- Emily Pilloton Discusses the Hippo Roller and other Designs for Humanity (Part One)
- Janine Benyus on Biomimicry in Design (Part Two)
- Janine Benyus on Biomimicry in Design (Part One)
- Andy Revkin - Climate in the Obama Age
- Fred Pearce - Confessions of An Eco-Sinner (Part Two)
- Fred Pearce - Confessions of An Eco-Sinner (Part One)
- Chris Goodall - Ten Techs to Save Our Butts (Part Two)
- Chris Goodall - Ten Techs to Save Our Butts (Part One)
Entries for January 8, 2006 - January 14, 2006
Total this week: 90
Touring on Biodiesel: Incredible Adventures
by Lloyd Alter, Toronto on 01.14.06
If you can't bicycle tour, perhaps the next best green way to travel is with Incredible Adventures of San Francisco- they run their buses on pure B-100 straight-up vegetable oil based biofuel. They claim it "emits up to 80 percent fewer carcinogens, greenhouse gases and particulates than petroleum fuel", and reduces America's dependence on foreign oil. And its not that clear-the-rainforest palm oil stuff that we complain about, it is from a San Francisco cooperative that promotes local production of biofuels from local recycled vegetable oil. We like the activities they offer as well- hiking, camping, low impact:"Incredible Adventures promotes Environmentally Sustainable Industry through the use of alternative fuels and minimum impact techniques." ::Incredible Adventures Thanks, Tipster Sarah...
Backyard Hydrogen Man
by John Laumer, Philadelphia on 01.14.06
By now our readers are likely aquainted with garage bio-diesel making and kit suppliers for those who want in on the fun. Recently, we were introduced to the hydrogen 'home brew crew" concept, from a St. Petersburg Times (FL) article, that described "an inventor working on hydrogen storage systems designed to be backyard fueling stations for hydrogen cell cars [who] has applied for a federal Department of Energy grant to start producing the tanks. Bob DeCuir is seeking a $600,000 grant from a $1.3-billion fund established by the federal government to use hydrogen fuel cells to power cars. These cars use hydrogen in a tank and oxygen from the outside to power a fuel cell for electrical energy to run the motor. He built a backyard solar tracking array this summer to make the hydrogen gas. What he's seeking now is a safe way to store the gas in high-pressure tanks that will be 6 feet long and 2 feet in diameter". This guy definitely deserves honorary "TreeHugger" status. Wish we had a picture of him....
States Warm to Limit Diesel Idling: With Assistance from Espar
by John Laumer, Philadelphia on 01.14.06
Georgia environmental officials plan to draft a statewide rule in January that would likely limit the time drivers of diesel vehicles would be allowed to idle their engines. According to the Macon Telegraph, " the proposed regulations could limit bus idling to less than 15 minutes, or offer incentives to long-haul truck drivers who avoid idling. Officials with the Middle Georgia Clean Air Coalition and local governments such as Macon and Houston County have endorsed the anti-idling effort, both to help Bibb and Monroe counties achieve federal air standards and to reduce health risks for residents. About a dozen other states and many cities have similar anti-idling laws, many providing for fines of $100 to $500 and a few including fines as high as $25,000 or jail time, according to research by the American Transportation Institute". Of course we know that no uniform Federal rules will be forthcoming to normalize requirements across states.
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YOUMEHESHE: New British Prefab
by Lloyd Alter, Toronto on 01.14.06
We can't tell you much about YOUMEHESHE; New British Architects appear to be competing to construct the most incomprehensible, content-free websites. They appear to be two former Grimshaw architects named Simon, whose ambition is to work on projects "that improve peoples lives...that bring joy to their users. YOUMEHESHE is a business that is ethical, in trade, ecology and sustainablility". We can say that their new prefab projects look very interesting. ...
Cyclepods – Sleek New Design For Bike Storage Using Recycled Aluminium
by Petz Scholtus, Barcelona, Spain on 01.14.06
We are forever wasting time wandering around the streets looking for an appropriate lampposts or railings to secure our bikes to. So we are very keen on this space agey looking bike storage unit which will smarten up bike parking all over town. The Cyclepod provides eight secure spaces for parking your bike, the bikes are stored upright and the front wheel and frame can both be locked in place. There is also the option of having a canopy over the pod to protect the bikes from the weather. The very good news is that the Cyclepod is made from 95% recycled aluminium. It has a 10-15 year estimated life span and uses half the space of current storage units for the equivalent number of bikes. It can also be powder coated in whatever colour you like. The problem is of course that when everyone has arrived home before us we will still be looking for the nearest lamppost. Lets hope after their test runs in London and Nottingham they become really popular and every local council orders them! Via o2 ::Cyclepods
[Leonora & Petz]...
Trigema Develops Biodegradable T-shirt
by Christine Lepisto, Berlin on 01.14.06
In Germany, if you see the company name Trigema or a reference to the always impeccably tailored CEO Wolfgang Grupp, it will certainly be closely linked to the company’s commitment to textile production in Germany—as advertised by chimpanzee. Grupp’s got sustainability hands-down: in spite of the flight of jobs (in the textile sector especially) to the Far East, none of Trigema’s 1200 workers has ever been made redundant, and the company guarantees employment for the children of any current employee. In the quest to keep the edge, Trigema has now partnered with Dr. Michael Braungart of the Environmental Research Institute in Hamburg and suppliers, including dye-stuff manufacturer Ciba, to develop a T-shirt which can end its life on the compost heap.
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California Approves Largest Solar Program in U.S. History
by Jacob Gordon, Nashville, TN on 01.13.06
California has just passed what is being applauded as the largest solar power initiative in U.S. history. Approved Thursday in a 3-1 vote by the state’s utility commission, the bill will allot a total of $3.2 billion in rebates over 11 years for rooftop solar installations on homes, business, farms, and government buildings. The plan, based largely on the Million Solar Roofs bill that died in the California legislature in 2005, is designed to produce 3,000 megawatts of solar power, enough for 2.2 million homes. Because of the sheer size of the program, it is expected to have large impacts throughout the solar industry. :: San Diego Union Tribune...
Daniel Akst on Conspicuous Green Consumption
by Lloyd Alter, Toronto on 01.13.06
We have always enjoyed Daniel Akst's writing; we still quote an article he wrote in Metropolis three years ago on the problems of trying to build modern houses. In today's Wall Street Journal he makes a point that we have made before: "Adding solar panels to a 15,000 square foot house won't help the environment". Being in the Journal, its message will give comfort to its readers and be interpreted as being anti-green, when it is really anti-conspicuous excess. One look at the real estate section in the same paper, with houses costing 65 million dollars, indicates that conspicuous excess is a foreign concept to Journal readers.
::Wall Street Journal ...
Restaurant of the Week: Alchemy Juice Bar, Hartford, CT
by Kara DiCamillo, Newport, Rhode Island on 01.13.06
We shouldn’t really categorize this one as a restaurant, persay, so maybe we’ll rephrase it as “Café of the Week.” Alchemy Juice Bar, “a healing mecca in Hartford, CT” offers a 99% organic menu with smoothies, squeezed juices, wraps, salads and soups. They’re open for breakfast, lunch and dinner but for us the breakfast sounds the most tempting. In addition, Alchemy offers daily classes and ongoing events, such as yoga, cooking classes and meditation. They also have a pretty neat added feature: an oxygen room, called “Vermillion Lounge,” that offers organic flavors of oxygen like tea tree, eucalyptus and lemon. Alchemy is equipped with internet connection in case you want to start your morning in a relaxing atmosphere while sipping a Fair Trade Coffee Latte, or in our case, enjoying pancakes with organic berry maple syrup. Actually, while we’re at it, we might purchase the “Tea & Tub” as well (a hot cup of organic tea, with a toasty footbath and pampering supplies). Seems like we could spend all day at Alchemy, really, and we still have access to TreeHugger…*sigh*. ::Alchemy Juice Bar Café ...
Green Building Breakthrough: LEED Certification on an Everyday Budget
by Collin Dunn, Corvallis, OR, USA on 01.13.06
Hailing a "green building breakthrough," Portland-based Interface Engineering Inc. has published a free 48-page illustrated guide on how to acheive Platinum-level LEED certification on a conventional building budget. This is not an easy task, but, using their current project for Oregon Health and Science University as a case study, Interface has proven it possible. “We’re delivering champagne on a beer budget,” said Andy Frichtl, Interface principal and lead project engineer. “The key to achieving more with less is integrated design.” The projects design accomplishments include 100% on-site sewage treatment with rainwater and wastewater being harvested for toilets and landscaping, saving 15,000 gallons a day and innovative features such as sunshades that double as solar power generators and the first large-scale on-site micro-turbine plant in Oregon to generate electricity. More details on the project can be found here and the booklet can be ordered here; this TreeHugger's is already on its way. ::Interface Engineering via ::Land+Living...
Shift Magazine
by Kara DiCamillo, Newport, Rhode Island on 01.13.06
A friend of ours received a prototype of a new environmental magazine in the mail, called Shift, and she thought after first glance that it has serious potential. Shift is a lifestyle magazine, targeted to males and females ages 25-45, that looks at the environmental movement through a pop culture lens. With its modern design, sexy content and inspiring tips, we think Shift has a great shot at success. Though it hasn’t been totally fleshed out yet it seems they are very close to launching. Sign up on their website for a free prototype and to stay informed of when the big launch will be. ::Shift Magazine...
Panasonic's New Micro Fuel Cell for Portable Electronics
by Collin Dunn, Corvallis, OR, USA on 01.13.06
Matsushita, a division of Panasonic, has unveiled a new direct methanol fuel cell (the kind we've shown you before) designed to power portable electronics. Similar to the one pictured, it's smaller and more powerful than comparable models developed to date; at 24 cubic inches, it is about the size of a soda can and about half the size of previous models by Toshiba and Fujitsu. With an average output of 13 watts, a peak output of 20 watts, and low weight due to its reduced size (it weighs about a pound when empty), a laptop using this fuel cell is able to achieve up to 20 hours of runtime. A system showcasing the fuel cell's abilities was demonstrated at the 2006 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) last week, so we can only hope they'll hit the shelves before we have to buy another desk calendar. ::Panasonic via ::Gizmodo...
Prefab Exhibition in London
by Lloyd Alter, Toronto on 01.13.06
Modern prefab is everywhere- in London, you can go to NLA (New London Architecture) from January 26 to March 18 to see Prefabulous London . Not much on their website yet but based on a Financial Times article, it might include treehugger regulars like LoftCube, the Retreat our favourite, Tim Pyne's M-House and others we will post in the next day or two before Inhabitat finds them. ::NewLondonArchitecture.org ...
Recipe of the Week: Ginger Garlic Comfort Food
by Kelly Rossiter, Toronto on 01.13.06
This is our favourite tofu recipe and we have been making it for over 20 years now. It was the recipe that convinced our children that tofu was edible. We have made it for family dinners, elegant dinner parties and pot luck suppers. We have served it as a side dish, part of a buffet, as a whole meal over rice with a vegetable and if you are lucky enough to have any left it’s still great the next day. The recipe is simple to prepare using common ingredients and it’s delicious. We have been asked for the recipe by so many people, we thought we would share it with our Treehugger readers.
Ginger Garlic Tofu...
Living Homes: Modern Green Prefab
by Lloyd Alter, Toronto on 01.13.06
Global Stalling at the Asia-Pacific Partnership?
by Warren McLaren, Sydney on 01.13.06
Sydney has been hosting the Asia-Pacific Partnership on Clean Development and Climate over the past few days and it's generated more media column inches and sound bites on the environment since, ... well, since the drought, oh yeh, and news that 2005 down here was the hottest year on record. In case you haven’t heard, Australia and the USA refusing to sign up to the Kyoto Protocol decided to organise their own shindig. And they invited India, China, Japan and South Korea to join them at the table too. Strangely Western Australia's resources sector thought it was a good idea, and so did a mining industry group from Queensland, whose chief executive felt that conservationists need to move on from the view that emission reduction targets are the only way to achieve environmental outcomes. ...
Swapatorium: "A Journey Through Junkland"
by Kyeann Sayer, Nomad on 01.13.06
Swapatorium is a blogosphere destination for nostalgia junkies. It's also a fun stop for those who like to think about integrating old stuff as part of a low-impact lifestyle. Swapatorium covers flea markets, thrift stores, antique shops, garage & estate sales, found photographs, collecting, odd finds, and swaps. You can get lost for hours in the vintage photograph collection. :: Swapatorium Courtesy of fiftyrx3...
TH Almost: Electric Trees – An Alternative Energy Source For The Future?
by Leonora Oppenheim, London, UK on 01.13.06
The inventor Gordon Wadle is currently trying to tap an electric current from trees. Yes it sounds crazy, but we’re very enthusiastic about (very) alternative energies and as we know there is a thin line between genius and madness! It will be interesting to see which of these this idea turns out to be. According to Engadget Wadle has so far only been able to produce a voltage of between .8 and 1.2-volts, which as they point out isn’t of much use to anyone. But Wadle is obviously a persuasive guy as he has got backing from investors to continue his research. Magcap Engineering (which we secretly think should be called Madcap!) believe that Wadle is onto something and that they could potentially produce a voltage of 12 volts by the end of 2006. ...
Harmony Art: Organic, Fair Trade Textiles
by Kyeann Sayer, Nomad on 01.13.06
Designers and the crafty alike should know about Harmony Art Organic textiles. Harmony Susalla has created designs and products for everyone from Target to Williams-Sonoma. In 2005 she began to focus exclusively on organic, fair trade cotton sateen printed with low impact dyes. Available both at bulk and retail prices, Harmony's plant-inspired prints are expanding the possibilities for eco-friendly apparel, bedding and accessories. Continue reading to see more patterns. :: Harmony Art Organic
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IDEO’s Designs Bridge the Technological Divide
by Warren McLaren, Sydney on 01.13.06
The two products illustrated here each represent the apex of design in their respective fields; intermediate technology on the left and high tech to the right. And what is more remarkable is that they both came from the same design stable — IDEO design studios. Apple Computer might’ve pioneered the bundling of a mouse with a graphical user interface on a computer, but it wasn’t for the Macintosh, rather the earlier short-lived Lisa. And it was IDEO that they turned to, needing a mouse that would cost 10% of the concept models they'd seen at the Xerox research labs. The design that IDEO developed would become the model for all mechanical mice that followed. And we are talking 1981. Why is this relevant to green design? Because it ......
Q&A. Cancerous Coffee Cup Conundrum
by Warren McLaren, Sydney on 01.13.06
Q. “A student in my class gave me a Christmas coffee mug filled with candy. Although the gesture was sweet, the mug has a sticker that says the mug contains material that can cause cancer. What do I do with it now? I don't want to throw out a new mug, but I can't use it or give it away. I am afraid that if I keep it for a seasonal decoration I will eventually forget the warning. Please help!!” Katy F....
The TH Week : Do It Better Yourself
by TreeHugger on 01.12.06
If there's one thing that sets Treehuggers apart, it's our resourcefulness when it comes to doing our own thing. These projects from the past week show that DIY is nothing foreign to fans of TH-ing.
:: Warren was on fire with a posting for pill boxes made from old contact lens cases,
:: The Read it Swap it program for DIY library communities,
:: And a discussion of the often overlooked DIY potential for recycling holiday cards.
:: Kyeann reviewed "Alligators, Old Mink, and New Money", a recent retro wardrobe DIY manual.
:: Collin pointed out this great tutorial for making used-chopstick modern furniture...
Tom Friedman: “Living Green is not for Sissies.”
by Jacob Gordon, Nashville, TN on 01.12.06
In last Friday’s New York Times, columnist Thomas Friedman expounded on the wisdom of green thinking and the folly of our government’s current trajectory, a direction based on a school of thought he calls “Petrolism.” He called energy conservation and efficiency a national security imperative, and rebuffed criticisms that environmentalism is a concern of the “girlie man,” calling it “the most tough-minded, geostrategic, pro-growth and patriotic thing we can do.”
“Enough of this Bush-Cheney nonsense that conservation, energy efficiency and environmentalism are some hobby we can't afford. I can't think of anything more cowardly or un-American. Real patriots, real advocates of spreading democracy around the world, live green.” :: New York Times via SustainableBusiness.com...
On and On Ecolo Chic: Reused Ready to Wear
by Kyeann Sayer, Nomad on 01.12.06
While we focus on the increasing use of organic cotton and other earth-friendly fibers, we also have to think about what to do with all of the unfriendly textile landfill fodder churned out year after year. Montreal's On and On appears to be pioneering in this area, striving to become the "leader and reference for recycled ready to wear." Each garment is constructed from 100% reused clothing with promising results. If you're in Motreal, you can deliver acceptable transformation-ready pieces or visit the boutique. Exciting! Continue reading for more pics. :: On and On, via tipster Heather Schibli
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Safeway Introduces O Organics
by Kyeann Sayer, Nomad on 01.12.06
Pigs are flying, hell is frozen, etc. This must be true because it is now possible to get organic food in a centrally located grocery store in my home town. Just ten years ago we had to weigh the benefits of organics against the costs of a thirty mile round trip drive. After typing in your zip code, you can see which of the 150 USDA certified O Organics products are available at a Safeway near you. :: Safeway
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Instant Survey: Disposable Cups
by Erin Courtenay - Madison, WI on 01.12.06
Stirling Engines in the Palm of your Hand
by Lloyd Alter, Toronto on 01.12.06
Treehugger loves Stirling engines-they have been the way of the future since 1816. They work on the basis of temperature differences and can be powered by just about anything- This Japanese toy version appears here to be powered variously by a dog, lunch, a cup of tea and an ice rink- that is versatility! We hope they manage to scale it up a bit. ::Japanese Science Magazine via ::Red Ferret
"The Stirling engine works by the repeated heating and cooling of a sealed amount of working gas, usually air or other gases such as hydrogen or helium. When the gas is heated, because it is in a sealed chamber, the pressure rises and this then acts on the power piston to produce a power stroke. When the gas is cooled the pressure drops and this means that less work needs to be done by the piston to recompress the gas on the return stroke, giving a net gain in power available on the shaft. The working gas flows cyclically between the hot and cold heat exchangers.The working gas is sealed within the piston cylinders, so there is no exhaust gas, (other than that incidental to heat production if combustion is used as the heat source). No valves are required, unlike other types of piston engines." ::Wikipedia...
"Dress an Eco-Celeb Contest": Sneak Peek
by Sean Fisher, Cincinnati, Ohio on 01.12.06
Although the TreeHugger "Dress an Eco-Celeb" Contest goes until next Friday, we thought we would give you a quick sneek peak now. Coming to us from Bandon, Oregon, Marvel Selke's "Treehuggerz wist" offered sustainable attire for eco-celeb (and if you follow celebrity culture, Angelina Jolie's baby's daddy) Brad Pitt. There was a bunch of great stuff in this "wist", but in particular we really liked the hemp scarf and the Citizen Eco-Drive watch. Both are good examples of sustainable design that is clean, comfortable, and uncluttered. However, the tie-dye socks...perhaps just a bit too hippie for our tastes. Overall, Marvel did a great job - and now it is is your turn to show us your inner fashionista. Get together your "wist" of sustainable clothing/accessories for an eco-celeb at wists.com and get it to us by Friday, January 20th at: contest [at] treehugger [dot] com. The winner will take home a bag from HER Design fit for a movie star, so get those entries in! ...
ICInyc: Style + Sustainability Party on January 25
by Collin Dunn, Corvallis, OR, USA on 01.12.06
Attention NYC TreeHuggers! Mark your calendars for Wednesday, January 25 for a gathering like no other at Libation. ICInyc is a "roving celebration of front line visionaries blending fashion, design, media and the arts with the modest task of saving the planet." Basically, this translates to a TreeHugger party, with organic cocktails, DJ's and dancing, dancing, dancing (full disclosure: TreeHugger is co-sponsoring the event). TH pals Vivavi, Delano Collection, Lü Magazine and Summer Rayne Oakes are also involved, and Josh Dorfman, CEO at Vivavi, and Chuck Heckman, Delano Collection's President and Designer, are two of the masterminds behind the idea. About the event, Mr. Dorfman had this to say: "New York City is where designers save rain forests, fashionistas clear toxins from the soil and the media elevates style and sustainability. It's environmentalism with edge. ICInyc celebrates this point of view and brings together those who are pushing it to mix, mingle and get their collective swerve on." Adds Heckman, "We created ICInyc as a spectacle, experiment and gathering place for the growing number of fashionable, design-savvy, eco-conscious urban dwellers." How does that translate in a party? You'll have to show up to find out. Put your name on the guest list and learn more about the sponsors. ::ICInyc...
DIY: Replica Satellite Bowl
by Collin Dunn, Corvallis, OR, USA on 01.12.06
Courtesy of the friendly folks at Design Without Reach (whom we featured before) comes this super quick 'n easy DIY project. Designed to replicate MoMA's Satellite Bowl (the one on the bottom), it requires only an affinity for Chinese take-out (or some leftover chopsticks) and a rubber band. Snap the chopsticks apart, arrange them in a bowl-like configuration, secure it with the rubber band, fill the bowl with apples, oranges or anything worthy of display, and that's it! We aren't entirely convinced that the rubber-band mechanism would stand up to the test of time, but a replacement like wood glue or any non-stretchy tie would probably do the trick. Anyone have any experience with this? ::Design Without Reach...
Boston Conference: Sustainable Lighting for Living Spaces
by Kara DiCamillo, Newport, Rhode Island on 01.12.06
Join the Designers Lighting Forum (DLF) of New England on January 18th from 11:45am - 2:00pm for an in depth discussion of eco-lighting awareness led by David Bergman (see our previous posts on him here and here) and Dan Blitzer of DLF/NY. The conference will take place at the Wyndham Hotel in Boston (60 Batterymarch Street, 2nd Floor) and the cost is $45 ($35 for DLF members) and $10 for students. Lunch is included and AIA and LC credits are available. Today is the last day to sign up so make sure you contact Lana Nathe at lmn@light-insightdesign.com. ::Designers Lighting Forum – New England...
Walgreen Drug Stores Install Solar Panels on 114 Facilities
by John Laumer, Philadelphia on 01.12.06
The installation of distributed commercial energy generation facilities could be moving toward a tipping point. Here's an example from a recent press release: "Walgreens and ImaginIt Inc., a Denver-based clean energy solutions company, have agreed to install solar electric systems in 96 stores and two distribution centers in California and 16 stores in New Jersey. The new systems will generate more than 13.8 million kilowatt-hours per year, making this the largest solar project ever completed in the United States. The first systems are expected to be operational in early 2006". Each facility reportedly will generate between 20 and 50 percent of its own electricity. This is only a beginning for a $42 billion dollar retailer with over 5,000 stores. But we think it could be just what the doctor ordered....
Wood Prairie Farm Mail Order Organic Potatoes
by John Laumer, Philadelphia on 01.12.06
Walk into any grocery and you are likely to find three, maybe four kinds of potatoes. Little reds and big reds, little whites, and maybe some big bakers. How odd that there are literallly hundreds of cultivars and we only get to choose among so few. More questions. Remember when you were a kid and the potatoes in the pantry sprouted eyes? Ever wonder why that no longer happens so fast? It's because the non-organic ones are dipped in a chemical solution that supresses sprouting. With that lengthy prelude we'd like to introduce you to Wood Prairie Farm, a Maine USA based mail order source of myriad organic potato varieties: seed, fiingerling, and full grown, a spectrum of colors and textures. Yummm. Have a close look at the Potato Textures explanation table, check out the "easter eggs" collection, and even join the potato of the month club (caution: may not play on all iSpuds)....
Hycrete Technologies, LLC Hydrophobic Concrete Additive
by John Laumer, Philadelphia on 01.12.06
Back in October of 2005 we posted about the first products to receive Cradle to Cradle certification through McDonough Braungart Design Chemistry (MBDC). One of them was "Hycrete", a form of concrete made intrinsically waterproof (hydrophobic really) by use of an additive offered by a New Jersey-based firm Hycrete Technologies, LLC. Hycrete Technologies "...manufactures Hycrete Admixture, a hydrophobic concrete admixture product developed in response to industry demand for a low-concentration, environmentally friendly additive. The admixture blocks penetration of water by forming a nonsoluble precipitate that fills concrete pores and attaches itself to polar particles, thus sealing internal voids". Importance of Hycrete Admixture to the "green building" market is discussed below.
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Vegan Clothing Explained
by Lloyd Alter, Toronto on 01.12.06
In a recent post, Commenter Brenton asked- "What's wrong with wool? How is wool cruelty to animals? All they do is shear off the hair of the animal in the summer, which then grows back, and they do it again the next year." Good questions all which we could not answer. We first heard the term Vegan Clothing from Elisa Camahort, who blogs for Hip & Zen, and she graciously agreed to write this guest post.
Veganism on, and in, your body.
Many people wonder why people go to what they consider to be the “extreme” of veganism. After all, vegans are asked, chickens aren’t killed for their eggs, sheep aren’t killed for their wool…and do you really care about snails and silkworms?
The thing to understand about veganism, as a philosophy, is that it starts with the precept that we, as humans, do not have any right to “use” animals for anything. That our use of animals, who have no choice in the matter, is a form of exploitation. And that we should avoid, to the extent it is possible, all forms of that exploitation. ...
GE Kitchen of the Future
by Lloyd Alter, Toronto on 01.12.06
We want GE's Kitchen of the future. Now. "The entire suite offers a full-width display combined with touch sensors across the entire surface. What does that mean for consumers? Imagine new possibilities for recipe presentation and entertainment. In total, this surface affords multiple levels of interaction and the navigation of complex information.". ..."GE's industrial designers and engineers envision organic light emitting diode (OLED) technology as the primary lighting source in the kitchen of the future and have represented this with a fabric canopy with lights above the kitchen." ... "The GE Kitchen of the Future will put a focus on environmentally friendly products to reduce pollution and increase efficiency while lowering operating costs. The Kitchen of the Future will provide clean water purified via ultraviolet light, assuring that the water is free of bacteria, without chemicals. Consumers will load the dishwasher with detergent in bulk, and it will be dispensed via algorithms to minimize the cleaning agents in wastewater. GE envisions that in the future, gray (waste) water can be diverted for other home and garden applications." It won't cook for you, but will tell you if you have the ingredients for chick peas in ginger sauce.... GE ::Kitchen of the Future via ::Engadget...
YouthXchange – A Training Kit On Responsible Consumption
by Leonora Oppenheim, London, UK on 01.12.06
Yo yo yo wassup kids! Yeah are you down with ecology and sustainability and all that ‘green’ stuff? Hey are you sure you want another pair of Nike sneakers? Don’t you want these nice looking eco-leather sandals instead? Nope, I agree this isn’t probably the best way to promote sustainable consumption amongst the youth of today. It is hard enough explaining to most people about the environmental impact of consumerism, let alone the stroppy teenagers of the world, but that’s exactly what UNEP and UNESCO have teamed up to do. YouthXchange is part of UNEP’s Tunza programme which aims to involve young people in environmentalism. YouthXchange is described as a ‘training kit to provide young people with tools and resources that allow them to network towards sustainable consumption’. ...
DIY Personal Hygiene Containers
by Warren McLaren, Sydney on 01.12.06
TH reader Paul, who must’ve missed out on entering our weird DIY contest thought other TH types might be intrigued by his Reappropriating Contact Lens Cases project. He writes: “When I travel, I usually need small amounts of some kind of cream or balm or just a few pills, but I don’t have small containers to put them in–and I hate buying containers. It’s like buying air. I figured out I can use old contact cases, as they’re the perfect size for even long jaunts–the contents sometimes me over a month. They’re even color-coded or you can write on them with a permanent marker. To separate a case, I just took a Leatherman knife to the middle and sawed away. I then filed away the roughest edges. Not pretty, but it works.” From the blog ::880012: A Ship and a Dream. ...
Read It Swap It — a True PSS.
by Warren McLaren, Sydney on 01.12.06
Been a while since we had a fresh story on Product Service Systems (PSS), so we rectify that omission with this post. 'Read It Swap It' is a UK based venture that at last count had over 500 avid readers swapping some 2,000 books from their personal libraries. Offered as a free service, it's like an internet dating agency for book worms. You list books you’re happy to swap with others and they do likewise and you can loan tomes to each other. Perfect for those novels that Aunt Gertrude has given you for the past nine Christmases that you just don’t have the heart to put out for paper recycling. Reminds us of the Delicious Library software, which would probably be a very useful tool for members of the system. Thanks to Donna W. for the tip, who informs us that her boyfriend set it up in his spare time; to spread literacy and stop waste. Excellente.::Read It Swap It...
Mongoose CX Motocross - Electric Bike
by Warren McLaren, Sydney on 01.12.06
Though we could find no mention it on their own website, Mongoose have certainly joined the electric vehicle movement with their new CX Motocross. (Currie Technologies seem to have provided much of the electrical savvy.) For $339 USD you can leap aboard a steel steed that has 24V 450W electric motor under the saddle. Your urban pony will not carry you across the width of the country, (unless you live in Liechtenstein !) but it will transport you within a range of about 18-25 miles (29-40 km) at a speed of around 15 mph (24 kph). At 80 lbs (36 kg) it is not too gruesomely heavy to pedal home should you run out of charge. Front disc brakes on 20” wheels with front suspended forks sound more interesting than a plug-and-play sealed lead acid battery (SLA), that is until you start going uphill and want to tap into some of that electrical grunt. Thanks to Summer Rayne Oakes for the tip. Available from ::Electric Transport....
Torino 2006 - the Other Hydrogen Olympics
by Warren McLaren, Sydney on 01.12.06
Late last year it seems we might've got a little ahead of ourselves. We brought you a story about the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics embracing hydrogen vehicles. But as our pals at the Italian based Ecoblog kindly pointed out the Torino Winter Olympics, commencing about this time next month, are keen to lay claim to the title ‘The First Hydrogen Olympics’. If we interpret the translated post correctly, the hydrogen for some building usage will be produced from 180m2 of solar panels generating 25kW of power. Apparently this is sufficient to feed the fuel cells for 16 hours a day. And there will also be hydrogen utilised in buses and other vehicles as well. For other green initiatives at the snowy games peruse the Torino official Olympic environmental pages. Original ::EcoBlog post (Italian)....
Olive Buoys by Evo Design
by Collin Dunn, Corvallis, OR, USA on 01.11.06
After a long day of TreeHuggering, sometimes there is no better way to relax and unwind than with a nice sturdy cocktail. Oh, who are we kidding; after a long morning of pounding the keys, sometimes we won't make it through the afternoon without a nice sturdy cocktail. Either way, the rampant use of disposable drink accessories like toothpicks, swizzle sticks, little pink umbrellas and the like are cause for some concern; as more and more are relegated to the trash sans olive with each passing drink, it makes us pause, and consider the long-term effects of all those two-martini lunches. And, as we are fond of saying around here, "You can't think and drink at the same time," so imagine our joy when we discovered this Olive Buoy and found that disposable drink accouterments were no longer a problem. The Olive Buoy, designed by Evo Design, floats on top of your cocktail of choice, bathing the suspended garnish until ready for consumption. When it's time for another round, the Olive Buoy is there for you, ready for reusable use until you're slurring and stumbling and ready to go back to work. We're not the only ones that like them: they sold out of Crate & Barrel this past holiday season, but we'll keep our eyes peeled and cocktail shaker at the ready for when they return. ::Evo Design via ::Core77...
Water-Powered Clock
by Kara DiCamillo, Newport, Rhode Island on 01.11.06
Okay so a year after our post about the water-powered calculator we still don’t know how these things actually work, but that’s why we’re writing about them instead of inventing them. This water-powered clock displays the date and time by simply filling the back with liquid and apparently it doesn’t need to be refilled for weeks at a time. The liquid reservoir is even large enough to hold a couple of flowers to brighten up your room. We have to say we’re pretty excited to try it out ourselves. A great gift at $12.99 and batteries, of course, aren’t included. Ha ha. Via ::Hippy Shopper...
Recyled T-Shirt Bathing Suits
by Kara DiCamillo, Newport, Rhode Island on 01.11.06
Remember the post we had about Cronick Valentine and how he can recycle our all-time fave t-shirts by turning them into bags, duvet covers and pillows? Well here’s another totally cool concept for your 80s hair metal obsession. Low Tee takes vintage t-shirts and turns them into men’s bathing suits (sorry ladies, but we brought you the biodegradable bikini last week) that are fully lined, have elastic around the legs and waste as well as a drawstring. All bathing suits are one-of-a-kind and cost $45 ($95 for the Crystal Collection). Via ::Cool Hunting ::Low Tee...
Paying Taxes: Go For The Green
by Collin Dunn, Corvallis, OR, USA on 01.11.06
The IRS begins accepting e-filed tax forms this coming Friday, January 13, and H&R Block wants people to be ready. So they've declared tomorrow, Thursday, January 12, as
National Tax Advice Day, hitting the streets and cyberspace alike with free advice to help taxpayers maximize their deductions. Hybrid sales nearly tripled in 2005, so more people than ever will need to know the updated tax-related benefits of owning a hybrid car and other deductions for a things like owning a clean-fuel vehicle. There are also tax breaks for hurricane victims and charitable donors and even a deduction available for those of us who purchased mp3 players in the past year. All told, there are more tricks and tips than you can shake a stick at, so check out the website for all the info on how to be green and get more green during this tax season.
::National Tax Advice Day...
Dissecting Environmentalism: An Interview with Adam Werbach
by Jacob Gordon, Nashville, TN on 01.11.06
Adam Werbach is not only a staple of the environmental movement, but an authentic innovator and one of environmentalism's most honest critics. At twenty-three, he was elected president of the Sierra Club. He is now head of Act Now Productions and sits on the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission. Werbach’s most recent endeavor is Ironweed Films, a DVD club and social networking site for the socially and politically progressive. Last year, Adam made a speech at the Commonwealth Club in San Francisco called, Is Environmentalism Dead? He checked the pulse: dead indeed. He’s been dissecting ever since....
Trends in Japan: Sweets in Disguise
by Lloyd Alter, Toronto on 01.11.06
Trends in Japan usually show up here a couple of months or years later; here is one to watch. It appears that men do not like to be seen eating elaborate cakes in public, so a confectioner set up what looks like a typical fast food outlet to sell what look like hamburgers and fries, but that are in fact cake. We see a big market for vegetarians who want to buy monster houses. ::Trends in Japan...
Pikolinos – Spanish Shoes With EU Flower Eco-Label
by Leonora Oppenheim, London, UK on 01.11.06
Oh yeah we’re getting excited about this EU eco-labelling business! We’ve just found Pikolinos, a shoe company which was awarded the ‘Flower’ last year for their Ecological City range. They are apparently the only Spanish business so far which uses the EU eco-label. We’re not sure if that says more about Spain’s attitude to the environment or the general lack of enthusiasm for the EU ‘Flower’. Having written plenty of posts on Spanish eco-design we’re not sure it’s the former! Infact you have to dig pretty hard into the Pikolinos website to find out anything about their exclusive EU eco-label status, they certainly don’t show the logo anywhere. But they do assure us that their The Ecological City range uses chrome-free vegetal tanning for the leather, water based adhesives, natural dyes and they have biodegradable soles. The company prides itself on its environmental policies and they even celebrate Pikolinos Environment Day each year. Last October this coincided with International Bird Day and all the staff went out into the local wetland area of Alicante and planted trees. Obviously we TreeHuggers think that’s a pretty cool office day out! ::Pikolinos
Thanks to Kate for the tip....
Happy Birthday Albert Hofmann, inventor of LSD!
by Lloyd Alter, Toronto on 01.11.06
We are most definitely not poncho and birkenstock-clad longhaired hippies, but we still suggest that you raise a glass (or drop a tab) in honour of Albert Hofmann, the inventor of LSD, who celebrates his one hundredth birthday today.. Those of us of a certain age still retaining brain cells salute you. ::LSD Symposium thanks, scalar party!...
Frank Lloyd Wright Prefab Burns Down
by Lloyd Alter, Toronto on 01.10.06
In 1911 Frank Lloyd Wright worked with the Richards Company to develop the American System of Housing, based on ideas he learned in Japan. "Wright further innovated the A.S.B. line through the use of pre-milled, machine made materials. The pre-cut materials, such as framing, joists, millwork, cabinets, and doors, were of a "standardized" character which literally permitted the use of these items throughout the A.S.B. line. In addition, as being made by machine, the pre-milled materials were insured to possess an overall consistency, quality, and longevity that on-site carpentry could not achieve." Not many were built; World War One interfered. Today one of the very few remaining, the Wynant house, burned down. (does that name ring a bell among Fountainhead fans?) Read and weep- a bit of history ::here, all via ::Archinect. ...
Call for Entries: Harvard University’s Sustainable Campus
by Kara DiCamillo, Newport, Rhode Island on 01.10.06
Harvard University envisions their campus to be environmentally and economically sustainable by the years 2020-2025. Already they are in the early stages of implementing campus-wide Sustainability Principles and are now tapping into their alumni, faculty, staff and students in a competition that poses this question: How can these facilities be renovated or built in such a way that reduces their environmental impact while maintaining or improving their economic performance and service to the academic community? Sponsored by the Harvard Green Campus Initiative, the winner of this will have a hand in Harvard's future as a leader in environmental sustainability (not to mention some cash prizes). Unfortunately this is only open to the Harvard community, but we’re interested to see what they come up with. Deadline for the competition is Monday, April 3, 2006 and more information can be found on their website. ::Harvard Green Campus Initiative...
Green Packaging Webcast on January 26
by Collin Dunn, Corvallis, OR, USA on 01.10.06
Natureworks, a leader in producing plastics from renewable resources, is sponsoring a free online presentation and Q&A session to go over benefits and information on renewable plastics. TreeHugger already loves the stuff, from cutlery to packaging to cellphones, but we'll certainly tune in. Though it appears to be geared more toward business owners and more corporate types, it looks like it would be a good crash course for anyone unfamiliar with the wonderful world of renewables-based plastics. It's free, so mark your calendars for January 26 (2 pm EST) and get smart about renewable plastic. Register here and learn more about the sponsor here. ::Natureworks...
LIME: Hybrid Drivers: Smart and Safe
by Lime Planet, New York, New York on 01.10.06
Owners of hybrid cars already get to feel deep personal satisfaction every time they watch other people fill up their gas guzzling SUVs. Starting next month, hybrid drivers will have yet another reason to pat themselves on the back (besides, you know, helping to save the planet): cheaper insurance. An insurance company will begin giving ten percent discounts to hybrid owners next month, based on early indications that the type of people attracted to hybrid cars are also those who qualify for low-risk car insurance.
The insurance provider, St. Paul Travelers, found that hybrid drivers tend to use their cars mainly to commute between home and work, according to a Reuters story. They also tend to be married, in their 40s or 50s, and drive within the speed limit. All these factors are associated with low-risk drivers, who are eligible for discounted insurance.
Fifteen percent of cars on the road in the next 10 years could be hybrids, according to St. Paul Travelers. The company is the first to offer discounted insurance premiums for hybrids. [by Hillary Rosner , Syndicated from the Planet section of LIME ]...
Book Review: "Beat High Gas Prices Now!"
by Erin Courtenay - Madison, WI on 01.10.06
Our poll on driving habits revealed that many of us are in a hurry to get where we're going. Unfortunately for us speedy TreeHuggers, exceeding the speed limit is not a hallmark of eco-driving, nor is it a wise way to save money on gas. In "Beat High Gas Prices Now!" environmental lifestyle expert Diane MacEachern provides us with a whole host of tips on saving money and limiting the impact of our driving on the planet. The guide is written in a pithy, positive voice that, unlike many environmental missives, is free of guilt inducing language about the evils of driving and fossil fuel addiction. That isn't to say that Ms. MacEachern doesn't address the ecological consequences of cars, but she does so in a way that will make sense to drivers unused to considering the environmental implications of their everyday choices. She even slips in a simple but compelling chapter on the foolishness of drilling in the arctic. Read on to take a look at the book's Top 10 Ways to Beat High Gas Prices…...
TH Reader Feedback: How's PostHugger Workin' for Ya?
by Erin Courtenay - Madison, WI on 01.10.06
"Green Household" Casting Call: TLC's "Moving Up"
by Kyeann Sayer, Nomad on 01.10.06
Though make-over and decorating shows are satisfying for the vicarious instant transformation value, it's a bummer to rarely see eco-friendly products or practices featured. The Learning Channel will soon provide the total pay-off by featuring a green renovation on Moving Up, a show that follows households as they sell one residence and renovate another. Are you moving soon and planning an immediate green remodel and eco-friendly decoration of your new home? Do you know someone who is? Continue reading for info about casting, which includes an opportunity to have TLC "step in to help make those projects happen faster and less expensively."...
Whole Foods- 100% Wind Powered for 2006
by John Laumer, Philadelphia on 01.10.06
We noticed a few months back that Whole Foods stores were announcing wind power committments on a state-by-state basis. Here's the Colorado example. According to an item from Dow Jones, things are scaling up: "NEW YORK -- Natural foods grocery chain Whole Foods Market Inc. (WFMI) will announce plans Wednesday to become the largest buyer of wind energy credits in North America by purchasing credits equal to 100% of its projected energy use for 2006, USA Today reported Tuesday." We're not sure about the details; but, if the deal is really done this way, this is important news, and hopefully a harbinger of more to come. When a large, profitable, respected firm makes a move like this, and stockholders welcome it, a point is proven. Doing the right thing can be profitable.
===== Important Update =======
Under the cateory of Blog Beats Print Media, a commenter has directed us to the details about this project. TreeHugger suggests you check it out here....
2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid Official World Premiere
by Michael Graham Richard, Ottawa, Canada on 01.10.06
We were among the first to write about and show pictures of the 2007 Toyota Camry hybrid, but now it is officially out to the world, wearing its most beautiful gown like a debutante: "Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc., unveiled the all-new 2007 Camry and Camry Hybrid at a press conference today at the 2006 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS). [...] As interested as drivers will be in Camry’s enhanced performance, refinement, value and style, they’ll also be interested in its fuel-economy numbers. The standard four-cylinder CE model has EPA-estimated city/highway fuel economy ratings of 25/34. Camrys equipped with V6 engines have EPA-estimated fuel economy ratings of 22 mpg city/31 mpg highway, while the Camry hybrid has fuel economy ratings of 43 mpg city/37 mpg highway. [...] Hybrid Synergy Drive consists of dual gas and electric power sources that are complementary and produce a combined 192 horsepower. [...] The first half of this system consists of the 2.4L four-cylinder 2AZ-FXE Atkinson-cycle engine, which generates 147 hp and is coupled to a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The second half of the Hybrid Synergy Drive equation consists of a small, specially developed electric drive motor that produces 45 horsepower, an ultra-small inverter with a specially designed compact battery and a transaxle to provide the economy and seamless performance hybrid drivers seek. [...] Additionally, the Camry Hybrid is equipped with an “ECO” button that limits energy consumption by the HVAC system and under certain conditions can help improve fuel economy. [...] coefficient of aerodynamic drag (Cd) of 0.27. [...] The Camry Hybrid also has an eight-year/100,000 mile warranty that covers the hybrid–related components" Below is the full press release plus additional photos....
GMC PAD- The Mobile Loft
by Lloyd Alter, Toronto on 01.10.06
In a recent competition among car design teams, GMC came up with this fantasy:"The GMC PAD, an urban loft with mobility, a concept for living in the ever-changing cultural landscape of Southern California or, quite simply, a modern alternative for those priced out of Southern California’s escalating housing market. It’s a home ownership concept that enables cultural & geographic freedom for the modern city dweller. It’s a concept that represents a reasoned solution to the problems of urban sprawl, development, and it’s damaging effects on the region’s environment."
We suspect there would be a small parking problem. ...
The Day After Tomorrow?
by Lloyd Alter, Toronto on 01.10.06
We were roundly trashed when we put this Emmerlich epic (Rolling Stone Review:" "The only truly scary thing about this doomsday popcorn flick is the momumental ineptitude of the acting, writing and directing.) on our list for Christmas DVD's but it looks more precient all the time. First gulf stream changes and now this- Nagano Prefecture, Japan under 13 feet of snow. (at least it is not killer hail) ::Bldgblog...
Hybrid Proplusion Vehicles Using Ultracapacitors
by John Laumer, Philadelphia on 01.10.06
Yesterday we strode on luminous deck tiles that used ultracapacitors to store solar-generated charge. Now we're on the road: cruising on a breakthrough design, hybrid bus that uses a bank of ultracapacitors instead of rechargeable batteries. While conventional nickel metal hydride batteries are common for hybrid-powered vehicles, Maxwell Technologies claims its BOOSTCAP ultracapacitors deliver up to 10 times the power and longevity of batteries.
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Supersized Houses and People
by Lloyd Alter, Toronto on 01.10.06
We do go on about living with less and complain about monster houses, but perhaps it is because bike riding vegetarian treehuggers simply take up less space. Dean Johnson plotted increases in house square footage against increases in obesity in the US and found this surprising correlation. Did Americans grow to fit the environment or did the houses grow to fit the Americans? :: Alchemic Spot via ::Seth Godin ...
“Global Warming Trends”
by Kara DiCamillo, Newport, Rhode Island on 01.10.06
We chuckled out loud when we opened our inbox to find this forward from a friend with a subject line that read “Global Warming Trends.” At least it's good to see we're using less today. Ha, ha. Unfortunately we’re not sure who to credit because there wasn’t a signature attached to this cartoon. Do any of you TreeHuggers happen to know whose creative work this might be? Thanks for the laugh, Kelly H.!...
Flower Power – H&M are using the EU Eco-Label
by Petz Scholtus, Barcelona, Spain on 01.10.06
Yes we’ve written about Eco-labels quite often and even quite recently . The idea of eco-labelling is to make things clearer for consumers of course, but it is actually quite a confusing subject. All sorts of organisations are setting up their own labelling systems, whether it’s for shoes or fish , and today we’ve just found another one by rather a big organisation – The European Union. Yes apparently the EU have had their own ‘Flower’ eco-label, not to be confused with the Veriflora eco-flower label, stuck to environmentally sound products since 1992. That’s 14 years of EU eco-labelling! There is even an EU Eco-Label Museum in Turin, Italy. So either we are very slow or the EU eco-marketing department just isn’t very good. Anyway the most important thing is that now we know it’s there we can look out for it. As with most things you think you’ve never heard of you will probably be seeing the lovely starry ‘Flower’ label everywhere you go now, from campsites, to lightbulbs, to toilet paper and even in H&M. ...
Q&A. Green Appliance Comparison Shopping
by Warren McLaren, Sydney on 01.10.06
Q. “Hello - My wife and I are looking to replace our conventional washer and dryer with something energy efficient and eco friendly, however after several hours online we havent found any good references for comparing offerings. Could you or your readers perhaps suggest something for us? It seems no dryers at all have an energy rating - why is that ? p.s. we read you all the time and keep up the great work!” Rob and Cat A.”
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Please Nominate Treehugger for 2006 Bloggies!
by Lindsey Lake, New York on 01. 9.06
The nominations for the Bloggies are winding down, and we would like to ask again that you keep Treehugger in mind for nomination. If you haven't already posted your nominations please do so now; and if you like us, please nominate Treehugger for Best Topical Blog!
Last year we were finalists for Best Topical Blog! And, like my dad always said "Second place is for LOSERS!" So . . . give us a hand, show your support and take a minute to nominate us for Best Topical Blog.
Important:
1 Nominate TreeHugger only under "Best Topical Blog":
While we may fit into several other categories we don't want to dilute the nominations.
How about makezine.com for "Best New Blog"? and Worldchanging.com for "Best Group Blog"?
2 Nominate at least 2 other blogs in other categories.
This is necessary for your nomination(s) to count.
3 Nominate Now!
The nominations have a very small window - the deadline is 10 pm EST Jan 10th!
Many thanks for your support!
Team TreeHugger...
"Dress an Eco-Celeb Contest": Win an HER Design Bag!
by Sean Fisher, Cincinnati, Ohio on 01. 9.06
Want to win an ultracool sustainable HER Design bag? Enter our "Dress an Eco-Celeb" Contest for your shot at the "Mushroom" bag (in chocolate) from HER Design. All you need to do is pick an eco-celeb (check out our "celebrities" category for some ideas) and outfit that celebrity from head to toe with modern, sustainable clothing and accessories. When you have done this, simply go to wists.com and make a "wist" of your items. Send a link to your "wist" to: contest [at] treehugger [dot] com by January 20th for your chance to win!...
TH Reader Feedback: How's Our Commenting System?
by Erin Courtenay - Madison, WI on 01. 9.06
Solar-powered Wi-Fi Lampposts
by Collin Dunn, Corvallis, OR, USA on 01. 9.06
Internet users at the University of Abertay in Dundee, Scotland, will soon be able to read TreeHugger as they saunter down the street. Six of the solar-powered lampposts fitted with high-speed wireless internet gateways will be erected on a rooftop at the University, with plans for 4,000 more under the current project. The lampposts will still serve their original function, using TH fav light-emitting diodes (LEDs) to provide lots of light with just a little power, derived from the solar cells that will also power the wi-fi network. The firm in charge of installing and maintaining the lampposts, Compliance Technology (CTL), is excited about the future possibilities of the innovative lampposts. Says CTL's Calum McRae: "With only a fraction of the installation and running costs of conventional street lights, councils could use smart lampposts to provide street light while selling internet access to local residents, or even providing it free in areas of need...no local community needs to be without reliable street lighting, with the added benefit of wi-fi technology." ::BBC via ::Mobile Mag ...
This Week in Biodiesel
by Jacob Gordon, Nashville, TN on 01. 9.06
Three years ago I couldn’t find anyone who knew what biodiesel was except weird scientist types and real salt of the earth hippies. An enthusiastic person could actually keep track of just about everything going on in the biodiesel world—now there’s no chance. Biodiesel is virtually a household name with serious clout among celebrities, scientists, and capitalists alike. I no longer feel like a lone proselytizer in the wilderness thanks to advocates from across the spectrum. The New York Times recently reported on Willie Nelson’s advocacy and his own line of veggie fuel, Bonnie Rait has been holding special sessions at her shows to promote the stuff, and high school students in Indiana are getting biodiesel science kits for their classes. You can see Daryl Hannah on TV tearing around in her...
Instant Survey: Do You Have the Hometown Sprawl Blues?
by Erin Courtenay - Madison, WI on 01. 9.06
Eames Lounge Available in Sustainable Rosewood
by Mairi Beautyman, Berlin, Germany on 01. 9.06
Starting in May, the Eames lounge will once again be available in rosewood, the sustainable kind this time. The rosewood addition of this classic parlor staple designed by Charles and Ray Eames was discontinued by furniture manufacturers Herman Miller and Vitra in the 1980’s—due to the rarity of the wood. But recently, countries seeking sustainable forestry practices came across the Santos Palisander. This rosewood, found in Bolivia and Brazil, is considered environmentally friendly, according to the Eames Foundation. The lounge will be available through ::Eames Office and ::Herman Miller....
Where Rockefeller Center’s Tree Ends Up
by Mairi Beautyman, Berlin, Germany on 01. 9.06
Towering up to 90 feet tall and 40 feet wide, the Norway Spruce that finds its way to New York’s Rockefeller Center is one big tree. So it’s nice to know the Center started recycling it in 1971. Since 1974, the Boy Scouts of America has been the recipient of almost three tons of mulch, used as ground cover at their camps. The U.S. Equestrian Team in Gladstone, NJ gets the trunk—which becomes an obstacle jump. Ride through the team's training grounds and you're looking at what's left of all those trees, landmarks in their heyday.
And as we mentioned before, every year New Yorkers can recycle their own trees during MulchFest.
...Stark Sisters Granola – Delicious and Healthy
by Kara DiCamillo, Newport, Rhode Island on 01. 9.06
Just like everyone else, we have our New Year’s resolutions and (almost) at the top of that list is to eat healthier. We started with switching our 11am snack to Stark Sisters Granola, a healthy snack with unbelievable flavor. Debra Stark, owner and chef, uncovered a secret family recipe that came from her grandfather. He sowed his own oats and tapped trees to make his own maple syrup and years later Debra has recreated this delicious treat. All of the grains that are used are organically grown, toasted until crunchy, are sweetened with Vermont maple syrup and come in three irresistible choices: maple almond, maple raspberry blueberry and nutty maple. Debra has her own store in Concord, Massachusetts (Debra’s Natural Gourmet) where she sells her granola but you can pick it up in Whole Foods as well. This is one New Year’s resolution that we can definitely sticking with. ::Stark Sisters Granola...
Kallari – Sustainable Crafts And Organic Chocolate Preserving Amazonian Culture
by Leonora Oppenheim, London, UK on 01. 9.06
With reference to our post yesterday on Caboclo’s Amazonian Jewellery we’d like to tell you about Kallari. Like Caboclo, Kallari promotes traditional Amazonian craftwork, but rather than Brazil they are based in rainforests of Ecuador. They started in 1997 as a craft cooperative with less than fifty families from the Kichwa tribe. Their mission was to provide an alternative income from deforestation whilst also preserving their own distinctive culture. Now the cooperative includes 660 families, and as well as craftwork they now produce organic chocolate and coffee. These products are being exported to 12 countries around the world and provide a sustainable income for the Kichwa people without them having to succumb to logging, mining or petroleum interests....
2007 Toyota Yaris Photos From LA Auto Show
by Michael Graham Richard, Ottawa, Canada on 01. 9.06
Reader Damien Somerset has sent us three photos of the 2007 Toyota Yaris that he took at the 2006 Los Angeles Auto Show along with this note: "This is some pics of the Yaris. I don't think the MSRP has been posted on TH yet, it is $10,200.00. Very inexpensive!" That's indeed a pretty low price for one of the best-selling selling small cars in the rest of the world (can't wait for the Honda Fit/Jazz to hit the USA either), though adding some options will no doubt bring it closer to $13-14k. We only wish Damien had taken a more centered shot from the front... eblood: Cruelty and Drug Free Clothing
by Lloyd Alter, Toronto on 01. 9.06
EBLOOD clothing is "technical, stylish and ethical." it uses innovative fabrics, a rough street image, fitting the tast of those who truly live the street spirit." founded by skateboarders and musicians, the company uses no components of wool, leather, suede or silk as we don't feel it's necessary to exploit beautiful creatures just to make us look good". ..."we hope more and more kids will feel attracted by a clean, positive, cruelty and drug-free way of living showing more respect towards our planet, the animals and human beings in their everyday life" Clicking on any of the links on their site will get your phone tapped as a treehugger wacko, but if kids are going wear sk8tr gear it might as well carry a positive message.
commenter Mike asks "why is it that you insist on posting these nutjob views with no basis in reality?"
We looked more closely at the site and agree that some of the poliitical statements are a bit, um, unformed and extreme but they are skateboarders and musicians speaking to their contemporaries in the street. if skater kids buy into the vegan drug-free message then it is harder to criticize the medium. ::eblood clothing...
Passenger Pigeon Clothing
by Kyeann Sayer, Nomad on 01. 9.06
Designer Heather Schibli is making some very wearable, eco-contemporary pieces up in Toronto. Her Passenger Pigeon collections are assembled from organic cotton, hemp, ecospun and tencel. The name is an homage to the formerly abundant and now extinct feathered friend. Schibli incorporates bird applique, one among well-chosen embellishments that make each simple piece a stand-out. Continue reading for more pics. :: Passenger Pigeon
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Banrock Station Wine
by Warren McLaren, Sydney on 01. 9.06
Why does a wine company feature a Pacific Black Duckling on their website? Why is the manager of their visitor centre a catchment scientist? Or why do they have a Ranger Ecologist on the payroll? Because they believe that Good Earth = Fine Wine. Banrock Station is 4,200 acres on the Murray River in South Australia. It has just celebrated 10 years of hard work turning the property from a dustbowl into a thriving natural environment. One with a wetland system, that the company was intrumental in having listed as an internationally recognised RAMSAR site. (See before-and-after pics in extended post.) A portion from the sale of every one of their wines goes into habitat restoration. Originally it was their own property that received the rehabilitation, but now 10 such sites worldwide benefit from the over $3 million AUD that has been raised through the eco-levy on the wine. Their visitor centre is built of rammed earth from local soils and powered by grid connected photovoltaics. Rainwater is harvested for drinking, while waste-water is filtered through a reed bed, for later irrigation. Yes, they do export, so keep an eye out next time you are in the bottle shop. ::Banrock Station....
Prijon Kayaks - Most Durable in the World?
by Warren McLaren, Sydney on 01. 9.06
Ever since Walden Kayaks stopped making their recycled polyethylene watercraft we’ve been up the mast, spyglass at the ready, to sight a similarly worthy vessel. We haven’t espied one just yet, but Prijon sound like they’re paddling in the right direction. Many of craft from this famous German kayak builder use a material called Thermoplast. It’s a HTP, or ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene, said to have over 25% greater longitudinal and torsional stiffness than the traditional polyethylenes commonly used for roto-moulded kayaks. Prijon, by contrast, create their products through extrusion blow moulding. They reckon this combination of different materials and construction method creates kayaks that are “the strongest, most rigid and most durable in the world.” We like that word durable. The company is also keen on reuse and zero waste, stating that if a newly created hull does not meet quality checks, it is reused to make other boat parts. HTP as a material is claimed to be non-toxic. Prijon Kayaks ::Germany & International, USA and UK....
"Environmentalists Finally get Down to Very Serious Business"
by Kyeann Sayer, Nomad on 01. 8.06
Check out this opinion piece from today's San Francisco Chronicle. Peter Asmus addresses the "death of environmentalism," its mainstreaming, and the strategies of working at the grassroots and corporate levels. Some highlights:
If we are going to win this war to save the world from global climate change, as well as from terrorism and poverty, then we environmentalists need to stop pretending that it is all about us....
LIME: Pedaling Toward a Sustainable Future
by Lime Planet, New York, New York on 01. 8.06
There’s no more appropriate way to tour the landscape of sustainable living than astride a two-wheeled – and zero-emission – steed. That’s why Portland Peace and Justice Center organized the Sustainable Energy In Motion Bike Tour, which organizes summer bike trips throughout the Pacific Northwest to visit organic farms, natural wonders, Native American communities and sustainable businesses, while camping under the stars, doing service projects and learning about green building and clean energy.
The trips range from one to three weeks long and are open to both novice and advanced cyclists. You can follow Oregon’s legendary Route 101 along the coastal bluffs, or cruise the Columbia River Gorge learning about permaculture and sustainable business. “Change your world, one mile at a time,” goes the motto.
If you want to splurge and take a deluxe bike tour throughout Europe, New Zealand or Vietnam, check out VBT.com, an international cycling outfit headquartered in Vermont. It boasts “time-tested itineraries, a variety of cycling routes, full van support, expert trip leaders, outstanding hotels, and regional cuisine.” [by Amanda Little , Syndicated from the Planet section of LIME ]...
Organic Beans and the Roots of All Wisdom
by Christine Lepisto, Berlin on 01. 8.06
The challenge was a simple one. Friends visiting us on holidays didn't believe they could taste a difference between organic and non-organic produce. Is it only about saving the world, assuaging a guilty conscience, appearing "chic" with the newest upscale certification on the label at a dinner party? What is real? And in an age of big houses full of every appliance man can dream up, should I prioritize my dollars for that big Wolf super-stove, or should I spare my pennies for an organic, locally grown tomato?...
Equa: An Entire Store Full of Fair Trade Clothing
by Lloyd Alter, Toronto on 01. 8.06
We often show online sources of Treehugger-approved clothing, but if you prefer bricks to clicks, here is a store devoted to it, in trendy Islington(London). "equa's sole aim is to provide a location in which to sell collections that are committed to ensuring ethical origins, from organic to fair trade. Stocking fashion ranges from Ciel, Eternal Creation, Enamore, Sari, Beyond Skin, Organics for Kids & many more, equa is proud to offer beautifully designed, fashionable clothes that do much more than just make the wearer look fabulous." ::Equa...
Recycled Cashmere Peace Scarf
by Lloyd Alter, Toronto on 01. 8.06
Wear your politics on your sleeve, or in this case, scarf, with this design by Deborah Lindquist, whose " collections fuse her passion for design with her desire to do something good for the planet. Using recycled materials and vintage fabrics, she creates stand-out separates that are as environmentally-friendly as they are stunning." made from 100% recycled cashmere from ::Hip & Zen...
Travis Ruse's Commute Chronicles
by Kyeann Sayer, Nomad on 01. 8.06
Either out of necessity or preference, many of us spend the equivalent of days of our lives on public transit each year. Some read, sleep, work, cruise, zone out or make out. Travis Ruse takes pictures, capturing commuting ephemera beautifully on his daily round trip Brooklyn to Manhattan subway travels. Via 52 Projects. :: travisruse.com ...
Caboclo – Ecological Jewellery From The Brazilian Rainforest
by Leonora Oppenheim, London, UK on 01. 8.06
Caboclo is the Brazilian word describing someone of half white and half indian origin. This idea of mixed race and culture is behind the concept of importing traditional craftwork from the Brazilian Amazon to downtown Barcelona, which is where I recently came across the Caboclo label. As well as jewellery, they sell woven bags and leather sandals from their shop in the Gothic quarter, but it was the jewellery which caught our TreeHugger eye. Dramatic pieces are made from recycled sustainable materials, such as seeds, grasses and stones, collected from the forest floor. The jewellery is hand-made by local craftsmen and women and exported to Europe through Caboclo. We are not certain that the profits from this eco-jewellery go straight back to the skilled artisans who made it, helping to keep their traditional crafts alive, but we are really hoping that that is it the whole point.
:: Caboclo - Calle Dagueria 1, Barrio Gotico, Barcelona...
HUMMER Eau De Toilette
by Kyeann Sayer, Nomad on 01. 8.06
Eau De Toilette
"The essence of adventure is captured in a fragrance for those who aren't content to simply watch the world go by. HUMMER fragrance is a fresh, exhilarating scent that blends organic essences of the natural world such as sandalwood and leather with exotic spices like cardamom and amber for a truly masculine adrenaline rush that can only be called HUMMER."
(Emphasis ours.)...
Alligators, Old Mink and New Money: One Woman's Adventures in Vintage Clothing
by Kyeann Sayer, Nomad on 01. 8.06
For many of us, nabbing vintage plays a large role in creating guilt-free personal style. But knowing what will last, and how to integrate here-and-there finds into a coherent wardrobe, is an art. If you're vintage-obsessed, this is your book. If you're not, you may become so after reading of model-turned-boutique owner Alison Houtte's treasure hunting adventures. Owner of Park Slope's Hootie Couture, Houtte is an expert spying gems at flea markets and estate sales. You'll learn the ins and outs of the vintage business and also get her second hand style secrets in the "Vintage Shopper's Guide." Happy Shopping! :: Alligators, Old Mink and New Money: One Woman's Adventures in Vintage Clothing ...
Q&A. Recycling Christmas Cards
by Warren McLaren, Sydney on 01. 8.06
Q. “Hi All - I usually send my used but nice Christmas Card fronts to the St. Jude's Childrens' Home. They have been so inundated with cards over the last few years that they cannot economically store more. Is there some company or cause that would want them? I think I could get my whole office and group of friends to participate. We are willing to donate them and pay our own postage. Any ideas?” Thank you, Cindi C.”...
