When you think about an eco friendly kitchen, water conservation, recycling, and increased energy efficiency may all pop into your mind. These are all significant factors for a healthy and environmentally friendly kitchen. Yet, many upgrades, like buying energy efficiency appliances, require you to spend money. There’s one huge eco friendly improvement that will actually save you money without costing you a dime: reducing food waste.

By now, many people have heard about the dangers of BPA, otherwise known as Bisphenol A. The most well-known source of this chemical is in plastic containers, many of which release BPA in our food and beverages. This chemical release is aggravated by significant temperature changes. The potential danger is why we have been warned not to microwave our lunch in plastic containers or freeze our water bottles for a colder drink.

Who is the largest single U.S. consumer, one of the largest worldwide consumers, and a supporter of environmentally friendly products and services? Answer: the U.S. government. With $350 billion in annual spending, it is no surprise that the federal government makes a big impact with their massive purchasing power. Currently federal laws and executive orders require factoring in environmental considerations and sustainable practices in governmental purchasing decisions. Assisting governmental agencies, green vendors, and consumers is the Environmentally Preferable Purchasing (EPP) Program.

There is an ongoing debate over the impact of manufacturing biofuels. Skeptics argue that using crops for biofuels divert resources away from human consumption, therefore causing a choice in whether the crops are used for food or fuel. This reasoning connects biofuels to global hunger issues. This is based on the claims of some food industry groups that more than a quarter of corn crops are being diverted from food to ethanol production and yet the U.S. corn supply has outpaced demand since 1989. Most people with any amount of human compassion would easily say that food is definitely a higher priority than fuel. Before we oversimplify the situation, let us take a look at the factors.

World hunger has been a hot debate between humanitarians and environmentalists – rightfully so. The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) estimated that in 2010 there were 925 million hungry people worldwide. That means that nearly 1 in 7 people are undernourished. The problem is not due to a lack of food. Instead the deficiency is related to the cost of food. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has identified multiple factors responsible for rising food prices that are responsible for increased starvation. Two of those factors, slowing growth in agricultural production and rising farm production costs, can be mitigated with the science and technologies of selective plant breeding.

These days it seems that nearly every organization, state or country has some sort of cleantech initiative. There are a lot of hopes resting on clean technology to strengthen the U.S. economy. What is cleantech? Why has it become so popular? And can it really help the U.S. economy?

Historically Hawaiian agriculture would have conjured up thoughts of sugar and coffee or pineapples and macadamia nuts. Times are changing. With a $2.4 million military grant, Hawaii is adding oilseed to its array of tropical crops. This switch to renewable energy will help to reduce the state’s $7 billion annual oil dependency as well as support the local economy. This two-year research project has already begun in Waialua, Oahu. In just 120 days, the island will become a contributor to biodiesel production.

Someone once said, “A journey of a thousand miles begins with one step”. This certainly holds true when realizing hybrid technology is only a step on the path to a more sustainable future. Proponents of hybrid vehicles tout their fuel efficiency and lowered emissions - a big improvement over their gas guzzling counterparts. Opponents, however, continually assert the question, “What are we going to do with all those batteries?” With well over a million hybrids on the road today, it’s a fair question.

Organic farming is good for the environment and organic foods are great for your health. Many studies suggest organic produce has more nutrients primarily due to the soil being less depleted and without pesticide residue. This is great, except for the fact that buying organic is just more expensive. Many people today find it difficult to justify the additional cost of buying organic. Fortunately, a recent report spells out which fruits and vegetables are more/less crucial in buying organic. The selection is based on levels of pesticide residue on the parts of the produce regularly consumed. If you can't buy everything organic, here’s a quick guide to help you reduce your pesticide exposure by up to 80%.

The sun gives life to this planet and, if properly harnessed, it can provide plenty of energy and light. Unfortunately, using sunshine effectively is not as simple as just letting the sun shine. In the winter, we want more when there is less and in the summer we want less when there is more. It seems that these two goals are constantly reversed. Natural sunlight and solar heat gain used to be one of the most underused methods of heating a home, but that is changing.

It should be no surprise to hear that solar energy is growing at an amazing rate. In fact one would be hard pressed to avoid hearing something about renewable energy in the news. What is surprising is how well it is performing when compared to the U.S. GDP. A report published by Solar Energy Industries Association claims that "the U.S. solar market grew 67% in value in 2010” which is astonishing when compared to a GDP growth of only 2.8%.

People may think of going green with energy efficiency measures like changing their light bulbs. It may dawn on them to help the environment when buying paper products and choosing ones with recycled content. But, who really thinks of being more eco-friendly when it comes to consuming alcoholic beverages? It’s not likely at the top of people’s going green list. Yet, due to the success of their ultra premium organic tequila in restaurants and bars in the Bay Area, California, Artá Holdings has been broadening their market and expanding distribution throughout Colorado with plans to expand nationwide.