Circular Economy
Toyota's Environmental Update: Energy Cuts, Zero Waste and Plant-Based Parts
In its 2008 North American Environmental Report, Toyota shows where it's making progress and where it's lagging towards its goals for 2011. Read More
The World's First Green Revolving Door: A Good Turn Generates Energy
Ever feel like you're going around in circles and not doing anyone much good? Boon Edam has found a use for that wasted energy. It's created the world's first revolving door that generates energy with every turn. Read More
Future Toys Could be Made of Renewable Liquid Wood
Even the staunchest environmentalist might turn a blind eye when buying petroleum-ridden plastic Christmas gifts for the kids. Fortunately, a new sustainable bioplastic called ARBOFORM could make this moral dilemma a non-issue. Read More
Mattel Will Pay $12M to Settle Toxic Toys Lawsuit
Highlighting the risks from harmful materials in products, the toy maker has settled a lawsuit brought by 39 states after some of Mattel's toys were found to contain dangerous levels of lead. Read More
Behind the Green Door: Dreamscapes to Recycle Sex Toys
While recycling markets are drying up, the Florida-based company is opening up a new recycling stream for some items you won't find in curbside collection bins. Read More
New Hampshire Opens First Biodiesel Gas Station and "Congreenience" Store
Will consumers choose a "green" gas station over a regular one? New Hampshire's Simply Green gas station and "congreenience" store is banking on it. Customers can choose between two types of biofuels—5 percent and 10 percent blends. Both biofuels can fill up a car tank that does not have a converted engine. Consumers can also buy gasoline made with 10 percent ethanol. Read More
Brita Finds New Life for Used Water Filters
Household product maker Recycline will begin collecting used Brita water filters next year, turning them into toothbrushes, bowls and other items. Read More
The New York Times Building Achieves 70 Percent Lighting Energy Savings
The New York Times is doing its part to save money with a novel light management system in its new 52 story tower. The energy-efficient system saves 70 percent more energy than the company's original benchmark. Read More
OpenEco.org: Great Resource for Tracking Your Greenness
If you're looking for a new tool to help you track your effectiveness in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, you'll find the free OpenEco.org a great resource. The site has been around a while, but recently was revamped. If you know of it, but haven't used it for a while, it's worth checking again. And if you've never used it, now is a good time to try it. Read More
Putting the Hanger Out to Dry
Those innocuous-looking plastic, metal and wood hangers you get at the dry cleaner and stores have a dark side: not only do they clog landfills, they muck up recycling streams and create extra waste. Read More