Sustainable Industries Daily Update

It's deadline time around Sustainable Industries' virtual newsroom, so we've missed a day or two of update. Apologies and enjoy these stories we would have posted and tweeted.

• Washington state wants to improve its rail corridors between Seattle and Portland. It is asking for $435 million in federal stimulus money to improve service up and down the route.
• Also in Washington, the Growth Management Act is being updated. A run-down in Northwest Hub lays it on the line.
• When you've finished that next bottle of wine, don't throw out the cork as most Americans do, apparently. A new organization called Recork America is launching a cork recycling program. Also in cork news (who knew?), American Airlines will recycle corks in its Admiral's Clubs.
• California on Monday opened a new very efficient central HVAC plant for the capital and 22 other buildings that will use 90 percent less water than a standard one.
• Also in the Golden State, the Integrated Waste Management Board is considering a requirement that California businesses collect and get pick-up of common recyclable materials. Food waste from restaurants is not likely to be included in the proposal because of its potential to be used as a biofuel feedstock.
• In India, researches claim to have found a way to turn sludge from textile factories into compost.
• Need a new term? Nature Conservancy released a study warning of "Energy Sprawl." By 2030, energy production in the U.S. will take up an area larger than the size of Minnesota.
• Finally, cause I think about it everyday, consider how safe is it to ride your bike to work in the U.S.? Not terribly, apparently. Wish me luck.