You've Got the Green Power!

EPA's Green Power Partnership is a voluntary program that supports organizations purchasing green power options. You can look at their Top Partner Rankings which highlights the annual green power purchases of leading organizations across the U.S. It is updated quarterly, so you can always see which companies are making large-scale efforts to power themselves with alternative energy options. It's interesting to see which companies are listed as well as which companies don't show up on the list. It's a quick way to see who os taking the lead in supporting alternative energy, because hwith so many companies out there making green claims, it's gettin' kinda hectic!

You've Got the Power!

Interested in learning more about green power options where you live? Check out the U.S. Department of Energy's Green Power Network. This great resource, operated and maintained by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, shows you which organizations in your state offer green power. It includes three different green power markets - utility green pricing programs, retail green power products offered in competitive electricity markets, and renewable energy certificate products sold separate from electricity. To learn more about these markets and about how you can help support green power options where you live, visit the Green Power Network!

Have Your CAKE With No Guilt!

The Sacramento-based band, CAKE, isn't just paying lip service to their support of renewable energy. They have taken matters into their own hands! CAKE's sixth album of original songs is being produced with 100% solar energy. The band had solar panels installed on their recording studio. You can even check out the process in a short video on their Web site, and the background music rocks!

Kelley Green Book

Many of us have relied on the Kelley Blue Book to find out the value of a used car or truck. Well, now the Kelley Blue Book folks have gone green! The new KBB Green section on their web site provides all sorts of information on hybrid diesel, biofuel and other alternative fuel vehicles. Have you been wondering whether it's worth it to trade in your clunker for a more fuel-efficient model? Answer a few simple questions and find out the upfront cost of trading in your car for a new one, how much money you'll save on fuel per month, and the time it will take for you to financially and emotionally break even. Yes, this site can even gauge your emotions! It also lets you know how many barrels of oil and metric tons of CO2 you's be saving the Earth. It's definitely a site worth checking out!

Neither Rain, Nor Sleet, Nor Global Warming...

Did you know that the U.S. Postal Service has the largest civilian alternative vehicle fleet in the nation? In fact, the USPS has been taking many steps towards greening their operations and helping others do the same. Many of their mailing and shipping supplies carry a Cradle to Cradle Certification (not yet an evaluated certification program) which looks at products' impacts on human and environmental health, recyclability, and energy and water demands. The USPS is also testing out several mailback programs that would help consumers responsibly dispose of electronics, compact fluorescent bulbs and unused prescription medications. Oh, and did we mention that they have postage stamps made with soy ink and are upgrading their buildings to reduce energy use? Their colors may be red, white and blue, but the U.S. Postal Service is looking quite green these days! For more information, check out Greener Choices With the U.S. Postal Service.

All About Biofuels

What is the difference between ethanol and biodiesel? What is E85? Should you worry that food prices will rise if corn is used for ethanol? Get answers to all of these and MUCH more with Fill 'er Up - A Grist Special Series on Biofuels! Learn why people are for it, why people are against it and then make your own informed decision!