From the news that scientists have created a bacteria that lights up around landmines to the development of a rot-proof apple--that stays fresh for 4 months--a lot happened this week in green. A new study called The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity (TEEB) shows that putting money into protecting wetlands, coral reefs, and forests is a better investment than gold, Lloyd visited GreenBuild 2009 in Arizona, and readers sent in photos of the one green object they just can't live without for our weekly slideshow. Find out what else happened in the world of green this week in our photo roundup of most popular, most important, and most oddball stories. And if you missed it, view last week's The Week in Pictures: Trawler Sunk by Jellyfish and More.

Image Credit: david jonze via Flickr

Capitalist Pig writes:

I have invested in companies, which make crude oil from waste. Recently I have talked to environmentalist type people, I suppose here they might be tree huggers, who tell me that crude oil, even carbon-neutral crude oil, must be forbidden. Is that the way environmentalists feel about hydrocarbon fuels?

What do you think? Join the conversation.

Image: Courtesy of Mike Vecchione

Astonishing

Simply astonishing. The diversity of species that live beyond any hint of sunlight has astounded the team of international scientists as they near the end of a ten year deep sea census of marine life. The team has finally released a treasure trove of new photos and video from the deep sea census that will awe and amaze. Above, scientists appear to be examining -- or maybe cuddling and petting -- one of the largest and cutest of the deep sea species: a dumbo octopod, named for the oversized, dumbo-like ears it uses for swimming (photo overleaf). Our pick of the best of the photos, released today, of some 17,650 species now known to thrive in the watery depths follows.

photo via AP

Some climate activists are losing faith in both President Obama's ability and commitment to clean energy and battling climate change. But what if John McCain were president? Where would we be today? Not in a good place, if his rhetoric on the Senate climate bill is any measurement. McCain, once a leader on climate change, is now a roadblock even through his best buddy in the Senate and constant campaign companion, Lindsey Graham, is out front working on compromises.

Image credit: Soil Association

From its Organic Products Awards to debating whether air freighted produce can be organic, the UK's Soil Association has long been both an advocate for, and a pioneer of, organic foods. Now their Organic Farm School initiative is offering farmers, small holders and food enthusiasts alike the opportunity to learn the ins and outs of growing crops, rearing animals, and preparing food. I just wonder if it needs to feel so folksy.

Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew sprinkles Holy Water over the Mississippi River. Photo by GANP/Dimitris Panagos from Ecumenical Patriarchate via Flickr.

A 69-year-old man with a long white beard and big black robes may seem like an unlikely role model for teenagers, but Greek Orthodox youth in the United States apparently found Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew's message on the environment "pretty cool."

Vaute Couture vegan jewelry. Credit: Vaute Couture

We've covered Vaute Couture by Leanne Mai-Ly Hilgart before--her haute vegan winter coats for winter and her spring/summer 2010 collection during Chicago Fashion Week--and we recently met Leanne at the Humane Society's Cool vs. Cruel Awards (where we admittedly recognized her Vaute Couture dress first), so we were delighted to find that she has collaborated with Christy Robinson in a vegan jewelry collection. Click through for photos of Leanne's adorable designs.

Image credit: Spirit Beauty Lounge (left), Jessa Blades

Spirit Beauty Lounge, a carbon-neutral online boutique specializing in organic, cruelty-free, and green lifestyle products, is popping up in New York City at the Green Finds Eco Holiday Market Place. Enjoy organic treats and cocktails during their "Eco-Beauty Happy Hours," mini makeovers by natural beauty expert and makeup artist Jessa Blades (above) of Blades Natural Beauty, and manicures by Green Spa on the Go, now through December 23, 2009. Click through for details.