Sometimes covering green IT can feel like being in a bubble -- if all you're looking for is news from companies innovating and adopting energy efficient IT practices, then that's all you'll find.

So it can be surprising when the bubble bursts, as it did when I read the results of a poll taken during a green IT webcast in the U.K. Respondents overwhelmingly said that the only way companies will adopt green IT in a significant is when the government passes laws forcing them to do so.

Partly this is spurred by less-than-widespread adoption of the E.U.'s Data Center Code of Conduct, but there are a number of other laws either on the books or in the works that will drive companies toward green IT. I explain further in "Will Government Have to Step In to Make IT Green?."

Also of note in this short week: Motorola ups its e-waste takeback as a public opinion poll finds Americans increasingly aware of the dangers of electronic waste, VARs find some obstacles to selling green IT solutions, even if small businesses are on board with the idea, and more.

As always, thanks for reading, and happy Thanksgiving to all you U.S.-based readers. I welcome your comments and feedback at editor@greenercomputing.com.

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 At this unprecedented 90-minute webinar, the Consortium’s co-chairs will provide an up-to-date accounting of its activities, describe where the group is headed, and answer your questions.