·:[ Environmental News Bits ]:·
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Read the press release.

Agriculture Secretary Ed Schafer today announced that 639 individuals and businesses in 43 states and the Virgin Islands have been selected to receive $35 million in grants and loan guarantees for renewable energy systems or to improve energy efficiency in farm and business operations.

• Complete list of recipients

The latest issue of Renewable Energy Weekly is now available. Highlights include:

• California Ballot Initiatives: Good or Bad for Clean Energy?
• Geothermal Energy’s Potential
• The Elephant Under the Rug: Denial and Failed Energy Projects
• Why Are Utilities Increasingly Announcing New Solar Initiatives?
• China Passes UK as Key Nation for Investment in Renewables
• Putting Canada on Track

Read the press release.

eBay today unveiled a new ecommerce marketplace called WorldofGood.com by eBay, which offers products that have a positive impact on people and the planet, empowering consumers to align their social values with their shopping.

September 6
Native Plant Gardening
Early American Museum, Lake of the Woods Forest Preserve, 600 N. Lombard, Mahomet,
9:00 A.M.-11:00 A.M.
Native plants are easy to grow, and they attract beneficial insects. Adults can learn how to grow woodland wildflowers and prairie plants in your own yard.

$2 per person. Registration required; call (217) 896-2455. Contact person: Rachel Dawsey. Contact e-mail: horted@ccfpd.org

Read the full story in Occupational Health & Safety.

EPA launched a new Web site at www.epa.gov/oppt/import-export/ that provides general information on requirements under the Toxic Substances Control Act for those who import and/or export chemical substances into and out of the United States. Various legal requirements under TSCA and associated implementing regulations can apply to a wide range of chemical substances and can impact importers and exporters.

GO GREEN!
EPA News You Can Use – September 2008
http://www.epa.gov/newsroom/gogreen

IN THIS ISSUE:
Enviro-Tip of the Month
What You Can Do, What You Can Use
Upcoming Events and Opportunities
About This Newsletter

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ENVIRO-TIP OF THE MONTH

Reduce your carbon footprint. Use public transportation, carpool, walk, or bike whenever possible to avoid using your car. Learn about greenhouse gas emissions on the road.
http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/wycd/road.html

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WHAT YOU CAN DO, WHAT YOU CAN USE

Help recognize clean air. Got someone in your community who’s done a lot to help clear the air where you live? Nomimations for the annual Clean Air Excellence award are due by September 19.
http://yosemite.epa.gov/opa/admpress.nsf/names/hq_2008-8-11_awards

Greenscape your yard. Planning your lawn and yard can be creative and fun. For example, consider planting a wildflower meadow but use only native plants.
http://yosemite.epa.gov/opa/admpress.nsf/names/r03_2008-8-14_Eco_Friendly_Advice_for_Healthy_Lawns_and_Greenscapes

Sign up for air quality messages in Louisiana. Residents of Baton Rouge, New Orleans and Shreveport can receive free email messages about their air quality, from the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality and EPA.
http://yosemite.epa.gov/opa/admpress.nsf/names/r06_2008-8-20_louisiana

Kids! Find the healthiest fish to eat using stories and games you can play about fishing, the kinds of fish, and advisories that tell you when to avoid some kinds of fish.
http://yosemite.epa.gov/opa/admpress.nsf/names/hq_2008-8-1_fish

Get a sneak peek at the revised EPA home page.
http://www.epa.gov/epahome/sneak.htm

Join the Greenversation – Each week we ask you a question related to the environment and invite you to share your thoughts.
http://blog.epa.gov/blog/category/question-of-the-week

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UPCOMING EVENTS AND OPPORTUNITIES

September
National Preparedness Month

Week
15 – 21 National Pollution Prevention Week

Day
6 Carl Garner Federal Lands Cleanup Day
20 International Coastal Cleanup Day
27 National Estuaries Day

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ABOUT THIS NEWSLETTER

America is shifting to a “green culture” where all 300 million citizens are embracing the fact that environmental responsibility is everyone’s responsibility. “Go Green!” is a monthly newsletter from the US EPA with information about activities and events that everyone can use to make a difference in their homes, communities, and offices.

Want more news? Sign up to receive daily EPA news releases on topics that interest you.
http://www.epa.gov/newsroom/email_signups.htm