Discovering new ways to lessen our carbon footprint comes in many shapes and forms; from algae based fuel substitutes to solar energy. Many 21^st Century findings are aimed at long-term feasibility for increased efficiency, as to compete with oil companies.  Meanwhile, who’s looking into short-term attempts to moderate the rate in which we use energy?

According to Energy Bulletin, US Military energy consumption is the single greatest consumer of energy in the world, outputting thousands of trillions of Btu (British Thermal Unit) every year. In 2006 alone, they used nearly 900 TRILLION BTUs of Jet fuel, which can be quite costly.

But, looking at the consumption of military jet fuel over time, we can clearly see a steady decline of consumption:

Similarly, municipal fleets, including buses and other forms of city transportation consume a heavy amount of energy every year. Although, much like the military, we’ve seen a steady decline in the rate at which they consume. Factors include:

• Manufacturing (Technology)
• Less People are Traveling
• People are living closer to work
• Hybrid Transportation

Ultimately, we can say that these slowly declining numbers are part of a systematic attempt to increase fuel efficiency through technology. One particular method of doing so involves fleet route optimization.

The CGI (Clinton Global Initiative) and Doug band are one fine example of a large collaborative unit of corporations, political figures and non-profits that are helping in the process of route optimization. Route optimization can quite easily be defined as an attempt to locate the fastest route from point A to B, similar to the algorithms found in most GPS.

In a partnership with San Francisco, ESRI and NAVTEQ, the CGI and Doug Band provide a commitment to incorporate plans to decrease greenhouse gas emissions from fleets in the San Francisco Bay Area through Fleet Route Optimization Software. This will target anything from public transportation to work force vehicles. NAVTEQ actually makes digital maps and content that drives nav and location-based services solutions worldwide, including:

• Auto nav systems
• Mobile nav devices
• Internet-based mapping applications
• Government and business solutions.

Utilizing GIS mapping software, ESRI also helps the user interpret data, further aiding in transportation-based decision-making, reliant on the best information and analysis.

Both forces hope to provide powerful solutions for technology companies that enforce municipal transportation efforts. Again, this is something that has already taken effect and will continue to improve energy efficiency in regards to transportation fuel costs. As we technology progresses and becomes more affordable, individual consumers will begin seeing GPS as longer just an option, but rather a integral part of any vehicle.

Although I do not go out of my way to be environmentally friendly, it is reassuring to know I sometimes am, even if by default.  More products have become available to assist us, and even ease the process, often replacing those products harmful to the environment.  People may be hesitant because usually environmentally friendly products are more expensive, but I have just received samples of one that is not.

EconoGreen Plastics create bags and drop cloths claim to be better for the planet.  Here is their list of benefits:

• They assist the prevention of landfill buildup by utilizing 100% recycled plastic.
• Their production cycle requires less energy than regular plastic, compostable and paper bags.
• They’re made in North America, therefore reducing the greenhouse effect during transportation.
• They can be recycled.
• They reduce waste volume through complete biodegradation.
• Their cost is equivalent to or less than comparable plastic bags.
• They are as strong as comparable plastic bags.

In addition to all that, they are EcoLogo certified and cost less than comparable degradable bags while providing the same functions.  They are made of 100% recycled plastic, and are  100% recyclable and 100% oxodegradable.  This means that the plastic contains agents that help break it down into carbon dioxide, water and biomass, when exposed to oxygen, within two years.  For those environmentally ignorant like me, biomass is reusable energy.

The Verdict:

EconoGreen Plastics have a full range of bags in all shapes, sizes and thicknesses, for all purposes, including collecting leaves.  I personally have  a hard time finding bags large enough to fit my bin, which claims to be 13 gallons.  So rather then using their 13 gallon bag, I tried the larger size and it worked great.  I was impressed with their strength and comparability to regular bags.  The most exciting discovery for me was that they even smell like the garbage bags I know! They are all they claim to be.  I myself prefer bags with drawstrings because I find them easier to use. So, as soon as they add drawstrings, I’m sold!

For the last few months, Muhammad Saleem and Hank Green have been working on a little project that would allow people to share environmental news in a social media setting. The result is a fabulous site called EcoURLs.com and contains selected content by top envirobloggers……..

“Every story at EcoURLs is linked to other social news sites, so you can digg, reddit, stumble, and bookmark at delicious all from one place in a matter of seconds. Thus, if you like the content, you can help promote it at all of these places, and ensure that it gets the traffic it deserves.”

Topics include: science, technology, transportation, nature, politics, entertainment, recycling, food and business. And while there are many different blogs that deal with each of these topics individually, EcoURLs brings them all together for easy promotion and navigation.

Since EcoURLs is still in beta, Ecogeek would love for you to check it out and let them know what you think of the new site. Personally, I think it’s a great idea. Anything that provides a one stop shop for all things Earth is okay by me!

I recycle. I drive a hybrid. I conserve energy. I am really trying to be part of the solution and not the problem on our planet, and now, even web hosting companies are jumping on the “green” bandwagon to provide environmentally guided hosting.

Elizabeth, over at Able Reach, has put together a list of 22 environmentally friendly web hosting companies that are going green. This list is surely not complete so if you know of a hosting company that is doing something specific to save our planet like giving carbon credits, using renewable energy or solar power, hop on over and leave a comment.

And Media Temple, if you’re listening, what are you doing to reduce your carbon footprint?

I love the idea of reducing our carbon footprint on this planet, in fact, I’ve spoken about it before. Well, things have gone even a step further in keeping this planet alive and well and social networking is the latest to climb aboard, the proverbial, eco-friendly bandwagon……..

“What’s going to be the viral element that gets us to cut down on our collective carbon emissions? Who’s going to deliver us the iPod of cleantech? If we knew for sure, we’d be off building it, but these 10 web sites think they have the key ingredients to motivate their users to fight global warming and cut carbon.”

The Care2 Network is the one I am most familiar with. They were one of the first networking sites to focus on the mainstream green community. A Digg like network in need of a makeover, this site sits up there with the best of the tree-huggin’ communities. But that is only 1 in a great list that Earth2Tech has provided their thoughts on. Check out all 10 of these “Green Social Networks” that seem to be promoting “personal carbon fitness” and tell us which one you would use to fight for your cause.