Mississippi's green ways go beyond Earth Day

MISSISSIPPI: State's efforts in 'going green' extend beyond Earth Day

At Mississippi Valley State, cafeteria oils are being turned into biofuel, which is used in generators, weed cutters and other university equipment. While the program is still in its early stages -- 100 gallons of oil can be converted into biofuel in 24 hours -- the campus plans to expand the program and use the biodiesel in its fleet of buses and tractors.

All across the state, colleges and individuals are making efforts to reduce, reuse and recycle. A store in Ridgeland, Symbiotic, is the first eco-friendly gift shop in the state and sells items made of recycled materials.

"The people who come in like the concept," store owner Matthew Deming said. "I certainly hope it catches on. It is a big risk. It's one of those things that we had planned doing before the situation with the economy happened, and we just had to roll with it.

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: State's plan to use $51 million for Coastal Impact Assistance approved by feds

ARKANSAS: State's 211 system close to going broke

FLORIDA: House GOP proposes lifting state's ban on offshore drilling

GEORGIA: Expanded unemployment bill signed by Gov. Perdue

KENTUCKY: Gov. Beshear pushes for unique funding agreement for hospital

LOUISIANA: Pools at foreclosed homes now dangerous mosquito breeding ponds

NORTH CAROLINA: Legislature considers less-restrictive smoking ban

SOUTH CAROLINA: 11 House members investigated over unfiled tax returns

TENNESSEE: House divided over proposed higher unemployment taxes

VIRGINIA: Opinion: Virginia delegates erred by watering down unemployment benefits

If you have a news story about public policy to suggest, send an email to: info@bettersouth.org