Have you heard of the USDA’s BioPreferred program yet?

The USDA’s BioPreferred program, which is in response to Executive Order 13514 (Federal Leadership in Energy, Environment, & Economic Performance) is expected to “promote the increased purchase and use of biobased products.” This program, which began in 2010, has two major initiatives, product labeling and Federal procurement preference.

The product labeling initiative is expected to make it easier for consumers to locate biobased products quickly. Someone who wishes to purchase products that are better for the environment can look for the logo on the product, or even look online (www.biopreferred.gov) to see a biobased product catalog.

The second initiative is a way to require federal purchasers and contractors to the Federal Government to purchase biobased products. This way, the government can limit its impact on the environment and help stimulate the farmers of America.

This program is expected to create jobs while promoting economic development. The BioPreferred program will also stimulate the farming communities by creating new markets for their commodities. It will also help reduce our countries petroleum consumption and increase our use of renewable resources.

So, after a few years, BioPreferred products are beginning to hit the market. So be sure to take a look at these products before purchasing products that are less environmentally friendly.

January is National Radon Action Month!

Radon is a radioactive gas that is invisible. It is one of the leading causes of lung cancer. Testing your home is the ONLY way to detect high radon levels. To find out how to test your home, visit http://www.epa.gov/radon/radontest.html.

Wind Energy Facility Approved in Vermont

On January 3, 2012 the US Forest Service approved the construction of a wind energy facility in the Green Mountain National Forest. This facility will have about 15 turbine engines spread over 80 acres that will create enough energy to support 13,000 homes annually.

Technology could save the Federal Government $1T in 10 years

The Technology CEO Council released a report in October highlighting seven main ways to save the US Government $100billion A YEAR for the next 10 years. This report, “One Trillion Reasons” recommends straightforward ways to “pare back $1Trillion from the deficit while increasing productivity and enabling sustainable competitiveness” says Michael Dell, Chairman and CEO of Dell, “we’re optimistic that changes today will help lay the foundation for future job growth and innovation for our country.”

The recommendations include: *www.greenbiz.com

 Consolidate Information Technology Infrastructure
 Streamline Government Supply Chains
 Reduce Energy Use
 Move to Shared Services for Mission-Support Activities
 Apply Advanced Business Analytics to Reduce Improper Payments
 Reduce Field Operations Footprint and Move to Electronic Self-Service
 Monetize the government’s assets.

Sustainability in Business

Levi's

    Levi's changed their finishing process to reduce water 28% on average, and as much as 98% for some products. They did this by reducing the number of washing cycles from 3 to 10, to just ONE process. They incorporated ozone processing into their washing and removed ALL water use from their stone wash products.

Trans-Elect Development

    Has an ambitious proposal to build a 350-mile offshore wind installation in the Atlantic Ocean, Atlantic Wind Connection, which will deliver power to about 1.9 million households. In October, Google and Good Energies (a NY-based investment firm) agreed to take a 37.5 % stake each in the initial development stage of the project. This installation will stretch from New Jersey to Virginia and provide a "backbone" for multiple wind farms. The first phase could go into effect as early as 2016.

 

Newsweek's Green Rankings for 2010

    Newsweek's 2^nd annual Green Ranking scores are in! The top five companies include Dell, HP, IBM, Johnson & Johnson, and Intel. Each company is scored by three separate metrics: an Environmental Impact Score (45%), a Green Policies Score (45%), and a Reputation Survey Score (10%). There are a few things to keep in mind when looking at these rankings. First, the differences among top companies are MINOR. The top 19 companies scored over 90% and the top 87 companies scored over 80%. Secondly, the scores are SUBJECTIVE. Individuals make judgment calls that are turned into numerical scores. Lastly, all of the scores are RELATIVE. They are scored by how they compare to their peers.

 

Top 10 Power Purchasers Recognized by the EPA

1. Intel Corporation
   
2. Kohl's Department Stores
   
3. Whole Foods
   
4. Starbucks
   
5. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
   
6. City of Houston
   
7. Dell, Inc.
   
8. Johnson & Johnson
   
9. US Air Force
   
10. City of Dallas

November 15th: America Recycles Day

The US Environmental Protection Agency has set aside November 15^th as America Recycles Day! This is the day America can "recommit to recycling for the health of the planet."

Recycling is a very important part in reducing pollution, along with "reduce" and "reuse." Today, we are able to recycle many things, even electronics, but a lot of these items are still making their way into our landfills. Current recycling rates are remaining at about 33% of solid waste, which leaves more than 54% of solid waste in landfills. Keep in mind, the average American discards about 4.5 POUNDS of trash each day.

Some valuable items that we can recycle include:

• Glass bottles and Jars
  
• Plastic Detergent and Soda bottles
  
• Aluminum cans
  
• Paper containers and packaging
  
• Yard clippings
  
• Food scraps
  
• Electronic devices.
  

Schools across the nation are offering paper recycling bins to help recycle AND raise money for schools, so keep an eye out for those. Another important piece of information to remember: ONE can of soda can save enough energy to fuel your television for TWO HOURS!

EPA gives away $1.5 Million in Grants for Environmental Education

Through the 1990 National Environmental Act that gives the agency the authorization to support and create environmental education programs, the EPA awarded $1.5 million in Environmental Education grants this year. Among the recipients were The Native Wellness Institute of Portland, Oregon and the Island Institute of Rockland, Maine.

The Native Wellness Institute of Portland received over $100,000 to implement their "Native Youth Environment Warriors" project. This project will give environmental education and training to people in order for them to design and put into place environmental projects in their communities.

The Island Institute of Rockland received almost $124,000 for their "Energy for Maine" project. This project will allow discussions and analysis of renewable energy sources and provide education for energy efficiency.

The remaining recipients received money for projects that range from climate change and water quality in their communities and on a national level.