Green Options

Researchers writing in the journal Environmental Science and Technology have concluded that unless new low-sulfur standards are adopted for the ubiquitous marine fuels used worldwide to get that Barbie from China to your doorstep, 40,000 needless premature human deaths may occur each year due to the harmful emissions caused by high sulfur fuels.

Last month, scientists announced the discovery of a new technology to efficiently turn heat waste from cars, power generators, and heat pumps into electricity. But why stop there?

GMZ Energy, a company formed by researchers from Boston College and MIT, has developed a manufacturing process to improve the efficiency of existing thermoelectric modules.

Instead of using their technology with cars, the company plans to sell thermoelectric modules for cooling in small refrigerators and server racks. Ultimately, GMZ Energy wants to convert waste from smokestack heat and industrial equipment into electricity.