Last fall, transportation company CSX invited Ecollo to Chicago to get a first-hand look at their GenSet Locomotives, as well to attend part of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Climate Leaders conference. During the conference, CSX officially announced a partnership with the program, and now the company has announced its Climate Leaders program goals in an effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The company's commitment to the program is the first from a major U.S. transportation provider and a natural next step from a company that already developed the GenSet, an ultra-low emitting method of freight rale that achieved an 80 per cent reduction in nitrous oxide and particulate matter emissions.

Now CSX has set its sights on reducing carbon emissions by eight per cent per revenue ton mile by 2011. This will account for a carbon savings of 2.4 million tons, or the equivalent of removing 441,000 cars from the road on an annual basis. In terms of the company's non-rail operations, goals include  using building space more efficiently, improving HVAC systems and installing energy-efficient lighting and automatic computer-shutdown software. And by the end of this year, another 1,200 CSX locomotives will feature fewer emissions and lower fuel consumption (nearly 10 million gallons worth!) thanks to ongoing upgrades.

Freight rail is considered one of the most eco-friendly ways of transporting goods, as a train can transport one tonne of goods on a single gallon of gas, a far greener option than shipping by truck or airplane.

“Freight rail is the most fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly surface transportation option.  We are pleased to enhance these benefits with our firm commitment to reduce CSX’s carbon footprint,” said Michael J. Ward, Chairman, President and CEO of CSX. “The Climate Leaders Partnership shows that by working together, business and government can serve our nation’s economic needs while improving our environment.”

» CSX (Official Site)

In a perfect world you wouldn't have to worry about sunburn. You could go outside without religiously applying lotion to any and all exposed skin and never have cause for concern. However, this isn't a perfect world and few things in the world compare to the discomfort of a sunburn. Anytime you stretch or move the wrong way, you feel it. If a friend claps you on the back - well, let's just say you would probably be forgiven for clocking him or her.

Unfortunately vacations are ripe with the potential for sunburns. If you're in a warm, sunny climate there's a good chance you're probably spending a great deal of time outdoors, whether you're lying on the beach or doing a lot of walking. If you apply sunscreen properly and frequently, especially after going in water, you should be fine. However there's always the chance your sunscreen application may be neglected and even just one time can leave you with a nasty, painful burn.

If you're far from home, you'll want the most convenient option to treat a sunburn. Watch the video below to see a natural way to do so, and even though it's not covered in this tutorial, be sure to travel with aloe vera gel. The general rule of thumb is you hopefully won't need it if you have it, but as soon as you go away without it, you'll be wishing, praying, crying for the cool relief.

» Video Jug

The official countdown to fourth of July celebrations across the U.S. has begun. Traditionally red, white and blue are the colors of the day, however if you've embraced the eco-friendly lifestyle you can easily add some green into the mix.

Drink Local
July 4 is a day of celebration and what celebration is complete without good beer? If you aren't sure what your options for locally brewed beer are, stop buy your local liquor store and ask the experts there to recommend a product made close to home. It travels far less miles to get to your store shelves and there's a good chance it will be fresher and less expensive than an import. Plus you can get that warm fuzzy feeling from knowing you've supported a local business (or from an alcohol-induced buzz, whichever you prefer). Alternatively if you know of a local brewpub in the area, find out if they sell six-packs of any of their products that you can enjoy from home.

Stay local
Speaking of home, stay as close there as you can. Fire up the grill (using our green grilling guide of course) and celebrate in your yard. If you have plans for the day that will take you away from your area, consider taking public transportation or car-pooling with friends heading in the same direction. Wherever you end up, if you'll be outdoors, make sure to protect yourself and your family with adequate sunscreen and insect repellent.

Eat local
If you'll be eating at home or going on a picnic, buy local produce and meat from a farmer's market or local butcher shop.

Ditch the disposables
If you are eating at home, use real plates, utensils and cups. If you'll be leaving the home, consider taking along your serve-ware or call up your local natural food market (if you have one) to see if they sell sugarcane-based biodegradable (compostable!) options. If not, consider sticking to finger food.

Recycle and Compost
Always recycle the leftovers from your celebration: beer cans or bottles, napkins, you name it, find a home other than a landfill for it. Put your composter to good use with any remaining food scraps.

» Wikipedia

Figuring out how to keep your kids still long enough to apply sunscreen is enough of a challenge nevermind the difficult decision of trying to decide which product will effectively protect their skin without irritating it. lavera (spelled with a lowercase 'l' intentionally) solves both issues with their Plant-Green Sun Spray SPF 25. Green plant pigment leaves a temporary colored residue on the skin so you can see exactly where the lotion has been applied - and more importantly, any areas you may have missed.

Once the green color disappears you don't have to worry because the product doesn't, even when the kids are splashing around in the pool, lake or ocean. Not only is the formula waterproof, it's 100 per cent mineral based, with vitamins and essential oils to keep skin nourished and moisturized. You don't have to fret about harsh chemicals and parabens because lavera products are natural and free of toxins.

Now all you have to worry about is trying to figure out how to dislodge sand from places God never meant it to be in the first place.

» Lavera

Most people tend to think of a set of fingerprints as a human characteristic, however years ago scientists started applying the term "genetic fingerprinting" to crops as well. Like humans, crops are considered living organisms and as is also the case in humans, the "fingerprints" can provide valuable information about that crop.

Fingerprints in humans are an identifying characteristic, something that is unique to each person. Similarily, though nearly all human DNA sequences are the same in every person, the DNA is different enough in each one of us to distinguish us from others, hence the phrase "genetic fingerprinting." Still with me?

In terms of food, genetic fingerprinting is used to examine DNA and identify and study the specific traits of crops, thus allowing scientists to select the most desirable and benficial characteristics for plant breeding (This shouldn't be confused with full genome sequencing, which determines an organism's entire DNA sequence). In the recent case of assessing the genetic fingerprint of rice, researchers can conduct diversity analysis to determine gentic similarities and differences, which allows them to select the best traits of the rice and transfer these when breeding other varieties of the crop. In the end, they hope to find the most robust varieties of rice that provide the most significant yield in diverse growing conditions.

Using genetic fingerprinting as a way to identify the best methods of growing crops is just another way science and technology are being used to further improve the condition of the world's food supply, just as Jeff Simmons predicted would be necessary if we don't want the world to face a food crisis of biblical propotions in the future.

» Business Mirror

The Calgary Stampede strives to be green all year long, by instituting several environmental policies including a commitment to recycling and land and water conservation. However, while these measures are ongoing during the 355 days a year the actual Stampede is not taking place, the 10-day festivities also feature some earth-friendly measures.

As we mentioned last week, the Alberta SPCA and Calgary Humane Society are onsite during all rodeo events to ensure the animals are treated properly. The animals are also moved in the evenings so they are a safe distance from the nightly fireworks display, as the noise can be distressing to them. And as re-purposing material is a significant goal of Stampede organizers, the bedding waste from the livestock is turned into garden fertilizer by a local company.

Besides the rodeo and chuckwagon events, rides are another popular attraction at the Stampede. North American Midway Entertainment, the company that provides the rides, is currently working on making their own operations are earth-conscious as possible. Soy biofuels are used to power the Midway whenever possible. The lights on rides are also kept off from down until dusk to conserve erngy, and several of these lights have even been replaced with LEDs, an initiative that is expected to continue.

The improtance of recycling is not just emphasized to Stampede employees with their extensive on-site recycling program, but is also promoted and encouraged among visitors to the Stampede grounds. Recycling wagons and receptacles are set up sporadically through the grounds, allowing guests to avoid using the garbage can when possible. The Stampede is part of a new, pilot recycling program which allows for recyclable materials to be commingled. All materials must be put in clear plastic bags, but sorting is no longer required. Hired sweepers, as well as volunteers from local clubs collect these bags of recyclables and take them to local recycling centres for processing. In fact, the company that is handling the Stampede's recycling is the same one that is running the city of Calgary's new recyclingi program. Additionally, plush toy recycling centres are set up on the Midway to encourage patrons to find a new home for any unwanted toys they win while playing games. The response to this initiative was so overwhelming in 2008 that another one was established this year.

And for those skeptics who believe events such as this only serve as a cash-grab for the organizations that plan them may be surprised to learn the Calgary Stampede organization is just that: a non-profit organization that puts any money made from the event back into the community, such as agriculture and music programs.

To learn more about the Stampede, including how you can buy tickets or plan to attend in upcoming years, hit the jump to visit the official website!

» Calgary Stampede