Electric cars and the infrastructure needed to power them got a big push on several fronts last week with the announcements of new networks in two states.

BMW, the parent company of MINI, introduced the MINI E electric vehicle at the 2008 Los Angeles Auto Show this week. The MINI E is a pure electric, not a hybrid, and runs on lithium-ion batteries. Best of all, MINI is inviting 500 folks to have the opportunity to drive one on a daily basis.

As giant auto makers beg governments to bail them out of the economic crisis that has brought them to their knees, some authorities have named a price -- make greener cars to drive.

The EU has committed to cutting greenhouse gas emissions by a fifth by 2020 as part of efforts to curb the warming of the Earth's climate which scientists warn could have a devastating impact, hitting poor countries hardest.

The Philippine passenger jeepney has started to shed its image as a smoke-belching, eardrum-busting public utility vehicle. Originally fashioned out of WWII American military jeeps, these colorful and iconic "kings of the road" are going green.

ANN ARBOR, Mich.---Slow-moving ocean and river currents could be a new, reliable and affordable alternative energy source. A University of Michigan engineer has made a machine that works like a fish to turn potentially destructive vibrations in fluid flows into clean, renewable power.

Last weekend my daughter and I made our own lip gloss. You can add natural flavor and color for a custom-blend. A perfect little gift for all of your friends. Most health food stores sell small glass jars, but I must admit, we did use little plastic containers from Target for the kids. We then decorated the containers with fun stickers.No need to leave the boys in your life out of this. My daughter made one for her brother without color and added spearmint oil.

The U.S. Green Building Council is remodeling its LEED rating system for buildings, giving greater weight to design elements that reduce energy use and greenhouse gas emissions.

BOSTON (November 18, 2008)– LEED 2009, the long-awaited update to the internationally recognized LEED green building certification program, has passed member ballot, and will be introduced in 2009 as the next major evolution of the existing LEED rating systems for commercial buildings. It includes a series of major technical advancements focused on improving energy efficiency, reducing carbon emissions, and addressing other environmental and human health outcomes.

News Release
For Immediate Release
Contact Sue McGovern
sue@mcgov.com
781-748-7157

Major Campaign Set to Expand Organic Consumer Base

Greenfield, MA – Nov. 17, 2008 – As the longstanding voice of leadership in the $23.6 billion organic industry, the Organic Trade Association (OTA) www.ota.com today announced that the 1,700-member organization is launching an extraordinary consumer marketing and public relations campaign that will reach more than 25 million consumers in the year 2009 alone.

Call it an economic and environmental murder mystery in the making: Will a cash-strapped Detroit kill the electric car -- again?

Stung by an association with gas-guzzling SUVs and pushed to the brink of failure by plunging sales, U.S. automakers have been touting efforts to roll out more fuel-efficient small cars, gas-saving technology and gas-free electric vehicles.