Brazil’s Ambev sets ambitious target to end plastic pollution in packaging

Good News Notes: “Brazilian beverages company Ambev SA has set an ambitious target of eliminating plastic pollution in its packaging by 2025, in a push that an executive said on Monday has the potential to generate approximately 1 billion reais ($239.09 million) in business. Latin America’s largest brewer is partnering with stakeholders, including suppliers, recycling…

World’s largest brewer signs 10-year renewable electricity deal

Good News Notes: “The world’s largest brewer,  AB InBev, has signed a deal with renewable energy developer BayWa r.e that will see the drinks giant purchase 100% renewable electricity for its brewing operations in Europe. Under the 10-year virtual power purchase agreement, announced on Thursday, the brewer will be supplied with power from two solar…

Falling Battery Price Transforms Economics of Green Energy

Good News Notes: “A dramatic fall in the price of lithium-ion batteries over the past decade is transforming the economics of renewable energy as well as the affordability of electric vehicles. Since 2010 the cost of a lithium-ion battery per kilowatt hour (kWh) has fallen almost 90%, from $1,183 in 2010 to just $156 in…

Zero-carbon electricity outstrips fossil fuels in Britain across 2019

Good News Notes: “Zero-carbon energy became Britain’s largest electricity source in 2019, delivering nearly half the country’s electrical power and for the first time outstripping generation by fossil fuels. Following a dramatic decline in coal-fired power and a rise in renewable and low-carbon energy, 2019 was the cleanest year for electrical energy on record for…

“Vegan” sneakers set to become one of the hottest sustainability trends in 2020

 Good News Notes: “Eco-friendly meatless food products shook up the fast food industry in 2019. Experts say next year’s game-changing trend in sustainable consumer goods may be plant-based — or “vegan” — athletic shoes.” “Last week, Reebok, owned by Adidas since 2005, unveiled the design for its first plant-based running shoe, the Floatride GROW, which…

Xcel Energy French Island plant taking more garbage to convert to power

 Good News Notes: “Every time someone turns on a light, the power may be coming from the garbage they throw out. Xcel Energy and La Crosse County officials have been working together for decades using garbage to make electricity. “ “Officials say they are getting calls from other communities trying to find a better way…

First US steel plants powered by wind, solar energy are coming

Good News Notes: “Nucor’s $250 million micromill in Sedalia, Missouri, is set to be the first U.S. steel plant to run on wind energy.” “A recycled steel plant run by EVRAZ in Colorado is transitioning from coal to solar in a partnership with Xcel Energy and a solar developer half owned by BP.” “Although recycled…

Solar, wind power to boost Turkey’s renewable capacity in next 5 years

Good News Notes: “Turkey’s renewable energy capacity is expected to increase by 50% from its current 42 gigawatts (GW) to 63 GW by 2024, according to the International Energy Agency’s (IEA) Renewables 2019 report.” “The surge in capacity will place Turkey among Europe’s top five and 11th worldwide in terms of renewable capacity, the report…