Assemblyman Lloyd Levine of Van Nuys, California is set to propose a law that would ban incandescent lightbulbs in California by the year 2012. Incandescent bulbs have been around for more than 100 years and have undergone little innovation. These little energy hogs convert only five percent of the energy that they consume into light.

The bill would require Californians to buy compact fluorescent lightbulbs which use only 25% of the energy consumed by their conventional counterparts. CFLs are more expensive to purchase, but the improved efficiency and 13 year lifespan make them a worthwhile long-term investment.

Complete article from Reuters.

In this article from Natural Home magazine, ten neighborhoods are recognized for lending themselves to living a healthy, eco-friendly lifestyle. Every region is represented, though not having a city from California does strike us as being a bit weird. The top ten:

1. Asheville, North Carolina
2. Austin, Texas
3. Bozeman, Montana
4. Brooklyn, New York
5. Chicago, Illinois
6. Denver, Colorado
7. Indianapolis, Indiana
8. Minneapolis, Minnesota
9. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
10. Seattle, Washington

Complete article from Natural Home.

We always recommend beautiful clothing for Valentine’s Day, but understand that some people like to send flowers or chocolate to express their feelings for a loved one. In that case, we suggest taking a look at the beautiful flowers from Organic Bouquet. No, we weren’t paid for this post. Heck, they don’t even know we are plugging their goods.

In addition to red roses, you can also find Valentine Tulips, non-red roses, and a whole host of other arrangements that are sure to please your Valentine.

Organic Bouquet home page.

Despite numerous health benefits, tofu is often relegated to second class status, especially by kids. This month, Cookie magazine provides four recipes that might be the ticket to getting your little ones to give tofu a chance.

1. Tofu Rigatoni Casserole
2. Tofu-and-Meat Loaf
3. Maple-Glazed Tofu with Spaghetti Squash
4. Strawberry-Soy Milk Shake

Complete article from Cookie.

Global equity mutual fund Portfolio 21 has released its list of the top ten green companies for CY2006. These companies are the top ten financial performers which meet the criteria set forth by Portfolio 21. Portflio 21 invests in 88 companies from around the world. The top ten in order of 2006 performance:

1. Vestas Wind Systems: Wind turbine manufacturer. Up 131%.
2. Fuel Systems Solutions: Fuel management systems with an emphasis on those that work with alternative fuels. Up 114%.
3. JM: Construction and real estate. Up 89%.
4. Interface: “Climate Neutral” carpeting. Up 76%.
5. British Land: Property development and management. Up 61%.
6. Acciona: Construction, logistics, and energy. Up 50%.
7. Ormat: Recovered and geothermal energy. Up 46%.
8. Canon: Consumer and business technology products. Up 46%.
9. HP: Consumer and business technology products. Up 43%.
10. Novozymes: World leader in biotech-based industrial enzymes and microorganisms. Up 41%.

Press release from CSRwire.

Safeway has become the first grocer in the state to join the California Climate Action Registry, the only official registry for greehouse gas emissions projects. By joining the registry, Safway must track, report, and certify its greenhouse gas emissions. In addition to the registry, Safeway is a large supporter of environmentally friendly business practices. Recent actions have included:

• Backing AB 32, California’s new law to reduce emissions 25% by 2020.
• Joining the Chicago Climate Exchange.
• Establishing itself as one of the largest purchasers of wind energy in the country.
• Multiple in-store programs to increase energy efficiency.

Press release from Safeway.

The 2012 Olympics are hardly a thought to most people, but the planning team is hard at work to provide the most sustainable Olympics ever. More important than the impact on the games is the fact that the facilities developed will become a part of London for many years to come. Key features include:

• Climate Change: 50% reduction in carbon dioxide emissions associated with the Olympic park and venus by 2013.
• Waste & Materials: 90% of demolition material to be reused or recycled.
• Water: 40% reduction in the demand for potable water in permanent venues.
• Transportation: Building over 80km of paths to encourage walking and bicycle use.

Complete press release for much more detailed information.

Ten of the most influential executives in the country have called on President Bush to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least ten percent from today’s levels in the next decade. Long terms goals call for a reduction of sixty percent by the year 2050. Compaies represented by the group include Alcoa, B.P., Duke Energy, General Electric, and more.

The executives are asking for a cap-and-trade system that allows companies to offset the cost of conforming with the new rules by trading credits that they earn. Companies that cannot comply can then purchase credits from conforming companies.

Complete story from the Associated Press.

Spurred by tax credits and grants, the logging industry is beginning to build plants to produce electricity from biomass. Biomass is technical term from the waste and leftovers created by the logging industry that can’t be used as lumber. Generally this material is left behind, but is now being used to power operations in the thinning of national forests or sold back to the local power grid.

Complete story from the Associated Press.

David Monson, a North Dakota farmer, school superintendent, and assistant Republican majority leader in the House, has applied to be the first industrial hemp farmer in the United States. Mr. Monson has submitted his application and now must wait for the government to work through the review process.

As part of the process, Mr. Monson must provide exact coordinates of the area to be farmed, be fingerprinted to prove that he is not a criminal, pay a non-refundable application fee, and get permission from the DEA.

Article from Business Week.