In the northeastern part of Brazil, Capela is a center of the energy-intensive brick making industry. Until recently factories fueled their kilns by cutting down trees from the Caatinga -- a virgin forest that covers much of the region. But some have recently made the switch to biomass.<br /><br />New fuels range from wood chips that are byproducts of the furniture industry to bamboo and eucalyptus trees that are sourced from sustainable plantations. The factories also re-use the heat generated by their kilns to dry their bricks -- and use ash as compost. That makes production significantly more climate-friendly than conventional methods. Some are also investing in social projects, including literacy programs and environmental education for children.
