http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=93364750

The industry has offered up a couple of options, including a sand-based fill. The Synthetic Turf Council says one company, Mondo, advertises that its Ecofill is “up to 50 percent cooler.” And another company that markets a product called “Cool Grass” synthetic yarn says it can reduce surface temperatures on synthetic turf by up to 35 percent.

“Technology is evolving all of the time,” says the council’s Doyle. Yet many of these new products can be quite a bit more expensive.

Kavanaugh says he’s hopeful one will work since, overall, the city likes the low-maintenance artificial turf.

But Columbia University researcher Gaffin says he’s skeptical. He says even without any black rubber added, the plastic blades of grass in synthetic turf trap a lot of heat.

“They’re spongy and lightweight — and that means the solar energy that’s absorbed quickly gets converted to high temperatures,” he says.

Without the natural system of evaporation that living grasses have, everything’s working in one direction to turn sunlit turf fields into heat islands, he says.

The auto-manufacturer aims high with a limited run of Cali-bound e-Minis

As California returns to requiring automakers to sell zero-emissions vehicles, BMW is apparently aiming to get in first on the gold rush. Automotive News reports BMW will export an electric version of its Mini to California. The state’s zero-emissions vehicle program will require nearly 60,000 plug-in cars to be sold in the state between 2012 and 2014.

Want to see a model for successful and rapid environmental action? Don’t look to the federal government—check out your own town. Here, our list of the 50 communities that are leading the way. Does yours make the cut? Click here to launch the gallery

Formula One is introducing a hybrid-drive system for the 2009 season, but the first road car to benefit from the trickle-down effect may come from Ferrari. Company president confirms hybrid Ferrari in the works

Earth Day is supposed to be one of those days we all walk or bike to work, maybe even carpool. Other solutions that come to mind is recycling cups, not printing anything out or better yet, recycling receipts. But how many of us out there really did something for our environment this past Earth Day?

Check back with us as we explore everyones dreams, hopes and visions of a bright future for our planet! Those dreams are not only for ourselves, but also for our children and grandchildren. To help make those dreams come true, it is important to make the right decisions today.