The whole key to an efficient rooftop solar power system is finding the right roof in the right spot with the least shade, and now a team of scientists has developed a new system (a solar calculator) that can provide visual images of the rooftop solar potential for any existing building….
Livestock Production, Environment, and Going Green
Several months ago, back in June of 2010, I wrote up a story on the environmental impact of eating meat based on a new-at-the-time United Nations (UN) report on the matter. I recently ran across another good story on this topic on a friend’s site, Global Warming is Real, titled “Eating Less Meat to Cut CO2 Emissions” that resulted in a follow-up.
Could Los Angeles be Solar-Powered?
On the same day that the catastrophic 9.0 earthquake hit Japan, March 11, UCLA’s Luskin Center for Innovation announced the publication of its “Los Angeles Solar Atlas.” Needless to say, it didn’t get much attention at that time. But it is a very useful and interesting publication, so I thought I’d share some of its key aspects and findings with you today.
Can Pigs Fly?
A survey released two weeks ago in conjunction with National Butchers’ Week suggests that many British consumers think that pigs can fly.
Seventh Generation & EcoLogic Team Up to Create New Eco-Friendly Bottle
Seventh Generation liquid laundry detergent will soon have a new look. They are introducing a new bottle made of recycled cardboard and newspaper and 66% less plastic.
Returning Soldiers Have Opportunities in Organic Farming
Several organic farming programs take in returning soldiers and teach them the basics of organic farming so that they can learn how to earn a living whilst integrating back into civilian life.
Poplar Leaves Inspiration & Model for Energy-Efficient Cool Roof Technology
The fast-growing poplar tree is starting to build up its cred as an all-around resource for the sustainable future, and its latest contribution is in the area of new cool roof technology. A research team in China has developed a waterproof coating that mimics the leaf’s highly efficient reflective properties, which could lead to a new generation of roof-cooling materials.
Free Videos, Webinars for Starting Farmers and Gardeners
As a farmer-in-training, I’m always on the look out for great resources on the web. And while you can learn a lot about organic food production by reading, you can learn even more from watching people actually do it.
Food Prices on the Rise — Expect that to Stay the Same
Worldwide, high crude oil prices, increasing extreme weather events, population growth and economic development of poorer countries, crop-based biofuels, political conflict and unrest in the Middle East, and slowing crop yield growth are all factors contributing to rising food prices.
Solar Power in a Carrying Case
OS – a Japanese company that makes retractable screens for projectors – has invented this very handy portable solar power-on-the-go device, that sells for ¥60,000 – or about $730.
Start a Mini-Garden — Join "Grow Your Own Food Challenge"
Becky Striepe, editor of one of our sister sites, Eat Drink Better, is giving home gardening a “whirl” and inviting others to join her in the process. Interested?
Scotland Plans World's Largest Underwater Tidal Turbine Project
Iberdrola subsidiary ScottishPower Renewables plans to install a tidal power project between two islands, Islay and Jura, in the inner Hebrides off the west coast of Scotland. The expected power output of the £40million project will be 10 MW, enough to power twice the number of homes on nearby Islay.
Pork Industry Leader Launches New PR Campaign to Counter Criticism
Smithfield puts a positive spin on pork production in a new multimedia campaign that it claims “takes the mystery” out of how they use pigs to make pork products… but it doesn’t work.
Wind Turbines in Japan Weathered Earthquake & Tsunami Fine
All of Japan’s wind farms are unscathed by the 9.0 earthquake, tsunami and nuclear meltdown.
Offshore Wind Power Cheaper than Nuclear Power, EU Climate Chief Emphasizes
I wrote a short piece last week on onshore wind energy being cost-competitive with coal in some regions. Now, EU climate chief Connie Hedegaard has added that offshore wind energy is cheaper than nuclear.
SPAM Gets Slammed by Microsoft, World Saves 13 Terawatt Hours of Electricity/Year from It
Here’s some awesome news. SPAM gets a huge shot in the chest and the world saves a ton of electricity in the process.
Europe, China Put Nuclear on Hold; U.S. — Full Steam Ahead
In the midst of the ongoing nuclear crisis in Japan, it has been interesting to see how the world’s leading countries and politicians are responding. If I had even an ounce of hope that Republicans could come around on energy policy in the face of this catastrophe, I think I completely lost it this week.
Center for Food Safety & Earthjustice Sue USDA over GM Alfalfa Approval
The Center for Food Safety and Earthjustice have teamed up to file a lawsuit against the USDA for their approval of GM alfalfa.
Mexico Backs Off Anti-GMO Stance, Approves Monsanto Pilot Project
After initially saying ‘NO’ to Monsanto’s pilot project, Mexico has succumbed and agreed.
Suburban Gardens and Local Action Can Help Heal the Planet
There is a growing grassroots movement in suburban and urban areas where the local action of growing food is beginning to profoundly transform our neighborhoods and our world. It begins first with a simple attitude shift, when we start thinking of our lawns and backyard gardens as opportunities for sustainably growing food. As we each start to plant a seed, we are healing not only ourselves, but the planet as well.
State & National Energy Efficiency Policies Will Create More Jobs
Energy efficiency policies can create a ton of highly-needed green jobs in the United States.
Take a Hottie to Bed — Stay Warm & Save Energy
One of the most energy-efficient ways to stay warm on those cool nights is to take a hottie to bed. A hottie uses less energy than an electric blanket or a space heater, and a hottie can help you keep your body hot and your thermostat down.
WikiLeaks: Some Marine Protected Areas Screw Native Peoples, Help Corporations
Throughout the world, opposition is building to fake marine “protected” areas designed to fulfill the agenda of corporate globalization and the privatization of public trust resources. The rights of indigenous … [Read full article]
Are Your Recycled Cereal Boxes Toxic?
Not good. A new study showed that food stored in packaging made from recycled cardboard may have some mineral oils that leeched from the cardboard. Mineral oils have been shown … [Read full article]
GMOs in Most "Natural" Cereals Now
Does “natural” mean non-GMO? Not likely. Many breakfast cereals labeled natural are likely to contain ingredients from genetically modified corn, soy, canola, and sugar beets. This was a key finding … [Read full article]
NASA: Toxic Dispersants Did Rain on Gulf Coast from BP Oil Spill "Cleanup"
Remember how all the conspiracy nuts claimed the chemicals BP was dumping in the water might actually evaporate into the air and then rain down on the Gulf States, poisoning … [Read full article]
Japanese Can Charge Electric Vehicles at Vending Machines Soon
How would you like to get a soda, a bag of chips, and charge your electric vehicle at the same time? Well, in Japan, you may soon be able to. Soon, vending machines in Japan will not only have your favorite refreshments and snacks, but will also be able to charge your car.
Loving and Saving the Great Lakes
Imagine a huge, blue body of water, white sandy beaches, waves crashing onshore and kids playing in the sand. You might be tempted to think of an ocean scene, but … [Read full article]
Wind- AND Solar-Powered Sailing Ships the Next Thing?
Sailing ships once carried much of the world’s cargo across the seas, until canvas sheets were replaced by low-grade “bunker” oil. Now it appears that wind power is about to … [Read full article]
Fake Coal Grassroots Group FACES of Coal Still Causing Trouble
Green tech has made some stunning advances in the past few years, so it’s tempting to look forward to the day when coal eases its headlock on the American power … [Read full article]
Local or Vegetarian Food, Which is More Important for Protecting the Environment?
Have you ever wondered which is better for the environment and for fighting global warming/climate change, eating local food or eating vegetarian? A study published on this matter in the … [Read full article]
Climate Change Also Making Food Less Safe
Climate change is not a simple problem, it has ramifications & ramifications & ramifications. Rachel Shuman of EatDrinkBetter delved into one of these this week: declining food safety from climate … [Read full article]
