Going Green Features

Aquatic Robot to Monitor Climate Changes Aquatic Robot to Monitor Climate Changes A submarine robot and weather balloons have been sent off the coast of Peru. The aim of the experiment is to monitor climate changes in the southwest Pacific Ocean.
Toxic Chemicals in Your Home? Find Out Why You Should be Concerned Toxic Chemicals in Your Home? Find Out Why You Should be Concerned NBC takes a close look at toxins within the home that we should be aware of. Plus, we take an insider look at how Americans compare to Europeans in terms of health standards.
Why Soybeans Have a Direct Impact on the Economy Why Soybeans Have a Direct Impact on the Economy What does Nebraska's soybean crop have to do with the state of the nation's economy? One NBC reporter talked to some farmers to find out.
Brazil Charged with Accounts of Deforestation Brazil Charged with Accounts of Deforestation Brazilian government has topped the list of illegal loggers in the Amazon Rain Forest. Brazil's Environmental Ministry, which is pointing blame toward the government, said they could potentially face criminal charges for their actions.

Going Green News

Weather Measurements Help Military with Air Drops Weather Measurements Help Military with Air Drops

Apparently it does take a weatherman to know which way the wind blows. The military has improved the accuracy of its airdrops of supplies and other materials by up to 70 percent, thanks to technology developed by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Going Green News
Cleaner Burning Fireplaces

People around the country are beginning to notice the first signs of winter approaching: leaves are beginning to change colors, nights are longer, and colder; the days are shorter and cooler. It's the time of the year many Americans begin to use fireplaces. For many, the one-time central feature of the home is used simply for ambiance, rather than heat.
Berlin's Half-Bicycle, Half-Vehicle Invention

A new invention is being shown off on Berlin streets: the Erok-it. It's a new kind of vehicle that looks like a mix between a bicycle and a motorcycle. But the truth is, it's neither.
U.S. Drought Shows Signs of Improvement

Areas of the country that have been experiencing drought conditions for months, if not years, are showing some signs of improvement, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said.
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Study Examines Climate Change impact on Fall Foliage Study Examines Fall Foliage & Climate Change
Could climate change dull the blazing palette of New England's fall foliage? The answer could have serious implications for one of the region's signature attractions, which draws thousands of "leaf peepers" every autumn.
The Revolutionary "Bag Movement"
While nationwide efforts are under way to help change the environment for the better, one Florida woman is looking to change the environment on a global scale. And she's looking to do it one bag at a time.
London Opens Doors to Eco-Design Fashion
London is taking the next step toward going green. And this time, it involves fashion. Designers in London are creating environmentally-friendly pieces of clothing.
Riding Green and Naked
You might not recognize her here but put her on a bike, take away her clothes, and dozen of 911 callers from around Portland would know exactly who she was.
The Climate Clock is Ticking... The Climate Clock is Ticking...
R.K. Pachauri, winner of the Nobel Peace Prize with Al Gore, said the Earth has a short time left to try and reverse its actions. Pachauri explained, in a news conference, that the effects of global warming are becoming more serious.
Haircuts that Help the Environment
For some people, there's nothing like a great haircut to make them feel good. But for one Texas salon, looking great is just just the beginning.
Kangaroo Burgers?
A new study out in Australia says eating kangaroos instead of cows and sheep would dramatically reduce that country's output of greenhouse gases.
Getting on Board with Electric Cars
What do a Honda accord, a Mitsubishi truck, and a Fiat convertible have in common? They are all electric vehicles converted from gasoline by a husband and wife team in Lake Wylie, South Carolina.
How Power Plants are Helping the Environment How Power Plants are Helping the Environment
Today, one power plant in eastern Germany became the first of its kind: environmentally-friendly. Germany holds the world's first coal-fired power plant that is able to capture and store its own carbon dioxide emissions.
Recycling Rewards
There's money in that North Miami garbage, starting in January. Kevin Burns, North Miami's popular mayor is at it again.
Going Green on the Dance Floor
For many, becoming an environmentally-conscious person starts with minor changes. But for others, going green is a lifestyle. In fact, a new nightclub in the Netherlands is hoping to achieve environmental goals at a larger scale. The toilets use rainwater and the cups used are recyclable.
Lawnmowers to Reduce 35% in Emissions
Gasoline-powered lawnmowers blamed for summertime air pollution will have to be cleaner under new rules from the Environmental Protection Agency. The regulation issued Thursday requires a 35 percent reduction in emissions from new lawn and garden equipment powered by engines under 25 horsepower.
Ice Caps Melting Fast Ice Caps Melting Fast
In recent months, more disturbing evidence has been uncovered about the rate of melting ice in Northern Canada.
Save a Little Green by Going Green
For many, summertime is enjoyed well-spent in a cool backyard pool after a long day of soaking in the sun. But for many who own pools, these summer luxuries come with the tough task of maintaining them.
Good for You, Good for the Planet
More and more companies are turning their businesses to be more environmentally friendly these days.
The "Grease to Greece" Trip
A group of ambitious travelers ventured from London to Greece on merely a tank of grease. The ten day excursion covered more than 1,800 miles by using only 92 gallons of cooking oil.
"Junk Sailing" for a Cause
Two men have set out to sail from California to Hawaii on a boat made of garbage...literally. Joel Paschal and Marcus Eriksen made the boat from scratch out of plastic bottles and old airplane parts.
The Anti-Hog?
As motorcycle racing takes off, a silicon valley company is jumping into the game with a green perspective.
Bike Trip Around the World
Aaron Hicks and Jessica Kapicka rolled into Lawrenceville, Georgia late Friday afternoon from Athens, Georgia. Their bicycle journey began in their hometown of Charleston, South Carolina last week. But it is where they are headed that is mind boggling.
Green Hotel Key Cards
During the 2008 Democratic Convention, Denver hotels like the Sheraton are going against the grain by using cards made entirely of wood.
Bike Trip Around the World Bike Trip Around the World
It's an extraordinary trip to draw attention to the global energy crisis; two people from South Carolina are planning to ride their bicycles around the world.
Water expert slams biofuels at global conference
The winner of the Stockholm Water Prize on Monday slammed the growing use of biofuels and urged people to eat less meat -- to help cut the amount of water used in food production.
How Companies are Working to Recylce Used Electronics
With all the recent advances in hand-held electronics, consumers are buying new and improved devices well before their old ones have run out of use. Perfectly good gadgets are being trashed everyday instead of being recycled for reuse. But in fact, recycling electronics is becoming more of a convenient process than you might think.
Riding Non-Partisan
It's touted as a non-partisan way to get around town, and its free. Minneapolis and St. Paul will share 1,000 bicycles during the Republican National Convention.
Green Classrooms Green Classrooms
Most kids aren't excited about attending school but how about a school of the future?
No More Phonebooks
Omni Hotels is closing the book on the phone book era. The chain said in order to save energy and a few trees, the hotel will recycle all of the Yellow Pages from the guest rooms.
Reusing Rain: Felony or Eco-Friendly?
While most people don't consider falling rain drops to be state-owned property, but in Utah this is just the case. A person is considered to be breaking the law if they capture rain falling on their own roof and pour it onto their flower bed.
Water Shortages Across China Point to Beijing
Reports of water shortages across China have made critics even more skeptical of the Beijing Olympics. The city of Beijing's fountains are full of water, and the city's parks are lush and green. But miles away in China's Hebei province, the region is undergoing a chronic water shortage.
Termite Biofuel? Termite Biofuel?
Termites...these unwanted house guests may one day play a role in gassing up your car. The pests are so good at breaking down wood, scientists at the U.S. Department of Energy's Joint Genome Institute in Walnut Creek want to mimic that process to produce liquid bio fuels.
Rvs Going Green
Summer is the best time for outdoors enthusiasts to head out to the campgrounds for the weekend, staying in campers, tents or some other recreational vehicle. But for one camper, time spent in the nature should be enjoyed to the fullest.
Surfing Going Green?
Often times, learning something new means swallowing your pride. And sometimes, a little saltwater too. However surf instructor Torrey Trust says becoming a teacher can be just as humbling.
Olympic-Inspired China Going Green
A week before the start of the Summer Olympics, Beijing's typically dull gray, polluted sky is noticeably brighter today -- a rare sunlit blue with swirling clouds. The city's polluted air has been among the biggest worries for Olympic organizers, prompting the government to take drastic measures. The effort may be paying off.
Hard Proof: Water Confirmed on Mars Water on Mars Confirmed
The Phoenix spacecraft has tasted Martian water for the first time, scientists reported Thursday. By melting icy soil in one of its lab instruments, the robot confirmed the presence of frozen water lurking below the Martian permafrost. Until now, evidence of ice in Mars' north pole region has been largely circumstantial.
Anheuser-Busch Going Green
Anheuser-Busch announced plans for its going green efforts that would allow beer to be brewed through the use of renewable energy. By 2009, Anheuser-Busch plans to have one in every twelve-ounce beers being brewed by the use of renewable fuel. This would come out to nearly five billion environmentally friendly beers.
Seattle Approves Disposable Grocery Bag Fee
Another U.S. city is making a big push to get rid of plastic bags. Starting next year, shoppers at Seattle stores will have to bring their own bags to carry their purchases home or face a 20 cent per bag fee.
Renewable Energy on the Rise
Some are wondering whether Wall Street can keep up its climb this week. The nation's third largest investment bank and two marquee technology stocks reported poor results after trading ended on Thursday.
Dolphins Swim Toward NJ Residential Banks Dolphins Continue To Swim Inward Toward NJ Residential Banks
Several weeks ago, a pod of dolphins was first spotted in the Shrewsbury River in northern New Jersey. While this was not a first for the area, nobody would have guessed they would stay this long.
Gyms Going Green
Imagine how good it feels to simultaneously do something good for yourself and for the environment. At one Florida gym, members and staff are doing just that.
Hiring Goats for NYC Jobs
A New York City borough is getting chewed out as weed-eating goats go to work on Staten Island. The National Park Service has employed about a dozen goats clear brush at Fort Wadsworth, a historic military site on Staten Island. Goats can eat up to 20% of their body weight in a day, with their favorite food being poison ivy.
Manatees and their Dependence on Power Plants
To many, manatees are the symbol of Florida wildlife. Ironically, some of the easiest places to see manatees are in artificial habitats created by large factories and power generating utilities. Water used to cool the generators attracts manatees seeking refuge from the chilly winter ocean temperatures. But the power plants are aging.
New Evidence Further Proves Life on Mars Life on Mars
While life on Mars has long been thought of as fiction, the world of science may be about to make it a fact. New pictures of Mars provide the clearest evidence yet, that what we now know as the Red Planet, may have once been etched in blue.
Gore Offers Ambitious Climate Change Goal
Al Gore is challenging the nation to produce every kilowatt of electricity through wind, sun and other Earth-friendly energy sources within 10 years, an audacious goal he hopes the next president will embrace.
Hybrids for NYC Taxi Fleet
Three major auto manufacturers are promising to reserve 300 new hybrid vehicles each month exclusively for New York City as it replaces its entire fleet of yellow cabs. New city regulations require that any new cab coming into service after Oct. 1, 2008, achieve a fuel efficiency standard of 25 miles per gallon.
Going Solar
A manageable electric bill that only costs you $25 per month is possible, but with a little extra effort. In Florida, a man is using the latest solar technology to power his home.
New Study Released About Global Warming New Study Released About Global Warming
They the are living animals under the sea responsible for the survival of 25% of all oceanic species. They are coral reefs, and one-third of them are facing extinction by the year 2050.
Kangaroos in a Land Not So Down Under
You no longer need to go to the "land down under" to watch furry Kangaroos hop around the Australian outback. Finding the largest assembly of kangaroos outside of Australia is only a short trip down to Dawsonville, Georgia.
Suburban Coyotes
In some suburban neighborhoods, residents are not too thrilled about their new four-legged neighbors. For decades, coyotes have been moving east into suburbs, no longer only making them icons of just the wild wild west.
The Rise of Hyrdogen Cars
The Nissan-Renault auto alliance has won the support of the Portuguese government for its efforts to demonstrate that a mass market for electric cars is possible. The Portuguese government says it will help develop a national network of recharging sites and will encourage the adoption of zero-emission vehicles by offering tax breaks for those who buy them.
Eiffel Tower Going Green Eiffel Tower Going Green
One of the most famous landmarks in the world is on a mission to go green. The Eiffel Tower is set to undergo a $267 million makeover in order to promote more environmentally-friendly efforts. Directors want the result to be a more green landmark.
Electric "Zap" Cars Start to See More Use
Three-wheeled electric cars may seem a bit unrealistic for today's SUV world, but with gas prices on the rise, consumers are looking toward gas-free cars for relief from the pumps.
Ehtanol Plants Offer Food and Fuel Package
With the sky-rocketing rise in corn prices, some ethanol producers have been forced to shut down their plants. ICM, however, has come up with a way for ethanol producers to diversify and create food along with fuel.
Growing Trend of Biking to Work
Any number of American cities and towns could be, and in some cases are, following the example of Portland, Oregon, a place where what works is good old fashioned pedal power.
Changing Offices to Save on Commuting Costs Changing Offices to Save on Commuting Costs
With gas now well over four dollars a gallon, driving to work is getting expensive and many Americans are looking for cheaper ways to commute. That's sparked new interest in telework...working at another office that's closer to your home.
China Algae Outbreak Threatens Olympic Games
A Florida company is hoping its product can help end an algae outbreak plaguing waterways in Beijing that could affect the sailing venue for the 2008 Olympic Games.
Protecting our Nation's Coastline
Over half of the nation's population lives along the coast, while many others visit the ocean each year. Yet, few Americans are aware that the health of our oceans is at risk; nor do they realize that they have a significant role to play in keeping the oceans clean.
Report: Toyota to equip Prius with Solar Panels
Japan's Toyota Motor Corp. plans to add solar panels to its popular Prius hybrid early next year to power the vehicle's air conditioning, a newspaper report said on Monday.
Are Taxis Going Green? Are Taxis Going Green?
Copenhagen, Denmark is claiming to be the world's greenest city. And with the results shown so far, this statement may in fact not be too far from the truth. City officials in Copenhagen are pushing for local taxis to become more environmentally friendly.
Energy Savings during the Summer
With the rising price of gasoline, and talk by some energy companies of higher utility costs, the amount you pay to cool down your home and light up your rooms is going to increase. However, you can save some money and energy this summer, especially with your air conditioner.
Oregon State Sends Solar Car to Race
t hasn't gotten any highway miles yet, but engineering students at Oregon State hope to race a 600-pound vehicle made of fiberglass, silicon wafers, carbon and titanium from Texas to Canada starting this month.
Mechanic Gets 110 mpg
An auto mechanic in Ohio has perfected an engine developed by his grandfather 60 years ago, squeezing out the maximum amount of power for a minimum amount of gas. The engine gives his 1987 mustang 110 miles to the gallon.
Penguin Woes Signal Sea Problems Penguin woes signal sea problems
The dwindling march of the penguins is signaling that the world's oceans are in trouble, scientists now say. Penguins may be the tuxedo-clad version of a canary in the coal mine, with generally ailing populations from a combination of global warming, ocean oil pollution, depleted fisheries, and tourism and development, according to a new scientific review paper.
Climate Extreme Weather to Increase
Droughts will get dryer, storms will get stormier and floods will get deeper with changing climate, a government research report said Thursday. The report said events that have seemed relatively rare will become commonplace.
Making Solar Panels Affordable
A California company is now offering low-cost solar panels - and letting people pay gradually for their solar purchase, because the initial cost of $20,000 or more is, for many, just too hefty.
Electric Scooter
They are 100 percent electric, have no emissions and can save you hundreds of dollars in gas money. It's an electric scooter that busts gas bills. Jennifer Rivera has more.
Golden Bridge Being Given Golden Gate's "Green" Makeover
The most famous site in San Francisco, California is in the process of going green. Managers of the Golden Gate Bridge say they are determined to leave a small carbon footprint of the famous thoroughfare.
Toyota Promises Plug-in Hybrid
Toyota is introducing a plug-in hybrid with next-generation lithium-ion batteries in Japan, the U.S. and Europe by 2010, under a widespread strategy to be green outlined Wednesday.
Climate Change Benefiting Jellyfish?
Most species are threatened by global warming, but that's not the case for the jellyfish. The jellyfish population is actually benefiting from this climate change. Video included in this report.
Polar Bear listed as threatened species
The Interior Department declared the polar bear a threatened species Wednesday because of the loss of Arctic sea ice but also cautioned the decision should not be viewed as a path to address global warming.
What To Recycle What To Recycle
Some people may not realize that toxic items, such as fluorescent bulbs and old thermometers, need to be recycled.
Surfboards Going Green
Surf's up -- the bio-friendly way. A San Diego company is going green by making the next generation of surfboards.