Our nation's fearless leader was busy this week.
Headlines buzzed with Obama's announcing his plans to lift the ban on offshore drilling — the first new lease for offshore drilling in two decades — which would cut oil imports, create more jobs, and generate sales revenue.
The news has been met with criticism from both environmentalists and conservatives. Environmentalists are concerned by the risks that drilling presents to oceans and marine life. Obama has made it clear, however, that this proposal is part of the larger picture that our nation will focus on as we move from fossil fuels to alternative energy sources — which would ultimately appease the green crowd.
Later in the week, the Obama administration released new energy efficiency standards for water heaters and other home appliances to cut greenhouse gas emissions and save consumers $10 billion over the next three decades, according to the report from the United States Department of Energy.
Here at Green Chip Living, we spent the week with one ear to Washington and the other to the rest of the sector.
We pointed out the difference in what it means to be a cleantech company and what it means to be an outfit with environmentally-friendly operations and a sense of corporate social responsibility. Jimmy Mengel covered the latest developments in the solar industry, as new guidelines are imposed on companies to ensure green disposal and environmentally-friendly practice in producing panels and solar devices.
Coverage of corporate social responsibility continued with a story about FedEx. The company unveiled its all-electric van fleet and plans for the launch of its "Charge Up Route 66" tour. The fleet will embark on a drive from Chicago to Los Angeles on the historic American highway to show off the new electric vehicles.
And from a plethora of headlines from around the globe, we bring it back to our own neighborhood.
This week brings a special piece from Green Chip Editor Nick Hodge, who gives to readers some news on sustainable giving opportunities and emphasizes the importance of supporting nonprofits that work in the green sector and with America's youth.
Nick's message about what he calls "a new breed of sustainability" is an important one — one I'd like to leave with you to ponder over the weekend:
It's indirect. It's secondary. It goes beyond putting solar panels on your roof or replacing all your incandescent bulbs... It goes beyond the stocks you choose to invest in... It even goes beyond the voting booth...
It means helping to enact the type of change you'd like to see in the world.
Until next week,
Brigid
Comment 
Subscribe to