Daily Roundup: March 30, 2009

Killing Your Television: The California Energy Commission proposed stricter regulations on the sale of inefficient television sets. Current state standards only cap power usage in televisions in the standby mode, while proposed regulations would limit power usage in TVs that are actually turned on. Gaget Lab 

A Stand for Forests: A group of eleven NGOs working to protect Madagascar's unique ecosystems issued an international call to action in response to a rise in timber raids and wildlife smuggling in the country. New York Times

Little Boxes: In 2008, the size of the average American home under construction shrunk considerably for the first time in ten years. Average square footage fell from 2,629 to 2,343. Green Daily

Farm Glam: Moving from the red carpet to the farm, Elizabeth Hurley has partnered with Duchy Originals, Prince Charles's sustainable food brand, to sell organic, humanely-raised beef, pork, and lamb. Ecorazzi

Bad for Baby: A new study found a correlation between birth defects and spring or summer conception dates. Researchers believe that mothers who conceive between the months of April and July may be exposed to increased levels of pesticides. Science Daily

--Della Watson