Environmental mix

TreeHugger presents several interesting news items today. Here are a couple of them:

SLOW IT DOWN: The maritime giant Maersk is saving lots of cash by slowing down its ships. Speed was cut in half and fuel savings come in at about 30%. Minus some extra meals for the crew:

Just by slowing down, Maerk is able to lower the prices they charge in the face of rising oil prices–something full speed competitors simply cannot do. And the reduced greenhouse gas emissions make this one of the simplest ways for companies to green their supply chains and lower their overall carbon footprint. In other words, if a company is willing to wait an extra couple days for raw materials or goods, it can both save money and tout a commitment to the environment. Just by waiting.

CUTTING BACK: Norway has plans to reduce carbon emissions by 30% in 10 years. Make that: in 10 years!!! And unlike the U.S. where we’re told that even a lesser plan would destroy our economy, Norwegians predict a rather small negative impact. Someone has to lead the way:

The cost of this massive, far-reaching, forward-looking plan? Norway predicts its clean economy of 2010 would be a teensy 0.25% smaller than its projected oil dependent economy at the same time.