Category: Environment

Virgin Trains Introduces First European Biodiesel Train

thanks google!Sir Richard Branson owns a lot of companies and he has previously mentioned that he wants to fight climate change and cut back on emissions. It appears that he’s sticking to his word as Virgin Trains is running a biodiesel train in Europe and plans to switch more trains to biodiesel if this test run goes well.

If running biodiesel isn’t enough, the trains also produce energy!

From their press release:

In addition to the environmental benefits of the Voyager trial, Virgin’s Pendolino electric trains return 17 percent of the power they use to the national grid every time they brake, making the Pendolino fleet one of the most efficient in the world. Over the course of a year this is enough to power 11,825 homes. These trains emit 76 percent less CO2 than cars or domestic flights.

Curb Consumerism, Save the World

A good article from The Observer covers a new movement that is apparently gaining popularity – the ‘compact’ to not buy anything new. This is great to read, because it validates me, anyone who knows me knows that I hardly make any new purchases unless I have too. I have more leisure time as a result 🙂

Perry believes that by refraining from buying, he saves ‘a few hundred dollars a month on unnecessary and impulse purchases’ and thousands every year on larger buys like furniture and kitchen appliances: ‘The extra money means we now overpay on the mortgage and contribute more to the kids’ college funds.’

Thanks, Janet!

China Unveils Climate Change Strategy

China uses a lot of energy and its economy has been growing very quickly, which means that their carbon output has also been increasing. China has already taken some steps towards greening their economy and now they will continue that trend. China’s climate change strategy looks like a good step.

The country stressed that economic development comes first with a focus on sustainability. They also maintained their stance that developed nations need to take more action on climate change because most of it is their fault. I totally agree with China on this last point.

But it also stressed that the country’s first priority remained “sustainable development and poverty eradication”.

“China is a developing country. Although we do not have the obligation to cut emissions, it does not mean we do not want to shoulder our share of responsibilities,” Ma Kai, chairman of China’s National Development and Reform Commission, said.

Edit: And if the government wants to try anything funny, the Chinese will create flash protests with their mobiles.

Noah’s Ark Version 2.0

On Mount Ararat, Greenpeace volunteers are working feverishly to make Noah’s Ark to raise awareness about global warming. This is a neat and creative idea. The message about climate change is targeted at politicians.

Volunteers are racing to complete the wooden vessel under bright sunshine by end-May, to coincide with a summit of leading countries next month in Germany where climate change will be high on the agenda.

Tesla Motors Humming Along

Tesla makes electric cars that go fast, real fast. Auto Blog Green is wondering if we’ll soon see “gas stations” for electric cars in California.

The company won a grant to develop recharge stations to power the electric vehicles in an effort to encourage people switching from infernal-compustion engines to more environmentally friendly alternatives.

When CARB solicited proposals this year, they said that, “Electric fuel vehicles have the largest potential to reduce climate change emissions and petroleum dependency relative to any other alternative fuel vehicle under consideration.” The awards list shows more money being sent to biofuels ($12 million for ethanol and biodiesel) than EVs and PHEVs ($5 million), though.

Previously on Things Are Good.