Renewable Colorado

Colorado increased their Renewable Energy Standard (RES) on March 8, 2010. The measure requires 30% of energy to be from renewable sources by 2020. Major power utilities will have to incorporate at least 3% of their power from distributed generation. Distributed generation refers to small-scale renewable energy from places like rooftop solar arrays and wind turbines owned by individuals, communities, and small businesses. This move is expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, create green jobs, save water, and make Colorado a leader in the clean energy revolution. Colorado is trumped in the United States by California which committed to a 33% RES by 2020.

Learn more: Climate Progress

Plastic Currency for Canada

Canada will switch to plastic versions of the 10 and 20-dollar bill next year. Plastic is durable and can last to up to three times as long as their paper or cotton counterparts. They will be harder to counterfeit and easier to keep clean. According to investigations lead by the Swiss, traditional currency can harbor flu viruses for up to 17 days. The only other country that made the switch to plastic is Australia.

Learn more: UPI

The Waterless Washing Machine

A company based in the United Kingdom, Xeros Ltd., claims to have done the unthinkable, create a washing machine that uses 90% less water. Using dirt and stain absorbing beads, Xeros says that even the worst stains such as curry and red wine are gone after one wash. The beads act the same way as water in a traditional machine, the moment that the cycle is finished, the beads drain. This new technology has the ability to save water and money.

Learn more: Guardian