This week’s Green News Roundup has a variety of news articles focusing on sustainability-related issues from eco-friendly surfboards to electric FedEx delivery trucks and more.
As always, please feel free to send me any interesting stories that catch your eye to kasia@azbigmedia.com. Also visit AZ Green Scene for informative articles on green topics throughout the Valley and state. Learning more about the issues that affect us all will help lead us to a sustainable future.
Start-Ups Win With Plans to Displace Disposables
NURU Energy, a company that makes rechargeable lights and portable power generators designed to displace kerosene fuel used in off-grid villages in developing nations, took the grand prize at last weekend’s business-plan competition hosted by the William James Foundation. The Richard Heinberg Award for Sustainability went to EGG-Energy and Kwai won the Regional Prize.
Obama Bicycle Policy Wins Love From Cyclists, Scorn From Trucking Industry
Last month, Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood announced that the government is going to start giving bicycling and walking the same priority as cars in transportation planning and when choosing projects for federal money. It’s a controversial policy of course, but potentially a huge step in the world of environmentalism.
Green solutions as Earth Day turns 40
Next Thursday is the 40th anniversary of Earth Day, and CNN’s Green Solutions in Focus series is looking at solutions at issues affecting the planet. For instance, Vermont dairy farmers are experimenting with methods to reduce bovine greenhouse gas emissions…by increasing Omega-3 fatty acid in cows’ diets so that they burp less and produce more milk.
FedEx is geared up for electric delivery trucks
Next month, FedEx Corp. will be introducing four new trucks to its fleet. These trucks aren’t like their conventional delivery vehicles, though – they are all-electric. An interest in reducing reliance on fossil fuels isn’t new to the company, which began using a hybrid truck in 2004. The new electric trucks will roll out in Los Angeles.
For eco-friendly surfboard shapers, more kelp in the lineup
Though surfing is often seen as an almost spiritual-like release for its aficianados, surfboards are actually wreaking havoc on the environment. The materials used to make surfboards will take generations to biodegrade, so you’d think a new movement of entrepreneurs hoping to find a more eco-friendly solution would be a breath of fresh air for the industry, but you’d be wrong. Instead, those trying to find a formula for surfboards that will be better for the environment are feeling some opposition.
