By Tina Irgang, USA TODAY More states are moving to establish safe recycling programs and address the mercury content of the popular curly, compact fluorescent light bulbs. The bulbs, known as CFLs, generally use less power than incandescent light bulbs. CFLs use trace amounts of the toxic metal mercury to produce light, says Mark Kohorst, [...]

Looking to make waves this summer by transforming your pool into a lean, green, energy-saving machine? According to Randy Mendioroz, principal of Aquatic Design Group (ADG), annual operating costs for an outdoor pool can cost thousands with natural gas (71% of total cost), electricity (14%), pool chemicals (10%), and water (5%). Following are four ways [...]

From Environmental Leader In a move to help businesses ensure that they are ethically recycling their obsolete electronics, the ANSI-ASQ National Accreditation Board (ANAB) now offers electronics recyclers and others including asset management and refurbishing operations national certification to the e-Stewards Certification Program developed by the Basel Action Network (BAN). ANAB, the U.S. accreditation body [...]

A pilot parking lot project by UK retailer Sainsbury’s generates electricity when cars drive over metal plates in the parking lot. Energy is captured through the up-and-down action of the metal plates, generating electricity. When cars drive over the plates, up to 30 kWh of electricity is generated per hour, or enough to power the [...]

Written by Tina Casey Could the next war be powered by potatoes? The U.S. military is exploring bio-batteries and fuel cells as part of its overall commitment to transformational energy, particularly portable power. To help kick-start the effort, the Department of Defense is soliciting bids for cutting edge bio-battery and fuel cell development through its [...]

By NATHANIAL GRONEWOLD and GREENWIRE There’s growing concern that the United States’ conversion last weekend from analog to digital television broadcasting will exacerbate a national e-waste problem and fuel the smuggling of cathode ray tubes to the developing world. The digital transition, coupled with the popularity of newer flat-screen TVs, could see millions of sets [...]

Environmental Leader Lawyers, environmentalists and marketing groups say they’ve seen an increase in greenwashing suits over the past year, according to the National Law Journal. These groups are questioning everything from household cleaners to automobiles for their eco-friendliness. Patent attorney Eric Lane for San Diego-based Luce, Forward, Hamilton & Scripps, who runs the Green Patent [...]

By Mike Simpson, Kristine Chan-Lizardo, Cory Lowe, and Cameron M. Burns Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI) has been advocating the entry of fuel-efficient cars into the market for years, for security and economic reasons as well as environmental. On May 19, 2009, President Obama announced a “historic agreement to help America break its addiction to oil.” [...]

MOSCOW, Russia – The Sochi Winter Olympics in 2014 will be the latest in a recent series of greener Olympic Games, according to an agreement signed on World Environment Day between the Russian Olympic organizers and officials from the United Nations Environment Programme. At the signing ceremony in Moscow June 5, Theodore Oben, chief of [...]

By Jason Fitzpatrick The cardboard tube inside rolls of Saran Wrap and aluminum foil is particularly sturdy and well-suited for craft projects. Turn one of those sturdy tubes into attractive napkin holders with this tutorial. Craft-oriented blog Merriment noticed how thick the cardboard tubes inside Saran Wrap are. Your average person might have been content [...]

Reported by Rebecca Benson Energy-saving light bulbs can be found in almost every supermarket and big box store. But some people—particularly those with light-sensitivity concerns—are worried about the potential health hazards of switching from incandescents to compact-fluorescent (CFL) bulbs. The European Commission looked specifically at light sensitivity and CFLs via its Scientific Committee on Emerging [...]

On this episode, John and Mike speak with Todd Kean, the founder of Bonded Logic. Since its start in 1994, Bonded Logic has become the leading manufacturer of natural fiber insulation in the country by creating this insulation out of recycled denim and other natural fabrics. Kean discusses his goals as a member of the [...]