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A company with origins in NASA’s Mars program claims to have developed a revolutionary energy source. The normally secretive California-based Bloom Energy Corporation issued a press release (pdf) to introduce its fuel cell and allowed 60 Minutes a rare look at the technology. The Bloom Energy Server™, also called the Bloom Box, promises constant, renewable power that removes dependence on the power grid, produces energy more efficiently than current methods and allows users to greatly reduce their carbon footprints. Read on…

While new electronics—whether the slimmest iPad or highest-resolution HDTV—create excitement, they also raise environmental issues. Consumer electronics not only add to waste in landfills, they also contain a number of hazardous chemicals. By addressing the associated concerns, many electronics companies are making strides toward creating greener product offerings without compromising on cutting edge features. Read on…

Those who care for our ecology often don’t like the negative environmental implications of cell phones. Millions of old mobile phones fill our landfills, allowing dangerous chemicals from their electronics and batteries to contaminate our soil and aquifers. Fortunately, eco-friendly phones are becoming more numerous, allowing relatively guilt-free use of this ubiquitous mobile technology. Here are our reviews of some of the best green mobile phones and broadband services on the market. Read on...

For almost as long as there has been agriculture, farmers have stored seeds to plant the following year in case of an unforeseen loss of crops. Plant genebanks add modern techniques to this ancient practice to ensure the safety of our food supply.

Genebanks, which store both seeds and cuttings, preserve the genetic diversity of plants, increase the odds that food crops can be restored following a global catastrophe, and provide an important resource for scientists. Their libraries of samples can be utilized to produce more productive crops and varieties resistant to pathogens or changes in climate. Read on…

Solutions to the global problems of finding new renewable energy sources and cleaning up pollution may be found by looking to microorganisms. Bacteria, algae and other such minute creatures form the base of the food chain in most ecosystems, decompose material that returns valuable nutrients to the environment and are capable of producing ethanol, methane gas and other bio fuels. Utilizing their natural abilities to clean up after other organisms and to produce energy from a variety of sources are certainly promising. Read on…