http://www.civilizednation.com/news/ Environmentally Sustainable and Socially Responsible Practices en-us http://www.civilizednation.com/news/cat_index_26.shtml#2040 In addition to contributing to a healthier learning environment, high-performance schools are expected to reduce energy costs. A school in Spokane built in compliance with the protocol estimates its annual energy savings at about $40,000 a year. http://www.civilizednation.com/news/cat_index_26.shtml#2039 Sprouting Healthy Kids combines the efforts of farm marketing, community and youth gardening to increase direct access to nutritious food by empowering school children to grow food in their school gardens and by incorporating local farm produce into the school cafeteria. http://www.civilizednation.com/news/cat_index_27.shtml#2038 METHOD PRODUCTS has made a name for itself by selling household cleaners in sleek packages with an eco-friendly message and a hip corporate vibe. This week the company, which is based in San Francisco, introduced its biggest advertising push to date, a campaign called Detox Your Home. http://www.civilizednation.com/news/cat_index_27.shtml#2037 The latest biodiesel innovation — processed restaurant trap grease — keeps Cory Suters white Volkswagen pickup running. Same for the Krapf buses for the Great Valley school district, all normal diesel vehicles. http://www.civilizednation.com/news/cat_index_29.shtml#2032 Google and Pacific Gas & Electric have unveiled their vision of a future in which cars and trucks are partly powered by the countrys electric grids, and vice versa. The companies displayed on Monday six Toyota Prius and Ford Escape hybrid vehicles modified to run partly on electricity from the power grid, allowing the vehicles to go up to 75 miles on a gallon of gas, nearly double the number of miles of a regular hybrid. They also modified one vehicle to give electricity back to the power company. http://www.civilizednation.com/news/cat_index_29.shtml#2035 Professor Despommier lists many advantages of this revolutionary kind of agriculture. They include: Year round crop production in a controlled environment All produce would be organic as there would be no exposure to wild parasites and bugs Elimination of environmentally damaging agricultural runoff Food being produced locally to where it is consumed http://www.civilizednation.com/news/cat_index_26.shtml#2028 To qualify as a green school, students and staff are encouraged to evaluate the schools campus and practices to find room for improvement. They also are encouraged to incorporate environmental learning into the classroom on topics such as water pollution, conserving energy, reducing waste or improving habitat for wildlife. http://www.civilizednation.com/news/cat_index_26.shtml#2027 According to the United States Department of Agriculture, there are actually three levels of organic: 1. Products made entirely with certified organic ingredients and methods can be labeled 100 percent organic. 2. Products with 95 percent organic ingredients can use the word organic. Both may also display the USDA organic seal. 3. Products containing a minimum of 70 percent organic ingredients can be labeled made with organic ingredients. http://www.civilizednation.com/news/cat_index_27.shtml#2034 Since the start of the year, the small but growing pool of funds specializing in renewable energy have posted solid returns, in many cases beating the pants off the S&P 500. http://www.civilizednation.com/news/cat_index_27.shtml#2023 Search engine giant Google and US semiconductor firm Intel have thrown their weight behind a massive scheme to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. The ambitious plan sets out an industry-wide target to cut the amount of energy computers consume by 2010. http://www.civilizednation.com/news/cat_index_26.shtml#2036 Five facilities operated by the University of Massachusetts Amhersts auxiliary services department have qualified for the (OS1) Green Certified Cleaning Program, the premier recognition given to organizations dedicated to cleaning for health and reducing environmental harm. http://www.civilizednation.com/news/cat_index_26.shtml#2031 MTV Networks International has launched MTV Switch, a youth-focused, global multiplatform campaign created to help slow down the acceleration of global warming. With a mixture of public-service announcements (PSAs), television programming and online resources, the campaign aims to promote environmentally friendly lifestyle choices among youth. http://www.civilizednation.com/news/article_2025.shtml Enterprises environmental stewardship platform includes several long-term initiatives, among them a fleet of fuel-efficient and alternative-fuel vehicles, as well as a commitment to fund research into alternative fuels. http://www.civilizednation.com/news/article_2026.shtml The 300 green financial centers will reduce energy use by at least 20 percent, decreasing harmful greenhouse gas emissions by 6,000 tons per year -- the equivalent of taking 1,200 cars off the road or planting 140,000 tree seedlings. The new buildings will consume 25 percent less water than traditionally built branches and provide a healthier, more productive environment for customers and employees through use of low-toxin building materials and better indoor air quality. http://www.civilizednation.com/news/cat_index_27.shtml#2022 New Yorks yellow taxis will go hybrid in five years, in an effort to cut air pollution and tackle climate change, Mayor Michael Bloomberg has said. http://www.civilizednation.com/news/cat_index_27.shtml#2020 Galactic Pizza emphasizes environmental sustainability and protection in its business practices, uses organic and locally grown ingredients when possible, and donates a small portion of its profit to hunger relief and other charities. http://www.civilizednation.com/news/cat_index_27.shtml#2018 Socially conscious investors whose holdings include PowerShares WilderHill Clean Energy Fund (PBW) have been reaping the benefits of the recent interest in alternative energies. http://www.civilizednation.com/news/cat_index_26.shtml#2015 The students unveiled their projects Thursday as Progress Energy unveiled solar photovoltaic panels to power the schools concession stand and press box. The solar electric systems, which are state funded with private partnerships, are designed to teach the importance of clean energy sources and provide top-notch science education. http://www.civilizednation.com/news/cat_index_26.shtml#2014 Nine elementary and high schools in the Alta Loma, Hesperia, and San Bernardino Unified School Districts are participating in the program to substitute energy-efficient compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) for conventional incandescent bulbs in students homes. http://www.civilizednation.com/news/cat_index_27.shtml#2013 Republican Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, who developed a powerhouse international career in action films and body building, now appears to be exporting a new Arnold product: a signature blend of California conservatism that has growing appeal to political leaders in other countries.