Welcome back for another edition of green news of the week featuring various stories from around the blogosphere that we wanted to share.  This weeks’ highlight’s: Coca-Cola’s billboard goes green, 10 eco-friendly bikes, 25% of global power is from renewable energy resources, recycling refrigerators and reusable notepads.  If you see a headline that interests you, just click on it to read the full article.

Greening Urban Landscapes With “Eco-Friendly” Billboards
Bravo to Coca-Cola who has introduced a green billboard as part of their CSR and sustainability initiatives. The 60-by-60-foot sign is comprised mostly of living plants, which absorb carbon dioxide. Imagine how much businesses would be helping the environment if they all developed policies that incorporated a ‘green billboard’ concept.  Even advertising can better the planet.  Plus it looks totally cool.

10 Green bikes that have non-metallic frames
Greener transportation is at the forefront for many eco-enthusiasts.  Walk, bike, take public transport, carpool, anything you can do to help reduce carbon emissions and decrease our reliance on fossil fuels is a positive step toward a more sustainable future.  Biking is great because promotes both physical health and the health of the environment.  If you’re a cycling fan, check out this article for 10 unique eco-friendly bikes.

Renewable Energy Reaches 25% of Global Energy Capacity
Renewable energy sources like solar, water, wind, biomass/biofuels and geothermal, supplied an estimated 25% of global energy consumption according to the REN21 Renewables 2011 Global Status Report.  Renewable energy policies and incentives continue to be the driving force behind the continued growth.

DTE Energy Recycles 35,000th Refrigerator as Part of a Home Energy Efficiency Program That Pays Customers $40 Reward
“DTE Energy is offering to pay customers $40 to recycle their old refrigerators and freezers, as part of the company’s Appliance Recycling Program. The program, which is part of the Your Energy Savings initiative at DTE Energy, has recycled 35,000 older refrigerators and freezers since it began in 2009. All of the recycled collected appliances are taken apart at a recycling plant in Livonia, operated by JACO Environmental. Ninety five percent of the materials in the refrigerators are recycled, and various hazardous materials properly handled.”

Lustables: The Ceramic Notepad
One thing all of us can do to help reduce waste is to cut down on unnecessary paper use.  Start with a more sustainable approach to taking notes?  The ceramic notepad from YoYo ceramics  enables you to take notes and wash them off with a damp cloth or a quick cycle through the dishwasher with your regular dishes.  Consider adding this handy reusable ceramic notepad to your sustainable lifestyle.

And that’s our short list of green news this week.  I hope you found some of the articles interesting and/or helpful.  Until next week, happy green news reading.

July 27, 2011