper with soy ink..."

Stimulus Bill’s Sustainability Elements Disappoint Commercial Landlords - 2009-02-12
"A version of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act that passed a vote in the House last week will boost energy efficiency in the residential and public sectors but falls short of expectations for commercial real estate owners, experts say."

Energy-efficient Water Purification Made Possible - 2009-02-12
“Yale doctoral student Robert McGinnis and his advisor Menachem Elimelech, Chair of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, have designed systems that harness the power of osmosis to harvest freshwater from non-potable sources, including seawater and generate electricity from low-temperature heat sources, such as waste heat from conventional power plants.”

Clean your Cubicle the Eco-Friendly Way - 2009-02-12
"How to Keep Your Workspace spic, span, and sustainable." "Keeping your cubicle clean helps you stay organized, present a professional appearance to your colleagues, and just plain feel more on top of your job. Check out these green tips for maintaining an eco-friendly workspace, and you'll be well on your way to a neat, tidy and totally sustainable workday."

The Top Five Benefits of Natural Organic Pet Food for Your Dog - 2009-02-12
“As the good news about organic diets has spread, dog owners are beginning to wonder if dietary changes can help their dogs.  Do the benefits of an organic diet really extend to our pets?  We all want healthy, happy dogs, but is the higher price of organic dog food really worth it?  Consider the potential benefits of organic pet food for your dog:”

Organic Kitchen Cooking - 2009-02-12
A collection of various recipes offered by expert and amateur chefs, including various dishes from Indian, Filipino, Hungarian, strictly vegetarian, Native American, and fusion foods.

Green Building Could Triple by 2013, Says McGraw-Hill Construction - 2009-02-12
The U.S. green building market is accelerating at a dramatic rate, says McGraw-Hill Construction's Green Outlook 2009: Trends Driving Change report. The value of green building construction starts was up five-fold from 2005 to 2008 (from $10 billion to $36-$49 billion), and could triple by 2013, reaching $96-$140 billion.

Celebrate the Queen Bee in all Women - 2009-02-12
“(ARA) - Natural beauty is easy to attain with an item you most likely already have in your kitchen cupboard - pure honey. Used by itself or with a combination of ingredients, honey can help moisturize, ward off unwanted bacteria and help give your skin an all-over natural glow. Not only is honey a humectant, it also contains vitamins, enzymes, minerals and antimicrobial properties, making it one of the more natural ways to indulge your skin.*

Brewing Industry Is Producing Organically Brewed Beers - 2009-02-12
"As organically grown ingredients for beer making are slowly becoming more available and less expensive, more and more breweries are producing their own version of organic beer."

MSG Free, It's Not as Clear as it Seems - 2009-02-12
As a consumer, one would be hard pressed to find a food in any American grocery aisle, freezer section or American restaurant that does not contain food with MSG. MSG is everywhere in nearly everything we eat (see MSG in Foods box). This widespread usage of MSG in America is quite significant considering MSG didn’t even enter the American food supply until 1947, when it was introduced as the flavor enhancer called Ac’cent. This is not surprising when we consider that the anticipated result of MSG flavor enhancement is that we eat more of the MSG enhanced foods. As it relates to the bottom line, when people eat more of an MSG enhanced food, the companies that supply this food increase profits. As the controversy continues, different methods of getting MSG into foods have been incorporated. One of the most successful being the addition of MSG to seeds used for grains and livestock feed. But before moving on, let’s see where MSG came from and why..."

Maho Bay Camps - 2009-02-12
"Although Maho Bay Camps is probably the most highly praised ecotourism destination in the world, we had modest beginnings. In 1976, we built 18 tent-cottages on 16 foot square platforms in the Virgin Islands National Park using hand construction methods which left the natural environment virtually undisturbed. The platforms were connected by elevated walkways to avoid soil erosion which endangers the beach and fragile coral. This sensitive land use stimulated an explosion of favorable press which has encouraged our growth to 114 units, connected by an extensive network of stairs and boardwalks."

'Green' Gasoline on the Horizon - 2009-02-12
"University of Oklahoma researchers believe newer, more environmentally friendly fuels produced from biomass could create alternative energy solutions and alleviate dependence on foreign oil without requiring changes to current fuel infrastructure systems. According to Lance Lobban, director of the School of Chemical, Biological and Materials Engineering, the development of "green" fuels is an important part of the world’s, and Oklahoma’s, energy future."

Mow Your Gas: The Ethanol of the Future - 2009-02-12
“Imagine a day when you or your local landscaping service uses your lawn clippings and organic table scraps to produce gasoline for your car. The newest ethanol technologies, often lumped under the name cellulosic ethanol, can make that thought a reality.”

Strawberry, Not Just A Beautiful Fruit - 2009-02-12
“What’s the first thought that comes to your mind when you think of strawberry – a mouth-watering dessert of strawberries mixed with fresh cream? To end an interesting evening on sweet note, this is just the right dessert. Strawberries serve more than just fulfilling the sweet tooth. It is packed with hordes of health benefits, making a nutritious fruit for mind and body.”

The World's First Green Dryer - 2009-02-03
Guest Editor Emily Rutan explains the first major green appliance that runs quickly and efficiently through the use of hydronic power.