- 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 August 28, 2005 - September 3, 2005
Total this week: 97
Transtrap – Public Transportation Accessory
by Michael Graham Richard, Ottawa, Canada on 09. 3.05
These straps are designed so that people who can't reach the high horizontal bus and subway bars and aren't close to a vertical bar, or simply would rather not touch these bars, can have a fixed point to hold onto. They don't seem particularly green in themselves, but the fact that they can make the public transportation experience better and more attractive to some people is very treehugger-like. There are three different models and a couple of accessories: The original, straightforward one, The "DX" model with a D-ring, and the reader sling which allows you to free your hands so that you can hold a newspaper or a book. You can read testimonials of Transtrap users here. I particularly enjoyed this quote: "People around me seemed to be wondering why there's only one strap?" ::Transtrap...
Capitalists Notice Alternative Energy Thanks to Oil
by Michael Graham Richard, Ottawa, Canada on 09. 3.05
Rising oil prices have many downsides, especially in how they affect poor people. But they also have advantages: more efficient cars and public transportation will certainly gain popularity, and maybe even conservation. One of these advantages is that stock market gurus are taking a second look at companies that are working in the field of clean energies. That was already starting to be true in the past few years (we wrote about it here), but now with the oil shock caused by Katrina, we will probably see significant amounts of capital moving to makers of solar panels, wind turbines, fuel cell research and more. This could give a shot in the arm to the whole industry. A good example of that new found interest is the last column of James J. Cramer, writer for RealMoney: "A frightening number of companies that I would never consider, ever, as investments are now on my radar screen. [...] I feel guilty because for years I have laughed at these companies, just dismissed them out of hand because they almost all needed some big government bailout to work. Very few of these companies had any business with oil below $30. [...] You have to open your eyes to a lot of stuff that seemed illegitimate a year ago with oil where it is." We encourage our readers with money to invest to do their part.
::Oil Gives Shine to Alternative Energy...
Glass Walkway Over Grand Canyon
by Justin Thomas, Virginia on 09. 3.05
Indian leaders and former astronauts stepped gingerly beyond the Grand Canyon's rim Tuesday, staring through the glass floor and into the 4,000-foot chasm below during the opening ceremony for a new observation deck. A few members of the Hualapai Indian Tribe, which allowed the Grand Canyon Skywalk to be built, hopped up and down on the horseshoe-shaped structure. At its edge - 70 feet beyond the rim - the group peeked over the glass wall.
"I can hear the glass cracking!" Hualapai Chairman Charlie Vaughn said playfully.
The deck is anchored deep into a limestone cliff. As people walk across it, the glass layers creak and the deck wobbles almost imperceptibly. To one side, the Colorado river appears as a slim, pea-green ribbon. To the other is a triangular dip in the canyon's ridge, known as "Eagle Point" because it looks like a bird with outstretched wings. When the wind blows, only the most daring visitors resist grabbing the steel rail to steady their knees. Former astronaut Buzz Aldrin, who was invited to join the tribe along with former astronaut John Herrington, declared it a "magnificent first walk."
"It felt wonderful; not exactly like floating on air," Aldrin said after stepping off the deck.
The Hualapai, whose reservation is about 90 miles west of Grand Canyon National Park, allowed Las Vegas developer David Jin to build the $30 million Skywalk in hopes of creating a unique attraction on their section of the canyon. ...
Blueplanetsmart- One Cool Composter
by Lloyd Alter, Toronto on 09. 3.05
So often we talk about how green design should also be good design. Here is an example: where most composters are dull plastic things in the corner, this one will look great in your garden. Where most composters are square, "The BluePlanetSMART’s round shape gives it a surface/volume ratio that is smaller than for any other shape. The smaller the ratio, the less the impact of heat loss on the total heat generated and the faster the decomposition." It easily rotates to aerate the compost.It also collects up to 4 gallons of "compost tea" in the base and has a scale built in to let you know how much is there. Faster composting, better function, better looking- that's a combination we like.::BluePlanetSMART...
Bamboo Bed Frame by John Kelly
by Justin Thomas, Virginia on 09. 3.05
"Your finished meal will only be as good as your ingredients." This applies to furniture too, but many designers seem to ignore this idea. This bamboo bed frame or "Tau Bed" by John Kelly has simple lines, that show off the grain of the bamboo. But the bamboo is only a veneer, inside lies MDF or medium density fiberboard. More often than not, MDF contains urea-formaldehyde or phenol-formaldehyde, which off-gasses into interior air. Formaldehyde-free MDF does exist — two of the best known are Medex and Medite II. :: Design Republic via ProductDose...
Organic Week in the UK
by Lloyd Alter, Toronto on 09. 3.05
The Soil Association "is the UK's leading campaigning and certification organisation for organic food and farming." They are sponsoring "Organic Week", a nationwide celebration of organic food and drink. The week brings together everyone from ‘farm to fork’ – from farmers to shoppers and encourages those new to organic to give it a try. Tipster Bonnie from London has sent us a cornucopia of interesting leads that we will follow up over the course of Organic Week. ::Organic Week...
Leggero Shopper: Max Flexibility
by Christine Lepisto, Berlin on 09. 3.05
This sweety was touched on recently by Treehugger (see Hybrid) after a comment from Reader Rob Baxter, but we thought you might like to have a little more info in English, in case your click to Leggero made your head swim. This device may look strange to the New Worlder's eye, but to the European accustomed to sidewalks crowded with shoppers towing creaky carts of plaid or patterned vinyl full of fresh bread, milk and veggies, this design seems like a breakthrough....
MAGMO Recycle Dolls
by Erwan Pianezza, Locronan, Brittany on 09. 3.05
Their bright colors bring a deliciously frightening feeling when they are exhibited in waste and garbage background ! In fact, the constrat is even stronger when you think that these dolls are actually full of the stuff : felt fabric remains, plastic bottles and plastic bags. The photo gallery from shows dolls walking back to their motherland after being cut from scratch. Their mean expressions are a perfect metaphor of the dirty side of our societies. Go and enjoy some conversation with those strange characters at the "Destroy You, NYC" Show running till 18th Sept at Orchard Street Gallery, in NY.
:: Before you go, get to know the virtual dolls'gallery...
Portable Light & Solar Surgery
by Warren McLaren, Sydney on 09. 3.05
From different sides of the Atlantic, come two lighting projects that have similar intentions. Both are looking to bring the virtures of solar powered lighting to those, whose lives do not consist of flicking off-and-on illumination from the Grid. With their 'Portable Light' project staff and students from the University of Michigan, alongside Kennedy & Violich Architecture are seeking to offer affordable electric light to the nomadic Huichol people from Mexico’s Sierra Madre mountains. Solar panels, high brightness light emitting diodes (HBLEDs) and traditional weaving are all being combined into functioning prototypes. One such design has been a folding stool, that children can sit on and drape soft lit fabric over their knee while they read and write at night. (We’ve reported on similiar student projects, such as pedal powered designs for remote communities.) For this story we went via we-make-money-not-art to ::Portable Light (PS. Their Flash version alas, does not load in one!) ...
GeoBici: Pedal Powered Cultural Guide
by Warren McLaren, Sydney on 09. 3.05
We are a very late coming to this, but any gizmo aficionados who missed it elsewhere, might still find the idea intriguing. Looks like a bike rental business in the Italian alpine region of Aosta has gone all high tech. Your ‘GeoBici’ hire bicycle apparently comes with Global Positioning System (GPS), Bluetooth and a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA). The PDA is said to automatically display historical notes and commentary on 30 cultural sites, as you ride nearby. And the Treehugger bit? Well, as best as we can ascertain, this electronic smorgasborg is powered by a hub dynamo on the front wheel. Thanks to Tom for the tip, to whom we apologise for the tardiness in getting it posted. ::GeoBici (Italian) ...
The Healthy Building Network
by Warren McLaren, Sydney on 09. 3.05
“The Healthy Building Network (HBN) is a national network of green building professionals, environmental and health activists, socially responsible investment advocates and others who are interested in promoting healthier building materials as a means of improving public health and preserving the global environment.” Is that in the running for Guiness Book of Records for the world’s longest sentence, or what? But it does tell you what these folk are about. Two of those materials they are interested in are PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) and they have a wad of links here to detail their concerns. the other one is arsenic-treated wood. They note that one of their successful campaigns (of which the above image was part and parcel) led to the US EPA stopping the sale of such timber for most residential uses as of the beginning of 2004. A related ban recently occurred in Australia as well. HBN reckon their actions “shifted over $4 billion in materials purchases from toxic materials to healthier alternatives that are comparable in both price and performance to the materials they replaced.” ::Healthy Building Network ...
TreeHugger Welcomes Jeff Nield!
by Jeff Nield, Vancouver, British Columbia on 09. 2.05
Studio Day Sofa
by Justin Thomas, Virginia on 09. 2.05
Go into a World Market retails store, and you'll see a lot of handmade, natural looking goods for sale. Although the company doesn't place much emphasis on fairtrade or eco-effectiveness, they do have a small selection of furniture made from renewable materials. This Studio Day Sofa, is a compact and multi-purposed lounge, and made out of rubberwood, which is only harvested from plantation trees that have ceased producing latex. By adjusting the sides of the sofa, you can convert to chaise lounge, to a bed. It's priced at $399. :: World Market...
Risom Lounge Chair by Knoll
by Justin Thomas, Virginia on 09. 2.05
Originally designed in 1941 by Danish designer Jens Risom, the Risom Lounge Chair is now being released by Knoll. Knoll is mostly known for their office furniture (see previous post), but this casual chair has a Scandinavian sensibility, being built with a streamlined maple frame joined with mortise and tenon construction. In the place of bulky cushions are heavy-duty cotton straps, which are tightly basket-woven across the frame. The chair comes with the GREENGUARD certification, which means it meets low VOC emission standards for indoor air quality. Each Risom Lounge is stamped with the KnollStudio logo and the designer’s signature, and priced at $632. :: Design Within Within Reach via Better Living Through Design...
Eco-Fleece Hoodies from Sweet Skins
by Kara DiCamillo, Newport, Rhode Island on 09. 2.05
It’s nice to see that more and more companies are starting to catch on when it comes to using recycled materials. Sweet Skins is a small company in Oregon using the recycled soda bottles technique to make urban and stylish eco-fleece hoodies. We like them because they are different from what we’ve seen and yet so simple. Plus, they don’t require special care as far as washing is concerned. Colors available are warm blue (shown here), plum and black. Thanks for another tip, Michele W.! ::Sweet Skins ...
DIY Eco-tech Contest Sneak Peek: Solar Powered Hydrofoil
by Sean Fisher, Cincinnati, Ohio on 09. 2.05
We have already received some great entries for the DIY Eco-tech contest such as this solar-powered hydrofoil sent in by reader Terrence Breitsameter for the Solar Energy Society at Marquette University. Not only did they build this solar-powered boat, they race it competitively as well. In order to preserve the secrets of the trade (and prevent his competition from getting a heads up), Terrance wasn't able to give out all of the information about the boat, but we were able to pry some details from him. ...
TreeHugger Welcomes Jennifer Hattam!
by Jennifer Hattam, Istanbul, Turkey on 09. 2.05
Green with Service Envy – The Live|Work and Streetcar Partnership.
by Petz Scholtus, Barcelona, Spain on 09. 2.05
"Our major challenge is to enable people to express who they are through the use of services instead of through ownership of things. We must create "service envy"."These are the words from Live|Work a London based Design Studio who specialize in the creation, development and management of services. It is their mission to use design tools to make services more desirable than owning products, thereby reducing consumerism of objects and increasing the more sustainable consumerism of services. It is Treehugger’s mission to bring Green Design into the mainstream and prove that it is not only sexy and desirable but accessible and practical, therefore we are very excited that this is exactly what Live|Work’s projects are all about. A great example of creating Service Envy is their project with Streetcar, which is a car-sharing service operating in London and Brighton. Streetcar provides a fleet of cars around the Greater London area (and soon to spread further) and Brighton which can be accessed using a smartcard and pin. The idea is that anyone who doesn’t own a car, but needs to use one every now and again can just pick a Streetcar up and use it for half an hour to do the weekly shop or take it for a weekend jaunt out of town....
Lambda Chair from Berkeley Mills
by Collin Dunn, Corvallis, OR, USA on 09. 2.05
Inspired by the letter in the Greek alphabet, the Lambda chair from Berkeley Mills offers a sleek, simple design that's as good for looking as it is for sitting. Like all of their furniture, the chair can be custom ordered in cherry, Honduras mahogany, or maple, and special ordered in other, rarer woods such as jarrah. Started in 1988, Berkeley Mills is among the first U.S. furniture companies to be certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) for their conscientious use of sustainable, responsibly harvested wood. Though they started with furniture for living rooms, kitchens, and bedrooms, they've expanded to offer furniture for just about anywhere, including cabinets, closets, offices, and bookshelves. ::Berkeley Mills...
2005 Chicago Sustainable Design Challenge
by Warren McLaren, Sydney on 09. 2.05
As part of their upcoming Convergence ‘05 on 25 September, Foresight Design, (the Chicago chapter of the international O2 ecodesign network) are issuing designers a challenge. “Design an alternative system to reduce the vast consumption of grocery bags in the city of Chicago.” The answer they are seeking should address policy, plus education and product design. And they don’t want some airy-fairy concept either. It needs to be possible to implement, at least in part, within the next year. Foresight proffer some scary statistics as to why they believe this is a design challenge. “Each year plastic bag manufacturing consumes 12 million barrels of oil. The city of San Francisco spends $8.5 million annually to clean up and deal with plastic bags. Chicago, with a population almost 4 times that of San Francisco, certainly spends more.” Read more and access a competition registration form here — ::2005 Chicago Sustainable Design Challenge ...
Sustainable Lamps by Hennig Dyes
by Justin Thomas, Virginia on 09. 2.05
We featured sofas by Greener Lifestyles previously but they also offer a whole range of lamps by Dform, made of interlocking die-cut wood veneer or plastic with layered surfaces of pattern and shadow. Dform was founded in 2001 by James Dieter, and all of the lamps are hand assembled in the company’s Brooklyn, New York studio. The lamp seen here is priced at $295. :: Greener Lifestyles...
Found! A Hybrid More Efficient Than a Prius
by Warren McLaren, Sydney on 09. 2.05
How could we resist? The ever insightful WorldWatch Magazine recently had a delightful photo essay on the many uses of the bicycle. But this image tops even their selection. How we found this glorious pic is a story in itself, so wax your board as we’re off on a surf. Rob Baxter, who is a keen trailer toting cyclist (even helping a friend move house via bicycle), read our story on the trioBike and thought readers might be interested in the very cute Leggero Shopper that converts from bike trailer to shopping trolley. The Swiss Leggero is available in Canada from Bike Box, who also do a line of ......
Refugee Radio
by Warren McLaren, Sydney on 09. 2.05
Mareike Gast is a designer based in Berlin, Germany. One of her current designs, the Refugee Radio would seem very pertinent just now, especially given the confusion and homelessness resulting from Hurricane Katrina. It’s not obvious from her site if the radio is commercial or a prototype. But given that she undertook a internship for Freeplay in South Africa, whose basic premise is to deliver communications and power to in-need remote communities, we have to assume the credentials are pretty solid. Apparently the radio is powered solely by radio waves! Sounds stunning. Don’t ask me how that works though, I’m hoping some of our learned readers will enlighten us. It’s a DIY unit, with the little transporting box printed up like an instruction manual. Long term refugees or those folk in emergency situations would be given the kit to tune into important news. This gem is brought to you via the eagle eyes of Tipster Austin K. ::Mareike Gast Design...
Back to Work Dresswear
by Warren McLaren, Sydney on 09. 2.05
We understand that the days are shortening up north and for many the holiday is over. Drat, it’s back to work. And for some of you, the white shirts have to be pressed, as the suit is once again donned. Maybe you’ve gotten with the program and invested in some Boll organic cotton business shirts and are wondering how else you can take some treehuggery to the office. Well, you could wear it on your sleeve, Literally. The cufflinks shown here are made from salvaged circuit boards. Crafted by Motherboard, who have been doing this sort of work since 1991, the links themselves are sterling silver. If you want other options try Eco-Artware, who offer cuff links made from obsolete mass transit tokens, from a variety of city around the US. Even go the whole hog and try their tie tac, fashioned with old style typewriter keys. Not wishing to be genderist, we have included bike valve earrings for women, which are part of the wider range of jewellery found at Eco-Artware. ::Motherboard ...
Readius Rollable Displays From Philips
by Warren McLaren, Sydney on 09. 1.05
Remember when we discussed the prototyping of e-ink in the form of clock? Now another version has appeared. Philips, who know a thing or two about electronics are unveiling a roll-up-able screen that can show digital information from text to images. They maintain that as electronic devices get smaller we still need to clearly see information and ‘rollable’ screens are the way to go. According to the press release they consume very little energy. This would hopefully reduce the battery load required to power the 5 inch (128mm) screen, with its four levels of grey, which are said to be very readable in daylight. Philips don’t plan to bring the concept to market just yet. But the technology does bode well for reducing our energy demands from information appliances. [Another pic below] Via Mac Daily News, but more at ::Philips Polymer Vision...
SMS LED Pillows
by Justin Thomas, Virginia on 09. 1.05
Philips has designed an energy efficient "electronic pillow" that allows you to receive important messages and er...symbols of love via LEDs embedded in the fabric. The researchers integrated flexible multicolored LEDs into fabrics without compromising the softness of the cloth. Besides pillows, the pixelated luminaries have been embedded in objects like backpacks and floor mats. The next version will feature a much higher resolution. :: Digital Home Magazine via WMMNA...
Open Polo by Stewart+Brown
by Justin Thomas, Virginia on 09. 1.05
Previously, we featured Stewart+Brown's casual and quietly sustainable clothing line. This Open Polo, part of their new pima tee line, is made with their alternative to jersey: 100% organic pima cotton, and the fabric is dyed and treated to impart great color with minimal environmental impact. Design details include multi-colored stitched hems, and a silk screened neck label. Available for $75. :: Pangaya...
Vermont Rest Stop Features a "Living Machine"
by Justin Thomas, Virginia on 09. 1.05
On a rest stop on Interstate 89, the State of Vermont has installed a sophisticated system that uses plants and organisms to clean wastewater, and then pumps the treated water back to the toilets for reuse. This type of installation is called a "Living Machine", because aquatic plants are used to filter sewage, and ingest the nutrients in it. The plants are South Asian natives and their roots are well suited to host the organisms that eat the waste, converting it into plant food. In a wing of the building, in the glass greenhouse, visitors look down on the vegetation from a grated ledge. The room smells like a combination of mulch and chlorine. :: NYTimes ...
Biodiesel-Fueled Coffee Roaster
by Justin Thomas, Virginia on 09. 1.05
The Vermont Coffee Company, known for their organic and fairtraded coffee, has just upgraded its coffee roasting machine to run on biodiesel fuel. The bio-roaster can roast the same amount of beans in four hours as the company's two older machines roasted in 10-12 hours running simultaneously. A local distributor, Jackman's, has agreed to supply the biodiesel to the Vermont Coffee Company. The company currently distributes just over one ton of fresh-roasted beans per week. :: Addison Independent via Land+Living...
Bam Boo Yarn
by Kara DiCamillo, Newport, Rhode Island on 09. 1.05
Here’s something for all you TreeHuggers that like to knit out there and an addition to our previous post about Green Yarn. One of our tipsters, Sarah J., has seen and touched a new yarn made of 100% bamboo called, well, Bam Boo. Made by Classic Elite Yarns, it has a soft and silky texture and is perfect for light garments such as pullovers and cardigans. The bamboo makes this yarn naturally antibacterial and non allergenic. There are many colors available but unfortunately we couldn’t fine any information on the dyes that are used. Thanks Sarah! ::Classic Elite Yarns...
Caterpillar Supports Diesel Particulate Filter Retrofits
by John Laumer, Philadelphia on 09. 1.05
Minimizing particulate emissions from diesel engines is critical to achieving greater transportation efficiency. It's also needed if biodiesel fuel use is to scale up significantly, reducing foreign oil dependency. The generic method for clean technology development goes roughly like this. 1.) Scan the horizon for "future drivers" that touch core markets [obviously includes the growing awareness of diesel emitted particulate matter as a human health risk]. 2.) Develop cost effective technology solutions as early as possible. 3.) Maintain good relationships with regulatory agencies. 4.) Support enabling legislation that helps solidify markets for what you develop. How do companies apply these principles to diesel engines already on the road? Caterpillar recently announced it's support of "legislation introduced in the United States Senate that will improve availability of clean-diesel emissions technology for older vehicles". Let hope we'll see similar support from other major players in the diesel power business....
Top 5: Fancy Pants
by TreeHugger on 09. 1.05
Unfortunately, over the years, the illustrious tradition of treehugging has become synonymous with "back to nature" type clothes. Ratty hemp shirts, skirts made from quilters scraps, and the ubiquitous Birkenstock sandal. Even more frightening has been the extreme "clothing optional" ideology of some of the more extreme practitioners. But as a hip, modern Treehugger, there's no need for you to go bottomless. Here are some great pants to keep the breeze off you bum......
We'll believe it when we see it Dept: Landfill Island as Eco-Tourist Site
by Lloyd Alter, Toronto on 09. 1.05
Just off Singapore, the Government has built an artificial island entirely of garbage and has opened it for eco-tourism. 2000 tonnes of construction debris and ash from incineration plants are dumped daily into impermeable plastic cells. Mangrove plantations were installed as "biological indicators" to detect leaks of harmful waste into the sea. Recent surveys indicate rare sea grasses, giant barramundi cod and black tipped sharks seem to like the place, along with 55 species of birds. Says the Minister of the Environment: "this is a way for Singapore to show the world that as a nation this is a very responsible way to manage our waste and manage our environment." Right. Burn it, dump it and watch the birds it attracts. Sounds like a good plan to me. ::Singapore Environmental Agency Paging Elizabeth Royte!...
Bamboo Coffee Table By 45 Degrees
by Collin Dunn, Corvallis, OR, USA on 09. 1.05
Jason Wade, owner and designer of Chicago-based 45 Degrees, believes that "it is important for each piece built by us to leave the shop and never have to return." This high-quality ethos, combined with his artist's eye towards form and a builder's awareness of process, results in some pretty groovy furniture. Witness this coffee table, seen for the first time at the ICFF earlier this year. Made from bamboo and poplar, the table is representative of the rest of Wade's collection of simple, post-modern design combined with a contemporary approach to materials and construction. The majority of the furniture produced by Wade's shop uses solid wood joinery and hand-applied finishes. In addition to the collection available at their website, Wade and his crew also do custom work and can be contacted here. ::45 Degrees Design...
TrioBike : Good Things Come in Threes
by Warren McLaren, Sydney on 09. 1.05
The trioBike is one very cool and exciting design. And on so many levels. Where to start? Well, it’s a normal bicycle that can convert into a pedal-powered cargo hauler, which could also safely transport 2 children, to a maximum weight of 80 kg (176 lbs). But separate the two and you still have a perfectly functional bike, and a classy push carrier. All these transitions can be accomplished without specialised tools. Imagine the possibilities: load two kids in the front carrier and ride them to school or day-care. Detach the carrier and leave it at the school. Retrieve the bikes front wheel, cleverly located under the base of the carrier and continue on riding to work. Reverse the process in the afternoon. Alternatively the other parent collects the kids on the way home (2 bikes+1 carrier) Or pedal down to your local farmers market, or organic food co-op, on Saturday to fill up the front with local groceries, then go riding in the country with friends on Sunday on the detached aluminium bike, using its Shimano Nexus 7 speed hub. The trioBike is such an elegantly realised design ......
Westborough Primary’s Cardboard School
by Warren McLaren, Sydney on 09. 1.05
A few years ago a school club building became the first project ever to win two special awards, including the The RIBA Journal Sustainability Award, from the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA). The judges said, “We were completely won over by The Cardboard Building for Westborough Primary School. It is Europe’s first permanent cardboard structure, providing a much needed educational and community space as well as an inspiring structure that works with the properties of the material.” More >...
Rotary Runner Wheelchairs are Reused Bicycles
by Warren McLaren, Sydney on 09. 1.05
A customer at the reuse centre, where I spend my daylight hours, wanted to know if we had any bicycle frames that no-one wanted. He needed them to make wheelchairs. Huh? "Tell me more" I then discovered a project, that still brings a lump to my throat. Des La Rance was aware that “thousands of impoverished and disabled adults and children around the world have to drag themselves around on the ground using their hands, some with a small piece of carpet tied to their legs. Causes of their disabilities include cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, polio and land mines.” Des is a member of Rotary International, a global network of community volunteers and he decided to harness the talents of the network to alleviate some of the suffering for these people. So he designed a low cost ($100 AUD) wheelchair, that is made from reclaimed bicycle frames and wheels. ...
TidEl Harnesses Lunar Energy?
by Jacob Gordon, Nashville, TN on 08.31.05
In a previous post we saw plans to propel freight ships with the help of giant paraglider-like sails. Here, instead of going up to catch high-speed air currents, TidEl technology goes down to the bottom of the ocean to harness strong water currents. Another winner of an Echo-Tech award at this year’s World Expo, TidEl technology, developed by SMD Hydrovision out of the UK, operates much like a wind turbine but instead uses the twice daily tidal movement of ocean water to generate power. Moored on chains to a point on the sea floor, the twin turbines are free to move and change direction as the tide goes in and out. Currently the company has only gotten as far as a 1:10 model in a testing tank. On the real thing, each turbine would be 15 meters across with a 500 kW combined output…...
Randonnee Organic Cotton Pants by MEC
by Justin Thomas, Virginia on 08.31.05
We noted previously that Mountain Equipment Co-Op (MEC) is a Canadian company with many sustainable inclinations. They are now offering a range of organic cotton pants which they make themselves in Canada. For example, these Men's Randonnee Pants which are made of organic cotton and nylon as an lightweight alternative to heavy cotton canvas. They are built for trekking and are available for $62 CAD ($52 US). :: MEC...
Blossom Tee by Watergirl
by Justin Thomas, Virginia on 08.31.05
Summer is not over quite yet! This shirt with silk-screened flowers from Watergirl is made out of 100% organic cotton, using a "baby rib" knit which is soft but with built-in stretch. Watergirl is a division of Patagonia, which focuses on activewear for water loving women. You can see all the Watergirl products from REI here. It's priced at $28. :: REI...
Nature-Friendly Communities
by Justin Thomas, Virginia on 08.31.05
Nature-Friendly Communities presents an easy-to-read overview of the successful approaches to protecting biodiversity and natural areas in America's growing communities. Addressing the issues of sprawl, open space, and political realities, Chris Duerksen and Cara Snyder explain the most effective steps that communities can take to protect natural elements. Nine comprehensive case studies of communities explain how nature protection programs have been implemented. From Austin and Baltimore to Tucson and Minneapolis, the authors explore how different cities and counties have taken innovative steps to successfully protect natural areas. :: Amazon...
RECYCL'art: Sporting Goods Become Art
by Justin Thomas, Virginia on 08.31.05
You don't hear much about people recycling their sporing goods. Worn out cleats and basketballs are usually bound for landfills. But CoolHunting reports on RECYCL'art, an ongoing project based in Japan that pairs emerging artists with celebrity athletes, and reinvents clothes and equipment as art objects....
Recycled Steel Smartbeams by SMI
by Justin Thomas, Virginia on 08.31.05
SMI says steel is one of the most recycled materials on earth. About 88% of the steel taken from commercial construction demolition sites was recycled and made into new steel products in 1998. SMI has a great example of such a product: their Smartbeam is made out of 100% recycled steel. ...
The Affordable Solar Store
by Michael Graham Richard, Ottawa, Canada on 08.31.05
At the end of last month we wrote about the Alternative Energy store, a place where you can buy everything from solar panels to micro-wind turbines, energy efficient appliances and composting toilets. Now, to be fair to "the industry" (aren't we magnanimous?) and to give more resources to our readers, we would like to point out the Affordable Solar store. They carry solar panels and all the electronic gizmos you need to get the juice flowing (including batteries), many models of wind-turbines, energy efficient appliances (including models that run on 12 and 24 volts DC) and more. If any of our readers have ordered from them, please share your experience in the comments.
::Affordable Solar store...
Lucky Crow Gift Bags
by Kara DiCamillo, Newport, Rhode Island on 08.31.05
With Americans spending 2.7 billion dollars a year on gift wrap and the holiday gift giving season approaching quickly (yikes!), we thought we’d get a head start by writing about Lucky Crow. The company offers a simple and sustainable alternative to disposable gift wrap by designing stylish and reusable fabric gift bags. Lucky Crow is a member of 1% for the Planet, donating 1% of all sales to non-profit organizations working to protect our natural environment. Of course, they could take it one TreeHugger step further and use all recycled fabric but we think it’s a good start because the bags can be re-gifted, reused and recycled themselves. ::Lucky Crow...
How Glyphosate Resistance Helps The Organic Movement
by John Laumer, Philadelphia on 08.31.05
The Roundup brand of glyphosate sold to consumers seems now to have an additional booster herbicide added. Check the weedkiller's label yourself next time you pop into a garden center. What may be an explanation for the changed formulation comes in the way of a research report published in the journal Outlooks on Pesticide Management, with this abstract: GLYPHOSATE-RESISTANT WEEDS: CURRENT STATUS AND FUTURE OUTLOOK Vijay K. Nandula,1Krishna N. Reddy* 2Stephen O. Duke,3and Daniel H. Poston1 review the current situation regarding the development of glyphosate resistant weeds following the increased cultivation of glyphosate-resistant crops and warn of a real loss in glyphosate efficacy if its uncontrolled use continues. TreeHugger is not a peer review type of publication, so we won't go into how many weeds are resistant, where, and it's significance. Take the link above if you want that information. But, we will give some thought to what it means to organic and locally grown foods....
The All Wool Mattress by Shepherd’s Dream
by Kara DiCamillo, Newport, Rhode Island on 08.31.05
Yesterday we wrote about Indika, a company that specializes in organic bedding, and today we’re bringing you Shepherd’s Dream, a similar company that designs all natural wool-filled mattresses, bedding and pillows. The All Wool Mattress is filled with compressed wool batting and encased with a thick, soft, cream colored, blanket wool textile. The slatted bed frames are made out of fir wood with a number of styles to choose from. All of the wool that Shepherd’s Dream uses is from a program called EcoDomestic Wool, which seeks to reverse the trend of under-appreciating domestic wool. They make this clear by paying the EcoDomestic wool grower a fair price for their wool and educating the public about the importance of domestic resources. In addition, Eliana Jantz, founder of Shepherd’s Dream, initiated the still successful Pure Grow Wool Program with California’s Sonoma County Woolgrowers in 1993, developing a criterion of sustainable and responsible wool production practices. Thanks for the tip, Michele W.! ::Shepherd’s Wool ...
Sit on your Sunday Paper
by Lloyd Alter, Toronto on 08.31.05
English designer David Stovell "creates products that are functional, fun and sometimes thought provoking to use." Sunday Papers is a collection "of seating platforms that explores the process of repackaging a product in a different way to give it new life and purpose." Just don't leave it outside...::David Stovell...
New York Times Article About Energy Efficiency
by Michael Graham Richard, Ottawa, Canada on 08.31.05
When is a bill not a bill? This is a question asked in this New York Times article (might require registration) which starts out being about Larry Schlussler, creator of the Sun Frost refrigerator (we wrote about it here). The answer is of course: "When it's zero". In the article, we learn about how Larry Schlussler has made his house very energy efficient - so much so that he's actually producing more energy with his solar panels than the what he's using, hence the "bill" question. But as the article unravels, it becomes clear that it's not really about Larry - he's only the "human-interest" hook used at the start - but about plugging energy-efficiency in a way that should be appealing to the average person; it talks about the "high end" solutions, like LED lights and Sun Frost appliances, but it also mentions the possibility of cutting the utility bill by taking the less expensive (and less scary to the neophyte) middle of the road: replacing old appliance with more recent and energy-efficient ones, looking for the Energy Star label, compact fluorescents, etc. All things considered, it's a decent mainstream article about the benefits of efficiency. More like that, please, and then people will inevitably dig deeper and go to the next level. We need it.
::NYT: If Your Home Utility Bill Is Zero, Is It Still a Bill? (might require registration)...
Farmers for Fair Dinkum Food
by Warren McLaren, Sydney on 08.31.05
In a strange twist of fate, McDonalds have created interest in the local food debate. Earlier this month a convoy of 200 tractors arrived in Australia's national capital, some having driven about 2,400 km (1,500 miles) from the island state of Tasmania. They were in town to protest the estimated sales loss of $50 million AUD in potatoes, that McDonalds Australia have now decided to source from New Zealand. Seemingly the head of ‘Maccas’ down under, is meeting with the Premier of Tasmania to discuss the issue. The concern extended into a broader campaign, under the banner of ‘Fair Dinkum Food’, whereby farmers are seeking “a change to Australia's food labeling laws to require country-of-origin labels on unpackaged fruit, vegetables, seafood and nuts.” Fair Dinkum is Australian idiom for notions like genuine, truthful, honest or real. Odd then, that it was 43,000 tonnes of deep fried french fries that ignited the outrage. But all journeys have to begin somewhere. Read more here: National Farmers Federation, ABC News Online and International Herald Tribune, amongst many others....
Solar Bike Light
by Warren McLaren, Sydney on 08.31.05
Look out pedal powered dynamos! It would seem that solar has recently decided to join the fray, when it comes to bicycle lighting. This water repellant, streamlined light works as torch (flashlight) but also comes with a bracket, so it can be fitted to your bike. We’re not informed how much sun exposure is required for a full solar charge, but run time is said to be 15 hours, running on rechargeable AA or AAA batteries. The beam comes from three LED globes, which have an expected life of 10,000 hours. Transport Trends forwarded us this tip, having found it themselves at HippyShopper. Available for £20 at ::Ecotopia UK...
Spain Proves Wind Power Works
by Justin Thomas, Virginia on 08.30.05
Last year Spain reached a record level of wind power installations. Many people now cite Spain's use of wind power as proof that wind is a viable energy source. Corin Millais, CEO of the European Wind Energy Association says: "To dismiss wind energy as an expensive, niche green luxury, as many do, is to ignore what has happened in Spain, the world's number one wind market". Last year there was an additional 2,065 MW installed, a 33 percent increase on 2003, taking the total to 8,263 MW. Germany is still the leader overall, with about 16,000 MW of wind power installed. :: Renewable Energy Access...
Instant Survey: Cleaning Supplies
by Jeremy McCumber on 08.30.05
Rising Oil Prices Make Plastic Recycling More Valuable
by Justin Thomas, Virginia on 08.30.05
The cost of plastic is following the rise in oil prices, boosting the value of recycled plastic. When oil hit $66 per barrel recently, almost double the price of a year ago, a shipment of recycled milk jugs climbed to 28 cents per pound, up from about 15 cents a pound. Since plastic is made from oil, along with natural gas, increases in those prices are generally matched by increases in the price for recycled plastic. Despite the value of recycled plastic, it remains largely untapped, and percentage of plastic recycled is still very low. :: The Register-Guard...
Sustainable Neighborhood Planned in Portland
by Justin Thomas, Virginia on 08.30.05
Lloyd Crossing, a 35-block section of Portland, Oregon, may be the first urban neighborhood in the country to get off the city grid and be self-sustaining in many ways. By adding local infrastructure to capture storm-water runoff and supply renewable energy, the neighborhood will reduce its dependency on the city's sewage and power systems without getting rid of old pipes and lines. Part of the plan is to radically "green" district streets, by creating new open space, wildlife corridors, and the construction of bioswales at intersections. Lloyd Crossing is sponsored by the Portland Development Commission (PDC), and will be developed by a multidisciplinary team led by Mithun architects. :: Metropolis...
USDA To Allow Organic Label on Cosmetics
by Justin Thomas, Virginia on 08.30.05
In June, we reported that the USDA would not allow organic labels on cosmetics. However, due to a lawsuit by Dr. Bronner’s Magic Soaps and Organic Consumers Association that decision has been reversed. See this recent post where we discuss other possible reasons for this decision. The reversal also allows dietary supplements and pet food to carry the organic seal. The department is in the process of creating organic standards for fish. The decision to remove the seal from cosmetics had frustrated companies that, like Bronner’s, spent hundreds of thousands of dollars to find all-organic ingredients and get certified to use the seal. :: MSN via TriplePundit...
Pure Wool Mattress Covers by Indika
by Justin Thomas, Virginia on 08.30.05
Indika is a company in Utah that specializes in organic bedding. For example, they have this mattress cover made of 100% pure wool from France, which is treated with a special dust-mite repellent. The natural treatment, called "Profyl SK17", is made from chrysanthemum petals, and is apparently quite efficient (it has a 99.7%-99.96% mite removal rate). :: Indika...
Knock $4,000 Off Your Taxes For Going Solar
by Justin Thomas, Virginia on 08.30.05
Forbes is reporting the under the new energy laws, homeowners can receive up to $4000 in tax credit for installing solar energy system. Congress authorized the solar credits for only two years — from Jan. 1, 2006 through Dec. 31, 2007. Homeowners can put in a photovoltaic system and/or a solar-powered hot water system, and get a federal tax credit worth 30% of the systems' cost, up to a credit of $2,000 per system. There are a couple of catches: The heating system can't be for a pool or hot tub, and the federal credit applies to the net system cost after any state incentives. ...
Unexpected Haven for Bees
by Michael Graham Richard, Ottawa, Canada on 08.30.05
Bees - as small as they may be - play a very big role in nature. Along with the wind, they are the main transporters of pollen, helping plants and trees to bear fruit and reproduce. Unfortunately, there was a 57% decline in bee colonies in the US between 1985 and 1997, "[it is] especially the case in areas that are heavily developed or dominated by agriculture". But there is some hope coming from an unexpected place: "The millions of acres of land-strips beneath power lines represent an untapped conservation resource for bees and other threatened creatures, new research suggests. [...] In the US, the land covered by power lines makes up more than 5 million acres. That is more land than almost every national park in the US individually, including Yellowstone, says Russell. [...] changes in management practice of this land appear to be offering a much needed home for bees [...] If all power companies can be persuaded to adopt the same management strategies it might just be the life line bees need. So far companies have been happy to help. "They have a huge PR problem because everybody hates power lines," says [Kimberly] Russell."
::New Scientist, ::Learn More About Bees at Wikipedia...
Green Festival in D.C. and San Francisco
by Kara DiCamillo, Newport, Rhode Island on 08.30.05
Tickets are on sale now ($10 in advance) for the Green Festival in Washington D.C. on September 24th and 25th. The festival, also in San Francisco on November 5th and 6th, is a two-day event to "unite green businesses, social and environmental groups, visionary thinkers and thousands of community members in a lively exchange of ideas, commerce and movement building fun." Attend lectures, network, eat great food and shop over 300 exhibitors of goods and services. Check the Green Festival website for a complete listing of presenters and exhibitors and to learn more about the festival and volunteering. ::Green Festival...
Muellerian Mimicry: Toyota Echo and Chevrolet Aveo
by John Laumer, Philadelphia on 08.30.05
Mimicry in individual human behavior can be seen as a flattery. In commerce, mimicry may be explained as a marketing ploy. However, it could be positive destiny when we're talking about resource efficient cars. First, lets try an explanation from a life science view: Muellerian mimicry, named for Fritz Mueller, a German zoologist, allows a stacked comparison of the Toyota Echo and Chevrolet Aveo (tongue in cheek with our adjectives here). Muellerian mimicry refers to two species that are mimics of each other with conspicuous warning coloration [outward design elements appealing to TreeHuggers], also known as aposematic coloration. Thus, all mimics share the benefits of the coloration [outward design elements]since the all predators [customers] will recognize the characteristics more easily. At first glance, can you guess which one is which?
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Eco-Fashion on the Runway
by Kara DiCamillo, Newport, Rhode Island on 08.30.05
We like to see that eco-conscious clothing is becoming trendy with designers such as Linda Loudermilk and Edun (shown here) – gone are the days that people think of hippies and potato sacks. We read recently on emagazine.com that during New York’s Fashion Week last February a show called FutureFashion, which featured outfits made from eco-friendly fabrics and materials, drew not only environmentalists but entertainment celebrities as well. We have to point out that we were very surprised when we read that Barney’s New York was very much involved with FutureFashion as well. Not only did Barney's help convince other top designers to participate, but the store featured eco-outfits in its windows for several weeks after the event. Julie Gilhart, vice president and fashion director for Barney’s, said “I was quite surprised that the designs were so sophisticated for using sustainable fabrics, because usually we associate that with not-so-stylish clothing. This FutureFashion show proves that there’s definitely a future for environmentally friendly fashion.” So why are we so surprised? Well here’s a question for you Ms. Gilhart, why is it that you’re selling astrakhan? Via ::emagazine.com...
North On Sixty: Sustainable Furniture and Woodworking
by Lloyd Alter, Toronto on 08.30.05
There is not much to see but rocks and trees on the road into Ontario's Algonquin Park, so we had to stop at the striking new building just 10 minutes outside the park. Imagine our surprise to find a furniture and woodworking operation where they sustainably manage their hundred acre wood, mill, dry and finish the lumber, and manufacture fine furniture of their own design or for others. They heat the building with their scraps and sawdust, sell firewood contracts for the wood that cannot be turned into lumber, and aim for zero waste....
Old Earth Expeditions
by Warren McLaren, Sydney on 08.30.05
Now this sounds like genuine eco-travel. Transport is wind-assisted sailing in a Umiak, (in this case, a modern hybrid of 2,000 old Inuit skin boat). Road access transport is via a biodiesel van. Some of the accommodation is in a solar/wind powered cabin. The meals are 75% locally sourced organic food. The location is Desolation Sound, which has the largest marine park in Canada’s British Columbia. While moving through this wilderness archipelago you might happen upon such beasties as orcas, sea lions, porpoises, river otters, harbour seals, black bears, wolves, cougars, and porcupines. But you’ll also be informed about the rich human culture are the region. Aside from sailing, they also do mountaineering trips. 7 day expeditions go for about $725 USD, ex-Seattle. ::Old Earth Expeditions ...
Ski Dubai To Open September 2005
by Warren McLaren, Sydney on 08.30.05
I don’t normally do Un-Treehugger stuff, but this one just screamed at me. Next month there will be nearly 23,000 m2 of snow in Dubia. Yes, you read correctly. Dubai. Of all places. Often the temperature in September is said to be about 40oC (104oF), so how is this feat to be accomplished? Well, it seems that to keep 70 centimetres of snow on the 25 storey high, 5 run ski resort, it will employ “23 massive air conditioners and turn on the snowmaking jets”, according to The Sun Herald newspaper (not online). It is being built inside the world’s third largest mall. I shake my head in wonder and awe at the rationale of building such an energy hog, planned to be open 12 hours a day, 7 days a week. And the worst of it, is that, apparently, we have over 40 of these testaments-to-insanity spread around the globe. Aaagh, is there no saving us from ourselves? Psst. Anyone want to buy the rights to my Hawaiian theme 'Surf Antarctica'? ::Ski Dubai ...
Corn-based Pens
by Warren McLaren, Sydney on 08.30.05
There's been a lot of talk about PLA (Polylactide) or polymers derived from the lactic acid of fermented cornstarch. The great thing about PLA is that it's a versatile plastic, made from a renewable resource, even if in some cases it could have a genetically modified heritage. We’ve mentioned all sorts of PLA products coming to market, from packaging to clothing. But one of the original pioneering products in this realm was the humble office pen. I know one store who had trouble stocking such things, because, they reckoned, ravenous cockroaches fancied them and nibbled bits off overnight. Urban myth maybe? Find out for yourself, with one of these $2 USD pens. Just remember, after its useful life, to put the outer casing in your compost or garden, so the micro-organisms in the soil can make it truly biodegradable. From ::United Elements Company...
Recycled Paper Bags by Maria Laura Higa
by Paula Alvarado, Buenos Aires on 08.30.05
We found these cute bags at the Latin American Art Museum (Malba) Store in Buenos Aires. They’re made by Argentinean graphic designer María Laura Higa with interlaced recycled paper straps.
Maria Laura started her work inspired with his Japanese grandfather’s Origami tradition. “There’s a Japanese legend which says whoever gets a terminal disease can get better if he/she gets to a thousand paper cranes, and my grandfather, Francisco Arakaki, got cancer in the eighties. But having surpassed this goal, his last year was 2004, so it seemed to me that this was not only a legend”, tells the designer. That’s how she got interested in the subject and started to deepen her knowledge about this material. “Paper is interesting because there’s something paradoxical in its fragility and resistance at the same time”, she adds.
Her bags are made with paper from magazines, journals and brochures, and this line we are showing has only Japanese text and figures. Their cost is about 120 pesos, which would be around 40 dollars. For more details or purchases, e-mail the designer....
The Shroud of Marin- the New Yorker on Eco-Burial
by Lloyd Alter, Toronto on 08.30.05
We have written before about eco-friendly burials in Marin County, CA. Now the Aug 29 issue of the New Yorker does a very long piece on Fernwood's somewhat crazed developer Tyler Cassity and the green funeral business, its visionaries and its various approaches. Included is Susanne Wiigh-Masak's Promessa System (mentioned last year in our pages and Worldchanging) where one is flash-frozen in liquid nitrogen, smashed into freeze-dried little bits and spread around as compost. She says "I feel very calm in knowing that I will be a rhododendron when I grow up" ::New Yorker worth reading....
Ask Me About My Gas : Say It With A Shirt
by TreeHugger on 08.30.05
Lately, the T-shirt fad is reaching a fever pitch. New independent designers surface daily, offering small batches of ultra-cool printed tees to add to your collection. There are gallery shows, contests, and cotton threads with cult status. Within such a frenzied trend, it’s sometimes hard to see the good stuff clearly. Let us help clear the cotton from your brain by pointing out two San Franciscans who are creating T-shirts that not only feature stellar art, but are Treehugger-friendly times two! – printed on American Apparel blanks and promoting biodiesel......
Zero Energy Communities Being Built
by Justin Thomas, Virginia on 08.30.05
In California, subdivisions of Zero-Energy Homes (or ZEH communities) are starting to be built. Basically, these consist of conventional-looking homes that have built-in solar panels, and various other energy saving appliances like tankless water heaters. Newsweek reports on one such community called Premier Gardens, which has 95 zero-energy homes in its subdivision. Another California builder, Clarum Homes, announced that it'll build nothing but ZEHs in-state but isn't so sure if that's cost effective in low-subsidy states like Nevada. In states outside California, it means adding an extra $20,000 to the price of a conventional-style home. :: Newsweek...
Reclaimed Steel Nails by Maze
by Justin Thomas, Virginia on 08.30.05
Maze is a mill in Illinois that has really nailed down the art of recycling. First off, they make nails exclusively out of re-melted steel (which comes from scrapped cars frames, radiators and I-beams for example). Any scrap steel that they generate while making nails heads right back to the steel mills for re-melting. Many nail manufacturers, including Maze, "pickle" their steel in an acid bath prior to making it into nails....
DIY Eco-tech Update
by Sean Fisher, Cincinnati, Ohio on 08.29.05
If this 16-year old inventor had known about our DIY Eco-tech contest , he may have just skipped the science fair. By attaching his hamster's wheel to a generator, he is able to charge his cell phone off the grid. If only he would have submitted it to us instead, he would have had a chance at the new prize package for our contest thanks to our friends at MAKE Magazine. Now, not only will the winner receive a new $230 backpack from Voltaic Systems, but also a 2 year subscription to MAKE magazine and a limited edition MAKE T-shirt. In light of this, we have decided to extend the deadline for the contest from Sept. 7th to Sept. 15th in order to make sure that we get everyone's entries. So if you have made/hacked a technology to make it more eco-friendly and you would like a shot at the Voltaic Systems backpack and the Make magazine package, let us know: contest [at] treehugger [dot] com. You have until September 15th. ...
Central Connecticut Bicycle Alliance
by Kara DiCamillo, Newport, Rhode Island on 08.29.05
The Greater Hartford area of Connecticut is starting to see more people commuting into the city by bikes and leaving their cars at home thanks to an organization called the Central Connecticut Bicycle Alliance (CCBA). The program, called “Bike to Work,” continues to grow and the organization is looking to take it to the next level by promoting construction of bike lanes, greenways and bicycle friendly roads. The CCBA plans different activities each month, such as a breakfast in downtown Hartford, for bicycle commuters to socialize and share their ideas. In addition, the organization offers “Bike Buddies” that can answer questions about how to make a bike commute-ready, routes to take, and how to safely ride in traffic. “Bike Buddies” can even accompany commuters on a ride. The idea is to educate people that riding a bike to work is healthy and that it can be safe. ::Central Connecticut Bicycle Alliance ...
Modern, Eco-Friendly Office Chair
by Justin Thomas, Virginia on 08.29.05
Greenguard Certified Eco-Friendly Office Chair!
The Zody Chair by Haworth is a cool looking and ergonomic office chair. But you know that's not enough for us to be impressed. Here's the behind-the-scenes details: it was designed according to the "Cradle-to-Cradle" principles of McDonough Braungart Design Chemistry. It's actually in the process of being certified by MBDC. The chair is also Greenguard certified — the materials contain up to 50% recycled content, assembled with 100% Green-e wind power. :: Haworth...
Using Window Design To Protect Birds
by Justin Thomas, Virginia on 08.29.05
Pictured here is an ingenious way to protect birds — it's a film patterned in the shape of trees and attached to the windows of the Earth Rangers Centre in Woodbridge, Ontario. It was designed by architectural consultant John Butner to prevent birds from colliding into the windows. ...
Tricycle: Simulated Carpet Samples
by Justin Thomas, Virginia on 08.29.05
Tricycle specializes in creating simulated carpet sample using paper. Currently, designers use real carpet samples in the design process, which is quite wasteful and costly. Tricycled uses a "digital tufting" software that simulates the actual placement of yarn in a tufting machine to create amazingly realistic images. “Other alternatives, such as photography or texture-mapping over color fields, are not accurate enough to be useful,” claims Caleb Ludwick, market intelligence manager at Tricycle. Tricycle's paper samples require only about 5% as much energy and water as real samples, and are more likely to be recycled after they’ve been used. :: Tricycle via BuildingGreen...
The Best Low-Flow Toilets
by Justin Thomas, Virginia on 08.29.05
Early on, low-flow toilets got a bad rap — and justifiably so — their flushing ability left a lot to be desired. But today there are many low-flow toilets on the market that work well. Terry Love is a plumber who reviews low-flow toilets. He takes his job seriously, installing some of the toilets his own home were he can test them in "real world" situations. He lists toilets that work just fine in spite of the current standards which allow for a maximum water usage of 1.6 gallons per flush (GPF). He says his favorite toilet is the UltraMax by Toto. Toto calls this a "G-Max" toilet (model number is MS854114S). Overall, Toto seems to be the low-flush brand of choice. You can see all the reviews on this page: Terry Love's Consumer Toilet Reports via MetaEfficient...
Minimalist Accommodation: Das ParkHotel
by Justin Thomas, Virginia on 08.29.05
Experience living in a compact cylinder today! Das ParkHotel offers rooms with minimum space volume for maximum comfort in the green heart of Linz. The rooms are equipped with electricity and an internet connection. Toilet facilities, breakfast area and other hotel amenities are to be found around the hotel: at the Danube park public toilets and at the cafés of Linz city center. The accommodations can be booked online, are operated under a "pay as you wish" scheme — people tend to leave between 7 and 20€. :: DasParkHotel via We Make Money Not Art...
Liz Hurley to Launch Organic Baby Food Line
by Erin Courtenay - Madison, WI on 08.29.05
Liz Hurley is launching a range of organic baby foods. The new brand has apparently been inspired by her three-year-old son Damian. She says: "I found all I wanted to do was give him perfect, unadulterated food. It would be wonderful to come up with good, maybe even convenience, food which is really healthy, low-calorie, organic and delicious." Via the Ottawa Sun...
CNN Gas gripes, Katrina & More About Oil
by Michael Graham Richard, Ottawa, Canada on 08.29.05
Following MSNBC's lead (we wrote about it in a previous post titled: "The Effect Of High Oil Prices On People", check it out for more context) CNN has created a page where people can share their experience on how the rising price of oil has affected them. As Grist points out, there is inspiring stuff in there. People describe how they dropped the SUV, started carpooling, removed extra-weight fom their vehicle or bought a hybrid. One person cut back on food, but at least it was soft-drinks so it's a healthy choice. Seeing these reactions from average people (instead of war chants and lynching oil company executives) shows that people are willing to change, and they in fact know what to change. They just needed the right incentive, which in this case is money....
Efficiency Works Forever
by Michael Graham Richard, Ottawa, Canada on 08.29.05
This is a small editorial about something that might seem obvious to some, but that is too often left out from public debate. To go straight to the point: Efficiency and conservation should be at the top of the list of solutions to our energy problems. Why? Because before we build new production capacity, we should use what we already have. It's common sense. There is so much wasted energy that we already pay to produce that it would be foolish to pay again to produce more before addressing that problem. That energy is already there, just waiting to be used for something. Here are the arguments I can think up in favor of efficiency and conservation (feel free to add anything I forgot in the comments section): 1) After the initial investment, there are no additional costs for fuel or maintenance......
Can Sustainability Be "Cool"?
by John Laumer, Philadelphia on 08.29.05
Tough question. Especially in the US, where our media give 'stainability', in the broadest sense of the word, almost no attention, and public recognition is probably a few percent. Where 'sustainability' and 'sustainable' are most widely written on in the US is in the context of financial and stock analysis: as in, "this firm's growth potential is sustainable". The stock analysts also are fond of saying things like "organic growth potential underscores a favorable outlook". To which we respond "huhh?" TreeHugger foresees an editorial skirmish coming if board rooms and Wall Street start a fuss over us greenies "mis-appropriating" their words. In fact, once this dust up starts it's a sure sign we're at the tipping point to cool! Until then, when we see a glimmer of recognition on face of the "man/woman in the street", we think it's because they assume we're talking about economics alone, which also means they really wish we'd change the subject to something more comfortable as soon as possible. Undaunted by this, the "Sustainable Industries Northwest Journal" is looking for ways to make Sustainability both understood and "Cool". Examples and insights linked to their front page are worth a scan. Tell us what you think. Can it be cool?...
Illuminating the Way Ahead – Nightlights from Vessel and Demotech
by Petz Scholtus, Barcelona, Spain on 08.29.05
Sitting at opposite ends of the sustainable product design spectrum are two objects which have similar functions, but totally different aesthetics. They originate from very different briefs, but are both sustainable products designed to aide daily life. One is specifically designed to be homemade and the other is clearly a functional object of desire. One costs almost nothing, the other is retailed at $70. We are talking about the Companion Light by Vessel and the NightReader by Demotech. I am sure you can tell from the photos above which product sits at which end of the market! Both Vessel and Demotech have been featured on Treehugger before and it is interesting to compare how different their approaches are to sustainable design....
Topeak’s Bikamper Bike Tent
by Warren McLaren, Sydney on 08.29.05
This bike tent tip landed on our desk and my first thought was “Hey, another product to help promote cycling!” But then as time approached to write the post I was less sure. It does however offer an opportunity to discuss green design on a broader canvas. At initial glance the Bikamper looks like an innovative idea (if it wasn't for the fact Early Winters offered something almost identical 20 years ago). Use the bike as the poles or frame of the tent. Saves the material in making the tent poles. But this only works if the bike is attached. Want to ride off to see a sunset from the clifftop, or into the village for some bagette and fromage? Then what? And can you get multiple use from the tent for normal trail hiking or beach camping with friends? Mmm, not unless it comes with its own poles, which would sort of cancel the reason for its concept. While the design is decidedly funky and slick, it is not ‘ecodesign’. A smart niche product, but with limited application. A tent with inadvertently greener credentials might be something like ......
Patagonia’s Storm Jacket
by Warren McLaren, Sydney on 08.29.05
When were adding an update to the story on Patagonia recycling their Capilene underwear we were nosing around their site and spied another innovation. A recycled rain jacket. Previously we’ve noted their fleece lined Infurno, but now they’ve waved the magic recycling wand over their venerable Storm jacket too. The external shell is 100% recycled polyester, and the same is true for the upper body internal mesh lining. As the fabrics might just be sourced from Teijin, their partner in the underwear caper, it is conceivable that in time these jackets will also be recyclable. If they can first figure out how to remove the waterproof/breathable coating. Available for men and women is a variety of colours, for $275 USD. ::Patagonia Storm ...
Ossengal Stain Remover
by Warren McLaren, Sydney on 08.29.05
A TH reader was having trouble getting some dirt out of his clothes using a WonderWash hand powered washing machine. He could try Ossengal natural stain remover. I still have the roll-on stick (very little wastage) that I bought from Real Goods over ten years ago. The stuff just last and lasts. Probably because you only need an inchywichy portion to be effective, One of its active ingredients seems to be derived from enzymes found in the purified gall of oxen, But my Dutch is next to non-existent, so don’t hold me to that. It has been cleaning textiles in Europe for over 150 years, so its efficiency seems not to be in doubt. The Dutch Store has the soap bar version for $2.70 USD. Our vegan friends might find it unsuitable, so they should check out the myriad other natural cleaning ideas suggested by Care2. Otherwise, if your Dutch is better than mine, look here ::Ossengal ...
Biodegradable Golf Tees from Eco Golf
by Collin Dunn, Corvallis, OR, USA on 08.29.05
We already know that Eco Golf makes a golf ball that biodegrades in water, for tricky water hazards or rounds played from a cruise ship. Happily, they also manufacture a biodegradable golf tee that looks and feels just like the wooden tees most golfers still use. Made from corn (you can get the technical specs about the degradable corn polymers they use here), the tees biodegrade in about a year in an active, organic environment; this is about three times fast than the traditional wooden tee. They also last an average of 9.65 drives per tee, compared to 4.21 drives per wood tee, and when they do get left behind, don't splinter and cause blade damage when chopped up by the golf-course mower. Eco Golf claims to be saving over 100,000 trees a year with their corn-based tees, which is certainly good news to our friends at the Kabi Organic Golf Course. $25 US will get you 1,000 tees. ::Eco Golf...
Serious Rainwater Collection at Homeless Center
by Justin Thomas, Virginia on 08.29.05
This building, the Austin Resource Center for the Homeless, was recently given a Green Project Award by the American Institute of Architects (AIA). Created by LZT Architects, the design reduces the load on Austin's storm-water management system with a 13,000-gallon rainwater-collection system for landscape irrigation and flushing of toilets and urinals. Seeing both an architectural and educational opportunity, LZT installed eight 21-foot-tall galvanized-steel water cisterns near the front door. The cisterns double as solar-shading devices in front of a south-facing window, creating a diffused, pearly light within the lobby. :: GreenClips...
Latin American Bus Rapid Transit Systems Congress
by Paula Alvarado, Buenos Aires on 08.29.05
The first congress on Latin American bus rapid transit systems will be held in the Mexican Federal District from September 12th to 15th, 2005.
According to organizers, “the congress is organized to provide a space for study and discussion on integrated systems of transportation in Latin America and particularly in Mexico, in the light of experiences gathered from the Metrobús project in Mexico D.F. and the Optibús project in León, Guanajuato”. Apart from Metrobus, Latin American implementations of this efficient public transportation system include the Rede Integrada de Transporte in Curitiba (Brazil); Transmilenio, in Bogotá (Colombia); Trolebús, in Quito (Ecuador); and Transantiago, in Santiago (Chile).
Some of the subjects to be approached will be Urban planning, Recovery of public spaces, Citizen Participation, Articulated busses with the latest technology, and Emissions control systems.
The congress is organized by the Mexican Centro de Transporte Sustentable (Sustainable Transport Center). For more information, download the PDF English presentation brochure, or contact the organizers by e-mail....
Angelina Jolie Funds Cambodian Wildlife Sanctuary
by Erin Courtenay - Madison, WI on 08.28.05
Cambodia's King Norodom Sihamoni has signed a special decree giving actress Angelina Jolie Cambodian citizenship in recognition of her environmental work in the country. "The King signed the legal paper and that means she now has Cambodian citizenship," Toun Siphan, director of the government's international relation department, told Reuters. The actress, who adopted her son Maddox, from Cambodia, has agreed to donate $5 million dollars over the next 15 years to set up a wildlife sanctuary in a former Khmer Rouge stronghold in the northwestern province of Battambang. Via ENN...
Hugging Trees in Taipei: A View from the Far East
by Christine Lepisto, Berlin on 08.28.05
On a recent trip to the Far East, the talk often returned to newspaper headlines on the investigation which found the potential carcinogen malachite green* in many fish and eel samples from the P.R. China. Discussion in Taiwan led naturally to a discussion of the eco-movement in Taipei. A city of 290,000 in 1930, Taipei now throngs with 2.6 million consumers seeking the good life. With personal income rising, the Taiwanese are finding the extra investment in organic foods more attractive.
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Organic Food Scam in the UK
by Michael Graham Richard, Ottawa, Canada on 08.28.05
"Farmers, retailers and food inspectors have disclosed a catalogue of malpractice, including producers falsely passing off food as organic and retailers failing to gain accreditation from independent inspectors. The findings raise concerns that consumers paying high premiums for organic food are being ripped off." Definitely in the un-treehugger category, this is a reminder to the consumer to keep cautious about what he/she buys, but more importantly, this is a wake up call to governments to pay more attention and make sure their regulations have teeth and are applied. Unfortunately, until the supply of organic food exceeds the demand (which is not the case now), prices will stay high and it will be tempting for some food producers to get their food mislabeled. The only positive aspect is that a situation like that wouldn't be seen if organic food wasn't so incredibly popular and the market for it wasn't growing at more than 20-30% yearly in many parts of the world.
::Britain's organic food scam exposed...
Fairpack
by Justin Thomas, Virginia on 08.28.05
Mark Hadfield's Fairpack is a not-for-profit company that supplies biodegradable plastic bags, recycled paper bags and cotton bags to small retailers at an affordable price. They are apparently quite strong and are comparable in cost to standard carrier bags. The idea for this venture had its genesis in Hatfield's academic thesis. The bags are currently only available in the U.K. See also our discussion on the merits of plastic versus paper bags. :: Fairpack via Greenthinkers via CoolHunting...
TreeHugger Welcomes Brian Merchant!
by Brian Merchant, Brooklyn, New York on 08.28.05
Kicking Horse Fair Trade Organic Coffee
by Lloyd Alter, Toronto on 08.28.05
We were jolted awake this morning by a cup of Kicking Horse Coffee, variety Cliff Hanger Espresso. No need to read cereal boxes with this around- the package kept us busy through breakfast. It's shade grown. "coffee grown under the rain forest canopy gives shelter to flora and fauna...Shade regions support more than 150 species of birds whereas sun grown coffee has about 95% few bird species." It's Fair Trade. "When you buy Fair Trade coffee you are participating in a social and economic movement...ensuring that the farmer recieves a fair price for thier coffee." It's organic. "Certified by the Canadian Organic Certification Co-operative..no pesticides, herbicides or fertilizers which are harmful to both the producer and the environment" (don't forget about us, the drinker!) Our morning hit was never so virtuous. Or tasty. ::Kicking Horse Coffee...
Tectan - Foiled Again
by Warren McLaren, Sydney on 08.28.05
So pleased to discover that Tectan was still around. My little sample is a decade old and I was afraid they might have gone to an early grave, like so many great eco-design businesses that were ahead of their time. But very much alive and kicking. This most remarkable material is made solely from compressed foil-lined cartons, such as those for fruit juice and long-life UHT milk. The polyethylene lining of the cartons becomes the binder, holding the shredded aluminium foil and paperboard together. To repeat: no additives are used, just the cartons themselves! Brilliant. Obviously it would be preferable to have it make new cartons but until that day this is much better than them all heading to landfill. Originally available in flat sheets to become furniture and panelling, old German Tetrapaks can now become curvy injection moulded products, like these rubbish bins. ::Tectan ...
The Sound of Bells from Everest
by Warren McLaren, Sydney on 08.28.05
You’d imagine that mountaineers that would have a very healthy respect for the environment in which they play, especially if the mountain was Everest. Unfortunately it has only been in last few years that environmental responsibility has become more common among expeditions. And wood turner, Jeff Clapp, of Maine, has being doing his bit to contribute. Last year he bought 132 discarded oxygen cylinders from the Nepal Mountaineering Association. After a weeks work on his lathe, he can fashion an unique bell from one of these aluminium cyclinders. Currently the bells retail for about $2,400, but in a Cincinnati Post article Jeff was wondering “should I find a corporation to send me back to Nepal to teach the Sherpas to make the bells themselves, to create a small economy for them?" For now though, the 18 inch (46cm) tall bells can purchased through speciality stores, such as ::Eco-Artware
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TreeHugger breaks it down for you in a series of in depth how-to articles that will help you green your life. No time like the present!
Here are a few recommended websites.
- Ecotality Blog
- Ecostore
- Accidental Environmentalist Jolly Green Girl Confidential
- GreenShopper.com - Environmentally Friendly and Green Shopping Community
- Eco Investment Club
- Runaway Now
- Our Greener Life
- Sustainable is Good
- Variety Presents Green Hollywood
- Switchboard
- Architype Review
- Green Fertility
- The Blue Marble Blog
