Sustainability

Allan Savory: How to green the desert and reverse climate change | Video on TED.com

via www.ted.com

Important read for everyone!

Cree LED Mimics Incandescent's Shape And Low Price (Kinda) | Earthtechling

As the incandescent light bulb draws closer to its final hour here in the United States, more of us are switching to more energy-efficient alternatives. A recent Slyvania survey found that most Americans look forward to the phase out, and in anticipation, at least 10 percent have switched to LEDs.

via www.earthtechling.com

Finally breaking the $10 mark! That's awesome. And it's a NC company!

Pope Benedict XVI: The 'Green' Pope And His Eco-Legacy | Earthtechling

Dubbed “the Green Pope” for his interest in environmental issues, Benedict XVI helped to author several books that share his views on the real meaning of progress and development, and what that means for our planet of limited resources. In 2009, Ten Commandments for the Environment was released by Ave Maria Press. In it, journalist Woodeene Koenig-Bricker weaves together Pope Benedict’s key statements on environmental justice, and offers commentary that helps to unpack the “Ten Commandments for the Environment,” which had only recently been released by the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace. Then in 2012, Pope Benedict published The Environment, which shares his thoughts on everyone’s right to food, right to water and responsible sharing.

via bit.ly

Regardless of your religious, or secular, leanings this is an interesting look at Pope Benedict's sustainability record.

Photo Gallery: Solar Energy from Africa - SPIEGEL ONLINE - International

The left square, labelled "world," is around the size of Austria. If that area were covered in solar thermal power plants, it could produce enough electricity to meet world demand. The area in the center would be required to meet European demand. The one on the right corresponds to Germany's energy demand.

via bit.ly

This is an even better "showzample" of the amount of solar thermal power plants needed to power the world. And yes, I just made up the word showzample. Bang!

Total Solar Scenario For Earth, With Room To Spare | Earthtechling

How much land would we have to cover with solar panels in order to meet all our electricity needs? In a way, it’s a thought experiment, since (a) there are plenty of clean energy options in addition to solar that we can use, so we don’t need to get all our electricity from the sun; and (b) we’re going to need other sources of energy because, after all, the sun goes down at night.

But while the idea of fully electrifying the planet with solar is kind of silly, a study pointing out the relatively small amount of land it would take to pull it off does emphasize how easily PV could become a substantial power contributor – despite the fact it now accounts for just 0.1 percent of global electricity generation.

via bit.ly

Don't think solar is a viable option for clean energy? Think again.

Top 5 Green Gadgets Revealed At CES 2013 | Earthtechling

Well, another International Consumer Electronics Show is in the books. This annual event is a mecca for technology lovers, with many top companies waiting to unveil their best and most intriguing products to the show’s enthusiastic attendees. Didn’t have the chance to be among their number this year? No worries, we’ve rounded up the top five gadgets that use green energy, materials, or help us to conserve valuable resource without sacrificing style or function.

via bit.ly

We get to be consumers AND be sustainable? Awesome!

Lighter Living: The Rise of the Modern Nomad

By Symon Hill and Anna Simpson

On-the-go access to energy and communications is changing our relationship to the world around us.

via bit.ly

Our students are already living somewhat of a nomad life, going back and forth between home, school, summer internships and study abroad. It will be interesting to see if they continue to embrace that lifestyle after graduation.

Bikes for People, Planet and Profit: sustainability at its best | Bay Bikers: The Bay Area's bicycle blog | an SFGate.com blog CmfThirdPartyHeader - SFGate

Have you noticed the words “sustainable” and “sustainability” everywhere? They’ve made their way into popular culture – in magazines, on billboards and well, toilet paper packaging. But what do they mean and why should we care?

In the world of business, “Sustainability” is the new Corporate Social Responsibility. Its efforts affect a set of measurements known as the “triple bottom line”:

People. Planet. Profit.

via blog.sfgate.com

Another reason everyone on campus should check out our campus bike shop! It's a great place to rent bikes, get minor tune-ups/repairs, and learn about all the places we can easily bike to from campus!

How Many Times Can These Common Materials Be Recycled? - Earth911.com

If you have curbside pickup for recyclables at your home, you probably have a general idea of what materials can be recycled. Some products like glass and paper can go into your bin without much thought. Other materials like unusual plastics can be a little trickier.

Have you ever wondered, though, how many times the items you throw into the recycling bin have already been to the recycling center? Some materials have probably made many trips, while others have made none. Keep reading to test your recycling knowledge and find out how many times common materials can be recycled and what unique ways they find new life.

via earth911.com

I didn't know a lot of these facts. Always good to learn something new!!

50+ Ways to Green Your Workday - Earth911.com

You already reduce, reuse and recycle your way to a low-waste home. But it can be easy to let your green habits fall by the wayside when you’re out of the house. To help you take your eco-consciousness with you to the office, Earth911 raided our archives and compiled this list of more than 50 tips to green your workday. Give a few a try this week to start a low-waste revolution in your workplace.

via earth911.com

So many of Guilford's employees are already doing lots of these!