Electronics Need to Step Up to Meet new Energy Star Standards

The EPA announced new standards for electonics seeking to grab the brass ring – the Energy Star rating.
Now computer monitors, digital picture frames and other types of displays will have to be 20 percent more energy efficient than normal conventional models.
The projected energy savings for all such electronic equipment meeting this new standard is estimated at $1 billion [...]

Bayor Trying to Limit Disclosure on Chemical Pesticide Explosion

Last August, Bayor CropScience was witness to a tremendous chemical explosion that killed two employees and raised fears in the surrounding West Virginia community.
A federal agency is now trying to set a public hearing to outline it’s preliminary findings as to the explosion’s cause.
In an unprecedented move, Bayor is trying to limit what is disclosed [...]

Chinese Propose Global Greenhouse Gas Trade Plan

China’s State Council Development Research Center has proposed a global greenhouse gas trade plan to address the varying levels of GHG from rich and poor countries.
The Beijing think tank released their plan in the March issue of China’s Economic Research Journal, published on March 20th.
A separate report by the Chinese Academy of Sciences outlined that nation’s [...]

Environment Loses Big Time to Border Patrol

In yet another effort to cut back on illegal crossings, the US Border Patrol will begin using herbicides to poison plant life along the US-Mexico border.
This pilot program is one of three methods the Border Patrol is testing to eliminate thick stalked carrizo cane which they say smugglers, illegal immigrants and robbers use to hide behind. Teams of agents will also [...]

Desert Solar Could Bring Power to all Europe

The use of solar power has seen tremendous growth around the world – for homes, commercial and even government use.
Now a researcher at the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis in Austria says solar could end up bringing power to all of Europe.
Dr. Anthony Patt, addressing scientists at this week’s climate change conference in Copenhagen, said a large solar [...]

Climate Change Forces New Eurpoean Borders

Swiss and Italian authorities plan to redraw their mutual border due to the rapid disappearance of centuries old glaciers, the long-held delineation between the two countries.
Zurich’s daily newspaper, Tages-Anzeiger reports that after 50 years of stability, the border must be now reset.
In an unprecedented decision, authorities plan to establish a border that is both set [...]

SC Johnson Raises the Bar, Encouraging Environmentalists

Mos consumers have little to no idea what’s in the cleaning products they use.
SC Johnson – maker of Windex, Pine Sol, Shout and a variety other products – plans to disclose their complete ingredient list on their cleaning and air care products, something the industry has balked at doing.
The key industry hold-out for disclosure has [...]

Study Shows Genetically Modified (GMO) Cotton Kills Soil

 
A study conducted in India has shown that Monsanto’s Bt-cotton causes soil to die.
The study, reported the Organic Consumers Association, reveals that fields planted with Monsanto’s genetically modified (GM) cotton, over three years showed soil micro-organisms – responsible for healthy, nutrient-rich soil -were dramatically reduced in Monsanto cotton fields.
The Institute for Science in Society stated “At [...]

Phoenix to Become 1st U.S. city to be Carbon Neutral

Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon announced today a bold 17-pont plan that would boldly create Phoenix as the country’s first carbon neutral city.
In collaboration with Arizona State University’s Global Institute of Sustainability, this proposed leap into full sustainability would cut city-generated GHG emissions by430,000 metric tons per year. This is roughly equal to 80,000 vehicles off the road.
The plan hinges [...]

Grocery Stores to Offer Reverse Recycling

This reverse vending machine will soon be in Albersstons stores

Kudos to Albertsons. Two of their California grocery stores will soon offer a pilot recycling program that will allow customers to return  plastic, glass and aluminum beverage containers.
Reverse vending machines, or RVM’s, supplied by Tomra of North America will take the containers and refund deposits to customers.
These amazing [...]