New Study Released – Driving California’s Economy

Joanna Schroeder

Maybe a coincidence, but on the same day the EPA and DOE released new fuel economy labels, Next 10 released a new study, “Driving California’s Economy: How Fuel Economy and Emission Standards Will Impact Economic Growth and Job Creation.” The study found that policies that support fuel efficiency will drive consumer savings, drive job creation and spur economic growth. In …

Environment

EPA, DOT Unveil Hip, New Fuel Economy Labels

Joanna Schroeder

Amidst high gas prices consumers, legislators and NGO’s (non government organization) have all called for stricter fuel economy standards. Yesterday the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Transportation unveiled new fuel economy labels designed to help consumers take advantage of increased efficiency standards enacted under the Obama Administration. The increased fuel economy standards are designed to help …

Electric Vehicles, Environment, Flex Fuel Vehicles

Energy Efficiency Showcased in E-Power House

Joanna Schroeder

You hear about new energy efficient technologies for your home almost every day but how do you incorporate them into your own household? Well that question has been asked and answered in the new E-power House, a 15-foot-tall cutaway model home that debuts on May 1, 2011 at the Da Vinci Science Center located in Allentown, Pennsylvania. Visitors will be …

Education, Electricity, Energy, Environment, Solar

Book Review – World On The Edge

Joanna Schroeder

I spent Earth Day 30,000 feet up and I must admit that there was a tiny part of me that felt guilty. So to make myself feel better, I read “World On The Edge,” by Lester Brown.  The book focuses on how to prevent environmental and economic collapse and operates on the assumption that it’s not “if” global warming will …

biofuels, book reviews, corn, Electric Vehicles, Environment, Ethanol, Geothermal, global warming, Solar, Wind

New Bioplastics Logo Unveiled

Joanna Schroeder

Biomass is not just for energy. Crops like potatoes, corn, wheat, tapioca, sugar, and algae can also be used to produce plastics, or “bioplastics”, a more sustainable alternative to petroleum-based plastics. Bioplastics are biodegradable and compostable and for those consumers looking to make a “greener” choice, Cereplast has unveiled a new bioplastics logo. The winner was announced on Earth Day …

algae, bioplastics, corn, Environment

Wind Industry Takes Step to Protect Wildlife

Joanna Schroeder

The wind energy industry has joined forces with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) to develop a wind energy habitat conservation plan for the Midwest Region. Harm to animals, especially birds, has been a concern of people opposed to wind energy. Today, the group that includes the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA), has signed an agreement to develop a …

Electricity, Energy, Environment, Wind

Book Review – The Biochar Solution

Joanna Schroeder

Can biochar singlehandedly save the world from all of its carbon dioxide, global warming woes? Well, the jury is still out but there may be some potential. This I learned from reading the book, “The Biochar Solution: Climate Farming and Climate Change,” by Albert Bates. First, I should explain what biochar is. Biochar is charcoal, a cellulosic material that has …

biofuels, book reviews, Environment, water

Zotos Honored For Renewable Energy Use

Joanna Schroeder

More and more companies are moving to powering their manufacturing facilities and company headquarters with renewable energy. This week the EPA announced its Top 20 On-Site Generation List. This is a list of the organizations that are using the most on-site green power to energize their operations. The list is part of the Green Power Partnership. The winner was Kimberly …

biogas, biomass, Electricity, Energy, Environment, Solar, Wind

Green Tips for Earth Month 2011

Joanna Schroeder

April 22, 2011 marks the 41st Earth Day and many are calling for Earth Day to be expanded to include issues surrounding energy independence. Those who lobby for energy independence also lobby for the increased use of renewable energy including wind, solar, geothermal and biofuels. Today, renewable energy company Green Mountain Energy Company, is offering some green tips for Earth …

biofuels, Environment, Solar, Wind

Agilyx Secures $22M in Funding

Joanna Schroeder

Renewable energy company Agilyx Corporation has secured $22 million in Series B funding. Agilyx believes they are the first company to economically covert difficult recycle waste plastic into synthetic crude oil. The monies will be used to expand operations and accelerate the growth of their technology to market. The funding round was led by Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers and …

Energy, Environment, Oil