Using bamboo charcoal rather than forest wood in Africa has the potential to provide an excellent source of heat, economic opportunities, all while saving African forests.  Charcoal is used for both heat and cooking in large areas of Africa and is seen as a major factor in the decimation of forests and the desertification of parts of the continent.

Researchers in India have developed a new type of bead from paraffin and stearic acid.  It absorbs heat from the sun during the day and then releases the heat at night. The new beads should work well in climates like the United States Southwestern states.

Gordon Murray who has designed conventional and electric sports cars, has designed an electric commuter car that won the RAC Brighton to London Future Car Challenge 2011.

Wildpoldsried, Germany is a little farming town that decided over a decade ago that they were going to move towards a green community without incurring debt.  Fourteen years later they have a diverse portfolio of renewable energy installations, new community buildings and more energy than the town needs.  By selling the excess energy, Wildpoldsried has eliminated all the towns debt and generates 4.0 million Euro (US $5.7 million) in annual income.

Anyone who has ever watched a western probably remembers the covered wagons of those heading west to start a new life.  People kept their worldly possessions in them and lived in them as well.  For those of you who want to experience what it’s like to live in a covered wagon, a company in Idaho can provide you with one – even one that can handle the highway.

When you think of agencies that were created to protect our water sources from pollution, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has to top that list.  While states are supposed to be responsible for making sure that the water we drink is safe, the EPA is the agency that used to oversee the states and oversaw the waterways used as a source for the water we drink, bath in, wash our dogs and children in, and use to cook our food.  Well, the House GOP has taken those responsibilities away from the EPA.

The Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) is providing an opportunity for two to study one of two forests for signs of climate change.  The winner of the Climate Hot Map Scavenger Hunt can win a trip for two to one of two places – Brazil’s Atlantic Rain Forest or Chesapeake Bay’s Forest in Maryland, USA.  Five runners-up will receive Solio Mono Hybrid Solar Chargers.

The European Union (EU) Commission is proposing an ambitious transportation that will transform the way goods and people travel.  The proposal calls for investments in infrastructure as well as changes in systems and policies.

Two studies published this week, one from the University of Michigan and the other from the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, show how nature is changing.  The effects of pollution on fish and excess CO2 on plants and insects are changing those elements of nature.

The Resort at Isla Palenque, whose mascot is a monkey called Thurston Howler III,  is running a contest for a live-in summer intern or two.  The winner(s) will have all expenses paid including travel, lodging, and adventure activities during their four week stay. They will also receive a $2,500 stipend.