Natural Family News

Wal-Mart has recently opened a new store in McKinney, Texas powered largely by alternative energy sources, such as solar and wind power. (read more)

It is with very mixed feelings that I am posting this. Almost anyone who knows me knows that I am not at all a Wal-Mart fan. But I have to give credit where credit is due. This is a really cool step for a major store chain to take. Perhaps Laura can take a run over to McKinney and report back on the new Wal-Mart. So, enjoy it while you can, Wal-Mart, this is probably the only thumbs-up you’ll ever get from me (as though they care).

In spite of the fact that ethanol uses more energy to make than is actually usable, the United States supplements research on it to the tune of $3 billion per yera. So, why are we spending $3 billion on alternative fuels that don’t work instead of on alternative fuels that do?

(read the article here)

Chinese researchers have come up with an environmentally friendly way to heat and cool buildings– raw sewage. But what about the smell?

(read the article here)

Hybrid vehicles threaten commuters’ trip in the fast lane
By Brian Westley / Associated Press
ARLINGTON, Va. – Instead of crawling out of bed at 4 a.m. to beat the morning rush, Frank Murphy sleeps late these days. He says he owes it all to his hybrid car _ and a law that has some of his fellow commuters upset.

Drivers of the environmentally friendly cars are allowed to cruise solo in Virginia’s car pool lanes, slicing Murphy’s daily two-hour commute in half. And since buying a hybrid 18 months ago, Murphy is leaving his home as much as three hours later. (read more)

This seems like a sensible way to encourage people to buy a hybrid. The government also offers tax credits, but I don’t notice people complaining about that.