“Clean tech is always in a boom-and-bust cycle,’’ said Matt Moscardi, manager of investor programs at Ceres, a green investment coalition based in Boston. “Without a price on carbon, or some other mechanism by which you measure pollutants and emissions, the playing field will not be level.’’ [Reference: Boston Globe article, 9-Mar10]
The ’tilted playing field’ or unfair advantage alluded to by Ceres is also referred to as clean energy’s “competitive conundrum”. Since clean energy costs are higher than those available from conventional sources, what is going to convince a typical consumer to pay that higher price? And, are those lower prices from conventional sources truly reflective of the true ‘price‘ of their service, including emissions? It’s not easy or convenient for consumers to think of it this way, but when they ’save’ money on low energy costs, they’re paying for it later in tax dollars and cleanup efforts that result from the dirtier sources of power –…
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It’s not news that getting anything substantive through Congress these days is like pushing very big rocks uphill, even when there is remarkable consensus on a topic.
That’s why a broad array of organizations that care about people’s health came together this week to thank Administrator Lisa P. Jackson of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for her principled and vigorous efforts to advance comprehensive reform of our broken system for regulating hazardous chemicals.
In a letter dated March 10, they wrote to her:
“We welcome the core principles you announced on September 29, 2009 in San Francisco that outlined the Obama Administration’s plan to overhaul the nation’s chemical regulatory program and give EPA greater authority to protect the public.
Our organizations and supporters applaud the Administration’s intention to transform our country’s chemical regulatory system and decision to make TSCA reform a top priority.”
The…
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High Fructose Corn Syrup is getting replaced by sugar in many packaged foods and drinks. High Fructose Corn Syrup has recently gotten a bad reputation as an artificial sweetener. It is heavily processed and offers little nutritional value. Changing to sugar is almost a marketing gimmick. Researchers have concluded that sugar and High Fructose Corn Syrup have the exact same effect on obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. One is not better than the other. Consumers should seek less sweet alternative products.
People need to drink water instead of soda. Snack on fruit instead of cookies. Yes they are not as appetizing, but they are far healthier.
Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants’ “Wines That Care” promotion highlights wineries chosen for their dedication to the earth and local communities – each possessing a unique story and genuine commitment to environmental preservation and sustainability.
As part of its hosted nightly wine hour at nearly 50 hotels nationwide, Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants has introduced “Wines That Care” – where every savored sip will come from a featured winery of the month chosen for its dedication to the earth and local communities.
Back in December of 2009, Sedona’s Kings Ransom Inn launched the EcoRoom Accommodation Program, converting each of its 53 guestrooms into the healthier, more environmental “EcoRooms.” They were the first property in the area to do so.
Following in these footsteps, sister property Kings Ransom Sedona Hotel has turned 95 guestrooms into EcoRoom Accommodations – citing positive guest reviews, good corporate citizenship and savings from reduced utility and waste costs as the proper path to follow.
Nestled in the stunning red rock beauty of Sedona, Arizona, both hotels have contracted Green Suites Hotel Solutions, a leading supplier of environmental products and programs, to convert each guestroom with standard amenities into EcoRoom Accommodations, featuring more than a dozen environmental products.
The partnership allows the Kings properties to equip themselves with eco-friendly amenities like compact fluorescent light bulbs, water efficient showerheads and sink…
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According to Disney Parks and HandsOn Network – the nation’s largest volunteer network – a million people have volunteered or have committed to volunteer in their communities throughout the United States, Puerto Rico and Canada since the inception of “Give a Day, Get a Disney Day” on January 1st 2010.
To celebrate the good deeds of these individuals, Disney Parks offered each volunteer who completed an eligible project a free one-day admission to one theme park in Walt Disney World Resort in Florida or Disneyland Resort in California. Although registration is now closed and the program has ended, those who volunteered have until Dec. 15, 2010, to redeem their free park ticket (certain block-out dates apply).
“By any measure, the ‘Give a Day, Get a Disney Day’ program exceeded our expectations,” said Tom Staggs, chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. “These one million volunteers touched their communities with their hearts and hands. Their commitment to service is…
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There is still time to let your voice be heard! To date over 1,400 people have raised their voice and told EPA they want stronger cleanup guidelines for Dioxin, one of the most hazardous chemicals known to man….
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How many of you grow squashes? Last year, I grew about six different squashes. Little pumpkins. Acorn Squash. Sweet Potato Squash. And some other funny sounding name squashes. My neighbor grew them too and complained of the dreaded squash bug. She even showed me one while I was visiting her. They are gray and to be kind to bugs, they are not too attractive. Ms America bug, um, not this one.
Fortunately, I did not see any of my own squash bugs, but then again they could have been there under the straw mulch. I just did not notice.
Mother Earth News (who I love) sent me an email on how to deal with those suckers this year. Well all gardeners share. Remember it is us gardeners against them–the bugs who eat our hard work. Sorry, after dealing with gross slugs and dill eating amazingly beautiful caterpillars, I am not that charitable these days.
I warn you…
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“Vermont Yankee is committed to keeping Vermont’s environment strong and healthy. The safe and reliable operation of the plant helps ensure that the state’s abundant and beautiful forests, rivers, and lakes are not damaged by acid rain. According to the Nuclear Energy Institute (NEI), in 2008, Vermont Yankee avoided the emission of 6,500 tons of sulfur dioxide, 1,400 tons of nitrogen oxides and 2.8 million metric tons of CO2. Since 2005, Vermont Yankee has been contributing to Vermont’s “Clean Energy Fund,” and by 2012, VY will have contributed about $35 million, providing money for the development of renewable energy sources in VT.
In the United States alone nuclear energy accounts for about 72 percent of all U.S. emission-free generation.
According to NEI, generating electricity is the single largest source of carbon dioxide emissions in the…
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As you might imagine, I’ve seen my share of movies about toxic chemicals. There are a bunch, many of them excellent.
This one struck me because of the director’s personal inspiration to track down the source of her parent’s shiny new (practical, affordable, durable) vinyl siding. I love how she just won’t stop short of convincing them it’s not as simple as they think (been there?).
She had a hunch that vinyl had a dark side and, not surprising to me or Enviroblog readers, it does.
Find out about PVC for yourself by following co-director Judith Helfand’s investigative globe trot to understand the real (not-so-simple) source of her parents’ blue vinyl.
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e is committed to keeping Vermont’s environment strong and healthy. The safe and reliable operation of the plant helps ensure that the state’s abundant and beautiful forests, rivers, and lakes are not damaged by acid rain. According to the Nuclear Energy Institute (NEI), in 2008, Vermont Yankee avoided the emission of 6,500 tons of sulfur dioxide, 1,400 tons of nitrogen oxides and 2.8 million metric tons of CO2. Since 2005, Vermont Yankee has been contributing to Vermont’s “Clean Energy Fund,” and by 2012, VY will have contributed about $35 million, providing money for the development of renewable energy sources in VT.