Wal-Mart Doubles its Solar Power

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

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New Solar Wind Charger

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

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Disney’s Earth

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/

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WM: Building a Greener Future

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

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10 Things to Recycle That You Never Thought You Could

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.

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