Jobs that seek to improve the environment have grown 9.1 percent over the last decade, while all other job sectors have only increased by 3.7 percent. This is an encouraging statistic as the United States attempts to wean itself off of fossil fuels, however only a sliver of those jobs are actually in the clean energy production sector.
A recent study by Sara Pryor, an atmospheric scientist at Indiana University, showed that wind speeds in the United States have slowed since 1973.
As gas prices climb ever higher there is a growing demand for alternative energy sources, but mounting population numbers make the switch harder to accomplish than it might seem. Wind turbine farms are noisy and many people do not want them near their homes.
Second to the United States, Brazil produces most of the world’s ethanol. In early June, at the 2009 Ethanol Summit, about 150 scientists, producers and investors from around the world gathered in São Paulo to discuss the economic, social and environmental benefits of ethanol.
The possibility of national agriculture standards is closer following a recent meeting of a committee formed to develop a U.S. standard for sustainable agriculture. A National Sustainable Agriculture Standards Committee of 48 members gathered in Illinois in early June to review recommendations and address key issues to move forward with developing the national standards.
German-made Lavera Naturkosmetik products are set to be marketed in the U.S., following the company’s designation of Europe’s top green beauty products brand. Products will be sold at Target and CVS.
The U.S. Department of Labor has awarded $114 million in grants to 183 community groups for education and training, including numerous groups already involved in the government’s YouthBuild program. YouthBuild assists youths in obtaining high school diplomas or GEDs and occupational training in construction.
Safeway Inc., a nationwide supermarket chain, will now sell more locally grown produce and label it for customers to make conscientious selections.
Discovery’s Planet Green channel recently featured a Hypercar, designed and developed by the Rocky Mountain Institute. The Hypercar is designed to be an ultralight hybrid vehicle with low drag and exponentially more efficient than current passenger vehicles.
