Since 2000, America’s foremost environmental nonprofit dedicated to protecting the country’s landscapes and waterways has made it easy and affordable for individuals, corporations and entire communities to measure their carbon dioxide emissions and then offset those emissions by planting trees.
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Only ten years old this year, America Recycles Day (November 15) continues to focus the efforts of millions of Americans who have pledged to increase their recycling habits at home and work, as well as buy products made with recycled materials.

“Our slogan says is best: ‘It all comes back to you.’ Even a small shift in attitudes and actions, multiplied many times over by others accepting this challenge, can change the world,” said Kate Krebs, executive director of the National Recycling Coalition, the organization that founded and manages the national event. “Prior to the launch of America Recycles Day a decade ago, recycling awareness and actions were often fragmented and uncoordinated, at least on a national scale. Along with countless partners and community members, we’re proud of the focus we’ve helped bring to this issue.”

Why is recycling so important in the new millennium? Put simply, recycling is one the easiest ways to save energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions …and all of us can do it every day, not just on November 15th.

“The fact is that an increase in recycling at our homes and offices is a simple solution to the dramatic effects of climate change,” said Krebs. “People don’t need to buy a hybrid car or spend thousands of dollars to make their home energy efficient to help save our planet. All they have to do is place that bottle or newspaper in a recycling bin.”

www.nrc-recycle.org

The San Francisco-based company prides itself on developing products that remain intact for years, “outliving jobs, personal relationships, even pets.” Now there’s a new idea permeating the halls: protect the environment by keeping vinyl exhibit banners out of the trash.
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Here’s how it works:

Manufacturers declare their products’ conformance to an extensive set of environmental criteria in eight environmental performance categories (reduction/elimination of environmentally sensitive materials, materials selection, design for end of life, product longevity/life cycle extension, energy conservation, end of life management, corporate performance and packaging).

Products are then listed as Bronze, Silver or Gold on the EPEAT database at http://www.EPEAT.net. The Green Electronics Council (GEC), an independent non-profit organization, reviews products to ensure they meet the stated criteria. The review process can range from a thorough examination of supporting documents to a more aggressive physical disassembly of products to determine compliance.

“We are thrilled to see federal purchasing power promoting significant environmental improvements in the electronics industry,” GEC Director Jeff Omelchuck said at a press conference earlier this year. “We are even more thrilled to see how aggressively manufacturers are working to meet and exceed strong environmental standards.”

www.epeat.net

The University of California – San Diego, nestled along the Pacific Ocean on 1,200 acres of coastal woodland, recently embarked on a clean renewable energy campaign that offers significant long-term savings….using seawater.

“We’re undergoing record growth right now which also means our energy demands are on the rise,” said Gary C. Matthews, vice chancellor, Resource Management and Planning. “With size, complexity and growth challenges comparable to a small city, we see ourselves as a living laboratory for climate solutions. The seawater air-conditioning program is one example of how we intend to become a global model of sustainability for universities and communities across the world.”

The university will use cold seawater to supply cooling essential for air conditioning its facilities. An initial study of the nearby La Jolla underwater trench suggests a seawater cooling system could produce savings of $4 million a year and 100 million fresh water gallons per year.

The innovative system is currently in a pre-planning stage and is expected to go online in the 2011-2012 timeframe.

http://blink.ucsd.edu/go/sustainability