Going Green Blog

A new homophobic
ad will soon be hitting the airwaves on channels
like CNN, Fox News, and MSNBC, though some are calling it
laughably bad.

The Rhode Island
chapter of the National Organization for Marriage has
two new members: the governor of Rhode Island and his wife.

In this new book, brand expert Richard Seireeni interviewed over two dozen “ecopreneurs” from a broad range of industries — home improvement, transportation, household products, food and beverage, energy, real estate, finance, and fashion — to offer a rich source of wisdom for green businesses getting off the ground or for any business aiming to improve its environmental performance.

A sweeping plan to upgrade the Empire State Building for energy efficiency was detailed this week at a presentation at the iconic New York structure. GreenerBuildings.com Executive Editor Rob Watson attended the ceremony.

For all the aiding and abetting taking place on behalf of the automobile industry — the transfusions, the transformations and the TLC — one thing remains constant: It’s all about the cars. The quest, as just about everyone sees it, is to figure out how Detroit automakers and their global competitors can build smart, compelling and reliable vehicles that appeal both to our pragmatism and passions — and do so profitably and more ecologically. That’s the basic drill, right?

Organizations with a formal sustainability management system have to deal with corrective and preventive actions. Most management systems aficionados are well aware of the need to engage in corrective actions. However, the preventive actions are often relegated to a position of less importance. That’s not the best of moves, writes Robert Pojasek.

The Hantz Group wants to develop up to 10,000 acres of underutilized and vacant land in downtown Detroit — almost a 10th of the city’s 143-square-mile area — and turn it into a mixture of cash crop land, ornamental gardens, and riding trails.

The city of San Francisco’s food composting program has reaped huge dividends in reducing waste, helping local farmers grow high-quality food, and brings its bounty back to the area’s residents.

The companies are collaborating on a two-seater vehicle, called PUMA, that’s all-electric, hits up to 35 mph and travel 35 miles on one charge.

Pro sports is going for green in a big way this spring: The Atlanta Braves and Coca-Cola Enterprises are making a strong pitch for recycling. The American Airlines Arena, home of the Miami Heat, and the Philips Arena, the lair of the Atlanta Hawks, Thrashers and the Dream, have won LEED certification. And NBA players are planting trees and chatting with kids about the virtues of environmental responsibility.