- Emily Pilloton Discusses the Hippo Roller and other Designs for Humanity (Part One)
- Janine Benyus on Biomimicry in Design (Part Two)
- Janine Benyus on Biomimicry in Design (Part One)
- Andy Revkin - Climate in the Obama Age
- Fred Pearce - Confessions of An Eco-Sinner (Part Two)
- Fred Pearce - Confessions of An Eco-Sinner (Part One)
- Chris Goodall - Ten Techs to Save Our Butts (Part Two)
- Chris Goodall - Ten Techs to Save Our Butts (Part One)
Entries for January 30, 2005 - February 5, 2005
Total this week: 50
Ford+EPA: Diesel Makes A Comeback
by TreeHugger on 02. 5.05
Hybrids have been getting a lot of press lately for being the next "save the world" wagons, and we love them for that. But the truth is that diesel has always been more efficient than gasoline in a well tuned engine, and most diesel cars get as good or better mileage than comparable hybrid vehicles. Plus, these lucky folks get to take advantage of green alternatives like Biodiesel. But Diesel always had a major drawback; Incomplete combustion in the engines produce Nitrogen Oxide (NOX), which is a major component of smog, and is implicated in causing millions of asthma attacks every year......
Pret a McManger
by TreeHugger on 02. 5.05
If your lucky enough to live in Manhattan, Hong Kong, London, or a few other
cities in England, you’ve got access to Pret a Manger. It’s fast food that thinks slow. They’ve got breakfasts, sandwiches, soups, salads and desserts and you can be guaranteed that they are free of preservatives, artificial colorings, flavorings, sweeteners, and partially-hydrogenated fats, and that their turkey, chicken, beef, and ham all come from small co-ops and family-run farms that don’t give their animals any antibiotics or hormones. They also do what they can to source Organic ingredients. At this point, at least, their milk, eggs, coffee, tea, juices, chocolate and popcorn are all organic. And the taste? Well, reports are good. Their menu was developed with the help of the amazing Claudia Fleming, formerly one of America’s top pastry chefs.
It sounds like the perfect green story. But is it?......
Hallelujah! Church of England Goes Green
by TreeHugger on 02. 5.05
True to its roots, the Church of England is forging ahead into the modern world, by putting the very real issue of the environment on it its agenda. Dr. Rowan Williams (pictured at left), the Archbishop of Canterbury, is laying out his ideas for a greener future for the church, as it relates to the world in general. At a meeting of the General Synod of the Church of England later this month, directly after the Kyoto protocol becomes enforced, church leaders will tackle the topic of global warming. The Archbishop has already recommended that Christians adopt a policy of "sustainable consumption" and recognize that it’s every person’s God-given duty to protect all of creation... ...
Gore and Hyatt's INdTV Looking for Submissions
by TreeHugger on 02. 5.05
Attention mod environmentalists: Here's a chance to shape a new, independent cable TV network. INdTV was founded by Al Gore and Joel Hyatt and is being created by and for young people in their twenties and thirties. It'll begin broadcasting later this year to an audience of 18 million households and growing. Right now, INdTV is running a Pilot Project to generate new ideas and new video. It's a chance to shape the content of a new kind of TV network; get your work in front of a big audience on the web and TV; and win $15,000....
TreeHugger Welcomes Guest-Writer Dominic Muren from IDFuel!
by Dominic Muren, Philadelphia, USA on 02. 5.05
Treetap
by TreeHugger on 02. 5.05
When is leather not from a cow? And when is the imitation stuff not from a test tube? When it's called vegetal leather, couro vegetal or Treetap and it comes from rubber trees in the Amazon. Indigenous tree trappers ‘milk‘ wild plants in the jungle. The sap from these Hevea brasiliensis is a natural latex and after being sustainably harvested (trees are rotated every two years) it is filtered and layered onto a cotton backing. This is smoke cured, half a dozen times or so, and sun dried to vulcanise or ‘set’ the latex. The resulting Treetap can be used to make shoulder bags, day packs, briefcases, purses and even footwear. Developed from a traditional handicraft, the Treetap program ensures native peoples can afford to keep living in their rainforest, without needing to sell chunks to the voracious chain-sawers. Julie Lewis was one of the early advocates of the material for footwear. Nowadays, alongside her hemp Pachira boots, she is offering Treetap bags, like the one pictured above, for $65 USD. ::TreeTap Amazon Project [by WM]...
Green & Chocolate
by TreeHugger on 02. 4.05
Yeah, there’s a lot of organic chocolate around now. And there’s a good amount of Fair Trade, too. But here’s a nice bar that’s both, and tastes amazing. The Green & Blacks Maya Gold. You might not have heard of Greens & Blacks, but don’t think for a second that it’s new. This is actually the first organic chocolate produced as well as the first product ever designated “Fair Trade”. So, does that mean that it tastes like the dusty floor of a healthfood store? No way. It’s gorgeous dark chocolate, with a gentle orange flavor, and a hint of cinnamon, nutmeg and vanilla. They also sell a crunchy Organic butterscotch chocolate, one with tiny bits of crystallized ginger, and a raisin and hazelnut bar. The reasonthat you might have missed this company’s great cocoa products is that it is based in the UK. But, they are available in the best green shops as well as online.::chocolatesource.com [by Tamara Holt]...
DIY Hybrid Table Lamp (CF-bulb + kerosene)
by TreeHugger on 02. 4.05
Imagine a Hybrid Computer Desk Lamp with two modes of "light backup". For regular use, plug it into your PC-backup power unit, running a modern compact fluorescent bulb. When the power goes out, there’s little draw on your backup because of the high efficiency bulb. In extended outage, (California- or developing-nation style) it converts to a noiseless kerosene lamp, with the light output equivalent to a 50W bulb. Just like the old days, before reliable grids....
Bamboo Everything
by TreeHugger on 02. 4.05
Now, to date, we have over 40 posts mentioning ‘bamboo’, so you might think we’re a bit obsessed with this stuff. Alright! We admit it, we are kinda fond of its knobbly joints. But when bikes, bowls, chairs, kitchens, floors, wall paper, fences, apparel, coffins, skateboards, tables, utensils, lights and even snowboards all get fashioned from a humble grass, someone has to take notice. And if you think we’re fans? Hah, you ain’t seen nothing yet! Push your mouse over to Bambus Centrum in Germany, where they are on mission to collect a pictorial library of 1000 things made from ... you guessed it. And baseball bats and CD players are just the beginning. ::Bambus [by WM]...
Big Game SUV Hunting
by TreeHugger on 02. 4.05
In the tradition of Do SUVs Make You Stupid? and Health Warnings for 4WDs comes this act of subversion. You can be sent a bumper sticker (or an electronic file so you can print your own). It reads I’m Changing The Climate! Ask Me How! You are encouraged to then place these on the metal bumpers or glass windows of those urban tanks that have to fill up with a fresh load of fuel simply to get the kids home from school. Well defined and discerning ‘Rules of Engagement’ are proffered. Hummers are the ultimate prize in the sights of these big game hunters. A bit of fun — unless you own such a behemoth. (Or if you live on a low lying Pacific island or the Bangaldesh Delta, staring down rising seas that threaten your livelihood.) ::Changing The Climate [by WM]...
GreenTreks Network & Natural Heroes
by TreeHugger on 02. 4.05
”Telling stories that change the world” is the motto for this group of communicators. A video production house that make the documentaries that pop up on our televisons telling us about the work of the brave who are out there striving to make this a better world. A ‘moving image’ TreeHugger, if we might be so bold to draw such parallel. Their mission, in their own words, is “to make the health of the environment an intrinsic part of everyday life and to inspire individuals to make informed decisions that effect positive environmental change.” ...
Surfrider and Summit Foundations
by TreeHugger on 02. 4.05
If you’ve ever dipped your toe in the salty brine of our magnificent oceans, then you might've heard of the Surfrider Foundation. Formed over twenty years ago by a handful of dedicated waxheads, looking to protect the playground that bleached their hair and tanned their torsos, it has sure grown-up. At last count, the US had over 40,000 members. Internationally the growth has been strong too. Surfrider Europe includes over 15 ‘chapters’. One of their current fundraising initiatives — a calendar of French boardriders in the buff! ...
Juice Beauty Products
by TreeHugger on 02. 4.05
Already voted the number one organic beauty brand by the stylemongers at Style.com (the online home of Vogue and W), Juice Beauty is quickly working its way up the ladder of in-demand beauty supplies. Juice uses pure, high-end blends of organic liquid botanicals and aromatherapeutic 100% essential oils and aromas. These master blends deliver concentrated boosters of vitamins, antioxidants and organic botanicals directly into the skin, and are free of synthetic fillers, colors, fragrances, petroleum byproducts and chemicals. And it goes without saying that they don’t test on animals. From enzyme peels to limp plumper, it’s da fresh kine. Extremely reasonable at $18-40. Thanks for the tip Sean from Stewart+Brown! ::Juice Beauty [by MO]...
Stewart+Brown Buzz Tote
by TreeHugger on 02. 4.05
Part of the label’s "Grown Your Own" seasonal theme, the Buzz tote ($62) by Stewart+Brown is made from top grade, two-ply, 100% organic cotton canvas surplus material and moves easily from city to country. The silkscreen print features mushrooms and a buzzing bee, inspired by organic horticulture and created by combining sliced vegetables with a hand-drawing. Don’t be surprised if you see the tote carried on the arm of many a celeb—it was recently included in a gift bag at the Sundance Film Festival, along with green items from Nature Girl and Madisyn Taylor. First Utah, next--the world! Check out more from Stewart+Brown’s spring collection at ::Pangaya [MO]...
Bogota Holds No Car Day
by TreeHugger on 02. 4.05
Hundreds of thousands of cars were left at home on Bogota, Colombia’s Car Free Day, February 3. This was the seventh time the city has promoted the event to reduce air pollution and traffic since 2000, and it continues to be a huge success. ::Planet Ark [by MO] ...
Kids
by TreeHugger on 02. 3.05
Gwyneth Paltrow got one. Julia Roberts got one. Jennifer Lopez is praying for one.What is this hot new fashion accessory among the chic and fabulous?
A baby.
So retro, yet so now!
Here at Treehugger, however, we don't give any accessory a free pass, not even cute, gurgly accessories. So let us ask: Is having a baby part of a sustainable lifestyle?
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Dell To Produce Low-Lead PC
by TreeHugger on 02. 3.05
This isn’t what you’d call a particularly sexy item, but it is pretty green, and that’s sexy enough for us. Dell, manufacturer of many, many computers, announced earlier this week that it has developed a new PC that reduces energy consumption (passive cooling will reduce needs for fans) and cuts the amount of lead used in its construction. Apparently, the electronics giant was pretty much forced by the EU to come up with the OptiPlex GX280 in order to comply with the politics of the Reduction of Hazardous Substances directive (to be implemented in July 2006), but that’s ok, we’ll take it. (The directive imposes restrictions on what manufacturers can use in products that are likely to end up in landfills.) The GX280 series is available in desktop and mini-tower cases, with Pentium 4 and Celeron processors. Starting at $737 and £389. Thanks for the tip Joel J of Gizmodo fame! ::The Register (U.K.) [by MO]...
Learned Evolution, a Networking Site for Eco-minded Artists and Et Al.
by TreeHugger on 02. 3.05
Learned Evolution, a freshly launched web site dedicated to “developing sustainability through creativity," is an online meeting spot where artists, thinkers, and entrepreneurs can share ideas, projects, goals, and skills in order to work toward their goals in art and sustainability. Founded on the principles of Natural Capitalism, Learned Evolution uses financial competition and environmental awareness to its advantage, ... ...
Chinese man Grows Chairs on Trees
by TreeHugger on 02. 3.05
Aesthetically speaking, this isn’t the most TH item that we’ve ever run, but in theory, we think Mr. Wu here is on to something. The chair “designer,” from Liaoning province, China, molds pliant elm tree branches into shape while the tree is still growing, like some kind of functional seating topiary. It takes Wu about five years to grow a tree chair, during which time he constantly trims and guides it into shape before harvesting it. He currently has one tree chair in his home, and six more in production. Talk about growing and using local products…This chair may not be a looker, but what a smart hobby. Imagine the day when people have furniture gardens instead of ordering from the Pottery barn catalog. Now that’s cradle-to-cradle. Thanks for the tip, Brian B! ::Annanova [by MO]...
COOL BUT UGLY: ECO-Nomad Combined Mechanical Utility Container
by TreeHugger on 02. 3.05
Reuses a shipping container—cool. Portable—great. Provides utilities to off-grid housing—fabulous. The ECO-Nomad offers water, heat, and electricity, plus has a biological water treatment facility built in (we figure it probably sings and dances, too). It can stand alone or be built right into a house. We love the idea of hitching your utilities to a trailer and taking them with you, but where was the designer? We’d be much more inclined to shell out for one of these if they looked a bit more purty. Via fabprefab ::ECO-Nomad [by KK]...
Ecoware by Tom Dixon
by TreeHugger on 02. 3.05
We found this homeware set from British designer, Tom Dixon, a tad confusing. Apparently it is made of a bio-degradable plastic from bamboo fibre. Yet, it appears the binder is Polyamide (nylon), a robust petrochemical plastic not renowned for its compostable qualities. What happens to the polyamide when the bamboo content degrades is not revealed. Still the pieces are quite intriguing, especially the cup with the support fins -- see another pic in extended post. (Reminds us of those controversial LED spotlights). Ecoware is supposedly dishwasher safe and have a ‘reasonable life of 5 years.’ £14.95 (€20) for a set of 4 cups or £69 (€90) for the foursome as shown here. ::Tom Dixon [by WM]...
Terrapass
by TreeHugger on 02. 3.05
TerraPass members have reduced CO2 emissions by 2,684,000 lbs (1.2M kg). How did they do it? In a similar manner to Greenfleet, Future Forest and Trees for Travel, who we’ve mentioned before. But in this case, forests are not created, rather the funds you pay to offset road travel are pooled. These $$$ are then invested in energy reduction programs within industry and by assisting in the establishment of renewable energy plants, like windpower. If you drive a hybrid, like a Prius, your CO2 emissions are factored at 6,000lb per annum and a Terrapass worth $30 will offset your polluting. On the other hand, a ......
Wacky Uses
by TreeHugger on 02. 3.05
Weren’t you just busting to know what else you could do with club soda, tea bags, dental floss, vodka, tennis balls and petroleum jelly! Wait no more. Joey will give you a vast list of reasonably sounding, alternative applications for these and a huge number of other household items. That’s Joey Green, over at the ‘Wacky Uses’ site. He offers advice on how to use items for multiple purposes. TH is very fond of getting more than one use out of something, like a shopping trolley/luggage kart that becomes a skateboard. We were delighted then, to note the seemingly endless uses to which dear old baking soda can applied. Likewise that other low toxic stalwart, Borax gets a good write-up too. Why he needs to reference brand names escapes us but the information remains useful nevertheless. And if you’re looking for further light relief, he has linked to other wacky sites like The DuctTape Guys. An irreverent homage to that most useful of products, which has given myriad goods a longer life than their manufacturers ever intended. ::Wacky Uses [by WM]...
Spice Photography Exhibition and Auction for the Architecture for Humanity/WorldChanging.com Tsunami Reconstruction Appeal
by TreeHugger on 02. 2.05
Cameron Sinclair, founder of Architecture for Humanity, is a name that pops up quite a bit round these parts. Now his non-profit, which seeks to provide relief from crises such as the recent tsunami disaster through architecture and design, has teamed up with one of our favorite websites, WorldChanging.com, to raise tsunami reconstruction funds by exhibiting and auctioning the work of well-known photographers and artists from Martin Parr to Francis Ford Coppola. The exhibitors’ identities will be kept secret until the show moves from New York’s ABC No Rio to the Carriage House Center on February 9 for the final auction. The images submitted, as suggested by the exhibition’s title, reflect the diversity and vitality of South East Asia and other parts of the world. Go take a look now at ABC No Rio on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays; for times see ::Architecture for Humanity [by KK]
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InterfaceFlor Introduces Catalog
by TreeHugger on 02. 2.05
How cool is this? In my morning mail call, I received, along with the 17 millionth issue of the New Yorker that I’ll barely have time to read, a new InterfaceFlor catalog. Now, forget for just a moment that they’re sending out the dreaded catalog (we’ll assume that it’s printed on recycled paper using low-impact inks; after all, this is Interface we’re talking about—I mean, even Flor’s packaging is eco) and focus on the fact that it’s never been easier to shop for really smart floorcoverings... ...
Biodynamic Balsamic
by TreeHugger on 02. 2.05
There was a time about a decade or so ago when all of a sudden everything became balsamic. Somehow this sorta sweet vinegar overtook all other condiments. Salads were doused in it, chicken breasts were soaked in it, pork chops were glazed with it. It raced from specialty store cases to grocery aisles, but on the way it became nothing more than a darker, somewhat less acidic, and sugared-up version of every other vinegar on the shelf.
But that supermarket stuff isn’t the real thing. Less than 3,000 gallons of genuine Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale are released each year, all of it made in Modena, the historic town just west of Bologna. Artisans make the traditional balsamic by pressing Trebbiano grapes, boiling down the fresh juice by more than half to make a dark syrup, and then aging it in progressively smaller casks to ferment. ...
Green*light Magazine
by TreeHugger on 02. 2.05
Green*light magazine is a new endeavor by a group of west coast publishing industry vets who really care about bringing earth-friendly alternatives to the mainstream. And they’ve done their homework: Tapping into the fact that a third of all Americans believe that their everyday actions can make a difference to the planet, the glossy aims to help its readers find products, companies, and answers that keep the health of our environment on the front burner. Armed with stats including the fact that Americans spend $227 billion annually on earth-friendly goods and services and that they invested $2.13 trillion in socially responsible investments in 2003, it appears that for Green*light all systems are go. Subscribe now and you can get your first four issues free. ::Green*light [by MO]...
The Organic Portraits Project
by TreeHugger on 02. 2.05
The Organic Portraits Project, an experiment seeking humanitarian and environmental awareness through fashion, art, and media, was originally conceived of way back in 2000 by New York-based photographer, John F. Cooper, who, along with stylist Peter Brown, began creating living art pieces centered on humanity and its intrinsic connection with nature. The images created by the duo were intended to be bound into book, ......
Anti-Apathy’s “Re: Fashion” Event
by TreeHugger on 02. 2.05
Calling all fashion addicts: On February 10 at the Electric Ballroom in Camden Town, London, Anti-Apathy is presenting a cabaret-style event featuring eco-fashion labels from all over the U.K. including Junky Styling, Enamore, People Tree, and Noki, to name a few. Inspired by a meeting with innovative designer Katharine Hamnett, this show is filled with a top-notch fashion line-up, live music and a dazzling catwalk show that'll be sure to leave you purring. Coinciding with the event, Anti-Apathy will also unveil the winning participants of “The Fashion Addict Experiment…”...
B_E_E Home Cleaning Products
by TreeHugger on 02. 2.05
At B_E_E, or Beauty Engineered for Ever, they “believe being green doesn't mean you have to compromise on beauty and performance.” So, everything they do is “designed for pleasure, function and the environment.” Oh! How very Treehugger! Based in New Zealand, the company produces four household cleaning products made from essential oils and other natural ingredients such as coconut, palm oil, sugar, kawakawa (whatever that is!) and orange oil and excludes harmful chemicals. B_E_E is the only range of cleaning products in New Zealand that’s got Environmental Choice accreditation, meaning it meets the stringent eco-standards endorsed by the New Zealand Ministry for the Environment. Oh—and did you see that cool packaging? We’re total suckers for it. Go B_E_E! Thanks for the tip, Anya! ::B_E_E [by MO]...
Doggie Travel Gear by Planet Dog
by TreeHugger on 02. 2.05
Going camping for the weekend with your best buddy, but don’t want to lug that heavy, awkward bowl? No problem. Planet Dog offers a simple solution: the Travel bowl, crafted from sturdy Eco-Tex fabric, a tightly woven poly-blend made from recycled plastic soda bottles (PET). Planet Dog is an environmentally responsible company and uses the finest eco-friendly materials including organic cotton for dog beds and 100% hemp for leashes and collars. Check out the Weekender feedbag, too, which can help you avoid packing poochie's dinner into useless plastic Ziplock bags. Want the Dukester to carry his own load? The Trail Blazer pack fits dogs comfortably and has roomy compartments for food, plus a few tasty all-natural treats. ::Planet Dog [by Kara DiCamillo]...
Renewable Energy Can Reduce Poverty
by TreeHugger on 02. 2.05
Last week we had a piece on poverty and street people. Now the Netherlands Ministry of Spatial Planning, Housing and the Environment have released their latest online newsletter, Shared Spaces, addressing the links between energy availability and poverty. Jamal Saghir, Director of Energy and Water at the World Bank, writing in just one of many excellent articles, notes that “Access to electricity is synonymous with a better standard of living. Cost-effective and reliable energy helps alleviate poverty and enables economic development. No country in modern times has substantially reduced poverty without an increase in its use of energy.” Developed countries have an energy consumption ten times that of developing countries and the world’s richest billion people (simply meaning people who earn >$20,000USD p.a. -- so that probably includes most of us reading this!) use 25 times as much as the billion poorest. Renewable energy is one way to turn around this inequity ......
Responsible Graphic Design Publications
by TreeHugger on 02. 2.05
When we discussed packaging in a recent Q&A we concentrated mainly on the materials, less on the creative design that can reduce environmental burdens associated with packaging. Innovative solutions do exist and many have been captured and showcased in some very useful publications for graphic designers and package designers. The Graphic Designer's Greenbook: A Handbook and Source Guide on Design and the Environment, by Anne Chick, got the ball rolling back in 1992. An excellent book, full of useful insights and information but sadly now out of print. But do try your luck in secondhand bookshops. Susan E. Selke’s Packaging and the environment: alternatives, trends and solutions followed a couple of years later. Although not sighted by this writer, it has had good reviews and seems to be a definitive digest on the topic. The same year, the AIGA, in concert with John Ortbal, Mike Lange, and Michael S. Carroll, published a cute little book, densely packed with pertinent information. It was called ......
The Big Issue
by TreeHugger on 02. 2.05
The Big Issue is a very successful program for street people in the UK, Australia and parts of Africa but as not widely known in the US. Basically, street people sell a newspaper/magazine call the 'Big Issue', and they keep 50% of the sale price in their pocket. The remaining 50% is the cost of producing a high grade newspaper. We quote directly from their website: "The Big Issue is the most successful social business in the UK. It's mission is not just about homelessness but also about its causes and how to address them. It’s about jobs, education and ......
Book: Dirt Cheap Real Good
by TreeHugger on 02. 1.05
Dirt Cheap Real Good (Capital Hometown Guides Book) is new guide book brimming with shopping ideas for frugal Mid-Atlantickers. Now, we’re not guaranteeing that everything you’ll find in every one of these flea markets, antique shops, or used clothing stores will meet TreeHugger approval, but we do like that the authors are encouraging you to reuse, recycle, and reduce. (It’s the hippy-at-heart in us.) So if you live in or are visiting D.C., Philly, Baltimore, Pittsburgh, or Raleigh (or Morgantown, WV—but who lives there?) step away from Urban Outfitters, and into the off-beat hood that is Chriss Slevin and Leah Smith’s second-hand stomping grounds. $18.95 (less on Amazon) ::Dirt Cheap Real Good: A Highway Guide to Thrift Stores in the Washington, D.C. Area [by MO]...
Could Nuclear Power Be the Answer to the Energy Crisis?
by TreeHugger on 02. 1.05
Don’t know if you’ve noticed or not, but lurking in the shadows of all the talk about renewables such as wind and solar power, there’s another form of energy that many people—green people even—are fighting for. It’s nuclear. And, yes, we know it sounds scary, but indeed there are more than a few good reasons why we should think about giving it a shot.
With coal at the top of the cheap energy hog pile--and staying there--it’s important o understand what that means to health of the environment. A coal-fired plant releases 100 times more radioactive material than a nuclear reactor does, according to an article at Wired (“Nuclear Now!”), and that pollution goes directly into the air, not into some spiffy underground holding tank. And while nuclear plants have to account for every radioactive atom of waste, coal plants are busy dumping loads of deadly shiz right into the atmosphere at no cost. The point is, the more seriously we think about global warming, the more may want to seriously considering the benefits of nuclear power. Radical, we know, and not without pros and cons, but here goes...
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Hanging Lamp by Jordi Piera and Juantxo Agudo
by TreeHugger on 02. 1.05
TreeHugger stumbled upon this hauntingly beautiful (we swear) hanging lamp in the window of art and design gallery Saladestar in the Gracia area of Barcelona. Accepting potential language misunderstandings, it seems like Saladestar is getting designers and artists to create projects together and then is displaying them every few weeks. TreeHugger likes about 3% of all things made out of old recycled products since often the craft is underwhelming and they seem, well, like things made from old junk. Once in a while, they nail it though and this hanging lamp made from old yoghurt containers and compact fluorescents is a great example. Check the extended for more pics....
Transglass Designed By Tord Boontje and Emma Woffenden
by TreeHugger on 01.31.05
Still looking for a gift for that wedding you attended last summer? Consider a beautiful piece of glassware from Transglass. The collection is made from recycled wine and beer bottles, but isn't like some of the boring, old, recycled glassware we've seen before. Instead, the contemporary beauty of these pieces comes from their organic shapes and frosted original colors juxtaposed with hard, sharp angles, giving them a luxurious feeling. As shown here, two Chardonnay bottles becomes a carafe and beer bottles are transformed into drinking glasses. The idea here is what we like to call "recycled chic." ::Transglass [by Kara DiCamillo]
Endnote: TreeHugger was informed that the products currently on their Web site are not in production. However, the company is looking to re-launch the collection with a cooperative in Guatemala within the next three months or so. For more information, please visit Tord Boontje's Web site. ...
Juicy Boobs, Just Beg, and Re-Pocket by Designwise
by TreeHugger on 01.31.05
More excelente -ness from the Portuguese design front. We pretty much love everything these guys are doing, from the couple sheet set--it measures how much of the covers are your for the taking--to the Invisible Landscape artwork, which uses humidity indicator strips on a large scale to act like an ever-changing painting on your wall. But on the TreeHugger tip, we’re bringing you a few favorites that really rock our world: Juicy Boobs (heh heh, read on), the Just Beg bag, and the Re-pocket chair. Oooooooh! We just want to squeeze them they’re so cool!
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Powerfilm and ICP Mobile Solar Panels
by TreeHugger on 01.31.05
After our recent post on Brunton mobile solar panels, reader Yogi wrote in to tell us about something he likes better. “Brunton's really somewhat on the expensive side financially and a bit feeble power-wise,” he says. Here’s what we found out about the products Yogi recommends: Lightweight, powerful, and durable, Powerfilm gives you what you need in 5, 10, or 20 watts. And since it’s made from natural silicon, its more roll-able than some other types, but retains the ability to fully power 12V systems, wireless electronics, and all sorts of batteries. Yogi also likes ICP Solar Technologies, which offers a variety of stuff, including portable solar chargers for cell phones, PDAs, and other small electrical appliances; power on-the-go for boats, RVs, trucks, cars, and motorcycles; and backup power for homes and cottages. Thanks for the tip, Yogi! ::Power Film by Iowa Thin Film Technologies ::ICP Solar Technologies [by MO]...
Eco Tip: Finding Solutions to Toxic Carpeting
by TreeHugger on 01.31.05
According to the Carpet and Rug Institute, more than two-thirds of American floors have wall-to-wall carpeting, and we can understand why. It’s a nice alternative to your chilly floors in the morning, it adds color and texture to your home and plus, there’s a wide variety of styles and designs that fit into any budget. But next time you go shopping for a soft-floor solution, keep in mind that there are a few facts about carpeting that aren’t so warm and fuzzy. First, almost all carpet is made from petroleum byproducts and synthetics such as polypropylene, nylon and acrylic. In addition, it’s usually treated with stain or soil repellents. And don’t even get us started on the backing (ugh!), which could be made from vinyl or synthetic latex. Padding can also contain PVC, urethane, and other suspect materials. Add to that the antistatic sprays, artificial dyes, antimicrobial treatments, and finishes and it’s enough to leave you shivering. But before you bag the idea, try checking out your options…...
Hyperion's Drive Clean to Drive Change Initiative
by TreeHugger on 01.31.05
Hyperion, a Santa Clara, California-based business management software company with offices throughout the U.S., recently launched a program that that makes our hearts thump. We’ve heard of tuition reimbursement and flex-spending accounts, but Hyperion’s newest initiative helps employees purchase fuel-efficient cars for their personal use in order to help create a cleaner environment. Under its Drive Clean to Drive Change program, the company will reimburse employees $5,000 for driving vehicles that achieve 45 miles per gallon of gasoline, or the equivalent. Now that’s a cool company. And in America, it could make a big difference... ...
Florida Green Lodging Locator
by TreeHugger on 01.31.05
With some of the most delicate ecosystems in the U.S., it’s no wonder that the state of Florida has worked its butt off to create the Florida Green Lodging Program that encourages both hotels and guests to participate. If you’re headed to the sunshine state for vacation this year, you can check out the program’s Web site to find lodging options that meet water conservation, energy efficiency, waste reduction and clean air practices criteria... ...
Organic Ketchup Prevents Cancer!
by TreeHugger on 01.31.05
There’s more good news about organic foods. In recent study, scientists from the Agricultural Research Service in Albany, California analyzed 13 different ketchup brands for their lycopene content, and surprise (not really)—the Organic brands had more. Lycopene, an antioxidant that for years has been known to have protective effects against breast, prostate, and pancreatic cancers, is found in cooked tomato products like tomato sauce and, yes, ketchup. So how great is it that researchers are actually trying to distinguish between brands? The more research that comes out proving the superiority of Organic products the better. This comes on the heels of recent reports on the British study proving the higher vitamin content of Organic milk. The best of the bunch were the brands with the darkest color, which I figure, are most likely the most concentrated and the thickest, too. I’m a fan of Annie’s brand. ::Just-Food.com [by Tamara Holt]...
Amy Smith, eco-designer interviewed
by TreeHugger on 01.31.05
“When you're designing a consumer product for people with less than a dollar a day to spend, affordability becomes extremely important.” Great to see I.D. Magazine giving space to the other end of the design spectrum. They have a Q&A interview with Amy Smith, 41, a mechanical engineer, who designs for developing communities. Although she seems to have won a major award of some description every year since 1988 (!) it was 2004 when she was awarded a $500,000 MacArthur Foundation "genius grant." Why? ‘Cos her imagination and problem-solving has developed a raft of inventions , including a water purification technology and a charcoal-making scheme, using ag-waste rather than timber. She is also a lecturer at MIT, in sustainable design for developing countries, through a program called D-lab. Elsewhere she is quoted as saying her motivation stems from a sense that "the most needy are often the least empowered to invent solutions to their problems". ::ID Online [by WM]...
AeroCarbon Car
by TreeHugger on 01.31.05
Costing over £2 million in research funds this wee beastie can reach speeds of 90mph (144kph) while getting by on the proverbial “smell of an oily rag” (just 100 mpg or 2.8 litres/100km). So what radical new engine and fuel system does this four seater use? Nothing special. A little Honda 660cc petrol engine, in fact. Its real performance comes from the low weight (half that of a steel car), yet strong frame of carbon fibre and some very serious, low air-drag shaping. Unfortunately the project seems to have stalled, with the British government arguing the toss as to whether it classifies as an energy saving vehicle. Huh? Seems you have to be a hydrogen or fuel cell baby to suck on the govt grant teat and nobody wants to know this undeniably fuel efficient petrol orphan. Let's hope someone adopts it soon and the concept grows into a productive member of society. Via Webzine UK, ::Coretex [by WM]...
Illuminator Wind-Up Light
by TreeHugger on 01.31.05
With TreeHugger having already collected the wind-up radio, mobile phone charger, marine battery charger and even the bicycle driven projector, the Illuminator should feel right at home here, in such company. Wrap three bright, unbreakable, long life LEDs inside a tough ABS housing. Connect them to a rechargeable Lithium battery and allow the user to charge that battery, with a carefully hidden winding handle. Wind for a mere minute to walk for a hour along a darken path. Not bad for 61.oz (173g). $28 USD from ::MOMA Store, but we have seen them cheaper elsewhere. First spied in a copy of I.D. magazine. [by WM]...
Orange Peel Plastic
by TreeHugger on 01.31.05
We once painted a office with plant based paints. The smell was like being in the midst of an orange orchard. Now it seems that it might be possible in the near future to have the plastic office gizmos made from oranges as well. The boffins at Cornell Uni have been playing with Limonene. Comprising 95% of the oil in an orange’s peel, Limonene oxide can be combined with carbon dioxide to make a new polymer. Pony-tailed marketing types haven’t got to it yet, so it goes by the unpretentious moniker of ‘polylimonene carbonate’. Seems it has similar properties to polystyrene (no. 6, in case you were wondering), which is often used for disposable food and drink containers. What can they do with lemons and limes, we wonder? ::Cornell University [by WM]...
As You Sow Foundation
by TreeHugger on 01.31.05
Yup, the woman here is about to smash open a Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) with nary a consideration for her Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) ramifications. Imagine where the lead from the monitor is going to end up! If companies do not demonstrate care towards their employees, one could hardly expect them to care much about the environment. As You Sow is a non-profit dedicated to changing that. They have a Corporate Social Responsibility Program and the Environmental Enforcement Initiative. While the issue of electronics waste has rightly been getting a lot of press recently, ‘As You Sow’, also work on issues like labor standards, resource efficiency, indigenous rights , genetically engineered food, recycled content and container recovery and interestingly: human rights abuses by U.S. companies overseas. ::As You Sow Foundation [by WM]...
Top 5 - TreeHugger Shoes
by TreeHugger on 01.30.05
From hemp to recycled rubber, we’ve posted a bunch of footwear over the past few months and hope that designers continue to think eco-friendly. We've posted some that yes, might be a little bizarre like the Height-Adjustables and Andre Tan’s Grass Shoes but they are eco and innovative. However, we'll stick with practical so let's revisit the coolest... ...
