Yixing Xinwei processes and refines rare-earth mineral compounds, which are used in a variety of products from semiconductors to fluorescent lights (see accompanying box).

CNN: China's Rarest Man

In a variety of ways, firms turn the lights on, they start to look at all aspects of the business that fall under the umbrella of sustainability.

FORBES: Four Steps to Improving Profits through Sustainability

As part of a unique art project celebrating its 75th anniversary, the West span of the Bay Bridge has been outfitted with 25, 000 LED lights that will display a variety of undulating designs nightly for the next two years.

CNN: San Francisco turns a bridge into art with 25,000 lights

People don't realize that lead is all over their homes in a wide variety of products, particularly in things like extension cords and wire and cable, your holiday string lights when you're stringing them up this year, you'll probably see a warning label that says that the product contains lead, known to be a toxic chemical in the state of California.

NPR: Do Home Lead-Testing Kits Work?