Green-tech news harvest: barter economy thrives online, solar stocks in slump
Networking sites expand for exchanging goods; courts tie coal power to carbon emissions; more bad news for bees; SUVs prices plunge; new biodiesel standards.
A sampling of green-tech news with quick commentary.
- Free Swap Meet Sites Booming - Christian Science Monitor
As more people stop buying new things, they're turning to Web sites like Freecycle, ReUseIt, and FreeSharing to exchange used goods. - Why Are Solar Stocks So Low? - Earth2Tech
Recent "manic depressive" declines of 6 percent to 8 percent in solar stocks are triggering dark moods among investors. - SUVs Become Tougher Sell - Washington Post
As Americans brace for fuel costs to remain high, the love affair with gas-guzzling sport-utility vehicles could be crashing to a halt. - Barriers Grow to Big Coal - Greentech Media
A new plant in Georgia fails to get approval as courts tie coal power to carbon emissions, and the government invests $1.3 billion in clean coal. - Drop in Bee Biodiversity and Numbers Threatens World's Crops - New Scientist
How many bees does it take to make a pumpkin grow? By some counts, 25 species. But biodiversity is dropping along with bee populations, which could spell a future of fewer food choices. - Biodiesel Standards Could Agree with Warranties - Gas 2.0
Filling up with biodiesel can void automaker's warranties. But some users hope that that could change, thanks to approval of some blends from the American Society for Testing and Materials. - American Infrastructure Needs Overhaul - Economist
Deteriorating U.S. roads and bridges could rival those in third-world countries in the coming decades, experts warn.
