Daily Loaf

I know that people who make environmentally-friendly inventions have the best intentions at heart, but sometimes they take it a bit too far and come up with things that are, well, weird. Just in time for the creepiest holiday of the year, TreeHugger has compiled a slideshow list of some of the most unusual (to put it politely) green inventions out there.

And what, you ask, is on this strange list? Take, for instance, a luminol-filled lamp that runs on – you guessed it – blood. It’s the same stuff that forensic analysts use to find traces of blood at a crime scene and now you can light up your home with that same eerie blue glow.
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Last Saturday (October 24) was the International Day of Climate Action — the biggest day of grassroots action on global warming ever. People from over 180 countries participated in different ways to show our world leaders that we want them to establish stricter rules on global carbon emissions when they meet in Copenhagen in December to reach an agreement on a new climate treaty.

There were over 5,200 events staged internationally and over 19,000 photos taken of the various events that day — from the US to India, Australia to Iceland. See photos submitted to Greenpeace, the Huffington Post, TreeHugger, and check out 350.org’s page for photos and current updates of the movement.
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We’ve been hearing about the plethora of environmental films and docu-dramas out today that preach about changing our ways concerning our food, climate change, pesticide use, and so on (Food Inc., The Age of Stupid, Fresh, A Chemical Reaction, etc.). But did you ever look at Mad Max as an “eco film”? Its portrayal of a dystopian future where fuel is scarce and society collapses as a result, thus leaving humanity with a ravaged Earth and living in anarchy. (The scenario now sounds more and more like a possible future of our own.)
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In the week that Senator Ted Kennedy’s death closed a major political chapter in US history a Treehugger.com looks at his influential role in the environmental movement. Being called a “progressive green champion” the “liberal lion” was known for his commitment to clean energy and wildlife protection.

Here are some of the highlights from Climate Progress:

Holding Oil Companies Accountable
During consideration of a 1975 tax cut proposal, Kennedy introduced a provision targeting the oil depletion allowance, which since 1926 had enabled oil producers to exclude 22 percent of their revenues from any taxes. Kennedy’s initiative passed overwhelmingly, trimming the allowance for independent producers and ending it for the major oil companies.

Raising Fuel Economy Standards
Senator Kennedy has a long and distinguished record supporting clean renewable sources of energy and reducing the nation’s reliance on fossil fuels. More than 30 years ago he cosponsored the first law to establish fuel economy standards. And in 2007, he supported a law which increased fuel economy standards, which is essential to cutting greenhouse gas emissions.

Improving Energy Efficiency
Senator Kennedy was a strong proponent of increasing energy efficiency, which is an essential part of reducing greenhouse gas emissions. He was a long time supporter of programs like the weatherization assistance program and the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program that helps those most in need reduce their energy bills by improving home energy efficiency.

Ted Kennedy did much more in his six terms as senator. The United States is a greener place thanks to his efforts. Ted Kennedy was one of the most powerful, respected, and influential senators in US history—it is my hope that his progressive view towards our environment and the beings that share it will be carried on within our government.

What’s the buzz on the latest issues in the Green Community? Check out what you may have missed this last week:

St. Petersburg College’s new Natural Science, Mathematics and College of Education building is certified LEED® Gold- St. Petersburg College recently announced that for the second time in as many months, the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) has awarded LEED Gold certification for one of its new campus buildings.

Best of the Bay of the Day: Best organic smoothie- Believe it or not, algae and bee pollen add up to a delicious drink called the Spirulina Power Buzz. Read this to find out where to get one.

Tips to improve gas mileage (and save some green)- Do you have a lead foot or drive an inefficient automobile?  Here are a few simple tips to improve gas mileage and save a bunch of green!

Living Sustainably in Tampa Bay: Darren Brinkley, owner of REAL Building- Brinkley is the owner of REAL Building and home that he built for his family in St. Petersburg is the first home in Florida to achieve the LEED for Homes Gold Rating.
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Having grown up on the beach, I learned that I could never completely shake the sand out of my shoes.  I am forever imprinted with a stong connection to a shoreline. I was thrilled to discover the lastest project of one of my favorite websites – Treehugger.com.  They have introduced Blue August – a month long dedication to the water on our planet.

With water covering more than 70 percent of the globe and yet drinkable water in precious short supply, this is a most timely topic to dive into. You will discover the magnificent beauty and horrifying destruction of the lifeblood of the oceans – coral reefs. They take us on an in-depth look at marine life, water purification, rivers, and everything associated with impacting our beloved beaches.
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