Category Archives: Sustainability

FDA restrictions on some antibiotics use in agriculture

An article in the New York Times (Jan 4, 2012) describes FDA plans to restrict use of cephalasporins in agriculture. These antibiotics are used to treat strep and bronchitis and by surgeons. But they are also used on animals, with … Continue reading

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Caterpillar’s US plant labor costs vs Canadian costs

An article in the Wall Street Journal (Jan 7, 2012) describes Caterpillar’s assertion tha labor costs in its US plants are 50% of the costs in Canada. Given the Canadian plant’s lack of global competitiveness due to labor rule inflexibility, … Continue reading

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Court Blocks California use of life cycle greenhouse gas estimation for fuel producers

An article in the New York Times (Dec 29, 2011) describes a Federal judge’s decision to block the state of California from computing the life cycle impact of greenhouse gas emissions by furl producers. The plan was to include the … Continue reading

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Defining organic agriculture – include sustainable water and energy too ?

An article in the New York Times (Dec 31, 2011) describes the growth in organic farms in Mexico that comply with US definitions of organic farming – a ban on use of synthethic fertilizers, hormones, pesticides etc. But Swedish certification … Continue reading

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Indian Reverse Auctions for Solar Power and Impact

An article in the New York Times (Dec 29, 2011) describes the reverse auctions run by the Indian government, with solar power providers bidding to win the contract, that decreased costs 30 % compared to the previous year. These lower … Continue reading

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Biofuel Use Mandates, regulation across time and Industry Impact

An article in the Wall Street Journal (Dec 28, 2011) describes the Congressional mandate to have 500 million gallons of cellulosic fuel by 2012, the EPA volume set at  8.65 million for 2012, and a plan to reach 16 billion … Continue reading

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New Chinese rare earth quotas for 2012 and consequences

An article in the Wall Street Journal (Dec 28, 2011) describes China’s announcement of separate rare earth metals export quotas for 2012 – light rare earths (used in magnets) will have quotas separate from heavy rare earths (used in high … Continue reading

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The “internet of things” and supply chain impact

An article in the Wall Street Journal (Dec 18, 2011) describes the role of smart sensors and cameras using real time information to impact health care, energy and water conservation and transportation. A GE project uses cameras in hospital rooms … Continue reading

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Industry Impact of Loss of funds for light bulb efficiency enforcement

An article in the New York Times (Dec 16, 2011) describes loss of funds for enforcement of new light bulb standards, requiring a 25%reduction in energy use for 100 watt bulbs. Thus, while the standards kick in as planned in … Continue reading

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Balancing Wind, Water energy and salmon interests

An article in the New York Times (Dec 7, 2011) describes the coordinating role played by a Federal power agency, Bonneville Power Administration, that was faced with accepting power from hydroelectric and wind sources during stormy weather.  The agency dropped … Continue reading

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