Results结果

An unusual measure passed the house last year, tucked away in the energy bill that was made into law in August.一个不寻常的措施，通过了众议院去年，藏以外的能源法案，这是取得成为法律，在8月。 Lawmakers who use public funding to lease vehicles will be required to choose those that meet a certain standard of fuel efficiency.议员们谁使用公共资金，以租赁的车辆将须选择那些符合一定标准的燃油效率。 The new law, which affects the House of Representatives (senators are not allowed to use office funding for car leases), asks the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to prepare a list of “approved” vehicles for congressional use.新的法律，从而影响到美国国会众议院（参议员均不得使用Office经费汽车租赁） ，要求环境保护署（ EPA ）编写一份名单， “批准”车辆国会使用。 Those who favored the legislation hope that by setting a good example for the public, our elected leaders will help impact climate change and lessen our environmental impact.这些谁主张立法，希望通过设置一个很好的例子，对市民来说，我们的民选领导人，将有助影响气候变化和减轻我们对环境的影响。

The EPA list of acceptable cars is expected to be out before the end of 2008, and speculation about what will be included is rife.环保局的名单可以接受的汽车，预计可前到2008年年底，和投机什么将被纳入是盛行。 The EPA does host a Green Vehicle Guide website, which rates autos on a 0 to 10 scale for air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, and many expect high scorers on that scale will populate the recommendations.环保局是否举办一个绿色车辆导游网站，其中利率汽车在一个从0到10级的空气污染和温室气体排放量，和很多人预期的高得分就这一规模将填充的建议。 These vehicles could include the Toyota Prius, Honda Civic hybrid, Ford Escape hybrid, and other low-impact options.这些车辆可包括丰田Prius普锐斯，本田Civic混合动力，福特Escape混合动力车，和其他低冲击选项。

Reactions in the halls of Congress are mixed, with some representatives pleased to be doing their part and others angry at being forced to change their car choices.反应在礼堂的大会是好坏参半，与一些代表高兴地做他们的一部分，和其他人感到愤怒而被迫改变他们的汽车的选择。 Rep. Emanuel Cleaver II, a Democrat from Missouri, drives a converted diesel van that runs on used vegetable oil.众议员伊曼纽尔cleaver二，民主党从密苏里州，驱动器一部经改装的柴油客货车上运行使用的植物油。 He has little sympathy for colleagues who must lease green cars.他不大同情的同事谁必须租赁的绿色汽车。 As he told the LA Times , “They want their Lexuses and their Cadillacs.正如他告诉洛杉矶时报 ， “他们想要lexuses和他们的cadillacs 。 I just think it’sa poor example for us to spend so much time talking about energy independence and global warming and presenting to the people an image of fat cats living the fat life.”我只是认为这是穷人的例子，我们花那么多时间谈到加强在能源领域的独立性和全球气候变暖和向人的形象，发猫的生活脂肪的生活“ 。

Others find the new law to be an unfair limitation.其他人找到新的法律，来一个不公平的限制。 Joe L. Barton (R - Texas) expressed the opinion that it is one’s constituents who should decide if a vehicle is inappropriate for their congressman.乔的研究巴顿（ -德克萨斯州）表示认为，这是一的选民应由谁决定如果车辆是不恰当的，他们的国会议员。 “I guarantee you that my district is not upset that I’m driving a Chevy Tahoe.” His district, incidentally, is where his Tahoe was manufactured. “我向你保证我区是不会影响我所驾驶的雪佛兰的太浩湖” ，他区，顺便提一句，是他的太浩湖是制造。 Others complained that the list might hurt domestic automakers.其他人抱怨说，名单可能会伤害国内汽车制造商。 “A Prius isn’t made in the United States,” Rep. Elton Gallegly of California noted. “ Prius普锐斯是不是在美国， ”众议员艾顿gallegly加州指出。 Some representatives also pointed out to the LA Times that they chose to lease certain vehicles due to mountainous districts and height requirements, which made small cars uncomfortable.一些代表还指出，向洛杉矶时报表示，他们选择租赁的某些车辆，由于山区地区和高度的要求，这使得小型车不舒服。

While the bill is undoubtedly controversial, it is also unusual in its specificity.而条例草案，无疑是具争议性，这也是不寻常的在其特殊性。 We have many regulations and requirements of our federal representation, but choosing their vehicles for them is certainly a first.我们有很多的规定和要求我们的联邦政府代表，但在选择他们的车辆为他们当然是第一次。 It’s not a surprise that some find the move too pushy and personal.它不是一个令人感到惊讶的一些找到动议太pushy和个人。 After all, their constituents would balk if the situation were reversed; imagine Congress trying to pass a law that required us to buy only certain models of cars.毕竟，他们的选民将不惜如果情况逆转;想象国会试图通过一项法律，要求我们只购买某些型号的汽车。 That being said, congressional leaders are not your average Joes.说了这番话之后，国会领袖是不是你的平均joes 。 They are using taxpayer money to lease these vehicles, and many of their taxpayers are choosing more responsible cars.他们利用纳税人的钱租用这些车辆，以及他们的许多纳税人选择更负责任的汽车。 While it may not be as flashy, I’m sure a hybrid SUV can climb mountains or accommodate tall representatives just as well as its gas-guzzling counterpart.虽然它可能不会像华而不实的，我敢肯定，一种混合的SUV可以登山或容纳高大的代表刚才以及其耗油量大的对口单位。

Today is the 39th annual celebration of Earth Day, a “holiday” created in 1970 to increase awareness for environmental protection.今天是第39次每年庆祝世界地球日，一“假期”创建于1970年，以提高认识保护环境。 People around the world will plant trees, conserve electricity and water, stop driving, and make changes to their habits today in an effort to reduce their impact on our planet.世界各地的人们将种植树木，节约用电及用水，停止驾驶，并更改他们的习惯，今天在努力减少其影响我们这个星球上。 Businesses have also taken note of Earth Day, and many of them have enacted policies or planned special activities for today.企业也注意到地球日，他们中的许多已制定的政策或计划的特别活动今日。 Companies in many industries are going green not only to improve their green policies, but also to attract employees and customers who care about the environment.公司在许多行业将会绿色不仅要提高他们的环保政策，而且还吸引员工和顾客谁关心环境。

As the LA Daily News is reporting, Anheuser-Busch has Earth Day festivities planned at many of their 12 facilities around the country.作为香格里拉每日新闻报道，安海斯-布希公司已地球日庆祝活动的计划在他们的许多设施， 1 2月在该国各地。 Employees will telecommute, carpool, and use alternative transportation this week, as well as participate in tree planting and conservation exercises.雇员远程办公，合伙用车，并使用替代运输这个星期，以及在参加植树和养护演习。 Their website’s landing page takes visitors to a new section highlighting their involvement in green projects and their commitment to recycling and conservation.他们的网站的目标网页游客到一个新的节突出，他们参与环保的项目，并承诺回收利用和养护。 As their Employee Involvement section says, “Through these efforts, we hope to foster a community that has a desire to give back in order to preserve the environment around us.作为其员工参与第说， “通过这些努力，我们希望能树立社会有一个愿望，给回，为了维护环境，在我们身边。 At Anheuser-Busch, we realize that we don’t just work in this world.在安海斯-布希公司，我们认识到，我们不只是工作，在这个世界上。 We live in it.”我们生活在它“ 。

Another company working to improve their green quotient is Whole Foods, a grocer specializing in organic and healthy foods.另一家公司工作，以改善他们的绿色智商是整个食品，超市，专门在有机和健康的食品。 Whole Foods vowed to end their use of plastic, disposable grocery bags by today.整个食品发誓要结束其使用塑胶，用完即弃的食品杂货袋，由今日。 As a January press release explains, “Together with our shoppers, our gift to the planet this Earth Day will be reducing our environmental impact as we estimate we will keep 100 million new plastic grocery bags out of our environment between Earth Day and the end of this year alone.” Whole Foods is not the only grocery chain to make an Earth Day commitment.作为一个一月新闻稿解释说， “连同我们的购物天堂，我们的礼物，这个星球这个地球上每天将减少我们对环境的影响，因为我们估计，我们会继续亿新的塑料食品袋，走出我们的环境之间的地球日和结束仅今年“整个食品并非是唯一的杂货店链，使一世界地球日的承诺。 Safeway is converting many of its California locations to solar power. Safeway公司是转换，它的许多加州的地点，太阳能发电。 They also buy electricity for their stores from wind projects around the country, making them the 3rd largest retail purchaser of renewable energy.他们还买电，为他们的商店从风能项目在全国各地，使他们的第三次最大的零售购买可再生能源。 In honor of Earth Day, Safeway added two more store locations to their growing solar grid.在荣誉的地球日， Safeway公司说，两个多商店的地点，他们日益增长的太阳能电网。

Businesses in other industries are also doing their part to participate in Earth Day.企业在其他行业也做他们的一部分，参加在世界地球日。 On the media front, The Weather Channel’s eco-friendly imprint Forecast Earth is carrying special programming to help viewers understand the global climate crisis.关于媒体方面，天气频道的生态友好的印记预测，地球是带有特殊的编程，以帮助观众了解全球气候危机。 Their campaign, called “Help Make Every Day Earth Day”, gives viewers (and readers of their website) the opportunity to create videos and blog pieces about green issues.他们的运动，所谓的“帮助，使每一天地球日” ，让观众（读者和他们的网站）的机会，创造影片和博客件绿的问题。 Users can submit their own content to share their ideas and strategies for going green. One video highlights the founder of Eco Envelopes, Ann DeLaVergne, whose company reduces the waste caused by reply envelopes.用户可以提交自己的内容，分享他们的想法和战略，去绿色。 1视频突出的创始人，生态信封，人工神经网络德拉韦尔涅，其公司减少而造成的浪费答复信封。 The Weather Channel has a massive audience, and therefore a massive platform with which to make an positive environmental impact.天气频道有大量的观众，因此，大规模的平台，以便作出一个积极的环境影响。 Their willingness to feature green content, and their ability to motivate viewers to do the same, represents the power that Earth Day has to change people’s minds.他们愿意特征的绿色的内容，以及他们的能力，激发观众做同样的，代表的权力，地球日已经改变了人们的思想。

Companies who make efforts to become more eco-friendly are not just becoming more responsible, but they are also influencing their customers and employees.公司谁作出的努力变得更加生态友好的不只是变得更负责任，但他们也影响他们的客户和员工。 Not only are customers looking for green options, but job seekers are become more conscious of their employer’s actions.不仅是我们的客户寻找绿色的选择，但求职者更清醒地认识到他们的雇主的行动。 As a recent Environmental News Network article points out, “A majority of US workers (64 percent) say that their decision to work for a company or purchase its products are “strongly” or “somewhat” influenced by a company’s environmental practices or polices.” Indeed, as a new generation of green young people enter the workforce, a company’s ability to attract them through environmental responsibility may become a major factor for recruiters.作为一个最近的环境新闻网的文章指出， “大多数的美国工人（ 64 ％ ）说，他们的决定，以工作为一间公司或购买其产品是”强烈“或”有点“影响，由一间公司的环保做法或政策。 “事实上，作为新一代的绿色的年轻人进入劳动力市场，公司的能力来吸引他们通过环境的责任，有可能成为一个主要因素，为招聘。

Environmental responsibility is not just an individual value anymore.保护环境的责任不仅是个人价值了。 Businesses around the world are taking up the pledge to honor Earth Day by improving their green policies.世界各地的企业正在采取行动的承诺，荣誉，地球日，提高他们的环保政策。 These businesses are well-positioned to have a competitive advantage as consumers and employees reward those who go green.这些企业更好地进行市场定位，以具有竞争优势，作为消费者和雇员的奖励那些谁去绿化。

Many businesses are marketing to a new kind of customer, one who recycles religiously, eats organic/fair trade fruits and vegetables, and shops with their environmental impact in mind.许多企业的营销提高到一个新种的客户，谁回收一宗教，吃有机/公平贸易的水果和蔬菜，和商店，他们对环境的影响考虑到。 This trend towards eco-friendly products is breaking out of the retail and manufacturing industries and spreading into unconventional sectors.这种趋势对生态友好的产品，是突破的零售业和制造业和扩散到非正规部门。 Now, even insurance companies are “greenwashing” their home and auto policies, offering customers better rates or environmental incentives for sustainable rebuilding after a disaster.现在，即使保险公司是“ greenwashing ”他们的家和汽车的政策，为顾客提供更好的利率或环境，鼓励可持续重建后的一场灾难。 Money has always been a powerful motivator, and insurance policies are cashing in on consumers who want to be responsible in every aspect of their lives.钱一直是一个强大的动力，和保险政策的兑现，在对消费者谁不想负责的每一个方面他们的生命。

One way in which insurance companies are appealing to green buyers is through discounts for hybrid owners or those who limit their driving.其中一个方法，其中保险业的公司现正呼吁绿色的买家是通过折扣，混合业主或那些谁限制他们的驾驶。 Traveler’s, Farmers, and other auto insurance companies are offering up to 10% discounts on policies for hybrid vehicles.旅行者的，农民和其他汽车保险的公司提供高达10 ％的折扣政策，混合动力汽车。 The theory is that hybrid owners are more conservative on the road and in the maintenance garage than, say, Hummer owners.该理论认为，杂交业主较为保守，对道路，以及在维修车库比，说，悍马业主。 As Evan Mills, a scientist at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory told Businessweek , “Customers who buy hybrids tend to have a more conscientious profile.” So far, these policies are limited to a few companies, but the trend is expected to grow in coming years.作为埃文米尔斯是一名科学家在劳伦斯伯克利国家实验室告诉商业周刊 ， “客户谁买杂种往往有一个更加自觉的个人资料。 ”直到目前为止，这些政策仅限于少数几家公司，但趋势，预计增长在未来几年。

Many auto insurers are also offering discounts to green consumers who keep their mileage low.许多汽车保险公司也提供折扣优惠，绿色消费者谁保持其里程低。 Customers of Progressive, GMAC, and Farmers in certain states receive discounts of 25% to 54% for driving less, depending on how many miles they log.客户的进步，基因操纵，和农民在某些国家获得的折扣25 ％至54 ％ ，为驾驶少，取决于有多少英里，他们的日志。 The insurance companies use various technologies to track participant’s mileage, from GPS devices to small data-collecting devices that plug into the steering column of certain vehicles.保险业公司利用各种技术来追踪参与者的里程，从GPS装置的小型数据采集装置插入到转向柱的某些车辆。 Some consumers are limiting their driving for environmental reasons, though these types of policies equally benefit those who are doing so due to rising gas prices and other economic crunches.一些消费者是限制他们的驾驶环境的原因，虽然这些类型的政策，同样受惠，谁这样做是由于天然气价格上涨和其他经济crunches 。

Another trend in the insurance industry is policies which allow customers to rebuild using sustainable, eco-friendly materials and technology.另一种趋势，在保险业是政策，使客户能够重建的可持续利用，生态友好的材料和技术。 Lexington Insurance, which is owned by AIG, will charge an extra 3% premium so homeowners or commercial owners can replace damaged property with energy-saving appliances, better insulation, and renewable or recycled materials.列克星敦保险，这是国有由AIG ，将收取额外的3 ％的溢价，使业主或商业业主可以取代受损的财产与节能电器，更好的绝缘，和可再生或循环再造物料。 They also offer a product called LexElite Eco-Homeowner aimed at the growing number of households who actually generate their own electricity.他们还提供了产品的所谓lexelite生态屋主着眼于越来越多的家庭究竟是谁创造他们自己的电力。 As a recent press release explains, “If a homeowner’s alternative-energy system has a covered outage, LexElite Eco-Homeowner will protect the homeowner against lost income generated from selling surplus energy back to the local energy company and will cover the extra expenses incurred to purchase replacement electricity.” 最近的一个新闻发布的解释， “如果一个房主的替代能源系统具有涵盖停电， lexelite生态屋主将保护屋主对失去了产生的收入来自出售盈余能源回当地的能源公司将包括额外的开支支付购买更换电力“ 。

While many insurance companies are going paperless, offsetting carbon emissions, and making donations to environmental organizations, the trend setters are now trying to pass these values along to consumers through competitive policies.虽然许多保险公司将会无纸化，抵销了碳排放量，使捐赠的环保组织，发展趋势制定正试图通过这些价值观一直向消费者通过竞争性政策。 These discounts could be the motivating force that convinces some drivers and homeowners to choose their purchases based on environmental impact.这些折扣可动力说服一些司机和业主选择他们购买的基础上对环境的影响。 However, not everyone is convinced that an insurance policy is the appropriate place to make an impact.不过，不是每个人都确信，保险政策是合适的地点作出的影响。 As Consumer Federation of America spokesman J. Robert Hunter told Businessweek , “”Rather than pay an extra 3% for something that may never happen, why not buy better insulation?” As Hunter suggests, these green insurance policies could simply be a marketing ploy that has no real ripple effect in our carbon emissions.由于美国消费者联合会的发言人j.罗伯特亨特告诉商业周刊 ， “ ” ，而不是付出额外的3 ％的东西可能永远不会发生，为什么不买更好的绝缘？ “亨特建议，这些绿色保险的政策，可以简单的一个营销策略有没有真正的波及效应在我们的碳排放量。 Hopefully, though, the idea that buying “green” could save money might be the extra incentive that people need to push them towards environmental responsibility.我希望，虽然，思想，购买“绿色”可以节省金钱，可能是额外的奖励，人们需要把他们对环境的责任。

A new type of benefit has emerged in businesses across the country, and it’s aimed at helping workers minimize their impact on the environment.一种新型的效益已经出现在企业的整个国家，它的目的是帮助工人尽量减少其对环境的影响。 Employers, particularly those in the green sector, are offering incentives to employees to live greener lives, both inside and outside the office.雇主，尤其是那些在绿皮部门，提供诱因，员工生活青翠的生命，内外办公室。 While many businesses have worked to improve their energy efficiency at the office, dedicated companies have extended their reach to include the homes and vehicles of their employees, helping their work forces to live carbon-neutral lives.虽然许多企业都致力于改善他们的能源效率在办公室，专责公司已延长其达到包括住房和车辆，其雇员，帮助他们的工作力量，活碳中性的生命。

One company who has helped their employees reduce their carbon footprint is Clif Bar & Co. , a Berkeley, CA based organic energy bar company.一间公司谁帮助他们的员工减轻他们的碳足迹是clif酒吧＆ Co的一大学柏克莱分校，加州基于有机能源酒吧公司。 In the fall of 2006, Clif Bar started a program called Cool Commute aimed at reducing the amount of fuel their employees consumed in getting to work each day.在2006年秋季， clif酒吧开始了一项计划，所谓的冷静通勤旨在减少的数额燃料消耗其雇员在去工作的每一天。 The estimate that before the program, employees consumed approximately 29,500 gallons of fuel a year with 25 miles per gallon fuel economy.估计之前，该计划，雇员消耗大约二九五零零加仑燃料1年与25英里每加仑的燃油经济性。 To reduce the amount of pollution and carbon dioxide produced by these vehicles, Clif Bar decided to offer incentives to employees who carpooled, used alternative transportation, or purchased a more fuel-efficient vehicle.以减少污染量和二氧化碳所产生的这些车辆， clif酒吧决定提供诱因，员工谁carpooled ，用于替代运输，或购买了更具燃料效率的汽车。

Clif Bar employees who walk, bicycle, or carpool to work can earn as much as $700 a year in rewards, tax free. clif酒吧的雇员谁步行，自行车，或合伙用车工作，可赚取高达700元1年，在奖励，免税的。 They also offer a forgivable loan program of up to $5000 to help employees purchase a hybrid or biodiesel car.他们还提供一个可以原谅的贷款计划高达5000元，以帮助员工购买混合或生物柴油车。 Those who stay with the company for a certain period of time do not have to pay back the loan.这些谁留与该公司为某一段时间内不须偿还贷款。 Clif Bar also plans to add two more energy-saving incentives for employees. clif酒吧还计划再添加两个节能奖励雇员。 They will now offer loans for energy-saving home improvements and commuter bicycle retrofitting.现在他们将提供贷款用于节能首页改善和通勤自行车加装。 One of Clif Bar’s five aspirations is, “Sustaining our Planet: Keep our impact on the environment small, even as we grow.” Their employee incentives are great way to ensure that their impact is as small as possible.其中一个clif大律师公会的五个愿望是： “维持我们的星球：保持我们对环境的影响小，甚至随着我们的成长” 。其雇员的奖励都是伟大的方式，以确保他们的影响是尽可能小。

Offering green incentives to employees is not just a great way to reduce a company’s carbon footprint.提供绿色诱因，雇员不仅是一个伟大的方式，以减少公司的碳足迹。 As a representative from the American Solar Energy Society told Renewable Energy World , “offering green benefits can make a difference in a candidate’s decision to join a firm.” More and more people are trying to minimize their environmental impact, and employers who support their efforts will attract top talent.作为一个代表来自美国太阳能学会说， 可再生能源的世界 “ ，提供绿色的好处可以作出不同的候选人的决定加入坚定。 ”越来越多的人正试图尽量减少其对环境的影响，和雇主谁支持他们将努力吸引顶尖人才。 Also, as the Wall Street Journal points out, “more young workers are seeking out employers with a socially responsible mission.” As the work force becomes saturated with younger employees, businesses will find more ways to support their environmental efforts, including commuting incentives, gift matching to green charities, and carbon offsets.此外，由于华尔街日报指出， “更多的年轻工人正在寻求出雇主与对社会负责的使命。 ”作为工作的力量，成为饱和与年轻雇员，企业将寻找更多的途径，以支持其对环境的努力，包括通勤的诱因，礼品匹配，以绿色的慈善机构，和碳偏移。

While Clif Bar is exactly the kind of company you would expect to support employees with green incentives, some experts predict that this trend will spread beyond “green collar” jobs.而clif酒吧，正是种公司，你会期望以支持雇员与绿色的诱因，一些专家预测，这一趋势将蔓延超越“绿领”就业机会。 As Joel Makower, executive editor of GreenBiz.com, told the Wall Street Journal , “I think employers are just beginning to understand that, to have an environmentally conscious work force, you need to help them in their every day lives.” Makower expects green incentives to spread into mainstream industries not only because it helps attract employees, but also because of the good publicity it creates for businesses.作为的Joel makower ，执行编辑greenbiz.com ，告诉华尔街日报 ， “我认为，雇主只是刚刚开始明白，有一个环保意识的工作力量，你需要帮助他们在他们的每一天的生活” 。 makower预计绿色诱因，蔓延到主流产业，这不仅是因为它有利于吸引雇员，而且还因为良好的宣传，创造企业。 As these incentives expand throughout the business landscape, workers will have no excuses for failing to do their part to protect the environment.由于这些奖励措施，扩大整个商业景观，工人，不会有任何借口，没有尽自己的一部分，以保护环境。

China has long been plagued by air pollution problems.中国长期以来一直存在的空气污染问题。 Rapid industrialization, the reliance on coal and the burning of fossil fuels, and a growing population of drivers have made China the world’s largest producer of greenhouse gases, surpassing the United States in 2007.快速的工业化，依赖于煤和化石燃料的燃烧，和日益增长的人口的司机已使中国成为世界上最大的生产者的温室气体，超过了美国在2007年。 As Beijing prepares to host the Olympic Games in August of this year, China’s government has moved to close factories in the provinces surrounding the capital to curb the pollution problem.作为北京准备奥运主办权，在今年8月，中国政府已提出以关闭工厂，在各省，围绕资本，以防止污染的问题。

According to the World Health Organization , Beijing has the world’s most dangerous air, measuring 12 times the the “safe” levels suggested for respiration.根据世界生组织 ，北京有世界上最危险的空气，测量的12倍， “安全”的建议，为各级呼吸。 Of the 20 most polluted cities in the world, China is home to the top 16.在20个污染最严重的城市，在世界上，中国是在家顶端16 。 Authorities estimate that approximately 750,000 people die every year from respiratory illnesses related to pollution in the country.当局估计，大约有75.0万人，每年死于呼吸系统毛病的，由有关的污染在该国。 Chinese authorities and Olympic committee members are desperate and eager to put the right foot forward during the Games, and part of their challenge is to assure the world’s top athletes that it is safe to compete in Beijing.中国当局暨奥林匹克委员会的成员感到绝望和渴望，把右脚向前运动会期间，和他们的部分挑战是保证世界顶尖的运动员，这是安全的竞争，在北京举行。

For this reason, six municipalities and provinces near Beijing will see massive factory closures in the months leading up to the Olympics.基于这个原因， 6个省，直辖市和附近的北京将会看到大量工厂倒闭，在数个月，直至奥运会。 Hebei, Inner Mongolia, Shangdong, Shanxi, Tianjin, and Beijing have already begun to close polluting factories and power plants to improve air quality in the region.河北，内蒙古，山东，山西，天津，北京已经开始关闭污染工厂及发电厂，以改善区域内的空气质素。 Factories being closed include coal-fired power plants, cement factories, and chemical manufacturers.工厂被关闭，包括燃煤电厂，水泥工厂，及化学品制造商。 China plans to curb driving in the capital city prior to the Games, and though specific plans have not been announced, the Financial Times is reporting that as many as 1 million cars may be temporarily banned from roadways.中国计划以遏止驾驶在首都之前的游戏，虽然具体的计划尚未宣布， 金融时报报道说，多达百万车可能暂时禁止从巷道。

All of these environmental measures come on the heels of major athletes and foreign team’s announcements that they will not train near Beijing for health reasons.所有这些环保措施，来对继主要的运动员和外国队的通知，他们不会列车北京附近因健康原因。 Indeed, British athletes will wear face masks at the Olympics to protect themselves from the poor quality air.事实上，英国的运动员将戴上口罩在悉尼奥运会上，以保护自己免受空气质量较差。 Olympic rules require the competitors to remove the masks before their events, but they are allowed during training and warm-ups.奥运规则要求的竞争对手，以消除面具之前，他们的活动，但允许他们在训练和热身的UPS 。 As the Sunday Mirror reports , “The International Association of Athletics Federations have the final say on whether they [face masks] can be worn once events start.作为一面镜子，周日报道 ， “国际田径协会联合会有最后的发言权，他们是否[口罩]可以再穿一次活动开始。 If the rule is changed many British athletes will be keeping them on.” According to the Sunday Mirror, the only team which had set up a training facility in Beijing was the US boxing team, but they have since relocated outside the city due to the smog.如果法治是改变了许多英国运动员将保持他们对“根据该周日是一面镜子，只有团队，其中已成立了一个培训设施，在北京是美国拳击队，但他们自迁往市外，由于该烟雾。

While Chinese efforts to improve air quality have been helping the situation, many in the financial world are concerned about the effects the factory closures will have on economic growth.而中国的努力，以改善空气质素一直在帮助的情况，许多人在金融世界关心的影响，工厂关闭，将会对经济增长。 China has consistently grown its economy by 10 percent each year, and analysts fear that it may slow significantly this year.中国一贯其经济增长了10 ％ ，每年，和分析家们担心，它可能会显着放缓，今年。 However, if the efforts of the government produce a lasting solution to China’s air quality problems, slow(er) growth will be a small price to pay for a healthier population and a healthier planet.不过，如果政府的努力，产生持久的解决办法对中国的空气质素问题，缓慢（ ER ）的增长将是一个小的代价，为一个更健康的人口和一个更健康的星球。

The factory closures are just one of the many measures which China has taken to improve its environmental record prior to the Olympics.该工厂倒闭，只是其中的许多措施，中国已采取改善其环境纪录，之前的奥运会。 Many of the newly-built Olympic facilities incorporate energy-efficient and water-saving technology, including the stunning “ Water Cube “, which will host aquatic events.很多的新落成的奥运设施纳入能源效率和节水技术，包括令人惊叹的“ 水立方 ” ，这将主办水产品的事件。 Environmental watch dogs and journalists are hopeful that these green efforts will not be abandoned as soon as the Games are over.环境观赏犬和新闻工作者的希望，这些绿色的努力将不会放弃尽快游戏。 As Holger Preuss, and Olympic scholar and historian, told the Wall Street Journal , “[Environmentalism] may be one of the real Olympic legacies, and not the construction of great sport facilities.”作为霍尔格preuss ，和奥运的学者和历史学家，告诉华尔街日报 ， “ [环保]可能之一，真正的奥运遗产，而不是建设的伟大的体育设施” 。

Following the lead of new legislation in California, utility company Pacific Gas & Electric (PG & E) is aiming to provide much of the current energy it delivers to customers from renewable sources.以下带头新的立法，并在加利福尼亚州，公用事业公司太平洋煤气和电力公司（ PG急症室）的目标是提供大部分的现行的能源，提供给客户来自可再生来源。 Under Governor Schwarztenneger, California will require utilities to acquire at least 20 percent of their power from renewable projects by 2010, and a new target of 33 percent by 2020 was recently approved.根据总督schwarztenneger ，加州将需要事业获得至少20 ％的电力来自可再生的项目，到2010年，一个新的目标的33 ％ ，到2020年是最近批准。 PG & E has risen to the challenge, and they currently buy 12 percent of their power from environmentally-friendly sources like solar, wind, geothermal, and biogas, with contracts in place for 18 percent. pg急症室已上升到面临的挑战，他们目前购买的12 ％其权力，从环境友好的来源诸如太阳能，风能，地热能，沼气，合同到位，为18 ％ 。 It’s an unlikely move for a power company, but they are preparing for an emerging competitive renewable energy market.这是一个不可能举措一家电力公司，但他们正准备为一个新兴的竞争性可再生能源的市场。

PG & E’s website claims, “On average, more than half of the electricity we deliver to customers comes from sources that emit no CO2 and an increasing amount comes from renewable sources of electricity.” They are working with several Silicon Valley VC-backed energy companies who are pushing solar technology to the next level. pg急症室的网站声称， “平均而言，一半以上的电力，我们提供给客户来自源排放没有CO2和越来越多的来自可再生能源电力， ”他们的工作与几个硅谷的VC -支持的能源公司，谁是推动太阳能技术到下一级。 They have brokered a 500-megawatt agreement with BrightSource , a company out of Oakland, CA.他们的调解下500兆瓦的协议与brightsource ，一间公司走出奥克兰，加州。 The deal is enough energy to light up to 700,000 homes at prices competitive with less-environmentally friendly options like natural gas.这笔交易是足够的能量，以轻高达700000家园的价格竞争力较低的环保方案，像天然气。 BrightSource builds massive solar fields in the hottest parts of California’s Mojave Desert, enabling them to maximize the power produced by their innovative solar panel designs. brightsource ，建立大规模的太阳能领域，在最热的部分，加州的莫哈韦沙漠，使他们能够最大限度的权力，所产生的，他们创新的太阳能电池板的设计。 They are just one of a number of companies which PG & E has partnered with to provide clean alternatives to traditional electricity sources.他们只是其中一项的公司数目pg急症室的合作伙伴提供清洁替代传统电力来源。

In addition to buying solar energy from local firms, PG & E also administers a Solar Schools Program , which will provide up to 40 schools a year with a 1 kilowatt solar installation.此外，购买太阳能从本地公司类包装急症室还管理一个太阳能学校的计划 ，该计划将提供多达40个学校， 1年与1千瓦的太阳能安装。 The program will not only help needy schools control energy costs, but will also provide a hands-on example of how renewable energy technologies work.该计划将不仅帮助有需要的学校，控制能源成本，但也将提供一个动手的例子，就如何可再生能源技术的工作。 PG & E is offering training seminars for teachers to help them incorporate the solar project into classroom lessons. pg急症室提供的培训讲座，为教师，帮助他们把太阳能项目成为课堂的经验教训。 Their interest in solar also extends to private businesses, who receive rebates and incentives when they install renewable energy technologies: “Through PG & E’s Self-Generation Incentive Program, nearly 130 customers received incentives of more than $69 million for projects totaling more than 37 MW in 2006.” One of those companies is Google, who installed a solar-paneled carport at their headquarters last year.他们的利益在太阳能也延伸到民营企业，谁收到退税和奖励时，他们安装的可再生能源技术： “通过pg急症室的自我一代的激励计划，近130家客户收到的奖励以上的6900万美元的项目总额超过37兆瓦，在2006年“之一，这些公司是Google ，谁安装一个太阳能paneled开敞式停车在其总部于去年。

The utility giant is also working on an initiative to tap the power of the tides in San Francisco Bay.公用事业巨头，也是工作的一项倡议，自来水的权力，潮汐在旧金山湾。 They’ve teamed up with the City and County of San Francisco and the Golden Gate Energy Company to conduct a study which will assess the technology solutions available to harness tidal energy.他们已经联手，与市，县的旧金山和金门的能源公司进行研究，将评估的技术解决方案，可利用潮汐能。 This would create a zero-emissions renewal power source for PG & E. The utility hopes that, “future plans could ultimately lead to the development of a full-scale commercial project [in the bay].” Their plans include building two 40-megawatt power plants along the California coast in the next few years.这将创造一个零排放重建电源类包装＆即公用事业希望， “未来的计划最终可导致发展一个全面的大规模的商业项目[在海湾] 。 ”他们的计划包括兴建两条40 -兆瓦的发电厂沿着加州海岸在未来数年。

Why all the interest in renewable energy, especially coming from the largest utility company in California?为什么所有的利益，在可再生能源，特别是来自最大的公用事业公司在加利福尼亚州？ Peter Darbee, CEO of PG & E, told Business 2.0 magazine, “This is a defining moment for utilities.彼得darbee ，首席执行官青霉素急症室，告诉商业2.0杂志， “这是一个决定性的时刻的水电费。 Are we going to be central players in shaping the new energy economy that is now emerging, or are we going to leave these challenges to others?” His strategy is clearly to embrace the new trend towards renewable energy, and it’s turning out to be a sound business strategy.难道我们要被中央球员在塑造新能源经济正在出现，或者我们是否要离开这些挑战，给他人？ “他的策略显然是拥抱的新趋势，可再生能源，和它的转出一个健全的商业策略。 Darbee has taken the company from bankruptcy in 2001 to profits of $2.8 billion in 2007. darbee已采取该公司从破产在2001年的利润为28亿美元在2007年。

PG & E’s strategy proves that renewable energy is not only the right thing to do anymore, it’sa profitable industry. pg急症室的策略证明，可再生能源，不仅是正确的事做了，这是有利可图的行业。 As other states begin to follow California’s lead in regulating the percentages of clean energy that utilities must distribute, other companies will surely look to PG & E’s business model for inspiration.作为其他国家开始仿效美国加州的领先优势，在规范的百分比清洁能源，公用事业必须分发，其他公司一定会照顾到pg急症室的业务模式的启示。

“It is difficult to get a man to understand something when his salary depends on not understanding it.” “这是很难得到一名男子要了解的东西时，他的薪金，取决于不理解” 。

-Upton Sinclair -厄普顿辛克莱

The quote above inspired the creation of a website called Greenshopper , which is a self-described, “environmental super store and online community for green shoppers.” Founded in 2006 by Zachary Bouchard, the site aims to provide a one-stop location for those who wish to buy environmentally friendly products.引用上述的启发建立一个网站，所谓greenshopper ，这是一种自我描述， “环境超级商店和在线社区，绿色购物”成立于2006年由Zachary布沙尔，该网站的目的是提供一个一站式的位置，对于那些谁愿意购买环保产品。 The site fills a growing need in the e-commerce world by allowing users to research and buy green products.该网站填补了不断增长的需求，在电子商贸的世界，让用户的研究和购买绿色产品。

The website links to over 200 companies which manufacture organic or green products.该网站的链接超过200家公司制造的有机或绿色产品。 While other smaller sites of this type exist, Greenshopper has successfully negotiated a partnership with Amazon which allows them to offer online ordering and shipping through the retail giant in exchange for a percentage of the profits.而其他规模较小的网站这种类型的存在， greenshopper已成功地谈判伙伴关系，与亚马逊这使得他们可以提供在线订购和航运，通过零售巨头在换取一个百分比的利润。 Their relationship with Amazon enables customers to use existing Amazon accounts to buy at good prices and Amazon’s reliable shipping to receive products quickly.他们的关系与亚马逊让客户可以使用现有的亚马逊帐户购买在良好的价格和亚马逊的可靠的航运得到迅速的产品。 As Greenshopper’s FAQs point out, Amazon is estimated to have a lower ecological footprint than other retailers because they ship directly from manufacturers to customers without the middleman of a brick-and-mortar store.作为greenshopper的常见问题解答指出，亚马逊估计有一个较低的生态足迹比其他零售商，因为他们的船舶直接从制造商向客户没有中间人的砖混结构和砂浆商店。

Greenshopper’s products are carefully vetted to make sure they meet customers’ expectations. greenshopper的产品仔细审核，以确保它们符合顾客的期望。 They aim to include products which are pesticide-free, made from recycled materials, and/or organic (ie cotton, bamboo, hemp, etc.).他们的目标，包括产品，这是农药免费，自由，从循环再造物料，和/或有机（即棉花，竹条，大麻等） 。 They also include products which are designed to reduce energy consumption, like weatherization products and low-energy light bulbs.它们还包括产品设计，以减少能源消耗，如过冬的产品和低能量灯泡。 The website explains, “A light bulb by itself is not necessarily made from sustainable materials, but it reduces our coal burning fossil fuel consumption and is the best current green alternative.” The team at Greenshopper individually selects the products featured on the site to offer the latest technologies that reduce our impact on the environment.网站解释说： “灯泡本身不一定是从可持续材料，但它降低了我国煤炭燃烧矿物燃料的消耗，是当前最理想的绿色替代物” 。队greenshopper单独选择产品精选在该网站上提供最新的技术，减少我们对环境的影响。

In addition to featuring environmentally friendly products, Greenshopper provides funding for various environmental groups.在除了具有环保的产品， greenshopper提供资金，各种环保团体。 They currently donate 10% of all profits to environmental groups with different focuses each month .他们目前捐赠的10 ％ ，所有的利润，环保团体与不同的重点，每个月 。 Founder Zachary Bouchard makes it clear that the site has no specific political affiliations: “The environment should not be a partisan political issue, as it doesn’t matter if you are a democrat, republican, independent, green party, etc - we all have to have a habitable planet to even be able to discuss politics in the first place!” As the site continues to succeed, Bouchard plans to donate a larger percentage of the profits to environmental charities.创始人扎卡里布沙尔很清楚该网站没有具体的政治背景： “环境不应该成为党派政治问题，因为它不打紧，如果你是民主党，共和党，独立的，绿党等-我们都有一个可居住的星球，甚至能够讨论政治摆在首位！ ： “由于网站能够继续取得成功，布沙尔计划捐出较大百分比的利润，以环境的慈善机构。

Greenshopper subscribes to the “vote with your dollars” philosophy, meaning that every choice we make as consumers is means by which to influence policy. greenshopper赞同“票与您的美元”的理念，也就是说，每一个选择，我们作为消费者是手段，以影响政策。 If we support businesses who produce sustainable products, we are encouraging other businesses to change their environmental policies.如果我们支持的企业谁产生可持续的产品，我们正鼓励其他企业要改变他们的环保政策。 Greenshopper’s website argues, “By buying green, we not only protect these ecosystems with our purchase, we expand the reach of the green movement, pushing it towards the mainstream”. greenshopper的网站辩称， “通过购买绿色，我们不能只保护这些生态系统与我们的购买，我们扩大达成的绿色运动，推动它朝着主流” 。 Indeed, the website’s partnership with Amazon does bring green consumerism to the mainstream of online purchasing, and other businesses will follow their lead.事实上，网站的合作伙伴关系的亚马逊是否带来绿色消费为主流的网上购物，和其他业务将仿效他们的带头作用。

But what about the prices, you might ask?但关于价格，你可能会问？ To those who complain that green products are more expensive, Bouchard’s service offers a means by which to trade the financial bottom line for the green bottom line.那些谁抱怨说，绿色产品较为昂贵，布沙尔的服务提供了一种手段，其中以贸易金融的底线绿色的底线。 Besides, by fomenting competition among green products and companies, your purchase will also drive down prices and create a more competitive market where consumers can demand lower cost, more eco-friendly goods.此外，由制造之间的竞争，绿色产品和公司，您的购买也将拉低价格，创造一个更具竞争力的市场需求，消费者可以以较低的成本，更生态友好的货物。

Sometimes, as a society, we won’t believe something until we see it with our own eyes.有时候，作为一个社会，我们不会相信的东西，直到我们看到它与我们自己的眼睛是雪亮的。 As the saying goes, “a picture is worth a thousand words.” Non-profit groups are using this stubborn sentiment to their advantage by showcasing satellite images of disturbing environmental changes on Google Earth.正如俗语所说， “一张图片胜过千言万语” 。非营利团体使用这种顽固的情绪，他们的优势，展示卫星图像令人不安的环境变化对Google地球。 Green non-profits who are telling their stories on Google Earth include: United Nations Environment Programme, Appalachian Voices, Neighbors Against Irresponsible Logging, Jane Goodall Institute, and the Sierra Club.绿色非利润谁告诉他们的故事对Google地球包括：联合国环境规划署，阿巴拉契亚的声音，邻居对不负责任的伐木，珍古德研究所，和塞拉俱乐部。

These savvy environmentalists use Google Earth Outreach to create unique educational slides and photos that appear as a layer on the satellite maps.这些精明的环保使用Google地球外展 ，以创造独特的教育幻灯片和照片，显示为一个层对卫星地图。 The Outreach website encourages charity organizations to use this tool to their advantage: “As a non-profit or public benefit group, you can use Google Earth to capture the work you’re doing, the people you’re helping, the challenges you face and the change you’re helping to enable - all in the visual context of the environment in which these stories take place.外展网站鼓励慈善机构使用此工具对他们有利： “作为一个非盈利性或公共利益集团，您可以使用Google地球捕获的工作您正在做的，人民的帮助您，您所面对的挑战以及改变您帮助，使-所有在视觉语境的环境中，这些故事发生。 By downloading your KML files, anyone, anywhere can fly in Google Earth from where they live to where you do your work.下载您的KML文件，任何人，任何地点可以飞在Google地球从他们居住的地方，你做你的工作。 This virtual visit to the projects and people you support gets users engaged and passionate about what you’re doing and builds support for your cause.”这个虚拟访问的项目和人民支持你得到的用户参与和热情是什么您正在做的，并建立支持你的事业“ 。

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) in particular has incorporated some striking images of our planet in their “Atlas of Our Changing Environment” on Google Earth. 联合国环境规划署（环境署 ） ，特别是纳入了一些引人注目的形象，我们的星球在其“地图集我们不断变化的环境”对Google地球。 Before-and-after images of 100 spots that are facing environmental changes appear in the mapping program.之前和之后的图像100点，这是面临的环境变化出现在测绘计划。 Included in the slides are shocking images of the endangered Amazon rainforest region, the dwindling polar ice caps, the explosion of development in both Las Vegas and Shenzen, and the destruction of massive mangrove jungles in Southeast Asia.包括在幻灯片是令人震惊的画面的濒危亚马逊雨林地区，越来越少，极地冰盖，爆炸的发展都在拉斯维加斯和深圳，并销毁了大规模的红树林丛林在东南亚地区。 Google Earth users can zoom in on these regions and see high-quality images that serve as an educational object lesson. Google地球用户可以变焦在对这些地区和看到高品质的图像，作为教育对象的教训。 Slides also present content that explains the causes of specific environmental changes and the years the different photos were taken.幻灯片也出席了内容，说明原因，具体的环境变化和年不同的照片。

These Google Earth-hosted campaigns hope to rally support for their projects and reach the ears of government officials who can legislate to protect these areas.这些Google地球主办的活动，希望争取支持，为他们的计划，以及达到的耳朵政府官员谁可以立法，以保护这些地区。 For example, Appalachian Voices uses the program to allow users to enter their location by zip code and see local supplies of coal and the damage mines have done in their areas. Dole Food Co. has also employed Google Earth to show consumers where their bananas were grown, the history of farms in the area, and see aerial images of the farm.举例来说， 阿巴拉契亚的声音，使用该程序允许用户进入他们的位置，邮编，看看当地的供应煤炭和地雷造成的损害做了在他们的领域。 多尔食品有限公司亦聘请了Google地球显示消费者，他们的香蕉被增长，历史的农场在该地区，并见空中图像该农场。 The Fair Trade Certified organization also has a Google Earth presence which allows users to virtually visit certified farms producing fruit, rice, coffee, cocoa, and tea. 公平贸易认证的组织也有Google地球存在，从而可以让用户几乎访问认证的农场生产水果，大米，咖啡，可可，和茶叶。 This kind of awareness is essential to changing people’s habits, particularly in an era where homegrown or local food consumption is so rare.这种意识是必不可少的，以改变人们的习惯，尤其是在时代本土或当地食品消费是如此罕见的。

Google Earth supports templates in KML format, and you don’t have to be a programmer to create engaging and beautiful slides to promote your cause. Google地球支持的模板的KML格式，和你没有成为一个程序员创造具有吸引力和美丽的幻灯片，以促进您的事业。 Their Outreach branch offers online tutorials to help users learn how to create slides, incorporate the passage of times into their maps, embed videos, and promote the finished product so it reaches their audience.他们的外展科提供线上教学 ，以帮助用户了解如何创建幻灯片，把通过的时候，他们的地图，嵌入的影片，促进成品，以便达到他们的观众。 This innovative idea is a great way to reach new advocates, interest potential donors, and add a visual element to the story of any non-profit.这种创新的想法是一个伟大的方式，以达到新的主张，利益潜在的捐助者，并添加视觉元素的故事，任何非营利性。 Explore Google Earth’s Global Awareness layer to see the unique tools that non-profits are using to give us a much-needed object lesson in environmental responsibility.探索Google地球的全球意识层看到独特工具，非利润所使用的给我们一个非常需要的对象的教训，在保护环境的责任。

I first heard about carbon offsetting from a friend when planning my wedding.我最初听到关于碳抵销了一个朋友的规划时，我的婚礼。 She had heard a news story about having a “green wedding,” where guests buy offsets in lieu of gifts to atone for the carbon emissions created by their air/car travel, hotel stays, and even cocktail napkins.她曾听闻的新闻故事，有一个“绿色婚礼” ，那里的客人购买抵消了在代礼物赎罪，为碳排放所造成的空气/车旅费，酒店住宿，甚至鸡尾酒会的餐巾。 The idea struck me as interesting, but inherently fishy.的思想，给我有趣，但在本质上鱼。 It seemed somehow dishonest, like indulgences in the Middle Ages, to pay for a clear conscience.似乎有点不诚实，就像indulgences在中世纪，以支付一个明确的良知。 However, the idea of carbon offsetting is becoming ever more popular in spite of its controversial nature.不过，构想的碳抵销是越来越受欢迎，尽管其争议性。 Businesses are now buying carbon offsets to supplement their energy saving efforts.企业现在购买碳偏移，以补充他们的节能努力。

The practice of carbon offsetting is a means by which individuals or businesses can reduce their CO₂ footprint by donating to an organization that promises to spend the money on renewable energy projects, tree planting initiatives, methane recapture, or other means of reducing carbon emissions.实践中碳抵销是一种手段，其中的个人或企业可以减少他们的合作₂足迹捐赠，以一个组织的承诺，花这笔钱对可再生能源项目，植树倡议，甲烷夺回，或以其他方式减少二氧化碳排放量。 The theory is that because global warming is in fact a global problem, it doesn’t matter where in the world or by what means carbon emissions are extracted from the atmosphere.理论是，由于全球变暖，这其实是一个全球性的问题，这并不无论身在何处，在世界上，或用什么方法碳排放量摘自气氛中进行的。 In addition to (or sometimes instead of) reducing one’s own energy use at home, an individual or business can make an impact on the problem by financing a reforestation project in the Amazon, or a methane recapture facility in Oklahoma.在除（或有时不是）减少对自己的能源使用在家里，一个个人或企业可以作出的影响问题，融资造林项目在亚马逊河流域，或甲烷夺回设施，在俄克拉何马州。

Carbonfund.org, a non-profit vendor of carbon offsets, argues “it is more cost effective and better for our environment to build a 100 MW [megawatt] wind energy farm in Minnesota than a 5 kW [kilowatt] windmill in your own backyard. carbonfund.org ，这是一个非赢利的供应商碳偏移，辩称： “这是更具成本效益和更好地为我们的环境，建立一个100兆瓦[兆瓦]风能农场在明尼苏达州的比5千瓦[千瓦]风车在自己的后院。 Carbon dioxide emissions are a global problem, so reducing a ton of CO₂ in Brazil or North Dakota has the same climate change benefit as doing so in your backyard” (see www.carbonfund.org for more details).二氧化碳的排放量是一个全球性问题，因此减少一吨的合作₂在巴西或北达科他州具有相同的气候变化有利于因为这样做在您的后院“ （见www.carbonfund.org了解更多详情） 。 Their website also points out that since some 60% of a household’s carbon output comes from the products we buy (packaging, shipping, and manufacturing costs), we cannot rely on reducing our energy usage alone.他们的网站上也指出，由于大约60 ％的家庭的碳输出来自于我们购买的产品（包装，运输，制造成本） ，我们不能依靠减少我们的能源使用率。 Offsets allow people to make up for the emissions they cannot control.偏移使人们能够弥补的排放量，他们无法控制。 Carbonfund.org allows donors to choose whether they want their money to be used for renewable energy, energy efficiency, or reforestation projects. carbonfund.org ，让捐助者选择是否他们希望他们的钱被用于可再生能源，能源效率，或再造林项目。

Rainforest2Reef, another non-profit which manages carbon offset donations, promises “for each ton (2000 lbs) of CO₂ that you or your household produces, Rainforest2Reef will plant one tree, at the cost of only $1 per tree. rainforest2reef ，另一个非营利管理碳抵消捐款，承诺“为每吨（ 2000磅）的合作₂ ，您或您的家庭生产， rainforest2reef将植物一树，在成本只有1美元树。 This tree will absorb roughly 1 ton of carbon over its 40 year lifecycle” ( www.rainforest2reef.org ).此树将吸收大约1吨的碳超过其四十年的生命周期“ （ www.rainforest2reef.org ） 。 Both Carbonfund.org and Rainforest2Reef have “carbon calculators” on their sites to help donors decide how much they should give.双方carbonfund.org和rainforest2reef有“碳计算器”在他们的网站上，以帮助捐助者的决定有多大，他们应该给予。 These two organizations are just examples of the many who promote carbon offsetting as a valid way for the public to reduce their impact on the environment.这两个组织是刚才的例子，许多谁促进碳抵销作为一个有效途径，为市民，以减少其对环境的影响。

Opponents of the practice point to the short-sighted nature of this solution.反对者的实践点，以短视的性质，这个解决办法。 They point out that if one can simply pay a fee to feel better about global warming, then less of us will take the initiative to drive fuel efficient vehicles, recycle, and reduce our demand for electricity.他们指出，如果可以简单地付费，以更好地觉得对全球变暖的话，那么我们将采取主动驱动燃料效率更高的车辆，回收，减少对电力的需求。 Environmentalists have criticized tree planting initiatives, suggesting that some have used non-native trees in areas where they impact local species and reduce soil quality.环保人士批评植树的倡议，这表明一些用非乡土树种的地方，他们的影响，本地物种和减少土壤质量。 Also, tree planting is only truly effective in temperate zones, where trees absorb CO₂ more readily.此外，植树是唯一真正有效，在温带地区，那里的树木吸收合作₂更容易。 One of the most suspicious aspects of the trend is apparent when businesses make claims of “zero emissions” or having a “neutral carbon footprint”.其中最可疑的方面的趋势是显而易见的，当企业提出索赔的“零排放”或有“中立的碳足迹” 。 This is often a selling point for consumers who don’t realize that this claim may come from offsetting donations rather than from true implementation of energy saving practices.这是往往是一个卖点，消费者谁不知道这种说法可能来自抵销捐款，而不是从真正实施节能的做法。 This seems to be the case with Icelandic Glacial water, which boasts to buying offsets equaling 552 tons of emissions.这似乎是如此，冰岛冰川水，拥有购买抵消平552吨的排放量。 That figure, however, does not include any shipping impacts after the bottled water arrives in the ports of destination countries (see http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/07_33/b4046073.htm?chan=search for the full story).这个数字，不过，并不包括任何航运的影响后，瓶装水在抵达港口的目的地国家（见http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/07_33/b4046073.htm?chan=search为充分故事） 。

Some businesses are taking a more hands-on approach to reduce their carbon footprint.一些企业正在采取一个更手-对的做法，以减轻他们的碳足迹。 One trend with high technology firms is to reduce their energy use by replacing old, inefficient server farms.一趋势与高科技公司，是要减少他们的能源使用取代旧，效率低下的服务器农场。 This practice, called virtualization, is not only beneficial to our environment but can also save money.这种做法，所谓的虚拟化，不仅有利于我们的环境，而且还可以节省金钱。 Switching to energy efficient power distribution units, air conditioners, and cooling pumps can make a huge impact on your consumption and expenses.切换到节能配电单位，冷气机，冷却水泵，可以作出巨大的影响，您的消费和开支。 Though the initial payout is daunting (as much as $400,000 per server) these new units replace dozens of old servers and will pay for themselves in electricity savings.虽然最初的奖金是艰巨的（高达四十零点零零万美元每台服务器） ，这些新单位的数十名取代旧的服务器和将支付为自己在节省电力。 If businesses were to take a comprehensive approach to reducing their CO₂ emissions which combined initiatives like virtualization and carbon offset purchases, the impact would be enormously beneficial.如果企业要采取全面的办法，以减少他们的合作₂排放量相结合的举措一样，虚拟化和碳抵消了采购，影响将有很大的益处。

So how do you know if the offset you purchased was impactful and honest?所以你怎么知道，如果您购买的抵销是产生影响的和诚实的呢？ Did they really plant trees with your donation?他们真的种树，与您的捐款？ You don’t know.你不知道。 While some non-profits undergo certification to ensure their offsets are measured accurately, the industry as a whole is unregulated at present.而一些非利润进行认证，以确保其位移测量准确，该行业作为一个整体是不受管制的目前。 The old saying, “If you want something done right, do it yourself” seems to apply here: to ensure that you are actually doing your part to reduce carbon emissions, you should probably do it yourself.古语， “如果你想要做点事的权利，这样做你自己”似乎适用于在这里：为确保您实际上做了您的一部分，以减少二氧化碳排放量，你应该这样做可能是自己。 Recycle, use energy-efficient appliances, drive a fuel-efficient car, insulate your home to reduce heating costs, and buy locally whenever possible.资源回收，使用具能源效益的电器，驾驶燃料效率的汽车，绝缘您的首页，以减少供热成本，并购买当地只要有可能。 Perhaps the best approach is a hybrid one: if businesses and individuals combine carbon offsets with measurable energy savings, we will have the maximum possible effect on the global climate crisis.也许最好的办法是一种混合一：如果企业和个人相结合的碳抵消与可衡量的节省能源，我们将有最大可能的影响，对全球气候的危机。

European and Asian cities have long been home to tiny, compact cars such as Mercedes-Benz’s Smart fortwo or Ford’s Ka model.欧洲和亚洲的城市已久的家小小的，紧凑的车如奔驰的smart的fortwo或福特的家模型。 Overseas cities without the suburban sprawl of US cities long ago learned to love these miniature vehicles.海外城市没有郊区的扩张，美国的城市早已学会了爱这些微型车。 It seems, however, that the American market is ready for a small fuel-efficient car which can maneuver quickly and easily through our worst traffic and parking nightmares.看来，然而，美国市场已经准备好了一个小型省油的车可以机动快速，方便地通过我们的最严重的交通和停车的恶梦。 Urban dwellers may soon be introduced to “CityCars”, the product of a research initiative at Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Media Lab.城市居民可能很快会推出“ citycars ” ，该产品的研究倡议，在麻省理工学院技术的媒体实验室。 CityCars are battery-powered electric vehicles with a remarkable wheel design that allows them to be stacked like shopping carts at major transportation crossroads, such as subway stops and train stations. citycars是电池供电的电动车用显着车轮的设计，使他们能够堆叠起来一样，购物车在主要交通的十字路口，如地铁站及火车站。

These remarkable little cars are cleaner than any gas-powered vehicle, even if charged from electricity produced by burning coal.这些了不起的小车清洁，比任何气体动力汽车，即使被控从电力生产的燃煤。 They are recharged when stacked, and can travel for approximately 10 miles on a full battery.他们是充电时，堆叠，并能旅行大约10英里一个完整的电池。 All four wheels rotate, allowing the CityCar to be parked almost anywhere.所有四个车轮旋转，让citycar向停泊几乎任何地方。 Instead of a traditional drive train, each wheel on the CityCar is equipped with a “wheel robot”, which is an all-inclusive motor, suspension, steering, and brake system.而非传统的驱动器的列车，每个车轮上citycar是配备了“车轮机器人” ，这是一个包容各方的电机，暂停，督导，及制动系统。 The stripped-down chassis can then fold up and allow the CityCars to be stacked.该剥离式底盘，便可以折叠起来，并让citycars ，以堆叠。 According to designers, up to six CityCars can fit in one traditional parking space!据设计师，多达6个citycars可以适当的在一个传统的停车空间！

The proposed business model for CityCars is delightfully simple: to use one, you would swipe a pre-authorized payment card, remove one from the stack, and drive off.拟议的业务模式citycars是delightfully简单：用一个，你会刷卡一预先授权支付卡，删除一个从堆栈和驱动器。 You would be able to return them to any stack in the city, and they would come with digital locks and GPS units to prevent theft.你将能够返回他们的任何协议栈在城市，他们将前来与数字锁和GPS的单位，以防止盗窃。 The car will also host a high-tech computer system to help the driver find available parking spaces and avoid potholes.汽车也将举办一个高科技的电脑系统，以帮助司机找到可用的停车位，避免坑洞。 Developers stress that CityCar is not meant as a replacement for a traditional vehicle, but simply a supplement for use in congested city centers.发展商强调， citycar是不是意味着作为替代传统的汽车，但只是一个补充，用于在拥挤的城市中心。 GM is rumored to be following the CityCar’s development closely, and MIT researchers are hoping the auto maker may adapt their prototype to display at concept car shows in 2008.通用汽车是传闻要继citycar的发展密切，和麻省理工学院的研究人员希望汽车制造商可能会调整其原型显示，在概念车表明，在2008年。

While vehicle-sharing businesses have been around for awhile (think zipcar ), this new initiative is a step towards making the proverbial community bike as environmentally friendly as, well, a bike.而车辆分享企业已靠近片刻（认为zipcar ） ，这项新措施是第一步，使谚语社区自行车作为环保的作为，那么，自行车。