CHECK IT OUT:

The economic stimulus package signed into law last month by President Obama contains a number of green initiatives that could prove beneficial in many ways. The new law will provide for public investment in efforts that may lead to more reliance on renewable energy, greater energy efficiency, and a cleaner environment.

The provisions range from tax incentives for people to buy hybrid vehicles or weatherize their homes, to direct appropriations to states and local governments for public transportation and infrastructure improvements, to grants to institutions for the development of alternative energy or advanced battery systems.

In turning “crisis into opportunity,” the administration hopes to put the United States on a path toward greater energy independence and security, reduce emissions of greenhouse gases, and strengthen the economy by creating good jobs for Americans in the green-technology sector.

Ecologically minded folks and others wishing to take advantage of these initiatives will find many new books at the Newport Beach Public Library of interest to them.

In “Eco-Barons,” Edward Humes profiles the lives of several remarkable visionaries who have devoted their lives and, in some cases, fortunes to protecting the environment.

Some of those chronicled in his account include a former fashion magnate who quietly has been buying up large tracts of rain forest to create natural preserves, an engineering professor who has battled both the automobile industry and government regulators to produce a viable plug-in hybrid, and a former Hollywood pool cleaner who has been a leader in the worldwide effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Tom Szaky was a student at Princeton when he discovered a way to manufacture organic fertilizer out of recycled garbage. He founded a company called TerraCycle Plant Food, and, within five years, his products were being sold by major retailers including Home Depot, Wal-Mart, and Target.

In “Revolution in a Bottle,” Szaky advocates a business philosophy that he calls “eco-capitalism.” Companies should strive to be good for people, the environment, and the bottom line.

A contractor for more than 30 years, R. Dodge Woodson has created a blueprint to developing a green construction business. In “Be a Successful Green Builder,” he explains how to choose suitable locations for green projects, select green building products, prepare winning proposals, obtain financing, and work with subcontractors and brokers.

Woodson presents his own experience as evidence that environmentally responsible building practices are not incompatible with making money.

Homeowners wishing to go green will find guidance in your “Eco-Friendly Home,” by Sid Davis. The author reveals how to find and finance eco-friendly real estate, use environmentally benign materials and techniques for interiors and exteriors, make homes and landscaping more efficient, and take advantage of tax breaks for using green methods.

These are just some of the many titles at the library that show how working toward a sustainable future can make both dollars and sense.

CHECK IT OUT is written by the staff of the Newport Beach Public Library. All titles may be reserved from home or office computers by accessing the catalog at www.newportbeachlibrary.org. For more information on the Central Library or any of the branches, please contact the Newport Beach Public Library at (949) 717-3800, option 2.