MicroEmpowering Blog

Green Future Part 1 of 2 in the Series

Posted by Guest Editor on Wednesday, August 15, 2012 In : Must read

Innovation is Here!

In order to combat the world’s more problematic environmental issues, scientists, researchers, and architects have been coming up with exciting and innovating fixes.

Green Future from MicroEmpowering.org

MicroEmpowering Won the STEM App Challenge from ADL - U.S. Department of Defense!

Posted by Guest Editor on Wednesday, August 1, 2012 In : Must read

Microempowering.org is proud to announce that we have been awarded 1st prize from the Advanced Distributed Learning (ADL) Initiative from the Department of Defense, after launching our STEM education app on May 25th!!!

The Curiosity School - STEM series app by MicroEmpowering is a greener alternative for teaching Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) to curious students. This iPad app has been designed to promote a “learn by doing” approach to education. It is a hands-...
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What Makes the MIRAI NIHON Project so Amazing?

Posted by Guest Author on Tuesday, July 31, 2012 In : Guest Blogger

Earlier last year, Japan experienced a 9.0 earthquake followed by massive tsunamis. The destruction that occurred killed thousands and left many more homeless. One of the many unfortunate side effects of this natural catastrophe was the threat of nuclear disaster.

Concerns revolving around energy and basic life services for the future plagued Japanese people. That is where a Japanese advertising firm, TBWA/Hakuhodo, along with Nissan, NEC, and the Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency, came...
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Recycling Isn’t Restricted to Mercury or Plastic

Posted by Guest Editor on Saturday, July 28, 2012 In : Guest Blogger

Recycling isn’t restricted to mercury or plastic. Watch this slide show to learn how to recycle natural materials found in places like your lawn or garden.

Lawn and Garden Care Recycling from MicroEmpowering.org

Electrofuels: Tiny Organisms Making a Big Impact

Posted by Guest Editor, DOE and ARPA-E on Thursday, July 19, 2012 In : Must read

They say a picture is worth a thousand words — but what happens when what you want to look at is impossible to see?

That’s where the Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy’s Electrofuels program comes in. The 13 projects that make up the program seek to develop renewable liquid fuels that use microorganisms to harness chemical or electrical energy to convert carbon dioxide into liquid fuels, without using petroleum or biomass. For example, scientists at Columbia University are using...
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Green Energy Matrix in the US Food System

Posted by Guest Editor on Wednesday, July 18, 2012 In : Must read

Energy breakdown for the food production system includes about 20 percent of overall energy used in agricultural production, 14 percent for transport, 16 percent for processing, another 7 percent for packaging, 4 percent in food retailing 7 percent in restaurants and caterers and a whopping 32 percent goes to home refrigeration and preparation.

What do you think are the solutions to this challenge:

How Methane Heating Works?

Posted by Guest Editor on Sunday, July 15, 2012 In : Must read

Natural gas derives from animal and plant matter that was heated and pressurized in earth’s layers (hence why it is referred to as “fossil fuel”). It is generally made up of methane, ethane, hexane, propane, heptanes, butane, and pentane; however, gas companies purify it until only methane is left. That way the gas used for heating burns cleanly. Methane is considered a clean fuel because compared to coal and oil, it is less chemically complex, releasing only carbon dioxide and water va...
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NYC residents will throw away about 200,000 tons of clothes, per year...

Posted by Guest Editor on Tuesday, July 3, 2012 In : Must read

Over the course of one year, NYC residents will throw away about 200,000 tons of clothes, towels, blankets, curtains, shoes, handbags, belts, and other textiles. The reason New Yorkers may choose to dispose of their unwanted clothes and accessories rather than donate them is out of pure convenience.

To overcome this ailment, the non-profit organization re-fashionNYC, in partnership with the City of New York and Housing Works has come up with a convenient and innovative solution. Re-fashionNY...
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Are you familiar with the Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) degrees?

Posted by Editor on Monday, June 25, 2012 In : Top 10

According to the U.S. Department of Commerce, STEM stands for science, technology, engineering and math. STEM scholarships are college scholarships for students who are majoring in those fields of study. There are a wide variety of STEM degrees, including majors in pharmacy, biology, computer programming, business, healthcare, social sciences and engineering.

In order for the United States to remain competitive in the international market, we must encourage science education in schools. Int...
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Statement by the Higher Education Sustainability Initiative at Rio+20

Posted by Guest Editor, Sustainability on Thursday, June 21, 2012 In : News

As Chancellors, Presidents, Rectors, Deans and Leaders of Higher Education Institutions and related organizations, we acknowledge the responsibility that we bear in the international pursuit of sustainable development. On the occasion of the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development, held in Rio de Janeiro from 20-22 June 2012, we agree to support the following actions:

Teach sustainable development concepts, ensuring that they form a part of the core curriculum across all discipl...
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45 CEOs endorsed the Global Compact’s CEO Water Mandate

Posted by Guest Editor on Tuesday, June 19, 2012 In : News

They have pledged to work with suppliers to improve their water practices, and partner with nongovernmental organizations, UN agencies, governments and public authorities, investors, and other stakeholders on water-related projects and solutions.

In the communiqué, they called on governments to:
- Develop policies and incentives to improve water productivity and efficiency in all sectors, especially agriculture.
- Establish fair and appropriate valuation of water for agriculture, industry...
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Business Puts in a Bid to Engage in Sustainable Development Goals Process, at Corporate Sustainability Forum

Posted by Guest Editor on Tuesday, June 19, 2012 In : Must read

(Rio de Janeiro, 18 June 2012) – A role for the international business community in identifying and promoting a new set of global goals was endorsed this evening at the Rio+20-aligned private sector forum, and will be forwarded this week to the UN and Heads of State.

The proposal to give business a voice in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) emerged from the 15-18 June Rio+20 Corporate Sustainability Forum. Approval came via a show of hands by business executives as well as other F...
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STEM Scholarships in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math

Posted by Editor on Sunday, June 10, 2012 In : Must read

Education in science, technology, engineering and math, also known as STEM, provides many benefits to students. STEM scholarships and college education can lead to work in fields which are vital to almost every aspect of our modern world, from the roads we drive on to finding cures for diseases.

Women, however, are not represented as highly in these fields as they are in the rest of the work force. United States Census Bureau data shows that woman make up 48 percent of the total workforce, bu...
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Why STEM Education is Important?

Posted by Carolina Cabral Murphy on Sunday, May 27, 2012 In : News

In the early 1960s, The United States had three times as many scientists as countries such as the Soviet Union. It was spending seven times more money on scientific research than Europe. The United States had made 80 percent of all scientific discoveries from the 1930s to the 1960s. Not surprisingly, the United States has been the dominant science superpower since the 1950s.

The United States owes its status to its investment in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) educat...
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Who's leading the impact investing movement?

Posted by Guest Editor on Tuesday, May 22, 2012 In : News

GIIRS (Global Impact Investing Ratings System), a project of B Lab, announced the names of the 12 North American GIIRS Pioneer Funds. These firms are the leading private equity and venture capital funds with a focus on impact investing. The 12 North American GIIRS Pioneer Funds join the 13 other Pioneer Funds that invest in the emerging markets that GIIRS previously announced at the Presidential Summit on Entrepreneurship in April.

The Emerging Market GIIRS Pioneer Funds include the Acumen ...
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US Gov. Imposed Tariffs of Around 30% on Solar Panels from China

Posted by Guest Editor on Friday, May 18, 2012 In : News

The US government has imposed tariffs of around 30 percent on solar panels imported from China, sparking charges of “trade protectionism” from Chinese government officials and increasing friction between the two countries.

The US Commerce Department ruled yesterday in favor of American companies that charged Chinese exporters had illegally “dumped” their solar panels on the US market below fair market price.

Commerce officials will continue their investigations in the trade cases, a...
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Do You Know Which Electric Vehicle is Right for You?

Posted by Joao G. Cabral for www.H2Brasil.com on Friday, May 18, 2012 In : Guest Blogger

Thinking about acquiring an electric vehicle? Do you know which electric vehicle is right for you?

Source: Joao G. Cabral - from www.H2Brasil.com
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Do you want to be green, lose weight, and help save the planet?

Posted by Editor on Wednesday, May 16, 2012 In : Must read

Do you want to develop a healthier lifestyle?
Do you want to embrace green living?
Do you want to help save the planet?
Do you want to lose weight?

Try the city sponsored "prescription" being followed by Parisians, Londoners, Berliners, Brazilians, the Dutch, and very soon... New Yorkers!

Transportation Commissioner Janette Sadik-Khan and a group of elected officials announced the big plan for public bikes around NYC. Some key facts are:

Within the service area, which will stretch fro...

Product labeling puts power in the hands of consumers...

Posted by Empowering Editor on Thursday, May 10, 2012 In : News

Nutrition facts on a box of cereal. Country of origin on a pair of shoes. Radiation information on a cell phone. Product labeling puts power in the hands of consumers, rewards responsible producers and educational retailers, and combats false advertising. It transforms markets—just look at what organic labeling has done for the food industry.

Not so long ago, everyone was completely in the dark when it came to the backstories of the things we buy—and when it comes to their climate impacts...
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NASA Quest Challenges - What are They?

Posted by NASA's website on Sunday, May 6, 2012 In : Must read

NASA Quest Challenges are Web-based, interactive explorations designed to engage students in authentic scientific and engineering processes. The solutions relate to issues encountered daily by NASA personnel.

The content of NASA Quest Challenges follows real NASA tasks with the goal of involving young people in developing tomorrow's solutions, while inspiring them towards careers in science and engineering. As students work in teams to mirror NASA career roles, agency experts are available to ...

STEM Women All-Stars Hit the Road

Posted by Guest reposted from Office of Science and Technology Policy. on Friday, May 4, 2012 In : Must read

Last week, at the release of the White House Girls in STEM video, some of the Nation’s top women scientists and engineers took a break from their daily responsibilities at the heights of Federal, private, and academic science and technology enterprises to urge girls to open their minds to careers in these fields. Their voices joined a chorus of women across the country who are making it part of their mission to inspire students in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).

Over the...
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Get Inspired by the Natural Environment

Posted by Editor on Sunday, April 29, 2012 In : Guest Blogger

A recent research study done by Behavioral Economists pointed out to considerable findings about how individuals feel rewarded after looking at certain types of images. We decided to run our own tests and the result is below.

By looking at this picture you should feel relaxed.

This picture is likely to make you feel collaborative.

This picture is likely to make you feel calm.

This picture is likely to make you feel heroic!

Now that we got you inspired by the Natural Environment, let's get to ...
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Do you know what a Geo Fair Trade Project is? Ever heard of WFTO?

Posted by Guest Editor, Free Trade article on Saturday, April 28, 2012 In : Guest Blogger

WFTO is one of the partners of a project that developed an information system that gives greater transparency of the producers on their commitment to improve their social, economic and environmental conditions.

Using geographical and local data of the producers’ production environs, the Geo Fair Trade Project, aimed at constructing mechanisms to trace products to its producers, to bring producers closer to the consumers, and to come up with social, economic and environmental indicators de...
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Do you want to host a workshop at your school, community center, or educational institution?

Posted by Empowering Editor on Monday, April 23, 2012 In : Must read

Join or host one of our STEM education workshops!

Give us a call or send an email to: website [@] microempowering.com and we can coordinate our agendas or provide you with a vast list of resources and materials such as;

Resources:
PBS, public television stations and content producers rely on organizations like the following to help us stay informed about STEM initiatives.

International Society for Technology in Education: ISTE is the premier membership association for educators and educati...
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The Earth Day Agenda, 35 ways to Celebrate Earth day! From NYC City Council

Posted by Empowering Editor on Saturday, April 21, 2012 In : Must read

Interested in volunteering on Earth Day?

According to Christine C. Quinn Speaker of NYC Council and James F. Gennaro Chair, Environmental Protection Committee - NYC Council. The 35 ways to Celebrate Earth day and give back to the Planet are listed on the links below:

FRIDAY, APRIL 20
Earth Day Indoors at Grand Central Terminal - www.grandcentralterminal.com
Earth Day in Times Square - http://www.earthdayny.org/
NY Public library Stories, Songs and Activities That Celebrate Our Earth - www.nypl...
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What is income inequality? How income inequality affects your daily life? - Part 1

Posted by Carolina Cabral Murphy on Saturday, April 21, 2012 In : Must read

Income inequality is defined as the unequal distribution of household or individual income across the various participants in an economy.

Income inequality is often presented as the percentage of income to a percentage of population. For example, a statistic may indicate that 70% of a country's income is controlled by 20% of that country's residents.

It is often associated with the idea of income "fairness". It is generally considered "unfair" if the rich have a disproportionally larger p...
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Join the Environmental Advocates of New York for Earth Day!

Posted by Guest Editor on Tuesday, April 17, 2012 In : Must read

It's one of our favorite times of the year—when hundreds of concerned citizens from across New York State travel to Albany to call on lawmakers to vote green!

Please join us for the 22nd annual Earth Day Lobby Day!

	When:	Wednesday, April 25, 2012 9:30 a.m.–3 p.m.
	Where:	New York State Capitol Albany, NY
	RSVP:	Click here to register

At Earth Day Lobby Day, you'll hear from state government and environmental leaders, learn about environmental bills that are pending in Albany, and lob...

The Policy Puzzle: Education and Climate Change

Posted by Excerpt from the Global Economy and Development at BROOKINGS on Monday, April 16, 2012 In : Must read

Successful climate change adaptation and mitigation require appropriate knowledge, skills and behavior change that education can provide. Specifically, education can enable individuals and communities to make informed decisions and take action for climate resilient sustainable development.

Policymakers have not fully engaged the education sector, even though existing climate change frameworks are in place that could utilize education as a mitigation and adaptation strategy. For example, two...
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Who are the biggest employers in the world?

Posted by Empowering Editor on Sunday, April 15, 2012 In : Must read

The biggest employers in the world account for a vast percentage of global GDP. In some cases these organizations aggregate tremendous amounts of value to the local economy via Research and Development (R&D). In the chart below, the defense industry, energy corporations as well as retail and fast food industries are the clear winners...

What a few people realize is the amount of R&D and innovations fostered by these companies.

Equipments and solutions we often take for granted, such as cellu...
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Ready for a recap after 20 long years? Join us at Rio +20

Posted by Guest Editor on Friday, April 13, 2012 In : Must read

The United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development, Rio +20, will be held from 13 to 22 June 2012, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. It is known as Rio +20 because it marks the twentieth anniversary of the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (Rio-92), and should help define the sustainable development agenda for the coming decades.

Brazil's petition to host Rio +20 was approved in the 6th Session of the General Assembly of the United Nations, in 2009. The objective of the...
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The Empowering Blog About Social Innovations + STEM

Green Future Part 1 of 2 in the Series

MicroEmpowering Won the STEM App Challenge from ADL - U.S. Department of Defense!

What Makes the MIRAI NIHON Project so Amazing?

Recycling Isn’t Restricted to Mercury or Plastic

Electrofuels: Tiny Organisms Making a Big Impact

Green Energy Matrix in the US Food System

How Methane Heating Works?

NYC residents will throw away about 200,000 tons of clothes, per year...

Are you familiar with the Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) degrees?

Statement by the Higher Education Sustainability Initiative at Rio+20

45 CEOs endorsed the Global Compact’s CEO Water Mandate

Business Puts in a Bid to Engage in Sustainable Development Goals Process, at Corporate Sustainability Forum

STEM Scholarships in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math

Why STEM Education is Important?

Who's leading the impact investing movement?

US Gov. Imposed Tariffs of Around 30% on Solar Panels from China

Do You Know Which Electric Vehicle is Right for You?

Do you want to be green, lose weight, and help save the planet?

Product labeling puts power in the hands of consumers...

NASA Quest Challenges - What are They?

STEM Women All-Stars Hit the Road

Get Inspired by the Natural Environment

Do you know what a Geo Fair Trade Project is? Ever heard of WFTO?

Do you want to host a workshop at your school, community center, or educational institution?

The Earth Day Agenda, 35 ways to Celebrate Earth day! From NYC City Council

What is income inequality? How income inequality affects your daily life? - Part 1

Join the Environmental Advocates of New York for Earth Day!

The Policy Puzzle: Education and Climate Change

Who are the biggest employers in the world?

Ready for a recap after 20 long years? Join us at Rio +20

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