Category Archives: Great Lakes Region

Applications now being accepted for 2011 Illinois Governor’s Sustainability Awards

Posted on March 28, 2011 by Laura B.

The University of Illinois Sustainable Technology Center (ISTC) is now accepting applications for the 2011 Governor’s Sustainability Awards. The Center, in cooperation with the Office of the Governor, has honored organizations for their efforts in sustainability and pollution prevention since … Continue reading →

Posted in Awards & contests, ISTC News, Illinois | Leave a comment

Battery Recycling LibGuide

Posted on March 12, 2011 by Laura B.

I have compiled a LibGuide on battery recycling, which includes options available in Champaign-Urbana. Check it out at http://uiuc.libguides.com/battery-recycling.

Posted in Green Lifestyle, Illinois, Recycling, Regulation | Leave a comment

Nanotech extends battery life for smartphones, satellites, supercomputers

Posted on March 11, 2011 by Laura B.

Read the full post at SmartPlanet. Like electric cars, the one weak link in the rapidly advancing technology of electronic devices is the battery. As memory capacity grows and processors become faster than ever, the battery remains a large, clunky … Continue reading →

Posted in Computing/Consumer electronics, Illinois, Nanotechnology, Research | 1 Comment

Geology of Illinois now available for purchase

Posted on March 8, 2011 by Laura B.

The Illinois State Geological Survey announces the release of its benchmark publication, Geology of Illinois. This 530-page volume, conceived in preparation of the Survey’s centennial celebration in 2005, was written by 40 recognized experts in Illinois geology. The book summarizes … Continue reading →

Posted in Illinois, Publications | Leave a comment

Dayton signs on to big shift in environmental oversight

Posted on March 4, 2011 by Laura B.

Read the full story in the Minneapolis Star-Tribune. Gov. Mark Dayton signed legislation Thursday that hands the responsibility for environmental assessments to the corporations pushing the projects, drawing sharp criticism from environmentalists and giving a solid victory to the state’s … Continue reading →

Posted in Environment, Great Lakes Region, Regulation | Leave a comment

EPA analysis shows decrease in toxic releases across midwestern states

Posted on January 11, 2011 by Laura B.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has updated its annual analysis of the Toxics Release Inventory (TRI), which provides vital information about pollution to the people of Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio and Wisconsin. The analysis for these six states, which comprise … Continue reading →

Posted in Great Lakes Region, Web Resources | Leave a comment

Yes Or No? Environmental Groups Pose 20 Questions To The Mayoral Contenders

Posted on January 7, 2011 by Laura B.

Read the full story at Progress Illinois. A coalition of 17 environmental and community organizations are asking Chicago’s would-be mayors to detail their commitment to a green future for the city in a new 20-question, yes-or-no survey.

Posted in Illinois, Local Initiatives, Policy | Leave a comment

Monitoring the Ohio River for Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Posted on January 5, 2011 by Laura B.

Read the full story in NRMRL News. Microbial activity in streams and rivers produces nitrous oxide, a potent greenhouse gas, but the importance of these systems in the global nitrous oxide budget is not well known. Most research on nitrous … Continue reading →

Posted in Climate Change, Great Lakes Region, Research | Leave a comment

Industrial Energy Efficiency Studies

Posted on December 20, 2010 by Laura B.

The Minnesota Technical Assistance Program, through a grant from the Minnesota Department of Commerce’s Office of Energy Security, collected and analyzed energy data for manufacturing sectors within eight utility service areas in Minnesota. The analysis included identifying significant manufacturing sectors … Continue reading →

Posted in Energy, Great Lakes Region, Manufacturing, Publications | Leave a comment

60 Wild Coyotes Patrol Chicago (And Occasionally Stop At Convenience Stores)

Posted on December 10, 2010 by Laura B.

Read the full story (and watch video) from NPR. Chicago’s Cook County now has over 60 coyotes fitted with radio collars (plus a good many uncollared ones) roaming parks, alleys, yards and thoroughfares in one of the biggest cities in … Continue reading →

Posted in Illinois, Wildlife | Leave a comment