Disease Proof

• Drive around. You’ll see plenty of foreclosed homes and construction projects grinded to a halt. The reduction in homebuilding might be bad for the economy, but good for the trees, maybe. American loggers are chopping down fewer trees because the demand has dried up, but to cut costs, tree harvesters in other countries might start using cheaper, less sustainable and more environmentally harmful methods of logging; via Inhabitat.

• Again, the recession stinks, but it might help ease global warming. In 2007, the United States spewed 7.3 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide, but in 2008 that total dipped to 6.98 billion tons. The answer is pretty simple, as the economic muck worsens, there won’t be as many industries, homes and vehicles to release pollution; from Red Green and Blue.

• In 1993, former President Bill Clinton started greening up the White House, by improving lighting, heat, air conditioning, insulation, water sprinklers and other stuff. During George W. Bush’s term he installed solar panels and recycling bins. President Obama is looking to outdo them both. Calling for a greener nation, he wants to lead by example and the new White House garden is the first step of many to come; The Huffington Post reports.

• And President Obama has raised the fuel efficiency standards of automobiles, not a huge jump, but every little bit helps. By 2011 average MPG must be 27.3 and increase of 2 MPG from 2010’s standard. Despite greedily taken government handouts, two U.S. automakers are protesting the move, saying it will cost the industry $1.5 billion; via earth2tech.

• Speaking of cars and fuel, in 2014 California will have 46 retail hydrogen stations. As of now, only six states have hydrogen refueling stations, 26 in total, open to the public. Most are privately owned and only used for corporate fleets and vehicles. The project will cost $181.5 million and will be funding by government incentive programs; from CarTech Blog.

• If running you car on hydrogen is too much. Try ditching meat instead. The rearing and distribution of meat is a major emitting of greenhouse gases, i.e. cow farts and exhaust from transport vehicles. One expert contends livestock production contributes to 55% of erosion in the U.S. and is responsible for one-third of total nitrogen and phosphorous discharge to surface water; Green Inc. explains.

Image credit: Stuck in Customs