http://community.ecoseed.org/service/getFeed.kickAction?quantity=25 New blogs from ashleysoon on EcoSeed Community Wed, 08 Sep 2010 06:09:18 GMT Wed, 08 Sep 2010 06:09:18 GMT arnel.reyes@ecoseed.org (areyes) arnel.reyes@ecoseed.org (areyes) KickApps Feed Builder 2010-09-08T06:09:18Z 717 http://community.ecoseed.org/service/searchEverything.kickAction?as=29468&sortType=recent 0 http://community.ecoseed.org/_Korean-phone-makers-rank-among-greenest/BLOG/2630146/29468.html [image] Korean phone makers LG and Samsung have managed to rank among the top five greenest handset makers surveyed by IDC. However, the analyst firm said the mobile phone industry still has a long way to go. In a Thursday report, IDC ranked--in alphabetical order--Apple, LG, Nokia, Samsung, and Sony Ericsson as the top five phone makers in terms of the companies' sustainability policies and practices. The results were judged based on five criteria--packaging, materials, energy, end-of-life program, and overall sustainability efforts--and 20 sub-criteria, said IDC. However, mobile phone recycling is "amazingly low today", said IDC, noting that a recycling rate of 10 percent is considered good. "Given the ubiquity of mobile phones around the globe, it is critical for manufacturers...to demonstrate their corporate responsibility," said IDC, adding that this can be achieved through greener phones that simplify disposal and the reusing of phone parts. IDC noted that Nokia is the leader when it comes to reusing recycled materials. The Finnish phone maker was also praised for its green materials as 65 to 80 percent of its device can be recycled, while the rest which are primarily plastic can be used to fuel recycling processes. LG's power management functions were acknowledged by IDC, which added that the Korean company has developed a solar charger that it plans to include in its entire range of products. With regard to Samsung, IDC said the firm "scored well" in the reduction of hazardous materials as all its new models were free of brominated flame retardants (BFR) by Jul. 1 last year. The electronics company also plans to make its mobile phones free of phthalates, beryllium, brominated compounds, and antimony trioxide by Dec. 21, 2010, said IDC. Also in the top five charts was Sony Ericsson, which has optimized its packaging to be more environmentally-friendly. The phone company recycles its mailers and has developed lighter boxes that help to reduce carbon emission in transport by 80 percent compared with standard boxes. Interestingly, Research In Motion, which managed to make it to the top five phone makers chart, was not in IDC's top five greenest list. The rest of the gang--Nokia, Samsung, LG, and Sony Ericsson--are in. Apple snagged a spot in IDC's list as the Cupertino giant has recycling services in 95 percent of the countries it sells its products in, said the analyst firm. "Apple has been a leader in influencing its supply chain and has taken strong steps as a key advocate for others to develop green technologies," said IDC in its press release. The firm noted that Apple's green efforts extend to its executive level, led by Apple CEO Steve Jobs who is "very active" in the company's green programs.   By Liau Yun Qing, ZDNet Asia on September 3, 2010 Original Source: http://www.zdnetasia.com/korean-phone-makers-rank-among-greenest-62202675.htm [image] Korean phone makers LG and Samsung have managed to rank among the top five greenest handset makers surveyed by IDC. However, the analyst firm said the mobile phone industry still has a long way to go. In a Thursday report, IDC ranked--in alphabetical order--Apple, LG, Nokia, Samsung, and Sony Ericsson as the top five phone makers in terms of the companies' sustainability policies and practices. The results were judged based on five criteria--packaging, materials, energy, end-of-life program, and overall sustainability efforts--and 20 sub-criteria, said IDC. However, mobile phone recycling is "amazingly low today", said IDC, noting that a recycling rate of 10 percent is considered good. "Given the ubiquity of mobile phones around the globe, it is critical for manufacturers...to demonstrate their corporate responsibility," said IDC, adding that this can be achieved through greener phones that simplify disposal and the reusing of phone parts. IDC noted that Nokia is the leader when it comes to reusing recycled materials. The Finnish phone maker was also praised for its green materials as 65 to 80 percent of its device can be recycled, while the rest which are primarily plastic can be used to fuel recycling processes. LG's power management functions were acknowledged by IDC, which added that the Korean company has developed a solar charger that it plans to include in its entire range of products. With regard to Samsung, IDC said the firm "scored well" in the reduction of hazardous materials as all its new models were free of brominated flame retardants (BFR) by Jul. 1 last year. The electronics company also plans to make its mobile phones free of phthalates, beryllium, brominated compounds, and antimony trioxide by Dec. 21, 2010, said IDC. Also in the top five charts was Sony Ericsson, which has optimized its packaging to be more environmentally-friendly. The phone company recycles its mailers and has developed lighter boxes that help to reduce carbon emission in transport by 80 percent compared with standard boxes. Interestingly, Research In Motion, which managed to make it to the top five phone makers chart, was not in IDC's top five greenest list. The rest of the gang--Nokia, Samsung, LG, and Sony Ericsson--are in. Apple snagged a spot in IDC's list as the Cupertino giant has recycling services in 95 percent of the countries it sells its products in, said the analyst firm. "Apple has been a leader in influencing its supply chain and has taken strong steps as a key advocate for others to develop green technologies," said IDC in its press release. The firm noted that Apple's green efforts extend to its executive level, led by Apple CEO Steve Jobs who is "very active" in the company's green programs.   By Liau Yun Qing, ZDNet Asia on September 3, 2010 Original Source: http://www.zdnetasia.com/korean-phone-makers-rank-among-greenest-62202675.htm Wed, 08 Sep 2010 06:09:18 GMT http://community.ecoseed.org/_Korean-phone-makers-rank-among-greenest/BLOG/2630146/29468.html ashleysoon 2010-09-08T06:09:18Z EcoSeed Community [image] Korean phone makers LG and Samsung have managed to rank among the top five greenest handset makers surveyed by IDC. However, the analyst firm said the mobile phone industry still has a long way to go. In a Thursday report, IDC ranked--in alphabetical order--Apple, LG, Nokia, Samsung, and Sony Ericsson as the top five phone makers in terms of the companies' sustainability policies and practices. The results were judged based on five criteria--packaging, materials, energy, end-of-life program, and overall sustainability efforts--and 20 sub-criteria, said IDC. However, mobile phone recycling is "amazingly low today", said IDC, noting that a recycling rate of 10 percent is considered good. "Given the ubiquity of mobile phones around the globe, it is critical for manufacturers...to demonstrate their corporate responsibility," said IDC, adding that this can be achieved through greener phones that simplify disposal and the reusing of phone parts. IDC noted that Nokia is the leader when it comes to reusing recycled materials. The Finnish phone maker was also praised for its green materials as 65 to 80 percent of its device can be recycled, while the rest which are primarily plastic can be used to fuel recycling processes. LG's power management functions were acknowledged by IDC, which added that the Korean company has developed a solar charger that it plans to include in its entire range of products. With regard to Samsung, IDC said the firm "scored well" in the reduction of hazardous materials as all its new models were free of brominated flame retardants (BFR) by Jul. 1 last year. The electronics company also plans to make its mobile phones free of phthalates, beryllium, brominated compounds, and antimony trioxide by Dec. 21, 2010, said IDC. Also in the top five charts was Sony Ericsson, which has optimized its packaging to be more environmentally-friendly. The phone company recycles its mailers and has developed lighter boxes that help to reduce carbon emission in transport by 80 percent compared with standard boxes. Interestingly, Research In Motion, which managed to make it to the top five phone makers chart, was not in IDC's top five greenest list. The rest of the gang--Nokia, Samsung, LG, and Sony Ericsson--are in. Apple snagged a spot in IDC's list as the Cupertino giant has recycling services in 95 percent of the countries it sells its products in, said the analyst firm. "Apple has been a leader in influencing its supply chain and has taken strong steps as a key advocate for others to develop green technologies," said IDC in its press release. The firm noted that Apple's green efforts extend to its executive level, led by Apple CEO Steve Jobs who is "very active" in the company's green programs.   By Liau Yun Qing, ZDNet Asia on September 3, 2010 Original Source: http://www.zdnetasia.com/korean-phone-makers-rank-among-greenest-62202675.htm nonadult false Korean phone makers rank among greenest text blog 123 0 0.0 http://community.ecoseed.org/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=13707210&as=29468 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/29468/photos/PHOTO_8041139_29468_13707210_ap_160X120.jpg false 0 0 2630146 13707210 Gold 26378 http://community.ecoseed.org/_Are-solar-panels-the-next-e-waste/BLOG/2630140/29468.html As solar photovoltaic panels go mainstream, Eric Gies looks at the environmental impact of making and disposing of them. [image] Larry Hagman, who played oil baron JR Ewing in the TV drama Dallas, switches to alternative energy with American solar panel company, SolarWorld. Photograph: Impress PR Photograph: Impress PR In recent years the electronics industry has gained notoriety for creating an endless stream of disposable products that make their way at life's end to developing countries, where poor people without safety gear cut and burn out valuable materials, spilling contaminants into their water, air, and lungs. Solar modules contain some of the same potentially dangerous materials as electronics, including silicon tetrachloride, cadmium, selenium, and sulfur hexafluoride, a potent greenhouse gas. So as solar moves from the fringe to the mainstream, insiders and watchdog groups are beginning to talk about producer responsibility and recycling in an attempt to sidestep the pitfalls of electronic waste and retain the industry's green credibility. Solar modules have an expected lifespan of at least 20 years so most have not yet reached the end of their useful lives. But now, before a significant number of dead panels pile up, is the perfect time to implement a responsible program, according to Sheila Davis, executive director of the Silicon Valley Toxics Coalition. The nonprofit environmental group has been a leader in recognizing the problems of e-waste, including hazardous disposal sites in the Bay Area left by the semiconductor industry. Now it is focused on the solar boom in Silicon Valley. Last year the group published a report calling for a "just and sustainable" solar industry, and this year it issued a scorecard of solar companies. The scorecard evaluates recycling and extended producer responsibility for the product's end of life, called takeback; supply chain and green jobs; chemical use and lifecycle analysis; and disclosure. Solar energy is the most widely available resource we have. Every hour, enough solar energy strikes Earth to meet human energy needs for more than a year, according to NASA. Now the solar industry is poised for huge growth in the United States, thanks to policy changes, incentives, technological improvements, and economies of scale. Solar photovoltaics have recently become less expensive than nuclear energy on a per-kilowatt-hour basis, according to a new report from Duke University. Also, solar is widely expected to reach cost parity with fossil fuels in most markets by 2013. In 2009, Greentech Media estimated that U.S. solar demand will continue to increase about 50 percent annually through 2012. The report said the US capacity installed during 2008 was about 320 megawatts, and it predicted that about 2,000 megawatts would be installed during 2012. Such growth would put US capacity ahead of solar leader Spain and potentially Germany as well. While most of the new modules will likely have a long, productive life, factory scrap, transport breakages, and field failures are ready for recycling now. Jennifer Woolwich is collecting these broken solar modules in a warehouse near Phoenix. She founded her company PV Recycling in February 2009 after estimating that she could harvest 500 panels a week from these sources. She is not yet collecting at that capacity, nor does she have enough panels to begin recycling them, but she is talking with solar manufacturers in an effort to win their recycling business. "Of those we interviewed, 100 percent want recycling," she said. "Eighty percent want an independent third-party doing the recycling." Woolwich said she has seen a quick evolution in solar manufacturers' attitudes toward recycling: "Last year, there was kind of a 'wait and see, we're not sure how this is going to work' attitude. Over the past 12 months, I've seen a 180. I've seen companies who are hiring consultants to research their whole value chain to identify waste, including the end of life of modules. We've received calls from consumers asking us which companies have takeback programs in place." Solar companies tend to be secretive about their product recipes, making some manufacturers cautious about, yet conceptually open to, third-party recycling. "We guarantee that intellectual property will not be put at risk," Woolwich said. "We're not interested in reverse engineering or selling company secrets. We have certificates of destruction that we provide." For now, though, some companies are doing their own recycling. SolarWorld, which received an 88 out of 100 on the toxics coalition's scorecard, has been recycling its own panels since 2003 at its main factory in Freiberg, Germany. That factory now receives broken panels from its U.S. plants in Cabrillo, Calif., Hillsboro, Ore., and Vancouver, Wash. "The fact is, there isn't much to recycle," said Ben Santarris, a spokesman for SolarWorld. "In the future we might expand recycling to our U.S. plants or contract with a third-party recycler." First Solar earned a rating of 67 on the scorecard. Headquartered in Tempe, Ariz., it has recycling facilities at its manufacturing sites in Perrysburg, Ohio; Frankfurt (Oder), Germany; and Kulim, Malaysia. Lisa Krueger, vice president of sustainable development, said that so far the company is primarily recycling manufacturing scrap. "It's our intention that there would be other recycling facilities worldwide as you get into those volumes," she said. Solar modules employ a variety of technologies, and even models within the same technology can have different ingredients. These materials may or may not be classified as toxic depending on who is regulating them. Dustin Mulvaney is a scientist who works on solar issues at the University of California, Berkeley, and serves as a consultant to the Silicon Valley Toxics Coalition. He has analyzed solar modules currently on the market and has outlined for each its key ingredients, including potentially toxic elements and materials that would be valuable to recover in recycling. Used in SolarWorld modules, crystalline photovoltaic is the oldest and most widespread solar technology in the United States, holding 57 percent market share in 2009, according to Greentech Media. "As far as hazardous materials go, you're primarily talking about lead," Mulvaney said. A thin film technology called cadmium telluride makes up about 21 percent of the U.S. market. First Solar panels use this technology. Cadmium may be carcinogenic. Exposure affects the lungs and kidneys and can be fatal. "It's gene toxic and a mutagen, so it has the ability to affect DNA, meaning it could affect reproduction and future generations' DNA," Mulvaney said. Cadmium is technically banned by the European Union's Restriction on Hazardous Substances directive, although the policy currently allows an exemption for its use in solar modules. Still, there's not a lot of data about whether cadmium is toxic in the alloy form in which it's used in thin film. And cadmium isn't likely to go away anytime soon, as it is uniquely efficient at absorbing light. Another thin film material, copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS), also has a cadmium layer. Indium is a potentially hazardous substance, too, particularly in the form of indium tin oxide, Mulvaney said. Studies have linked it to pulmonary disease in flat-screen TV recycling facilities. And selenium has been documented to be a hazardous material. While CIGS currently has a market share of just 6 percent, amorphous silicon, which also has an indium tin oxide layer, holds 16 percent. California's Department of Toxic Substances Control has taken note of the European Union's concern about cadmium and is researching the chemical and physical makeup of various types of modules. "We think some solar panels, probably the cadmium thin film type, might be hazardous waste when shredded or disposed of in a landfill," said Charles Corcoran, a hazardous substances scientist at the department. Only panels classified as hazardous would fall under the jurisdiction of the department. It is considering regulatory options to try to steer end users toward recycling rather than disposal. "That gets a little complicated because California and U.S. regulations aren't necessarily in sync," Corcoran said. "An option might be to transport it out of state where disposal is legal." Today California has no solar module recycling facilities. But recycling locally is an important tenet of an ethical, sustainable industry, said the Silicon Valley Toxics Coalition's Davis. Recycling locally reduces the process' carbon footprint. "It would also make people more conscious about what goes into the products," Davis said. "And it would create local jobs." Extended producer responsibility, including module recycling, is currently an expense rather than a source of profit for companies, including Solar World and First Solar. "As we get to scale, we hope those costs will come down," Krueger said. A dedicated recycler like Woolwich is counting on economies of scale. Her business plan also includes various revenue streams, including reclaiming and selling materials and providing a service of managing manufacturers' collection and recycling systems. Davis said recycling costs could be reduced if manufacturers would take the notion of extended producer responsibility to the next level: the design phase. "If you don't look at the recycling when you're designing the product, then it's really, really difficult to recycle," Davis said. "But if you know you're going to have to pay for the recycling at the end of life, you might make the necessary design changes in your product now to reduce that cost." Mulvaney said that if the government were to set a price on carbon emissions, that would also help make solar recycling more affordable. Because turning sand into crystals takes 70 to 80 percent of the energy used to make crystalline photovoltaics, he said recycling silicon would "save so much energy in production, it could become a money saver." Still, most companies that are beginning recycling programs today are proceeding under the assumption that recycling will be a cost. They are preparing for that expense by creating a variety of funding mechanisms based on the principle of producer responsibility. Via her surveys, Woolwich has found that solar companies are using an annuity program, escrow, maturity bonds, annual fixed contracts, and pay as you go. Krueger said First Solar uses a trust: "First Solar doesn't have access to those funds except for collection and recycling," she said. "It's designed that way because of the long product life. If something happens to First Solar, the industry won't have to deal with orphan waste." Some materials in solar modules such as silicon and rare metals could be more valuable in the future, providing an additional incentive to recycle. Material price spikes have caused industry turmoil in recent years. For example, polysilicon shot to $400 per kilogram between 2006 and 2008. It is now down around $55. Krueger said First Solar currently harvests cadmium and tellurium from its recycling program to use in new modules, even though buying it from a supplier is currently less expensive. She said she expects harvesting costs to come down as recycling scales up. Mulvaney said that the industry would do well to plan now for the recovery of rare metals such as indium and tellurium. Of course, materials recovery has an environmental benefit as well. "We'll be able to reduce impact from mining and other environmental hazards by collecting a lot of the metals and other valuable minerals that are being used in panels," Davis said. Being truly sustainable — and maintaining that green credibility — is a powerful motivator for renewable energy companies. Santarris said the Silicon Valley Toxics Coalition's scorecard was an "important step" toward figuring out which manufacturers are the most environmentally benign. "There's not a lot of sophistication in the marketplace to differentiate among products and manufacturers of varying environmental performance," Santarris said. "Are solar modules all the same? They're not." By: Erica Gies for Earth Island Journal, part of the Guardian Environment Network Original Source: http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2010/sep/03/solar-panels-ewaste As solar photovoltaic panels go mainstream, Eric Gies looks at the environmental impact of making and disposing of them. [image] Larry Hagman, who played oil baron JR Ewing in the TV drama Dallas, switches to alternative energy with American solar panel company, SolarWorld. Photograph: Impress PR Photograph: Impress PR In recent years the electronics industry has gained notoriety for creating an endless stream of disposable products that make their way at life's end to developing countries, where poor people without safety gear cut and burn out valuable materials, spilling contaminants into their water, air, and lungs. Solar modules contain some of the same potentially dangerous materials as electronics, including silicon tetrachloride, cadmium, selenium, and sulfur hexafluoride, a potent greenhouse gas. So as solar moves from the fringe to the mainstream, insiders and watchdog groups are beginning to talk about producer responsibility and recycling in an attempt to sidestep the pitfalls of electronic waste and retain the industry's green credibility. Solar modules have an expected lifespan of at least 20 years so most have not yet reached the end of their useful lives. But now, before a significant number of dead panels pile up, is the perfect time to implement a responsible program, according to Sheila Davis, executive director of the Silicon Valley Toxics Coalition. The nonprofit environmental group has been a leader in recognizing the problems of e-waste, including hazardous disposal sites in the Bay Area left by the semiconductor industry. Now it is focused on the solar boom in Silicon Valley. Last year the group published a report calling for a "just and sustainable" solar industry, and this year it issued a scorecard of solar companies. The scorecard evaluates recycling and extended producer responsibility for the product's end of life, called takeback; supply chain and green jobs; chemical use and lifecycle analysis; and disclosure. Solar energy is the most widely available resource we have. Every hour, enough solar energy strikes Earth to meet human energy needs for more than a year, according to NASA. Now the solar industry is poised for huge growth in the United States, thanks to policy changes, incentives, technological improvements, and economies of scale. Solar photovoltaics have recently become less expensive than nuclear energy on a per-kilowatt-hour basis, according to a new report from Duke University. Also, solar is widely expected to reach cost parity with fossil fuels in most markets by 2013. In 2009, Greentech Media estimated that U.S. solar demand will continue to increase about 50 percent annually through 2012. The report said the US capacity installed during 2008 was about 320 megawatts, and it predicted that about 2,000 megawatts would be installed during 2012. Such growth would put US capacity ahead of solar leader Spain and potentially Germany as well. While most of the new modules will likely have a long, productive life, factory scrap, transport breakages, and field failures are ready for recycling now. Jennifer Woolwich is collecting these broken solar modules in a warehouse near Phoenix. She founded her company PV Recycling in February 2009 after estimating that she could harvest 500 panels a week from these sources. She is not yet collecting at that capacity, nor does she have enough panels to begin recycling them, but she is talking with solar manufacturers in an effort to win their recycling business. "Of those we interviewed, 100 percent want recycling," she said. "Eighty percent want an independent third-party doing the recycling." Woolwich said she has seen a quick evolution in solar manufacturers' attitudes toward recycling: "Last year, there was kind of a 'wait and see, we're not sure how this is going to work' attitude. Over the past 12 months, I've seen a 180. I've seen companies who are hiring consultants to research their whole value chain to identify waste, including the end of life of modules. We've received calls from consumers asking us which companies have takeback programs in place." Solar companies tend to be secretive about their product recipes, making some manufacturers cautious about, yet conceptually open to, third-party recycling. "We guarantee that intellectual property will not be put at risk," Woolwich said. "We're not interested in reverse engineering or selling company secrets. We have certificates of destruction that we provide." For now, though, some companies are doing their own recycling. SolarWorld, which received an 88 out of 100 on the toxics coalition's scorecard, has been recycling its own panels since 2003 at its main factory in Freiberg, Germany. That factory now receives broken panels from its U.S. plants in Cabrillo, Calif., Hillsboro, Ore., and Vancouver, Wash. "The fact is, there isn't much to recycle," said Ben Santarris, a spokesman for SolarWorld. "In the future we might expand recycling to our U.S. plants or contract with a third-party recycler." First Solar earned a rating of 67 on the scorecard. Headquartered in Tempe, Ariz., it has recycling facilities at its manufacturing sites in Perrysburg, Ohio; Frankfurt (Oder), Germany; and Kulim, Malaysia. Lisa Krueger, vice president of sustainable development, said that so far the company is primarily recycling manufacturing scrap. "It's our intention that there would be other recycling facilities worldwide as you get into those volumes," she said. Solar modules employ a variety of technologies, and even models within the same technology can have different ingredients. These materials may or may not be classified as toxic depending on who is regulating them. Dustin Mulvaney is a scientist who works on solar issues at the University of California, Berkeley, and serves as a consultant to the Silicon Valley Toxics Coalition. He has analyzed solar modules currently on the market and has outlined for each its key ingredients, including potentially toxic elements and materials that would be valuable to recover in recycling. Used in SolarWorld modules, crystalline photovoltaic is the oldest and most widespread solar technology in the United States, holding 57 percent market share in 2009, according to Greentech Media. "As far as hazardous materials go, you're primarily talking about lead," Mulvaney said. A thin film technology called cadmium telluride makes up about 21 percent of the U.S. market. First Solar panels use this technology. Cadmium may be carcinogenic. Exposure affects the lungs and kidneys and can be fatal. "It's gene toxic and a mutagen, so it has the ability to affect DNA, meaning it could affect reproduction and future generations' DNA," Mulvaney said. Cadmium is technically banned by the European Union's Restriction on Hazardous Substances directive, although the policy currently allows an exemption for its use in solar modules. Still, there's not a lot of data about whether cadmium is toxic in the alloy form in which it's used in thin film. And cadmium isn't likely to go away anytime soon, as it is uniquely efficient at absorbing light. Another thin film material, copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS), also has a cadmium layer. Indium is a potentially hazardous substance, too, particularly in the form of indium tin oxide, Mulvaney said. Studies have linked it to pulmonary disease in flat-screen TV recycling facilities. And selenium has been documented to be a hazardous material. While CIGS currently has a market share of just 6 percent, amorphous silicon, which also has an indium tin oxide layer, holds 16 percent. California's Department of Toxic Substances Control has taken note of the European Union's concern about cadmium and is researching the chemical and physical makeup of various types of modules. "We think some solar panels, probably the cadmium thin film type, might be hazardous waste when shredded or disposed of in a landfill," said Charles Corcoran, a hazardous substances scientist at the department. Only panels classified as hazardous would fall under the jurisdiction of the department. It is considering regulatory options to try to steer end users toward recycling rather than disposal. "That gets a little complicated because California and U.S. regulations aren't necessarily in sync," Corcoran said. "An option might be to transport it out of state where disposal is legal." Today California has no solar module recycling facilities. But recycling locally is an important tenet of an ethical, sustainable industry, said the Silicon Valley Toxics Coalition's Davis. Recycling locally reduces the process' carbon footprint. "It would also make people more conscious about what goes into the products," Davis said. "And it would create local jobs." Extended producer responsibility, including module recycling, is currently an expense rather than a source of profit for companies, including Solar World and First Solar. "As we get to scale, we hope those costs will come down," Krueger said. A dedicated recycler like Woolwich is counting on economies of scale. Her business plan also includes various revenue streams, including reclaiming and selling materials and providing a service of managing manufacturers' collection and recycling systems. Davis said recycling costs could be reduced if manufacturers would take the notion of extended producer responsibility to the next level: the design phase. "If you don't look at the recycling when you're designing the product, then it's really, really difficult to recycle," Davis said. "But if you know you're going to have to pay for the recycling at the end of life, you might make the necessary design changes in your product now to reduce that cost." Mulvaney said that if the government were to set a price on carbon emissions, that would also help make solar recycling more affordable. Because turning sand into crystals takes 70 to 80 percent of the energy used to make crystalline photovoltaics, he said recycling silicon would "save so much energy in production, it could become a money saver." Still, most companies that are beginning recycling programs today are proceeding under the assumption that recycling will be a cost. They are preparing for that expense by creating a variety of funding mechanisms based on the principle of producer responsibility. Via her surveys, Woolwich has found that solar companies are using an annuity program, escrow, maturity bonds, annual fixed contracts, and pay as you go. Krueger said First Solar uses a trust: "First Solar doesn't have access to those funds except for collection and recycling," she said. "It's designed that way because of the long product life. If something happens to First Solar, the industry won't have to deal with orphan waste." Some materials in solar modules such as silicon and rare metals could be more valuable in the future, providing an additional incentive to recycle. Material price spikes have caused industry turmoil in recent years. For example, polysilicon shot to $400 per kilogram between 2006 and 2008. It is now down around $55. Krueger said First Solar currently harvests cadmium and tellurium from its recycling program to use in new modules, even though buying it from a supplier is currently less expensive. She said she expects harvesting costs to come down as recycling scales up. Mulvaney said that the industry would do well to plan now for the recovery of rare metals such as indium and tellurium. Of course, materials recovery has an environmental benefit as well. "We'll be able to reduce impact from mining and other environmental hazards by collecting a lot of the metals and other valuable minerals that are being used in panels," Davis said. Being truly sustainable — and maintaining that green credibility — is a powerful motivator for renewable energy companies. Santarris said the Silicon Valley Toxics Coalition's scorecard was an "important step" toward figuring out which manufacturers are the most environmentally benign. "There's not a lot of sophistication in the marketplace to differentiate among products and manufacturers of varying environmental performance," Santarris said. "Are solar modules all the same? They're not." By: Erica Gies for Earth Island Journal, part of the Guardian Environment Network Original Source: http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2010/sep/03/solar-panels-ewaste Wed, 08 Sep 2010 06:02:20 GMT http://community.ecoseed.org/_Are-solar-panels-the-next-e-waste/BLOG/2630140/29468.html ashleysoon 2010-09-08T06:02:20Z EcoSeed Community As solar photovoltaic panels go mainstream, Eric Gies looks at the environmental impact of making and disposing of them. [image] Larry Hagman, who played oil baron JR Ewing in the TV drama Dallas, switches to alternative energy with American solar panel company, SolarWorld. Photograph: Impress PR Photograph: Impress PR In recent years the electronics industry has gained notoriety for creating an endless stream of disposable products that make their way at life's end to developing countries, where poor people without safety gear cut and burn out valuable materials, spilling contaminants into their water, air, and lungs. Solar modules contain some of the same potentially dangerous materials as electronics, including silicon tetrachloride, cadmium, selenium, and sulfur hexafluoride, a potent greenhouse gas. So as solar moves from the fringe to the mainstream, insiders and watchdog groups are beginning to talk about producer responsibility and recycling in an attempt to sidestep the pitfalls of electronic waste and retain the industry's green credibility. Solar modules have an expected lifespan of at least 20 years so most have not yet reached the end of their useful lives. But now, before a significant number of dead panels pile up, is the perfect time to implement a responsible program, according to Sheila Davis, executive director of the Silicon Valley Toxics Coalition. The nonprofit environmental group has been a leader in recognizing the problems of e-waste, including hazardous disposal sites in the Bay Area left by the semiconductor industry. Now it is focused on the solar boom in Silicon Valley. Last year the group published a report calling for a "just and sustainable" solar industry, and this year it issued a scorecard of solar companies. The scorecard evaluates recycling and extended producer responsibility for the product's end of life, called takeback; supply chain and green jobs; chemical use and lifecycle analysis; and disclosure. Solar energy is the most widely available resource we have. Every hour, enough solar energy strikes Earth to meet human energy needs for more than a year, according to NASA. Now the solar industry is poised for huge growth in the United States, thanks to policy changes, incentives, technological improvements, and economies of scale. Solar photovoltaics have recently become less expensive than nuclear energy on a per-kilowatt-hour basis, according to a new report from Duke University. Also, solar is widely expected to reach cost parity with fossil fuels in most markets by 2013. In 2009, Greentech Media estimated that U.S. solar demand will continue to increase about 50 percent annually through 2012. The report said the US capacity installed during 2008 was about 320 megawatts, and it predicted that about 2,000 megawatts would be installed during 2012. Such growth would put US capacity ahead of solar leader Spain and potentially Germany as well. While most of the new modules will likely have a long, productive life, factory scrap, transport breakages, and field failures are ready for recycling now. Jennifer Woolwich is collecting these broken solar modules in a warehouse near Phoenix. She founded her company PV Recycling in February 2009 after estimating that she could harvest 500 panels a week from these sources. She is not yet collecting at that capacity, nor does she have enough panels to begin recycling them, but she is talking with solar manufacturers in an effort to win their recycling business. "Of those we interviewed, 100 percent want recycling," she said. "Eighty percent want an independent third-party doing the recycling." Woolwich said she has seen a quick evolution in solar manufacturers' attitudes toward recycling: "Last year, there was kind of a 'wait and see, we're not sure how this is going to work' attitude. Over the past 12 months, I've seen a 180. I've seen companies who are hiring consultants to research their whole value chain to identify waste, including the end of life of modules. We've received calls from consumers asking us which companies have takeback programs in place." Solar companies tend to be secretive about their product recipes, making some manufacturers cautious about, yet conceptually open to, third-party recycling. "We guarantee that intellectual property will not be put at risk," Woolwich said. "We're not interested in reverse engineering or selling company secrets. We have certificates of destruction that we provide." For now, though, some companies are doing their own recycling. SolarWorld, which received an 88 out of 100 on the toxics coalition's scorecard, has been recycling its own panels since 2003 at its main factory in Freiberg, Germany. That factory now receives broken panels from its U.S. plants in Cabrillo, Calif., Hillsboro, Ore., and Vancouver, Wash. "The fact is, there isn't much to recycle," said Ben Santarris, a spokesman for SolarWorld. "In the future we might expand recycling to our U.S. plants or contract with a third-party recycler." First Solar earned a rating of 67 on the scorecard. Headquartered in Tempe, Ariz., it has recycling facilities at its manufacturing sites in Perrysburg, Ohio; Frankfurt (Oder), Germany; and Kulim, Malaysia. Lisa Krueger, vice president of sustainable development, said that so far the company is primarily recycling manufacturing scrap. "It's our intention that there would be other recycling facilities worldwide as you get into those volumes," she said. Solar modules employ a variety of technologies, and even models within the same technology can have different ingredients. These materials may or may not be classified as toxic depending on who is regulating them. Dustin Mulvaney is a scientist who works on solar issues at the University of California, Berkeley, and serves as a consultant to the Silicon Valley Toxics Coalition. He has analyzed solar modules currently on the market and has outlined for each its key ingredients, including potentially toxic elements and materials that would be valuable to recover in recycling. Used in SolarWorld modules, crystalline photovoltaic is the oldest and most widespread solar technology in the United States, holding 57 percent market share in 2009, according to Greentech Media. "As far as hazardous materials go, you're primarily talking about lead," Mulvaney said. A thin film technology called cadmium telluride makes up about 21 percent of the U.S. market. First Solar panels use this technology. Cadmium may be carcinogenic. Exposure affects the lungs and kidneys and can be fatal. "It's gene toxic and a mutagen, so it has the ability to affect DNA, meaning it could affect reproduction and future generations' DNA," Mulvaney said. Cadmium is technically banned by the European Union's Restriction on Hazardous Substances directive, although the policy currently allows an exemption for its use in solar modules. Still, there's not a lot of data about whether cadmium is toxic in the alloy form in which it's used in thin film. And cadmium isn't likely to go away anytime soon, as it is uniquely efficient at absorbing light. Another thin film material, copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS), also has a cadmium layer. Indium is a potentially hazardous substance, too, particularly in the form of indium tin oxide, Mulvaney said. Studies have linked it to pulmonary disease in flat-screen TV recycling facilities. And selenium has been documented to be a hazardous material. While CIGS currently has a market share of just 6 percent, amorphous silicon, which also has an indium tin oxide layer, holds 16 percent. California's Department of Toxic Substances Control has taken note of the European Union's concern about cadmium and is researching the chemical and physical makeup of various types of modules. "We think some solar panels, probably the cadmium thin film type, might be hazardous waste when shredded or disposed of in a landfill," said Charles Corcoran, a hazardous substances scientist at the department. Only panels classified as hazardous would fall under the jurisdiction of the department. It is considering regulatory options to try to steer end users toward recycling rather than disposal. "That gets a little complicated because California and U.S. regulations aren't necessarily in sync," Corcoran said. "An option might be to transport it out of state where disposal is legal." Today California has no solar module recycling facilities. But recycling locally is an important tenet of an ethical, sustainable industry, said the Silicon Valley Toxics Coalition's Davis. Recycling locally reduces the process' carbon footprint. "It would also make people more conscious about what goes into the products," Davis said. "And it would create local jobs." Extended producer responsibility, including module recycling, is currently an expense rather than a source of profit for companies, including Solar World and First Solar. "As we get to scale, we hope those costs will come down," Krueger said. A dedicated recycler like Woolwich is counting on economies of scale. Her business plan also includes various revenue streams, including reclaiming and selling materials and providing a service of managing manufacturers' collection and recycling systems. Davis said recycling costs could be reduced if manufacturers would take the notion of extended producer responsibility to the next level: the design phase. "If you don't look at the recycling when you're designing the product, then it's really, really difficult to recycle," Davis said. "But if you know you're going to have to pay for the recycling at the end of life, you might make the necessary design changes in your product now to reduce that cost." Mulvaney said that if the government were to set a price on carbon emissions, that would also help make solar recycling more affordable. Because turning sand into crystals takes 70 to 80 percent of the energy used to make crystalline photovoltaics, he said recycling silicon would "save so much energy in production, it could become a money saver." Still, most companies that are beginning recycling programs today are proceeding under the assumption that recycling will be a cost. They are preparing for that expense by creating a variety of funding mechanisms based on the principle of producer responsibility. Via her surveys, Woolwich has found that solar companies are using an annuity program, escrow, maturity bonds, annual fixed contracts, and pay as you go. Krueger said First Solar uses a trust: "First Solar doesn't have access to those funds except for collection and recycling," she said. "It's designed that way because of the long product life. If something happens to First Solar, the industry won't have to deal with orphan waste." Some materials in solar modules such as silicon and rare metals could be more valuable in the future, providing an additional incentive to recycle. Material price spikes have caused industry turmoil in recent years. For example, polysilicon shot to $400 per kilogram between 2006 and 2008. It is now down around $55. Krueger said First Solar currently harvests cadmium and tellurium from its recycling program to use in new modules, even though buying it from a supplier is currently less expensive. She said she expects harvesting costs to come down as recycling scales up. Mulvaney said that the industry would do well to plan now for the recovery of rare metals such as indium and tellurium. Of course, materials recovery has an environmental benefit as well. "We'll be able to reduce impact from mining and other environmental hazards by collecting a lot of the metals and other valuable minerals that are being used in panels," Davis said. Being truly sustainable — and maintaining that green credibility — is a powerful motivator for renewable energy companies. Santarris said the Silicon Valley Toxics Coalition's scorecard was an "important step" toward figuring out which manufacturers are the most environmentally benign. "There's not a lot of sophistication in the marketplace to differentiate among products and manufacturers of varying environmental performance," Santarris said. "Are solar modules all the same? They're not." By: Erica Gies for Earth Island Journal, part of the Guardian Environment Network Original Source: http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2010/sep/03/solar-panels-ewaste nonadult false Are solar panels the next e-waste? text blog 238 0 0.0 http://community.ecoseed.org/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=13707210&as=29468 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/29468/photos/PHOTO_8041139_29468_13707210_ap_160X120.jpg false 0 0 2630140 13707210 Gold 26378 http://community.ecoseed.org/_Scientists-Mimic-Chloroplasts-Meaning-Solar-Cells-That-Fix-Themselves/BLOG/2630133/29468.html It would seem that mimicking nature would be among the easiest things to do for science.  After all, it's right there, in front of us, happening for millions of years. Take plants, for instance.   Every day they absorb sunlight and turn it into energy but our solar technology is bordering on laughable and, if solar lobbyists get there way and it gets more subsidies and even mandates, criminal.   The issue science has is that the sun's rays are highly destructive to man-made materials and that leads to a gradual degradation of many systems developed to harness it.Plants don't suffer the same way because they constantly break down their light-capturing molecules and reassemble them from scratch, so the basic structures that capture the sun's energy are, in effect, always brand new.  Casual observers might see a leaf as a static photocell but it is recycling its proteins about every 45 minutes.Maybe we can do it too.   A group writing in Nature Chemistry say they have created a set of self-assembling molecules that can turn sunlight into electricity, in that the molecules can be repeatedly broken down and then reassembled quickly, just by adding or removing an additional solution. What they discovered is that in the molecules used for photosynthesis in plants, the reactive form of oxygen produced by sunlight causes the proteins to fail in a very precise way. As Michael Strano, the Charles and Hilda Roddey Associate Professor of Chemical Engineering at MIT, describes it, the oxygen "unsnaps a tether that keeps the protein together," but the same proteins are quickly reassembled to restart the process. [image] This action all takes place inside tiny capsules called chloroplasts that reside inside every plant cell — and which is where photosynthesis happens. The chloroplast is "an amazing machine," Strano says. "They are remarkable engines that consume carbon dioxide and use light to produce glucose," a chemical that provides energy for metabolism.To imitate that process, Strano and his team, supported by grants from the MIT Energy Initiative and the Department of Energy, produced synthetic molecules called phospholipids that form discs; these discs provide structural support for other molecules that actually respond to light, in structures called reaction centers, which release electrons when struck by particles of light. The discs, carrying the reaction centers, are in a solution where they attach themselves spontaneously to carbon nanotubes — wire-like hollow tubes of carbon atoms that are a few billionths of a meter thick yet stronger than steel and capable of conducting electricity a thousand times better than copper. The nanotubes hold the phospholipid discs in a uniform alignment so that the reaction centers can all be exposed to sunlight at once, and they also act as wires to collect and channel the flow of electrons knocked loose by the reactive molecules.The system Strano's team produced is made up of seven different compounds, including the carbon nanotubes, the phospholipids, and the proteins that make up the reaction centers, which under the right conditions spontaneously assemble themselves into a light-harvesting structure that produces an electric current. Strano says he believes this sets a record for the complexity of a self-assembling system. When a surfactant — similar in principle to the chemicals that BP has sprayed into the Gulf of Mexico to break apart oil — is added to the mix, the seven components all come apart and form a soupy solution. Then, when the researchers removed the surfactant by pushing the solution through a membrane, the compounds spontaneously assembled once again into a perfectly formed, rejuvenated photocell. "We're basically imitating tricks that nature has discovered over millions of years" — in particular, "reversibility, the ability to break apart and reassemble," Strano says. The team, which included postdoctoral researcher Moon-Ho Ham and graduate student Ardemis Boghossian, came up with the system based on a theoretical analysis, but then decided to build a prototype cell to test it out. They ran the cell through repeated cycles of assembly and disassembly over a 14-hour period, with no loss of efficiency.Strano says that in devising novel systems for generating electricity from light, researchers don't often study how the systems change over time. For conventional silicon-based photovoltaic cells, there is little degradation, but with many new systems being developed — either for lower cost, higher efficiency, flexibility or other improved characteristics — the degradation can be very significant. "Often people see, over 60 hours, the efficiency falling to 10 percent of what you initially saw," he says.The individual reactions of these new molecular structures in converting sunlight are about 40 percent efficient, or about double the efficiency of today's best commercial solar cells. Theoretically, the efficiency of the structures could be close to 100 percent, he says. But in the initial work, the concentration of the structures in the solution was low, so the overall efficiency of the device — the amount of electricity produced for a given surface area — was very low. They are working now to find ways to greatly increase the concentration.Citation: Moon-Ho Ham, Jong Hyun Choi, Ardemis A. Boghossian, Esther S. Jeng, Rachel A. Graff, Daniel A. Heller, Alice C. Chang, Aidas Mattis, Timothy H. Bayburt, Yelena V. Grinkova, Adam S. Zeiger, Krystyn J. Van Vliet, Erik K. Hobbie, Stephen G. Sligar, Colin A. Wraight&Michael S. Strano, 'Photoelectrochemical complexes for solar energy conversion that chemically and autonomously regenerate', Nature Chemistry (2010) doi:10.1038/nchem.822 Source: http://www.science20.com/news_articles/scientists_mimic_chloroplasts_meaning_solar_cells_fix_themselves It would seem that mimicking nature would be among the easiest things to do for science.  After all, it's right there, in front of us, happening for millions of years. Take plants, for instance.   Every day they absorb sunlight and turn it into energy but our solar technology is bordering on laughable and, if solar lobbyists get there way and it gets more subsidies and even mandates, criminal.   The issue science has is that the sun's rays are highly destructive to man-made materials and that leads to a gradual degradation of many systems developed to harness it.Plants don't suffer the same way because they constantly break down their light-capturing molecules and reassemble them from scratch, so the basic structures that capture the sun's energy are, in effect, always brand new.  Casual observers might see a leaf as a static photocell but it is recycling its proteins about every 45 minutes.Maybe we can do it too.   A group writing in Nature Chemistry say they have created a set of self-assembling molecules that can turn sunlight into electricity, in that the molecules can be repeatedly broken down and then reassembled quickly, just by adding or removing an additional solution. What they discovered is that in the molecules used for photosynthesis in plants, the reactive form of oxygen produced by sunlight causes the proteins to fail in a very precise way. As Michael Strano, the Charles and Hilda Roddey Associate Professor of Chemical Engineering at MIT, describes it, the oxygen "unsnaps a tether that keeps the protein together," but the same proteins are quickly reassembled to restart the process. [image] This action all takes place inside tiny capsules called chloroplasts that reside inside every plant cell — and which is where photosynthesis happens. The chloroplast is "an amazing machine," Strano says. "They are remarkable engines that consume carbon dioxide and use light to produce glucose," a chemical that provides energy for metabolism.To imitate that process, Strano and his team, supported by grants from the MIT Energy Initiative and the Department of Energy, produced synthetic molecules called phospholipids that form discs; these discs provide structural support for other molecules that actually respond to light, in structures called reaction centers, which release electrons when struck by particles of light. The discs, carrying the reaction centers, are in a solution where they attach themselves spontaneously to carbon nanotubes — wire-like hollow tubes of carbon atoms that are a few billionths of a meter thick yet stronger than steel and capable of conducting electricity a thousand times better than copper. The nanotubes hold the phospholipid discs in a uniform alignment so that the reaction centers can all be exposed to sunlight at once, and they also act as wires to collect and channel the flow of electrons knocked loose by the reactive molecules.The system Strano's team produced is made up of seven different compounds, including the carbon nanotubes, the phospholipids, and the proteins that make up the reaction centers, which under the right conditions spontaneously assemble themselves into a light-harvesting structure that produces an electric current. Strano says he believes this sets a record for the complexity of a self-assembling system. When a surfactant — similar in principle to the chemicals that BP has sprayed into the Gulf of Mexico to break apart oil — is added to the mix, the seven components all come apart and form a soupy solution. Then, when the researchers removed the surfactant by pushing the solution through a membrane, the compounds spontaneously assembled once again into a perfectly formed, rejuvenated photocell. "We're basically imitating tricks that nature has discovered over millions of years" — in particular, "reversibility, the ability to break apart and reassemble," Strano says. The team, which included postdoctoral researcher Moon-Ho Ham and graduate student Ardemis Boghossian, came up with the system based on a theoretical analysis, but then decided to build a prototype cell to test it out. They ran the cell through repeated cycles of assembly and disassembly over a 14-hour period, with no loss of efficiency.Strano says that in devising novel systems for generating electricity from light, researchers don't often study how the systems change over time. For conventional silicon-based photovoltaic cells, there is little degradation, but with many new systems being developed — either for lower cost, higher efficiency, flexibility or other improved characteristics — the degradation can be very significant. "Often people see, over 60 hours, the efficiency falling to 10 percent of what you initially saw," he says.The individual reactions of these new molecular structures in converting sunlight are about 40 percent efficient, or about double the efficiency of today's best commercial solar cells. Theoretically, the efficiency of the structures could be close to 100 percent, he says. But in the initial work, the concentration of the structures in the solution was low, so the overall efficiency of the device — the amount of electricity produced for a given surface area — was very low. They are working now to find ways to greatly increase the concentration.Citation: Moon-Ho Ham, Jong Hyun Choi, Ardemis A. Boghossian, Esther S. Jeng, Rachel A. Graff, Daniel A. Heller, Alice C. Chang, Aidas Mattis, Timothy H. Bayburt, Yelena V. Grinkova, Adam S. Zeiger, Krystyn J. Van Vliet, Erik K. Hobbie, Stephen G. Sligar, Colin A. Wraight&Michael S. Strano, 'Photoelectrochemical complexes for solar energy conversion that chemically and autonomously regenerate', Nature Chemistry (2010) doi:10.1038/nchem.822 Source: http://www.science20.com/news_articles/scientists_mimic_chloroplasts_meaning_solar_cells_fix_themselves Wed, 08 Sep 2010 05:50:23 GMT http://community.ecoseed.org/_Scientists-Mimic-Chloroplasts-Meaning-Solar-Cells-That-Fix-Themselves/BLOG/2630133/29468.html ashleysoon 2010-09-08T05:50:23Z EcoSeed Community It would seem that mimicking nature would be among the easiest things to do for science.  After all, it's right there, in front of us, happening for millions of years. Take plants, for instance.   Every day they absorb sunlight and turn it into energy but our solar technology is bordering on laughable and, if solar lobbyists get there way and it gets more subsidies and even mandates, criminal.   The issue science has is that the sun's rays are highly destructive to man-made materials and that leads to a gradual degradation of many systems developed to harness it.Plants don't suffer the same way because they constantly break down their light-capturing molecules and reassemble them from scratch, so the basic structures that capture the sun's energy are, in effect, always brand new.  Casual observers might see a leaf as a static photocell but it is recycling its proteins about every 45 minutes.Maybe we can do it too.   A group writing in Nature Chemistry say they have created a set of self-assembling molecules that can turn sunlight into electricity, in that the molecules can be repeatedly broken down and then reassembled quickly, just by adding or removing an additional solution. What they discovered is that in the molecules used for photosynthesis in plants, the reactive form of oxygen produced by sunlight causes the proteins to fail in a very precise way. As Michael Strano, the Charles and Hilda Roddey Associate Professor of Chemical Engineering at MIT, describes it, the oxygen "unsnaps a tether that keeps the protein together," but the same proteins are quickly reassembled to restart the process. [image] This action all takes place inside tiny capsules called chloroplasts that reside inside every plant cell — and which is where photosynthesis happens. The chloroplast is "an amazing machine," Strano says. "They are remarkable engines that consume carbon dioxide and use light to produce glucose," a chemical that provides energy for metabolism.To imitate that process, Strano and his team, supported by grants from the MIT Energy Initiative and the Department of Energy, produced synthetic molecules called phospholipids that form discs; these discs provide structural support for other molecules that actually respond to light, in structures called reaction centers, which release electrons when struck by particles of light. The discs, carrying the reaction centers, are in a solution where they attach themselves spontaneously to carbon nanotubes — wire-like hollow tubes of carbon atoms that are a few billionths of a meter thick yet stronger than steel and capable of conducting electricity a thousand times better than copper. The nanotubes hold the phospholipid discs in a uniform alignment so that the reaction centers can all be exposed to sunlight at once, and they also act as wires to collect and channel the flow of electrons knocked loose by the reactive molecules.The system Strano's team produced is made up of seven different compounds, including the carbon nanotubes, the phospholipids, and the proteins that make up the reaction centers, which under the right conditions spontaneously assemble themselves into a light-harvesting structure that produces an electric current. Strano says he believes this sets a record for the complexity of a self-assembling system. When a surfactant — similar in principle to the chemicals that BP has sprayed into the Gulf of Mexico to break apart oil — is added to the mix, the seven components all come apart and form a soupy solution. Then, when the researchers removed the surfactant by pushing the solution through a membrane, the compounds spontaneously assembled once again into a perfectly formed, rejuvenated photocell. "We're basically imitating tricks that nature has discovered over millions of years" — in particular, "reversibility, the ability to break apart and reassemble," Strano says. The team, which included postdoctoral researcher Moon-Ho Ham and graduate student Ardemis Boghossian, came up with the system based on a theoretical analysis, but then decided to build a prototype cell to test it out. They ran the cell through repeated cycles of assembly and disassembly over a 14-hour period, with no loss of efficiency.Strano says that in devising novel systems for generating electricity from light, researchers don't often study how the systems change over time. For conventional silicon-based photovoltaic cells, there is little degradation, but with many new systems being developed — either for lower cost, higher efficiency, flexibility or other improved characteristics — the degradation can be very significant. "Often people see, over 60 hours, the efficiency falling to 10 percent of what you initially saw," he says.The individual reactions of these new molecular structures in converting sunlight are about 40 percent efficient, or about double the efficiency of today's best commercial solar cells. Theoretically, the efficiency of the structures could be close to 100 percent, he says. But in the initial work, the concentration of the structures in the solution was low, so the overall efficiency of the device — the amount of electricity produced for a given surface area — was very low. They are working now to find ways to greatly increase the concentration.Citation: Moon-Ho Ham, Jong Hyun Choi, Ardemis A. Boghossian, Esther S. Jeng, Rachel A. Graff, Daniel A. Heller, Alice C. Chang, Aidas Mattis, Timothy H. Bayburt, Yelena V. Grinkova, Adam S. Zeiger, Krystyn J. Van Vliet, Erik K. Hobbie, Stephen G. Sligar, Colin A. Wraight&Michael S. Strano, 'Photoelectrochemical complexes for solar energy conversion that chemically and autonomously regenerate', Nature Chemistry (2010) doi:10.1038/nchem.822 Source: http://www.science20.com/news_articles/scientists_mimic_chloroplasts_meaning_solar_cells_fix_themselves nonadult false Scientists Mimic Chloroplasts - Meaning Solar Cells That Fix Themselves text blog 159 0 0.0 http://community.ecoseed.org/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=13707210&as=29468 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/29468/photos/PHOTO_8041139_29468_13707210_ap_160X120.jpg false 0 0 2630133 13707210 Gold 26378 http://community.ecoseed.org/_GE-Global-Research-gets-538000-research-grant/BLOG/2630131/29468.html [image] GE Global Research said Tuesday it has won a $538,000 research grant from the National Institutes of Health to develop technology that allows for the study of individual cells growing inside and on the body. GE Global Research handles technology development for General Electric Co. businesses. The project involves the study of microorganisms that grow on and in a person's body and are thought to influence health. The cells are difficult to study because they cannot be grown as pure cultures, GE Global Research said. Investigators will develop a method for amplifying DNA from individual cells so copies can be made that would enable genetic analysis. "By understanding how individual cells in and outside of our body influence our health, we could unlock answers to which make us healthier and which make us ill," molecular biologist Dr. John Nelson said in the statement. "Before we can answer these questions, medical researchers need a proven method for studying these cells." GE shares climbed 8 cents to $15.48 in Tuesday afternoon trading. [image] GE Global Research said Tuesday it has won a $538,000 research grant from the National Institutes of Health to develop technology that allows for the study of individual cells growing inside and on the body. GE Global Research handles technology development for General Electric Co. businesses. The project involves the study of microorganisms that grow on and in a person's body and are thought to influence health. The cells are difficult to study because they cannot be grown as pure cultures, GE Global Research said. Investigators will develop a method for amplifying DNA from individual cells so copies can be made that would enable genetic analysis. "By understanding how individual cells in and outside of our body influence our health, we could unlock answers to which make us healthier and which make us ill," molecular biologist Dr. John Nelson said in the statement. "Before we can answer these questions, medical researchers need a proven method for studying these cells." GE shares climbed 8 cents to $15.48 in Tuesday afternoon trading. Wed, 08 Sep 2010 05:46:59 GMT http://community.ecoseed.org/_GE-Global-Research-gets-538000-research-grant/BLOG/2630131/29468.html ashleysoon 2010-09-08T05:46:59Z EcoSeed Community [image] GE Global Research said Tuesday it has won a $538,000 research grant from the National Institutes of Health to develop technology that allows for the study of individual cells growing inside and on the body. GE Global Research handles technology development for General Electric Co. businesses. The project involves the study of microorganisms that grow on and in a person's body and are thought to influence health. The cells are difficult to study because they cannot be grown as pure cultures, GE Global Research said. Investigators will develop a method for amplifying DNA from individual cells so copies can be made that would enable genetic analysis. "By understanding how individual cells in and outside of our body influence our health, we could unlock answers to which make us healthier and which make us ill," molecular biologist Dr. John Nelson said in the statement. "Before we can answer these questions, medical researchers need a proven method for studying these cells." GE shares climbed 8 cents to $15.48 in Tuesday afternoon trading. nonadult false GE Global Research gets $538,000 research grant text blog 104 0 0.0 http://community.ecoseed.org/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=13707210&as=29468 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/29468/photos/PHOTO_8041139_29468_13707210_ap_160X120.jpg false 0 0 2630131 13707210 Gold 26378 http://community.ecoseed.org/_Scott-Naturals-Brand-Offers-Easy-Solution-to-Help-Save-Water-in-the-Bathroom/BLOG/2630127/29468.html [image] DALLAS, Sept. 7 /PRNewswire/ -- Access to fresh water is an emerging environmental and social concern, as the U.S. Governmental Accountability Office projects water shortages in 36 of 50 U.S. states over the next five years. While a recent survey showed many consumers (45 percent) believe bathing/showering consumes the most water, the American Water Works Association says toilet flushing is actually the number one use of water in the home. To raise awareness of this issue and to make it simple for consumers to save water when flushing the toilet, Kimberly-Clark's Scott Naturals brand will be offering an innovative solution – the Smart Flush bag. The device will be available free with purchase of Scott Naturals bath tissue while supplies last beginning in September. The Scott Naturals Smart Flush bag offers a safe and easy way to save water at home. When placed in the toilet tank, the material in the bag absorbs water and expands, reducing the amount of water consumed in each flush by up to one liter. A family of four could save 2,000 gallons of water per year by using the Smart Flush bag. "K-C and the Scott Naturals brand are committed to sustainability and to preserving natural resources for future generations," saidDoug Daniels, Scott brand manager. "The Smart Flush device makes it easy for consumers to conserve by reducing the water consumed by each toilet flush.  This innovative solution aligns with Scott Naturals brand's approach of making it easy for environmentally aware consumers to take a green step at home, without changing their normal routines." The Smart Flush bag will be given away exclusively on Scott Naturals 8 pack and 12 pack bath tissue at retailers nationwide in September and October, while supplies last.  The promotion will be supported by a national campaign including a dedicated TV spot explaining Smart Flush and in-store video advertisements. Scott Naturals brand offers a full line of bath tissue, paper towels, napkins and flushable moist wipes that deliver quality, performance and environmental benefits, at a value price.  For more information on the Scott Naturals brand product line, visit www.scottbrand.com/naturals. Study Methodology The data referenced above is based on a telephone survey commissioned by Scott Naturals brand.  The CARAVAN® Survey was conducted during the period of July 15-18, 2010 of 1,006 adults comprising of 502 men and 504 women 18 years of age and older, living in private households in the continental United States.  The margin of error on the total sample is approximately +/- three percent.  About Kimberly-Clark Kimberly-Clark and its well-known global brands are an indispensable part of life for people in more than 150 countries. Every day, 1.3 billion people - nearly a quarter of the world's population - trust K-C brands and the solutions they provide to enhance their health, hygiene and well-being. With brands such as Kleenex, Scott, Huggies, Pull-Ups, Kotex and Depend, Kimberly-Clark holds the No. 1 or No. 2 share position in more than 80 countries. To keep up with the latest K-C news and to learn more about the company's 138-year history of innovation, visit www.Kimberly-Clark.com. [image] DALLAS, Sept. 7 /PRNewswire/ -- Access to fresh water is an emerging environmental and social concern, as the U.S. Governmental Accountability Office projects water shortages in 36 of 50 U.S. states over the next five years. While a recent survey showed many consumers (45 percent) believe bathing/showering consumes the most water, the American Water Works Association says toilet flushing is actually the number one use of water in the home. To raise awareness of this issue and to make it simple for consumers to save water when flushing the toilet, Kimberly-Clark's Scott Naturals brand will be offering an innovative solution – the Smart Flush bag. The device will be available free with purchase of Scott Naturals bath tissue while supplies last beginning in September. The Scott Naturals Smart Flush bag offers a safe and easy way to save water at home. When placed in the toilet tank, the material in the bag absorbs water and expands, reducing the amount of water consumed in each flush by up to one liter. A family of four could save 2,000 gallons of water per year by using the Smart Flush bag. "K-C and the Scott Naturals brand are committed to sustainability and to preserving natural resources for future generations," saidDoug Daniels, Scott brand manager. "The Smart Flush device makes it easy for consumers to conserve by reducing the water consumed by each toilet flush.  This innovative solution aligns with Scott Naturals brand's approach of making it easy for environmentally aware consumers to take a green step at home, without changing their normal routines." The Smart Flush bag will be given away exclusively on Scott Naturals 8 pack and 12 pack bath tissue at retailers nationwide in September and October, while supplies last.  The promotion will be supported by a national campaign including a dedicated TV spot explaining Smart Flush and in-store video advertisements. Scott Naturals brand offers a full line of bath tissue, paper towels, napkins and flushable moist wipes that deliver quality, performance and environmental benefits, at a value price.  For more information on the Scott Naturals brand product line, visit www.scottbrand.com/naturals. Study Methodology The data referenced above is based on a telephone survey commissioned by Scott Naturals brand.  The CARAVAN® Survey was conducted during the period of July 15-18, 2010 of 1,006 adults comprising of 502 men and 504 women 18 years of age and older, living in private households in the continental United States.  The margin of error on the total sample is approximately +/- three percent.  About Kimberly-Clark Kimberly-Clark and its well-known global brands are an indispensable part of life for people in more than 150 countries. Every day, 1.3 billion people - nearly a quarter of the world's population - trust K-C brands and the solutions they provide to enhance their health, hygiene and well-being. With brands such as Kleenex, Scott, Huggies, Pull-Ups, Kotex and Depend, Kimberly-Clark holds the No. 1 or No. 2 share position in more than 80 countries. To keep up with the latest K-C news and to learn more about the company's 138-year history of innovation, visit www.Kimberly-Clark.com. Wed, 08 Sep 2010 05:39:30 GMT http://community.ecoseed.org/_Scott-Naturals-Brand-Offers-Easy-Solution-to-Help-Save-Water-in-the-Bathroom/BLOG/2630127/29468.html ashleysoon 2010-09-08T05:39:30Z EcoSeed Community [image] DALLAS, Sept. 7 /PRNewswire/ -- Access to fresh water is an emerging environmental and social concern, as the U.S. Governmental Accountability Office projects water shortages in 36 of 50 U.S. states over the next five years. While a recent survey showed many consumers (45 percent) believe bathing/showering consumes the most water, the American Water Works Association says toilet flushing is actually the number one use of water in the home. To raise awareness of this issue and to make it simple for consumers to save water when flushing the toilet, Kimberly-Clark's Scott Naturals brand will be offering an innovative solution – the Smart Flush bag. The device will be available free with purchase of Scott Naturals bath tissue while supplies last beginning in September. The Scott Naturals Smart Flush bag offers a safe and easy way to save water at home. When placed in the toilet tank, the material in the bag absorbs water and expands, reducing the amount of water consumed in each flush by up to one liter. A family of four could save 2,000 gallons of water per year by using the Smart Flush bag. "K-C and the Scott Naturals brand are committed to sustainability and to preserving natural resources for future generations," saidDoug Daniels, Scott brand manager. "The Smart Flush device makes it easy for consumers to conserve by reducing the water consumed by each toilet flush.  This innovative solution aligns with Scott Naturals brand's approach of making it easy for environmentally aware consumers to take a green step at home, without changing their normal routines." The Smart Flush bag will be given away exclusively on Scott Naturals 8 pack and 12 pack bath tissue at retailers nationwide in September and October, while supplies last.  The promotion will be supported by a national campaign including a dedicated TV spot explaining Smart Flush and in-store video advertisements. Scott Naturals brand offers a full line of bath tissue, paper towels, napkins and flushable moist wipes that deliver quality, performance and environmental benefits, at a value price.  For more information on the Scott Naturals brand product line, visit www.scottbrand.com/naturals. Study Methodology The data referenced above is based on a telephone survey commissioned by Scott Naturals brand.  The CARAVAN® Survey was conducted during the period of July 15-18, 2010 of 1,006 adults comprising of 502 men and 504 women 18 years of age and older, living in private households in the continental United States.  The margin of error on the total sample is approximately +/- three percent.  About Kimberly-Clark Kimberly-Clark and its well-known global brands are an indispensable part of life for people in more than 150 countries. Every day, 1.3 billion people - nearly a quarter of the world's population - trust K-C brands and the solutions they provide to enhance their health, hygiene and well-being. With brands such as Kleenex, Scott, Huggies, Pull-Ups, Kotex and Depend, Kimberly-Clark holds the No. 1 or No. 2 share position in more than 80 countries. To keep up with the latest K-C news and to learn more about the company's 138-year history of innovation, visit www.Kimberly-Clark.com. nonadult false Scott Naturals Brand Offers Easy Solution to Help Save Water in the Bathroom text blog 50 0 0.0 http://community.ecoseed.org/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=13707210&as=29468 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/29468/photos/PHOTO_8041139_29468_13707210_ap_160X120.jpg false 0 0 2630127 13707210 Gold 26378 http://community.ecoseed.org/_Nestle-in-the-US-Reaffirms-Commitment-to-Responsible-Water-Management-During-World-Water-Week/BLOG/2630125/29468.html [image] NEW YORK, Sept. 7 /PRNewswire/ -- With the 20th Annual World Water Week underway, Nestle in the United States is reaffirming its commitment to responsible water management business practices. "Water availability - both quantity and quality - touches our business in a number of ways," said Heidi Paul, Vice President, Corporate Affairs, Nestle Waters North America. "As part of recognition of World Water Week, Nestle in the United States is reinforcing our commitment to improving the quality of our water management processes - both in our operations and in the communities where we do business." Nestle is participating in World Water Week in a number of ways including: During World Water Week, Nestle S.A. will join hundreds of water experts, practitioners, decision makers and leaders from around the world in Stockholm, Sweden to exchange ideas, foster new thinking and develop solutions for responsibly managing the world's clean water supply. On September 6th, Nestle participated in the High Level Panel discussion on "Water Quality Challenge - Prevention, Wise Use and Abatement" with other global thought leaders On September 8th, Nestle will join other members of the 2030 Water Resources Group in a seminar entitled Charting Our Water Future: Pathways and Tools to Reform at which they will share an important report: "Charting Our Water Future: Economic frameworks to inform decision-making. Some facts about Nestle's global commitment to water management include: By working efficiently, Nestle's operations account for less than 0.005 percent of fresh-water use globally. Between 2004-2009, Nestle Waters reduced water use by 20% globally. Nestle S.A. is a founding member of the CEO Water Mandate, a United Nations Global Impact initiative with a focus on developing strategies and solutions to positively contribute to the emerging global water crisis. Over the past five years, Nestle Waters North America reduced water consumption in its factories, using less water than any other packaged beverage to produce its products. Nestle Waters North America participates in the Beverage Industry Environmental Roundtable and leads their Water Committee in establishing a scientific basis for water- accounting. For over 15 years, Nestle Waters North America's sponsorship of Project WET has provided teacher, student and community training workshops on water-resource topics. Active in every state, this water-education program has reached more than 23 million students and 150,000 teachers. We invite you to learn more about Nestle's commitment to water management, by visiting the Water & Environmental Sustainability section of our website CSV.org. Nestle's business model is based on the principle of Creating Shared Value - the belief that for its business to prosper in the long term, it must create value for our shareholders, customers, consumers and society at large.  A sound society depends on natural resources, and a core component of Creating Shared Value is ensuring that the company is environmentally responsible and mindful of water resources.   About Nestle in the United States: Nestle in the United States consists of five main businesses: Nestle USA, Nestle Waters North America, Nestle Purina PetCare Company, Nestle Nutrition and Nestle Professional. Together, these companies operate in more than 120 locations in 47 states and employ over 44,000 people. It is Nestle S.A.'s largest market with combined product sales in the United Statestotaling more than $28 billion in 2009. Committed to becoming the very best Nutrition, Health and Wellness company, Nestle in the United States sells some of the world's best-known brands and products seen every day, and that families have come to enjoy and rely on for years. Key brands include LEAN CUISINE®, NESTLE® TOLL HOUSE®, POWERBAR®, NESTLE® PURE LIFE®, POLAND SPRING®, GERBER®, and PURINA ONE®. To learn more about Nestle, including its commitment to sustainable water practices and the environment, please visit: CreatingSharedValue.org, NestleNutrition.com, NestleUSA.com, NestleWatersNorthAmerica.com, Purina.com and NestleProfessional.com. Original Source: http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/nestle-in-the-us-reaffirms-commitment-to-responsible-water-management-during-world-water-week-102350954.html [image] NEW YORK, Sept. 7 /PRNewswire/ -- With the 20th Annual World Water Week underway, Nestle in the United States is reaffirming its commitment to responsible water management business practices. "Water availability - both quantity and quality - touches our business in a number of ways," said Heidi Paul, Vice President, Corporate Affairs, Nestle Waters North America. "As part of recognition of World Water Week, Nestle in the United States is reinforcing our commitment to improving the quality of our water management processes - both in our operations and in the communities where we do business." Nestle is participating in World Water Week in a number of ways including: During World Water Week, Nestle S.A. will join hundreds of water experts, practitioners, decision makers and leaders from around the world in Stockholm, Sweden to exchange ideas, foster new thinking and develop solutions for responsibly managing the world's clean water supply. On September 6th, Nestle participated in the High Level Panel discussion on "Water Quality Challenge - Prevention, Wise Use and Abatement" with other global thought leaders On September 8th, Nestle will join other members of the 2030 Water Resources Group in a seminar entitled Charting Our Water Future: Pathways and Tools to Reform at which they will share an important report: "Charting Our Water Future: Economic frameworks to inform decision-making. Some facts about Nestle's global commitment to water management include: By working efficiently, Nestle's operations account for less than 0.005 percent of fresh-water use globally. Between 2004-2009, Nestle Waters reduced water use by 20% globally. Nestle S.A. is a founding member of the CEO Water Mandate, a United Nations Global Impact initiative with a focus on developing strategies and solutions to positively contribute to the emerging global water crisis. Over the past five years, Nestle Waters North America reduced water consumption in its factories, using less water than any other packaged beverage to produce its products. Nestle Waters North America participates in the Beverage Industry Environmental Roundtable and leads their Water Committee in establishing a scientific basis for water- accounting. For over 15 years, Nestle Waters North America's sponsorship of Project WET has provided teacher, student and community training workshops on water-resource topics. Active in every state, this water-education program has reached more than 23 million students and 150,000 teachers. We invite you to learn more about Nestle's commitment to water management, by visiting the Water & Environmental Sustainability section of our website CSV.org. Nestle's business model is based on the principle of Creating Shared Value - the belief that for its business to prosper in the long term, it must create value for our shareholders, customers, consumers and society at large.  A sound society depends on natural resources, and a core component of Creating Shared Value is ensuring that the company is environmentally responsible and mindful of water resources.   About Nestle in the United States: Nestle in the United States consists of five main businesses: Nestle USA, Nestle Waters North America, Nestle Purina PetCare Company, Nestle Nutrition and Nestle Professional. Together, these companies operate in more than 120 locations in 47 states and employ over 44,000 people. It is Nestle S.A.'s largest market with combined product sales in the United Statestotaling more than $28 billion in 2009. Committed to becoming the very best Nutrition, Health and Wellness company, Nestle in the United States sells some of the world's best-known brands and products seen every day, and that families have come to enjoy and rely on for years. Key brands include LEAN CUISINE®, NESTLE® TOLL HOUSE®, POWERBAR®, NESTLE® PURE LIFE®, POLAND SPRING®, GERBER®, and PURINA ONE®. To learn more about Nestle, including its commitment to sustainable water practices and the environment, please visit: CreatingSharedValue.org, NestleNutrition.com, NestleUSA.com, NestleWatersNorthAmerica.com, Purina.com and NestleProfessional.com. Original Source: http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/nestle-in-the-us-reaffirms-commitment-to-responsible-water-management-during-world-water-week-102350954.html Wed, 08 Sep 2010 05:37:50 GMT http://community.ecoseed.org/_Nestle-in-the-US-Reaffirms-Commitment-to-Responsible-Water-Management-During-World-Water-Week/BLOG/2630125/29468.html ashleysoon 2010-09-08T05:37:50Z EcoSeed Community [image] NEW YORK, Sept. 7 /PRNewswire/ -- With the 20th Annual World Water Week underway, Nestle in the United States is reaffirming its commitment to responsible water management business practices. "Water availability - both quantity and quality - touches our business in a number of ways," said Heidi Paul, Vice President, Corporate Affairs, Nestle Waters North America. "As part of recognition of World Water Week, Nestle in the United States is reinforcing our commitment to improving the quality of our water management processes - both in our operations and in the communities where we do business." Nestle is participating in World Water Week in a number of ways including: During World Water Week, Nestle S.A. will join hundreds of water experts, practitioners, decision makers and leaders from around the world in Stockholm, Sweden to exchange ideas, foster new thinking and develop solutions for responsibly managing the world's clean water supply. On September 6th, Nestle participated in the High Level Panel discussion on "Water Quality Challenge - Prevention, Wise Use and Abatement" with other global thought leaders On September 8th, Nestle will join other members of the 2030 Water Resources Group in a seminar entitled Charting Our Water Future: Pathways and Tools to Reform at which they will share an important report: "Charting Our Water Future: Economic frameworks to inform decision-making. Some facts about Nestle's global commitment to water management include: By working efficiently, Nestle's operations account for less than 0.005 percent of fresh-water use globally. Between 2004-2009, Nestle Waters reduced water use by 20% globally. Nestle S.A. is a founding member of the CEO Water Mandate, a United Nations Global Impact initiative with a focus on developing strategies and solutions to positively contribute to the emerging global water crisis. Over the past five years, Nestle Waters North America reduced water consumption in its factories, using less water than any other packaged beverage to produce its products. Nestle Waters North America participates in the Beverage Industry Environmental Roundtable and leads their Water Committee in establishing a scientific basis for water- accounting. For over 15 years, Nestle Waters North America's sponsorship of Project WET has provided teacher, student and community training workshops on water-resource topics. Active in every state, this water-education program has reached more than 23 million students and 150,000 teachers. We invite you to learn more about Nestle's commitment to water management, by visiting the Water & Environmental Sustainability section of our website CSV.org. Nestle's business model is based on the principle of Creating Shared Value - the belief that for its business to prosper in the long term, it must create value for our shareholders, customers, consumers and society at large.  A sound society depends on natural resources, and a core component of Creating Shared Value is ensuring that the company is environmentally responsible and mindful of water resources.   About Nestle in the United States: Nestle in the United States consists of five main businesses: Nestle USA, Nestle Waters North America, Nestle Purina PetCare Company, Nestle Nutrition and Nestle Professional. Together, these companies operate in more than 120 locations in 47 states and employ over 44,000 people. It is Nestle S.A.'s largest market with combined product sales in the United Statestotaling more than $28 billion in 2009. Committed to becoming the very best Nutrition, Health and Wellness company, Nestle in the United States sells some of the world's best-known brands and products seen every day, and that families have come to enjoy and rely on for years. Key brands include LEAN CUISINE®, NESTLE® TOLL HOUSE®, POWERBAR®, NESTLE® PURE LIFE®, POLAND SPRING®, GERBER®, and PURINA ONE®. To learn more about Nestle, including its commitment to sustainable water practices and the environment, please visit: CreatingSharedValue.org, NestleNutrition.com, NestleUSA.com, NestleWatersNorthAmerica.com, Purina.com and NestleProfessional.com. Original Source: http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/nestle-in-the-us-reaffirms-commitment-to-responsible-water-management-during-world-water-week-102350954.html nonadult false Nestle in the U.S. Reaffirms Commitment to Responsible Water Management During World Water Week text blog 84 0 0.0 http://community.ecoseed.org/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=13707210&as=29468 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/29468/photos/PHOTO_8041139_29468_13707210_ap_160X120.jpg false 0 0 2630125 13707210 Gold 26378 http://community.ecoseed.org/_2010-Deutsche-Bank-Championship-Sustains-Green-Commitment/BLOG/2625544/29468.html [image] NORTON, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Deutsche Bank Championship today announced that it has reaffirmed its commitment to environmental sustainability and will once again be a carbon neutral event. This year marks the third season that the Deutsche Bank Championship has achieved net carbon zero emissions as it remains the only carbon neutral event on the PGA TOUR. The Championship’s extensive sustainability program, in collaboration with its Founders Club members and suppliers has also been expanded with several new and improved programs. “The Deutsche Bank Championship has remained committed to maintaining a high standard of environmental excellence, reflecting the Bank’s overall commitment to be carbon neutral from 2013 onward” For 2010, the Championship has partnered with BMW, the official vehicle of the Deutsche Bank Championship, to provide PGA TOUR players with a fleet of vehicles that includes the BMW ActiveHybrid 7 Series and BMW 335 Advanced Diesel. The BMW ActiveHybrid 7 Series is 5% more efficient than its non-hybrid counterpart and is able to run exclusively on electric power and emit zero harmful CO2 emissions up to a speed of 37 mph. The BMW 335 Advanced Diesel offers cleaner emissions, making it an excellent alternative to a traditional gas car. “The Deutsche Bank Championship has remained committed to maintaining a high standard of environmental excellence, reflecting the Bank’s overall commitment to be carbon neutral from 2013 onward,” said Seth Waugh, CEO of Deutsche Bank Americas. “We have made significant strides in reducing the event’s carbon footprint and will continue to build on our success so that the Championship will be enjoyed by generations of fans to come.” The Championship has also invested in new liners for all on-site trash bins that are 100% bio-degradable and reduce emissions in the manufacturing process by 7%. Also new for 2010, the Championship, in partnership with Big Green Hippo & Newport Biodiesel will be converting all of the vegetable oil used in the kitchens into biodiesel fuel. This fuel is locally produced, non-toxic and can be used to power diesel engines or home oil furnaces. Because it is not possible to entirely eliminate the environmental impact of the event, Deutsche Bank and the Championship are investing in carbon-offsets to finance programs that will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by an amount that is estimated to be equal to those generated by the event. This year, the Bank will purchase carbon-offsets that will help finance the construction of a biomass fired power plant in Amazonas, Brazil. The goal of the project is to replace electricity from fossil fuels, while also reducing methane emissions from biomass stockpiles. The project will reduce greenhouse gas emission equivalent to 170,000 tons of CO2 per year and will help contribute to the sustainable development of the local community. The program was validated by environmental consulting expert First Climate, one of Europe’s leading carbon asset management companies. TPC Boston is adjacent to 150 acres of local conservation land donated by the development partnership of the club to the towns of Norton and Mansfield. The golf course was designed to complement its natural surroundings. There is a dedicated effort to preserve and enhance the environment by managing grassland and forest edges for the benefit of wildlife around the golf course. The foundation of environmental stewardship begins with utilizing natural products like composts and organic fertilizers that are recycled from biosolids, poultry litter, wood and paper. This practice helps achieve the building of quality soil, which allows the club to judiciously use water and other resources for improved plant health. The club has been the recipient of three Golf Digest Environmental Leaders in Golf Awards for environmental stewardship and is designated as a “Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary.” A New England’s Labor Day tradition, the 2010 Deutsche Bank Championship features a $7.5 million purse and a $1.35 million winner’s check. It enters its fourth year as a PGA TOUR Playoffs event and is the second of four stops in the PGA TOUR Playoffs for the FedExCup. Its distinguished list of champions includes Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, Vijay Singh (twice), Steve Sticker, Adam Scott and Olin Browne. About Deutsche Bank Deutsche Bank is a leading global investment bank with a strong and profitable private clients franchise. A leader in Germany and Europe, the bank is continuously growing in North America, Asia and key emerging markets. With 81,929 employees in 72 countries, Deutsche Bank competes to be the leading global provider of financial solutions for demanding clients creating exceptional value for its shareholders and people. www.db.com About IMG Sports & Entertainment Operating in 30 countries, IMG Sports & Entertainment's diverse businesses include: product and brand licensing; consulting services; event ownership and management; fashion events and models representation; golf course design; and client representation in golf, tennis, broadcasting, speakers, European football, rugby, cricket, motor sports, coaching, Olympic and action sports. IMG Academies are the world's largest, multi-sport training and educational facilities, delivering world-class training experiences to more than 12,000 junior, collegiate, adult, and professional athletes each year. More information about IMG is available at www.imgworld.com. About TPC Boston Originally designed by legendary player/designer Arnold Palmer, TPC Boston’s award-winning layout was re-designed in 2007 by celebrated golf course architect Gil Hanse, with PGA TOUR player Brad Faxon serving as a consultant. The result is a compelling par-72, 7,241-yard masterpiece named by Golf Digest the “Best Private Remodel of 2007.” Crafted to fit seamlessly into the natural New England landscape, lush fairways and Bentgrass greens traverse gently rolling hills, with stands of mature trees, chocolate-drop mounds, numerous wetland areas, fescues and native grasses, and 92 deep bunkers creating a stunning backdrop for this superb test of golf in Norton’s Great Woods. While challenging enough for the best players in the world during the Deutsche Bank Championship, five sets of tees on each hole make the course enjoyable for golfers of all skill levels. At TPC Boston, remarkable golf is just the beginning of an outstanding PGA TOUR experience. Original Source: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20100904005005/en/2010-Deutsche-Bank-Championship-Sustains-Green-Commitment [image] NORTON, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Deutsche Bank Championship today announced that it has reaffirmed its commitment to environmental sustainability and will once again be a carbon neutral event. This year marks the third season that the Deutsche Bank Championship has achieved net carbon zero emissions as it remains the only carbon neutral event on the PGA TOUR. The Championship’s extensive sustainability program, in collaboration with its Founders Club members and suppliers has also been expanded with several new and improved programs. “The Deutsche Bank Championship has remained committed to maintaining a high standard of environmental excellence, reflecting the Bank’s overall commitment to be carbon neutral from 2013 onward” For 2010, the Championship has partnered with BMW, the official vehicle of the Deutsche Bank Championship, to provide PGA TOUR players with a fleet of vehicles that includes the BMW ActiveHybrid 7 Series and BMW 335 Advanced Diesel. The BMW ActiveHybrid 7 Series is 5% more efficient than its non-hybrid counterpart and is able to run exclusively on electric power and emit zero harmful CO2 emissions up to a speed of 37 mph. The BMW 335 Advanced Diesel offers cleaner emissions, making it an excellent alternative to a traditional gas car. “The Deutsche Bank Championship has remained committed to maintaining a high standard of environmental excellence, reflecting the Bank’s overall commitment to be carbon neutral from 2013 onward,” said Seth Waugh, CEO of Deutsche Bank Americas. “We have made significant strides in reducing the event’s carbon footprint and will continue to build on our success so that the Championship will be enjoyed by generations of fans to come.” The Championship has also invested in new liners for all on-site trash bins that are 100% bio-degradable and reduce emissions in the manufacturing process by 7%. Also new for 2010, the Championship, in partnership with Big Green Hippo & Newport Biodiesel will be converting all of the vegetable oil used in the kitchens into biodiesel fuel. This fuel is locally produced, non-toxic and can be used to power diesel engines or home oil furnaces. Because it is not possible to entirely eliminate the environmental impact of the event, Deutsche Bank and the Championship are investing in carbon-offsets to finance programs that will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by an amount that is estimated to be equal to those generated by the event. This year, the Bank will purchase carbon-offsets that will help finance the construction of a biomass fired power plant in Amazonas, Brazil. The goal of the project is to replace electricity from fossil fuels, while also reducing methane emissions from biomass stockpiles. The project will reduce greenhouse gas emission equivalent to 170,000 tons of CO2 per year and will help contribute to the sustainable development of the local community. The program was validated by environmental consulting expert First Climate, one of Europe’s leading carbon asset management companies. TPC Boston is adjacent to 150 acres of local conservation land donated by the development partnership of the club to the towns of Norton and Mansfield. The golf course was designed to complement its natural surroundings. There is a dedicated effort to preserve and enhance the environment by managing grassland and forest edges for the benefit of wildlife around the golf course. The foundation of environmental stewardship begins with utilizing natural products like composts and organic fertilizers that are recycled from biosolids, poultry litter, wood and paper. This practice helps achieve the building of quality soil, which allows the club to judiciously use water and other resources for improved plant health. The club has been the recipient of three Golf Digest Environmental Leaders in Golf Awards for environmental stewardship and is designated as a “Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary.” A New England’s Labor Day tradition, the 2010 Deutsche Bank Championship features a $7.5 million purse and a $1.35 million winner’s check. It enters its fourth year as a PGA TOUR Playoffs event and is the second of four stops in the PGA TOUR Playoffs for the FedExCup. Its distinguished list of champions includes Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, Vijay Singh (twice), Steve Sticker, Adam Scott and Olin Browne. About Deutsche Bank Deutsche Bank is a leading global investment bank with a strong and profitable private clients franchise. A leader in Germany and Europe, the bank is continuously growing in North America, Asia and key emerging markets. With 81,929 employees in 72 countries, Deutsche Bank competes to be the leading global provider of financial solutions for demanding clients creating exceptional value for its shareholders and people. www.db.com About IMG Sports & Entertainment Operating in 30 countries, IMG Sports & Entertainment's diverse businesses include: product and brand licensing; consulting services; event ownership and management; fashion events and models representation; golf course design; and client representation in golf, tennis, broadcasting, speakers, European football, rugby, cricket, motor sports, coaching, Olympic and action sports. IMG Academies are the world's largest, multi-sport training and educational facilities, delivering world-class training experiences to more than 12,000 junior, collegiate, adult, and professional athletes each year. More information about IMG is available at www.imgworld.com. About TPC Boston Originally designed by legendary player/designer Arnold Palmer, TPC Boston’s award-winning layout was re-designed in 2007 by celebrated golf course architect Gil Hanse, with PGA TOUR player Brad Faxon serving as a consultant. The result is a compelling par-72, 7,241-yard masterpiece named by Golf Digest the “Best Private Remodel of 2007.” Crafted to fit seamlessly into the natural New England landscape, lush fairways and Bentgrass greens traverse gently rolling hills, with stands of mature trees, chocolate-drop mounds, numerous wetland areas, fescues and native grasses, and 92 deep bunkers creating a stunning backdrop for this superb test of golf in Norton’s Great Woods. While challenging enough for the best players in the world during the Deutsche Bank Championship, five sets of tees on each hole make the course enjoyable for golfers of all skill levels. At TPC Boston, remarkable golf is just the beginning of an outstanding PGA TOUR experience. Original Source: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20100904005005/en/2010-Deutsche-Bank-Championship-Sustains-Green-Commitment Mon, 06 Sep 2010 06:11:31 GMT http://community.ecoseed.org/_2010-Deutsche-Bank-Championship-Sustains-Green-Commitment/BLOG/2625544/29468.html ashleysoon 2010-09-06T06:11:31Z EcoSeed Community [image] NORTON, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Deutsche Bank Championship today announced that it has reaffirmed its commitment to environmental sustainability and will once again be a carbon neutral event. This year marks the third season that the Deutsche Bank Championship has achieved net carbon zero emissions as it remains the only carbon neutral event on the PGA TOUR. The Championship’s extensive sustainability program, in collaboration with its Founders Club members and suppliers has also been expanded with several new and improved programs. “The Deutsche Bank Championship has remained committed to maintaining a high standard of environmental excellence, reflecting the Bank’s overall commitment to be carbon neutral from 2013 onward” For 2010, the Championship has partnered with BMW, the official vehicle of the Deutsche Bank Championship, to provide PGA TOUR players with a fleet of vehicles that includes the BMW ActiveHybrid 7 Series and BMW 335 Advanced Diesel. The BMW ActiveHybrid 7 Series is 5% more efficient than its non-hybrid counterpart and is able to run exclusively on electric power and emit zero harmful CO2 emissions up to a speed of 37 mph. The BMW 335 Advanced Diesel offers cleaner emissions, making it an excellent alternative to a traditional gas car. “The Deutsche Bank Championship has remained committed to maintaining a high standard of environmental excellence, reflecting the Bank’s overall commitment to be carbon neutral from 2013 onward,” said Seth Waugh, CEO of Deutsche Bank Americas. “We have made significant strides in reducing the event’s carbon footprint and will continue to build on our success so that the Championship will be enjoyed by generations of fans to come.” The Championship has also invested in new liners for all on-site trash bins that are 100% bio-degradable and reduce emissions in the manufacturing process by 7%. Also new for 2010, the Championship, in partnership with Big Green Hippo & Newport Biodiesel will be converting all of the vegetable oil used in the kitchens into biodiesel fuel. This fuel is locally produced, non-toxic and can be used to power diesel engines or home oil furnaces. Because it is not possible to entirely eliminate the environmental impact of the event, Deutsche Bank and the Championship are investing in carbon-offsets to finance programs that will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by an amount that is estimated to be equal to those generated by the event. This year, the Bank will purchase carbon-offsets that will help finance the construction of a biomass fired power plant in Amazonas, Brazil. The goal of the project is to replace electricity from fossil fuels, while also reducing methane emissions from biomass stockpiles. The project will reduce greenhouse gas emission equivalent to 170,000 tons of CO2 per year and will help contribute to the sustainable development of the local community. The program was validated by environmental consulting expert First Climate, one of Europe’s leading carbon asset management companies. TPC Boston is adjacent to 150 acres of local conservation land donated by the development partnership of the club to the towns of Norton and Mansfield. The golf course was designed to complement its natural surroundings. There is a dedicated effort to preserve and enhance the environment by managing grassland and forest edges for the benefit of wildlife around the golf course. The foundation of environmental stewardship begins with utilizing natural products like composts and organic fertilizers that are recycled from biosolids, poultry litter, wood and paper. This practice helps achieve the building of quality soil, which allows the club to judiciously use water and other resources for improved plant health. The club has been the recipient of three Golf Digest Environmental Leaders in Golf Awards for environmental stewardship and is designated as a “Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary.” A New England’s Labor Day tradition, the 2010 Deutsche Bank Championship features a $7.5 million purse and a $1.35 million winner’s check. It enters its fourth year as a PGA TOUR Playoffs event and is the second of four stops in the PGA TOUR Playoffs for the FedExCup. Its distinguished list of champions includes Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, Vijay Singh (twice), Steve Sticker, Adam Scott and Olin Browne. About Deutsche Bank Deutsche Bank is a leading global investment bank with a strong and profitable private clients franchise. A leader in Germany and Europe, the bank is continuously growing in North America, Asia and key emerging markets. With 81,929 employees in 72 countries, Deutsche Bank competes to be the leading global provider of financial solutions for demanding clients creating exceptional value for its shareholders and people. www.db.com About IMG Sports & Entertainment Operating in 30 countries, IMG Sports & Entertainment's diverse businesses include: product and brand licensing; consulting services; event ownership and management; fashion events and models representation; golf course design; and client representation in golf, tennis, broadcasting, speakers, European football, rugby, cricket, motor sports, coaching, Olympic and action sports. IMG Academies are the world's largest, multi-sport training and educational facilities, delivering world-class training experiences to more than 12,000 junior, collegiate, adult, and professional athletes each year. More information about IMG is available at www.imgworld.com. About TPC Boston Originally designed by legendary player/designer Arnold Palmer, TPC Boston’s award-winning layout was re-designed in 2007 by celebrated golf course architect Gil Hanse, with PGA TOUR player Brad Faxon serving as a consultant. The result is a compelling par-72, 7,241-yard masterpiece named by Golf Digest the “Best Private Remodel of 2007.” Crafted to fit seamlessly into the natural New England landscape, lush fairways and Bentgrass greens traverse gently rolling hills, with stands of mature trees, chocolate-drop mounds, numerous wetland areas, fescues and native grasses, and 92 deep bunkers creating a stunning backdrop for this superb test of golf in Norton’s Great Woods. While challenging enough for the best players in the world during the Deutsche Bank Championship, five sets of tees on each hole make the course enjoyable for golfers of all skill levels. At TPC Boston, remarkable golf is just the beginning of an outstanding PGA TOUR experience. Original Source: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20100904005005/en/2010-Deutsche-Bank-Championship-Sustains-Green-Commitment nonadult false 2010 Deutsche Bank Championship Sustains Green Commitment text blog 92 0 0.0 http://community.ecoseed.org/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=13707210&as=29468 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/29468/photos/PHOTO_8041139_29468_13707210_ap_160X120.jpg false 0 0 2625544 13707210 Gold 26378 http://community.ecoseed.org/_Windmill-Your-Green-Energy-Source/BLOG/2625543/29468.html [image][image]Windmill are the right choice if you need to save money on electricity and plug into a green and renewable energy source. It's also an easy and fun "Do It Yourself" project for the whole family. If you're interested in building your own wind turbine, you'll have to learn and comprehend the technology that drives windmills. Basically windmill consists of several blades that are attached to the generator's flywheel or shaft.Windmill are somewhat akin to the rotor blades in an airplane's propeller and they're used for getting the wind power. For any residential home windmill, it is possible to just make use of light plastic material or wood for producing the wind rotor blades. Keep in mind, the size of the wind rotor blades will depend on the size of the windmill's bottom and tower. If for example your windmill is 5-feet tall, then the size of the wind rotor blades must be around 1 to 3 ft. The tower – the simple windmill can have a height of only five ft and it's material must be a powerful plastic material like the pvc piping, or far better yet any stronger material. The benefits of building a residential home windmill are numerous. Possibly you might be tired of throwing your money away every single month in order to provide sufficient power for your home. [image][image]  Windmax HY1000-5 1,000 Watt Max 24-Volt 5-Blade Residential Wind Generator Kit[image]  Well, through setting up a windmill at home, you can reduce your electric bills, and may even make money from electric companies should you create even more power than you might be consuming at your home. Yes, the electric companies will really pay you. So, you see, you may lower your monthly electric expenses and you may save a lot of money for that. Other than saving money, you may also be making a big difference in the planet that we reside on. Due to the fact you happen to be using a natural power to generate electrical energy, you're contributing to the environment by lowering the pollution and damaging gases which are coming from the mechanical sources of power.Windmill are cut from a sheet of metal and run through a machine to give them a curve. They are then attached to the metal rim using small bolts and metal clamps so that they can be raised or lowered depending on the wind. The site the windmill has to be placed has to be an area with a prevailing wind of at least 15 mph. The area has to be cleared of trees and other structures that block wind. [image][image] Wind Power For Dummies[image] Sometimes, a dirt mound or concrete base is build to raise the windmill so that it catches more wind. When assembling the windmill, the main body parts are connected first, to be bolted on the ground and then raised vertically. Connecting rods are used to join other poles while clamps are bolted at joints for stability. Once the tower is raised, it is loosely bolted to the base wherein stay wires are strung from the ground to the tensioners and ground anchors.Since farms do not require a whole lot of electricity, they can easily install an electricity generating windmill. It will fulfill the needs of the farm owners quite sufficiently. It's is difficult to install an electricity generating windmill in an area which is hugely populated and has very high buildings. The main reason is that these windmills require a decent amount of wind speed to work. The areas which have many tall buildings may block the wind flow. If this is the situation it will hamper the blades' movement of the windmill. As a result it won't produce electricity because there's no any mechanical energy that's able to turn the windmill. [image][image]  Windmax HY600-3 750 Watt Max 24-Volt 3-Blade Residential Wind Generator Kit[image]  One hectare of area is sufficient for installing a windmill. It's not a very good idea to install a windmill in the area less than one hectare because it will not work properly as expected. Free electricity isn't all you get from a new home wind turbine, as soon as your system is up, you have improved your home value by atleast an equal amount of the investment. Your green energy powered home has a higher chance to sell compared to others with no home generation or emergency power system. Original Source: http://green-tech-gadgets.blogspot.com/2010/09/windmill-your-green-energy-source.html [image][image]Windmill are the right choice if you need to save money on electricity and plug into a green and renewable energy source. It's also an easy and fun "Do It Yourself" project for the whole family. If you're interested in building your own wind turbine, you'll have to learn and comprehend the technology that drives windmills. Basically windmill consists of several blades that are attached to the generator's flywheel or shaft.Windmill are somewhat akin to the rotor blades in an airplane's propeller and they're used for getting the wind power. For any residential home windmill, it is possible to just make use of light plastic material or wood for producing the wind rotor blades. Keep in mind, the size of the wind rotor blades will depend on the size of the windmill's bottom and tower. If for example your windmill is 5-feet tall, then the size of the wind rotor blades must be around 1 to 3 ft. The tower – the simple windmill can have a height of only five ft and it's material must be a powerful plastic material like the pvc piping, or far better yet any stronger material. The benefits of building a residential home windmill are numerous. Possibly you might be tired of throwing your money away every single month in order to provide sufficient power for your home. [image][image]  Windmax HY1000-5 1,000 Watt Max 24-Volt 5-Blade Residential Wind Generator Kit[image]  Well, through setting up a windmill at home, you can reduce your electric bills, and may even make money from electric companies should you create even more power than you might be consuming at your home. Yes, the electric companies will really pay you. So, you see, you may lower your monthly electric expenses and you may save a lot of money for that. Other than saving money, you may also be making a big difference in the planet that we reside on. Due to the fact you happen to be using a natural power to generate electrical energy, you're contributing to the environment by lowering the pollution and damaging gases which are coming from the mechanical sources of power.Windmill are cut from a sheet of metal and run through a machine to give them a curve. They are then attached to the metal rim using small bolts and metal clamps so that they can be raised or lowered depending on the wind. The site the windmill has to be placed has to be an area with a prevailing wind of at least 15 mph. The area has to be cleared of trees and other structures that block wind. [image][image] Wind Power For Dummies[image] Sometimes, a dirt mound or concrete base is build to raise the windmill so that it catches more wind. When assembling the windmill, the main body parts are connected first, to be bolted on the ground and then raised vertically. Connecting rods are used to join other poles while clamps are bolted at joints for stability. Once the tower is raised, it is loosely bolted to the base wherein stay wires are strung from the ground to the tensioners and ground anchors.Since farms do not require a whole lot of electricity, they can easily install an electricity generating windmill. It will fulfill the needs of the farm owners quite sufficiently. It's is difficult to install an electricity generating windmill in an area which is hugely populated and has very high buildings. The main reason is that these windmills require a decent amount of wind speed to work. The areas which have many tall buildings may block the wind flow. If this is the situation it will hamper the blades' movement of the windmill. As a result it won't produce electricity because there's no any mechanical energy that's able to turn the windmill. [image][image]  Windmax HY600-3 750 Watt Max 24-Volt 3-Blade Residential Wind Generator Kit[image]  One hectare of area is sufficient for installing a windmill. It's not a very good idea to install a windmill in the area less than one hectare because it will not work properly as expected. Free electricity isn't all you get from a new home wind turbine, as soon as your system is up, you have improved your home value by atleast an equal amount of the investment. Your green energy powered home has a higher chance to sell compared to others with no home generation or emergency power system. Original Source: http://green-tech-gadgets.blogspot.com/2010/09/windmill-your-green-energy-source.html Mon, 06 Sep 2010 06:08:09 GMT http://community.ecoseed.org/_Windmill-Your-Green-Energy-Source/BLOG/2625543/29468.html ashleysoon 2010-09-06T06:08:09Z EcoSeed Community [image][image]Windmill are the right choice if you need to save money on electricity and plug into a green and renewable energy source. It's also an easy and fun "Do It Yourself" project for the whole family. If you're interested in building your own wind turbine, you'll have to learn and comprehend the technology that drives windmills. Basically windmill consists of several blades that are attached to the generator's flywheel or shaft.Windmill are somewhat akin to the rotor blades in an airplane's propeller and they're used for getting the wind power. For any residential home windmill, it is possible to just make use of light plastic material or wood for producing the wind rotor blades. Keep in mind, the size of the wind rotor blades will depend on the size of the windmill's bottom and tower. If for example your windmill is 5-feet tall, then the size of the wind rotor blades must be around 1 to 3 ft. The tower – the simple windmill can have a height of only five ft and it's material must be a powerful plastic material like the pvc piping, or far better yet any stronger material. The benefits of building a residential home windmill are numerous. Possibly you might be tired of throwing your money away every single month in order to provide sufficient power for your home. [image][image]  Windmax HY1000-5 1,000 Watt Max 24-Volt 5-Blade Residential Wind Generator Kit[image]  Well, through setting up a windmill at home, you can reduce your electric bills, and may even make money from electric companies should you create even more power than you might be consuming at your home. Yes, the electric companies will really pay you. So, you see, you may lower your monthly electric expenses and you may save a lot of money for that. Other than saving money, you may also be making a big difference in the planet that we reside on. Due to the fact you happen to be using a natural power to generate electrical energy, you're contributing to the environment by lowering the pollution and damaging gases which are coming from the mechanical sources of power.Windmill are cut from a sheet of metal and run through a machine to give them a curve. They are then attached to the metal rim using small bolts and metal clamps so that they can be raised or lowered depending on the wind. The site the windmill has to be placed has to be an area with a prevailing wind of at least 15 mph. The area has to be cleared of trees and other structures that block wind. [image][image] Wind Power For Dummies[image] Sometimes, a dirt mound or concrete base is build to raise the windmill so that it catches more wind. When assembling the windmill, the main body parts are connected first, to be bolted on the ground and then raised vertically. Connecting rods are used to join other poles while clamps are bolted at joints for stability. Once the tower is raised, it is loosely bolted to the base wherein stay wires are strung from the ground to the tensioners and ground anchors.Since farms do not require a whole lot of electricity, they can easily install an electricity generating windmill. It will fulfill the needs of the farm owners quite sufficiently. It's is difficult to install an electricity generating windmill in an area which is hugely populated and has very high buildings. The main reason is that these windmills require a decent amount of wind speed to work. The areas which have many tall buildings may block the wind flow. If this is the situation it will hamper the blades' movement of the windmill. As a result it won't produce electricity because there's no any mechanical energy that's able to turn the windmill. [image][image]  Windmax HY600-3 750 Watt Max 24-Volt 3-Blade Residential Wind Generator Kit[image]  One hectare of area is sufficient for installing a windmill. It's not a very good idea to install a windmill in the area less than one hectare because it will not work properly as expected. Free electricity isn't all you get from a new home wind turbine, as soon as your system is up, you have improved your home value by atleast an equal amount of the investment. Your green energy powered home has a higher chance to sell compared to others with no home generation or emergency power system. Original Source: http://green-tech-gadgets.blogspot.com/2010/09/windmill-your-green-energy-source.html nonadult false Windmill : Your Green Energy Source text blog 97 0 0.0 http://community.ecoseed.org/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=13707210&as=29468 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/29468/photos/PHOTO_8041139_29468_13707210_ap_160X120.jpg false 0 0 2625543 13707210 Gold 26378 http://community.ecoseed.org/_4-Cool-Solar-Flashlights/BLOG/2625539/29468.html In the past few months, we have listed a ton of solar gadgets on this website. There are just so many solar solutions around these days, and there is no excuse for not using them. You can even use the technology to power up your flashlights. So when you need some light outdoors in dark areas, you can count on the power of the sun to find your way around. These 4 solar flashlights let you do just that: [image] Solarlite Flashlight: a cool solar flashlight that can provide you with 10 hours of power per charge. It can hold charge for up to 3 years. [image] Hybrid Light Solar Flashlight: a waterproof solar flashlight that floats and provides you with 10 hours of power per charge. It can be charged using the power of sun or artificial life. [image] Goldmaster Solar Flashlight: a solar flashlight for emergency situations. It not only uses the power of the sun to work, it can charge your batteries too. [image] Solar Powered LED Flashlight Keychain: a super compact flashlight that you can put in your pocket and take it with you on the road. Solar flashlights are not only handy but they save you from the trouble of having to keep buying batteries. They are cheap too. Source: http://green.tiputopia.com/cool-solar-flashlights/ In the past few months, we have listed a ton of solar gadgets on this website. There are just so many solar solutions around these days, and there is no excuse for not using them. You can even use the technology to power up your flashlights. So when you need some light outdoors in dark areas, you can count on the power of the sun to find your way around. These 4 solar flashlights let you do just that: [image] Solarlite Flashlight: a cool solar flashlight that can provide you with 10 hours of power per charge. It can hold charge for up to 3 years. [image] Hybrid Light Solar Flashlight: a waterproof solar flashlight that floats and provides you with 10 hours of power per charge. It can be charged using the power of sun or artificial life. [image] Goldmaster Solar Flashlight: a solar flashlight for emergency situations. It not only uses the power of the sun to work, it can charge your batteries too. [image] Solar Powered LED Flashlight Keychain: a super compact flashlight that you can put in your pocket and take it with you on the road. Solar flashlights are not only handy but they save you from the trouble of having to keep buying batteries. They are cheap too. Source: http://green.tiputopia.com/cool-solar-flashlights/ Mon, 06 Sep 2010 06:06:52 GMT http://community.ecoseed.org/_4-Cool-Solar-Flashlights/BLOG/2625539/29468.html ashleysoon 2010-09-06T06:06:52Z EcoSeed Community In the past few months, we have listed a ton of solar gadgets on this website. There are just so many solar solutions around these days, and there is no excuse for not using them. You can even use the technology to power up your flashlights. So when you need some light outdoors in dark areas, you can count on the power of the sun to find your way around. These 4 solar flashlights let you do just that: [image] Solarlite Flashlight: a cool solar flashlight that can provide you with 10 hours of power per charge. It can hold charge for up to 3 years. [image] Hybrid Light Solar Flashlight: a waterproof solar flashlight that floats and provides you with 10 hours of power per charge. It can be charged using the power of sun or artificial life. [image] Goldmaster Solar Flashlight: a solar flashlight for emergency situations. It not only uses the power of the sun to work, it can charge your batteries too. [image] Solar Powered LED Flashlight Keychain: a super compact flashlight that you can put in your pocket and take it with you on the road. Solar flashlights are not only handy but they save you from the trouble of having to keep buying batteries. They are cheap too. Source: http://green.tiputopia.com/cool-solar-flashlights/ nonadult false 4 Cool Solar Flashlights text blog 92 0 0.0 http://community.ecoseed.org/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=13707210&as=29468 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/29468/photos/PHOTO_8041139_29468_13707210_ap_160X120.jpg false 0 0 2625539 13707210 Gold 26378 http://community.ecoseed.org/_Students-design-windmill-designed-for-the-Third-World/BLOG/2625536/29468.html [image] CHICO — In windy areas of California, motorists can drive past wind farms where towering structures with propeller-type blades capture the wind to generate electricity. But in poor and remote areas of the world, where energy is needed for the most basic of resources, it's not very likely trucks with windmill building supplies will be rapidly rolling in. Students from Chico State University had these realities in mind when they designed a 15-foot tall windmill that could be built in Third World countries. People who attend the kickoff for this year's Book in Common, "The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind," at City Plaza at 6 p.m. Thursday will have a hard time missing the prototype windmill, with bright orange sail cloth designed to "harness the wind." Greg Kallio, a professor in the department of mechanical engineering, mechatronic engineering, and manufacturing technology, said the project began in the fall of 2008, completely separate from the upcoming Book in Common. A faculty member, James Scolaro, had previously visited the island of Antigua in the eastern Caribbean. Power for the island comes from diesel engines, although the country has a history of wind use for things such as grinding grain, Kallio said. Diesel is noisy and causes air pollution, which naturally led to the thought "why not wind?" The country is fairly poor, which makes it difficult to fund tall wind turbines seen in more developed countries. Scolaro, a civil engineering professor, brought back an idea to build something that could be more easily assembled using materials available on the island. Antigua only receives water from rain, and has difficulty transporting available water around the island, Kallio explained. There are no rivers or underground sources. A team of four mechanical engineering students ran with the idea for an annual senior project, and began to design, build and test the device that could be a prototype. Kallio became the student adviser. Student Louise Fox wrote proposals for funding, garnering two grants for a total of $4,000 to build the prototype and then continue to improve upon the ideas. The decision was to use material that could be found in Antigua. A sailing industry exists there, thus the windmill is made from sailcloth, which resists exposure to the sun and can be formed into cylindrical shapes, and is very light-weight. The design is two stages of semi-circular cloth, patterned after a style known as Savonius. "It's not a sophisticated air foil, which are more efficient, but harder to build," Kallio said. After the first project was completed, Fox had a few classes to finish for her degree, and stayed with the project long enough to recruit others, including Keith Lindauer. The first design was able to pump water, but not as quickly as the students had hoped. Also, the first prototype had some problems with leaks. The second design included a barrel pump. The design is stiff at first, but once it starts turning, works well. "With this new design, they achieved the flow rate they wanted and the whole pump system was more robust," Kallio explained. Both Fox and Lindauer have since graduated and now work the Bay Area, the professor explained. Fox was also a member of the student group Engineers Without Borders, and while the wind turbine was originally designed with Antigua in mind, students will be taking the ideas to Honduras, where there is a great need for wind generation to pump groundwater. Kallio said the project fits nicely with the ideas expressed in "The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind," as accessible materials can be used to make relatively simple devices that greatly improve the quality of life for people in poor regions. It also shows how local students took a very real problem, and used their educational background to try to solve it in a practical way. By: Heather Hacking | September 5, 2010 | Staff writer Heather Hacking can be reached at 896-7758 or hhacking@chicoer.com. Original Source: http://www.chicoer.com/news/ci_15997320 [image] CHICO — In windy areas of California, motorists can drive past wind farms where towering structures with propeller-type blades capture the wind to generate electricity. But in poor and remote areas of the world, where energy is needed for the most basic of resources, it's not very likely trucks with windmill building supplies will be rapidly rolling in. Students from Chico State University had these realities in mind when they designed a 15-foot tall windmill that could be built in Third World countries. People who attend the kickoff for this year's Book in Common, "The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind," at City Plaza at 6 p.m. Thursday will have a hard time missing the prototype windmill, with bright orange sail cloth designed to "harness the wind." Greg Kallio, a professor in the department of mechanical engineering, mechatronic engineering, and manufacturing technology, said the project began in the fall of 2008, completely separate from the upcoming Book in Common. A faculty member, James Scolaro, had previously visited the island of Antigua in the eastern Caribbean. Power for the island comes from diesel engines, although the country has a history of wind use for things such as grinding grain, Kallio said. Diesel is noisy and causes air pollution, which naturally led to the thought "why not wind?" The country is fairly poor, which makes it difficult to fund tall wind turbines seen in more developed countries. Scolaro, a civil engineering professor, brought back an idea to build something that could be more easily assembled using materials available on the island. Antigua only receives water from rain, and has difficulty transporting available water around the island, Kallio explained. There are no rivers or underground sources. A team of four mechanical engineering students ran with the idea for an annual senior project, and began to design, build and test the device that could be a prototype. Kallio became the student adviser. Student Louise Fox wrote proposals for funding, garnering two grants for a total of $4,000 to build the prototype and then continue to improve upon the ideas. The decision was to use material that could be found in Antigua. A sailing industry exists there, thus the windmill is made from sailcloth, which resists exposure to the sun and can be formed into cylindrical shapes, and is very light-weight. The design is two stages of semi-circular cloth, patterned after a style known as Savonius. "It's not a sophisticated air foil, which are more efficient, but harder to build," Kallio said. After the first project was completed, Fox had a few classes to finish for her degree, and stayed with the project long enough to recruit others, including Keith Lindauer. The first design was able to pump water, but not as quickly as the students had hoped. Also, the first prototype had some problems with leaks. The second design included a barrel pump. The design is stiff at first, but once it starts turning, works well. "With this new design, they achieved the flow rate they wanted and the whole pump system was more robust," Kallio explained. Both Fox and Lindauer have since graduated and now work the Bay Area, the professor explained. Fox was also a member of the student group Engineers Without Borders, and while the wind turbine was originally designed with Antigua in mind, students will be taking the ideas to Honduras, where there is a great need for wind generation to pump groundwater. Kallio said the project fits nicely with the ideas expressed in "The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind," as accessible materials can be used to make relatively simple devices that greatly improve the quality of life for people in poor regions. It also shows how local students took a very real problem, and used their educational background to try to solve it in a practical way. By: Heather Hacking | September 5, 2010 | Staff writer Heather Hacking can be reached at 896-7758 or hhacking@chicoer.com. Original Source: http://www.chicoer.com/news/ci_15997320 Mon, 06 Sep 2010 05:59:22 GMT http://community.ecoseed.org/_Students-design-windmill-designed-for-the-Third-World/BLOG/2625536/29468.html ashleysoon 2010-09-06T05:59:22Z EcoSeed Community [image] CHICO — In windy areas of California, motorists can drive past wind farms where towering structures with propeller-type blades capture the wind to generate electricity. But in poor and remote areas of the world, where energy is needed for the most basic of resources, it's not very likely trucks with windmill building supplies will be rapidly rolling in. Students from Chico State University had these realities in mind when they designed a 15-foot tall windmill that could be built in Third World countries. People who attend the kickoff for this year's Book in Common, "The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind," at City Plaza at 6 p.m. Thursday will have a hard time missing the prototype windmill, with bright orange sail cloth designed to "harness the wind." Greg Kallio, a professor in the department of mechanical engineering, mechatronic engineering, and manufacturing technology, said the project began in the fall of 2008, completely separate from the upcoming Book in Common. A faculty member, James Scolaro, had previously visited the island of Antigua in the eastern Caribbean. Power for the island comes from diesel engines, although the country has a history of wind use for things such as grinding grain, Kallio said. Diesel is noisy and causes air pollution, which naturally led to the thought "why not wind?" The country is fairly poor, which makes it difficult to fund tall wind turbines seen in more developed countries. Scolaro, a civil engineering professor, brought back an idea to build something that could be more easily assembled using materials available on the island. Antigua only receives water from rain, and has difficulty transporting available water around the island, Kallio explained. There are no rivers or underground sources. A team of four mechanical engineering students ran with the idea for an annual senior project, and began to design, build and test the device that could be a prototype. Kallio became the student adviser. Student Louise Fox wrote proposals for funding, garnering two grants for a total of $4,000 to build the prototype and then continue to improve upon the ideas. The decision was to use material that could be found in Antigua. A sailing industry exists there, thus the windmill is made from sailcloth, which resists exposure to the sun and can be formed into cylindrical shapes, and is very light-weight. The design is two stages of semi-circular cloth, patterned after a style known as Savonius. "It's not a sophisticated air foil, which are more efficient, but harder to build," Kallio said. After the first project was completed, Fox had a few classes to finish for her degree, and stayed with the project long enough to recruit others, including Keith Lindauer. The first design was able to pump water, but not as quickly as the students had hoped. Also, the first prototype had some problems with leaks. The second design included a barrel pump. The design is stiff at first, but once it starts turning, works well. "With this new design, they achieved the flow rate they wanted and the whole pump system was more robust," Kallio explained. Both Fox and Lindauer have since graduated and now work the Bay Area, the professor explained. Fox was also a member of the student group Engineers Without Borders, and while the wind turbine was originally designed with Antigua in mind, students will be taking the ideas to Honduras, where there is a great need for wind generation to pump groundwater. Kallio said the project fits nicely with the ideas expressed in "The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind," as accessible materials can be used to make relatively simple devices that greatly improve the quality of life for people in poor regions. It also shows how local students took a very real problem, and used their educational background to try to solve it in a practical way. By: Heather Hacking | September 5, 2010 | Staff writer Heather Hacking can be reached at 896-7758 or hhacking@chicoer.com. Original Source: http://www.chicoer.com/news/ci_15997320 nonadult false Students design windmill designed for the Third World text blog 150 0 0.0 http://community.ecoseed.org/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=13707210&as=29468 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/29468/photos/PHOTO_8041139_29468_13707210_ap_160X120.jpg false 0 0 2625536 13707210 Gold 26378 http://community.ecoseed.org/_From-deep-fried-delights-to-biofuel/BLOG/2625532/29468.html [image] Robert Byrnes, owner of Nebraska Renewable Energy Systems, pours a jug of used fryer oil through a filter after collecting the oil from food vendors at the Nebraska State Fair in Grand Island on Friday. The oil is recycled into bio fuel. (The Independent/Crystal LoGiudice) The Nebraska State Fair is a lot of fun and a lot of food. Make that a lot of deep-fried food.Even the most health-conscious fair-goer is tempted by the many deep-fried food fancies offered at the fair.But that’s all right with Robert Byrnes, owner of Nebraska Renewable Energy Systems. With all that deep-frying going on with all of those vendor carts and all of that vegetable oil, it made sense to Byrnes to start collecting the used vegetable oil that goes into making those corn dogs and funnel cakes and recycling it into biodiesel.Byrnes’ company has been an exhibitor at the State Fair for six years. Five years ago, he began inquiring with food vendors about what they did with their used vegetable oil.Biodiesel is a natural fuel made from vegetable oil and can be used in any diesel-fueled vehicle with conversion.When he found out that many of the vendors were hauling their used vegetable oil to a trash bin, he decided to ask State Fair officials if he could collect the used vegetable oil to convert into biodiesel. The recovered fryer oil is recycled by Nebraska Biofuel. It began collecting the used vegetable oil in 2006. Each gallon recovered reduces carbon dioxide emissions by four pounds.Byrnes said he hopes his efforts can help increase the fair’s green effort now that the State Fair has relocated to Grand Island’s Fonner Park.Byrnes, whose Nebraska Renewable Energy Systems’ booth is in the Marketplace at the State Fair, started his business to help people in Nebraska develop workable renewable energy systems, both on a large and small scale.Nebraska Renewable Energy Systems is a privately owned company dedicated to bringing renewable energies to individuals and communities throughout Nebraska. The company’s focus is on quantifying, designing and installing safe, cost-effective and durable renewable energy systems that can be operated with minimal training and time, according to its website at www.nerenew.com. The company worked as a consultant with a 5 million-gallon soy biodiesel project in Scribner, though the project eventually proved to be unfeasible because of high soybean prices, low fuel prices and the lack of government incentives.While there are no soy biodiesel plants in Nebraska, the state ranked fifth in the nation last year in soybean production, with 259 million bushels.Byrnes said his company got involved with the Nebraska State Fair about seven years ago.He came to Nebraska from New Jersey 11 years ago after a career in the U.S. Army. His company is based in Oakland.Byrnes, who owns a small acreage near Lyons, said it was after moving to Nebraska that he got interested in the potential renewable energy had in the state.“I went to the State Fair seven years ago,” he said. “I thought it was a great institution and something we didn’t have where I came from.”But what struck Byrnes about the State Fair was there was little being done about Nebraska’s potential in developing alternative energy sources, other than ethanol.That’s when Byrnes decided to begin displaying his business in Nebraska. He has been displaying Nebraska Renewable Energy Systems at the State Fair now for six years.“This was one of the first projects that we did,” he said. “We really don’t sell anything here. We are just here for information and to visit with folks. It’s good to visit with Nebraskans and see what they are thinking and what their thoughts are.”A University of Nebraska-Lincoln Nebraska Rural Poll released on Friday found that 78 percent of rural Nebraskans believe that bioenergy/biofuels are important to the state’s future.The poll also found that 86 percent of the poll respondents said government support and incentives for alternative energy sources such as wind and solar power should be increased.That is the kind of enthusiasm that Byrnes hopes to increase when it comes to promoting renewable energy.According to Nebraska Renewable Energy Systems, while Nebraska has been blessed with many sources of renewable energy, only ethanol has seen any significant growth. However, Nebraska is starting to catch up in developing its wind energy potential, which has been ranked as fourth best in the United States.A lot of the company’s focus has been in developing alternative energy resources, such as wind, solar, biodiesel and methane systems.“Our goals are to change this imbalance by helping individuals to gain their own stake in their energy future by utilizing the resources available to them,” according to the company’s website.Byrnes said, along with educating people on Nebraska’s potential with renewable energy, his business also consults and designs projects for clients.He has developed renewable energy systems that he uses on his farm, such as operating his vehicles on biodiesel.“I make fuel from everything that moves,” Byrnes said, including rendering the fat from his livestock into fuel.“I want Nebraskans to realize that we have tremendous resources, such as wind, solar, geothermal, biomass — we have the raw materials for clean energy,” he said. “But what we lack is the resolve, and we lack the policy to make that happen.”He said developing the state’s many alternative energy resources is not just about today but also for tomorrow’s generation.“We seem today to care not for the next generation but more about ourselves,” Byrnes said.He said that’s contrary to the pioneer spirit that built America to make it better for the generations that would follow.“I have four kids,” Byrnes said. “That’s an important part of this whole process.”  By: Robert Pore | September 4, 2010 | robert.pore@theindependent.com Original Source: http://www.theindependent.com/articles/2010/09/04/news/local/state_fair/doc4c81d21245e71817631454.txt [image] Robert Byrnes, owner of Nebraska Renewable Energy Systems, pours a jug of used fryer oil through a filter after collecting the oil from food vendors at the Nebraska State Fair in Grand Island on Friday. The oil is recycled into bio fuel. (The Independent/Crystal LoGiudice) The Nebraska State Fair is a lot of fun and a lot of food. Make that a lot of deep-fried food.Even the most health-conscious fair-goer is tempted by the many deep-fried food fancies offered at the fair.But that’s all right with Robert Byrnes, owner of Nebraska Renewable Energy Systems. With all that deep-frying going on with all of those vendor carts and all of that vegetable oil, it made sense to Byrnes to start collecting the used vegetable oil that goes into making those corn dogs and funnel cakes and recycling it into biodiesel.Byrnes’ company has been an exhibitor at the State Fair for six years. Five years ago, he began inquiring with food vendors about what they did with their used vegetable oil.Biodiesel is a natural fuel made from vegetable oil and can be used in any diesel-fueled vehicle with conversion.When he found out that many of the vendors were hauling their used vegetable oil to a trash bin, he decided to ask State Fair officials if he could collect the used vegetable oil to convert into biodiesel. The recovered fryer oil is recycled by Nebraska Biofuel. It began collecting the used vegetable oil in 2006. Each gallon recovered reduces carbon dioxide emissions by four pounds.Byrnes said he hopes his efforts can help increase the fair’s green effort now that the State Fair has relocated to Grand Island’s Fonner Park.Byrnes, whose Nebraska Renewable Energy Systems’ booth is in the Marketplace at the State Fair, started his business to help people in Nebraska develop workable renewable energy systems, both on a large and small scale.Nebraska Renewable Energy Systems is a privately owned company dedicated to bringing renewable energies to individuals and communities throughout Nebraska. The company’s focus is on quantifying, designing and installing safe, cost-effective and durable renewable energy systems that can be operated with minimal training and time, according to its website at www.nerenew.com. The company worked as a consultant with a 5 million-gallon soy biodiesel project in Scribner, though the project eventually proved to be unfeasible because of high soybean prices, low fuel prices and the lack of government incentives.While there are no soy biodiesel plants in Nebraska, the state ranked fifth in the nation last year in soybean production, with 259 million bushels.Byrnes said his company got involved with the Nebraska State Fair about seven years ago.He came to Nebraska from New Jersey 11 years ago after a career in the U.S. Army. His company is based in Oakland.Byrnes, who owns a small acreage near Lyons, said it was after moving to Nebraska that he got interested in the potential renewable energy had in the state.“I went to the State Fair seven years ago,” he said. “I thought it was a great institution and something we didn’t have where I came from.”But what struck Byrnes about the State Fair was there was little being done about Nebraska’s potential in developing alternative energy sources, other than ethanol.That’s when Byrnes decided to begin displaying his business in Nebraska. He has been displaying Nebraska Renewable Energy Systems at the State Fair now for six years.“This was one of the first projects that we did,” he said. “We really don’t sell anything here. We are just here for information and to visit with folks. It’s good to visit with Nebraskans and see what they are thinking and what their thoughts are.”A University of Nebraska-Lincoln Nebraska Rural Poll released on Friday found that 78 percent of rural Nebraskans believe that bioenergy/biofuels are important to the state’s future.The poll also found that 86 percent of the poll respondents said government support and incentives for alternative energy sources such as wind and solar power should be increased.That is the kind of enthusiasm that Byrnes hopes to increase when it comes to promoting renewable energy.According to Nebraska Renewable Energy Systems, while Nebraska has been blessed with many sources of renewable energy, only ethanol has seen any significant growth. However, Nebraska is starting to catch up in developing its wind energy potential, which has been ranked as fourth best in the United States.A lot of the company’s focus has been in developing alternative energy resources, such as wind, solar, biodiesel and methane systems.“Our goals are to change this imbalance by helping individuals to gain their own stake in their energy future by utilizing the resources available to them,” according to the company’s website.Byrnes said, along with educating people on Nebraska’s potential with renewable energy, his business also consults and designs projects for clients.He has developed renewable energy systems that he uses on his farm, such as operating his vehicles on biodiesel.“I make fuel from everything that moves,” Byrnes said, including rendering the fat from his livestock into fuel.“I want Nebraskans to realize that we have tremendous resources, such as wind, solar, geothermal, biomass — we have the raw materials for clean energy,” he said. “But what we lack is the resolve, and we lack the policy to make that happen.”He said developing the state’s many alternative energy resources is not just about today but also for tomorrow’s generation.“We seem today to care not for the next generation but more about ourselves,” Byrnes said.He said that’s contrary to the pioneer spirit that built America to make it better for the generations that would follow.“I have four kids,” Byrnes said. “That’s an important part of this whole process.”  By: Robert Pore | September 4, 2010 | robert.pore@theindependent.com Original Source: http://www.theindependent.com/articles/2010/09/04/news/local/state_fair/doc4c81d21245e71817631454.txt Mon, 06 Sep 2010 05:55:20 GMT http://community.ecoseed.org/_From-deep-fried-delights-to-biofuel/BLOG/2625532/29468.html ashleysoon 2010-09-06T05:55:20Z EcoSeed Community [image] Robert Byrnes, owner of Nebraska Renewable Energy Systems, pours a jug of used fryer oil through a filter after collecting the oil from food vendors at the Nebraska State Fair in Grand Island on Friday. The oil is recycled into bio fuel. (The Independent/Crystal LoGiudice) The Nebraska State Fair is a lot of fun and a lot of food. Make that a lot of deep-fried food.Even the most health-conscious fair-goer is tempted by the many deep-fried food fancies offered at the fair.But that’s all right with Robert Byrnes, owner of Nebraska Renewable Energy Systems. With all that deep-frying going on with all of those vendor carts and all of that vegetable oil, it made sense to Byrnes to start collecting the used vegetable oil that goes into making those corn dogs and funnel cakes and recycling it into biodiesel.Byrnes’ company has been an exhibitor at the State Fair for six years. Five years ago, he began inquiring with food vendors about what they did with their used vegetable oil.Biodiesel is a natural fuel made from vegetable oil and can be used in any diesel-fueled vehicle with conversion.When he found out that many of the vendors were hauling their used vegetable oil to a trash bin, he decided to ask State Fair officials if he could collect the used vegetable oil to convert into biodiesel. The recovered fryer oil is recycled by Nebraska Biofuel. It began collecting the used vegetable oil in 2006. Each gallon recovered reduces carbon dioxide emissions by four pounds.Byrnes said he hopes his efforts can help increase the fair’s green effort now that the State Fair has relocated to Grand Island’s Fonner Park.Byrnes, whose Nebraska Renewable Energy Systems’ booth is in the Marketplace at the State Fair, started his business to help people in Nebraska develop workable renewable energy systems, both on a large and small scale.Nebraska Renewable Energy Systems is a privately owned company dedicated to bringing renewable energies to individuals and communities throughout Nebraska. The company’s focus is on quantifying, designing and installing safe, cost-effective and durable renewable energy systems that can be operated with minimal training and time, according to its website at www.nerenew.com. The company worked as a consultant with a 5 million-gallon soy biodiesel project in Scribner, though the project eventually proved to be unfeasible because of high soybean prices, low fuel prices and the lack of government incentives.While there are no soy biodiesel plants in Nebraska, the state ranked fifth in the nation last year in soybean production, with 259 million bushels.Byrnes said his company got involved with the Nebraska State Fair about seven years ago.He came to Nebraska from New Jersey 11 years ago after a career in the U.S. Army. His company is based in Oakland.Byrnes, who owns a small acreage near Lyons, said it was after moving to Nebraska that he got interested in the potential renewable energy had in the state.“I went to the State Fair seven years ago,” he said. “I thought it was a great institution and something we didn’t have where I came from.”But what struck Byrnes about the State Fair was there was little being done about Nebraska’s potential in developing alternative energy sources, other than ethanol.That’s when Byrnes decided to begin displaying his business in Nebraska. He has been displaying Nebraska Renewable Energy Systems at the State Fair now for six years.“This was one of the first projects that we did,” he said. “We really don’t sell anything here. We are just here for information and to visit with folks. It’s good to visit with Nebraskans and see what they are thinking and what their thoughts are.”A University of Nebraska-Lincoln Nebraska Rural Poll released on Friday found that 78 percent of rural Nebraskans believe that bioenergy/biofuels are important to the state’s future.The poll also found that 86 percent of the poll respondents said government support and incentives for alternative energy sources such as wind and solar power should be increased.That is the kind of enthusiasm that Byrnes hopes to increase when it comes to promoting renewable energy.According to Nebraska Renewable Energy Systems, while Nebraska has been blessed with many sources of renewable energy, only ethanol has seen any significant growth. However, Nebraska is starting to catch up in developing its wind energy potential, which has been ranked as fourth best in the United States.A lot of the company’s focus has been in developing alternative energy resources, such as wind, solar, biodiesel and methane systems.“Our goals are to change this imbalance by helping individuals to gain their own stake in their energy future by utilizing the resources available to them,” according to the company’s website.Byrnes said, along with educating people on Nebraska’s potential with renewable energy, his business also consults and designs projects for clients.He has developed renewable energy systems that he uses on his farm, such as operating his vehicles on biodiesel.“I make fuel from everything that moves,” Byrnes said, including rendering the fat from his livestock into fuel.“I want Nebraskans to realize that we have tremendous resources, such as wind, solar, geothermal, biomass — we have the raw materials for clean energy,” he said. “But what we lack is the resolve, and we lack the policy to make that happen.”He said developing the state’s many alternative energy resources is not just about today but also for tomorrow’s generation.“We seem today to care not for the next generation but more about ourselves,” Byrnes said.He said that’s contrary to the pioneer spirit that built America to make it better for the generations that would follow.“I have four kids,” Byrnes said. “That’s an important part of this whole process.”  By: Robert Pore | September 4, 2010 | robert.pore@theindependent.com Original Source: http://www.theindependent.com/articles/2010/09/04/news/local/state_fair/doc4c81d21245e71817631454.txt nonadult false From deep-fried delights to biofuel text blog 22 0 0.0 http://community.ecoseed.org/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=13707210&as=29468 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/29468/photos/PHOTO_8041139_29468_13707210_ap_160X120.jpg false 0 0 2625532 13707210 Gold 26378 http://community.ecoseed.org/_Will-Martha-Stewart-Sign-the-Business-Ethics-Pledge-A-Nation-of-Marthas-Waits-to-Find-Out/BLOG/2625526/29468.html [image] At Christmas time, we are "a nation of Marthas": spending a vast reservoir of time, energy and talent on wrapping, decorating, baking, cooking. And during this holiday season, Martha Stewart is getting an invitation--to join a worldwide movement for business ethics and sign a pledge to behave with honesty, integrity, and quality in business...to treat all stakeholders- customers, employees, suppliers, stockholders, nearby residents--fairly, with compassion, and with a commitment to service...and to refuse to tolerate crooked practices in business. The invitation/challenge comes from Shel Horowitz, author of the Apex award-winning book, Principled Profit: Marketing That Puts People First. Horowitz is seeking 25,000 business leaders to sign an ethics pledge, with the idea of creating a social movement that will make future Enron and ImClone-type scandals impossible, because too few people would be willing to carry them out. He expects to reach critical mass and a social "tipping point" as each signer tells at least 100 others. Horowitz, 48, wrote to Stewart, "Your signature would demonstrate your intention to keep your head held high, to bolster your claim of innocence, and to indicate a resolve from here on in to present unimpeachable ethics." So far, the Pledge, soft-launched this summer, has attracted signers from six of the world's seven regions, and has been picked up by a number of popular e-zines and blogs. To read and sign the one-paragraph Pledge, please visit http://www.principledprofits.com/25000influencers.html Horowitz's book demonstrates that honest, ethical, people-centered businesses are far more likely to succeed, especially if they understand how to market their ethical commitment. "Signing the pledge is one way that businesses can demonstrate they care about their customers, about the wider world, and about doing what's right even when it isn't easy. This public commitment can be a powerful marketing aid to any business--and not just at Christmas but all through the year," he said.  Original Source: http://economysbuy.com/aimili/ci319311043053i8o/uia92310248 [image] At Christmas time, we are "a nation of Marthas": spending a vast reservoir of time, energy and talent on wrapping, decorating, baking, cooking. And during this holiday season, Martha Stewart is getting an invitation--to join a worldwide movement for business ethics and sign a pledge to behave with honesty, integrity, and quality in business...to treat all stakeholders- customers, employees, suppliers, stockholders, nearby residents--fairly, with compassion, and with a commitment to service...and to refuse to tolerate crooked practices in business. The invitation/challenge comes from Shel Horowitz, author of the Apex award-winning book, Principled Profit: Marketing That Puts People First. Horowitz is seeking 25,000 business leaders to sign an ethics pledge, with the idea of creating a social movement that will make future Enron and ImClone-type scandals impossible, because too few people would be willing to carry them out. He expects to reach critical mass and a social "tipping point" as each signer tells at least 100 others. Horowitz, 48, wrote to Stewart, "Your signature would demonstrate your intention to keep your head held high, to bolster your claim of innocence, and to indicate a resolve from here on in to present unimpeachable ethics." So far, the Pledge, soft-launched this summer, has attracted signers from six of the world's seven regions, and has been picked up by a number of popular e-zines and blogs. To read and sign the one-paragraph Pledge, please visit http://www.principledprofits.com/25000influencers.html Horowitz's book demonstrates that honest, ethical, people-centered businesses are far more likely to succeed, especially if they understand how to market their ethical commitment. "Signing the pledge is one way that businesses can demonstrate they care about their customers, about the wider world, and about doing what's right even when it isn't easy. This public commitment can be a powerful marketing aid to any business--and not just at Christmas but all through the year," he said.  Original Source: http://economysbuy.com/aimili/ci319311043053i8o/uia92310248 Mon, 06 Sep 2010 05:50:37 GMT http://community.ecoseed.org/_Will-Martha-Stewart-Sign-the-Business-Ethics-Pledge-A-Nation-of-Marthas-Waits-to-Find-Out/BLOG/2625526/29468.html ashleysoon 2010-09-06T05:50:37Z EcoSeed Community [image] At Christmas time, we are "a nation of Marthas": spending a vast reservoir of time, energy and talent on wrapping, decorating, baking, cooking. And during this holiday season, Martha Stewart is getting an invitation--to join a worldwide movement for business ethics and sign a pledge to behave with honesty, integrity, and quality in business...to treat all stakeholders- customers, employees, suppliers, stockholders, nearby residents--fairly, with compassion, and with a commitment to service...and to refuse to tolerate crooked practices in business. The invitation/challenge comes from Shel Horowitz, author of the Apex award-winning book, Principled Profit: Marketing That Puts People First. Horowitz is seeking 25,000 business leaders to sign an ethics pledge, with the idea of creating a social movement that will make future Enron and ImClone-type scandals impossible, because too few people would be willing to carry them out. He expects to reach critical mass and a social "tipping point" as each signer tells at least 100 others. Horowitz, 48, wrote to Stewart, "Your signature would demonstrate your intention to keep your head held high, to bolster your claim of innocence, and to indicate a resolve from here on in to present unimpeachable ethics." So far, the Pledge, soft-launched this summer, has attracted signers from six of the world's seven regions, and has been picked up by a number of popular e-zines and blogs. To read and sign the one-paragraph Pledge, please visit http://www.principledprofits.com/25000influencers.html Horowitz's book demonstrates that honest, ethical, people-centered businesses are far more likely to succeed, especially if they understand how to market their ethical commitment. "Signing the pledge is one way that businesses can demonstrate they care about their customers, about the wider world, and about doing what's right even when it isn't easy. This public commitment can be a powerful marketing aid to any business--and not just at Christmas but all through the year," he said.  Original Source: http://economysbuy.com/aimili/ci319311043053i8o/uia92310248 nonadult false Will Martha Stewart Sign the Business Ethics Pledge? "A Nation of Marthas" Waits to Find Out text blog 22 0 0.0 http://community.ecoseed.org/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=13707210&as=29468 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/29468/photos/PHOTO_8041139_29468_13707210_ap_160X120.jpg false 0 0 2625526 13707210 Gold 26378 http://community.ecoseed.org/_New-Horseneck-building-celebrated-for-its-green-technology/BLOG/2619067/29468.html [image] WESTPORT — Beachgoers, state and local officials are celebrating the opening of a new building at Horseneck Beach that is being touted for its environmentally friendly features. Representatives of the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation, which runs the Horseneck Beach State Reservation, were joined by state and local officials for a recent ribbon-cutting ceremony at their new Beach Services Building. According to a DCR press release, the newly completed building is part of the Horseneck Beach State Reservation Rehabilitation Project, an $8.5 million project that began in 2007. In addition to the new building, the project includes two new bathhouses and a boardwalk. Rep. Michael Rodrigues, D-Westport, commended all involved in the project, saying the work had greatly improved the beach. "This has been the result (of) years of hard work at the local level," Rodrigues said. "It's been probably the smoothest series of construction events that I've ever been associated with in all my years at the Statehouse." Ruth Teixeira, DCR's director of park improvements, said several environmentally conscious ideas had been incorporated into the project, including the boardwalk to protect flora and fauna in the dune areas. The new building, she added, has a raised structure that allowed for sand migration. Teixeira also noted that the installation of composting toilets and cold-water outdoor spray stations — the latter replacing indoor showers — will reduce water usage at the facility by 17,000 gallons per day. The composting toilets were installed by the Andover-based Clivus New England Inc., whose president, Bill Wall, was also on hand for Friday's event. Wall said he hoped the project would be an example to be followed elsewhere in the state. "DCR is utilizing green technology in ways that make sense," Wall said. "So they're actually showing the rest of the state what can be done." By VINAYA SAKSENA | September 2, 2010 Original Source: http://www.southcoasttoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20100902/NEWS/9020333/-1/ARCHIVE [image] WESTPORT — Beachgoers, state and local officials are celebrating the opening of a new building at Horseneck Beach that is being touted for its environmentally friendly features. Representatives of the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation, which runs the Horseneck Beach State Reservation, were joined by state and local officials for a recent ribbon-cutting ceremony at their new Beach Services Building. According to a DCR press release, the newly completed building is part of the Horseneck Beach State Reservation Rehabilitation Project, an $8.5 million project that began in 2007. In addition to the new building, the project includes two new bathhouses and a boardwalk. Rep. Michael Rodrigues, D-Westport, commended all involved in the project, saying the work had greatly improved the beach. "This has been the result (of) years of hard work at the local level," Rodrigues said. "It's been probably the smoothest series of construction events that I've ever been associated with in all my years at the Statehouse." Ruth Teixeira, DCR's director of park improvements, said several environmentally conscious ideas had been incorporated into the project, including the boardwalk to protect flora and fauna in the dune areas. The new building, she added, has a raised structure that allowed for sand migration. Teixeira also noted that the installation of composting toilets and cold-water outdoor spray stations — the latter replacing indoor showers — will reduce water usage at the facility by 17,000 gallons per day. The composting toilets were installed by the Andover-based Clivus New England Inc., whose president, Bill Wall, was also on hand for Friday's event. Wall said he hoped the project would be an example to be followed elsewhere in the state. "DCR is utilizing green technology in ways that make sense," Wall said. "So they're actually showing the rest of the state what can be done." By VINAYA SAKSENA | September 2, 2010 Original Source: http://www.southcoasttoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20100902/NEWS/9020333/-1/ARCHIVE Fri, 03 Sep 2010 05:37:44 GMT http://community.ecoseed.org/_New-Horseneck-building-celebrated-for-its-green-technology/BLOG/2619067/29468.html ashleysoon 2010-09-03T05:37:44Z EcoSeed Community [image] WESTPORT — Beachgoers, state and local officials are celebrating the opening of a new building at Horseneck Beach that is being touted for its environmentally friendly features. Representatives of the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation, which runs the Horseneck Beach State Reservation, were joined by state and local officials for a recent ribbon-cutting ceremony at their new Beach Services Building. According to a DCR press release, the newly completed building is part of the Horseneck Beach State Reservation Rehabilitation Project, an $8.5 million project that began in 2007. In addition to the new building, the project includes two new bathhouses and a boardwalk. Rep. Michael Rodrigues, D-Westport, commended all involved in the project, saying the work had greatly improved the beach. "This has been the result (of) years of hard work at the local level," Rodrigues said. "It's been probably the smoothest series of construction events that I've ever been associated with in all my years at the Statehouse." Ruth Teixeira, DCR's director of park improvements, said several environmentally conscious ideas had been incorporated into the project, including the boardwalk to protect flora and fauna in the dune areas. The new building, she added, has a raised structure that allowed for sand migration. Teixeira also noted that the installation of composting toilets and cold-water outdoor spray stations — the latter replacing indoor showers — will reduce water usage at the facility by 17,000 gallons per day. The composting toilets were installed by the Andover-based Clivus New England Inc., whose president, Bill Wall, was also on hand for Friday's event. Wall said he hoped the project would be an example to be followed elsewhere in the state. "DCR is utilizing green technology in ways that make sense," Wall said. "So they're actually showing the rest of the state what can be done." By VINAYA SAKSENA | September 2, 2010 Original Source: http://www.southcoasttoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20100902/NEWS/9020333/-1/ARCHIVE nonadult false New Horseneck building celebrated for its 'green technology' text blog 91 0 0.0 http://community.ecoseed.org/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=13707210&as=29468 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/29468/photos/PHOTO_8041139_29468_13707210_ap_160X120.jpg false 0 0 2619067 13707210 Gold 26378 http://community.ecoseed.org/_Pentagons-embrace-of-green-technology-demolishes-opponents-counter-arguments-Part-I/BLOG/2619051/29468.html The theory goes like this: as much as the Cold War was utterly terrifying, consumers got cheaper and better products as a result of the taxpayer-supported R&D juggernaut that funded the 40+ year struggle. This endless R&D pipeline also provided the US with countless scientists, engineers, and programmers who entered the workforce and helped create the innovations we now take for granted.  And throughout it all, the US military guided these efforts, efforts that brought us radios, microchips, jet engines, GPS, the Internet, etc. [image]What if the military employed this paradigm to green technology and renewable energy?  Well that is precisely what’s happening, according to Vice Admiral Lee Gunn, a 35-year Navy veteran now working as the President of CNA Institute for Public Policy Research. In short, the US military is retrofitting its fleets, aircraft, and vehicles to slash fossil fuel usage.  For example, in 10 years, the Navy hopes to get 50% of its energy needs, both afloat and onshore, from non-fossil fuel sources.”  (Side note: if Navy and countless states can establish this goal, why can’t the actual US government?) And just like the US government created a market for products and technologies out of the Space Race and the Manhattan Project, forecasters see the same with renewable energy.  To quote Navy Secretary Ray Mabus, to paraphrase a line from the film, “Field of Dreams,” “If the Navy comes, they will build it.” Three things, therefore, spring to mind.  One is the idea, that “artificially” creating a market is a terrible, unprecedented thing. On both counts, that is false.  Two, that renewable energies are an inefficient pipe dream.  The US military seems to think otherwise.  (Admittedly, the Pentagon is rarely the paragon of fiscal prudence, but their commanders realize that, at the least, their reliance on fossil fuels is simply untenable.  In addition, given the US’s looming debt crisis, parts of the Pentagon will get the axe; by installing solar panels, wind turbines, and tapping geothermal power, the Navy – for example – can offset more painful cuts.) And third – and this is an issue slated for further discussion in the next installment – one can’t help but notice the dichotomy that the more virulent opponents of renewable energy – Republicans, generally – are also the strongest proponents of the preeminent innovators and fastest-growing advocates of renewable energy itself: the US military.  For that, check back on the 1st. August 30, 2010 Original Source: http://energycredits.com/2010/08/30/1462/ The theory goes like this: as much as the Cold War was utterly terrifying, consumers got cheaper and better products as a result of the taxpayer-supported R&D juggernaut that funded the 40+ year struggle. This endless R&D pipeline also provided the US with countless scientists, engineers, and programmers who entered the workforce and helped create the innovations we now take for granted.  And throughout it all, the US military guided these efforts, efforts that brought us radios, microchips, jet engines, GPS, the Internet, etc. [image]What if the military employed this paradigm to green technology and renewable energy?  Well that is precisely what’s happening, according to Vice Admiral Lee Gunn, a 35-year Navy veteran now working as the President of CNA Institute for Public Policy Research. In short, the US military is retrofitting its fleets, aircraft, and vehicles to slash fossil fuel usage.  For example, in 10 years, the Navy hopes to get 50% of its energy needs, both afloat and onshore, from non-fossil fuel sources.”  (Side note: if Navy and countless states can establish this goal, why can’t the actual US government?) And just like the US government created a market for products and technologies out of the Space Race and the Manhattan Project, forecasters see the same with renewable energy.  To quote Navy Secretary Ray Mabus, to paraphrase a line from the film, “Field of Dreams,” “If the Navy comes, they will build it.” Three things, therefore, spring to mind.  One is the idea, that “artificially” creating a market is a terrible, unprecedented thing. On both counts, that is false.  Two, that renewable energies are an inefficient pipe dream.  The US military seems to think otherwise.  (Admittedly, the Pentagon is rarely the paragon of fiscal prudence, but their commanders realize that, at the least, their reliance on fossil fuels is simply untenable.  In addition, given the US’s looming debt crisis, parts of the Pentagon will get the axe; by installing solar panels, wind turbines, and tapping geothermal power, the Navy – for example – can offset more painful cuts.) And third – and this is an issue slated for further discussion in the next installment – one can’t help but notice the dichotomy that the more virulent opponents of renewable energy – Republicans, generally – are also the strongest proponents of the preeminent innovators and fastest-growing advocates of renewable energy itself: the US military.  For that, check back on the 1st. August 30, 2010 Original Source: http://energycredits.com/2010/08/30/1462/ Fri, 03 Sep 2010 05:29:27 GMT http://community.ecoseed.org/_Pentagons-embrace-of-green-technology-demolishes-opponents-counter-arguments-Part-I/BLOG/2619051/29468.html ashleysoon 2010-09-03T05:29:27Z EcoSeed Community The theory goes like this: as much as the Cold War was utterly terrifying, consumers got cheaper and better products as a result of the taxpayer-supported R&D juggernaut that funded the 40+ year struggle. This endless R&D pipeline also provided the US with countless scientists, engineers, and programmers who entered the workforce and helped create the innovations we now take for granted.  And throughout it all, the US military guided these efforts, efforts that brought us radios, microchips, jet engines, GPS, the Internet, etc. [image]What if the military employed this paradigm to green technology and renewable energy?  Well that is precisely what’s happening, according to Vice Admiral Lee Gunn, a 35-year Navy veteran now working as the President of CNA Institute for Public Policy Research. In short, the US military is retrofitting its fleets, aircraft, and vehicles to slash fossil fuel usage.  For example, in 10 years, the Navy hopes to get 50% of its energy needs, both afloat and onshore, from non-fossil fuel sources.”  (Side note: if Navy and countless states can establish this goal, why can’t the actual US government?) And just like the US government created a market for products and technologies out of the Space Race and the Manhattan Project, forecasters see the same with renewable energy.  To quote Navy Secretary Ray Mabus, to paraphrase a line from the film, “Field of Dreams,” “If the Navy comes, they will build it.” Three things, therefore, spring to mind.  One is the idea, that “artificially” creating a market is a terrible, unprecedented thing. On both counts, that is false.  Two, that renewable energies are an inefficient pipe dream.  The US military seems to think otherwise.  (Admittedly, the Pentagon is rarely the paragon of fiscal prudence, but their commanders realize that, at the least, their reliance on fossil fuels is simply untenable.  In addition, given the US’s looming debt crisis, parts of the Pentagon will get the axe; by installing solar panels, wind turbines, and tapping geothermal power, the Navy – for example – can offset more painful cuts.) And third – and this is an issue slated for further discussion in the next installment – one can’t help but notice the dichotomy that the more virulent opponents of renewable energy – Republicans, generally – are also the strongest proponents of the preeminent innovators and fastest-growing advocates of renewable energy itself: the US military.  For that, check back on the 1st. August 30, 2010 Original Source: http://energycredits.com/2010/08/30/1462/ nonadult false Pentagon’s embrace of green technology demolishes opponents’ counter-arguments (Part I) text blog 119 0 0.0 http://community.ecoseed.org/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=13707210&as=29468 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/29468/photos/PHOTO_8041139_29468_13707210_ap_160X120.jpg false 0 0 2619051 13707210 Gold 26378 http://community.ecoseed.org/_EU-presses-China-on-counterfeit-goods/BLOG/2619043/29468.html [image] The European Union said it would press China on Friday to back up its words with action and do more to stem the flow of Chinese-made counterfeit goods into Europe and across the world. European tax, customs and anti-fraud commissioner Algirdas Semeta said he would ask Chinese officials at a joint customs cooperation committee meeting in Shanghai to fully put into action a plan the two sides signed in 2009. "Generally speaking, we developed a very good framework but the implementation of this framework is not sufficient," Semeta told AFP. China is the EU's largest source of imports and the main source of counterfeit goods across its 27 countries last year, with 64 per cent of seized articles coming from the Asian giant, according to EU figures. Broken down by industry, China was the source of more than 90 per cent of counterfeit shoes, 81 per cent of electronics and computer equipment and 72.5 per cent of its fake branded clothes and accessories. As part of an agreement on intellectual property protection, a network was established last year for European and Chinese customs officials to share real-time information to help intercept shipments and target counterfeiting rings. "We presented 55 cases to Chinese authorities while we received just five cases from Chinese authorities. This means the implementation of the program requires additional effort," Semeta said. As a trade-dependent country, China stands to lose as stricter controls are imposed in response to the rising volume of counterfeit goods, he said. Chinese companies are also falling victim to counterfeiters. German officials seized two shipments last year of counterfeit products bearing the name of a Chinese green technology company. "In our activities, we are already seeing a new phenomenon. Our customs authorities last year seized Chinese brands which were counterfeited. Legitimate Chinese business also suffers from this activity," Semeta said. Foreign governments, especially the United States, have for years accused China of looking the other way or even encouraging rampant theft of intellectual property. China's trading partners complain this costs foreign companies billions of dollars per year in lost sales, and also affects jobs. © 2010 AFP   September 3, 2010 Original Source: http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-world/eu-presses-china-on-counterfeit-goods-20100903-14tnj.html [image] The European Union said it would press China on Friday to back up its words with action and do more to stem the flow of Chinese-made counterfeit goods into Europe and across the world. European tax, customs and anti-fraud commissioner Algirdas Semeta said he would ask Chinese officials at a joint customs cooperation committee meeting in Shanghai to fully put into action a plan the two sides signed in 2009. "Generally speaking, we developed a very good framework but the implementation of this framework is not sufficient," Semeta told AFP. China is the EU's largest source of imports and the main source of counterfeit goods across its 27 countries last year, with 64 per cent of seized articles coming from the Asian giant, according to EU figures. Broken down by industry, China was the source of more than 90 per cent of counterfeit shoes, 81 per cent of electronics and computer equipment and 72.5 per cent of its fake branded clothes and accessories. As part of an agreement on intellectual property protection, a network was established last year for European and Chinese customs officials to share real-time information to help intercept shipments and target counterfeiting rings. "We presented 55 cases to Chinese authorities while we received just five cases from Chinese authorities. This means the implementation of the program requires additional effort," Semeta said. As a trade-dependent country, China stands to lose as stricter controls are imposed in response to the rising volume of counterfeit goods, he said. Chinese companies are also falling victim to counterfeiters. German officials seized two shipments last year of counterfeit products bearing the name of a Chinese green technology company. "In our activities, we are already seeing a new phenomenon. Our customs authorities last year seized Chinese brands which were counterfeited. Legitimate Chinese business also suffers from this activity," Semeta said. Foreign governments, especially the United States, have for years accused China of looking the other way or even encouraging rampant theft of intellectual property. China's trading partners complain this costs foreign companies billions of dollars per year in lost sales, and also affects jobs. © 2010 AFP   September 3, 2010 Original Source: http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-world/eu-presses-china-on-counterfeit-goods-20100903-14tnj.html Fri, 03 Sep 2010 05:25:31 GMT http://community.ecoseed.org/_EU-presses-China-on-counterfeit-goods/BLOG/2619043/29468.html ashleysoon 2010-09-03T05:25:31Z EcoSeed Community [image] The European Union said it would press China on Friday to back up its words with action and do more to stem the flow of Chinese-made counterfeit goods into Europe and across the world. European tax, customs and anti-fraud commissioner Algirdas Semeta said he would ask Chinese officials at a joint customs cooperation committee meeting in Shanghai to fully put into action a plan the two sides signed in 2009. "Generally speaking, we developed a very good framework but the implementation of this framework is not sufficient," Semeta told AFP. China is the EU's largest source of imports and the main source of counterfeit goods across its 27 countries last year, with 64 per cent of seized articles coming from the Asian giant, according to EU figures. Broken down by industry, China was the source of more than 90 per cent of counterfeit shoes, 81 per cent of electronics and computer equipment and 72.5 per cent of its fake branded clothes and accessories. As part of an agreement on intellectual property protection, a network was established last year for European and Chinese customs officials to share real-time information to help intercept shipments and target counterfeiting rings. "We presented 55 cases to Chinese authorities while we received just five cases from Chinese authorities. This means the implementation of the program requires additional effort," Semeta said. As a trade-dependent country, China stands to lose as stricter controls are imposed in response to the rising volume of counterfeit goods, he said. Chinese companies are also falling victim to counterfeiters. German officials seized two shipments last year of counterfeit products bearing the name of a Chinese green technology company. "In our activities, we are already seeing a new phenomenon. Our customs authorities last year seized Chinese brands which were counterfeited. Legitimate Chinese business also suffers from this activity," Semeta said. Foreign governments, especially the United States, have for years accused China of looking the other way or even encouraging rampant theft of intellectual property. China's trading partners complain this costs foreign companies billions of dollars per year in lost sales, and also affects jobs. © 2010 AFP   September 3, 2010 Original Source: http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-world/eu-presses-china-on-counterfeit-goods-20100903-14tnj.html nonadult false EU presses China on counterfeit goods text blog 69 0 0.0 http://community.ecoseed.org/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=13707210&as=29468 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/29468/photos/PHOTO_8041139_29468_13707210_ap_160X120.jpg false 0 0 2619043 13707210 Gold 26378 http://community.ecoseed.org/_LG-Electronics-Conns-Appliances-to-Host-Free-Electronics-Recycling-Event/BLOG/2618685/29468.html Partnering with Waste Management and CBS Radio, Event Encourages Responsible Recycling [image] DALLAS, Sept. 2 /PRNewswire/ -- To encourage consumers to recycle electronic devices in an environmentally sound manner, LG Electronics and Waste Management Recycle America are asking Dallas-Fort Worth residents to take action and recycle their used devices at no charge in Lewisville on Saturday, Sept. 11. Co-sponsored by Conn's Appliances, the event is part of the LG Electronics Recycling Program, which was designed to provide consumers with a convenient way to dispose of their used, unwanted, obsolete or damaged consumer electronic products. The event will be held Sept. 11 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the First Baptist Church of Lewisville, 1251 Valley Ridge Blvd. Together with Waste Management Recycle America and CBS Radio, LG Electronics and Conn's are encouraging consumers to responsibly recycle unused and outdated electronics products. Every family that brings in products for recycling will receive a coupon for $25 off on any LG-brand smart-energy-saving flat-screen HDTV, 42-inch class screen size or larger. Coupons, good at any of the 19 Conn's locations through out the Dallas-Fort Worth area, must be redeemed by Sept. 30. (Limit one coupon per family.) CBS Radio's four popular local stations (1080 KRLD, 105.3 The Fan, KLUV FM and JACK FM) will promote the event, including live onsite broadcasts and appearances by the KRLD Street Team and The FAN Street Team. "LG Electronics is taking a proactive approach to helping consumers responsibly dispose of end-of-life electronics by offering this free collection and recycling program to Dallas-area residents," said Timothy McGrady, Environmental Manager for LG Electronics USA, Inc. "At events like this one in Lewisville, we encourage consumers to dispose of unwanted electronics in an environmentally responsible manner. This is a cornerstone of LG's larger global sustainability initiative that also focuses on energy conservation, reduction of hazardous substances and responsible product designs. Life's good when it's green," he said. David Trahan of Conn's said: "With the fall TV season, including college and pro football broadcasts, upon us, this is a great time for consumers to upgrade to a more-energy-efficient flat-screen HDTV. Responsibly disposing of old TVs and other unwanted consumer electronics products will help save energy and is generally good for the environment. Conn's joins LG in encouraging area residents to take advantage of this terrific program." According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 82 percent of the 2.25 million tons of old TVs, cell phones and computer products generated in the last two years ended up in landfills. By recycling old electronic products, useful materials – such as glass, plastic and metals – can be collected and re-used to manufacture other products. Typically, residents would need to pay for their electronics to be properly collected and recycled, but as part of their ongoing efforts to help promote safe e-waste recycling, LG Electronics and Waste Management will be accepting any brand of electronics at this event for free (up to five items). In addition, the companies are committed to collecting and processing these items in an environmentally sound manner. The electronic materials received by LG will be processed at Waste Management facilities that are ISO 14001 and 9001 certified. In addition, Waste Management Recycle America is a signatory to the Basel Action Network's Manufacturers' Commitment to Responsible E-Waste Recycling as well as to the Responsible Recycling (R2) program. These actions signifies the company's agreement to conduct their electronics recycling programs transparently and in accord with rigorous environmental and worker safety standards, and to adhere to measures that prevent the export of hazardous e-waste to developing countries. "People are seeking services to help them recycle electronic waste responsibly and economically," said Greta Calvery, community affairs manager for Waste Management. "We hope to collect as much recyclable material as possible through this free event. It is our way of demonstrating a shared commitment with the community, by providing outstanding customer service and environmental stewardship." If residents cannot participate in this event, they are encouraged to drop-off their used electronics at a permanent facility, located at HOBI International, 7601 Ambassador Row, Dallas. For more information about the LG Electronics Recycling Program, please visit http://www.lgrecyclingprogram.com/ About LG Electronics USA LG Electronics USA, Inc., based in Englewood Cliffs, N.J., is the North American subsidiary of LG Electronics, Inc., a global force and technology leader in home appliances, consumer electronics ad mobile communications. In the United States, LG Electronics sells a wide range of stylish, innovative digital appliances, consumer electronics (digital display and digital media) products and mobile phones under LG's "Life's Good" marketing theme. For more information, please visit www.lg.com. About Waste Management and WM Recycle America, L.L.C. Waste Management, based in Houston, Texas, is the leading provider of comprehensive waste management services in North America. Our subsidiaries provide collection, transfer, recycling and resource recovery, and disposal services. Waste Management is the largest residential recycler in North America. Our customers include residential, commercial, industrial, and municipal customers throughout North America. To learn more information about Waste Management visit www.wm.com or www.thinkgreen.com. WM Recycle America is a subsidiary of Waste Management and is the largest residential recycler in North America. WM Recycle America's business lines include processing many types of consumer-generated recyclables and finding the best markets for the recyclable commodities produced. In its capacity of providing processing and marketing services, WM Recycle America offers a wide variety of recycling options for municipal, manufacturing, commercial and residential customers. WM Recycle America eCycling Services operates a national network of e-waste processing centers, including Minnesota's only ISO9001 and 14001 Certified electronics processing facility. More information can be found at www.recycleamerica.com Original Source: http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/lg-electronics-conns-appliances-to-host-free-electronics-recycling-event-102064343.html Partnering with Waste Management and CBS Radio, Event Encourages Responsible Recycling [image] DALLAS, Sept. 2 /PRNewswire/ -- To encourage consumers to recycle electronic devices in an environmentally sound manner, LG Electronics and Waste Management Recycle America are asking Dallas-Fort Worth residents to take action and recycle their used devices at no charge in Lewisville on Saturday, Sept. 11. Co-sponsored by Conn's Appliances, the event is part of the LG Electronics Recycling Program, which was designed to provide consumers with a convenient way to dispose of their used, unwanted, obsolete or damaged consumer electronic products. The event will be held Sept. 11 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the First Baptist Church of Lewisville, 1251 Valley Ridge Blvd. Together with Waste Management Recycle America and CBS Radio, LG Electronics and Conn's are encouraging consumers to responsibly recycle unused and outdated electronics products. Every family that brings in products for recycling will receive a coupon for $25 off on any LG-brand smart-energy-saving flat-screen HDTV, 42-inch class screen size or larger. Coupons, good at any of the 19 Conn's locations through out the Dallas-Fort Worth area, must be redeemed by Sept. 30. (Limit one coupon per family.) CBS Radio's four popular local stations (1080 KRLD, 105.3 The Fan, KLUV FM and JACK FM) will promote the event, including live onsite broadcasts and appearances by the KRLD Street Team and The FAN Street Team. "LG Electronics is taking a proactive approach to helping consumers responsibly dispose of end-of-life electronics by offering this free collection and recycling program to Dallas-area residents," said Timothy McGrady, Environmental Manager for LG Electronics USA, Inc. "At events like this one in Lewisville, we encourage consumers to dispose of unwanted electronics in an environmentally responsible manner. This is a cornerstone of LG's larger global sustainability initiative that also focuses on energy conservation, reduction of hazardous substances and responsible product designs. Life's good when it's green," he said. David Trahan of Conn's said: "With the fall TV season, including college and pro football broadcasts, upon us, this is a great time for consumers to upgrade to a more-energy-efficient flat-screen HDTV. Responsibly disposing of old TVs and other unwanted consumer electronics products will help save energy and is generally good for the environment. Conn's joins LG in encouraging area residents to take advantage of this terrific program." According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 82 percent of the 2.25 million tons of old TVs, cell phones and computer products generated in the last two years ended up in landfills. By recycling old electronic products, useful materials – such as glass, plastic and metals – can be collected and re-used to manufacture other products. Typically, residents would need to pay for their electronics to be properly collected and recycled, but as part of their ongoing efforts to help promote safe e-waste recycling, LG Electronics and Waste Management will be accepting any brand of electronics at this event for free (up to five items). In addition, the companies are committed to collecting and processing these items in an environmentally sound manner. The electronic materials received by LG will be processed at Waste Management facilities that are ISO 14001 and 9001 certified. In addition, Waste Management Recycle America is a signatory to the Basel Action Network's Manufacturers' Commitment to Responsible E-Waste Recycling as well as to the Responsible Recycling (R2) program. These actions signifies the company's agreement to conduct their electronics recycling programs transparently and in accord with rigorous environmental and worker safety standards, and to adhere to measures that prevent the export of hazardous e-waste to developing countries. "People are seeking services to help them recycle electronic waste responsibly and economically," said Greta Calvery, community affairs manager for Waste Management. "We hope to collect as much recyclable material as possible through this free event. It is our way of demonstrating a shared commitment with the community, by providing outstanding customer service and environmental stewardship." If residents cannot participate in this event, they are encouraged to drop-off their used electronics at a permanent facility, located at HOBI International, 7601 Ambassador Row, Dallas. For more information about the LG Electronics Recycling Program, please visit http://www.lgrecyclingprogram.com/ About LG Electronics USA LG Electronics USA, Inc., based in Englewood Cliffs, N.J., is the North American subsidiary of LG Electronics, Inc., a global force and technology leader in home appliances, consumer electronics ad mobile communications. In the United States, LG Electronics sells a wide range of stylish, innovative digital appliances, consumer electronics (digital display and digital media) products and mobile phones under LG's "Life's Good" marketing theme. For more information, please visit www.lg.com. About Waste Management and WM Recycle America, L.L.C. Waste Management, based in Houston, Texas, is the leading provider of comprehensive waste management services in North America. Our subsidiaries provide collection, transfer, recycling and resource recovery, and disposal services. Waste Management is the largest residential recycler in North America. Our customers include residential, commercial, industrial, and municipal customers throughout North America. To learn more information about Waste Management visit www.wm.com or www.thinkgreen.com. WM Recycle America is a subsidiary of Waste Management and is the largest residential recycler in North America. WM Recycle America's business lines include processing many types of consumer-generated recyclables and finding the best markets for the recyclable commodities produced. In its capacity of providing processing and marketing services, WM Recycle America offers a wide variety of recycling options for municipal, manufacturing, commercial and residential customers. WM Recycle America eCycling Services operates a national network of e-waste processing centers, including Minnesota's only ISO9001 and 14001 Certified electronics processing facility. More information can be found at www.recycleamerica.com Original Source: http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/lg-electronics-conns-appliances-to-host-free-electronics-recycling-event-102064343.html Fri, 03 Sep 2010 04:02:30 GMT http://community.ecoseed.org/_LG-Electronics-Conns-Appliances-to-Host-Free-Electronics-Recycling-Event/BLOG/2618685/29468.html ashleysoon 2010-09-03T04:02:30Z EcoSeed Community Partnering with Waste Management and CBS Radio, Event Encourages Responsible Recycling [image] DALLAS, Sept. 2 /PRNewswire/ -- To encourage consumers to recycle electronic devices in an environmentally sound manner, LG Electronics and Waste Management Recycle America are asking Dallas-Fort Worth residents to take action and recycle their used devices at no charge in Lewisville on Saturday, Sept. 11. Co-sponsored by Conn's Appliances, the event is part of the LG Electronics Recycling Program, which was designed to provide consumers with a convenient way to dispose of their used, unwanted, obsolete or damaged consumer electronic products. The event will be held Sept. 11 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the First Baptist Church of Lewisville, 1251 Valley Ridge Blvd. Together with Waste Management Recycle America and CBS Radio, LG Electronics and Conn's are encouraging consumers to responsibly recycle unused and outdated electronics products. Every family that brings in products for recycling will receive a coupon for $25 off on any LG-brand smart-energy-saving flat-screen HDTV, 42-inch class screen size or larger. Coupons, good at any of the 19 Conn's locations through out the Dallas-Fort Worth area, must be redeemed by Sept. 30. (Limit one coupon per family.) CBS Radio's four popular local stations (1080 KRLD, 105.3 The Fan, KLUV FM and JACK FM) will promote the event, including live onsite broadcasts and appearances by the KRLD Street Team and The FAN Street Team. "LG Electronics is taking a proactive approach to helping consumers responsibly dispose of end-of-life electronics by offering this free collection and recycling program to Dallas-area residents," said Timothy McGrady, Environmental Manager for LG Electronics USA, Inc. "At events like this one in Lewisville, we encourage consumers to dispose of unwanted electronics in an environmentally responsible manner. This is a cornerstone of LG's larger global sustainability initiative that also focuses on energy conservation, reduction of hazardous substances and responsible product designs. Life's good when it's green," he said. David Trahan of Conn's said: "With the fall TV season, including college and pro football broadcasts, upon us, this is a great time for consumers to upgrade to a more-energy-efficient flat-screen HDTV. Responsibly disposing of old TVs and other unwanted consumer electronics products will help save energy and is generally good for the environment. Conn's joins LG in encouraging area residents to take advantage of this terrific program." According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 82 percent of the 2.25 million tons of old TVs, cell phones and computer products generated in the last two years ended up in landfills. By recycling old electronic products, useful materials – such as glass, plastic and metals – can be collected and re-used to manufacture other products. Typically, residents would need to pay for their electronics to be properly collected and recycled, but as part of their ongoing efforts to help promote safe e-waste recycling, LG Electronics and Waste Management will be accepting any brand of electronics at this event for free (up to five items). In addition, the companies are committed to collecting and processing these items in an environmentally sound manner. The electronic materials received by LG will be processed at Waste Management facilities that are ISO 14001 and 9001 certified. In addition, Waste Management Recycle America is a signatory to the Basel Action Network's Manufacturers' Commitment to Responsible E-Waste Recycling as well as to the Responsible Recycling (R2) program. These actions signifies the company's agreement to conduct their electronics recycling programs transparently and in accord with rigorous environmental and worker safety standards, and to adhere to measures that prevent the export of hazardous e-waste to developing countries. "People are seeking services to help them recycle electronic waste responsibly and economically," said Greta Calvery, community affairs manager for Waste Management. "We hope to collect as much recyclable material as possible through this free event. It is our way of demonstrating a shared commitment with the community, by providing outstanding customer service and environmental stewardship." If residents cannot participate in this event, they are encouraged to drop-off their used electronics at a permanent facility, located at HOBI International, 7601 Ambassador Row, Dallas. For more information about the LG Electronics Recycling Program, please visit http://www.lgrecyclingprogram.com/ About LG Electronics USA LG Electronics USA, Inc., based in Englewood Cliffs, N.J., is the North American subsidiary of LG Electronics, Inc., a global force and technology leader in home appliances, consumer electronics ad mobile communications. In the United States, LG Electronics sells a wide range of stylish, innovative digital appliances, consumer electronics (digital display and digital media) products and mobile phones under LG's "Life's Good" marketing theme. For more information, please visit www.lg.com. About Waste Management and WM Recycle America, L.L.C. Waste Management, based in Houston, Texas, is the leading provider of comprehensive waste management services in North America. Our subsidiaries provide collection, transfer, recycling and resource recovery, and disposal services. Waste Management is the largest residential recycler in North America. Our customers include residential, commercial, industrial, and municipal customers throughout North America. To learn more information about Waste Management visit www.wm.com or www.thinkgreen.com. WM Recycle America is a subsidiary of Waste Management and is the largest residential recycler in North America. WM Recycle America's business lines include processing many types of consumer-generated recyclables and finding the best markets for the recyclable commodities produced. In its capacity of providing processing and marketing services, WM Recycle America offers a wide variety of recycling options for municipal, manufacturing, commercial and residential customers. WM Recycle America eCycling Services operates a national network of e-waste processing centers, including Minnesota's only ISO9001 and 14001 Certified electronics processing facility. More information can be found at www.recycleamerica.com Original Source: http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/lg-electronics-conns-appliances-to-host-free-electronics-recycling-event-102064343.html nonadult false LG Electronics, Conn's Appliances to Host Free Electronics Recycling Event text blog 162 0 0.0 http://community.ecoseed.org/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=13707210&as=29468 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/29468/photos/PHOTO_8041139_29468_13707210_ap_160X120.jpg false 0 0 2618685 13707210 Gold 26378 http://community.ecoseed.org/_Casio-Launches-Virtual-Room-Experience-for-GREEN-SLIM-Projectors/BLOG/2618683/29468.html [image] Users Can Visualize Mercury-Free High-Brightness Projectors In Various Settings DOVER, N.J., Sept. 1 /PRNewswire/ -- Casio America, Inc. announced today the launch of an exciting new feature on the company's website, www.GreenSlimProjector.com. The website offers a 3D virtual tour of projector products which outlines new specifications and capabilities related to the company's innovative GREEN SLIM line of mercury-free, high-brightness projectors. The Virtual Room Experience engages prospective buyers by providing an interactive demonstration of how the projector can enhance their viewing experience in the boardroom, classroom, living room or bedroom.   The Virtual Room Experience showcases the ease of use, portability and low cost of ownership that the GREEN SLIM Projectors provide for various applications including business, education, gaming and home entertainment. Consumers can upload images, demo the projector and become familiar with its features and settings.   "We are thrilled to offer consumers an interactive way to learn more about our GREEN SLIM Projectors" says Frank Romeo, vice president of Casio's Business Projector Division. "The new features on the GREEN SLIM Projector website offer prospective customers a chance to evaluate the product and determine how it will fit into their lifestyle." The Virtual Room Experience will help consumers understand the GREEN SLIM line as well as its features and benefits. The GREEN SLIM line features lamp-free, low maintenance, lightweight and portable projectors capable of expanding the viewing area to 100 inches or larger and is the ideal alternative to purchasing a flat screen television.   Visit www.GreenSlimProjector.com to check out Casio's eco-friendly projector lineup and new Virtual Room Experience feature.     About Casio Casio America, Inc., Dover, N.J., is the U.S. subsidiary of Casio Computer Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan, one of the world's leading manufacturers of consumer electronics and business equipment solutions, established in 1957. Casio America, Inc. markets many consumer electronic products and business to business electronic products throughout the United States. Casio has strived to realize its corporate creed of "creativity and contribution" through the introduction of innovative and imaginative products. For more information, visit www.casiousa.com. Original Source: Users Can Visualize Mercury-Free High-Brightness Projectors In Various Settings DOVER, N.J., Sept. 1 /PRNewswire/ -- Casio America, Inc. announced today the launch of an exciting new feature on the company's website, www.GreenSlimProjector.com. The website offers a 3D virtual tour of projector products which outlines new specifications and capabilities related to the company's innovative GREEN SLIM line of mercury-free, high-brightness projectors. The Virtual Room Experience engages prospective buyers by providing an interactive demonstration of how the projector can enhance their viewing experience in the boardroom, classroom, living room or bedroom.   The Virtual Room Experience showcases the ease of use, portability and low cost of ownership that the GREEN SLIM Projectors provide for various applications including business, education, gaming and home entertainment. Consumers can upload images, demo the projector and become familiar with its features and settings.   "We are thrilled to offer consumers an interactive way to learn more about our GREEN SLIM Projectors" says Frank Romeo, vice president of Casio's Business Projector Division. "The new features on the GREEN SLIM Projector website offer prospective customers a chance to evaluate the product and determine how it will fit into their lifestyle." The Virtual Room Experience will help consumers understand the GREEN SLIM line as well as its features and benefits. The GREEN SLIM line features lamp-free, low maintenance, lightweight and portable projectors capable of expanding the viewing area to 100 inches or larger and is the ideal alternative to purchasing a flat screen television.   Visit www.GreenSlimProjector.com to check out Casio's eco-friendly projector lineup and new Virtual Room Experience feature.     About Casio Casio America, Inc., Dover, N.J., is the U.S. subsidiary of Casio Computer Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan, one of the world's leading manufacturers of consumer electronics and business equipment solutions, established in 1957. Casio America, Inc. markets many consumer electronic products and business to business electronic products throughout the United States. Casio has strived to realize its corporate creed of "creativity and contribution" through the introduction of innovative and imaginative products. For more information, visit www.casiousa.com. [image] Users Can Visualize Mercury-Free High-Brightness Projectors In Various Settings DOVER, N.J., Sept. 1 /PRNewswire/ -- Casio America, Inc. announced today the launch of an exciting new feature on the company's website, www.GreenSlimProjector.com. The website offers a 3D virtual tour of projector products which outlines new specifications and capabilities related to the company's innovative GREEN SLIM line of mercury-free, high-brightness projectors. The Virtual Room Experience engages prospective buyers by providing an interactive demonstration of how the projector can enhance their viewing experience in the boardroom, classroom, living room or bedroom.   The Virtual Room Experience showcases the ease of use, portability and low cost of ownership that the GREEN SLIM Projectors provide for various applications including business, education, gaming and home entertainment. Consumers can upload images, demo the projector and become familiar with its features and settings.   "We are thrilled to offer consumers an interactive way to learn more about our GREEN SLIM Projectors" says Frank Romeo, vice president of Casio's Business Projector Division. "The new features on the GREEN SLIM Projector website offer prospective customers a chance to evaluate the product and determine how it will fit into their lifestyle." The Virtual Room Experience will help consumers understand the GREEN SLIM line as well as its features and benefits. The GREEN SLIM line features lamp-free, low maintenance, lightweight and portable projectors capable of expanding the viewing area to 100 inches or larger and is the ideal alternative to purchasing a flat screen television.   Visit www.GreenSlimProjector.com to check out Casio's eco-friendly projector lineup and new Virtual Room Experience feature.     About Casio Casio America, Inc., Dover, N.J., is the U.S. subsidiary of Casio Computer Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan, one of the world's leading manufacturers of consumer electronics and business equipment solutions, established in 1957. Casio America, Inc. markets many consumer electronic products and business to business electronic products throughout the United States. Casio has strived to realize its corporate creed of "creativity and contribution" through the introduction of innovative and imaginative products. For more information, visit www.casiousa.com. Original Source: Users Can Visualize Mercury-Free High-Brightness Projectors In Various Settings DOVER, N.J., Sept. 1 /PRNewswire/ -- Casio America, Inc. announced today the launch of an exciting new feature on the company's website, www.GreenSlimProjector.com. The website offers a 3D virtual tour of projector products which outlines new specifications and capabilities related to the company's innovative GREEN SLIM line of mercury-free, high-brightness projectors. The Virtual Room Experience engages prospective buyers by providing an interactive demonstration of how the projector can enhance their viewing experience in the boardroom, classroom, living room or bedroom.   The Virtual Room Experience showcases the ease of use, portability and low cost of ownership that the GREEN SLIM Projectors provide for various applications including business, education, gaming and home entertainment. Consumers can upload images, demo the projector and become familiar with its features and settings.   "We are thrilled to offer consumers an interactive way to learn more about our GREEN SLIM Projectors" says Frank Romeo, vice president of Casio's Business Projector Division. "The new features on the GREEN SLIM Projector website offer prospective customers a chance to evaluate the product and determine how it will fit into their lifestyle." The Virtual Room Experience will help consumers understand the GREEN SLIM line as well as its features and benefits. The GREEN SLIM line features lamp-free, low maintenance, lightweight and portable projectors capable of expanding the viewing area to 100 inches or larger and is the ideal alternative to purchasing a flat screen television.   Visit www.GreenSlimProjector.com to check out Casio's eco-friendly projector lineup and new Virtual Room Experience feature.     About Casio Casio America, Inc., Dover, N.J., is the U.S. subsidiary of Casio Computer Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan, one of the world's leading manufacturers of consumer electronics and business equipment solutions, established in 1957. Casio America, Inc. markets many consumer electronic products and business to business electronic products throughout the United States. Casio has strived to realize its corporate creed of "creativity and contribution" through the introduction of innovative and imaginative products. For more information, visit www.casiousa.com. Fri, 03 Sep 2010 03:57:10 GMT http://community.ecoseed.org/_Casio-Launches-Virtual-Room-Experience-for-GREEN-SLIM-Projectors/BLOG/2618683/29468.html ashleysoon 2010-09-03T03:57:10Z EcoSeed Community [image] Users Can Visualize Mercury-Free High-Brightness Projectors In Various Settings DOVER, N.J., Sept. 1 /PRNewswire/ -- Casio America, Inc. announced today the launch of an exciting new feature on the company's website, www.GreenSlimProjector.com. The website offers a 3D virtual tour of projector products which outlines new specifications and capabilities related to the company's innovative GREEN SLIM line of mercury-free, high-brightness projectors. The Virtual Room Experience engages prospective buyers by providing an interactive demonstration of how the projector can enhance their viewing experience in the boardroom, classroom, living room or bedroom.   The Virtual Room Experience showcases the ease of use, portability and low cost of ownership that the GREEN SLIM Projectors provide for various applications including business, education, gaming and home entertainment. Consumers can upload images, demo the projector and become familiar with its features and settings.   "We are thrilled to offer consumers an interactive way to learn more about our GREEN SLIM Projectors" says Frank Romeo, vice president of Casio's Business Projector Division. "The new features on the GREEN SLIM Projector website offer prospective customers a chance to evaluate the product and determine how it will fit into their lifestyle." The Virtual Room Experience will help consumers understand the GREEN SLIM line as well as its features and benefits. The GREEN SLIM line features lamp-free, low maintenance, lightweight and portable projectors capable of expanding the viewing area to 100 inches or larger and is the ideal alternative to purchasing a flat screen television.   Visit www.GreenSlimProjector.com to check out Casio's eco-friendly projector lineup and new Virtual Room Experience feature.     About Casio Casio America, Inc., Dover, N.J., is the U.S. subsidiary of Casio Computer Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan, one of the world's leading manufacturers of consumer electronics and business equipment solutions, established in 1957. Casio America, Inc. markets many consumer electronic products and business to business electronic products throughout the United States. Casio has strived to realize its corporate creed of "creativity and contribution" through the introduction of innovative and imaginative products. For more information, visit www.casiousa.com. Original Source: Users Can Visualize Mercury-Free High-Brightness Projectors In Various Settings DOVER, N.J., Sept. 1 /PRNewswire/ -- Casio America, Inc. announced today the launch of an exciting new feature on the company's website, www.GreenSlimProjector.com. The website offers a 3D virtual tour of projector products which outlines new specifications and capabilities related to the company's innovative GREEN SLIM line of mercury-free, high-brightness projectors. The Virtual Room Experience engages prospective buyers by providing an interactive demonstration of how the projector can enhance their viewing experience in the boardroom, classroom, living room or bedroom.   The Virtual Room Experience showcases the ease of use, portability and low cost of ownership that the GREEN SLIM Projectors provide for various applications including business, education, gaming and home entertainment. Consumers can upload images, demo the projector and become familiar with its features and settings.   "We are thrilled to offer consumers an interactive way to learn more about our GREEN SLIM Projectors" says Frank Romeo, vice president of Casio's Business Projector Division. "The new features on the GREEN SLIM Projector website offer prospective customers a chance to evaluate the product and determine how it will fit into their lifestyle." The Virtual Room Experience will help consumers understand the GREEN SLIM line as well as its features and benefits. The GREEN SLIM line features lamp-free, low maintenance, lightweight and portable projectors capable of expanding the viewing area to 100 inches or larger and is the ideal alternative to purchasing a flat screen television.   Visit www.GreenSlimProjector.com to check out Casio's eco-friendly projector lineup and new Virtual Room Experience feature.     About Casio Casio America, Inc., Dover, N.J., is the U.S. subsidiary of Casio Computer Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan, one of the world's leading manufacturers of consumer electronics and business equipment solutions, established in 1957. Casio America, Inc. markets many consumer electronic products and business to business electronic products throughout the United States. Casio has strived to realize its corporate creed of "creativity and contribution" through the introduction of innovative and imaginative products. For more information, visit www.casiousa.com. nonadult false Casio Launches Virtual Room Experience for GREEN SLIM Projectors text blog 326 0 0.0 http://community.ecoseed.org/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=13707210&as=29468 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/29468/photos/PHOTO_8041139_29468_13707210_ap_160X120.jpg false 0 0 2618683 13707210 Gold 26378 http://community.ecoseed.org/_Mercedes-Benz-USA-Driving-the-USTAs-Green-Mission-at-the-2010-US-Open/BLOG/2618674/29468.html [image] Fuel Cell Vehicles and Hybrids Create Eco Advantage for US Open Fleet MONTVALE, N.J., Sept. 1 /PRNewswire/ -- As the Official Vehicle of the US Open, Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) announces today that it is a driving force behind the USTA's commitment to green initiatives by providing Mercedes-Benz S400 HYBRID sedans and Mercedes-Benz F-CELL (Hydrogen Electric Vehicle powered by a fuel cell) vehicles representing 60 percent of the fleet used for player and VIP transportation during the 2010 US Open tournament. As an innovator in luxury eco-transportation, Mercedes-Benz is dispatching its F-Cell hydrogen fuel vehicles with zero emissions in addition to 75 S400 Hybrid vehicles in an effort to reduce the overall carbon footprint of the US Open tournament.  The US Open launched its comprehensive environmental program three years ago and continues to expand green initiatives each year.  In 2010, key initiatives include recycling, energy management, composting and utilizing paper products comprised of at least 30% post-consumer waste.  In addition, a new green PSA campaign is planned featuring Alec Baldwin. “We are very excited to participate in the USTA’s environmental strategy and positively impact the US Open green initiatives through the Mercedes-Benz transportation fleet.  By tapping our portfolio of eco vehicles, we can provide athletes, staff and officials with green transportation without having to sacrifice luxury or safety,” said Stephen Cannon, Vice President of Marketing for Mercedes-Benz USA.  “Over the next four years, Mercedes-Benz is committed to exploring new ways through innovative eco mobility to help the USTA expand their environmental initiatives.” MERCEDES-BENZ S400 HYBRID The S400 HYBRID features the world's first lithium-ion battery designed specifically for automotive use.  The light-weight, high-capacity lithium-ion battery works with a 20-horsepower electric motor and a 275-hp V6 gasoline engine to provide hybrid power with impressive fuel economy estimated at 30 miles per gallon on the highway making it the clear GREEN choice for the US Open transportation fleet. An added bonus of driving green cars like the Mercedes-Benz Hybrid, beyond not sacrificing space, safety or luxury, is the IRS alternative-powertrain tax credit. The Mercedes-Benz hybrid credit for the S400H is $1150. MERCEDES-BENZ F-CELL Essentially an electric car that makes its own power on board, the new Mercedes-Benz F-CELL has a range of about 240 miles refueling with refueling taking only a few minutes. Running on compressed hydrogen, the F-CELL boasts an equivalent fuel mileage of 71.3 city-highway combined miles per gallon and water is the F-CELL's only emission. ABOUT MERCEDES-BENZ Mercedes-Benz USA, headquartered in Montvale, New Jersey, is responsible for the sales, marketing and customer service for all Mercedes-Benz and Maybach products in the United States.  MBUSA offers drivers the most diverse line-up in the luxury segment with 12 model lines ranging from the sporty C-Class to the flagship S-Class sedans and CL coupes.   More information on MBUSA and its products can be found at www.mbusa.com and www.maybachusa.com. ABOUT THE USTA The USTA is the national governing body for the sport of tennis in the U.S. and the leader in promoting and developing the growth of tennis at every level -- from local communities to the highest level of the professional game.  A not-for-profit organization with 750,000 members, it invests 100% of its proceeds in growing the game. It owns and operates the US Open, the highest attended annual sporting event in the world, and launched the Olympus US Open Series linking 10 summer tournaments to the US Open. In addition, it owns the 90 Pro Circuit events throughout the U.S., is a minority owner and promotional partner of World TeamTennis, and selects the teams for the Davis Cup, Fed Cup, Olympic and Paralympic Games. The USTA philanthropic entity, USTA Serves, provides grants and scholarships and through tennis, helps underserved youth and people with disabilities to improve academics, build character and strive for excellence. For more information on the USTA, log on to usta.com. Accredited journalists and editors can access press materials by registering at www.media.mbusa.com and www.media.maybachusa.com.  Orignal Source: http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/mercedes-benz-usa-driving-the-ustas-green-mission-at-the-2010-us-open-101977518.html [image] Fuel Cell Vehicles and Hybrids Create Eco Advantage for US Open Fleet MONTVALE, N.J., Sept. 1 /PRNewswire/ -- As the Official Vehicle of the US Open, Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) announces today that it is a driving force behind the USTA's commitment to green initiatives by providing Mercedes-Benz S400 HYBRID sedans and Mercedes-Benz F-CELL (Hydrogen Electric Vehicle powered by a fuel cell) vehicles representing 60 percent of the fleet used for player and VIP transportation during the 2010 US Open tournament. As an innovator in luxury eco-transportation, Mercedes-Benz is dispatching its F-Cell hydrogen fuel vehicles with zero emissions in addition to 75 S400 Hybrid vehicles in an effort to reduce the overall carbon footprint of the US Open tournament.  The US Open launched its comprehensive environmental program three years ago and continues to expand green initiatives each year.  In 2010, key initiatives include recycling, energy management, composting and utilizing paper products comprised of at least 30% post-consumer waste.  In addition, a new green PSA campaign is planned featuring Alec Baldwin. “We are very excited to participate in the USTA’s environmental strategy and positively impact the US Open green initiatives through the Mercedes-Benz transportation fleet.  By tapping our portfolio of eco vehicles, we can provide athletes, staff and officials with green transportation without having to sacrifice luxury or safety,” said Stephen Cannon, Vice President of Marketing for Mercedes-Benz USA.  “Over the next four years, Mercedes-Benz is committed to exploring new ways through innovative eco mobility to help the USTA expand their environmental initiatives.” MERCEDES-BENZ S400 HYBRID The S400 HYBRID features the world's first lithium-ion battery designed specifically for automotive use.  The light-weight, high-capacity lithium-ion battery works with a 20-horsepower electric motor and a 275-hp V6 gasoline engine to provide hybrid power with impressive fuel economy estimated at 30 miles per gallon on the highway making it the clear GREEN choice for the US Open transportation fleet. An added bonus of driving green cars like the Mercedes-Benz Hybrid, beyond not sacrificing space, safety or luxury, is the IRS alternative-powertrain tax credit. The Mercedes-Benz hybrid credit for the S400H is $1150. MERCEDES-BENZ F-CELL Essentially an electric car that makes its own power on board, the new Mercedes-Benz F-CELL has a range of about 240 miles refueling with refueling taking only a few minutes. Running on compressed hydrogen, the F-CELL boasts an equivalent fuel mileage of 71.3 city-highway combined miles per gallon and water is the F-CELL's only emission. ABOUT MERCEDES-BENZ Mercedes-Benz USA, headquartered in Montvale, New Jersey, is responsible for the sales, marketing and customer service for all Mercedes-Benz and Maybach products in the United States.  MBUSA offers drivers the most diverse line-up in the luxury segment with 12 model lines ranging from the sporty C-Class to the flagship S-Class sedans and CL coupes.   More information on MBUSA and its products can be found at www.mbusa.com and www.maybachusa.com. ABOUT THE USTA The USTA is the national governing body for the sport of tennis in the U.S. and the leader in promoting and developing the growth of tennis at every level -- from local communities to the highest level of the professional game.  A not-for-profit organization with 750,000 members, it invests 100% of its proceeds in growing the game. It owns and operates the US Open, the highest attended annual sporting event in the world, and launched the Olympus US Open Series linking 10 summer tournaments to the US Open. In addition, it owns the 90 Pro Circuit events throughout the U.S., is a minority owner and promotional partner of World TeamTennis, and selects the teams for the Davis Cup, Fed Cup, Olympic and Paralympic Games. The USTA philanthropic entity, USTA Serves, provides grants and scholarships and through tennis, helps underserved youth and people with disabilities to improve academics, build character and strive for excellence. For more information on the USTA, log on to usta.com. Accredited journalists and editors can access press materials by registering at www.media.mbusa.com and www.media.maybachusa.com.  Orignal Source: http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/mercedes-benz-usa-driving-the-ustas-green-mission-at-the-2010-us-open-101977518.html Fri, 03 Sep 2010 03:52:22 GMT http://community.ecoseed.org/_Mercedes-Benz-USA-Driving-the-USTAs-Green-Mission-at-the-2010-US-Open/BLOG/2618674/29468.html ashleysoon 2010-09-03T03:52:22Z EcoSeed Community [image] Fuel Cell Vehicles and Hybrids Create Eco Advantage for US Open Fleet MONTVALE, N.J., Sept. 1 /PRNewswire/ -- As the Official Vehicle of the US Open, Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) announces today that it is a driving force behind the USTA's commitment to green initiatives by providing Mercedes-Benz S400 HYBRID sedans and Mercedes-Benz F-CELL (Hydrogen Electric Vehicle powered by a fuel cell) vehicles representing 60 percent of the fleet used for player and VIP transportation during the 2010 US Open tournament. As an innovator in luxury eco-transportation, Mercedes-Benz is dispatching its F-Cell hydrogen fuel vehicles with zero emissions in addition to 75 S400 Hybrid vehicles in an effort to reduce the overall carbon footprint of the US Open tournament.  The US Open launched its comprehensive environmental program three years ago and continues to expand green initiatives each year.  In 2010, key initiatives include recycling, energy management, composting and utilizing paper products comprised of at least 30% post-consumer waste.  In addition, a new green PSA campaign is planned featuring Alec Baldwin. “We are very excited to participate in the USTA’s environmental strategy and positively impact the US Open green initiatives through the Mercedes-Benz transportation fleet.  By tapping our portfolio of eco vehicles, we can provide athletes, staff and officials with green transportation without having to sacrifice luxury or safety,” said Stephen Cannon, Vice President of Marketing for Mercedes-Benz USA.  “Over the next four years, Mercedes-Benz is committed to exploring new ways through innovative eco mobility to help the USTA expand their environmental initiatives.” MERCEDES-BENZ S400 HYBRID The S400 HYBRID features the world's first lithium-ion battery designed specifically for automotive use.  The light-weight, high-capacity lithium-ion battery works with a 20-horsepower electric motor and a 275-hp V6 gasoline engine to provide hybrid power with impressive fuel economy estimated at 30 miles per gallon on the highway making it the clear GREEN choice for the US Open transportation fleet. An added bonus of driving green cars like the Mercedes-Benz Hybrid, beyond not sacrificing space, safety or luxury, is the IRS alternative-powertrain tax credit. The Mercedes-Benz hybrid credit for the S400H is $1150. MERCEDES-BENZ F-CELL Essentially an electric car that makes its own power on board, the new Mercedes-Benz F-CELL has a range of about 240 miles refueling with refueling taking only a few minutes. Running on compressed hydrogen, the F-CELL boasts an equivalent fuel mileage of 71.3 city-highway combined miles per gallon and water is the F-CELL's only emission. ABOUT MERCEDES-BENZ Mercedes-Benz USA, headquartered in Montvale, New Jersey, is responsible for the sales, marketing and customer service for all Mercedes-Benz and Maybach products in the United States.  MBUSA offers drivers the most diverse line-up in the luxury segment with 12 model lines ranging from the sporty C-Class to the flagship S-Class sedans and CL coupes.   More information on MBUSA and its products can be found at www.mbusa.com and www.maybachusa.com. ABOUT THE USTA The USTA is the national governing body for the sport of tennis in the U.S. and the leader in promoting and developing the growth of tennis at every level -- from local communities to the highest level of the professional game.  A not-for-profit organization with 750,000 members, it invests 100% of its proceeds in growing the game. It owns and operates the US Open, the highest attended annual sporting event in the world, and launched the Olympus US Open Series linking 10 summer tournaments to the US Open. In addition, it owns the 90 Pro Circuit events throughout the U.S., is a minority owner and promotional partner of World TeamTennis, and selects the teams for the Davis Cup, Fed Cup, Olympic and Paralympic Games. The USTA philanthropic entity, USTA Serves, provides grants and scholarships and through tennis, helps underserved youth and people with disabilities to improve academics, build character and strive for excellence. For more information on the USTA, log on to usta.com. Accredited journalists and editors can access press materials by registering at www.media.mbusa.com and www.media.maybachusa.com.  Orignal Source: http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/mercedes-benz-usa-driving-the-ustas-green-mission-at-the-2010-us-open-101977518.html nonadult false Mercedes-Benz USA Driving the USTA's Green Mission at the 2010 US Open text blog 245 0 0.0 http://community.ecoseed.org/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=13707210&as=29468 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/29468/photos/PHOTO_8041139_29468_13707210_ap_160X120.jpg false 0 0 2618674 13707210 Gold 26378 http://community.ecoseed.org/_The-Case-Against-Corporate-Social-Responsibility/BLOG/2612665/29468.html The idea that companies have a duty to address social ills is not just flawed, argues Aneel Karnani. It also makes it more likely that we'll ignore the real solutions to these problems. Can companies do well by doing good? Yes—sometimes. But the idea that companies have a responsibility to act in the public interest and will profit from doing so is fundamentally flawed. Large companies now routinely claim that they aren't in business just for the profits, that they're also intent on serving some larger social purpose. They trumpet their efforts to produce healthier foods or more fuel-efficient vehicles, conserve energy and other resources in their operations, or otherwise make the world a better place. Influential institutions like the Academy of Management and the United Nations, among many others, encourage companies to pursue such strategies. It's not surprising that this idea has won over so many people—it's a very appealing proposition. You can have your cake and eat it too! But it's an illusion, and a potentially dangerous one. Very simply, in cases where private profits and public interests are aligned, the idea of corporate social responsibility is irrelevant: Companies that simply do everything they can to boost profits will end up increasing social welfare. In circumstances in which profits and social welfare are in direct opposition, an appeal to corporate social responsibility will almost always be ineffective, because executives are unlikely to act voluntarily in the public interest and against shareholder interests. Irrelevant or ineffective, take your pick. But it's worse than that. The danger is that a focus on social responsibility will delay or discourage more-effective measures to enhance social welfare in those cases where profits and the public good are at odds. As society looks to companies to address these problems, the real solutions may be ignored. Well and Good To get a better fix on the irrelevance or ineffectiveness of corporate social responsibility efforts, let's first look at situations where profits and social welfare are in synch. View Full Image [image] James Steinberg [image] Consider the market for healthier food. Fast-food outlets have profited by expanding their offerings to include salads and other options designed to appeal to health-conscious consumers. Other companies have found new sources of revenue in low-fat, whole-grain and other types of foods that have grown in popularity. Social welfare is improved. Everybody wins. Similarly, auto makers have profited from responding to consumer demand for more fuel-efficient vehicles, a plus for the environment. And many companies have boosted profits while enhancing social welfare by reducing their energy consumption and thus their costs. But social welfare isn't the driving force behind these trends. Healthier foods and more fuel-efficient vehicles didn't become so common until they became profitable for their makers. Energy conservation didn't become so important to many companies until energy became more costly. These companies are benefiting society while acting in their own interests; social activists urging them to change their ways had little impact. It is the relentless maximization of profits, not a commitment to social responsibility, that has proved to be a boon to the public in these cases. Unfortunately, not all companies take advantage of such opportunities, and in those cases both social welfare and profits suffer. These companies have one of two problems: Their executives are either incompetent or are putting their own interests ahead of the company's long-term financial interests. For instance, an executive might be averse to any risk, including the development of new products, that might jeopardize the short-term financial performance of the company and thereby affect his compensation, even if taking that risk would improve the company's longer-term prospects. An appeal to social responsibility won't solve either of those problems. Pressure from shareholders for sustainable growth in profitability can. It can lead to incompetent managers being replaced and to a realignment of incentives for executives, so that their compensation is tied more directly to the company's long-term success. When There's a Choice Still, the fact is that while companies sometimes can do well by doing good, more often they can't. Because in most cases, doing what's best for society means sacrificing profits. This is true for most of society's pervasive and persistent problems; if it weren't, those problems would have been solved long ago by companies seeking to maximize their profits. A prime example is the pollution caused by manufacturing. Reducing that pollution is costly to the manufacturers, and that eats into profits. Poverty is another obvious example. Companies could pay their workers more and charge less for their products, but their profits would suffer. So now what? Should executives in these situations heed the call for corporate social responsibility even without the allure of profiting from it? You can argue that they should. But you shouldn't expect that they will. Executives are hired to maximize profits; that is their responsibility to their company's shareholders. Even if executives wanted to forgo some profit to benefit society, they could expect to lose their jobs if they tried—and be replaced by managers who would restore profit as the top priority. The movement for corporate social responsibility is in direct opposition, in such cases, to the movement for better corporate governance, which demands that managers fulfill their fiduciary duty to act in the shareholders' interest or be relieved of their responsibilities. That's one reason so many companies talk a great deal about social responsibility but do nothing—a tactic known as greenwashing. Managers who sacrifice profit for the common good also are in effect imposing a tax on their shareholders and arbitrarily deciding how that money should be spent. In that sense they are usurping the role of elected government officials, if only on a small scale. Privately owned companies are a different story. If an owner-operated business chooses to accept diminished profit in order to enhance social welfare, that decision isn't being imposed on shareholders. And, of course, it is admirable and desirable for the leaders of successful public companies to use some of their personal fortune for charitable purposes, as many have throughout history and many do now. But those leaders shouldn't presume to pursue their philanthropic goals with shareholder money. Indeed, many shareholders themselves use significant amounts of the money they make from their investments to help fund charities or otherwise improve social welfare. This is not to say, of course, that companies should be left free to pursue the greatest possible profits without regard for the social consequences. But, appeals to corporate social responsibility are not an effective way to strike a balance between profits and the public good. The Power of Regulation So how can that balance best be struck? View Full Image [image] James Steinberg [image] The ultimate solution is government regulation. Its greatest appeal is that it is binding. Government has the power to enforce regulation. No need to rely on anyone's best intentions. But government regulation isn't perfect, and it can even end up reducing public welfare because of its cost or inefficiency. The government also may lack the resources and competence to design and administer appropriate regulations, particularly for complex industries requiring much specialized knowledge. And industry groups might find ways to influence regulation to the point where it is ineffective or even ends up benefiting the industry at the expense of the general population. Outright corruption can make the situation even worse. What's more, all the problems of government failure are exacerbated in developing countries with weak and often corrupt governments. Still, with all their faults, governments are a far more effective protector of the public good than any campaign for corporate social responsibility. Watchdogs and Advocates Civil society also plays a role in constraining corporate behavior that reduces social welfare, acting as a watchdog and advocate. Various nonprofit organizations and movements provide a voice for a wide variety of social, political, environmental, ethnic, cultural and community interests. The Rainforest Action Network, for example, is an organization that agitates, often quite effectively, for environmental protection and sustainability. Its website states, "Our campaigns leverage public opinion and consumer pressure to turn the public stigma of environmental destruction into a business nightmare for any American company that refuses to adopt responsible environmental policies." That's quite a different approach from trying to convince executives that they should do what's best for society because it's the right thing to do and won't hurt their bottom line. Overall, though, such activism has a mixed track record, and it can't be relied on as the primary mechanism for imposing constraints on corporate behavior—especially in most developing countries, where civil society lacks adequate resources to exert much influence and there is insufficient awareness of public issues among the population. Self-Control Self-regulation is another alternative, but it suffers from the same drawback as the concept of corporate social responsibility: Companies are unlikely to voluntarily act in the public interest at the expense of shareholder interests. But self-regulation can be useful. It tends to promote good practices and target specific problems within industries, impose lower compliance costs on businesses than government regulation, and offer quick, low-cost dispute-resolution procedures. Self-regulation can also be more flexible than government regulation, allowing it to respond more effectively to changing circumstances. The challenge is to design self-regulation in a manner that emphasizes transparency and accountability, consistent with what the public expects from government regulation. It is up to the government to ensure that any self-regulation meets that standard. And the government must be prepared to step in and impose its own regulations if the industry fails to police itself effectively. Financial Calculation In the end, social responsibility is a financial calculation for executives, just like any other aspect of their business. The only sure way to influence corporate decision making is to impose an unacceptable cost—regulatory mandates, taxes, punitive fines, public embarrassment—on socially unacceptable behavior. Pleas for corporate social responsibility will be truly embraced only by those executives who are smart enough to see that doing the right thing is a byproduct of their pursuit of profit. And that renders such pleas pointless. By: Aneel Karnani | August 23, 2010 | Dr. Karnani is an associate professor of strategy at the University of Michigan's Stephen M. Ross School of Business. He can be reached at reports@wsj.com. Original Source: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703338004575230112664504890.html The idea that companies have a duty to address social ills is not just flawed, argues Aneel Karnani. It also makes it more likely that we'll ignore the real solutions to these problems. Can companies do well by doing good? Yes—sometimes. But the idea that companies have a responsibility to act in the public interest and will profit from doing so is fundamentally flawed. Large companies now routinely claim that they aren't in business just for the profits, that they're also intent on serving some larger social purpose. They trumpet their efforts to produce healthier foods or more fuel-efficient vehicles, conserve energy and other resources in their operations, or otherwise make the world a better place. Influential institutions like the Academy of Management and the United Nations, among many others, encourage companies to pursue such strategies. It's not surprising that this idea has won over so many people—it's a very appealing proposition. You can have your cake and eat it too! But it's an illusion, and a potentially dangerous one. Very simply, in cases where private profits and public interests are aligned, the idea of corporate social responsibility is irrelevant: Companies that simply do everything they can to boost profits will end up increasing social welfare. In circumstances in which profits and social welfare are in direct opposition, an appeal to corporate social responsibility will almost always be ineffective, because executives are unlikely to act voluntarily in the public interest and against shareholder interests. Irrelevant or ineffective, take your pick. But it's worse than that. The danger is that a focus on social responsibility will delay or discourage more-effective measures to enhance social welfare in those cases where profits and the public good are at odds. As society looks to companies to address these problems, the real solutions may be ignored. Well and Good To get a better fix on the irrelevance or ineffectiveness of corporate social responsibility efforts, let's first look at situations where profits and social welfare are in synch. View Full Image [image] James Steinberg [image] Consider the market for healthier food. Fast-food outlets have profited by expanding their offerings to include salads and other options designed to appeal to health-conscious consumers. Other companies have found new sources of revenue in low-fat, whole-grain and other types of foods that have grown in popularity. Social welfare is improved. Everybody wins. Similarly, auto makers have profited from responding to consumer demand for more fuel-efficient vehicles, a plus for the environment. And many companies have boosted profits while enhancing social welfare by reducing their energy consumption and thus their costs. But social welfare isn't the driving force behind these trends. Healthier foods and more fuel-efficient vehicles didn't become so common until they became profitable for their makers. Energy conservation didn't become so important to many companies until energy became more costly. These companies are benefiting society while acting in their own interests; social activists urging them to change their ways had little impact. It is the relentless maximization of profits, not a commitment to social responsibility, that has proved to be a boon to the public in these cases. Unfortunately, not all companies take advantage of such opportunities, and in those cases both social welfare and profits suffer. These companies have one of two problems: Their executives are either incompetent or are putting their own interests ahead of the company's long-term financial interests. For instance, an executive might be averse to any risk, including the development of new products, that might jeopardize the short-term financial performance of the company and thereby affect his compensation, even if taking that risk would improve the company's longer-term prospects. An appeal to social responsibility won't solve either of those problems. Pressure from shareholders for sustainable growth in profitability can. It can lead to incompetent managers being replaced and to a realignment of incentives for executives, so that their compensation is tied more directly to the company's long-term success. When There's a Choice Still, the fact is that while companies sometimes can do well by doing good, more often they can't. Because in most cases, doing what's best for society means sacrificing profits. This is true for most of society's pervasive and persistent problems; if it weren't, those problems would have been solved long ago by companies seeking to maximize their profits. A prime example is the pollution caused by manufacturing. Reducing that pollution is costly to the manufacturers, and that eats into profits. Poverty is another obvious example. Companies could pay their workers more and charge less for their products, but their profits would suffer. So now what? Should executives in these situations heed the call for corporate social responsibility even without the allure of profiting from it? You can argue that they should. But you shouldn't expect that they will. Executives are hired to maximize profits; that is their responsibility to their company's shareholders. Even if executives wanted to forgo some profit to benefit society, they could expect to lose their jobs if they tried—and be replaced by managers who would restore profit as the top priority. The movement for corporate social responsibility is in direct opposition, in such cases, to the movement for better corporate governance, which demands that managers fulfill their fiduciary duty to act in the shareholders' interest or be relieved of their responsibilities. That's one reason so many companies talk a great deal about social responsibility but do nothing—a tactic known as greenwashing. Managers who sacrifice profit for the common good also are in effect imposing a tax on their shareholders and arbitrarily deciding how that money should be spent. In that sense they are usurping the role of elected government officials, if only on a small scale. Privately owned companies are a different story. If an owner-operated business chooses to accept diminished profit in order to enhance social welfare, that decision isn't being imposed on shareholders. And, of course, it is admirable and desirable for the leaders of successful public companies to use some of their personal fortune for charitable purposes, as many have throughout history and many do now. But those leaders shouldn't presume to pursue their philanthropic goals with shareholder money. Indeed, many shareholders themselves use significant amounts of the money they make from their investments to help fund charities or otherwise improve social welfare. This is not to say, of course, that companies should be left free to pursue the greatest possible profits without regard for the social consequences. But, appeals to corporate social responsibility are not an effective way to strike a balance between profits and the public good. The Power of Regulation So how can that balance best be struck? View Full Image [image] James Steinberg [image] The ultimate solution is government regulation. Its greatest appeal is that it is binding. Government has the power to enforce regulation. No need to rely on anyone's best intentions. But government regulation isn't perfect, and it can even end up reducing public welfare because of its cost or inefficiency. The government also may lack the resources and competence to design and administer appropriate regulations, particularly for complex industries requiring much specialized knowledge. And industry groups might find ways to influence regulation to the point where it is ineffective or even ends up benefiting the industry at the expense of the general population. Outright corruption can make the situation even worse. What's more, all the problems of government failure are exacerbated in developing countries with weak and often corrupt governments. Still, with all their faults, governments are a far more effective protector of the public good than any campaign for corporate social responsibility. Watchdogs and Advocates Civil society also plays a role in constraining corporate behavior that reduces social welfare, acting as a watchdog and advocate. Various nonprofit organizations and movements provide a voice for a wide variety of social, political, environmental, ethnic, cultural and community interests. The Rainforest Action Network, for example, is an organization that agitates, often quite effectively, for environmental protection and sustainability. Its website states, "Our campaigns leverage public opinion and consumer pressure to turn the public stigma of environmental destruction into a business nightmare for any American company that refuses to adopt responsible environmental policies." That's quite a different approach from trying to convince executives that they should do what's best for society because it's the right thing to do and won't hurt their bottom line. Overall, though, such activism has a mixed track record, and it can't be relied on as the primary mechanism for imposing constraints on corporate behavior—especially in most developing countries, where civil society lacks adequate resources to exert much influence and there is insufficient awareness of public issues among the population. Self-Control Self-regulation is another alternative, but it suffers from the same drawback as the concept of corporate social responsibility: Companies are unlikely to voluntarily act in the public interest at the expense of shareholder interests. But self-regulation can be useful. It tends to promote good practices and target specific problems within industries, impose lower compliance costs on businesses than government regulation, and offer quick, low-cost dispute-resolution procedures. Self-regulation can also be more flexible than government regulation, allowing it to respond more effectively to changing circumstances. The challenge is to design self-regulation in a manner that emphasizes transparency and accountability, consistent with what the public expects from government regulation. It is up to the government to ensure that any self-regulation meets that standard. And the government must be prepared to step in and impose its own regulations if the industry fails to police itself effectively. Financial Calculation In the end, social responsibility is a financial calculation for executives, just like any other aspect of their business. The only sure way to influence corporate decision making is to impose an unacceptable cost—regulatory mandates, taxes, punitive fines, public embarrassment—on socially unacceptable behavior. Pleas for corporate social responsibility will be truly embraced only by those executives who are smart enough to see that doing the right thing is a byproduct of their pursuit of profit. And that renders such pleas pointless. By: Aneel Karnani | August 23, 2010 | Dr. Karnani is an associate professor of strategy at the University of Michigan's Stephen M. Ross School of Business. He can be reached at reports@wsj.com. Original Source: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703338004575230112664504890.html Thu, 02 Sep 2010 03:25:27 GMT http://community.ecoseed.org/_The-Case-Against-Corporate-Social-Responsibility/BLOG/2612665/29468.html ashleysoon 2010-09-02T03:25:27Z EcoSeed Community The idea that companies have a duty to address social ills is not just flawed, argues Aneel Karnani. It also makes it more likely that we'll ignore the real solutions to these problems. Can companies do well by doing good? Yes—sometimes. But the idea that companies have a responsibility to act in the public interest and will profit from doing so is fundamentally flawed. Large companies now routinely claim that they aren't in business just for the profits, that they're also intent on serving some larger social purpose. They trumpet their efforts to produce healthier foods or more fuel-efficient vehicles, conserve energy and other resources in their operations, or otherwise make the world a better place. Influential institutions like the Academy of Management and the United Nations, among many others, encourage companies to pursue such strategies. It's not surprising that this idea has won over so many people—it's a very appealing proposition. You can have your cake and eat it too! But it's an illusion, and a potentially dangerous one. Very simply, in cases where private profits and public interests are aligned, the idea of corporate social responsibility is irrelevant: Companies that simply do everything they can to boost profits will end up increasing social welfare. In circumstances in which profits and social welfare are in direct opposition, an appeal to corporate social responsibility will almost always be ineffective, because executives are unlikely to act voluntarily in the public interest and against shareholder interests. Irrelevant or ineffective, take your pick. But it's worse than that. The danger is that a focus on social responsibility will delay or discourage more-effective measures to enhance social welfare in those cases where profits and the public good are at odds. As society looks to companies to address these problems, the real solutions may be ignored. Well and Good To get a better fix on the irrelevance or ineffectiveness of corporate social responsibility efforts, let's first look at situations where profits and social welfare are in synch. View Full Image [image] James Steinberg [image] Consider the market for healthier food. Fast-food outlets have profited by expanding their offerings to include salads and other options designed to appeal to health-conscious consumers. Other companies have found new sources of revenue in low-fat, whole-grain and other types of foods that have grown in popularity. Social welfare is improved. Everybody wins. Similarly, auto makers have profited from responding to consumer demand for more fuel-efficient vehicles, a plus for the environment. And many companies have boosted profits while enhancing social welfare by reducing their energy consumption and thus their costs. But social welfare isn't the driving force behind these trends. Healthier foods and more fuel-efficient vehicles didn't become so common until they became profitable for their makers. Energy conservation didn't become so important to many companies until energy became more costly. These companies are benefiting society while acting in their own interests; social activists urging them to change their ways had little impact. It is the relentless maximization of profits, not a commitment to social responsibility, that has proved to be a boon to the public in these cases. Unfortunately, not all companies take advantage of such opportunities, and in those cases both social welfare and profits suffer. These companies have one of two problems: Their executives are either incompetent or are putting their own interests ahead of the company's long-term financial interests. For instance, an executive might be averse to any risk, including the development of new products, that might jeopardize the short-term financial performance of the company and thereby affect his compensation, even if taking that risk would improve the company's longer-term prospects. An appeal to social responsibility won't solve either of those problems. Pressure from shareholders for sustainable growth in profitability can. It can lead to incompetent managers being replaced and to a realignment of incentives for executives, so that their compensation is tied more directly to the company's long-term success. When There's a Choice Still, the fact is that while companies sometimes can do well by doing good, more often they can't. Because in most cases, doing what's best for society means sacrificing profits. This is true for most of society's pervasive and persistent problems; if it weren't, those problems would have been solved long ago by companies seeking to maximize their profits. A prime example is the pollution caused by manufacturing. Reducing that pollution is costly to the manufacturers, and that eats into profits. Poverty is another obvious example. Companies could pay their workers more and charge less for their products, but their profits would suffer. So now what? Should executives in these situations heed the call for corporate social responsibility even without the allure of profiting from it? You can argue that they should. But you shouldn't expect that they will. Executives are hired to maximize profits; that is their responsibility to their company's shareholders. Even if executives wanted to forgo some profit to benefit society, they could expect to lose their jobs if they tried—and be replaced by managers who would restore profit as the top priority. The movement for corporate social responsibility is in direct opposition, in such cases, to the movement for better corporate governance, which demands that managers fulfill their fiduciary duty to act in the shareholders' interest or be relieved of their responsibilities. That's one reason so many companies talk a great deal about social responsibility but do nothing—a tactic known as greenwashing. Managers who sacrifice profit for the common good also are in effect imposing a tax on their shareholders and arbitrarily deciding how that money should be spent. In that sense they are usurping the role of elected government officials, if only on a small scale. Privately owned companies are a different story. If an owner-operated business chooses to accept diminished profit in order to enhance social welfare, that decision isn't being imposed on shareholders. And, of course, it is admirable and desirable for the leaders of successful public companies to use some of their personal fortune for charitable purposes, as many have throughout history and many do now. But those leaders shouldn't presume to pursue their philanthropic goals with shareholder money. Indeed, many shareholders themselves use significant amounts of the money they make from their investments to help fund charities or otherwise improve social welfare. This is not to say, of course, that companies should be left free to pursue the greatest possible profits without regard for the social consequences. But, appeals to corporate social responsibility are not an effective way to strike a balance between profits and the public good. The Power of Regulation So how can that balance best be struck? View Full Image [image] James Steinberg [image] The ultimate solution is government regulation. Its greatest appeal is that it is binding. Government has the power to enforce regulation. No need to rely on anyone's best intentions. But government regulation isn't perfect, and it can even end up reducing public welfare because of its cost or inefficiency. The government also may lack the resources and competence to design and administer appropriate regulations, particularly for complex industries requiring much specialized knowledge. And industry groups might find ways to influence regulation to the point where it is ineffective or even ends up benefiting the industry at the expense of the general population. Outright corruption can make the situation even worse. What's more, all the problems of government failure are exacerbated in developing countries with weak and often corrupt governments. Still, with all their faults, governments are a far more effective protector of the public good than any campaign for corporate social responsibility. Watchdogs and Advocates Civil society also plays a role in constraining corporate behavior that reduces social welfare, acting as a watchdog and advocate. Various nonprofit organizations and movements provide a voice for a wide variety of social, political, environmental, ethnic, cultural and community interests. The Rainforest Action Network, for example, is an organization that agitates, often quite effectively, for environmental protection and sustainability. Its website states, "Our campaigns leverage public opinion and consumer pressure to turn the public stigma of environmental destruction into a business nightmare for any American company that refuses to adopt responsible environmental policies." That's quite a different approach from trying to convince executives that they should do what's best for society because it's the right thing to do and won't hurt their bottom line. Overall, though, such activism has a mixed track record, and it can't be relied on as the primary mechanism for imposing constraints on corporate behavior—especially in most developing countries, where civil society lacks adequate resources to exert much influence and there is insufficient awareness of public issues among the population. Self-Control Self-regulation is another alternative, but it suffers from the same drawback as the concept of corporate social responsibility: Companies are unlikely to voluntarily act in the public interest at the expense of shareholder interests. But self-regulation can be useful. It tends to promote good practices and target specific problems within industries, impose lower compliance costs on businesses than government regulation, and offer quick, low-cost dispute-resolution procedures. Self-regulation can also be more flexible than government regulation, allowing it to respond more effectively to changing circumstances. The challenge is to design self-regulation in a manner that emphasizes transparency and accountability, consistent with what the public expects from government regulation. It is up to the government to ensure that any self-regulation meets that standard. And the government must be prepared to step in and impose its own regulations if the industry fails to police itself effectively. Financial Calculation In the end, social responsibility is a financial calculation for executives, just like any other aspect of their business. The only sure way to influence corporate decision making is to impose an unacceptable cost—regulatory mandates, taxes, punitive fines, public embarrassment—on socially unacceptable behavior. Pleas for corporate social responsibility will be truly embraced only by those executives who are smart enough to see that doing the right thing is a byproduct of their pursuit of profit. And that renders such pleas pointless. By: Aneel Karnani | August 23, 2010 | Dr. Karnani is an associate professor of strategy at the University of Michigan's Stephen M. Ross School of Business. He can be reached at reports@wsj.com. Original Source: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703338004575230112664504890.html nonadult false The Case Against Corporate Social Responsibility text blog 302 0 0.0 http://community.ecoseed.org/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=13707210&as=29468 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/29468/photos/PHOTO_8041139_29468_13707210_ap_160X120.jpg false 0 0 2612665 13707210 Gold 26378 http://community.ecoseed.org/_Genpact-Instilling-social-responsibility-in-its-staff/BLOG/2612600/29468.html [image] It had GE as a founding parent. It became the test bed of the Indian outsourcing business. It’s been growing between 14-17% and has operations across the world. It is Genpact. It might be just 13, but Genpact has a history of innovation that has defined the business process outsourcing (BPO) industry in India. It’s an end to end service provider applying science to managing business processes. It has a similar approach to its corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities as well. It is a BPO driven by its workforce; this workforce is also the army that drives its corporate citizenship programmes. Zinnia, Amit, Pankaj and Vinit from Genpact have been working with the children in RTI Vidyapeeth in Gurgaon for a while now and they will continue for the next two years. Through fun activities in which the class has to choose a leader, these volunteers are trying to help these kids understand concepts like leadership and teamwork. Genpact is conducting this programme in partnership with not for profit organisation Junior Achievement, a worldwide partnership between the business community, educators and volunteers working together to inspire young people to dream big and reach their potential. Zinnia Mitra, Senior Manager-BFSI, Genpact says, “All volunteering from yourself, if people get motivated and they want to do something different from their usual work and self-actualise oneself and specifically for groups of people who have done enough, seen it all, they want to do this kind of stuff.” In an effort to digitise and streamline the volunteering initiative, Genpact is partnered with Angelpoints to deploy a web based volunteer management system. This is an online networking system that connects employees across the world with local volunteer opportunities in their communities.  Volunteers who signup are put through an induction and training programmes post with their interactions with students begins. Because this is Genpact, the focus is always on the process, project leaders manage detail records of all interactions and maintain progress report of each student. This helps the next set of volunteers take the programme forward. CNBC-TV18’s Executive-Editor Shereen Bhan caught up with Pramod Bhasin, President and CEO, Genpact, to talk to him about Genpact’s social activities. Below is a verbatim transcript. Also watch the accompanying videos. Bhasin: We have always felt that we are privileged to work in the economies we do. We work in a lot of emerging economies who are surrounded by a lot of issues, all of us as employees are representing a very small proportion of the population. So, giving back just comes from that atmosphere and environment we work in.  But beyond that, we have come to respect the fact that we have 42,000 employees around the world. The best way to give back is to utilise the resources and skill of the 42,000 people to make whatever difference we can. That’s where we have evolved our philosophy into focusing on employee ability on education, on healthcare and in areas where we have skills, which we can then use very productively to give back.  The second element, I would add, is it’s not just around CSR, it’s really mainstream into the heart and soul of what we are.” Q: Now, we have a situation over the years where companies have voluntarily decided to give their time and resources to things like education, healthcare, which do not necessarily directly impact their business. Where do you stand on this entire debate? Bhasin: I need to say that all we will do is look after shareholder value in monetary term is extremely short-sighted. We work in Gurgaon, for instance, if we can’t help the environment, it is going to impact us in someway. Now, we can do it without necessarily quantifying the benefits we will get in dollar or rupee terms, so that’s one and I am very clear about this.  Second, I think there are a lot of things that we should do just as privileged members of society. I think the role of companies has to be more; companies play a too bigger role in the world to be compartmentalise into trying to make money only for its shareholders. I think that’s very incredibly narrow view and not something I will ever subscribe. Q: What is the approach then because as far as your core business is concerned, you have annual budgets, you have short-term targets, quarterly targets and all of that? How do you approach the CSR part of your business? Bhasin: You are right about the annual budgets and targets, so the amount of money I can put away for it is limited and it will be limited by pulls and pressures of margins, double dip recessions etc. What is not limited is the skills of our people. So, we have just announced very recently a programme where we have said every employee in our company can take a few hours of a month and will expand into a day, if necessary, to provide support and help and volunteering help.  We have done things like in healthcare where we have run a fairly good practice, which looks at optimisation of hospitals. We work with the Delhi government on completely pro-bono basis, we have gone into two of the biggest public service hospitals in Delhi and helped reconfigure the trauma rooms, help reconfigure the emergency rooms, so that our people can help us and help change how public services are provided in those hospitals. Read more: http://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/genpact-instilling-social-responsibilityits-staff_481764.html August 31, 2010 Original Source: http://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/genpact-instilling-social-responsibilityits-staff_481764.html [image] It had GE as a founding parent. It became the test bed of the Indian outsourcing business. It’s been growing between 14-17% and has operations across the world. It is Genpact. It might be just 13, but Genpact has a history of innovation that has defined the business process outsourcing (BPO) industry in India. It’s an end to end service provider applying science to managing business processes. It has a similar approach to its corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities as well. It is a BPO driven by its workforce; this workforce is also the army that drives its corporate citizenship programmes. Zinnia, Amit, Pankaj and Vinit from Genpact have been working with the children in RTI Vidyapeeth in Gurgaon for a while now and they will continue for the next two years. Through fun activities in which the class has to choose a leader, these volunteers are trying to help these kids understand concepts like leadership and teamwork. Genpact is conducting this programme in partnership with not for profit organisation Junior Achievement, a worldwide partnership between the business community, educators and volunteers working together to inspire young people to dream big and reach their potential. Zinnia Mitra, Senior Manager-BFSI, Genpact says, “All volunteering from yourself, if people get motivated and they want to do something different from their usual work and self-actualise oneself and specifically for groups of people who have done enough, seen it all, they want to do this kind of stuff.” In an effort to digitise and streamline the volunteering initiative, Genpact is partnered with Angelpoints to deploy a web based volunteer management system. This is an online networking system that connects employees across the world with local volunteer opportunities in their communities.  Volunteers who signup are put through an induction and training programmes post with their interactions with students begins. Because this is Genpact, the focus is always on the process, project leaders manage detail records of all interactions and maintain progress report of each student. This helps the next set of volunteers take the programme forward. CNBC-TV18’s Executive-Editor Shereen Bhan caught up with Pramod Bhasin, President and CEO, Genpact, to talk to him about Genpact’s social activities. Below is a verbatim transcript. Also watch the accompanying videos. Bhasin: We have always felt that we are privileged to work in the economies we do. We work in a lot of emerging economies who are surrounded by a lot of issues, all of us as employees are representing a very small proportion of the population. So, giving back just comes from that atmosphere and environment we work in.  But beyond that, we have come to respect the fact that we have 42,000 employees around the world. The best way to give back is to utilise the resources and skill of the 42,000 people to make whatever difference we can. That’s where we have evolved our philosophy into focusing on employee ability on education, on healthcare and in areas where we have skills, which we can then use very productively to give back.  The second element, I would add, is it’s not just around CSR, it’s really mainstream into the heart and soul of what we are.” Q: Now, we have a situation over the years where companies have voluntarily decided to give their time and resources to things like education, healthcare, which do not necessarily directly impact their business. Where do you stand on this entire debate? Bhasin: I need to say that all we will do is look after shareholder value in monetary term is extremely short-sighted. We work in Gurgaon, for instance, if we can’t help the environment, it is going to impact us in someway. Now, we can do it without necessarily quantifying the benefits we will get in dollar or rupee terms, so that’s one and I am very clear about this.  Second, I think there are a lot of things that we should do just as privileged members of society. I think the role of companies has to be more; companies play a too bigger role in the world to be compartmentalise into trying to make money only for its shareholders. I think that’s very incredibly narrow view and not something I will ever subscribe. Q: What is the approach then because as far as your core business is concerned, you have annual budgets, you have short-term targets, quarterly targets and all of that? How do you approach the CSR part of your business? Bhasin: You are right about the annual budgets and targets, so the amount of money I can put away for it is limited and it will be limited by pulls and pressures of margins, double dip recessions etc. What is not limited is the skills of our people. So, we have just announced very recently a programme where we have said every employee in our company can take a few hours of a month and will expand into a day, if necessary, to provide support and help and volunteering help.  We have done things like in healthcare where we have run a fairly good practice, which looks at optimisation of hospitals. We work with the Delhi government on completely pro-bono basis, we have gone into two of the biggest public service hospitals in Delhi and helped reconfigure the trauma rooms, help reconfigure the emergency rooms, so that our people can help us and help change how public services are provided in those hospitals. Read more: http://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/genpact-instilling-social-responsibilityits-staff_481764.html August 31, 2010 Original Source: http://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/genpact-instilling-social-responsibilityits-staff_481764.html Thu, 02 Sep 2010 03:23:08 GMT http://community.ecoseed.org/_Genpact-Instilling-social-responsibility-in-its-staff/BLOG/2612600/29468.html ashleysoon 2010-09-02T03:23:08Z EcoSeed Community [image] It had GE as a founding parent. It became the test bed of the Indian outsourcing business. It’s been growing between 14-17% and has operations across the world. It is Genpact. It might be just 13, but Genpact has a history of innovation that has defined the business process outsourcing (BPO) industry in India. It’s an end to end service provider applying science to managing business processes. It has a similar approach to its corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities as well. It is a BPO driven by its workforce; this workforce is also the army that drives its corporate citizenship programmes. Zinnia, Amit, Pankaj and Vinit from Genpact have been working with the children in RTI Vidyapeeth in Gurgaon for a while now and they will continue for the next two years. Through fun activities in which the class has to choose a leader, these volunteers are trying to help these kids understand concepts like leadership and teamwork. Genpact is conducting this programme in partnership with not for profit organisation Junior Achievement, a worldwide partnership between the business community, educators and volunteers working together to inspire young people to dream big and reach their potential. Zinnia Mitra, Senior Manager-BFSI, Genpact says, “All volunteering from yourself, if people get motivated and they want to do something different from their usual work and self-actualise oneself and specifically for groups of people who have done enough, seen it all, they want to do this kind of stuff.” In an effort to digitise and streamline the volunteering initiative, Genpact is partnered with Angelpoints to deploy a web based volunteer management system. This is an online networking system that connects employees across the world with local volunteer opportunities in their communities.  Volunteers who signup are put through an induction and training programmes post with their interactions with students begins. Because this is Genpact, the focus is always on the process, project leaders manage detail records of all interactions and maintain progress report of each student. This helps the next set of volunteers take the programme forward. CNBC-TV18’s Executive-Editor Shereen Bhan caught up with Pramod Bhasin, President and CEO, Genpact, to talk to him about Genpact’s social activities. Below is a verbatim transcript. Also watch the accompanying videos. Bhasin: We have always felt that we are privileged to work in the economies we do. We work in a lot of emerging economies who are surrounded by a lot of issues, all of us as employees are representing a very small proportion of the population. So, giving back just comes from that atmosphere and environment we work in.  But beyond that, we have come to respect the fact that we have 42,000 employees around the world. The best way to give back is to utilise the resources and skill of the 42,000 people to make whatever difference we can. That’s where we have evolved our philosophy into focusing on employee ability on education, on healthcare and in areas where we have skills, which we can then use very productively to give back.  The second element, I would add, is it’s not just around CSR, it’s really mainstream into the heart and soul of what we are.” Q: Now, we have a situation over the years where companies have voluntarily decided to give their time and resources to things like education, healthcare, which do not necessarily directly impact their business. Where do you stand on this entire debate? Bhasin: I need to say that all we will do is look after shareholder value in monetary term is extremely short-sighted. We work in Gurgaon, for instance, if we can’t help the environment, it is going to impact us in someway. Now, we can do it without necessarily quantifying the benefits we will get in dollar or rupee terms, so that’s one and I am very clear about this.  Second, I think there are a lot of things that we should do just as privileged members of society. I think the role of companies has to be more; companies play a too bigger role in the world to be compartmentalise into trying to make money only for its shareholders. I think that’s very incredibly narrow view and not something I will ever subscribe. Q: What is the approach then because as far as your core business is concerned, you have annual budgets, you have short-term targets, quarterly targets and all of that? How do you approach the CSR part of your business? Bhasin: You are right about the annual budgets and targets, so the amount of money I can put away for it is limited and it will be limited by pulls and pressures of margins, double dip recessions etc. What is not limited is the skills of our people. So, we have just announced very recently a programme where we have said every employee in our company can take a few hours of a month and will expand into a day, if necessary, to provide support and help and volunteering help.  We have done things like in healthcare where we have run a fairly good practice, which looks at optimisation of hospitals. We work with the Delhi government on completely pro-bono basis, we have gone into two of the biggest public service hospitals in Delhi and helped reconfigure the trauma rooms, help reconfigure the emergency rooms, so that our people can help us and help change how public services are provided in those hospitals. Read more: http://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/genpact-instilling-social-responsibilityits-staff_481764.html August 31, 2010 Original Source: http://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/genpact-instilling-social-responsibilityits-staff_481764.html nonadult false Genpact: Instilling social responsibility in its staff text blog 128 0 0.0 http://community.ecoseed.org/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=13707210&as=29468 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/29468/photos/PHOTO_8041139_29468_13707210_ap_160X120.jpg false 0 0 2612600 13707210 Gold 26378 http://community.ecoseed.org/_The-Singapore-Exchange-issues-guidelines-on-green-reporting/BLOG/2612576/29468.html [image] Singapore, Aug 29 - The Singapore Exchange (SGX) is going green. It is encouraging all listed firms to undertake ‘sustainability reporting’ - or the disclosure of the social and environmental aspects of their business - and has issued guidelines regarding this. ‘Investors who lead world opinion expect listed companies to be accountable for their financial results, how they achieve the results, and what impact they have on the communities within which they operate,’ said a regulatory announcement yesterday. But SGX added that this disclosure of the social and environmental aspects of a listed company’s business will not be mandatory at this stage. Still, mandatory rules could be developed in future as more companies adopt such reporting. The guidelines come amid allegations from environmental group Greenpeace that a unit of locally listed Golden Agri-Resources had cleared forests illegally in Indonesia. Sinar Mas Agro Resources and Technology (Smart), which operates all oil palm plantations for Golden Agri, has refuted these allegations after conducting independent reviews by certification bodies and forestry experts. SGX made no mention of the incident yesterday, adding only that the disclosures on sustainability of operations are particularly relevant for ‘companies susceptible to environmental risks’. These include oil and gas and mining companies, as well as those that produce significant pollutants, like chemical and apparel firms. Firms that use natural resources heavily - such as palm oil producers and forestry companies - should also look at issuing reports, said the exchange. SGX suggested that the disclosures should highlight companies’ policies regarding sustainability issues and contain assessments of the risks or impacts of the companies’ operations. It added that companies can follow internationally established frameworks like the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Reporting Framework. The SGX guidelines were issued in conjunction with its annual Investor Day yesterday. As SGX celebrated 10 years as a listed company, some 700 shareholders of the exchange gathered at the Suntec ballroom yesterday to hear from its top executives. An afternoon panel session was also open to the general public, as were investment talks and an exhibition. Mr David Gerald, president of the Securities Investors Association of Singapore (Sias), welcomed the SGX guidelines. ‘Globally, there is a move towards recognising the importance of corporate social responsibility (CSR). So it’s timely that SGX is paying attention to such issues,’ he said. Mr Gerald added that Sias itself has decided that from next year, it will be giving attention to CSR practices in selecting companies for its Corporate Governance Awards. There has been an increasing focus in the region on CSR practices. In 2007, Malaysia legislated that all companies listed on Bursa Malaysia must report on their CSR efforts, including the impact of their businesses on the environment. Some companies listed in Singapore have already been issuing sustainability reports. These include Banyan Tree Holdings, Keppel Land, City Developments and Sembcorp Industries. But not everyone is sold on the idea of companies reporting on their own environmental and social efforts. ‘Wherever your operations are, whether in Australia or China, you will have to comply with the regulations there anyway. I don’t see much value added to investors or to the company in issuing additional reports,’ said Mr Edwin Goh, chief financial officer of China Animal Healthcare, which has plants in China producing drugs to combat diseases linked to animals. Mr Goh said his company has not issued sustainability reports, but noted that before being awarded a licence to manufacture drugs, the Chinese authorities would have already inspected his firm’s plants to ensure compliance with various requirements, including those related to the environment. August 29, 2010 Original Source: http://www.eco-business.com/news/2010/aug/29/singapore-exchange-issues-guidelines-green-reporti/ [image] Singapore, Aug 29 - The Singapore Exchange (SGX) is going green. It is encouraging all listed firms to undertake ‘sustainability reporting’ - or the disclosure of the social and environmental aspects of their business - and has issued guidelines regarding this. ‘Investors who lead world opinion expect listed companies to be accountable for their financial results, how they achieve the results, and what impact they have on the communities within which they operate,’ said a regulatory announcement yesterday. But SGX added that this disclosure of the social and environmental aspects of a listed company’s business will not be mandatory at this stage. Still, mandatory rules could be developed in future as more companies adopt such reporting. The guidelines come amid allegations from environmental group Greenpeace that a unit of locally listed Golden Agri-Resources had cleared forests illegally in Indonesia. Sinar Mas Agro Resources and Technology (Smart), which operates all oil palm plantations for Golden Agri, has refuted these allegations after conducting independent reviews by certification bodies and forestry experts. SGX made no mention of the incident yesterday, adding only that the disclosures on sustainability of operations are particularly relevant for ‘companies susceptible to environmental risks’. These include oil and gas and mining companies, as well as those that produce significant pollutants, like chemical and apparel firms. Firms that use natural resources heavily - such as palm oil producers and forestry companies - should also look at issuing reports, said the exchange. SGX suggested that the disclosures should highlight companies’ policies regarding sustainability issues and contain assessments of the risks or impacts of the companies’ operations. It added that companies can follow internationally established frameworks like the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Reporting Framework. The SGX guidelines were issued in conjunction with its annual Investor Day yesterday. As SGX celebrated 10 years as a listed company, some 700 shareholders of the exchange gathered at the Suntec ballroom yesterday to hear from its top executives. An afternoon panel session was also open to the general public, as were investment talks and an exhibition. Mr David Gerald, president of the Securities Investors Association of Singapore (Sias), welcomed the SGX guidelines. ‘Globally, there is a move towards recognising the importance of corporate social responsibility (CSR). So it’s timely that SGX is paying attention to such issues,’ he said. Mr Gerald added that Sias itself has decided that from next year, it will be giving attention to CSR practices in selecting companies for its Corporate Governance Awards. There has been an increasing focus in the region on CSR practices. In 2007, Malaysia legislated that all companies listed on Bursa Malaysia must report on their CSR efforts, including the impact of their businesses on the environment. Some companies listed in Singapore have already been issuing sustainability reports. These include Banyan Tree Holdings, Keppel Land, City Developments and Sembcorp Industries. But not everyone is sold on the idea of companies reporting on their own environmental and social efforts. ‘Wherever your operations are, whether in Australia or China, you will have to comply with the regulations there anyway. I don’t see much value added to investors or to the company in issuing additional reports,’ said Mr Edwin Goh, chief financial officer of China Animal Healthcare, which has plants in China producing drugs to combat diseases linked to animals. Mr Goh said his company has not issued sustainability reports, but noted that before being awarded a licence to manufacture drugs, the Chinese authorities would have already inspected his firm’s plants to ensure compliance with various requirements, including those related to the environment. August 29, 2010 Original Source: http://www.eco-business.com/news/2010/aug/29/singapore-exchange-issues-guidelines-green-reporti/ Thu, 02 Sep 2010 03:21:08 GMT http://community.ecoseed.org/_The-Singapore-Exchange-issues-guidelines-on-green-reporting/BLOG/2612576/29468.html ashleysoon 2010-09-02T03:21:08Z EcoSeed Community [image] Singapore, Aug 29 - The Singapore Exchange (SGX) is going green. It is encouraging all listed firms to undertake ‘sustainability reporting’ - or the disclosure of the social and environmental aspects of their business - and has issued guidelines regarding this. ‘Investors who lead world opinion expect listed companies to be accountable for their financial results, how they achieve the results, and what impact they have on the communities within which they operate,’ said a regulatory announcement yesterday. But SGX added that this disclosure of the social and environmental aspects of a listed company’s business will not be mandatory at this stage. Still, mandatory rules could be developed in future as more companies adopt such reporting. The guidelines come amid allegations from environmental group Greenpeace that a unit of locally listed Golden Agri-Resources had cleared forests illegally in Indonesia. Sinar Mas Agro Resources and Technology (Smart), which operates all oil palm plantations for Golden Agri, has refuted these allegations after conducting independent reviews by certification bodies and forestry experts. SGX made no mention of the incident yesterday, adding only that the disclosures on sustainability of operations are particularly relevant for ‘companies susceptible to environmental risks’. These include oil and gas and mining companies, as well as those that produce significant pollutants, like chemical and apparel firms. Firms that use natural resources heavily - such as palm oil producers and forestry companies - should also look at issuing reports, said the exchange. SGX suggested that the disclosures should highlight companies’ policies regarding sustainability issues and contain assessments of the risks or impacts of the companies’ operations. It added that companies can follow internationally established frameworks like the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Reporting Framework. The SGX guidelines were issued in conjunction with its annual Investor Day yesterday. As SGX celebrated 10 years as a listed company, some 700 shareholders of the exchange gathered at the Suntec ballroom yesterday to hear from its top executives. An afternoon panel session was also open to the general public, as were investment talks and an exhibition. Mr David Gerald, president of the Securities Investors Association of Singapore (Sias), welcomed the SGX guidelines. ‘Globally, there is a move towards recognising the importance of corporate social responsibility (CSR). So it’s timely that SGX is paying attention to such issues,’ he said. Mr Gerald added that Sias itself has decided that from next year, it will be giving attention to CSR practices in selecting companies for its Corporate Governance Awards. There has been an increasing focus in the region on CSR practices. In 2007, Malaysia legislated that all companies listed on Bursa Malaysia must report on their CSR efforts, including the impact of their businesses on the environment. Some companies listed in Singapore have already been issuing sustainability reports. These include Banyan Tree Holdings, Keppel Land, City Developments and Sembcorp Industries. But not everyone is sold on the idea of companies reporting on their own environmental and social efforts. ‘Wherever your operations are, whether in Australia or China, you will have to comply with the regulations there anyway. I don’t see much value added to investors or to the company in issuing additional reports,’ said Mr Edwin Goh, chief financial officer of China Animal Healthcare, which has plants in China producing drugs to combat diseases linked to animals. Mr Goh said his company has not issued sustainability reports, but noted that before being awarded a licence to manufacture drugs, the Chinese authorities would have already inspected his firm’s plants to ensure compliance with various requirements, including those related to the environment. August 29, 2010 Original Source: http://www.eco-business.com/news/2010/aug/29/singapore-exchange-issues-guidelines-green-reporti/ nonadult false The Singapore Exchange issues guidelines on 'green reporting' text blog 74 0 0.0 http://community.ecoseed.org/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=13707210&as=29468 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/29468/photos/PHOTO_8041139_29468_13707210_ap_160X120.jpg false 0 0 2612576 13707210 Gold 26378 http://community.ecoseed.org/_Credibility-Gap-Oilsands-boycott-could-increase-global-warming/BLOG/2612531/29468.html [image]   Scientists have found higher concentrations of metal pollutants downstream of oil-sands projects. Photograph by: Jimmy Jeong/Bloomberg News, Bloomberg News We're all for corporate social responsibility, but we wonder if Walgreens, The Gap, Levi Strauss and Timberland are aware that they may be contributing to global warming by joining the naive Forest Ethics boycott of fuel derived from Alberta's oilsands. According to a study released earlier this month, the implementation of a low-carbon fuel standard in the U.S. would increase global greenhouse gas emissions by up to 19 million metric tonnes because it would force U.S. refiners to import more oil in tankers from the Middle East, Venezuela and elsewhere. It would also force Alberta to seek markets in India, China and other Asian nations. The study says the result of this global "shuffle" of oil via tankers across thousands of kilometres of oceans would cause higher carbon dioxide emissions than by simply extracting Canadian oil at its source. The study, by Barr Engineering of Minneapolis for the National Petrochemical and Refiners Association, says that a shift to low-carbon fuels "is not expected to change overall trends in energy use and demand for crude resources throughout the rest of the world. A shift in U.S. crude-supply preferences will simply cause redirection of crude supplies elsewhere." Executives eager to portray their corporations as green need to examine the unintended consequences of their decisions and be reminded that global warming respects no borders. Taking at face value the arguments of the factually challenged Forest Ethics is especially disheartening for Walgreens, which has made concerted efforts to adopt solar energy and other green initiatives, and the ethically aware Timberland, which makes a substantial amount of its leather footwear -- not exactly a clean process -- in China. In its glee to demonize Alberta while ignoring heavy oil extraction in the U.S. and other nations, the idealists at Forest Ethics -- a participant in Corporate Ethics International's shameful Rethink Alberta anti-tourism campaign to this province -- wrongly claimed that Alberta's oilsands are destroying boreal forest twice the size of England. It later amended that information to say that the destruction is as big as England, which is still erroneous. There are issues with oilsands extraction, as a recent University of Alberta report on the release of heavy metals in the Athabasca River watershed has shown. But the leaders of these companies know that it is possible to improve practices, as The Gap demonstrated after settling a $20 million class-action lawsuit with workers in Asian sweatshops in 2003. The company resolved those alleged abuses, just as the research and development arms of oilsands companies are feverishly working to improve extraction techniques in Alberta -- which is more than can be said of the dubious, unfriendly nations to which America will increasingly turn for its oil if the Alberta spigot is turned off. © Copyright (c) The Calgary Herald By: Calgary Herald | August 31, 2010 Original Source: http://www.calgaryherald.com/business/Credibility/3462809/story.html#ixzz0yGOrRdZj [image]   Scientists have found higher concentrations of metal pollutants downstream of oil-sands projects. Photograph by: Jimmy Jeong/Bloomberg News, Bloomberg News We're all for corporate social responsibility, but we wonder if Walgreens, The Gap, Levi Strauss and Timberland are aware that they may be contributing to global warming by joining the naive Forest Ethics boycott of fuel derived from Alberta's oilsands. According to a study released earlier this month, the implementation of a low-carbon fuel standard in the U.S. would increase global greenhouse gas emissions by up to 19 million metric tonnes because it would force U.S. refiners to import more oil in tankers from the Middle East, Venezuela and elsewhere. It would also force Alberta to seek markets in India, China and other Asian nations. The study says the result of this global "shuffle" of oil via tankers across thousands of kilometres of oceans would cause higher carbon dioxide emissions than by simply extracting Canadian oil at its source. The study, by Barr Engineering of Minneapolis for the National Petrochemical and Refiners Association, says that a shift to low-carbon fuels "is not expected to change overall trends in energy use and demand for crude resources throughout the rest of the world. A shift in U.S. crude-supply preferences will simply cause redirection of crude supplies elsewhere." Executives eager to portray their corporations as green need to examine the unintended consequences of their decisions and be reminded that global warming respects no borders. Taking at face value the arguments of the factually challenged Forest Ethics is especially disheartening for Walgreens, which has made concerted efforts to adopt solar energy and other green initiatives, and the ethically aware Timberland, which makes a substantial amount of its leather footwear -- not exactly a clean process -- in China. In its glee to demonize Alberta while ignoring heavy oil extraction in the U.S. and other nations, the idealists at Forest Ethics -- a participant in Corporate Ethics International's shameful Rethink Alberta anti-tourism campaign to this province -- wrongly claimed that Alberta's oilsands are destroying boreal forest twice the size of England. It later amended that information to say that the destruction is as big as England, which is still erroneous. There are issues with oilsands extraction, as a recent University of Alberta report on the release of heavy metals in the Athabasca River watershed has shown. But the leaders of these companies know that it is possible to improve practices, as The Gap demonstrated after settling a $20 million class-action lawsuit with workers in Asian sweatshops in 2003. The company resolved those alleged abuses, just as the research and development arms of oilsands companies are feverishly working to improve extraction techniques in Alberta -- which is more than can be said of the dubious, unfriendly nations to which America will increasingly turn for its oil if the Alberta spigot is turned off. © Copyright (c) The Calgary Herald By: Calgary Herald | August 31, 2010 Original Source: http://www.calgaryherald.com/business/Credibility/3462809/story.html#ixzz0yGOrRdZj Thu, 02 Sep 2010 03:18:16 GMT http://community.ecoseed.org/_Credibility-Gap-Oilsands-boycott-could-increase-global-warming/BLOG/2612531/29468.html ashleysoon 2010-09-02T03:18:16Z EcoSeed Community [image]   Scientists have found higher concentrations of metal pollutants downstream of oil-sands projects. Photograph by: Jimmy Jeong/Bloomberg News, Bloomberg News We're all for corporate social responsibility, but we wonder if Walgreens, The Gap, Levi Strauss and Timberland are aware that they may be contributing to global warming by joining the naive Forest Ethics boycott of fuel derived from Alberta's oilsands. According to a study released earlier this month, the implementation of a low-carbon fuel standard in the U.S. would increase global greenhouse gas emissions by up to 19 million metric tonnes because it would force U.S. refiners to import more oil in tankers from the Middle East, Venezuela and elsewhere. It would also force Alberta to seek markets in India, China and other Asian nations. The study says the result of this global "shuffle" of oil via tankers across thousands of kilometres of oceans would cause higher carbon dioxide emissions than by simply extracting Canadian oil at its source. The study, by Barr Engineering of Minneapolis for the National Petrochemical and Refiners Association, says that a shift to low-carbon fuels "is not expected to change overall trends in energy use and demand for crude resources throughout the rest of the world. A shift in U.S. crude-supply preferences will simply cause redirection of crude supplies elsewhere." Executives eager to portray their corporations as green need to examine the unintended consequences of their decisions and be reminded that global warming respects no borders. Taking at face value the arguments of the factually challenged Forest Ethics is especially disheartening for Walgreens, which has made concerted efforts to adopt solar energy and other green initiatives, and the ethically aware Timberland, which makes a substantial amount of its leather footwear -- not exactly a clean process -- in China. In its glee to demonize Alberta while ignoring heavy oil extraction in the U.S. and other nations, the idealists at Forest Ethics -- a participant in Corporate Ethics International's shameful Rethink Alberta anti-tourism campaign to this province -- wrongly claimed that Alberta's oilsands are destroying boreal forest twice the size of England. It later amended that information to say that the destruction is as big as England, which is still erroneous. There are issues with oilsands extraction, as a recent University of Alberta report on the release of heavy metals in the Athabasca River watershed has shown. But the leaders of these companies know that it is possible to improve practices, as The Gap demonstrated after settling a $20 million class-action lawsuit with workers in Asian sweatshops in 2003. The company resolved those alleged abuses, just as the research and development arms of oilsands companies are feverishly working to improve extraction techniques in Alberta -- which is more than can be said of the dubious, unfriendly nations to which America will increasingly turn for its oil if the Alberta spigot is turned off. © Copyright (c) The Calgary Herald By: Calgary Herald | August 31, 2010 Original Source: http://www.calgaryherald.com/business/Credibility/3462809/story.html#ixzz0yGOrRdZj nonadult false Credibility 'Gap': Oilsands boycott could increase global warming text blog 79 0 0.0 http://community.ecoseed.org/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=13707210&as=29468 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/29468/photos/PHOTO_8041139_29468_13707210_ap_160X120.jpg false 0 0 2612531 13707210 Gold 26378 http://community.ecoseed.org/_Sustainability-is-Not-Black-Or-White-More-Sustainable-is-Possible/BLOG/2612518/29468.html [image]Image credit: D'Arcy Norman & timtak (Creative Commons) When I wrote about industrial agriculture exploring sustainability, commenter Ruben suggested that the idea of something being "more sustainable" was illogical. Citing Bill Rees, the inventor of Ecological Footprinting, he claimed that sustainability was like pregnancy—"either you are or you aren't". I'd like to politely disagree. Like the soil versus dirt debate, there is a danger of getting too caught up in semantics here. After all, Ruben was not rejecting the idea that incremental progress was important. In fact, he stated explicitly that transition was important, and that "we need to get from here to there". On that, I'm in total agreement. Nevertheless, I think it's important to counter the argument that calling something like industrial agriculture "more sustainable" because it has reduced resource use or increased efficiency is inherently greenwash. Before we greens cast the first stone, it's important for us to remember that even some of the leading green projects, schemes and technologies in the world are very far from being "sustainable" in the truest sense of the word. Backyard farmers still rely on petroleum. Solar panels still rely on scarce and energy intensive resources. Yet a civilization that truly embraced renewables, and diverse, small-scale, low impact farming would, I believe, be much more able to sustain itself into the future than the status quo. In fact, if we are going to be totally dogmatic about it then true sustainability is, in some ways, a complete impossibility. Unless we follow Stephen Hawking's advice and leave earth to survive (and presumably keep moving), absolutely everything imaginable—from coal-powered giant hummers made of ivory, to solar panels made from dew drops—is on a continuum of being either more, or less, sustainable. Because once our sun gives up the ghost, the most sustainable system on the planet will be less than useless. From high-end luxury eco-condos to big organics as the enemy, perfect as the enemy of good is a recurring theme on TreeHugger. So while I applaud efforts to keep our ambitions high (and our BS detector engaged at all times), we should be wary of a black-and-white approach to sustainability. The end prize is too important for that. By: Sami Grover | August 31, 2010 Original Source: http://www.treehugger.com/files/2010/08/sustainability-black-and-white.php?campaign=th_rss [image]Image credit: D'Arcy Norman & timtak (Creative Commons) When I wrote about industrial agriculture exploring sustainability, commenter Ruben suggested that the idea of something being "more sustainable" was illogical. Citing Bill Rees, the inventor of Ecological Footprinting, he claimed that sustainability was like pregnancy—"either you are or you aren't". I'd like to politely disagree. Like the soil versus dirt debate, there is a danger of getting too caught up in semantics here. After all, Ruben was not rejecting the idea that incremental progress was important. In fact, he stated explicitly that transition was important, and that "we need to get from here to there". On that, I'm in total agreement. Nevertheless, I think it's important to counter the argument that calling something like industrial agriculture "more sustainable" because it has reduced resource use or increased efficiency is inherently greenwash. Before we greens cast the first stone, it's important for us to remember that even some of the leading green projects, schemes and technologies in the world are very far from being "sustainable" in the truest sense of the word. Backyard farmers still rely on petroleum. Solar panels still rely on scarce and energy intensive resources. Yet a civilization that truly embraced renewables, and diverse, small-scale, low impact farming would, I believe, be much more able to sustain itself into the future than the status quo. In fact, if we are going to be totally dogmatic about it then true sustainability is, in some ways, a complete impossibility. Unless we follow Stephen Hawking's advice and leave earth to survive (and presumably keep moving), absolutely everything imaginable—from coal-powered giant hummers made of ivory, to solar panels made from dew drops—is on a continuum of being either more, or less, sustainable. Because once our sun gives up the ghost, the most sustainable system on the planet will be less than useless. From high-end luxury eco-condos to big organics as the enemy, perfect as the enemy of good is a recurring theme on TreeHugger. So while I applaud efforts to keep our ambitions high (and our BS detector engaged at all times), we should be wary of a black-and-white approach to sustainability. The end prize is too important for that. By: Sami Grover | August 31, 2010 Original Source: http://www.treehugger.com/files/2010/08/sustainability-black-and-white.php?campaign=th_rss Thu, 02 Sep 2010 03:16:17 GMT http://community.ecoseed.org/_Sustainability-is-Not-Black-Or-White-More-Sustainable-is-Possible/BLOG/2612518/29468.html ashleysoon 2010-09-02T03:16:17Z EcoSeed Community [image]Image credit: D'Arcy Norman & timtak (Creative Commons) When I wrote about industrial agriculture exploring sustainability, commenter Ruben suggested that the idea of something being "more sustainable" was illogical. Citing Bill Rees, the inventor of Ecological Footprinting, he claimed that sustainability was like pregnancy—"either you are or you aren't". I'd like to politely disagree. Like the soil versus dirt debate, there is a danger of getting too caught up in semantics here. After all, Ruben was not rejecting the idea that incremental progress was important. In fact, he stated explicitly that transition was important, and that "we need to get from here to there". On that, I'm in total agreement. Nevertheless, I think it's important to counter the argument that calling something like industrial agriculture "more sustainable" because it has reduced resource use or increased efficiency is inherently greenwash. Before we greens cast the first stone, it's important for us to remember that even some of the leading green projects, schemes and technologies in the world are very far from being "sustainable" in the truest sense of the word. Backyard farmers still rely on petroleum. Solar panels still rely on scarce and energy intensive resources. Yet a civilization that truly embraced renewables, and diverse, small-scale, low impact farming would, I believe, be much more able to sustain itself into the future than the status quo. In fact, if we are going to be totally dogmatic about it then true sustainability is, in some ways, a complete impossibility. Unless we follow Stephen Hawking's advice and leave earth to survive (and presumably keep moving), absolutely everything imaginable—from coal-powered giant hummers made of ivory, to solar panels made from dew drops—is on a continuum of being either more, or less, sustainable. Because once our sun gives up the ghost, the most sustainable system on the planet will be less than useless. From high-end luxury eco-condos to big organics as the enemy, perfect as the enemy of good is a recurring theme on TreeHugger. So while I applaud efforts to keep our ambitions high (and our BS detector engaged at all times), we should be wary of a black-and-white approach to sustainability. The end prize is too important for that. By: Sami Grover | August 31, 2010 Original Source: http://www.treehugger.com/files/2010/08/sustainability-black-and-white.php?campaign=th_rss nonadult false Sustainability is Not Black Or White - "More Sustainable" is Possible text blog 98 0 0.0 http://community.ecoseed.org/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=13707210&as=29468 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/29468/photos/PHOTO_8041139_29468_13707210_ap_160X120.jpg false 0 0 2612518 13707210 Gold 26378 http://community.ecoseed.org/_Bloom-Energy-Fuel-Cells-a-Clean-Energy-Alternative-But-at-What-Cost/BLOG/2612516/29468.html [image]  Bloom Energy fuel cells are a clean energy alternative, but at what cost? Many are hailing the Bloom energy servers as “revolutionary”, claiming that they will forever change the landscape of how we get electricity for our homes.  However, the innovation – albeit novel, does have some quirks that many are overlooking. How much will the Bloom Energy fuel cells cost? Right now, the energy servers currently being used are about the size of a parking spot and cost nearly three quarters of a million dollars.  Yes, that’s right – between $700,000 and $800,000.  However, for large companies such as Google, Walmart, or Staples that cost may pay for itself over time in reduced energy costs. Fortune Magazine reported back in February about the overall number crunching involved in making a business decision to install the Bloom Energy Device.  It’s been cited that the cost of a kw hour of electricity is 8 to 10 cents, which is lower than the coal power electrical grid. However, that total includes huge government subsidies and incentives from the state of California.  I’d venture to say that the incentives won’t be there forever, and so the Bloom Box may not be as cost effective years down the road. In addition, the energy servers come with a 10 year warranty, and Bloom Energy maintains the box.  However, if you lose power you will have to re-connect to the grid in order to get energy again.  This comes at a cost to the consumer. Still yet the innovation shows promise.  It may not all-out replace the electrical grid, but it will go a long way in supplementing it.  In order for one of these units to be viable for a residential home, it would need to be cut in price by over 90%. Even at $3,500 you’re looking at about two to three years of energy costs for the average household. Photo Credit: Bloom Energy By: Jeff Wong | August 30, 2010 Original Source: http://www.adannews.com/11711/bloom-energy-fuel-cells-a-clean-energy-alternative-but-at-what-cost/ [image]  Bloom Energy fuel cells are a clean energy alternative, but at what cost? Many are hailing the Bloom energy servers as “revolutionary”, claiming that they will forever change the landscape of how we get electricity for our homes.  However, the innovation – albeit novel, does have some quirks that many are overlooking. How much will the Bloom Energy fuel cells cost? Right now, the energy servers currently being used are about the size of a parking spot and cost nearly three quarters of a million dollars.  Yes, that’s right – between $700,000 and $800,000.  However, for large companies such as Google, Walmart, or Staples that cost may pay for itself over time in reduced energy costs. Fortune Magazine reported back in February about the overall number crunching involved in making a business decision to install the Bloom Energy Device.  It’s been cited that the cost of a kw hour of electricity is 8 to 10 cents, which is lower than the coal power electrical grid. However, that total includes huge government subsidies and incentives from the state of California.  I’d venture to say that the incentives won’t be there forever, and so the Bloom Box may not be as cost effective years down the road. In addition, the energy servers come with a 10 year warranty, and Bloom Energy maintains the box.  However, if you lose power you will have to re-connect to the grid in order to get energy again.  This comes at a cost to the consumer. Still yet the innovation shows promise.  It may not all-out replace the electrical grid, but it will go a long way in supplementing it.  In order for one of these units to be viable for a residential home, it would need to be cut in price by over 90%. Even at $3,500 you’re looking at about two to three years of energy costs for the average household. Photo Credit: Bloom Energy By: Jeff Wong | August 30, 2010 Original Source: http://www.adannews.com/11711/bloom-energy-fuel-cells-a-clean-energy-alternative-but-at-what-cost/ Thu, 02 Sep 2010 03:15:05 GMT http://community.ecoseed.org/_Bloom-Energy-Fuel-Cells-a-Clean-Energy-Alternative-But-at-What-Cost/BLOG/2612516/29468.html ashleysoon 2010-09-02T03:15:05Z EcoSeed Community [image]  Bloom Energy fuel cells are a clean energy alternative, but at what cost? Many are hailing the Bloom energy servers as “revolutionary”, claiming that they will forever change the landscape of how we get electricity for our homes.  However, the innovation – albeit novel, does have some quirks that many are overlooking. How much will the Bloom Energy fuel cells cost? Right now, the energy servers currently being used are about the size of a parking spot and cost nearly three quarters of a million dollars.  Yes, that’s right – between $700,000 and $800,000.  However, for large companies such as Google, Walmart, or Staples that cost may pay for itself over time in reduced energy costs. Fortune Magazine reported back in February about the overall number crunching involved in making a business decision to install the Bloom Energy Device.  It’s been cited that the cost of a kw hour of electricity is 8 to 10 cents, which is lower than the coal power electrical grid. However, that total includes huge government subsidies and incentives from the state of California.  I’d venture to say that the incentives won’t be there forever, and so the Bloom Box may not be as cost effective years down the road. In addition, the energy servers come with a 10 year warranty, and Bloom Energy maintains the box.  However, if you lose power you will have to re-connect to the grid in order to get energy again.  This comes at a cost to the consumer. Still yet the innovation shows promise.  It may not all-out replace the electrical grid, but it will go a long way in supplementing it.  In order for one of these units to be viable for a residential home, it would need to be cut in price by over 90%. Even at $3,500 you’re looking at about two to three years of energy costs for the average household. Photo Credit: Bloom Energy By: Jeff Wong | August 30, 2010 Original Source: http://www.adannews.com/11711/bloom-energy-fuel-cells-a-clean-energy-alternative-but-at-what-cost/ nonadult false Bloom Energy Fuel Cells a Clean Energy Alternative, But at What Cost? text blog 33 0 0.0 http://community.ecoseed.org/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=13707210&as=29468 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/29468/photos/PHOTO_8041139_29468_13707210_ap_160X120.jpg false 0 0 2612516 13707210 Gold 26378 http://community.ecoseed.org/_Is-the-electric-car-feasible-for-Israel/BLOG/2603898/29468.html Government issues tender to analyze alternative energy vehicles. [image] The National Infrastructures Ministry on Thursday issued a tender for a consultant to do an economic analysis of the feasibility of electric cars compared to gasoline-powered and other alternative energy vehicles.The ministry said it was committed to cleaner transport to reduce air pollution and wean Israel as much as possible off of foreign oil.Electric cars are one option for more environmentally friendly transport, and they have their advantages and drawbacks. For example, there is no air pollution and little noise from the electric car itself. However, if the electric car charges from electricity that is produced by a polluting power station, then it can make the power station work harder, which in turn generates more pollution.On the other hand, it is not yet clear how much additional generator use a network of electric cars would require, since charging would be governed by a “smart system” that charges the cars during off-peak times, such as at night.It is theoretically possible that the network would not put any extra strain on the electricity grid.Once electric-car infrastructure developer Better Place enters the Israeli market next year, more data will become available.Other alternatives to gasoline include hybrid cars that use both a gasoline engine and an electric motor. Regular gasoline-powered cars can be retrofitted to run on natural gas as well, which is cleaner. In the future, cars might run on hydrogen fuel cells.The deadline for the tender is September 19. The contract would be for a year, with an option to extend it for another two years.According to the tender, the consultant will be asked to evaluate cleantransport options and the electric car and its components, including its infrastructure requirements such as the electricity grid. Energy needs of current electric cars and those in development and the environmental ramifications based on energy use will also be examined.The consultant will prepare a comparison of costs of an electric-car network versus those based on liquid oil (gasoline, diesel and hybrid).The consultant will estimate the impact of electric cars on national infrastructures, particularly the electricity grid, and prepare a presentation of the current regulatory and legislative picture.Finally, the consultant will predict the development of the electric car in Israel over the next decade and prepare recommendations.Meanwhile, Better Place announced Thursday that it has extended its switchable-battery electric-vehicle (EV) taxi pilot in Tokyo to operate through the end of the year.“Up to this point, there has been very little information about how an EV battery will perform in heavily used, realworld taxi conditions,” said Kiyotaka Fujii, president of Better Place Japan.“This program has provided us with critical insights into the battery performance in a switch model and switch-station performance for the toughest customers – taxi drivers.“By extending this program, we hope to gain further insights into the battery performance and durability of the switch station itself, which will be invaluable as we move toward commercial launch later next year in Israel and Denmark.”The current trial began on April 26.Operations were to be temporarily suspended during August, so that EV battery and onboard vehicle data could be analyzed. Service was expected to resume again on September 1, the company said.“While a comprehensive analysis of the data is still being conducted,” Better Place said, “some initial data points about the taxi project include: 40,311 – number of kilometers driven; taxi drivers went through the switch station 2,122 times; average switch time was 59.1 seconds; 3,020 passengers have ridden in the taxis.”Better Place is building an infrastructure of charging points, battery-switch stations and the technology to control them for electric vehicles. By:EHUD ZION WALDOKS | August 26, 2010  Original Source: http://www.jpost.com/Business/BusinessNews/Article.aspx?id=186135 Government issues tender to analyze alternative energy vehicles. [image] The National Infrastructures Ministry on Thursday issued a tender for a consultant to do an economic analysis of the feasibility of electric cars compared to gasoline-powered and other alternative energy vehicles.The ministry said it was committed to cleaner transport to reduce air pollution and wean Israel as much as possible off of foreign oil.Electric cars are one option for more environmentally friendly transport, and they have their advantages and drawbacks. For example, there is no air pollution and little noise from the electric car itself. However, if the electric car charges from electricity that is produced by a polluting power station, then it can make the power station work harder, which in turn generates more pollution.On the other hand, it is not yet clear how much additional generator use a network of electric cars would require, since charging would be governed by a “smart system” that charges the cars during off-peak times, such as at night.It is theoretically possible that the network would not put any extra strain on the electricity grid.Once electric-car infrastructure developer Better Place enters the Israeli market next year, more data will become available.Other alternatives to gasoline include hybrid cars that use both a gasoline engine and an electric motor. Regular gasoline-powered cars can be retrofitted to run on natural gas as well, which is cleaner. In the future, cars might run on hydrogen fuel cells.The deadline for the tender is September 19. The contract would be for a year, with an option to extend it for another two years.According to the tender, the consultant will be asked to evaluate cleantransport options and the electric car and its components, including its infrastructure requirements such as the electricity grid. Energy needs of current electric cars and those in development and the environmental ramifications based on energy use will also be examined.The consultant will prepare a comparison of costs of an electric-car network versus those based on liquid oil (gasoline, diesel and hybrid).The consultant will estimate the impact of electric cars on national infrastructures, particularly the electricity grid, and prepare a presentation of the current regulatory and legislative picture.Finally, the consultant will predict the development of the electric car in Israel over the next decade and prepare recommendations.Meanwhile, Better Place announced Thursday that it has extended its switchable-battery electric-vehicle (EV) taxi pilot in Tokyo to operate through the end of the year.“Up to this point, there has been very little information about how an EV battery will perform in heavily used, realworld taxi conditions,” said Kiyotaka Fujii, president of Better Place Japan.“This program has provided us with critical insights into the battery performance in a switch model and switch-station performance for the toughest customers – taxi drivers.“By extending this program, we hope to gain further insights into the battery performance and durability of the switch station itself, which will be invaluable as we move toward commercial launch later next year in Israel and Denmark.”The current trial began on April 26.Operations were to be temporarily suspended during August, so that EV battery and onboard vehicle data could be analyzed. Service was expected to resume again on September 1, the company said.“While a comprehensive analysis of the data is still being conducted,” Better Place said, “some initial data points about the taxi project include: 40,311 – number of kilometers driven; taxi drivers went through the switch station 2,122 times; average switch time was 59.1 seconds; 3,020 passengers have ridden in the taxis.”Better Place is building an infrastructure of charging points, battery-switch stations and the technology to control them for electric vehicles. By:EHUD ZION WALDOKS | August 26, 2010  Original Source: http://www.jpost.com/Business/BusinessNews/Article.aspx?id=186135 Wed, 01 Sep 2010 03:34:08 GMT http://community.ecoseed.org/_Is-the-electric-car-feasible-for-Israel/BLOG/2603898/29468.html ashleysoon 2010-09-01T03:34:08Z EcoSeed Community Government issues tender to analyze alternative energy vehicles. [image] The National Infrastructures Ministry on Thursday issued a tender for a consultant to do an economic analysis of the feasibility of electric cars compared to gasoline-powered and other alternative energy vehicles.The ministry said it was committed to cleaner transport to reduce air pollution and wean Israel as much as possible off of foreign oil.Electric cars are one option for more environmentally friendly transport, and they have their advantages and drawbacks. For example, there is no air pollution and little noise from the electric car itself. However, if the electric car charges from electricity that is produced by a polluting power station, then it can make the power station work harder, which in turn generates more pollution.On the other hand, it is not yet clear how much additional generator use a network of electric cars would require, since charging would be governed by a “smart system” that charges the cars during off-peak times, such as at night.It is theoretically possible that the network would not put any extra strain on the electricity grid.Once electric-car infrastructure developer Better Place enters the Israeli market next year, more data will become available.Other alternatives to gasoline include hybrid cars that use both a gasoline engine and an electric motor. Regular gasoline-powered cars can be retrofitted to run on natural gas as well, which is cleaner. In the future, cars might run on hydrogen fuel cells.The deadline for the tender is September 19. The contract would be for a year, with an option to extend it for another two years.According to the tender, the consultant will be asked to evaluate cleantransport options and the electric car and its components, including its infrastructure requirements such as the electricity grid. Energy needs of current electric cars and those in development and the environmental ramifications based on energy use will also be examined.The consultant will prepare a comparison of costs of an electric-car network versus those based on liquid oil (gasoline, diesel and hybrid).The consultant will estimate the impact of electric cars on national infrastructures, particularly the electricity grid, and prepare a presentation of the current regulatory and legislative picture.Finally, the consultant will predict the development of the electric car in Israel over the next decade and prepare recommendations.Meanwhile, Better Place announced Thursday that it has extended its switchable-battery electric-vehicle (EV) taxi pilot in Tokyo to operate through the end of the year.“Up to this point, there has been very little information about how an EV battery will perform in heavily used, realworld taxi conditions,” said Kiyotaka Fujii, president of Better Place Japan.“This program has provided us with critical insights into the battery performance in a switch model and switch-station performance for the toughest customers – taxi drivers.“By extending this program, we hope to gain further insights into the battery performance and durability of the switch station itself, which will be invaluable as we move toward commercial launch later next year in Israel and Denmark.”The current trial began on April 26.Operations were to be temporarily suspended during August, so that EV battery and onboard vehicle data could be analyzed. Service was expected to resume again on September 1, the company said.“While a comprehensive analysis of the data is still being conducted,” Better Place said, “some initial data points about the taxi project include: 40,311 – number of kilometers driven; taxi drivers went through the switch station 2,122 times; average switch time was 59.1 seconds; 3,020 passengers have ridden in the taxis.”Better Place is building an infrastructure of charging points, battery-switch stations and the technology to control them for electric vehicles. By:EHUD ZION WALDOKS | August 26, 2010  Original Source: http://www.jpost.com/Business/BusinessNews/Article.aspx?id=186135 nonadult false Is the electric car feasible for Israel? text blog 25 0 0.0 http://community.ecoseed.org/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=13707210&as=29468 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/29468/photos/PHOTO_8041139_29468_13707210_ap_160X120.jpg false 0 0 2603898 13707210 Gold 26378