Daily Roundup: July 30, 2009

A Lotta Green: A new report says the U.S. could save some $600 billion in energy costs by 2020 if we spent about five times as much as we currently do on efficiency. Reuters

Country in Peril: Iraq, a historically agricultural nation, is suffering the environmental consequences of war, mismanagement, and drought: frequent sandstorms, dry basins, dying plants, and unfertile lands. Los Angeles Times

Pollution’s Exxpensive: Exxon Mobil’s profits are down 66 percent this quarter, a result of recession-affected consumers cutting back on gas. Treehugger

Get the Meds Out: To stop the environmentally detrimental flushing and tossing of medications, the National Association of Counties is implementing a safe-medicine-return program to raise awareness of proper disposal methods. Matter Network

Maine Idea: America’s first LEED Platinum-certified supermarket has opened in Maine; the store is part of Hannaford’s 167-outlet chain. ENN

--Avital Binshtock