Green Buzz

A combination of better energy efficiency, low carbon fuel switching and green power helped Abbott meet its 2011 climate change goal two years early.

A monastery in Madison, Wisconsin, that earned LEED-Platinum certification and a solar-powered Mormon meetinghouse in Utah are the latest examples of houses of worship that adhere to principles of sustainable design.

Is BPA safe? Neither scientists, government regulators, nor corporations can come to an agreement. But recent news from General Mills and Coca-Cola suggest that a resolution is drawing close.

Mattel will be allowed to use an addition two of its in-house laboratories in place of third-party labs to meet federal toy testing regulations.
 

The latest Green Confidence Index study finds a modest growth in consumer attitudes toward green purchases, as well as corporations and politicians.

Two landmark private sector initiatives are models for the development green chemistry -- and demonstrate how a robust federal initiative could speed the realization of  a green chemistry future.

This new Lloyd's 360 Risk Insight report says businesses must act now in the face of diminishing water supplies. The report, produced in conjunction with the WWF, looks at the issue of water scarcity and its impact on business.

The smart grid is about multi-decade utility industry transformation. It’s a process that will ultimately encompass everything from "source to socket,” and all that happens from generation to consumer. Just how will it affect the environment?

Despite economic conditions over the past year and the failure of the Climate Accord to reduce uncertainty at the international level, the manufacturing industry continues to internalize carbon as a compliance focus and a cost of doing business. Sustainability is also increasing in significance across the manufacturing community in response to multiple stakeholders and regulators.

Companies say that regulatory requirements are now a more important factor driving corporate sustainability initiatives while the competitive advantage provided by such initiatives are viewed as less important, according to a new report.

Looking to tap into the popularity of contest-based reality shows, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is staging its version of "The Biggest Loser" -- a competition to see which commercial building can shed the most energy waste and be declared the most efficient in the country.

Walmart has started testing products it will sell to see how much of the toxic chemical cadmium they contain.
 

Not so long ago, environmental activists in India targeted PepsiCo and other beverage companies for consuming excessive groundwater in local communities. PepsiCo is striving to make a difference by reducing its water use and helping communities secure clean water.

A number of companies are working on kite-based wind-power technologies, including Windlift, which has gotten financial support from a surprising corner: The U.S. military.

A restaurant is claiming to be the first in the world to carbon footprint everything it serves.

Changes in regulatory policy can go a long way to speed transition to a future of green chemistry. Today's post, Part 3 of a four-part series on green chemistry, looks at moves to strengthen laws on toxic chemicals.

The California Department of Toxic Substances Control has completed an outline for how the state's Green Chemistry Initiative will declare chemicals to be chemicals of concern, how it will deal with products that contain those chemicals and when it will restrict or ban chemicals.
 

The two huge Washington bureaucracies are engaged in a long-term tug-of-war over the food safety legislation making its way through Congress. Which agency wins will have wide-ranging effects on how the U.S. produces and consumes food.

The case for increased, organized, public and private sector investment in green chemistry is compelling. This post, the second of a four-part series, lay out a game plan for accelerating acceptance and development of green chemistry.

Claiming carbon neutrality, 100 percent recycled content, a Cradle to Cradle certification, and manufactured using 100 percent renewable energy, the new Satino Black may be marking new territory for green consumer products.