Energy and Environment News Roundup – 2.28.13

A daily roundup of the most important energy, environment, and climate news from around the world.

CLIMATE 

EU climate chief to huddle with White House, State officials (via The Hill)

China’s rising sea levels threaten economic interests (via Hindu Business Line)

Pakistan government launches national climate change policy (via Pakistan Daily Times)

US generals warn of climate change dangers (via RTCC)

Nebraska lawmakers warm to climate change study (via Omaha World-Herald)

COAL 

Germany to add most coal-fired plants in two decades, IWR says (via Bloomberg)

UK coal use up 32.5% in 2012 (via RTCC)

Nine reasons China won’t need enough coal to justify Pacific Northwest exports (via Grist)

RENEWABLES 

Crystal ball: China will not produce more wind energy than the US before 2020 (via Green Leap Forward)

India tops 1GW new solar capacity (via BusinessGreen)

Germany’s clean energy supporters sound alarm over subsidy cuts (via The National)

Analysts warn markets biased against clean energy (via GreenBiz)

(more…)

Craft Recycled: 5 DIY Grocery Bags

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DIY Grocery Bags

Is your stash of reusable grocery bags a little slim? Beef it up with these DIY ideas!

Did you know that you should be washing your reusable bags? Those totes are much better for the planet than the single use plastic sort, but without proper care they can harbor food-borne illness. That doesn't mean you need to switch to disposables, but it does mean that maybe it's time to add a few bags to that rotation, so you'll still be able to grocery shop when one set is in the wash.

You could pick up reusable bags at the store, but then you'd have the same boring bags as everyone else! We've rounded up a few grocery bag tutorials to make sure your stash or totes is as unique as you are.

1. Embellished Grocery Bag

You can use this tutorial from Sew Homegrown to spruce up one of the bags in your stash or fancy up any tote you pick up at the thrift store. Not only does she show you how to add cute, geometric embellishments but she walks you through adding a pocket! Perfect for stashing a magazine or your coupons!

2. Upcycled Denim Bag

The Queen of DIY shows you how to make a reversible grocery tote from an old pair of jeans! A bonus? Denim is super durable, so this bag is sure to last you ages!

DIY Mesh Grocery Bags

3. T-Shirt Grocery Bag

Got some old tees in your stash? Use them to make a DIY mesh grocery bag - no crochet or knitting skills required!

4. Vintage Pillowcase Bag

A reclaimed pillowcase is perfect for hauling those groceries around, and SpiderWomanKnits shows you how to make a super sweet upcycled grocery tote from a vintage one. Just make sure you choose a pillowcase that's in good shape. Some of the older vintage pillowcases can have very delicate fabric, and you want your bag to be durable!

5. Flour Sack Grocery Bag

Have you ever bought flour in one of those awesome cotton sacks? Here's how to turn that flour sack into a grocery bag! You could use the same instructions to turn a burlap coffee bag or rice bag into a tote, too!

Image Credit: DIY Grocery Bags photo via Bigstock