More than a decade in the making, Nike has finally incorporated the Considered line in each of its six business units: basketball, running, soccer, women’s training, men’s training and sportswear, tennis, and ACG.

As part of the Considered program roadmap, Nike plans to have all footwear meet basic standards by 2011, all apparel by 2015, and equipment by 2020. Reaching these goals will mean a 17 percent reduction in the company’s supply chain waste.

Press release from Nike

In an industry where it’s all about inventory turns and margins, spending extra money on anything is a tough sell. This has been especially true with building design, but the tides are starting to shift as companies realize that going green can also lead to cost savings.

Rather than attacking a development project haphazardly, designers are now recycling during the demolition process and incorporating more efficient processes during construction. This can include pre-fab wall systems, positioning the building for maximum use of natural light, and even using pavers in the parking lot to help divert water from the storm systems.

Article from the Retail Design Diva

Sunglasses are a key tool in protecting your eyes from sunlight, but they can also be a savior for those with no sight at all. Kayu is offering one sight-restoring surgery to a person in the developing world for every pair sold.

Not only do you get some slick sunglasses, but you are giving someone else the gift of sight! Not a bad way to spend $180.

Kayu website

Hybrids get all of the love, but a lineup of worthy diesel alternatives is going to be showing up in showrooms soon. Here are ten choices for your high mileage driving pleasure.

1. BMW 335d
2. BMW X5 35d
3. Acura TSX
4. Audi Q7 3.0 TDI
5. Porsche Cayenne
6. VW Touareg
7. Audi A4
8. Hyundai Veracruz
9. Nissan Maxima
10. Kia Borrego

Story from Forbes

Between now and November 15^th, you can take your old phone to any Staples store for recycling and you will receive a $30 Staples rewards card. In addition, you must buy a new telephone (not mobile) from GE or RCA. RCA is still in business?

Story from Electronic House

Besides a few niche players in the industry, and half-hearted efforts from some of the larger players in the space, eco-friendly shoes have been slow to find their way onto store shelves. Well, those days are about to come to an end.

Starting early next year, consumers will be able to choose from styles in the new green shoe line from Payless ShoeSource. The line is going to be “on-trend” and updated seasonally with average prices coming in at the $30 mark.

Press release from Payless

Buried in the financial bailout package for Wall Street is a little nugget that isn’t getting as much press in light of the bigger financial mess. The bill signed by President Bush extends the solar tax credit for an additional eight years and most importantly, removes the $2,000 cap that had been part of the previous program.

With the average residential solar installation running $25,000-$30,000, this means a homeowner can now expect a credit closer to $9,000. Solar installations have been on a tear over the past several years but still represent just .06% of the nation’s energy needs.

Story from MarketWatch

Lexus, the luxury brand owned by Toyota, currently has three hybrid models on the market and if statements made by a company executive are true, every model in the lineup may be packing a hybrid engine in the coming years.

The current hybrids include the GS-h, RX-h, & ultra-luxurious LS-h with a $100,000+ price tag. That still leaves the LX, IS, GS, & SC without a hybrid option but that should change as new versions of those models roll out.

Story from Motor Authority

Expanding on initiatives that have already netted a 50% reduction in energy use since the Sears Tower was built in 1973, the building is about to undergo a makeover that should result in another 10% reduction in energy use.

According to those involved in the project, the retrofit will include the installation of wind turbines, solar power, new lighting, extra insulation, and a green roof.

Story from Building

Hoping to make a few bucks while bringing family farmed food to the Washington D.C. market, The North Dakota Farmers Union has opened up a second restaurant in the nation’s capital.

Founding Farmers was built with LEED compliance in mind and serves as a destination for those who prefer locally grown food. Yes, the restaurant was founded by farmers from North Dakota, but only a portion of the food is actually trucked for the oh-so-cold state up north.

Story from the AP (via Google)