The University of Minnesota's Morris campus are looking to make a difference in our environment by becoming energy self-sufficient by 2010. The school is already adorned with an electricity-producing wind turbine, and plans to build a "biomass gasification" furnace, which will make heat by burning wood chips, corn residue and other local materials. Morris intends to cut their carbon-dioxide output by 10,000 tons in 2 years, an impressive step which will also save them $270,000 a year.

It's refreshing to see this sort of push for alternative energy from any organization, and especially exciting knowing this University is behind a great step forward for green energy production. The potential for Morris to become a carbon-negative institution is a pretty progressive step toward energy efficiency and a cleaner planet. Way to go, Morris, you do our University proud.