Bic recycles old fridges into pencils

Millions of discarded refrigerators end up in landfills

Many old fridges are piled up in our landfills, adding more toxic chemicals and waste to an already overtaxed waste system.

You may not realized it but refrigerators contain polystyrene (styrofoam).  Though not yet widely accepted for recycling, there is a steadily growing trend to recover this highly usable resource.

Confusnion reigns in regards to recycling resin codes

The public, government and waste management officials are all confused about these recycling codes

There’s a whole lot of confusion out there when it comes to being able to understand those numbers for the different types of plastic and what can and can’t be recycled.

If you think consumers are the only ones sitting in the swirl of confusion, you’re not.

BP declines to give oil spill figures in latest sustainability report

BP tries to ignore the Gulf oil disaster of 2010 in its latest sustainability report

Is BP trying to pull the wool over people’s eyes yet again?

Speak up about Genetically Modified (GMO) Food

The United States is the top producer of genetically-modifed food crops in the world

The United States is behind the rest of much of the world.

Not in everything, to be sure, but in enough of the things that matter – green innovation and environmental regulations to name a few. There is one other critical category where  we’re behind the curve – food labeling for genetically-modified (GMO) food products.

Oil slick from shipwreck could spell disaster to penguins

A heartbreaking environmental disaster is unfolding on and around Nightingale Island, home to more than 200,000 northern rockhopper penguins – creatures made famous by the animated feature film “Happy Feet”.

Natural ways to combat potential radiation from Japan

Brown seaweed has been shown to help absorb radiation and produce a compound the body can easily eliminate

Even with the latest news that the threat of radiation from Japan’s nuclear plants is significantly less than first feared. there has been a rush on internet and over-the-counter sales of potassium iodide pills. There are some reports that consumers are hoarding these pills, creating shortages in some parts of the U.S.

There is, however, a more natural remedy - although less well-known in the Western world – that has been shown to be effective .

Walmart’s Zero Waste program – a guardedly optimistic perspective

After reading an article today by Michelle Mauthe Harvey about Walmart’s progress with their program to generate zero waste, I have to say I was impressed with the way the retailer has continued to seek workable options that will alow it to meet its goal.

Tree-free paper products – from sugar cane

There are lots of paper products out there, with a few brands boasting recycled content. But few have gone the distance to  have tree-free content – the ultimate in green.

Sugar cane leftovers are pulped into bagasse, which is now used as a sustainable paper alternative

One company that’s stepped up is the Paradigm Group. They’ve been producing green products under their Emerald brand since 1998.

Free phone calls to and from Japan on netTalk

In the aftermath of the devastating double whammy in Japan of the earthquake and tsunami, communication is very difficult both in and outside the country.

netTALK.COM Inc. announced that it is offering free calls to and from Japan using the netTALK DUO starting March 15th at 12:00 PM EST until March 21st at 12:00 PM EST.

netTALK – a leader in Voice over Internet Protocol (VOIP) - will also allow individuals in Japan to use the netTALK Smartphone App to make free phone calls back to the United States and Canada over WiFi. This easily accessible phone app lets you make calls over 3G and WiFi without utilizing your cell phone minutes. The company stresses that this is for personal use only.

Another great example of people – and companies – pulling together to help others during times of crisis. Way to go, netTALK.

Seventh Generation’s new eco-friendly laundry bottle

Known for leading their industry down the green path, Seventh Generation has come up with a new first. They’ve just introduced a new laundry detergent bottle made from 100 percent  recycled cardboard and newspaper.