University of Washington

Recently, the Sierra Club released its third annual ranking of “Cool Schools,” which rates ecological awareness and sustainability efforts among top colleges and universities.

Renewable technologies and energy is penetrating society at all levels. 

For instance, this week EnergyBoom reported about companies that are producing carbon negative cement, electric motorcycles, biofuel generated from algae-eating fish.  At the same time EnergyBoom highlighted efforts by governments and organizations to promote clean technology and green jobs. 

Most of us think of plastic as being the antithesis of renewable. And with good reason. Most plastics are made using ethane and propane from petroleum which are converted into ethylene and propylene using a high-temperature furnace. Plastics are fossil fuel and energy intensive. Nothing renewable about that!