The bat population in parts of Canada and the United States has witnessed a major decline due to a newly discovered fungus.  Researchers have discovered that this fungus leads to a condition known as the white-nose syndrome, which has brought death upon hundreds of thousands of bats.

White-nose syndrome apparently kills bats by waking them up during their winter hibernation. Bats desperately need to sleep during this period of time because the insects they feed on aren’t around during the winter. When the bats wake up in advance, they have nothing to eat and, as a result, starve to death.

So how do solar cells play into all of this?

With solar cells, the bats have the potential to sleep through this deadly disease. By warming the area in which the bats rest, they are more likely to remain in hibernation.  Researchers have suggested using solar powered insulated boxes that are powered by car batteries linked to solar cells to house the bats.  These solar cells have the potential to lower the mortality rates as low as 8%.

Information acquired from: http://green.yahoo.com/blog/ecogeek/997/solar-boxes-save-stricken-bats.html;_ylt=AnMf6UWVQb99Qu0wTqX7.VetV8cX

Image taken from AP Images

Recent studies show that more than half the nation’s population lives in areas with frighteningly high levels of air pollution.  According to Charles D. Connor, president and CEO of the American Lung Association, “Six out of ten Americans live in areas dirty enough to send people to the emergency room, to shape how kids’ lungs develop, and even dirty enough to kill.”  An astonishing 40 million people live in regions where the air quality has failed every test.

The problem of air pollution is often overshadowed by the threat of global warming and the idea of energy independence.  Although our nation has witnessed improvements over the past decade, the problem still poses as a major, lingering threat.  Ozone pollution causes inflammation by burning the lining of the airways.  It is also known to cause shortness of breath, chest pain when inhaling, wheezing and coughing, and even severe asthma attacks. Even short-term pollution can be deadly due to lung disease, heart attacks, and stroke.

Fargo, North Dakota, was named as the nation’s cleanest city overall due to its passing grade in all three areas of air pollution.  These categories consist of ozone pollution, year-round particle pollution and short-term particle pollution.  Los Angeles, on the other hand, was given the title of the nation’s dirtiest city.

According to Connor, possible solutions to our nation’s air pollution problem consist of using less electricity, driving less, and avoiding the burning of wood or trash.

Information acquired from:

http://news.yahoo.com/s/hsn/20090430/hl_hsn/morethanhalfofamericanslivingwithdirtyair;_ylt=AgJu5hFzA8×9gDFx_DLvZTBpl88F

Image taken from AP Images

Wal-Mart has recently announced its new plan: to double the amount of solar power used at various amenities. 18 of its facilities currently possess solar panels.

The company has publicized its plan to install solar panels at 10 to 20 more locations. The solar panels will ultimately supply these locations with 20 to 30 percent of their total electricity. Upon completion of the installation of these panels, “Wal-Mart will reach a total solar energy capacity of 32 million kWh per year”. Also, according to this company, these new installations will reduce Wal-Mart’s carbon emissions by 22,500 metric tons a year and also create 130 new jobs.

Wal-Mart has also developed a long-term plan: its goal is to one-day convert to 100 percent renewable energy. Its strategy is to focus on one facility at a time.

Information acquired from: http://green.yahoo.com/blog/ecogeek/1052/wal-mart-doubling-use-of-solar-power.html

Image taken from AP Images

Kinesis Industries has recently invented a new renewable energy charging device, the K3 Charger.  This portable charger is the size of a flashlight and has the ability to generate both solar and wind power to charge most electronics.  Its release date is set for sometime in June and can recharge cell phones, iPods, iPhones and digital cameras.

The charger’s small size aids in uncomplicated transportation, and its combination of solar and wind allows its possessor to charge his or her gadget in almost any situation. Kinesis Industries also states that a fully charged K3 has the ability to charge a cell phone more than five times. Although the price has not yet been determined, it is safe to assume this product is worth the purchase.

Information acquired from: http://green.yahoo.com/blog/ecogeek/1054/keep-solar-and-wind-power-in-your-glove-compartment.html

Picture taken from http://green.yahoo.com

Disney has recently produced a new movie, and let’s just say this one won’t be categorized as the typical fairytale. Instead of princesses and witches, Disney has brought a more modern idea to the box office: Nature.

Earth is the story of three animal families and their remarkable journeys across the planet. It follows Polar Bears, African Elephants, and Humpback Whales. All three story lines are full of breathtaking locations, a bit of action, and some of these indescribable animals’ most personal moments. As an added “green” bonus, for every ticket sold Disney will plant one tree. It is combining knowledge with action – the two main steps towards change.

This film has the ability to connect humans with other, often unrecognized inhabitants of our planet. We are more similar than one may think; just take a look for yourself.

Information acquired from: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-T6APT6_w7I and http://disney.go.com/disneynature/earth/

Waste Management (WM), North America’s leading provider of comprehensive waste management solutions, has taken on the job of helping the nation meet its sustainability goals by recycling construction waste. As the nation’s largest recycler, it is doing everything it can to give used products new life. For example, WM is finding ways to turn clean wood retrieved from construction and demolition sites into mulches used to fight roadside erosion. At the company’s waste-to-energy plants, wood waste is also converted into biomass fuel. According to Vice President of the company Jim Halter, “The responsible management of construction and demolition waste is a huge opportunity – not just for us but for the whole country.”

WM’s ideas to handle construction and demolition waste in environmentally friendly ways are part of a company-wide commitment to sustainability. In 2007, Waste Management created four main goals for 2020. The first involved tripling the volume of recyclables it manages per year from about eight million tons to more than 20 tons. The second consisted of doubling waste-to-energy production. The third involved improving the fuel efficiency and emissions performance of its vehicle fleet. Finally, the fourth goal was to create 100 wildlife habitats on 25,000 acres of land that was once used for landfills. Starting now, the company will begin measuring its carbon footprint yearly and by 2010 it will report on its progress in reducing its environmental impact.

Waste Management is investing heavily in the technology necessary to process their construction waste. “We are looking at a number of innovative technologies to recycle and process materials,” says Halter. “Our intent is it really understand the needs and objectives of our customers and what types of solutions they are looking for currently, as well as in the future.”

*Image taken from AP Images

*Information acquired from Time Magazine

1. Vintage doorknobs, radiators, windows and mantels: Donate or sell these architectural components to restoration projects.
2. Toothbrushes: Some companies, such as Recycline, manufacturer their toothbrushes from yogurt containers. Return each worn-out brush in a postage-paid envelope and it will be remade into plastic lumber.
3. Foam packaging: Packaging made from expanded polystyrene contains 25 to 100 percent recycled material.
4. Sneakers: Nike’s Reuse-a-Shoe program turns used athletic footwear into a material called Nike Grind, which is used to surface playgrounds, running tracks, and outdoor courts.
5. Toys: Ask local homeless shelters if they accept used toys.
6. Wine corks: Yemm & Hart, which produces recycled building materials, turns used corks into floor and wall tiles.
7. Motor oil: Recycled motor oil can be used as a lubricant or fuel.
8. Formal dresses: Charities like Chicago’s Glass Slipper Project accept donated gowns, shoes and purses to provide free prom wear to low-income teens.
9. Eyeglasses, frames and cases: The Lions Club and Give the Gift of Sight Foundation collect used eyeglasses for needy people around the world.
10. Computers, cell phones and other e-waste: Staples, Office Depot and Best Buy offer in-store e-waste recycling. Best Buy also recycles used appliances. Dell, Toshiba and Sony lead the way in recycling computer products.

A new addition has been made to the “going green” supporters’ list. Recently, banks have displayed their interest in helping save the world by developing a new type of credit card. “Paying with plastic” will soon be a thing of the past.

This new “save the planet” advance is a product of Virgin Money, headed by environmentalist entrepreneur Sir Richard Branson. Although the date of its launch has not yet been announced, one thing is for certain – this new credit card will be manufactured completely out of biodegradable materials. It will even be colored green. Although the main idea of the product is known, there is still debate as to which materials and processing techniques are most suitable in the production of this new credit card.

In addition to the development of this eco-friendly way of spending money, Richard Branson has also recently launched Virgin Fuels. Through Virgin Fuels Branson will supply about 400 million dollars in green energy projects, in which new renewable energy technologies will be researched and developed.

Thanks to this man, our world has a very good chance of seeing a brighter, cleaner future in more ways than one. Now it is up to us to help support his ideas.

Information acquired from: http://au.pfinance.yahoo.com/credit-cards/features/green./index.html

Image taken from AP Images

In order to develop a healthier environment, we must monitor the amount of pollution we create. This includes realizing the harmful effects of purchasing a simple electronic appliance. Many people are not aware of the actual amount of pollution that is given off by creating electronics, such as iPods, cell phones, or remote controls. In order to achieve a greener tomorrow, we must learn the difference between a desire and a necessity today. By asking ourselves the following 7 questions, we can help our world become a better place.

1.  Do you really need it?

Separating your “wants” from your “needs” is one of the most important steps in helping the environment. Every time you buy an electronic, natural resources are being used to manufacture the product. Also, the electricity required to power the electronic devices is mainly a result from burning coal, which produces not only greenhouse gas emissions, but also acid rain and damaging smog. Just remember: If you don’t need it, don’t buy it.

2.  Can you get it used?

Ask your friends, family or neighbors if they can share appliances. Also, attend local garage sales or visit antique stores before buying new products. Purchasing used goods is the most environmentally friendly way to buy for two reasons. First, by giving an item a second life, natural resources are not used. Secondly, by buying used goods, items are kept out of landfills longer.

3.  How was it made?

Before purchasing a new electronic, think about what materials were used to make the product, who made it, and how those workers were treated in the manufacturing process. The manufacture and disposal of many electronics can pollute the environment, or endanger the health of workers and buyers.

4.  How is it packaged and shipped?

The materials used to manufacture and package a product, and the fuel used to transport it, are all key aspects that contribute to a product’s environmental footprint. By purchasing goods online, one can achieve a smaller environmental footprint due to the reduction in energy costs. When shipping a product, try to reuse boxes. If the item is fragile, use paper that you would have otherwise recycled to protect it.

5.  How much energy or resources will it require to maintain?

Before purchasing an item, one must also consider the energy costs necessary to maintain the product. All electronics need to be charged, which requires a certain amount of electricity. Check whether or not reusable batteries can be used. Also, check the label to help choose the most energy-efficient model.

6.  Is it reusable, repairable, or at least recyclable?

When you are done with the product, can it be passed on or must it be disposed of? If the product breaks, can you fix it or will you need to buy another one of its kind? Look into the durability of the item before purchasing it. Not all electronics are equally recyclable, but groups are taking action to make sure that used electronics are recycled and not simply dumped, incinerated, or exported to developing countries.

7.  Does it help me go green in other ways?

Does your purchase contribute to a cause? Start reading the environmental sections of companies’ websites to look for “green” products.

Images taken from AP Images

Information acquired from: http://green.yahoo.com/blog/daily_green_news/2/seven-questions-to-ask-before-buying-electronics.html

The Samsung Blue Earth will be presented at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona next week.  Instead of using a plug-in cord to obtain electricity, the phone features solar panels that will charge its battery.  After a ten minute charge this phone can yield a three minute conversation. Made from recycled plastic water bottles, this new invention is about as environmentally-friendly as it gets.

Other green features this phone presents are the ability to calculate one’s “eco-walk” (the amount of carbon dioxide one can save by walking instead of driving) and the number of trees one is saving by walking.

Although the Samsung Blue Earth will have great effects on our environment in the future, its price has not been released as of right now.  Information as to when the phone will be sold and in what countries will be announced soon.

*Information obtained from: http://green.yahoo.com/blog/ecogeek/960/your-solar-powered-cell-phone-is-coming.html

*Image acquired from AP Images