Our Green Streets Blog

A few images from a recent trip to Doug Eichelberger’s Lucky Ranch, near Larkspur, Colorado.  This was a fantastic trip, with a number of really exciting green building techniques being discussed.  More to follow!

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This comes in from Yann Ropars, Extanz, taking me to this clip on Business Daily Report. Alternatives taking us away from petroleum power light up the imagination.

UQM technology showcased on battery-bus tour

UQM Technologies production line at Fredersick, CO - source: UQM

FREDERICK – UQM Technologies Inc. (NYSE Alternext US: UQM) is along for the ride in a battery-powered electric bus making a showcase tour of four California cities. Read more of this >>

Oil Yield

* Cultivating Algae for Liquid Fuel Production

Gallons of Oil per Acre per Year
Corn . . . . . . . ….15
Soybeans . . . …..48
Safflower. . . . . ..83
Sunflower . . . ..102
Rapeseed. . . …127
Oil Palm . . . . ..635
Micro Algae . .1850 [based on actual biomass yields]
Micro Algae . .5000-15000 [theoretical laboratory yield]

Slimy algae has great potential - stock photo

According to the The Washington Post, algae has great promise as an energy alternative.

“Algae, like corn, soybeans, sugar cane and other crops, grows via photosynthesis (meaning it absorbs carbon dioxide) and can be processed into fuel oil. However, the slimy aquatic organisms yield 30 times more energy per acre than land crops such as soybeans, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Read more of this >>

Boulder, Colorado is home to the University of Colorado

Students at the University of Colorado are used to reaching environmental milestones. The first student-supported windpower program, first student-built biodiesel refining equipment, and the first student-run recycling program are just a few of CU’s national achievements. CU has just reached an important internal milestone however, by recovering the 500th cell phone from its collection program sponsored by the Wireless Alliance.

As director of CU Recycling, I believe this this is a significant accomplishment. And it represents the beginning of recovering more phones.  College students in particular generate a lot of phones because their coverage plan often changes when they move to Boulder. They also demand the latest technologies. As a result, students need to be the best recyclers in the country.

Numerous reports have been released about the lack of cell phone recycling that is really taking place. Some estimate that only a small percentage of cell phones are recycled in the US. According to CTIA, (Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association) the largest wireless trade association in North America, there are currently over 270,000,000 active cell phone plans in the United States. Yes, that’s 270 million, and there are currently just over 306 million people living in the United States. Looking at these numbers, it seems that everyone carries a cell phone today.

The University of Colorado Environmental Center has several locations to recycle cell phones: in the Alfred Packer Grill at the University Memorial Center, in the Darley Commons at Williams Village. Cell phones can also be taken to the Environmental Center, room 355 of the UMC.

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RECEIVED THIS EMAIL TODAY FROM NANCY JUDD, AT RECYCLE RUNWAY:

“Just came across your very kind article on the Change Couture project as well as the video which I had never seen. I love how you ended it with Bruce’s quote “I say to all the artists out there, don’t buy canvas!”

“Anyway, thanks for the plug! I’m assuming you must be on my listserve… I’ll be sending out a newsletter soon with photos and details from the trip.

“Thanks again!”

Nancy Judd
Recycle Runway

Good News from Denver Recycles:

Live Green Electronics Recycling Event
March 7, 2009
7:00 a.m. to noon

“Do your part to help the environment by recycling your old television, computer monitor and other used electronic equipment at the “Live Green Electronics Recycling Event” on Saturday, March 7th. This event provides a rare opportunity for residents to responsibly recycle old electronic equipment for FREE, thanks to generous sponsorships from LG Electronics, 9News, Comcast, Waste Management of Colorado, and the City and County of Denver. Electronics recycling is expensive and normal recycling costs average about $25 for a TV and $12 for a computer monitor.

“Responsible recycling of electronics helps to prevent lead and other chemicals from leaching into the groundwater and into our atmosphere. Televisions and computers monitors contain 4 to 8 pounds of lead each, as well as many other metals and toxic materials. Recycling old electronics also saves energy and valuable resources.

“Please note that you do not need to replace your television as a result of the February 17, 2009 switch to digital broadcasting. Only residents using an antenna with their television (either rooftop or “rabbit ears”) will be affected by this change and purchasing a converter box will prevent the need to replace a television. Televisions connected to Comcast cable, satellite or other pay TV services will not be affected. If you choose to replace your TV, take advantage of this one time opportunity to responsibly recycle for free.”

For more information and to find specific drop off locations visit www.9News.com and click on the Live Green section. For more information about recycling, visit www.DenverGov.org/DenverRecycles.