UPS ' sustainability efforts are well known; including their hybrid delivery trucks.  I have seen them on the streets of Philadelphia.

 

UPS is also a leader in recycling.  In addition to paper they recycle batteries and e-waste; which is fast becoming a problem due to the rapid rate of obsolescence of computers and cell phones. e-waste contains significant toxins including lead.

" ... "e-waste" ... a significant global problem. ...  UPS recycled 27,753 pounds of batteries in 2008.  This included nickel cadmium, nickel metal hydride, lithium iron,  ... implemented its own e-waste recycling program ...  has recycled more than 24.5 million pounds of electronic equipment."

VIA: UPS  LINK

Volvo to Look at Car "Skin" as Additional Battery Source

Volvo is looking at a possible new battery technology that can double as the car "skin". The idea is to make new hybrids lighter and more efficient by having the car's "skin" serve a dual purpose.

"Researchers from Imperial College London ... and Volvo are developing a prototype material that’s strong and light enough to be used as a car’s skin but can store and discharge electrical energy."

" ... material is made of carbon fibers and a polymer resin and can store and discharge large amounts of energy much more quickly than conventional batteries."

" ... does not use chemical processes, making it quicker to recharge than conventional batteries. Unlike conventional chemical batteries, the recharging process also causes little degradation in the composite material."

" ... could also be used as both battery and shell of consumer electronic devices such as mobile phones and computers. Without conventional batteries, the devices could be smaller and more lightweight."

  Via: SmartPlanet LINK

Levant Power Corp. - Vehicle Energy Recovery Technology

Hybrid cars are able to recover energy from braking by turning the brakes into a generating device ... Levant Power is using the energy in road bumbs to turn shock absorbers into a similar energy recovery device.

" ... identified an alternative energy source previously untapped ... the suspension system. The energy of a vertically oscillating vehicle is significant and currently dissipated as heat through shock absorbers. ... GenShock, recovers this energy and utilizes it for fuel economy gains ... extending a vehicle's range ... improves ride quality ... "

"Hybrid vehicles with GenShock installed can increase their fuel economy by up to 10 percent ... capturing suspension energy and using it to charge the vehicle's battery, it reduces the overall carbon footprint of the car."

"GenShock, is currently being produced for the defense industry. We will be offering our first public products as trucking aftermarket sales, later becoming a standard feature on select vehicle lines."

Via:  Levant Powwer LINK