Archive for July, 2011

Jul
30

Sustainable Solar Power with Bio-based Materials

Posted by: admin  |  Posted in: Sustainability  |  Posted on: 07-30-2011

from SmartPlanet.com, published January 14, 2011
Original Article here »

Solar panels may be green, but they’re terrible for the environment.

That’s because they’re largely made with the same chemicals that computers and mobile phones are — you know, the ones that leak toxins in landfill.

David Lee thinks there’s a better way. The CEO of Los Angeles, Calif.-based BioSolar says his company’s approach — replacing petroleum-based plastic components with those made from renewable plant resources — won’t just make environmental sense, but it will save manufacturers money, too.

Read more »

Further Resources:

Connecticut Clean Energy Finance and Investment Authority

Connecticut Clean Energy Fund

Comments Off
Read More
Jul
22

Indonesia: Example of Sustainable Palm Oil

Posted by: admin  |  Posted in: Development, Sustainability  |  Posted on: 07-22-2011

The Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO), an international group that has taken the lead on developing standards for sustainable palm oil production, has applauded Indonesia for their efforts towards establishing sustainable palm oil practices in their country.

The RSPO article can be read here, or it is reprinted below.

Indonesia: Benchmark For Sustainable Palm Oil In Emerging Markets

Last updated 20 May 2011 – 2:36pm

RSPO applauds efforts made by Indonesian members towards sustainable palm oil

Jakarta, 19 May 2011 – The Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO), a multi-stakeholder organization that aims to develop and implement global standards for sustainable palm oil, reaffirmed today that as the world’s largest palm oil producer, Indonesia, is in a strong position to be a benchmark for new emerging markets to adopt sustainable practices.

The Secretary General of RSPO, Darrel Webber said that: “With around 3.7 million of its population involved in the palm oil agricultural sector that contributes 6-7% to the country’s GDP, Indonesia should be geared to inspire and blaze the trail for new frontiers such as Thailand; Central and West Africa (Liberia, Ghana, Cameroon, Nigeria, Congo); Latin and Central America (Columbia, Honduras, Ecuador, Brazil), in embracing sustainable standards despite the challenges faced.”

In Indonesia, 45% of palm oil is produced by small holders. One of the key challenges in Indonesia is the funding and technical support for smallholders in adopting sustainable standards. The role of the government and private sector is critical in this area.  “Capacity building for Indonesian smallholders is important so they are aware of the fact that sustainable palm oil is an inevitable future, both for national and international consumption.” Webber further reiterated.

Read the rest of this entry »

Comments Off
Read More