Sustainability at ORNL

ORNL will celebrate Earth Day this year on April 19. The Earth Day organizing committee is again taking orders for t-shirts to celebrate the day. Two choices are available this year in a variety of sizes. Click on the shirt of your choice above for description, available sizes, and ordering information. You must log in when asked with "ORNL\uid."

On March 2, the White House released more details of a program to create jobs and encourage homeowners to improve energy efficiency in their homes. This program includes (1) direct rebates to consumers, (2) 50% rebates (up to $1000 to $1500) for a series of upgrades, (3) up to $3000 rebates for an energy audit and comprehensive retrofits that would save 20% in home energy use, (4) oversight for contractors, and (5) support to state and local governments to provide consumer financing. Homeowners are expected to save $200 to $500 per year in energy cost.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is sponsoring "The Faces of the Grassroots," a contest seeking 3 to 5-minute video submissions for use on EPA's web site and 30-second or 60-second clips for public service announcements. Videos can focus on any environmental justice, issue, or topic. Environmental justice means the fair treatment and meaningful involvment of all people with respect to environmental policies. Prizes of up to $2500 will be awarded in each category. Contest details are here. Entries must be received by April 8. EPA will announce the winners in honor of the 40th anniversary of Earth Day.