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.

Sustainability has become quite a buzz word as of late. During the last recession, many small and large businesses alike looked for ways to reduce costs and, where possible, increase profits. One of the most obvious ways was to focus on efficiency by reducing overhead, manufacturing and transportation costs. In fact, a trend has emerged where many of these companies have actually become more profitable even with declining sales. This is due to a focus on reducing waste and increasing efficiency which is a big part of what sustainability is all about.

On September 23, 2011, the competition will begin for the U.S. Department of Energy's fifth Solar Decathlon. This collegiate program promotes innovative thinking of zero-emissions homes. 20 international teams are given the opportunity to design and build the most attractive, cost efficient, and energy efficient home powered entirely by the sun. The entries are judged on more than just solar energy production and efficiency. They must also balance other criteria including consumer appeal, affordability, livability and comfort.

People may wonder why we continue to be dependent on foreign oil. It’s not that this is a new situation. It’s not that we don’t know how to break our dependency. Could it be that this expensive and politically charged decision is ultimately not what we the people truly want?

To understand what it would take, one must first consider the position we’re in. The U.S. currently consumes 25% of the oil produced in the world. Of that, 50% is imported.

Staples 2^nd Annual Global EcoEasy Challenge is a competition for university students to create the most innovative eco friendly office supplies. Promoted by Staples, Inc. and the Golisano Institute for Sustainability at Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), this international challenge responds to increasing global awareness and sustainability.

Have you ever heard of a LEED certification? It is actually an acronym for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, which is an internationally recognized green building certification system. Green buildings refer to structures that have eco-friendly materials and designs. Old buildings, if not updated, consume huge amounts of energy and water resources. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), reducing the rate of consumption of these buildings is vital for future sustainability.

Hydropower or hydroelectric power comes from using water to make electricity. Water cycles from ocean evaporation to cloud formation to rain and snow precipitation to runoff back into the ocean. Since this cycle and its energy is a continual endless loop, hydropower can produce renewal energy. Currently more than 75% of hydroelectric power is generated from renewable sources.

Modern conveniences are growing as almost every household has air conditioners, computers, multiple cellular phones, PlayStations, refrigerators, televisions, and many other cool gadgets. And how many of our modern conveniences are made of plastic? In fact, if you look around you might be surprised to find you’re surrounded by it! And what about cars, can you look outside without seeing at least one? What do all of these things have in common? And can we create a sustainable urban lifestyle?

Sustainability is the ability of the environment to sustain life on earth without compromising the future generations. There have been goals set, councils established, agencies created and reports generated all to try to achieve sustainability.

In 1970, the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) formally presented the goal of the country to create conditions that are both beneficial for men and nature, at the same time, meeting the needs of present and future American generations.