Zeneca's switch-hitting maize plants are now being tested to see how useful they are for hybrid-seed production.

ECONOMIST: Terminator genes

For example, Zeneca has managed to switch the bt gene, which gives maize plants resistance to nasty insects, on and off using another chemical trigger.

ECONOMIST: Terminator genes

While other factors, including a sluggish U.S. economy and increasing energy efficiency, have contributed to the decline in carbon emissions from factories, automobiles and power plants, many experts believe the switch from coal to natural gas for electricity generation has been the biggest factor.

WSJ: Rise in U.S. Gas Production Fuels Unexpected Plunge in Emissions

Consumer advocates worry the change could prompt plants that are currently USDA-inspected to switch to state inspection.

FORBES: Selling Sausage Across State Lines

Even worse for the domestics, the new foreign plants are flexible--they can quickly switch from making SUVs to minivans or cars if the market changes.

FORBES: Guzzler Glut

Opel's plants are also being adapted so that each one can make two models and switch production if one is selling better than the other.

ECONOMIST: General Motors and Fiat

Low cost improvements can include replacing incandescent lights with CFL or LED alternatives, master switches to make it easier to switch off appliances at night, energy monitoring to make it easier to identify waste, draft proofing, and using plants or shade-cloth to keep the summer sun off your home.

FORBES: With $2,000 To Spend, What's The Most Effective Way To Reduce One's Carbon Footprint?