As part of a global initiative for responsible energy use and conservation, Congress has passed legislation addressing the energy efficiency of lighting fixtures, ballasts and lamps (light bulbs and fluorescent tubes).

Manufacturers are leading the effort to achieve zero landfill and are finding rewards and recognition, as well as savings, and are influencing other market segments to follow suit.

Delta Plastics, makes disposable irrigation tubing for farmers. It picks up the used tubing (free of charge) after the harvest season, millions of pounds of it, cleans it, and then uses the raw material to manufacture new trash bags, called Revolution Bag. It is just one company working hard to close the loop.

Roughly 20 percent of all motor-driven electrical energy usage in the U.S. is in pumping systems. Taking a whole-systems approach, rather than component approach, offers the opportunity to save up to 82 percent energy efficiency, far more than the 28 percent that may be achieved by a components approach.

Philadelphia Sign Co. marked its centurial anniversary in 2011. Some companies celebrate their anniversaries with a party. Philadelphia Sign commemorated it by going net zero energy.