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SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. -- More than 500 people gathered Monday for the State of Green Business Forum in San Francisco, an all-day event that marked the release of the State of Green Business 2009 report from the editors of GreenBiz.com. The report attempts to measure the adoption of green business practices in the U.S. The Forum featured more than a dozen industry leaders to bring various aspects of the report to life: water management, green jobs, innovation and energy efficiency. GreenBiz.com Executive Editor Joel Makower also assembled a panel of advisors of President Barack Obama to discuss the new administration and its efforts to jumpstart a green economy. In opening up the forum, Makower presented an overview of the finding of this year's report: in a nutshell, companies are doing OK, but there's plenty of room for improvement. SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. -- More than 500 people gathered Monday for the State of Green Business Forum in San Francisco, an all-day event that marked the release of the State of Green Business 2009 report from the editors of GreenBiz.com. The report attempts to measure the adoption of green business practices in the U.S. The Forum featured more than a dozen industry leaders to bring various aspects of the report to life: water management, green jobs, innovation and energy efficiency. GreenBiz.com Executive Editor Joel Makower also assembled a panel of advisors of President Barack Obama to discuss the new administration and its efforts to jumpstart a green economy. In opening up the forum, Makower presented an overview of the finding of this year's report: in a nutshell, companies are doing OK, but there's plenty of room for improvement.

While electronics waste or e-waste recycling partnerships are providing significant environmental benefits by keeping waste out of landfills, they are also giving manufacturers and retailers an environmental marketing edge by providing their customers with a needed service, together with financial incentives, whether its through gift cards or charitable donations. Here are a few of the most recent partnerships aimed at providing responsible recycling programs for consumers and businesses. Environmental Leader, 7/23/09.

'Analysts say going green has become a business plan for some of the biggest personal computer (PC) makers as a way to differentiate themselves from their competition, reports Reuters. The "green" talk is going over the top as computer makers spar with one another over who has the most "green" platform.' Discussion of some environmental claims made by top PC manufacturers, such as Dell, HP, & Apple. Environmental Leader, 6/22/09.

From Environmental Leader, 7/6/09. Highlights of IBM's 2008 Corporate Responsibility Report. Includes link to PDF of the report.

The GigaOM Network, a leading Silicon Valley news network, today announces the final schedule for the Green:Net conference, to be held March 24, 2009 in San Francisco. The first Green:Net conference spotlights how technologies of the Web and the Internet will be instrumental in the new, green economy. The conference will be the first event hosted by Earth2Tech, The GigaOM Network's cleantech publication and a thought leader in the emerging "Green Digital" sector. Startups are also encouraged to apply to the Green:Net LaunchPad, a green startup showcase, before nominations close on February 13th. More details are available on the conference website. Software, communication networks and the web will help companies shape the future of our electrical system, deliver transportation infrastructure, create social movements and help both companies and regular folks reduce carbon emissions. The Green:Net conference brings together the knowledge and talent of The GigaOM Networks publications GigaOM and Earth2Tech to create a must-attend event for those interested in everything from money-saving, energy-efficient data centers to money-making online applications for businesses and consumers.

The Collaboration Project is an independent forum of leaders committed to leveraging web 2.0 and the benefits of collaborative technology to solve government's complex problems. Powered by the National Academy of Public Administration, this "wikified" space is designed to share ideas, examples and insights on the adoption of Web 2.0 technologies in the field of public governance.

BRISTOL, Va. - There's a flip side to that newfangled cell phone found under the Christmas tree. Sooner or later, the outdated cell phones clogging the kitchen drawer have to go. However, when they do go, don't forget that those electronic beeps and whistles are powered by mercury, cadmium, lead and other toxic metals destined to seep into, and out of, a landfill. And toxic metals, such as mercury, can cause brain and kidney damage, as well as cancer, when released into the ground and air, the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality reports. So, instead of dumping outdated gadgets and gizmos into the trash can, environmental and industry leaders recommend recycling, which, in the case of electronics, is known as e-cycling. For nearly six years, Bristol Virginia Public Works has picked up laptops, monitors and even fluorescent light tubes left in marked boxes by the curb. As part of a statewide e-cycling effort, the technology is carted off during regular pickups.

Electronic Recyclers International (ERI), the nation's leading recycler of electronic waste, joined Fresno Mayor Alan Autry and a host of other local business leaders to launch its new e-waste shredder - the largest and most efficient shredder of its kind in North America. Mayor Autry cut the ribbon and hit the "on" switch for the ceremonial launch, which took place today at ERI's new 125,440 square foot expansion facility at 3243 S. East Avenue in Fresno.

The Consumer Electronics Show is the greenest it has ever been so far, writes Maura Judkis of Fresh Greens. Highlights from the show: Toshiba unveiled the Super Charge Battery, which is touted as a longer-lasting battery with a target recharge time of 90 percent in just 10 minutes. The company also said it has teamed up with Sharp and Panasonic to create the Electronic Manufacturers Recycling Management Company , which will set up 280 recycling points across all 50 states. The eventual goal is to have a network of over 800 recycling points across the country, making it much easier for businesses and consumers to dispose of electronic waste, writes vnunet.com

The greenest consumer electronic products on the market today may have a smaller environmental footprint than those sold a year ago, according to the latest green electronics research from Greenpeace. But the organization, which released the report at CES, says that the industry still has a way to go before they can claim a truly green product.The greenest consumer electronic products on the market today may have a smaller environmental footprint than those sold a year ago, according to the latest green electronics research from Greenpeace. But the organization, which released the report at CES, says that the industry still has a way to go before they can claim a truly green product.

It's that time of year again to dust of the old crystal ball and put forth some predictions as to what 2009 holds for the world of green technology. Rather than leaving the speculation to myself, however, I once again decided to tap experts at a host of organizations on how they envision green IT evolving in the year to come. Suffice to say that no one has dismissed the green-tech movement as a mere passing fad. Both economic and political conditions (e.g. President-Elect Obama's vision of a cleaner energy economy) will continue to drive vendors to develop greener wares and organizations across the board to embrace greener practices -- be it in the name of cutting costs, meeting environmental regulations, or simply "doing the right thing."

Market Velocity, the leading provider of turn-key, web-enabled recycling, asset recovery, trade-in, and donation solutions for Fortune 1000 & consumer electronics manufacturers, and a wholly owned subsidiary of Mediagrif Interactive Technologies Inc. (TSX: MDF), makes it simple for technology companies, distributors and resellers to drive new sales and increase market share with creatively packaged online equipment upgrade programs. Market Velocity's clients are able to attract new buyers with exciting trade-in promotions while offering existing customers compelling, instant trade-in values for previous purchases through Market Velocity's vast network of remarketers. Customized trade-in sites are integrated with in-depth services and customer support to manage every aspect of trade-in programs, from promotion design through payments processing and extensive market data analysis. End users have multiple equipment disposal options including donations and recycling programs that meet the industry's highest standards for safety and privacy. Visit www.marketvelocity.com to learn more about the industry's only full-service, web-based solution for trade-in programs and launch your upgrade campaign today.Market Velocity, the leading provider of turn-key, web-enabled recycling, asset recovery, trade-in, and donation solutions for Fortune 1000 & consumer electronics manufacturers, and a wholly owned subsidiary of Mediagrif Interactive Technologies Inc. (TSX: MDF), makes it simple for technology companies, distributors and resellers to drive new sales and increase market share with creatively packaged online equipment upgrade programs. Market Velocity's clients are able to attract new buyers with exciting trade-in promotions while offering existing customers compelling, instant trade-in values for previous purchases through Market Velocity's vast network of remarketers. Customized trade-in sites are integrated with in-depth services and customer support to manage e

The International Electronics Recycling Conference & Expo is the premier net working event and tradeshow for the fast growing and important electronics recycling industry.

By redesigning packaging for its phone accessories, Sprint expects to save $2.1 million annually in packaging costs. This represents a 35 percent reduction in packaging costs, according to a press release, and a corresponding reduction in 647 tons of waste annually.

As Kyocera appears to be giving up on Organic Light Emitting Diode (OLED) technology, Casio is getting into the game. OLED technology promises to unleash a wave of improved energy efficiency in the displays market, making televisions, mobile phones and other gizmos brighter, thinner and more innovative in their utility. One benefit is that the displays can be flexible, meaning they can be put on curved walls or other surfaces that previously did not make sense for video displays.