Google has launched its new RechargeIT initiative to promote the development of plug-in hybrid electric cars in an effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and global dependence on oil. Under the guidance of Google’s own philanthropic Google.org team, the new initiative will award $1 million in grants and a further $10 million to fund the development and eventual commercialization of plug-in hybrids. The technology company has also launched a new solar panel installation at its Mountain View Join discussion...

With typical Swedish understatement, furniture giant Ikea has decided to forego brandishing a fleet of conspicuous Prii and replace their corporate fleet (at least in the UK) with Civic Hybrids. They've also decided to hand out 60,000 energy-efficient bulbs to around 9,600 employees in an effort to make energy efficiency a priority. You know what else would be efficient? Not having to wind and wend one's way through room after room of time-suckage just to pick up a few Rotera lanterns. What's the Join discussion...