São Tomé and Príncipe: A Tiny Nation with an Environmental Perspective

São Tomé and Príncipe is a small nation in the Gulf of Guinea off the west coast of Africa.  Its name was given for the two main islands that comprise the country, the largest of each archipelago that it is made of.  While such a tiny nation would not normally register for its green record, looking at what they have done to improve their environment shows that no country in the world is exempt from caring for it. 

As a developing nation, São Tomé and Príncipe’s needs are different that those of Canada or Europe.  However, they still strive for sustainability, economic growth, and cultural expression, just like any other.  In pursuing this, they are working with other nations and organizations to ensure that their growth is not only economically sustainable, but that it is environmentally viable as well.  This article seeks to explore the Small Island Developing State (SIDS) that is São Tomé and Príncipe and show how every nation is responsible for protecting this world.

Food Security

As a part of the National Poverty Reduction Strategy, São Tomé and Príncipe are working to reduce poverty by half and add annual real GDP growth of 5% per year.  As a part of this, the African Development Bank has invested in São Tomé and Príncipe’s fisheries.  The goal is to reduce the food deficit in the country through sustainable practices that will ensure a lasting supply of food for the population as well as maintain environmental standards that will make it lasting.

São Tomé and Príncipe estimates it could bring in between 23,000 and 29,000 tonnes of fish per year.  This would help lower the current 22% of citizens who do not have enough food resources.  Environmental awareness actions within the program are meant to educate fishery workers on sustainable and green practices in order to ensure that a consistent stock is available every year.  This has been received through the Environmental and Social Management Plan, designed based on previous African Developmental Bank initiatives in other nations.  Such measures include:

• Cleaning of runoff water before re-entry into the ecosystem;
• Repopulation of old fishing tracks in order to protect historical and cultural fishing areas as well as ensure sustainability within existing water systems; and
• Ensuring proper disposal of waste and toxic liquids through controlled landfills and incinerators.

Implementation of this plan is also a part of the island nation’s National Climate Change Adaptation Strategy, signed in 2005.

Ocean Protection

Much of São Tomé and Príncipe can be classified as coastal.  The country has a rich diversity of undeveloped coastal areas; however these are threatened by deforestation, coastal erosion due to mining, desertification, unregulated tourism development, and a general lack of township planning.  There is also a newly emerging offshore petroleum industry that is growing and contributing to environmental concerns.  This is why a National Ocean Policy has been proposed by the United Nations for São Tomé and Príncipe as well as all SIDS nations.  This is important as continued erosion is damaging environments as well as tourism and fisheries development.

To counter growing oil production, the government passed the Oil Revenue Management Law, which is now considered a model for other nations.  Through the aid of the Earth Institute at Columbia University and the World Bank, a percentage of oil revenues are diverted to future environmental needs.  This means that any offshore oil development must is required to contribute to environmental protection of the surrounding ocean area.

The Rio Convention of 1992 deals with sustainable development on a global level in dealing with resource development.  While non-binding, it has been used in the case of São Tomé and Príncipe to manage economic growth from natural resources in coastal areas while ensuring sustainability in the environment where it is being conducted.  The 1994 UN Conference on Sustainable Development of Small Island developing states, held in Barbados, is also being used to establish programs that take into account coastal and ocean issues for any new construction development on the islands.  This includes paying attention to coral reef habitats, wetlands, and life-support systems for marine wildlife.

National Adaptation Programme of Action (NAPA)

The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), Article 4.9, recognizes a classification of nations known as Least Developed Countries (LDCs).  These nations, of which São Tomé and Príncipe is a part of, have special needs when it comes to how they are able to incorporate climate change initiatives while continuing to develop other areas of their country.  Article 4.9 states, “The Parties shall take full account of the specific needs and special situations of the Least Developed Countries in their actions with regard to funding and transfer of technology.”  The use of NAPAs in such nations enables foreign aid for adaptable changes that place an emphasis on climate variability.

There are two NAPAs currently operating in São Tomé and Príncipe.  First, there is the Adaptation to Climate Change initiative that was begun by the World Bank.  The second is the Strengthening of the Adaptive Capacity of Must Vulnerable Sao Tomean’s Livestock-Keeping Households, initiated by the African Development Bank.  Key environmental vulnerabilities were outlined in six sectors: agriculture, forests and livestock; fisheries; public works, infrastructure and tourism; energy and water; health; and public safety and civil protection.  By working on climate change initiatives as well as certain social areas, the goal is to improve both the environment and the standard of living.  The UNFCCC is also coordinating their efforts, as well as those of the World Bank and African Development Bank, through the Poverty Reduction Strategy and the Rio Convention on desertification and biodiversity.  Additional funding for these programs have also come from the Japan Adaptation Programme.

It is important to note that this is only the beginning of the work that NAPAs wish to do in São Tomé and Príncipe.  There are a total of 22 projects currently outlined for the island nation.

The Future of São Tomé and Príncipe

As a SIDS and LDC nation, São Tomé and Príncipe has severe restrictions on what it is able to accomplish environmentally.  However, through external aid, such as the World Bank, the African Development Bank, and the United Nations, they have been able to implement new strategies and begin projects to ensure a higher standard of life, meet basic needs of the population, and do so through sustainable and environmentally sound methods. This environmental transformation is also helping economically as new and existing industries are strengthened and can have an environmentally sound future.

Sources: UNFCCC, AFDB, Eco Bank, UN.org, Rolas Furnas Geysir, West Africa, World Bank, Vintage Jhan BlogSpot Image

Environmental Awareness and Action in Australia

Australia typically holds their federal elections in March and this one was expected to focus on environmental initiatives.  The Opposition was set to announce a promise to reign in mining and carbon taxes, adding fuel to the fire of what governing party would win and what their commitment to environmental action would look like.  However, Prime Minister Julia Gillard shocked many when she announced that the election would take place in September, sparking the longest election campaign in Australian history. 

Given that the environment is set to become a hot topic in Australia throughout the summer and this campaign, it begs the question: What is Australia doing in terms of environmental action?  What is their environmental stance on international agreements?  Have they met or are they working towards meeting these accords?  How proactive is Australia in affirming a commitment to environmental action? In this article, we explore Australia to discover how the nation from Down Under is working towards a better world.

Air

Australia has been monitoring chemical emissions being released into the air since July 1998. The National Pollutant Inventory was established to track 90 different chemicals, most of which are considered air toxins. From this list and monitoring, the Ambient Air Quality National Environment Protection Measure has calculated emissions of these chemicals and has set out a plan to lower such toxins in the air, such as carbon monoxide and photochemicals, and to eliminate some altogether, such as lead and sulphur dioxide. This is detailed within a ten year plan.

Climate Change

Australia has a three pillar approach to climate change: mitigation, adaptation, and a global solution. 

Mitigation refers to reducing emissions. The belief is that without any action, carbon related pollution could be as high as 20% higher than 2000 level by 2020. The goal of the government is to lower emissions by at least 5% compared to the 2000 level, which will require cutting net expected pollution but roughly 25% by 2020. This includes investments into clean energy alternatives and supporting individuals and businesses in their unique efforts.  More than $5 billion has been invested into clean energy technologies as defined in the Clean Energy Legislative Package. The government has also established the Australian Carbon Trust, a $100 million fund designed to finance businesses in retrofitting commercial and industries sectors to more energy efficient options.  The creation of education for green-collar job training will also help train people in a variety of industries with the skills necessary to facilitate such a green business revolution. 

Adaption is an educational initiative designed to help people cope with a changing Australia. A $126 million fund in the Climate Change Adaptation Program help educate individuals on managing climate change risks including water conservation, health and emergencies management, and in helping to transition industries that use a lot of resources, such as farming and mining to better alternatives.

               

Global solutions are underway as Australia is an active partner under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. The goal is to create a legally binding framework for all nations that manages pollution reduction and enforcement.  Australia is also the current chair of the Umbrella Group, a coalition of non-European Union developed nations who are working towards climate change solutions. Under the Kyoto Protocol, Australia has also publically pledged to reduce their emissions by 25% lower than 2000 standards, a plans that has affected the creation of the domestic Clean Energy Legislative Package.

Energy

               

The Australian plan to increase clean energy initiatives is very unique and involves all of their citizens. 

First, within the Clean Energy Legislative Package, all Australians who make under $80,000 per year will receive tax rebates based on the government’s new carbon pricing strategy. There is an expected 0.7% increase in the cost of living as commodities that increase carbon production are taxed at higher level. The rebate in meant to offset consumer costs. This also includes the rollout of a nationwide education initiative so that everyone understands how carbon pricing works, what commodities it is attached to, and what appropriate rates should be. 

There have also been two local projects, one in Tweed and the other in Moreton Bay, to test different energy alternatives. 

Since 2009, Tweed has worked to reduce organic wastes ending up in landfills. They have been able to reduce waste production by 42% and instead, have used organic wastes in a new methane gas extraction system, which is capable of generating 3,000 megawatt hours of electricity. The capture and burning of methane also reduces 12,900 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions annually. Moreton Bay is tackling their landfill as well. Since 2006, the introduction of curbside recycling has removed 25% of all waste from entering landfills.  The city also has other recycling initiatives, which brings the total waste removal to 42%. The installation of landfill gas management systems also further reduces landfill gas emission by 50%. Under the new carbon pricing strategy, the city believes that they will save $3.2 million through lower carbon production. These are two strategies that are being investigated for potential national rollouts.

Protection

               

It has been 14 years since the Biodiversity Conservation Act was enacted in 1999. This piece of legislation has served as the cornerstone for all Australian environmental legislation that has since followed. The goal is to preserve and protect flora, fauna, and ecological heritage sites from damage and pollution. Australia is a nation of large wilderness of many diverse landscapes. In working with the states and territories, their legacy can be preserved in their original states, untouched by humans, as a living monument to the natural world as well as helping as natural carbon captures.

Sustainability

               

Environmental sustainability is an important issue as urban communities continue to grow. A $2 billion plan is meant to ensure biodiversity of Australia’s natural environment while bringing forth sustainable agricultural practices. There are 56 regional natural resource management groups that are working in conjunction with the government to protect untouched areas of the country, minimize damage to animal habits, and to ensure that natural carbon capture within forested areas are not cut down so as not to increase emissions.

Pollution and Waste Management

               

The National Waste Policy outlines the nation’s waste management and recycling programs, currently dated to include implementations until 2020. Between 2002 and 2007, Australia has noticed a 31% increase in waste generation. Much of this increase is in technologically outdated commercial goods, which may contain metals and chemicals that are harmful to the environment, in addition to taking up space in landfills. The aims of this policy are meant to serve 4 goals: reducing waste generation, re-imagining waste as a resource, safe disposal, and the reduction of contaminants entering the environment from landfill sites. Part of the mandate of this proposal also includes an adherence to monitoring and accurate data collection.

Water

               

The National Water Commission was created from the National Water Commission Act in 2004 and further amended last year. This gives them the authority to manage Australia’s water systems through the Water Act of 2007. They also work in conjunction with regional, state, territorial, and local authorities in water management and conservation practices.  Current major projects include the Murray-Darling Basin audit. The Commission acts as an independent reviewer in such audits in order to find areas where increased water resource management can benefit.

What the Future for Australia Holds

               

Australia is one of the more progressive developed nations that is working towards an environmental strategy that balances environmental action with sustainability. This is a difficult thing to manage and the upcoming election shows exactly that. People have many different ideas of what a sound environmental strategy is. So far, Australians have benefitted from a government that has looked for national solutions as well as has contributed to global organizations in a leadership role. Let’s hope that Australia continues to be an example for the rest of the developed world and show that environmental action can work with sustainability!

Sources: Atmosphere AU, NWC.gov.au, Environment AU, Sustainability AU, Climate Change AU, Clean Energy Future, Environment AU, Australia.gov.au, Benefits of Recycling, The Age, Australia.com, Social Studies, Marine Science Today, Desert Animals, Desalination AU, Environment ABC, Public Works Green Energy Award, NCCARF, Tony Charters, Beautiful Australia

How Canada is Working Towards a Positive Environmental Strategy

In December 2012, Canada became the first signatory nation to formally withdraw from the Kyoto Accord, an agreement between nations to limit and reduce greenhouse gases. This follows a long line of negative global publicity that the Canadian government has taken when it comes to global environmental issues. In reading and researching Canada’s role as an environmental advocate, it can become disheartening, however, Canada is not just sitting back and doing nothing.

In this article, we explore what Canada is doing when it comes to several key areas of the environment. Instead of focusing on the negative, we want to know, what role is Canada taking domestically and internationally to deal with environmental issues and climate change? How are these initiatives being achieved? Have they had any success? In this piece, we dig deeper to find those areas of environmental action that are positive!

Air

The quality of Canada’s air has long been something to be proud of, especially with the amount of wilderness Canada has.  The Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) was established in 2005 in order to help people understand how air quality can affect their health and how to protect themselves from long term damage. This is a scale between 1 and 10 can be easily found with real time information. The risk level varies from low (1) to high (10+) and the index provides information on who is most at risk during that time.

The AQHI was established to do much more than provide information to people, it also provides information to researchers and government organizations.  This allows them to trend air quality patterns in order to understand how Canadian air changes over time, which regions of the country are worst, and what can be done about it.

As per the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, all industries are required to provide reports on their air pollution.  This is done through the Environment Canada and is made available for Canadians through the National Pollutant Release Inventory.  As a signatory to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, Canada is also required to make this information available to the UN.

Climate Change

In 2009, Canada signed the Copenhagen Accord, where reduction targets in greenhouse gases were set for 17% below 2005 levels. This is to be reached by 2020. In order to reach this goal, several initiatives are required in multiple industries, regions of the country, and in the changing of societal views.  The government of Canada has contributed to several individual projects, such as carbon capture and storage at the Boundary Dam in Saskatchewan to a mandate for all gasoline to have 5% minimum renewable fuel. 

The majority of Canada’s contributions are based in investments and the funding of individual programs; however, legislative changes have occurred as well.  In late 2010, Canada supported the Cancun Agreement on climate change as well as the Durban Platform in late 2011. All in all, between 2005 and 2010, the Canadian economy grew 6.3% while greenhouse gas emissions fell 6.5%. As of August 2012, Canada reached the halfway mark of attaining their goal as stated in the Copenhagen Accord.

Enforcement

Canada’s Environmental Enforcement Act became active in late 2010 and serves three purposes.  First, it has consolidated six previous acts into one bill for more rapid and efficient act of the law.  Second, it has amended fines and sentencing guidelines to become more stringent and deterrent based.  Finally, through this Act, Canada has created partnerships within domestic enforcement agencies and with those around the world including the United States Environmental Protection Agency and Interpol in order to crack down on larger scale acts of environmental polluting or terrorism.

Nature

In late 2012, a survey was initiated by the Government of Canada through the Canadian Biodiversity Strategy.  As in other Canadian initiatives, the government is working towards an understanding of what Canadians know about the areas of wilderness in the country.  This includes understanding personal leisure behaviours such as camping, hunting, and fishing in both urban and rural areas.

Canada’s goal on biodiversity is to protect habits and species within them.  This is managed in conjunction with enabling our wilderness areas to be accessible to those who choose to use them and experience their beauty under what is known as Access and Benefit sharing.  Canada’s signing of the Convention of Biological Diversity is meant to protect natural habits for specifically this purpose, especially as biotechnology companies increase pressure on governments to extract from these areas.

Pollution and Waste

In 2012, Canada released a study that examined pollution in the air, water, and land between 2006 and 2010. Through reduction policies that target the manufacturing sector and natural resource industries, total pollutant annual releases have decreased 19% during this period. The Federal Action Plan of Pollution Prevention also has worked with specific large corporations in finding ways for them to reduce pollution to the environment while maintaining business sustainability.

Science and Technology

Canada is constantly investing is all areas of science and technology in order to preserve and maintain environmental goals.  While their involvement in this area is not direct, their funding of private programs has had a significant impact on the betterment of Canada’s environment.  Projects that have received funding include:

• $281 million for clean energy,
• $500 million in helping new construction projects reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and
• $1.2 billion for environmental development in developing nations.

What is even more positive about Canada’s investment strategy is that it is truly global.  By investing in developing nations, Canada is helping others to benefit from new and emerging technologies.

Sustainable Development

Sustainable development has become one of the main components of any environmental strategy, whether you are an individual or a government.  This means acting based on the needs of today without sacrificing future generations.  On June 16, 2011, Canada released its first ever Progress Report on the Federal Sustainable Development Strategy.  This was the first step as outlined in the Federal Sustainable Development Act, passed in 2010, to show what is needed to be done in Canada in terms of setting up a foundation for sustainable development.

This is an area that is still in its infancy stages in Canada.  However, the Act and subsequent report shows that action is being taken to outline areas of need.  Movement towards individual implementation plans have not yet occurred but are underway.

Water

Protecting Canada’s fresh water is not just a domestic issue; it is a global issue. Canada has over 7% of the entire world’s fresh water reserves, the most out of any single country.  We are also the only nation to border three separate oceans, which means a necessary action plan for these as well.

Canada has constructed more than 3,000 sites across the country that measures our waterways for physical, chemical, and biological characteristics. The goal is to know about any changes immediately so that action can be taken if issues arise. This is a part of the Action Plan for Clean Water.

The Oceans Action Plan sets out to protect our oceans and all marine species contains within them.  Right now, we are in Phase I of this plan. This is meant to deal with issues of overfishing, international management, and the creation of specific action plans for regions including the Scotian Shelf, Pacific North Coast, Gulf of St. Lawrence, and many more. Once the research has been completed (a 2 year project), work can begin on sustainable development, protection, and preservation.

Canada’s Future Role in the Environment

Canada will continue to adhere to its goals as set in the Copenhagen Accord.  While the nation has just passed the halfway mark toward reaching emissions of 17% below 2005 levels, there is still much work to do before the 2020 deadline. This will involve more investment into technologies and initiatives in the private sector. Canada’s Environmental Emergencies Fund, established from fines taken from enforcement policing, is also helping to deal with unaccounted for events in order to mitigate or minimize environmental concerns.

The majority of policies and initiatives mentioned here are in their stages of infancy.  Most are within two years old and have only have initial planning stages completed.  It will remain interesting to see how implementation takes place and what its effects will be!

Sources: O Canada, Environment Canada, CEAA, Climate Change, Adventure, Urbanity, Mens Journal, Niagara, Newfoundland, Environmental Science

How to Go Green at Work

Much like going green at school, going green at work can sometimes have a larger impact than going green at home due to the number of people that can be involved. By helping your office make better eco-choices, you can also encourage your colleagues to make similar changes in the rest of their lives!

Encourage your company to develop a greenhouse gas inventory

An inventory includes a list of emission sources as well as the amount of standardized accompanying emissions. The majority of a company’s emissions tend to come from building heating and cooling, fleet vehicles, electricity use, and employee travel. Small companies can calculate their emissions and carbon footprint here. The EPA’s Center for Corporate Climate Leadership is a resource center to help organizations identify and achieve cost-effective GHG emission reductions. Environment Canada also has resources for businesses about sustainable development planning, reporting, and programs.

Use renewable and sustainable power

Though some regions generate their grid power from cleaner energy sources such as hydropower other regions source their grid power from emission-heavy fossil fuel powered plants. Consequently, emissions from electricity generated from fossil fuels can have a significant impact the environment and your organization's carbon footprint. Green power is electricity that is generated from renewable energy sources such as wind, sun, geothermal, and biomass. Purchasing your power from renewable energy sources is an effective way for your organization to reduce its carbon footprint and environmental impact. Visit the EPA's Green Power Partnership for information on how to purchase green power in the United States. In Canada your business can purchase green power from Bullfrog Power.

Use public transportation, bike, walk, or carpool to work

Instead of using your car, why not save your gas money and get a little exercise at the same time by biking or walking to work! If you do need to drive, organize a carpool or take public transit to limit the number of cars on the road. A smaller number of cars on the road mean less carbon emissions. Leaving your car at home just two days a week can reduce your greenhouse gas emissions by an average of two tons per year.

Telecommunicate instead of travelling on a plane to meet clients

Flying is resource intensive and produces large carbon emissions; you can prevent the need to fly by phone, audio and video conferencing instead. You can also save money, time, and reduce stress by teleconferencing. If you must travel consider alternate less carbon intensive modes of transport such as trains. Train travel is estimated to produce 90 percent fewer emissions than flying. You could also consider telecommuting for your everyday work if possible; this could also reduce your emissions and save you waiting in traffic every day.

(Learn more about airplane emissions in our article about The Green Passport Initiative!)

Install smart power strips to turn off electronics completely

The energy used to power electronics in offices can be greatly reduced if they are turned off when not needed instead of left on standby to continuously suck up energy. For example did you know that a 600-watt photocopier left on standby for 24 hours a day uses about $750 of electricity in a year? If it is turned on only during normal working hours, two thirds of this electricity could be saved.

Smart strips turn off devices and prevent phantom energy from continuously flowing through them. Electronics such as computers, printers, scanners and copiers should be plugged into smart strips which stop drawing power when your gadgets are on standby or are turned off. For example, when a printer plugged into a basic smart strip goes into standby mode, its power consumption drops. Consequently, the circuitry detects the change and cuts the power to that outlet but the rest of the outlets in use stay on. As a result both energy associated emissions and costs will be reduced.

Switch to energy efficient lighting and turn lights off when not in use

Refit your workplace with energy saving light bulbs labelled ENERGY STAR® to help the environment as well as help your company save money on the electricity bill! Compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs use 75% less energy than incandescent bulbs and can last up to 10 times longer. Light emitting diode (LED) lights are an emerging technology and are also 75% more efficient than incandescent bulbs. LEDs can last even longer than CFLs—lasting 15 to 20 times longer than incandescent bulbs.

If your workplace occupants are having difficulty regularly turning off the lights you can install motion or occupant sensors, which automatically turn off lighting when no one is present and come back on when they return.

Recycle everything you can

Recycling reduces the size and affect of landfills, helps conserve natural resources, decreases pollution, and saves energy. Ensure that your company recycles paper products, batteries, and printer cartridges. Additionally, make sure the office’s old electronics (e.g., computers, monitors, cell phones, TVs) are recycled. There are many different programs including leasing programs, manufacturer and retailer take-back programs and municipal programs your company can utilize to ensure the reuse and/or recycling of your electronics. In the US your company can participate in the EPA’s WasteWise program which helps its participants meet goals to reduce and recycle municipal solid waste and selected industrial wastes.

Go paperless

• Go a step further than just recycling your paper; avoid initially using it whenever possible. 
• Set 'double sided' as the default setting on your printer.
• Go electronic instead of using hard copies: phone and email, use overheads and power point presentations, get e-subscriptions, and use web resources.
• Replace paper towels with hand dryers in the bathrooms.
• Switch to cloth towels and napkins in kitchens.
• Use reusable mugs and plates in the company kitchen.
• Switch to a metal mesh reusable coffee filter in the company kitchen so you do not need disposable paper ones.

Use non-toxic green cleaning products in your work area or office

Using green products for cleaning your workplace can be better for the health of the planet, yourself, and your employees. Green products are typically made with natural ingredients and can reduce the amount of harmful toxins you inhale each day. Green products are also often packaged in recycled or biodegradable materials and offer bulk options to reduce waste. Research and read the labels of your green products, looking for words such as biodegradable, 100% recycled, certified organic, and green certified, to chose the ones that are right for you.

Choose foods that are local, organic and sustainable for lunches, meetings and catered events

Produce that is grown in your area requires lower inputs to get to the store/farmers’ market/restaurant, and by buying seasonal produce you’re more likely to get produce that’s local. A good way to know if your food is sustainably produced is to talk to the farmer!  Buy farm-gate produce or shop at farmers’ markets whenever it’s possible.  Ask the farmer how they grow their crops. The farmers that are passionate about sustainable practices will enthusiastically share their knowledge.

 

(You can read more about sustainable agriculture on our blog here!)

Choosing food that is organic ensures that it is pesticide and GMO free and thus that there are no negative impacts on the surrounding soil, water, air, or organisms. Eating organic also may prevent a number of negative human health problems linked to pesticide use.

Pack waste-free lunches

Through packing a waste-free lunch at home (and not getting take-out) your energy emissions, meal costs, and the waste you produce are all reduced. The average child is said to produce 67 pounds of trash at lunch a year and you are creating the same if not more at work!  Switch to reusable utensils, containers, napkins, water bottles and lunch boxes to avoid trash generation. When shopping for reusable lunch wares remember that some may actually contain lead and/or PVC which are not safe to be in contact with food. Reusable containers made of glass, stainless, and lead-free ceramic are the safest options.

(Read specific examples on how other companies have gone green on our Green Companies from the Ground Up and Going Green in Business pages!)

Sources: Green Office, Green Office Certification, Got Tech, Recycle for Change, Entrepreneurs for Change, Telecom, Interesting Energy Facts Blog, Autowale.in, PC Mag, Industry Canada, Slacker Saver, Chicago Tribune Local, BC Living, Go Green in Stages