- 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 September 11, 2005 - September 17, 2005
Total this week: 95
Leaders and Celebs Promote Programs to Preserve Environment & End Poverty
by Erin Courtenay - Madison, WI on 09.17.05
At a recent special event in NYC Angelique Kidjo, Al Gore, Rosario Dawson and Wyclef Jean joined world leaders and other celebs to support programs to preserve the environment as a means to help end poverty. Dinner and party took place Wednesday Sep. 16 at the Boathouse in Central Park. Former Fugees member Wyclef supplied the party tunes. The event was hosted by the Poverty-Environment Partnership, a network of organizations promoting U.N. goals to promote development and save the world's natural habitat. ...
Salmon Leather
by Christine Lepisto, Berlin on 09.17.05
John Fitzgerald went from catching fish to thinking of perhaps the ultimate waste reclamation project of our generation. With farmed salmon becoming ever more popular, did you ever ask yourself, "what happened to the skins of all this fabulous smoked salmon?" Well, John did. And now he collects the skins, shaved to the millimeter off of the precious flesh which humans consume, and develops them into a fine leather for wallets, handbags, belts, and even one-of-a-kind mini-skirts or vests. The leather is longer lasting than traditional cow leather due to the challenges salmon skin faces over its lifetime: from freshwater to saltwater....
Toyota Plans to Drop Price of Prius
by Justin Thomas, Virginia on 09.17.05
Hybrid vehicles are poised to become very price competitive with their conventional counterparts, according to an announcement from Toyota. USA Today reports that the president of Toyota, Katsuaki Watanabe, says he has told his engineering chief to find a way to cut in half the price difference between fuel-efficient hybrids and similar gasoline models. ...
Sustainable Hot Tubs by SeaOtter Woodworks
by Justin Thomas, Virginia on 09.17.05
Goto Reviews reports on SeaOtter Woodworks, a company based in Alaska that builds hot tubs by hand with Western Red Cedar. They support sound forest management practices — much of the cedar is salvaged windfall and sustainably harvested by small family mills in the towns of Southeast Alaska.
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MPG Stick - Fuel Efficiency Stickers
by Michael Graham Richard, Ottawa, Canada on 09.17.05
We'll put these "mpg" (miles per gallon) stickers in the "almost" category because we're not quite sure about them... We're curious to hear what our readers think; Good idea? Bad idea? Why? On one hand, it does very little to help by itself, but on the other, it might actually serve to educate by showing which cars are gas-sippers and raise awareness about efficiency by making people think about it more. If people took pride in their fuel economy rather than their horsepower, things would certainly be moving in the right direction. Lets just hope we don't see the "80+ MPG" sticker on a Hummer...
::MPG Stick, via ::Triple Pundit...
Beneficial T's by Patagonia - Wholesale Organic T-Shirts
by Michael Graham Richard, Ottawa, Canada on 09.17.05
We wrote about Patagonia quite a number of times: Their storm jacket, common threads recycling, their association with Merrell, their Infurno jacket and their Cord pants made from hemp and post consumer recycled polyester. In the comment section of a recent post, reader fishtoes2000 pointed out that Patagonia has also been making organic t-shirts that they sell wholesale (minimum order is 144, so unless you want lots of t-shirts, you probably won't buy directly from Beneficial T's - to buy individual items, visit Patagonia's store)....
SUVs Sound a Little Flat in Paris
by Christine Lepisto, Berlin on 09.17.05
You've heard about the proposals to ban SUVs in downtown London and downtown Paris. The shock at the gas pump even in the USA is so severe that buying or owning an SUV requires at least a double-think. Now there is another reason not to own one: the Dégonflés. OK, your human mind, so adept at picking up patterns, is saying "why should I worry about a few juicy bugs on my windshield?" However, you are guessing up the wrong avenue. "Dégonflés" in French means more or less "deflated". Under the rubrik of "eco-warriers" the Dégonflés are letting air out of the tires of SUVs in the upscale Paris neighborhoods. Police say it is not a crime...
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Treehugger on Toothpaste
by Lloyd Alter, Toronto on 09.17.05
Toothpaste is tough. Our dentist, who we worship, insists that we use a flouride toothpaste; Others go nuts over flouride. We felt slightly less guilty buying flouride toothpaste from Tom's of Maine, where even the fluoride is natural. (right- ground up fluorspar.that has to be better for us!) UK website ethicscore.org looked at toothpastes recently and rated Tom's and Kingfisher tops, Crest last. ::Ethicscore.org the Guardian article reviews them for flavour and packaging: ::Guardian and tipster Bonnie...
GoGet Carshare
by Warren McLaren, Sydney on 09.17.05
We’ve reported on car sharing schemes before. The likes of ZipCar, FlexCar and StreetCar. So what makes this one different? Well, first it has a spunkier, more creative name and secondly it is Australia’s first professional such service. About 4 years old, it operates out of both Sydney and Melbourne. It’s won a swag of awards and has a growing membership, who reckon that car sharing is “cheaper than owning their own car, renting a car for short trips, bout the same price or cheaper than renting a car for long trips and more convenient than all of the above.” Costs for something like Ernie the Echo [by Toyota] pictured here, are based around $4-6 AUD per hour, depending on the plan one is signed up for. GoGet directly pays for the petrol, although if the tank get under 1/4 full you are obliged to top it up for the next person — GoGet still pay, not you. Their aims are to provide a service that: allows people to live car-free [Think they need better wording here!], decreases car usage, improves local air quality, removes private cars from local streets, increases patronage for public transport, and allows people to lead more active lives. ::GoGet...
Prototype ‘Bladdery’ Powered by Urine
by Warren McLaren, Sydney on 09.17.05
A while back we had the story on sheep urea reducing pollution in buses. Almost as long ago, tipster Angie A. gave us the nod about a battery that’s been developed, which can be fueled by urine. The Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (Singapore) was seeking a way to power portable medical test kits. They came up with a prototype battery that “produced about 1.5 volts, the same as a standard AA battery, and runs for about 90 minutes.” The electricity-producing chemical reaction can apparently also be activated by other so-called bio-fluids, such as tears, blood, and semen. Although not commercialised yet, the scientific community are already wide-eyed about the technology, suggesting it could be applied to laptop computers [a pee-see perhaps!], mp3 players, televisions, and cars. But that's way beyond what it was designed for - medical kits for remote areas — so let's get that working first, before we worry about Western gadgets. TH has come to this a little late, so you can now read WorldChanging’s take on it too. ::via The National Geographic...
Everquest Adventure Bags
by Warren McLaren, Sydney on 09.17.05
What a shame. This could’ve been a fun eco-product line, but unfortunately it lacks any real green credentials—not that Everquest are claiming any. But it would’ve been great to see more complete products made using this concept. But, as usual, I’m getting ahead of myself. What concept? Well, Everquest take materials from events of human endeavour and reuse them in luggage. Like parachute fabric from the Russian Soyuz space missions, or tent material and rope lengths from Camp Two on Everest, and even Spinnaker cloth from the America's Cup challenge in Australia in 1987. While it's cool to see such materials salvaged instead of in the landfill, in this instance they are mostly just decorative overlays, instead of displacing new resources. We’d prefer to see them used in the mode employed by Freitag or Relan. If writing a school report we might say “Johnny has great potential but needs to apply himself more." But at least the bags are made in Canada, so hopefully that means fair wages and working conditions. ::Everquest ...
Indigo Offers Customized Organic T's
by Erin Courtenay - Madison, WI on 09.16.05
Indigo, makers of promotional clothing in the UK is now offering an organic option for their screenprinted/embroidered T's. As a volunteer for community events I know how confusing it can be to secure organic promotional T-shirts, so it is exciting to hear that a major supplier is providing the choice. The T's, supplied by London based Saf, come in a range of colors. ...
Food For Thought Festival
by Erin Courtenay - Madison, WI on 09.16.05
Tonight Madison, Wisconsin kicks off the 7th annual Food for Thought Festival, when growers, vendors and eaters celebrate the bounty of fresh, local and sustainably grown food available in the state. The event includes cooking demonstrations, music, children's activities and delicious food samples. While the festival celebrates regional cuisine and local growers, it is an important part of the national effort to support a sustainable food system. Nationally known guest speakers at past festivals include: Alice Waters, Francis Moore Lappe, Rick Bayless and Eliot Coleman. This year's key-note speaker is Joan Dye Gussow, author of This Organic Life: Confessions of a Suburban Homesteader. ...
Folded Plywood "Wave Desk" by Offi
by Justin Thomas, Virginia on 09.16.05
We featured their magazine rack a while back, but Offi also makes this "Wave Desk" out of formaldehyde-free, folded plywood. Simple, attractive folds form the desk, making light use of resources. It's a fairly compact desk — it was designed with the laptop user in mind. It comes with a birch or walnut veneer and powder coated steel legs. The price is $599. :: Vivavi
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Just what we needed: an LED lit plastic bathtub
by Lloyd Alter, Toronto on 09.16.05
Treehugger loves LED's- they are a wonderful energy saver with an important future. Here the designers have managed to turn the prosaic bathtub into a light show, adding programmable LED's to a tub moulded from polyethylene, a fine plastic made from nonrenewable resources. Now, your tub can consume energy just sitting there. It is lovely to look at, but one really has to work to think of something more frivolous.::Generate via ::ohgizmo...
Verdi Chair by CNI Furniture
by Justin Thomas, Virginia on 09.16.05
CNI Furniture is a Canadian company offering a line of modern, handmade furniture called "Eco Design 2005", that is constructed with exotic vegetable fibers. The collection, consisting of 125 pieces, includes not only chair and sofas, but also lamps and other accessories for the home. This Verdi Chair is made in Italy with woven vegetable fibers, twisted on stainless steel wire and sealed with resin. Unfortunately, there's no online ordering yet — CNI's web presence consists of a scanned print catalog. :: CNI Furniture via Inhabitat...
100% Eucalyptus Serving Tray
by Justin Thomas, Virginia on 09.16.05
This serving tray is made out of 100% eucalyptus — that sustainable, FSC-certified wood that excels in outdoor conditions. It's a timber that has a lot going for it: density, straight grain, a smooth finish, and a honey color. You can see Patio Furniture's whole Eucalyptus collection here. The serving tray is priced at $199.97 including shipping. :: Patio Furniture USA...
Wooden Duck Sustainable Furniture
by Erin Courtenay - Madison, WI on 09.16.05
The Wooden Duck was started in 1995 when the founders began importing recycled Teak furniture from Indonesia. Over the years, they have expanded their scope to include production in various countries throughout the world (India, Hungary, Slovakia and Poland), as well as offering local craftspeople working with reclaimed materials space to show and sell their furniture. Their factory in Berkeley produces a line of furniture made from recycled Douglas Fir, and is known for beautiful tables and custom pieces. Wooden Duck's principal goal is to offer high quality, simply styled furniture at the lowest prices possible while maintaining their commitment to the environment by using recycled materials whenever possible....
Sage by Delano Collection
by Justin Thomas, Virginia on 09.16.05
Sage by Delano Collection is a sustainable women's clothing line that was created to feature sophisticated, classically tailored pieces. Seen here is their first release: a coat created with a 100% organic wool shell and a lining made of bamboo fabric. The initial impulse was to design a "polar fleece" coat, but Chuck Heckman, the designer, found that the material didn't satisfy his sustainable or aesthetic inclinations. Instead, an organic wool felt was created especially for this jacket in conjunction with the Vermont Organic Fiber Company. The bamboo lining is a cellulose fabric, which means that bamboo "wood" is broken down into fibers using a chemical process. The resulting fibers are woven into this super-soft material. The chemicals used in the break-down process are recycled and reused to reduce waste and pollution. You can read an interview with the designer Chuck Heckman, on ECO PSFK. :: Delano Collection...
OQOQO: Lululemon's Line of Sustainable Clothing
by Erin Courtenay - Madison, WI on 09.16.05
Lululemon, the popular maker of comfy, flattering yoga clothing has launched a special sustainable line called OQOQO (pronounced OhKoKo). They are committed to having every garment produced to be at least 75% natural, organic or sustainable and they are working towards a vision that every piece created will be produced from 100% renewable resources. The sustainably sourced textiles are made of bamboo, soy, organic cotton or hemp and dyed with non-azo dyes. The garments are made in Vancouver, Canada. Thank you for the tip Andreea!...
Instant Survey: Carbon Credits
by Jeremy McCumber on 09.16.05
Solar-Powered Scooter Update
by Sean Fisher, Cincinnati, Ohio on 09.16.05
A few months ago, we introduced you to Don Dunklee's DIY solar-powered scooter. In true Treehugger fashion Don installed folding solar panels onto his electric scooter to power itself in the sunny months. During these months, instead of plugging his scooter in, Don simply has to place it outside. Well, Don recently gave us an update on how the scooter has been holding up since we first wrote about it.
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Orange County Goes Green on Fox’s "The O.C."
by Kara DiCamillo, Newport, Rhode Island on 09.16.05
Did anyone catch The O.C. last night? It’s okay you can admit it. For all of you who are unfamiliar, the show is about a group of teenagers growing up in Orange County, CA. Think Beverly Hills 90210 for this one. They’re rich, they shop, they complain about their parents and the woes of being a teenager, with some major drama thrown in. Well, last night the show highlighted the annual high school carnival and we were quite thrilled to hear what they were raffling off – a Toyota Highlander Hybrid (as Summer suggested, “instead of a gas-guzzling SUV” and the girls agree with her "how cool!"). Yes, this might not be the typical teenage car, as nothing on The O.C. is typical, but kudos to Fox TV and The O.C.’s creator Josh Schwartz (a Providence native we might add) for throwing it in for all the millions of young folks out there that watch it. Now if only we could get Ryan to trade in that Range Rover. ::The O.C. ...
Talking Green : Talking Architecture
by Dominic Muren, Philadelphia, USA on 09.16.05
City University New York is sponsoring a new lecture series this year called "Talking Green". In an effort to expose some of the great recent discussion on green design, architecture, sustainable living, and new green policy in government, these lectures will focus on some of the movers and shakers in each field. The first talk is on sustainable architecture, the new LEED standards and successful implementations in buildings. Architects, urban planners, officials, and designers will be on hand for a panel discussion of the current state of the art.
The talk will be next Thursday, Sept 22 from 7-9PM. Tickets are $20, or $10 for students. For more information, directions, or to sign up, visit the events calendar at GreenhomeNYC. :: GreenHomeNYC...
When the Waters Recede, Let There Be Green
by John Laumer, Philadelphia on 09.16.05
You may have read EPA's first report on the environmental contamination from Hurricane Katrina. The news from it offers little insight to residents wondering about the origin and fate of the materials found. Operating from a very limited definition of “environment” EPA has yet to present even these sparse data in a way that empowers planning for action. So we thought we’d give it a try at the information level, and we'll wait for EPA to catch up with more data later. The oily flood water we've all heard about has an obvious explanation: oil floats on water; and plenty of oil-displacing water has entered restaurant grease diposal tanks, below ground filling station tanks, car and truck fuel tanks, industrial processes and containers, and so on. The good news is that the New Orleans heat will evaporate and promote rapid biodegradation of organic materials . Ethanol from the bars and even that in gasoline is like candy to bacteria and will soon be broken down to C02, for example....
Back to School With Barbara's Bakery
by Kara DiCamillo, Newport, Rhode Island on 09.16.05
If you’re looking for a new snack to throw in your kid’s lunchbox, along with Santa Cruz’s Organic Blackberry Sauce, of course, try Snackimals from Barbara’s Bakery. We raved about their Puffin Cereal and we think you’ll like these too. With three flavors to choose from (Wheat-Free Oatmeal, Chocolate Chip and Vanilla) each are made with organic ingredients and are non-dairy, vegan and kosher. The elephants, camels, tigers and bears (oh my!) come in 7 ½-ounce reclosable bags as well as single-serving bags. They can be found in natural and health food stores nationwide and, as with all of Barbara’s cereals and snacks, the packaging is made from recycled materials. ::Barbara’s Bakery ...
We told you so dept: Gas Price really does affect Demand
by Lloyd Alter, Toronto on 09.16.05
Many months ago when gas was still cheap we derided the President of GM for saying, about gas prices and SUV sales, "Rich people don't care". We have said all along that when gas costs more than a bottle of Dasani alternatives become attractive. People vote with their wallets and as this graph shows, consumption of gasoline has dropped precipitously since the current spike. Are people walking more? Riding bikes? Car pooling? The CO2 numbers will follow and the Long Emergency will take just a little bit longer to get here. ::Econobrowser...
Like Shooting Fish in a Barrel
by Lloyd Alter, Toronto on 09.16.05
It is sometimes really hard to be a treehugger. Here we are, eating lots of fish and greasing our guts with Omega-3 oils, and it turns out that this is creating rampant over-exploitation and depletion of fishstocks. A new report from Sustainweb.Org states "unless people change what they eat, and governments stop running scared of vested interests, we're simply going to run out of fish". However there are positive things we can do:
-purchase fish certifed by the Marine Stewardship Council
-buy organically farmed fish
-hold the anchovies and get your Omega-3 from flaxseed, walnut oil and, treehuggers rejoice, Hemp oil!
::Shooting Fish in a Barrel PDF via ::Guardian and tipster Bonnie
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Exercising the Mooncup – stories from active women.
by Petz Scholtus, Barcelona, Spain on 09.16.05
This is a shout out to all you sporty, active, treehugging women out there. Mooncup wants your stories! You might remember that we posted an article about the wonder that is the Mooncup a few months back.
The Mooncup is the U.K. version of a menstrual cup. Many of you will also have heard of the Canadian Divacup and the American Keeper. For the uninitiated: the Mooncup is a medical grade silicone cup which is used at that ‘time of the month’ to ‘stem the flow’. Not only is it amazingly simple and convenient, but it also saves you plenty of money and saves the earth from plenty of landfill. One of the best things about writing for Treehugger is......
Worn Again — More Than Just Funky Footwear
by Warren McLaren, Sydney on 09.16.05
Here’s a prime example of why Graham founded Treehugger in the first place. So we could showcase hip, more sustainable ways of living, and doing business. 'Worn Again' would appear to uphold all the values we seek for that greener future. These are shoes, but not as we know them, Toto. Worn Again take materials like charity store coats, ex-military parachutes, prison blankets, car seat scrap leather, old towels and recycled rubber, crafting them into some funky looking trainers (that's British for sports shoe). They openly tell you a factory in China will make them, but one that honours international standards of social accountability, quality and environmental management. About 1.3% of the production cost is set aside to balance carbon emissions from ......
Panasonic Wins Green TV of the Year Award
by Collin Dunn, Corvallis, OR, USA on 09.16.05
Panasonic has won the first ever EISA Green TV of the Year Award for 2005 and 2006. The winning 28-inch widescreen (model number TX-28PN1, for those of you keeping score at home) won because it shows how more efficient consumer electronics equipment can save energy and resources, all while providing top-notch quality and performance. The judges concluded that "this set is built on an eco-designed chassis with reduced wiring and a small transformer lead. It aims to reduce energy consumption both when operating and in standby mode -- plus it boasts a high level of recyclability." While both the EISA (European Imaging and Sound Association) and Panasonic are mum on the exact numbers, the EISA has the credentials to represent that they know what they're talking about; they're the largest editorial multimedia organization in Europe, with a membership of 52 audio, mobile electronics, video and photo magazines drawn from 18 European countries. ::EISA Awards...
MycoSpored Oil - Death by a Million Mushrooms
by Warren McLaren, Sydney on 09.16.05
We get some pretty weird stuff across the Treehugger desk at times. And today, thanks to the bravery of tipster, Rob M (even he thought it was a ‘crazy idea’), we can share this one with you. It’s an environmentally friendly, biodegradable lubricant for chain-saws and other wood cutting tools. In a 10% dilution with canola oil, not only does it lube your chainsaw, but it accelates the decomposition of the resulting stump. The oil is, you see, infused with a mushroom spore-mass. As the blade spins about chopping down the tree, [whaaaaaa!] umpteen spores are dispersed. They in turn germinate and compost the exposed trunk. It doesn't need to be burnt or ripped out, so vital forest litter is retained. Depending on whether your forest is soft or hardwood, you can can select Pearl Oyster, Shiitake, and Conifer Tuft mushrooms. $30 USD a quart. Just what will they think of next? ::Fungi Perfecti...
World Carfree Day — 22 September
by Warren McLaren, Sydney on 09.16.05
The TV news here the other night, reckoned that consumer spending is likely to dip, due to the high cost of oil and thus fuel for cars. Folk will be buying less, such as clothes and cosmetics, the pundits proffered. No mention was made of people driving less though. So it would seem more than timely that 22 September should be World Carfree Day. For a myriad of reasons this is great promotional event, but what caught our eye was a stat on World Carfree Network’s site. They suggest that “A car causes more pollution [in its production] before it's ever driven, than in its entire lifetime of driving.” This Saturday, in disgust at such nonsense, an estimated 10,000 cyclists are expected to hit the streets of Berlin. And over in Minsk, Belarus, there's a race to see which is fastest: car, public transport, or bicycle. (And we know who always wins these comps, don’t we?). So, don’t just sit there, pedal, walk, skate, run, blade, train, tram, paddle over to the international events site and see what’s going down in your neighbourhood. 1,544 cities in 40 countries, so we’re told. ::World Carfree Day...
Treehugger Reader Feedback Request
by Jeremy McCumber on 09.15.05
Modern Wooden Furniture by BabyGeared
by Justin Thomas, Virginia on 09.15.05
BabyGeared has all kind of modern wooden furniture designed especially for younger folks. Most of the pieces are constructed in Germany and are JPMA certified. The "Artemis Rocker" seen here is made from Baltic birch plywood with a clear, non-toxic finish. It was designed by Argington — a family-run business with a strong background in fine art, wood working and architecture. It is available for $150. :: BabyGeared...
DIY Eco-Tech: Last Day
by Sean Fisher, Cincinnati, Ohio on 09.15.05
Attention procrastinators: Today is the last day to enter our DIY Eco-tech contest. Make sure you get your entry in before midnight tonight in order to be eligible for the Voltaic Systems backpack, 2 year subscription to MAKE Magazine, and a limited edition MAKE t-shirt. Remember we need both a photo (preferably multiple photos) and a written description of your DIY Eco-tech so we know what we are looking at. Time is running out, so get to it!...
Wolf Induction Cooktop
by Justin Thomas, Virginia on 09.15.05
This new cooktop from Wolf uses induction to cook food efficiently, while the cooking surface stays cool to the touch. You must use a pan made of a magnetic material like stainless steel or cast iron. The manufacturer claims that the rate of heat adjustment is 50% faster than gas or electric. Induction stovetops also use less than half the energy standard coil elements use. How does it work? The electricity flows through a coil to produce a magnetic field under the ceramic cooktop. When an iron or magnetic stainless pan is placed on the ceramic surface, currents are induced in the cooking utensil and instant heat is generated due to the resistance of the pan. :: Wolf Induction Cooktop via Goto Reviews and productdose...
TreeHugger Welcomes Josh Peterson!
by Josh Peterson, Los Angeles, California on 09.15.05
The Green Loop: An Eco Fashion Store
by Justin Thomas, Virginia on 09.15.05
The Green Loop is an online fashion store whose stated mission is "an alignment of style and sustainability, a fusion of aesthetics and ethics." They have a good selection of men's and women's clothing from a variety green fashion labels such as Loomstate, Stewart+Brown and Nui Organics. See here is the "Double Rib Zip Hoody" by Ecoganik. It is made with certified organic cotton and eco-friendly dyes, and is priced at $88. :: The Green Loop ...
Discussion: Investing in Efficiency - Car or House?
by Michael Graham Richard, Ottawa, Canada on 09.15.05
A reader who goes by the name of Sorin sent us a very interesting email (in case you didn't know, you can do the same by clicking on "send us tips" on the right). His arguments are very convincing and we think that they need to be heard. Instead of paraphrasing him or her, we are publishing the whole email below....
Coming Down The Pipeline
by John Laumer, Philadelphia on 09.15.05
A recent Financial Times story discussed how the major car makers are planning for propulsion systems of the future. Mostly the article summarized things TreeHugger readers have long known of. Buried inside was a wonderful insight from a GM Executive. "Larry Burns, GM vice-president for research, development and planning, says: "We have surveyed how hydrogen can be conveniently available to customers in the US. We have worked out that you would need 11,700 hydrogen stations in the l00 largest cities in the US such that a person is never more than two miles from one and also had them located every 25 miles on the freeway system. "Whether it's a natural gas reformer at a station that already has natural gas coming through it or natural gas converted to liquid hydrogen at a central site and then trucked, we estimate it will cost around Dollars 1m per station."...
Event: Women In Sustainable Agriculture
by Kara DiCamillo, Newport, Rhode Island on 09.15.05
Hey ladies of New England – this one’s for you! From October 21-23, celebrate the role of women in agriculture in Burlington, VT sponsored by the Northeast Organic Farming Association (NOFA). The event includes speakers and workshops that will focus on the hope and opportunity that women bring to locally grown food. The even is bound to stimulate your creativity and delight your spirits. To view the conference brochure, click here (PDF file). ::Women In Sustainable Agriculture Conference ::NOFA...
On & On Clothing
by Kara DiCamillo, Newport, Rhode Island on 09.15.05
We were really intrigued when we got an email from Rebecca Khoury, general manager and partner for On & On clothing in Montreal. Each season, they recycle thousands of clothes and use the fabric to transform them into pieces of art that become unique pieces for each of their collections. On & On is in its third year of operation and have just finished their eighth collection (Spring/Summer 2006) that will be showcased for the first time at the Toronto Fashion Week in October. If you’d like to participate in the recuperation process, click here to find a list of clothing they accept. ::On & On
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Muji Earthquake Packs
by Lloyd Alter, Toronto on 09.15.05
Treehugger loves Muji, from its cardboard speakers to its houses and office supplies. Here is something that stores in North America should sell: a well designed package of post-earthquake (or other disaster) emergency supplies. We all face a possible Katrina and should be prepared. If it looks good beside the front door perhaps we won't bury it in the back of a closet when we need it quickly. ::Jeansnow.net via ::PSFK
UPDATE: there has been additional information posted on ::wemakemoneynotart with a link to the appropriate page on ::Muji where you can see the contents....
Komodo: Thankfully Better Looking Than Namesake
by Warren McLaren, Sydney on 09.15.05
Hemp, bamboo, ramie, linen. Seems these guys are talking our language. Komodo do a line of mens and womens apparel, that in glossy fashion magazines would be tagged ‘resort wear’. For us mere mortals that’s what we pull on for the weekends, or whilst on holidays. These casual clothes use those aforementioned natural materials. Their new beach shoes (thongs we call ‘em down here) are made with soles of reused motorcycle tyres, which might come as no surprise when it looks as if one of their offices is in Bali. The uppers are of various grasses and banana plant fibres. And the toe straps apparently from rescued textiles. Their site is heavy on aesthetics and light on detail, so we might’ve missed some specifics, but it’s good to see a 17 year old player in the rag trade keen to promote being “environmentally and socially reponsible”. ::Komodo...
Portable Person Powered Paper Pulveriser
by Warren McLaren, Sydney on 09.15.05
Tipster Nessie thought we might all get a kick outta this pint sized muscle-powered paper shredder. It’s probably something that politicians asked James Bond’s Department Q to conjure up, so they could smuggle it to work and ever so quietly destroy incriminating documents. No big horrible whirring sounds, like someones fallen into a thresher. The down side is its size. Only 4.5 inches wide. But they do say you can feed two sheets at a time. Maybe you can fold a standard letter sheet in half? Still, I wonder if scissors might not be just as fast. For $4 USD maybe a Boll shirt customer can test one, and report back? ::Flax Art...
AVD & Work Bikes
by Warren McLaren, Sydney on 09.15.05
Here be yet another pedal-powered cargo hauler. This one has the strange distinction of being hailed by Ford as the future of vehicle design. Work that one out! Originally made by the same company that fabricates that cool looking three-wheeler: the Windcheetah, AVD’s utility vehicles were last year bought by the German firm Work Bikes. And while they sort out the transition, we can admire one of their models — the quad bike, known as the Van (if out of London) or Cargo (if from Berlin). Perched atop the powered coated, steel frame, with its 7 speed hub drive is a commodious glassfibre storage canopy. This will absorb 1,200 litres of stuff, weighing up to 200kg. (Take a peek at a pic in the extended post to see what this all means.) ...
Extreme Gas-Saving Car Modification
by Justin Thomas, Virginia on 09.15.05
Here's an extreme car modification to combat the rising gas prices in the U.S. This mod will really cut down on trips to the pump, though you will need to start visiting the local feed store more often. One thing you will need to watch out for with this kind of set-up is going to be the exhaust issues, just so you’re aware. The other issue may be irate motorists who find themselves behind you — the Amish can certainly attest to this problem....
Vinyl Lunch Boxes Found To Contain Lead
by Justin Thomas, Virginia on 09.15.05
I've said it before: anything made of vinyl is bad news. The Center for Environmental Health (CEH), based in Calfornia, announced that is filling lawsuits against retailers of soft vinyl lunch boxes that can expose children to harmful levels of lead. The companies include: Toys “R” Us, Warner Brothers, DC Comics, Time Warner, Walgreens, and others. The level of lead in one lunch box, an Angela Anaconda box made by Targus International, tested as having 90 times the limit for lead in paint in children’s products. ...
CarbonNeutral's All Celebrity Forests
by Erin Courtenay - Madison, WI on 09.14.05
From taxicabs to soccer matches, carbon neutrality is gaining a lot of momentum these days. One of the major organizations leading the trend is the CarbonNeutral Company - formerly known as Future Forests (perhaps the controversy led to the name change?). We've mentioned their celebrity program in past posts, but a closer look at their website shows off some pretty cool names. In spite of the uncertainty about the efficacy of carbon offsetting, the Celebrity Forests program does reveal some of the who's who of a growing list of "green celebs" who are making environmental protection a priority. Dido, Atomic Kitten, and Iron Maiden are just a few celebs who have supported tree planting programs via CarbonNeutral. ...
Hybrid Technologies to Produce Electric Smart Car
by Michael Graham Richard, Ottawa, Canada on 09.14.05
The smart car made by DaimlerChrysler seems to be popular for modification projects. Recently, we wrote about a smart car with a motorcycle engine, and now we learn that a company called Hybrid Technologies is planning to produce an all-electric version of the vehicle. At first, it will be available to the European fleet and government sectors. "Initial orders for lithium Smart Cars will be manufactured by Cinema Vehicles, the company that has already worked with Hybrid Technologies on its electric versions of the Crossfire (R Car), Mini Cooper and PT Cruiser." The electric smart car will have a range of over 120 miles per charge (at highway speeds), and it should take 10 hours to recharge the 30kWh battery pack with the 3,000W charger, or 6 hours with the optional 5,000W charger. Pricing has not yet been released.
::Hybrid Technologies Begins Production of Lithium Smart Car, ::Hybrid Technologies, via ::Green Car Congress...
Folding, Recycled Wrought Iron Table
by Justin Thomas, Virginia on 09.14.05
Iron is one material that recycles quite readily. This folding table from Paradox Home Solutions is hand-made with salvaged scrap iron. It has a powder-coated, weather resistant finish so you can use it outdoors. It is priced at $199 (includes shipping). Paradox sells a wide range of recycled wrought iron furnishings, see the whole collection here. :: Paradox Home Solutions...
Reclaimed Hardwood "Seam Chair" by C.G. Sparks
by Justin Thomas, Virginia on 09.14.05
C.G. Sparks is a company based in Utah, that imports handmade furniture from India. Much of their inventory, while quite attractive, appears to be constructed with virgin hardwoods. But on the more sustainable side, their Seam Chair is constructed with solid, reclaimed hardwood timbers. It is coated with a clear strain to showcase the beauty of the wood. It is priced at $170. :: C.G. Sparks...
Inveneo: Solar and Pedal-Powered Phones for Uganda
by Michael Graham Richard, Ottawa, Canada on 09.14.05
Wired carries a very interesting story about a high-tech startup, Inveneo, that created a Voice Over IP system (VOIP is basically sending two-way voice signals with computers, mimicking the traditional phone system) that is adapted to the particular context of rural Uganda (and thus, large parts of Africa) and can make a big difference to these people who otherwise have to walk 3-4 kilometers every time they need to communicate. Inveneo has already installed phone systems in four isolated villages in the western part of Uganda, in the Bukuuku subcounty....
Hemp Gift Wrap by Paporganics
by Justin Thomas, Virginia on 09.14.05
Virgin forest fiber, bleach and heavy-metal inks need not be a part of gift giving. Paporganics is a company that creates sustainable gift wraps, tissue wraps and greetings cards. They have a range of Hemp Wrap designs, which are printed with vegetable-based inks on sheets of hemp blend paper. The long fibers of hemp and flax add strength to the shorter recycled fibers, creating a wrapping paper that has strength and sustainability. They even sell natural wrapping ribbon which is constructed with a water-based adhesive and colored with soy-based ink. The gift wrap is priced at $4.50 for 2 sheets per package (24″ x 36″). :: Paporganics...
Organic Uniform Challenge
by John Laumer, Philadelphia on 09.14.05
One of our readers asked if we could help define a business case for purchasing work uniforms made of organic fiber. We realized that Josh's question was a metaphor for how mainstream organic clothing can get. Attempting an answer gets into the sticky life cycle details. Consider whether the uniforms are to be natural or earth toned versus bright or patterned. If you've ever walked the corridors of a hospital, for example, you'll have noticed staff wearing gaudy abstract and floral print uniform tops and lab coats. What would be the point of printing organic cotton with toxic aniline dyes? It would take a heavy handed employer or a major shift in employee preferences to drive medical uniform design toward the plain organic end of the spectrum....
Erbaviva’s Organic Diaper Cream
by Kara DiCamillo, Newport, Rhode Island on 09.14.05
We’ve certainly written a lot of posts about all natural health & beauty products, including some for babies as well. But one thing we haven’t touched on yet is a product for one of Baby’s most sensitive parts of the body. Erbaviva’s Organic Diaper Cream has a natural cream base made from Echinacea, lavender and chamomile so Baby’s bum is protected. Erbaviva started their business with organic baby and mommy-to-be upscale products completely free from harsh detergents, chemical fragrances and other unhealthy additives. They’ve recently expanded to organic aromatherapy and bath & body and offer soaps, lotions, deodorant and bath salts. ::Erbaviva...
Almost: Free Spirit Outfitter Paws
by Kara DiCamillo, Newport, Rhode Island on 09.14.05
So we admit it, sometimes we do get carried away when it comes to the pooch, but their body needs to stay in good health like ours, right? And although dog paws are tougher than human feet we still find that long periods of time in the snow or woods do take a toll on ole’ Duke’s “dogs.” (heh heh) Free Spirit’s Outfitter Paws are rugged booties with soles made from recycled tire material, making them flexible, skid-resistant and durable. They are good for offering protection against cuts and blisters and with winter approaching we’ve got those awful salty roads and sidewalks to think about again. You can purchase just one or up to four and they are available in red or camouflage. ::Free Spirit ...
Soy Wax Candles by Timothy Han
by Lloyd Alter, Toronto on 09.14.05
We have previously discussed soy candles, electric candles and the problems of burning paraffin wax. Timothy Han makes candles out of soy wax and attests that burning soy wax does not produce the kinds of toxins that come from burning paraffin. He uses wicks that have no lead or other metals. There is a lot of evidence that the current popularity of candles is leading to a deterioration of indoor air quality and a serious increase in disastrous fires- go for quality, use them carefully, and do not try to emulate that scene in Bull Durham between Kevin Costner and Susan Sarandon. ::Timothy Han via ::Guardian thanks tipster Bonnie!...
Smart Clothing Mimics Pine Cones
by Collin Dunn, Corvallis, OR, USA on 09.14.05
The University of Bath and the London College of Fashion are jointly researching biomimetic clothing (an idea whose virtues we've extolled before) that would function similarly to the system used by pine cones to open up and emit seeds. The clothing will use the latest in what the partnership calls "micro technology" to produce material which will let in air to cool a wearer when it is hot and shut out air when it is cold. The smart garments will consist of a top layer of tiny spikes of water-absorbent material, possibly wool, each only 1/200th of a millimeter wide. When the wearer of the clothing gets hot and sweats, the tiny spikes in the material will react to the moisture and automatically open up, so that air from the outside can get through the material to cool the wearer. When the wearer stops sweating, the diminuitive spikes will close down again to stop air from getting in. The lower layer will be water-resistant, keeping rain and other moisture out whether the spikes are either open or closed.
The project has been chosen as one of eight to represent United Kingdom science at Expo 2005 in Japan from March to September next year. The Expo's theme is "Nature's Wisdom," and is expected to attract 15 million visitors. Professor Julian Vincent, head of the University of Bath's Centre for Biomimetics, said: "The new smart clothing will make wearers' lives much more comfortable by automatically adjusting their clothing to control their body temperature...we're pleased to combine our expertise in technology with cutting-edge clothing design." The material could have a wide variety of applications and could be used for coats, hats, gloves, shirts, trousers, dresses and skirts. ::University of Bath...
Helios Pendant
by Kyeann Sayer, Nomad on 09.14.05
When sunlight isn't available it's nice to have a back-up that not only illuminates, but fascinates. The Helios Pendant's powers of light refraction and sensuous shape will keep eyes drawn curiously to it much longer than we can look at the acutal sun. As if that weren't enough, its construction uses a host of eco-friendly materials including bamboo, recycled aluminum and partially recycled glass. Your Helios can truly be yours alone because each hand-made piece is signed by its creator. Comes in three sizes and six colors; custom options available. :: jgooddesign...
Carrie Scott Plastique Chic Handbags
by Kyeann Sayer, Nomad on 09.13.05
It wasn't long ago that many of us idled in our cars at the bank waiting for the drive thru carrier to transport our cash through a suction tube. If we were lucky, a sweet teller might include a lollipop. Now, in the age of ATM ubiquity, Santa Monica's Carrie Scott has given those out of work money messengers new jobs as smart accessories. You can carry your cash, candy, and other necessities in this sturdy, versatile, re-use inspiration....
Certified Jeans: Organic and Made in the U.S.
by Justin Thomas, Virginia on 09.13.05
Certified Jeans is a small company in Seattle that makes jeans out of 100% organic cotton or transitional cotton grown in the U.S. "Transitional cotton" refers to cotton that's grown on land during the three-year period required for land to transition to certified organic fields. A natural enzyme wash is used for coloring. The "relaxed fit" men's jeans pictured here are priced at $68 a pair. :: Certified Jeans...
FIFA World Cup to go Carbon Neutral
by Jacob Gordon, Nashville, TN on 09.13.05
The 2006 FIFA Soccer World Cup finals to be held in Berlin will be making environmental history this coming year as it strives toward its proclaimed goal of ‘climate neutrality.’ Seeing as the World Cup finals are the most popular sporting event in the world, more so than even the Olympics, this will be the largest climate neutral sports event ever. The World Cup Organizing Committee has signed a partnership agreement with the United Nations Environmental Program (UNEP) and Germany’s environmental minister to assess the games’ environmental impact and develop the Green Goal initiative for offsetting the estimated 100,000 metric tons of greenhouse gasses expected to be emitted by the event’s activity....
Root of the Earth Platter from Viva Terra
by Justin Thomas, Virginia on 09.13.05
Here's something new from the folks at Viva Terra, who's online store we have featured previously. These platters are hand-carved from the discarded root balls of Chinese fir trees into. Each individually carved platter follows the contour of the tree's growth rings and can hold large servings. The platters are untreated, so cosmetic cracks and irregular grain patterns are normal. They are priced at $59. :: Viva Terra...
"Sustainable" Label Offered As Alternative to "Organic"
by Justin Thomas, Virginia on 09.13.05
Grist reports that coalition of farmers, environmentalists, and public officials is promoting an alternative to the "organic" label: a "sustainable" certification system and label. The system sets standards for water quality, soil management, and wildlife protection, but, in a notable departure from organic farming, it allows use of synthetic pesticides. Participating growers are rated on their pesticide practices. Those in the organic farming industry are skeptical about the new label, saying it may confuse consumers. But the sustainable scheme's supporters say the label will appeal to green-minded shoppers who can't afford to buy organic. But is this label truthful? If synthetic pesticides are being used, can the food be accurately labeled "sustainable"? :: San Diego Union-Tribune via Grist...
DIY Eco-Tech Contest: Get Some Exposure
by Sean Fisher, Cincinnati, Ohio on 09.13.05
You have been hearing the past couple weeks about our DIY Eco-tech contest and the great prize package we have lined up from our friends at Voltaic Systems and MAKE Magazine. Well, unfortunately all good things come to an end, and so does the contest this Thursday, Septmeber 15th. So, with the great prizes, a chance to get your hard work shown on Treehugger, and the instant tech-cred that goes along with first place, why haven't you entered yet? Show us your DIY side and enter your eco-tech innovation to us at: contest [at] treehugger [ dot] com by September 15th! ...
Seattle Garbage Trucks To Spew Less Garbage Into Air
by Michael Graham Richard, Ottawa, Canada on 09.13.05
Seattle is on the move! Already a leader in recycling, soon to start recycling/composting food waste on a large scale (we wrote about this here), the city is now cleaning up its garbage truck fleet. Mayor Greg Nickels has announced that the garbage and recycling trucks will upgrade their exhaust by retrofitting diesel oxidation catalysts and start using a blend of ultra-low sulfur diesel (80%) and biodiesel (20%). In the words of Mike from Green Car Congress: "A diesel oxidation catalyst is a flow-through device installed on the exhaust pipe. As exhaust gases pass through it, the catalyst, carbon monoxide, gaseous hydrocarbons and liquid hydrocarbon particles (unburned fuel and oil) oxidize, thereby reducing emissions. When combined with ultra-low sulfur diesel, emissions of fine particulates and toxic air pollutants are reduced by as much as 90%."...
British Biofuels Limited by Biodiversity
by John Laumer, Philadelphia on 09.13.05
The Guardian of 12 September characterizes the tradeoff with this headline: "Wildlife at risk in farm land grab for fuel alternatives". The way the arguement boils down ..."The European Conference on Climate Change Biodiversity, organised by English Nature, concluded that a rush to meet the EU target of 5.75% of bio-fuels for transport by 2010, would damage wildlife"..."In compiling a report to European environment and agricultural ministers they concluded: "You can either feed humans or cars but not both."" Projected losses would include the remainder of England's hedgrows, home of the hedgehog and setting of many a childhood tale, depletion of surface waters through willow culture, and so on. The punchline, for us, is this: "The German [segment of the] report concluded that in the UK, Belgium and Germany far more gains for the environment would be made by reducing the size of car engines than by producing fuels from crops. Average fuel consumption could be reduced by 40% per vehicle, a far greater gain in reducing carbon dioxide emissions than substituting bio-fuels for coal or diesel."...
Almost: Max Studio’s Cashmere & Soybean Sweater
by Kara DiCamillo, Newport, Rhode Island on 09.13.05
One of TreeHugger’s avid readers, Victoria E., sent us to Max Studio to check out a sweater that they have made from blending cashmere and soybean yarns. We like the details of it and really, really like that it’s 85% soybean fiber. Even though the goats used to make this sweater aren’t necessarily killed for their fur, we’re still going to put it in the “almost” category because 60% of the world’s cashmere does get shipped from China and several other countries. Here’s a few quick facts on cashmere: 1.) It takes each goat four years to produce enough cashmere for one sweater. 2.) In order to collect the cashmere, each goat is combed by hand every spring. 3.) The fleece is then collected and sorted by hand. Apparently they’ve recently started breeding stock in the U.S., but we’re not sure where the cashmere comes from to make these particular sweaters. Nevertheless, it is quite reasonable for being partially cashmere at $98. ::Max Studio...
Crate & Barrel’s Bamboo Bento Collection
by Kara DiCamillo, Newport, Rhode Island on 09.13.05
When we announced about a year ago that Crate & Barrel had introduced their “Kona” coconut wood rug, it seemed like they were still fairly new to the eco-concept. But now on their Web site they say “being proponents of the recent movement to use beautiful eco-friendly bamboo in new ways, we are very excited to introduce our first furniture collection designed to take advantage of bamboo’s beauty and unique properties.” Using boards made from pressed bamboo, Crate & Barrel’s new collection includes several different pieces of bedroom furniture such as a nightstand and a dresser. ::Crate & Barrel...
Recycle computers by giving them to senior citizens
by Lloyd Alter, Toronto on 09.13.05
There are a lot of senior citizens who have never used computers and have no idea how they can enrich their lives when they are less mobile and family are far away. Furthermore most computers turn into toxic e-waste when tossed in the dump. An innovative project in Maine links seniors with companies and individuals with old computers, bringing seniors into the information age. As founder Rick Bonneau said: "Computers could help with loneliness. Seniors could converse with family members out of the area, chat with relatives out of state. They could check the weather or play solitaire or (other) games. It could pass the time away." ::Kennebec Journal...
Brazilian Businessman to Sail in PET Bottles Ship
by Paula Alvarado, Buenos Aires on 09.13.05
São Paulo businessman Eduardo Pereira de Carvalho is about to take a two months trip through São Francisco River in a boat whose basement is composed by recycled PET bottles. It will be a 1371 kilometres journey through the largest all Brazilian river, which crosses five states. It will start at Pirapora Port, in the state of Minas Geráis, and will end in Juazeiro, state of Bahia. While passing along the cities in between, De Carvalho will offer conferences explaining the importance of recycling and of the conscious use of water; and even showing the kids some gadgets that can be done from PET bottles. As most of the families that live by the river coast are poor, these conferences will serve as a good introduction to environmental awareness. The ship in which he will travel was developed by a naval engineer and has its whole basement built with 2.040 PET bottles......
Organic Life - New Food & Lifestyle Magazine
by Michael Graham Richard, Ottawa, Canada on 09.13.05
Organic Life is a new UK magazine (no word on availability elsewhere) that launches on October 21st (Apple Day!). Hippy Shopper describes it as a kind of mix between home magazines like Good Homes and food magazines like Olive, but with an "organic" focus. "Half of it will focus on food and drink, with the rest given over to sections including 'well-being', 'inside/outside' and 'kids'".
::New organic mag due in October...
Elisabethan: Clothes With a History
by Erin Courtenay - Madison, WI on 09.12.05
Confession: when I got the tip about Elisabethan: Clothes With a History out of Paonia, Colorado I was prepared to encounter some seriously hippy-type threads. But when I visited the classy website I was intrigued with the funky designs by Ms. Elisabeth Delehaunty. While there is some earth-kitsch to be found, most of the clothes are flattering and unique. Elisabeth clearly has a great hand for design and does a lovely job using the "experienced textiles" she discovers in thrift shops and second hand sales. Order one of her applique skirts and be prepared for some serious "Oooh, where did you find that?!" compliments. Thank you for the tip Margaret!...
New Biodiesel Book for Kids
by Justin Thomas, Virginia on 09.12.05
We just got word that a new book about biodiesel for children will be released later this month, called "Have Fries Will Travel". The book is an adventure story featuring "Rock" an eco-rap singer (strangely, this rapper wears a cowboy hat). He buys Tiny, a smelly diesel car, at a used car lot. Rock soon has Tiny running on vegetable oil from Rock's favorite restaurant. With Tiny's exhaust smelling like fries, the two set off on a road trip to encourage others to use biodiesel in their cars. Along the way, they visit farmers growing soybeans especially for making biodiesel. The author, Linda Hempel, can be reached directly at biodieselbuzz@comcast.net. :: Amazon...
UV-Tube for Disinfecting Water
by Justin Thomas, Virginia on 09.12.05
This UV-Tube has been getting some press in the wake of hurricane Katrina. It is a low-cost water disinfecting system, which basically consists of a plastic tube and an ultraviolet light bulb, which can be run on solar power. It processes about five liters of water per minute. Ultraviolet light has been used to disinfect water for quite a while now. The inventors say the UV-Tube differs from other systems because it is inexpensive and less energy intensive. ...
Magazines on Magazines by Jo Nakamura
by Justin Thomas, Virginia on 09.12.05
This stool by Jo Nakamura, is named "MOM" (meaning "magazines on magazines") and is cast from a pulp made with thirty old magazines, non-toxic glue and linseed oil. The negative space cut out from the stools's body provides a place to hold new magazines. It's an interesting looking stool, I'd be curious to check out its comfort level. :: Jo Nakamura via Yanko Design...
Zero Energy House Design by Zoka Zola
by Justin Thomas, Virginia on 09.12.05
This "zero energy" house is scheduled to be built this year by Zoka Zola, a design firm in Chicago. Named the "Glass & Bedolla House", it will be situated 3 miles west of the Chicago Loop. The aim was to create a self-sustaining, single-family urban home. As you might expect, solar heating, PV panels and geothermal systems will be put to use. In the summer, the operable windows allow cross ventilation. Bathrooms are stacked and ventilated as an isolated area of higher moisture and heat. The living and dining spaces are located on the west side of building, where one can enjoy the last rays of the evening sun after work. :: Zoka Zola via Inhabitat...
Treehugger Welcomes Writer Kyeann Sayer
by Kyeann Sayer, Nomad on 09.12.05
Funny Mini-Cars - Prophetic or Just Photoshop Goofery?
by Michael Graham Richard, Ottawa, Canada on 09.12.05
Okay, we're warning you: This post is not serious. But we couldn't resist! These doctored pictures are just too much fun. We found this on AutoBlog and figured that it was very apropos in these times of rising oil prices (you can see our pre-Katrina prediction here, at the bottom) and shrinking cars (see our previous post about small Japanese cars that are coming to North-America). These pictures are obviously "fakes" so you can't buy a car like that, but then again, the smart car isn't that far removed in concept and who knows what the future holds...
::Little Cars, via ::Autoblog...
Lazy Environmentalist Interviews Graham Hill, Jen Boulden and Mark Spellun
by TreeHugger on 09.12.05
Firepit from Smith & Hawken
by John Laumer, Philadelphia on 09.12.05
Back yard fire pits of the sort offered by Smith and Hawken (pictured) are growing in popularity. The best of them, like this one, are designed to do more than just hold the embers up or get sparks in your drink. Landscape designers are calling these yard and deck ad-ons "fire features". We can see why they'd rename them to dissociate memories of the backyard cement block "pits" of the 1950's. Something more than re-marketing nostaligia is going on here, though, as there are hundreds of models available, ranging from the look of steel drum base on the ground to a teetering tower-of-fire-hazard on wheels. Some see the 'fire feature' as the logical add on to outdoor cooking, giving the deck a family room look. Sales babble aside, the real test comes on a skewer. When guest arrival is spread across the evening, make up Shesh Kabobs in advance, using long metal skewers, and let them cook their own as they arrive.
...
Bamboo Flooring- Is It Really Treehugger Green?
by Lloyd Alter, Toronto on 09.12.05
Is Bamboo Flooring really green?
Tipster Brad installed a bamboo floor and says “The environmental benefits are great, but the flooring itself is awful”. We have had mixed experiences with it ourselves and decided to look more closely.
Before we look at the environmental issues, let's look at its utility- is it all it is cracked up to be? One of the major benefits touted by vendors is how hard and tough it is. It’s Not. The popular carbonized darker bamboos are comparable to Black Walnut, considered a soft hardwood, and the lighter natural colours test comparable to maple. (colour is achieved not by staining but by heating, and the longer it heats the softer it gets) It is like any wood floor- it is damaged by dents, scratches and the killer of all wood floors, high heels. Jazzy aluminum oxide finish or not, it is a natural material that should not be marketed as being harder or more durable than conventional wood flooring. (::Hardwoodinstaller.com)
Is Bamboo Flooring Environmentally Better?...
Sandals – Nagore Footwear
by Petz Scholtus, Barcelona, Spain on 09.12.05
Yes we know unfortunately the summer months are coming to an end, but we won’t give up that easily, the sun is still shining here in Barcelona, so here is a last burst of positive summer energy in these colourful sandals by Nagore Footwear. The Abarcas sandals are the traditional Menorcan shoes worn by, well… pretty much everybody....
Organic Jams and Fruits from Patagonia, Argentina
by Paula Alvarado, Buenos Aires on 09.12.05
This one came straight from a friend who just came back from Bariloche.
The company Cuyen (which means ‘moon’ in mapuche, a local dialect) makes 100% delicious organic natural fruits, jams and chutneys. Established in 1993, they grow Strawberries, Raspberries, Blackberries, Elderberries and Blackurrants in the Patagonian lands without fertilisers, herbicides or chemical soil improvers; and process them in its own plant without artificial additives.
“Patagonia's well-earned international reputation as an almost virgin area is the real secret of our range of highly differentiated and hard-to-match products”, they assure in their website.
Cuyen products can be found in several supermarkets in Argentina, and also in the United Kingdom and Brazil, through Extreme South and Tradeland Comercio Exterior, respectively. All addresses are on their website, under Where to find us. ::Cuyen...
Rubber Goodies Made With Recycled Tires
by Michael Graham Richard, Ottawa, Canada on 09.12.05
The rubber from discarded tires can be used to do many things after its first life on a vehicle is over, and so the store of the Eden Project tries to find a new home for all that rubber. Among the goodies they have are notepads, notebooks, pencil cases and computer mouse pads. On a different scale, the California Integrated Waste Management Board also has a list of suppliers who have recycled tire products (such as accessibility ramps, erosion control devices, rubberized sidewalks, sports surfacing, sound barriers, etc).
::Eden Project Store, ::Products Manufactured From Recycled Tires...
Cush Life and Eco Chic Make Window-Shopping Greener
by Erin Courtenay - Madison, WI on 09.11.05
Those of us who follow green design have a pretty decent handle on how to find sustainable choices in the marketplace. There are a few major retailers that offer eco-choice (mostly in the food and grocery market) and online vendors provide great options for fashion, home décor and gadgetry. But 'The System' still isn't set up to support casual green window-shopping, in other words, a stroll down the avenue probably won't result in any groovy eco-finds. There are many reasons for the dearth of earth-friendly retail goods, but one of the most important is that small shop owners can have a tough time sourcing the stuff. But there is a growing number of eco-savvy sources offering wholesale vending options for independent producers of sustainable goods. Cush Life and Chic Eco are two of these green middle-marketers helping to establish a thriving system for sustainability....
Clippings: Good reading from the New York Times
by Lloyd Alter, Toronto on 09.11.05
Lots to read in the Times today- half the business section is treehugger. As a service we link here for you:
Those Urban Cyclists Know When to Fold'em Did we not do Bromptons this week already?
How Much is that Prius in the Window? Gee, as gas prices go up, more people are doing searches for information on hybrids. Whoda thunk?
Investing: Suddenly, Those Solar Panels Don't Look So 1970's Stock prices for solar panel manufacturers are going nuts.
And, the lead Sunday Columnist Nicholas Kristof ties Katrina to global warming.
::New York Times free subscription required...
Japan for Sustainability Launches Kids' Eco-Site
by Jacob Gordon, Nashville, TN on 09.11.05
“Let’s use our imagination to change outdated ways of thinking.” The group Japan for Sustainability has just launched a kids' environmental website called Kids Create Your Future!, to introduce the young ones to such Treehugger-ish notions as products of service, biomimicry, and green consumerism. There are nice, readable sections on: how to have a car without owning it (car sharing), how to create a city without cars (i.e. Curitiba, Brazil, and Aarhus, Dennark), products of service (Interface carpets), and biomimicry (Velcro and abalone shell). In perfect Japanese style it illustrates the point of dematerializing by suggesting kids play video games at arcades instead of constantly buying the newest systems and games.
There’s also advise on how to start an environmental club at school, and a manga comic that shows what an alternate carless reality could be like if everyone rode bikes and trams.
Hey, there’s nothing wrong with a little Cradle-to-Cradle before they even leave the cradle, right? :: Create Your Future...
20 Cents Per Mile For Bike Commuters in Florida
by Michael Graham Richard, Ottawa, Canada on 09.11.05
For a few years, the Palm Beach Day School in Florida has been paying its teachers a little extra to carpool or take public transportation. The main objective is to free parking spaces, but it's also good for the environment and to reduce road congestion. This year, the reward-program has been extended to those who commute with a bicycle. They get paid 20 cents per mile, and will also reap the benefits of good exercise (less stress, fitter, better health). According to Palm Beach's "bicycle and pedestrian coordinator" and local bike shops, bicycle commuting is gaining in popularity (thanks in part to gas prices). What's now needed is more bike paths and bike-friendly workplaces with showers. Unfortunately, the Florida transportation officials don't seem very interested: "The small number of commuters who switch from driving to biking will never even make a small dent in traffic congestion. It's more of a personal choice for those looking for a less-stressful or cheaper alternative."
::Biking to work a gas for some, via ::Cyclelicious...
Philadelphia Highschoolers Build Hybrid Supercar
by Michael Graham Richard, Ottawa, Canada on 09.11.05
We don't remember doing anything like that in highschool... Oh well, some people have all the fun. The West Philadelphia High School Electric Vehicle Team built this biodiesel car that gets 50 mpg (4.7l/100 km), has over 300 hp and does 0 to 60 in under 4 seconds, all that with a budget of $15,000! They used the Attack kit from K-1 and a 1.9 liters turbo-diesel VolksWagen engine. The rear wheels are powered by the diesel while the front wheels are powered by a 200 hp electric motor. Since it's a "performance" hybrid, the electric motor is used mostly for acceleration: "To keep the weight low, the electric motor will be powered by a 450 volt ultra-capacitor pack (weighing only 200lbs). [...] Under normal driving conditions, the vehicle will solely be powered by the diesel engine. Therefore, the ultra-capacitor pack stores only enough energy for a few minutes of blazing acceleration." We wish them the best for their next green projects!
::The World’s First Hybrid Supercar, ::NBC News Segment About This Story (wmv format), ::Pictures of the Attack being built ::Autoblog: Hybrid Attack...
Future Factories Light Bikes
by Lloyd Alter, Toronto on 09.11.05
Tooling around London during the upcoming London Design Festival: Light Bikes, designed by Lionel Theodore Dean of Future Factories. "Taking to the streets after dusk, Light Bikes will accompany visitors to and from the major activities, linking major evening events and promoting a city-wide carnival atmosphere"
Future Factories uses rapid protyping techniques to create unique digitally designed lighting products- "it costs the same to produce similar parts as identical ones, so why produce two products the same?" Each bike installation is digitally manufactured and produced directly from onscreen models, a "unique blend of supture and technology"
And, for once, drivers might pay attention to bicyclists! ::Future Factories...
More on Apple Varieties
by Lloyd Alter, Toronto on 09.11.05
Previously we discussed the flavour of apples (or lack thereof) We present today a comprehensive list of hundreds of apple varieties at ::Apple Journal (there's a mag for everything!) and a site where you can find every pick-your-own orchard around, a perfect fall outing. ::Pickyourown.org both via ::Lifehacker...
Republic of Tea: Organic, Fair Trade and More
by Christine Lepisto, Berlin on 09.11.05
Is there anything nicer than sitting down with a steaming cup of quality tea, the therapeutic relaxation as you inhale the aroma and exhale your stress? Science can explain the health benefits in terms of antioxidants, but how do you explain the purification of the soul? (And lest you question the connection between soul and tea-drinking I encourange you to collect your own empirical evidence.) Well, one thing nicer: sharing it with a friend. So I thank you, kind reader of Treehugger, for allowing me to share with you a nice cup of tea....
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
