Tag Archives: Earth Day

Business, Finance, Occupation & Industry

This Week in Utilities: Dividend Increases and Earnings Reports

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By Justin Loiseau, The Motley Fool

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From dividend increases to Earth Day celebrations, utilities have been busy this week. Here’s what you need to know to keep your portfolio’s profits pouring in:

Electrifying Earth Day
Several utilities took the opportunity of Earth Day (Monday) to espouse environmental efforts. Southern loaded on 139 MW of solar and 250 MW of wind to its energy portfolio. The utility currently produces around 1,350 MW of generation from solar, hydropower, biomass, and landfill methane gas, equivalent to around 2.9% of its total capacity.

Duke Energy released its sustainability report, updating shareholders on its $9 billion modernization project. The utility expects to retire 6,300 MW of coal capacity over the next few years and expects to own or purchase 6,000 MW of wind, solar, or biomass power by 2020.

PPL celebrated Earth Day with the opening of a unique “clean coal” facility that recovers around 300,000 tons of gypsum mineral annually to be used in fertilizers. “Innovative projects like this show how coal has and will continue to be a major contributor to the economic vitality of Kentucky and of the U.S., not just in the energy sector, but in science and innovation and now agriculture,” said Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) at the plant‘s grand opening. In the next five years, PPL expects to invest around $6 billion in its system.

It’s earnings season
In the blink of an eye, Q1 2013 is here and gone. Southern reported earnings this week, hitting sales expectations but missing slightly on earnings. Any longer-term progress was negated by a $333 million after-tax charge for increased construction costs at a new power plant. The company increased its dividend last week for the 12th year in a row, calling into question the sustainability of its current cash flow.

After upping its dividend earlier in the week, American Electric Power reported earnings on Friday, beating sales estimates and matching earnings expectations. Lackluster industrial demand and impending deregulation in Ohio are trouble spots for the utility, but overall rate increases and new transmission agreements mean that sustainable income isn’t gone yet.

Dominion disappointed this quarter, missing on sales and reporting EPS 8.8% below analyst expectations. Regulated sales slumped, but $25 million in EBIT from the utility’s Blue Racer midstream joint venture kept earnings from evaporating. Looking ahead, the utility hopes to save $100 million on operating expenses for fiscal 2013 as it continues to grow its transmission business.

Stay current on electricity
The world of utilities is changing fast, and dividend stocks aren’t the stable stalwarts they once were. Be sure to check back weekly for the latest on your portfolio’s moves, and you’ll be well on your way to electrifying earnings.

As the nation moves increasingly toward clean energy, Exelon is perfectly positioned to capitalize on having the largest nuclear fleet in North America. This strength, combined with an increased focus on balance sheet health and

Source: FULL ARTICLE at DailyFinance

Lifestyles

Celebrate Earth Day in These 5 Eco-Friendly Labels that Make the World a Better Place

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By Nicolle Keogh April showers aside, there are many reasons why we love this month— Earth Day being one of them. Though the mention of Earth Day reminds us of sticky blue and green arts and crafts projects from elementary school, now that we’re all grown up, we can celeb…

via JustLuxe.com

From: http://www.justluxe.com/fine-living/fashion/feature-1905541.php?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=rss

Recipes

Doable Challenge: Celebrate Earth Day by Snacking on Plants

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By Megan O. Steintrager Today is Earth Day, which brings to my mind something that Junelle Lupiani, staff nutritionist at Miraval Resort & Spa, said when I interviewed her for Epicurious’ feature on healthy snacks: When deciding what to eat, remember, “the closer to the earth it is, the better it is for you.” After all, “We have never done a scientific study that says plants are awful,” she adds, echoing Michael Pollan‘s now-famous directive to “Eat food. Mostly plants. Not too much.” So, for this week’s Doable Challenge, let’s honor the earth and our bodies by steering clear of processed snacks in favor of fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and legumes. Grab an apple, a handful of nuts, some snap peas, or a bowlful of berries–or take a look at Epi’s Seasonal Ingredient Map to find out what’s freshest near you–and have a great Earth Day! Pictured: Mango, Blueberry, and Ginger Fruit Salad

From: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/epicurious/epiblog/~3/dhx_HlILwf8/doable-challenge-celebrate-earth-day-by-snacking-on-plants.html

News, Politics, Government

Group kicks off planting of ancient tree clones

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After spending two decades producing clones from some of the world’s biggest and oldest trees, a nonprofit group says it’s time to start planting.

The Archangel Ancient Tree Archive has developed several thousand genetic copies of coastal redwoods and giant sequoias from California at its laboratory in Copemish, Mich. On Monday, several dozen redwoods will be planted in seven countries. Others have been planted in Oregon. Some were developed from the stump of a tree that had lived about 4,000 years.

Co-founder David Milarch says the Earth Day event is a first step toward mass-production of the clones. The group hopes millions will be planted around the world, helping to restore ancient forests and fight climate change by absorbing massive amounts of carbon dioxide.

From: http://feeds.foxnews.com/~r/foxnews/national/~3/eOdB9Gv7zh4/

Recipes

Celebrate Earth Day at Home

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By Kendra Vizcaino-Lico Monday marks the 43rd anniversary of Earth Day. It began in 1970, when 20 million Americans protested against the environmental damage that was occurring both locally and globally. (Who can forget that iconic commercial with a tear going down the face of an American Indian?) Flash forward to today, when more than 1 billion citizens will mark the day with random and not so random acts of green. Here are a few things we are doing to mark the day, and to mark it every day. Grow an Herb Garden: If you have the space outside, it’s the perfect time to plant dill, coriander, rosemary, thyme and the like. If you cook outside, plant them near the grill for easy access. Grow a Windowsill Garden: For apartment dwellers, a container garden is just as good. Look for pots that are a foot in diameter, and make sure they are placed where there is a lot of light. Start an Heirloom Garden: Beets, cucumbers, peppers, and lettuce are surprisingly easy to grow, even for beginner gardeners. You can, of course, grow your own hardier more common strains of carrots, tomatoes and the like, as well. Green Your Kitchen: As Danny Seo demonstrates, it’s easy to make your kitchen environmentally friendly, from cleaning countertops to keeping the freezer stocked for maximum temperature efficiency. (Photo: CN Digital Studio)

From: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/epicurious/epiblog/~3/PG-RuD50GLo/earth-day.html

Articles of Interest

Earth Day 2013 Challenges: HuffPost Green Takes On Eco-Friendly Goals

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By The Huffington Post News Editors

Happy Earth Week, everybody!

Here at HuffPost Green, we know how important it is to pay attention to the world around us. But between keeping up with energy news, climate change and (of course) adorable animals, it’s easy to let green living go to the wayside.

In honor of Earth Day, members of our team are taking on a little extra something to remember that every small contribution can make the world a bit greener.

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From: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/04/15/earth-day-2013-challenges_n_3085135.html

Business, Finance, Occupation & Industry

Kohl's Department Stores to Donate $2 Million to Nonprofits Nationwide through 4th Annual National G

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By Business Wirevia The Motley Fool

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Kohl’s Department Stores to Donate $2 Million to Nonprofits Nationwide through 4 th Annual National Go Green Volunteer Event

Kohl’s associates from coast to coast will give back in their communities by supporting youth-serving nonprofits in celebration of National Volunteer Week and Earth Day

MENOMONEE FALLS, Wis.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Kohl’s Department Stores (NYS: KSS) and thousands of its associates are celebrating National Volunteer Week and Earth Day by volunteering in their local communities during the company’s fourth annual National Go Green Event. Through Kohl’s associate volunteer program, Associates in Action, Kohl’s volunteers will support youth-serving nonprofit organizations by participating in an environmentally-based activity. In addition to providing a team of volunteers to complete a project, Kohl’s will donate corporate grants to each organization. Through this initiative, Kohl’s will donate $2 million in grants to nonprofits nationwide for the fourth year in a row.

“Kohl’s National Go Green Event brings together our commitment to giving back and to environmental responsibility in a way that is meaningful for our associates and our communities,” said John Worthington, Kohl’s chief administrative officer. “Since we started the program four years ago, we have donated more than $6 million in grants to local nonprofits in addition to thousands of associates volunteering their time during the month of April. We are proud of our associates’ efforts to make a positive impact where they live and work and once again look forward to each and every one of our more than 1,100 locations participating as they did last year.”

In April, groups of Kohl’s associates will be volunteering across the country for events including:

  • planting a sustainable garden and installing a rainwater harvest system for the Saratoga County Historical Society in Ballston Spa, N.Y.
  • planting, weeding, chipping, constructing and more to support an urban farm and community gardens with Growing Power in Milwaukee, Wis.
  • combing beaches for trash and debris to provide a safe and beautiful habitat in Sandy Hook, N.J.
  • cleaning up the Austin Zoo campus to support children’s environmental education in Austin, Texas
  • constructing houses and landscaping with Habitat for Humanity in Edgewood, Md.

…read more

Source: FULL ARTICLE at DailyFinance

Business, Finance, Occupation & Industry

Constellation Powers Chicago Bulls and Blackhawks Environmental Goals with Green Games as Earth Mont

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By Business Wirevia The Motley Fool

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Constellation Powers Chicago Bulls and Blackhawks Environmental Goals with Green Games as Earth Month Begins

Video highlights “Go-Green” games at United Center; renewable energy certificates purchased by Constellation will avoid 115 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions

CHICAGO–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Fans of the Chicago Blackhawks and Chicago Bulls who will cheer the teams’ annual and environmentally friendly “Go-Green” games tonight and Friday can make every day Earth Day by promoting energy efficiency.

Constellation, the official energy provider for United Center and sponsor of the teams’ upcoming green games, invited fans to continue their support for the environment by submitting their own ‘Go Green‘ tips via the Blackhawks Facebook page and the Bulls Twitter wall for chances to win tickets to the teams’ respective “Go-Green” games.

“Like most winning organizations, the Bulls and Blackhawks and United Center have a comprehensive energy management strategy that incorporates efficiency and sustainability objectives,” said Bruce Stewart, senior vice president and chief marketing officer for Constellation. “The second key to victory is a fierce competitive spirit. Illinois’ electricity supply market enjoys vibrant, robust competition and that means businesses and residential customers can save by shopping for power supply.”

Residential customers can choose Constellation as their home energy supplier at home.constellation.com and many can also choose to receive 100 percent wind energy.

Constellation is in the second year of its existing five-year sponsorship designating it the official energy provider for United Center.

As part of the agreement and sponsorship of the Go-Green games, Constellation will purchase Green-e Energy Certified renewable energy certificates (RECs) to match the electricity use on each game day. RECs represent the environmental benefit of electricity generated by wind and therefore avoid emissions associated with fossil fueled generation. For more information regarding Green-e Energy certification go to www.green-e.org.

The RECs for the Blackhawks game tonight are expected to avoid 63 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions, roughly the equivalent of burning 146 barrels of oil. The use of RECs for the Bulls game on Friday is expected to avoid 52 metric tons of CO2, approximately the amount of emissions from 2,100 propane-fired home barbeques.

Constellation, an energy supplier since 1999 to Illinois businesses, schools and hospitals, sponsored similar efforts last year for the Chicago White Sox and Bears. In addition to powering United Center, Constellation also supplies electricity …read more
Source: FULL ARTICLE at DailyFinance

Articles of Interest

Pro-Fossil Fuels ‘Earth Day’ Poster Contest Triggers Debate About Utah’s Energy Problem

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By The Huffington Post News Editors

A controversial, state-sponsored pro-fossil fuels Earth Day poster contest for children has triggered a heated and divisive debate about Utah’s reliance on non-renewable energy resources.

The debate has revealed a much more complicated struggle — fueled by politics, big business, and a concern for the environment — that is now being waged to determine the future of Utah’s energy resources and environmental health.

Organized by Utah’s Division of Oil, Gas and Mining and sponsored by the Society of Petroleum Engineers, the 2013 Earth Day poster contest’s theme was “Where would WE be without oil, gas and mining?“

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Source: FULL ARTICLE at Huffington Post