Sustainability


Genetically Engineered Microorganism Metabolizes Waste into Methane

A University of Arkansas researcher and his colleagues have created the first methane-producing microorganism that can metabolize complex carbon structures, which could lead to microbial recycling of waste products and their transformation into natural gas.

Mexican Governor Proposes Expansive LED Street Light Project

The governor of the Mexican state of Quintana Roo has proposed a project to replace 25,507 streetlights in the municipality of Othón P. Blanco with GE Evolve LED cobrahead street lights.

Tips for Greening Your Holidays, From Presents to Parties

Amid the holly and jolly, don't forget to be nice and not naughty when it comes to recycling during the holiday season.

Electric Company Releases Energy Savings Calculator App

WEG Electric Corp. has released an energy savings calculator application for BlackBerry smartphone devices. In just a few quick steps, the app calculates savings gained from utilizing WEG variable frequency drives (VFDs) and/or electric motors.

Downwind Coal Plant Pollution Affects Labor, Insurance, and Productivity Costs

Report sponsors say that the economic benefits, including health benefits, will far outweigh the costs of complying with EPA's proposed Transport Rule.

Deepwater Wind Energy Center to Supply Multiple East Coast States

Construction of the wind farm, which will be located in Rhode Island Sound, should start in 2014.

Artists rendering of the ferry

Hybrid Ferry Coming to New York City

A multimillion-dollar project is on its way to completion after Statue Cruises signed an agreement with aShipyards to complete the first hybrid ferry using hydrogen fuel by April 2011.

Groups to Study Effects of Water Efficient Plumbing

The Plumbing Efficiency Research Coalition and the Australasian Scientific Review of Reduction of Flows on Plumbing and Drainage Systems will collaborate on the research.



Microwave Cooking May be Most Efficient, EPRI Says

The Electric Power Research Institute compared the energy use of frozen food cooking in microwaves, toaster ovens, and conventional ovens.

Small-Scale Generator Runs on Used Motor Oil – With Low Emissions

Preliminary emissions testing of a small-scale waste-oil power generator have found that the system generates low emissions.

Watershed Academy Sets Webcast on Low Impact Development

North Carolina's LID certification program, which will be discussed in the webcast, may be replicated nationally.

Pace of Amazon Deforestation Reaches Lowest Rate Ever Recorded

Deforestation rates in the Brazilian Amazon declined 14 percent from August 2009 to July 2010, reaching the lowest rates ever recorded for the second consecutive year.

Arizona Cement Plant Earns Perfect Energy Efficiency Score for Third Year in a Row

The Salt River Materials Group’s Phoenix Cement Company Plant in Clarkdale, Ariz., achieved a perfect efficiency record for the third straight year.

Recycling Cups into New Ones Viable, Pilot Shows

International Paper and Mississippi River Pulp turn Starbucks Coffee cups into fiber suitable for use in new cups.

Lufthansa First Airline to Use Biofuel on Commercial Flights

In April 2011, Lufthansa will begin a six-month trial with an Airbus A321 engine that will use a 50-50 mix of biofuel and traditional kerosene.

Desertscape in New Mexico

Part 4: Prefurbia, Landscaping, and Pad Shaping

This is the fourth installment of a multi-part series on some of today's problems in land development and how innovative methods collectively known as "Prefurbia" can help overcome them.

Cornell Study Follows Nitrogen Runoff Clues to Tile Drainage on Farms

Possible solutions include installing wetlands to filter tile drainage, fertilizing fields in the spring, and planting winter crops.

United Water Developing Plan for Haverstraw, N.Y.

Pilot plant will help identify best ways to purify Hudson River water.

Natural Extracts Can Cut Chemical Additives in Food Processing

Green tea, grape seed, and bacteriocin extracts have been found to protect food against pathogen contamination in a University of Arkansas study on chicken and turkey hot dogs.

Slum image courtesy of GTZ Sustainable Sanitation Program

Sewage Cycle Could Clean up Slum Life, Pit Latrines in Tanzania

People-powered pump could help prevent spread of dysentery, cholera, and typhoid.