Eco-Wolfe is Cohn & Wolfe’s window into the world of sustainability, providing breaking eco-news stories, showcasing green brand initiatives and sharing tips for how we can all lead a more eco-friendly life. At Cohn & Wolfe, sustainability communications is not only an area of expertise, it is our passion. Eco-Wolfe aims to bring light to sustainability issues, recognize the companies and media that help drive sustainability and make our world, and yours, a little “greener” in the process.

Storehouses for Solar Energy Can Step In When the Sun Goes Down

If solar energy is eventually going to matter— that is, generate a significant portion of the nation’s electricity — the industry must overcome a major stumbling block, experts say: finding a way to store it for use when the sun isn’t shining. That challenge seems to be creating an opening for a different form of power, solar thermal, which makes electricity by using the sun’s heat to boil water. The water can be used to heat salt that stores the energy until later, when the sun dips and households power up their appliances and air-conditioning at peak demand hours in the summer.  Read the rest of Matthew L. Wald's article in The New York Times.

Hawaii is Becoming a Clean Energy Paradise

Hawaii gets 90 percent of its energy from petroleum, which makes it “the most fossil fuel dependent state in the nation,” according to the Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative. But if all goes as planned, Hawaii could become a clean energy paradise in the next few decades. The very wonders that attract tourists to Hawaii—ample sunshine, big waves, and volcanoes—also make it an ideal spot to generate renewable energy, and the state has one of the country’s most ambitious plans to get off fossil fuels.  Read the rest of Sarah Laskow's article in Good Environment.

Fair Trade Proving Anything But in Growing $6 Billion Market

Shoppers love fair trade labels, and that's driving commodities traders and retailers to seek out fairly traded coffee, cotton and bananas in the hope of boosting their sales. That creates a quandary for the movement's founders, who are seeking to mainstream their eco-label without watering down the principles for which it stands.  Read the rest of Simon Clark and Heather Walsh’s article in Bloomberg Businessweek.

What Will Be the Biggest Driver for Corporate Sustainability in 2012?
 
As the 2012 is underway, GreenBiz asked executives from a range of companies and organizations to reflect on 2011 and look at what lies ahead.  Read the rest of Tilde Herrera’s article on GreenBiz.com.

Philly, Oakland Among Cities Winning Advice on Green Development
 

Philadelphia, Oakland and six other U.S. cities will get free help this coming year from sustainable building and development experts who'll take a fresh look at the towns through a green lens. The aim of the free consultations is to accelerate green neighborhood development by helping cities understand how to transform urban communities into places that offer a balanced mix of residential, commercial and recreational areas, which are easily accessible on foot, bikes and public transportation.  Read the rest of Leslie Guevarra’s article on GreenBiz.com.

Healthier, Cleaner Air for You and Your Family in 2012

Indoor air can be toxic and cause respiratory irritation and illness - especially during the winter. Read on for some simple and mostly free ways to clear the air.  Read the rest of Starre Vartan’s article on Mother Nature Network.

While you’re brainstorming your New Year’s resolutions, make one of your goals for the year a green one! Whether it’s to lower your electricity bill at home by making some changes in your energy use to participating in Meatless Mondays every week, Mother  Nature Network’s tips will help you set realistic goals.