March 13 - 19, 2010 - This Week's Top Eco-News

Each week Green Guide Network puts the spotlight on the biggest, most interesting (to us), and the quirky environmental news stories that broke during the past week. Every Friday check back to see what went down that week in green news.

Orange County, do you know where your waste goes after you, ahem, go? A controversial case that will determine where Orange and L.A. counties can dump biosolid waste may reach the Supreme Court after a ruling this week by a California appellate court.

Link: http://greenoc.freedomblogging.com/2010/03/18/will-supreme-court-rule-on-o-c-sewage/21217/

Bluefin tuna and polar bears received a blow this week from the UN when delegates defeated a bill to protect the depleted species. The bill would have placed an export ban on Atlantic Bluefin tuna and set aside protected land for the bears.

Link: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/19/science/earth/19species.html?ref=science

Despite recent industrial slowdown, atmospheric carbon dioxide is reported at new highs and scientists believe the rate at which it is increasing is speeding up. Scientists had predicted a decline in carbon dioxide emissions due to the poor economy.

Link: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/35874329/ns/us_news-environment/

In addition to a certain green holiday this week, it's Fix a Leak Week, sponsored by the EPA.  Leaky residential plumbing accounts for one trillion gallons of wasted water a year. Check out the EPA's website for information on how to fix leaks.

Link: http://www.epa.gov/watersense/pubs/fixleak.html

The Independent reported this week that the world may have its first species endangered by e-commerce. The rare Kaiser's spotted newt faces extinction via internet trade, where dealers can fetch high prices for these little amphibians.

Link: http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/nature/internet-trade-driving-rare-salamander-to-extinction-1922380.html