- 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 February 19, 2006 - February 25, 2006
Total this week: 90
Karim Rashid's Kit 24 House
by Lloyd Alter, Toronto on 02.25.06
Everyone lined up to see the Kit 24 House by Karim Rashid at the Interior Design Show in Toronto. It is made from 24 facets of aluminum panels, can be assembled in 24 hours, and the upper level is supposed to rotate every 24 hours. We were just waiting for Kiefer Sutherland to dash through the crowds. Outside of it being prefab, there is not much to commend it to Treehugger. ...
Tables by Gau Designs
by Lloyd Alter, Toronto on 02.25.06
When we last met Jean-Michel Gauvreau, we loved his sinks that grow. Now we love this table that is "conceived for ecological and economical production, a self supporting structure completely designed for disassembly with no glue or screws, for easier separation of materials for recycling."
Organic Fur: Fuzzying Up the Definitions
by John Laumer, Philadelphia on 02.25.06
From Canada's Montreal Gazette, we learned that the "spinning" of traditional products into the green marketing category can come from unexpected quarters. "A hot global economy and the marketing of fur as a cool "eco-fabric'' are feeding Canada's fur trade, according to the Fur Council of Canada" Wow. 'Now can you tell me Ma'm, is that a certified "wild-caught" fur or is it one of those farm raised jobbies where the critters get fed anti-biotics?'..."Average prices for mink, beaver and other furs jumped by 30 to 40 per cent over last February at North America's largest fur auction in Toronto last week, [Fur Council of Canada] executive vice-president Alan Herscovici said".
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Convergence to Efficiency: On The Prospects for HyperCapacitors
by John Laumer, Philadelphia on 02.25.06
OK we'll admit it: "HyperCapacitor" is a term we just coined. But, if the innovations continue apace it will be appropriate. In recent months we covered ultra-capacitors for hybrid buses and trucks and for storing electricity produced by solar photovoltaic cells. Another post drew attention to a nanotech research breakthrough that might greatly increase the storage density of carbon-based ultracapacitors. That one generated hopeful comments about replacing Lithium or Nickel-based batteries with ultracapacitors in smaller vehicles. The capacitor breakthroughs are coming in waves, making it seem as if all we have to do is introduce one research team to another to make coping with climate change less daunting. ...
John Glendinning: Sculptural Objects from Found Wood
by Lloyd Alter, Toronto on 02.25.06
Designer John Glendinning is "inspired by my experiences with my natural surroundings, as it is my goal to express the energy and growth of nature in my work". These particular bowls are made from elm that he harvests himself from fallen trees, steamed and formed. ::JohnGlendinning found at the ::Interior Design Show...
Chair by the Brothers Dressler
by Lloyd Alter, Toronto on 02.25.06
Lars and Jason Dressler are two very tall brothers who build very neat stuff. A phrase we learned in school was to design with "an economy of means and a generosity of ends", a test that this chair meets- each is carefully cut out of a single sheet of baltic birch plywood. Face on, one can see it is 50% air.
UPDATE: The designers add the following info, included below the fold:
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TH Almost: SternForm’s Minimalist 3x5 Shelving System
by Leonora Oppenheim, London, UK on 02.25.06
This amazingly minimalist design idea caught our eye on Moco Loco this week. The German designers Sternform have reduced shelving to its simplest form with their 3x5 system specifically for storing files. Using only simple boards between layers of files means the files themselves hold up the shelves. This is smart thinking since you only usually need one or two files at a time so why not use those remaining as the integral structure. We like Sternform’s simple design solution which is infinitely expandable and adaptable with a very economic usage of material. It’s only a shame they chose to use MDF, which isn’t very attractive or eco-friendly. We reckon you could make some very smart shelving boards from some beautiful FSC certified wood to smarten up your files. via Moco Loco ::Sternform...
Polar Bear Solar Power at Bionik in Berlin
by Christine Lepisto, Berlin on 02.25.06
Opening 1 March in Berlin, the Bionik presents the newest developments in technologies which mimic great designs in nature. The Bionik will feature the Mercedes-Benz Bionic car, self-repairing fabrics, early warning systems for Tsunami, and solar power technology based on (well...why not?) polar bears....
The 2006 Environmental Film Festival in the Nation’s Capital
by Warren McLaren, Sydney on 02.25.06
Coming up soon (how did March get to be here so quickly?) is the Environmental Film Festival in Washington, D.C. Running 16th through 26th of March, it will “present 100 documentary, feature, animated, archival, experimental and children’s films selected to provide fresh perspectives on environmental issues facing our globe.” In its 14th year the festival, this year's hundred flicks will span 23 countries, 46 filmakers and 45 “premieres” or so says the press release, anyhow. Learn about Chinese cultivation of organic tea, Cuba’s Green Revolution, destruction of Afghani Buddha statues, protection of the Amazon rainforest and a world first viewing of “Buyer, Be Fair: The Promise of Product Certification” exploring ways to make free trade fair. “Films are screened at nearly 40 venues throughout the city, including museums, embassies, libraries, universities and local theaters. Most screenings are free to the public and include discussion with filmmakers or scientists.” Tip thanks to Lara G., who has also offered to be our TH reporter-the-field. It's a tough job, but someone's gotta do it. ::Environmental Film Festival...
Mardi Grist: New York Eco Extravaganza This Tuesday!
by Kyeann Sayer, Nomad on 02.24.06
Cooling Cars in a Warming World: Industry Looks for Green AC Alternatives
by Jacob Gordon, Nashville, TN on 02.24.06
The most commonly used cooling agent in car air conditioners will be banned by the European Union in 2011, and California may be considering a similar ban. The phase-out of the refrigerant HFC-134a, also called tetrafluoroethane, has carmakers and the air conditioning industry looking for non-greenhouse gas alternatives that can be used throughout the world’s largest car market. The annual Mobile Air Conditioners Summit met in Austria earlier this month, bringing together industry leaders, the European Commission, and the California Air Resources Board (CARB) to examine safe alternatives for cooling the world’s cars....
Yurts on the Big Sur: This is Not a Flashback
by Lloyd Alter, Toronto on 02.24.06
Post Ranch Inn at Big Sur comes complete with astronomer and telescope
We usually avoid posts about yurts, domes and the like, reminding us as they do of our days at the commune. This is different: an off-grid 16 yurt resort in, as Henry Miller described it in 1957, "a region where one is always conscious of weather, of space, of grandeur and of eloquent silence." ...
"Waste of Packaging" Contest: Time to Vote
by Sean Fisher, Cincinnati, Ohio on 02.24.06
It is time to vote for the winner of our "Waste of Packaging" Contest. We had a lot, and I mean a lot, of great entries this time around, and we would like to thank everyone who entered for doing so. We would also like to our friends at re:modern for offering up a great prize for the winner - a $250 gift certificate to their online store. Without further ado, the finalists for our "Waste of Packaging" Contest are:
- Ryan De Baker's Mamba Candies
- Kathleen Robinson's Individually Wrapped Peanut Butter
- Ryan Roy's Empty iPod Nano Box
- Jared Benedict's "Little Stinkers" Pickup Bags
- Noam Ross' Plastic Egg Cartons
- Dave Chui's Bliss Lotion Box
Please take a second and vote for your favorite entry:
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Recipe of the Week: Stir-Fried Wild Mushrooms with Snap Peas in Oyster Sauce
by Kelly Rossiter, Toronto on 02.24.06
For many people February is a time of cocooning and quiet. For this Treehugger it is the beginning of the family birthday cycle. Mother, daughter, myself, son and grandmother (who will be 102) all celebrate birthdays within the next few weeks. That is a lot of celebrating and a lot of rich food. On the off party days we think about making something simple, easy and delicious. We usually steam or lightly sauté vegetables and serve them plainly, but when we took the time to do something different the family was happy with the outcome.
Stir-Fried Wild Mushrooms with Snap Peas in Oyster Sauce...
Green Blogathon Starts Tonight
by Collin Dunn, Corvallis, OR, USA on 02.24.06
Starting tonight, some of our fellow green bloggers will be posting for 24 hours around the clock to raise money for some good green causes. Headed up by Shea Gunther at Musings of an Eco-Entrepreneur, he's joined by Jeff at sustainablog as well as bloggers from Unplugged Living, Powering Down, Great Green Goods and Groovy Green, just to name a few. They're all asking for the support of the green blogosphere, in the form of pledges made for each post; each blogger must average two posts an hour for the duration of their shift, and their goal is to raise money for deserving green causes. Several are supporting The Nature Conservancy's Adopt an Acre program to save Brazilian rainforest, for example; collectively, they hope to raise enough to adopt at least one acre. Check here for a complete list of bloggers and causes. It's not too late to support them; click here to pledge, and watch starting tonight for some great green blogging! ::Green Blogathon...
Oasis Clothing - Eco-Conscious in the UK
by Kara DiCamillo, Newport, Rhode Island on 02.24.06
For our trendsetter TreeHuggers in the UK we have good news about one of your most popular fashion stores. Oasis recently announced that they are going to stock a range of organic clothes in response to demand from their eco-conscious customers (that’s you!) called Future Organic. We couldn’t find much on the Oasis website since the line isn’t launching until April, but we read that the line will include toxin-free and certified organic jeans, jackets and tops. Stay tuned - we’ll give you an update in a few months to see what they’ve come up with. Via ::The Guardian ::Oasis...
at the Interior Design Show: Castor Canadensis
by Lloyd Alter, Toronto on 02.24.06
Yesterday we alluded to our awful photography skills; we even borrowed a better camera and the results were worse, which is a shame because there was lots to see at the Interior Design Show in Toronto. For us the hit of the show was actually seeing the work of Castor Canadensis; we have covered the sauna box and the recycled tube light before. They have done some mods to the sauna box: ...
Hybrid Sales Keep Going Up, Up, Up
by Collin Dunn, Corvallis, OR, USA on 02.24.06
A good post over at Green Car Congress offers up some interesting numbers about hybrid sales. Almost twice as many hybrids were sold in the US in January 2006 as in January 2005. By contrast, sales of total light duty vehicles in the US in January 2006 increased by just 3% from the previous year. Toyota sold 7,654 units of the Prius, an increase of 38% over the same period last year, and the new Honda Civic Hybrid had a very strong month, reporting 3,165 units sold, an increase of 171% over January 2005 and its the most sales in a month since April 2005. ...
TH Week : Livin It Up
by Dominic Muren, Philadelphia, USA on 02.24.06
This week in Treehugger, a lot of great press went to covering those coverings we all take for granted: Our Homes. Check out these green (or any color you want) homes and offices that have graced our pages in the last 7 days.
:: Lloyd Hung out with these arborial prefabs.
:: And Karim Rashid's prefab solution, the Kit 24 house
:: And this British Fleet of earthships
:: And Bruce Mau's latest project to house the world.
:: If that's not enough to satisfy you, check out our extensive archives of architectural wonders....
TreeHugger Picks: Behold - The Power of Poo
by Collin Dunn, Corvallis, OR, USA on 02.24.06
While not quite as glamorous as some other forms of alternative energy, we still think biogas courtesy of our four-legged friends is an important part of a clean-energy future. Check out some biogas posts from our past, and behold the power of poo.
1) Vermont cows are helping produce energy for a local power grid.
2) A prison in Rwanda is being partially powered by human poo.
3) An Energy Australia plant produces enough pig poo power for 1,500 homes.
4) A farm in Minnesota is feeding the future economy by converting methane to hydrogen for use in fuel cells.
5) Deep in the heart of Texas, an ethanol plant is being built that will run almost exclusively on cow poo; a similar operation will soon be set up in Nebraska.
6) Over in Sweden, plans for the world's first train powered by organic waste biogas are underway....
"Waste of Packaging" Finalist: Bliss Lotion
by Sean Fisher, Cincinnati, Ohio on 02.24.06
It is always great to get a big box in the mail, however you usually expect to find a big item inside. That is exactly why Dave Chiu felt compelled to send us this entry, a small bottle of Bliss lotion in a great big Bliss shipping box. Of course, when you ship small items in large packages, you have to make sure they do not "shift", so this particular box (excessive in of itself) was further filled with other packing materials including the ubiquitous bubble wrap. For Dave, the fixes in this case are pretty easy, "What to fix: A start would be to ship small items in small boxes so you're not transporting a huge amount of air back and forth across the country. Second, start using refillable/reusable bottles." Photo after the jump.
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Extreme Makeover: The Tea Bag
by Mairi Beautyman, Berlin, Germany on 02.24.06
Something as simple as tea can get us excited. Tea Forté had one brilliant idea: let's revamp the boring old tea bag into something so aesthetically orgasmic you just want to look at it all day. The company's individually hand-crafted “Silken-Tea-Infusers” are little herbal infusion pyramids of whole-leaf flowers, fresh harvested rough cut herbs, and all natural essential oils. Flavors include Bombai Chai, Forté (something with Jasmine flowers), Green, and Ginger. They are expensive—tins of 15 for $24—but nearly too pretty to use, so sure to last longer. ::Tea Forté ...
"Waste of Packaging" Finalist: Plastic Egg Carton
by Sean Fisher, Cincinnati, Ohio on 02.24.06
Noam Ross' entry shows that sometimes making things "better" can make them worse. The egg carton he entered tried to update the packaging by moving from the traditional paper packaging to a new sytle of plastic carton. According to Noam, "An extra flap on the carton adds more than 50% to the packaging. The use of plastic is more energy-intensive than traditional egg carton materials, and requires the addition of a paper label. Since the package is a mix of paper and plastic, it is unlikely that both will end up being recycled." Noam suggests switching back from plastic to paper cartons. Not only is paper more easily recycled, "When printed with soy inks, they are 100% biodegradable, and make excellent trays for starting garden seeds." Check out the picture after the jump....
"Waste of Packaging" Finalist: "Little Stinkers"
by Sean Fisher, Cincinnati, Ohio on 02.24.06
It is not often that you are expected to throw away not only the package a product comes in, but the product itself. However, that is exactly the case with these doggie "pickup bags" sent in by Jared Benedict. "These "Little Stinker" poop bags come nicely packed inside a bag, which are then packed inside another bag. The lady at the pet store asked if I wanted a bag for my purchase. I declined." Thanks Jared! Check out the picture after the jump....
TH Eco-Action: Bridging Cultures Through Design – RISD Students Finish Their Sustainable Design Workshop In Guatemala
by Leonora Oppenheim, London, UK on 02.24.06
And so the intrepid team of RISD design students have made it safely back to Rhode Island after their exciting and intensive field trip to Guatemala. It has been very interesting to follow their progress courtesy of Chelsea Green. Below Chelsea tells us about the last few days of the workshop and how a Guatemalan design student read about their project on TreeHugger and managed to find them in their studio. Oh how we love connecting people! It will be interesting to see how the Bridging Cultures Through Design project develops back in Rhode Island and what comes out of their learning experience with the local artisans of Lake Atitlan. We hope that Chelsea and the RISD gang will keep us up to date with their very worthwhile project and we look forward to seeing some beautiful, sustainable and marketable products in the end....
Join Bruce Mau. Be Part of the World House Project.
by Lloyd Alter, Toronto on 02.24.06
Bruce Mau thinks big. Bursting forth from the restraints of his graphic design background, he founded the Institute Without Boundaries and mounted Massive Change. Phase II : to design a sustaining, universal and healthy human dwelling. The program, in association with Toronto's George Brown College is looking for candidates: "an architect with a penchant for poetry, a filmmaker with a bent for social documentary, a biologist who plays baseball, an ecologist who enjoys cooking and an engineer who plays in a band, an expert in international relations who speaks three languages and is a great photojournalist, an interior designer who designs underwater worlds…" Create a new way of living. Dissolve the line between learning and practice, between work and the world. Pursue the utopian to the pragmatic. Learn more at ::Institute Without Boundaries. ...
Watermark: Louisiana Sinking
by Lloyd Alter, Toronto on 02.24.06
As the land continues to shrink, groves of dead cypress trees, known as ghost forests, mark the advance of the encroaching salt water. An area the size of a football field succumbs every thirty-eight minutes. Read Elizabeth Kolbert's article in the Feb 27 New Yorker. We learn that long before Katrina it was an area of constant change as the river determined the landscape. "Lafourche Parish is what is left of the lobe laid down during the Roman Empire. The City of New Orleans sits on a lobe that came into being around the time of the Pyramids." These are not geological timescales, and they are disappearing even more quickly. "Between 1930 and 2000, some 1.2 million acres, an area roughly the size of Delaware, disappeard. Hurricanes Katrina and Rita stripped away an estimated seventy-five thousand acres- an area as big as Manhattan and Brooklyn combined." Despite attempts at wetland restoration, it will probably get worse. "What use to be the once-in-a-lifetime flood, you could see every season." Not a happy prognosis for New Orleans, but an important article in ::New Yorker
photo portion of photograph by Robert Polidori...
QOTD via Joel Makower
by Warren McLaren, Sydney on 02.24.06
Joel Makower in his blog ::Two Steps Forward, referring to an Inform report regarding the progressive move from diesel to natural gas, for garbage trucks. (QOTD = quote of the day)....
The Porters Progress Project
by Warren McLaren, Sydney on 02.24.06
We alluded to a Australian retail company in a post early last year, relating how they donated money to environmental charities for every carry bag their customers did not take with purchases. The name of the chain is Paddy Pallin. Their latest endeavour in the social/environment realm is to give customers a $50 AUD discount on the purchase of new footwear, when they trade-in their old boots. These boots are then sent to the group 'Porters Progress', who run an gear library. From humble beginnings with just 12 jackets, they can now outfit up to 500 Himalayan porters at any one time. Trekking companies leave a refundable deposit to obtain the clothing, boots and equipment to provide safety and comfort for porters as they support trekkers. On completion of the trip “the gear is washed, repaired, and returned in exchange for the initial deposit.” This is a superb project, like the SWAG initiative previously noted, but with the added benefit of a fully functioning Product Service System (PSS). Inspiring. ::Porters Progress. ...
Vickery Eco Fabrics Collection
by Warren McLaren, Sydney on 02.24.06
Pop the cork! Let off the fireworks! Rejoice, oh rejoice. Someone reads our newsletters. Not only that, this singular respondent might even appreciate them. “I always enjoy reading the new, fun and hip findings on the environmentally progressive front, in your newsletter.” Wow. And furthermore, Sandja C. thought we should mention the Vickery website, of whom she seems equally enamored. Oh, but we have Sanja. Beginning back in November 04. Though it is true that we mostly focussed on their cards and stationery collections and gifts. We have, however, neglected to advise that they do carry several lines of Men’s and Women’s apparel in Bamboo, Organic Cotton and Soy, as shown left-to-right above. Oh, and they do Hemp as well, but we ran out of pixels to do them justice. Thanks for correcting the oversight Sanja. May you continue to enjoy the newsletters. ::Vickery Eco Fabrics....
Restaurant of the Week: Polly's Pancake Parlor, New Hampshire
by Kara DiCamillo, Newport, Rhode Island on 02.23.06
We’ve been hiking Mt. Washington and the Presidential Range for years and can’t think of another place to go for a hearty breakfast after a weekend’s hike than Polly’s Pancake Parlor. Located on Hildex Maple Sugar Farm, the family business has been around since 1938 and not only do they use their own original recipes (that means, no prepared mixes) but their delicious waffles and pancakes are made from stone-ground organic buckwheat, whole-wheat and cornmeal. Polly’s strives to serve the lightest and fluffiest pancakes possible and we can attest that they are some of the best we’ve had. Our recommendation: try the Pancake Sampler where you get two each of any three styles, including add-ins (we’ve always been a sucker for those chocolate chips). The maple “toppings” come to your table as sugar, syrup or spread, which is homemade at the farm as well and the Hildex speciality. And if you can’t make it to the Parlor for the real thing, check out their online store. It has pancake mixes, pure maple syrup and several other gift ideas. ::Polly’s Pancake Parlor...
"Waste of Packaging" Finalist: Empty nano Box
by Sean Fisher, Cincinnati, Ohio on 02.23.06
Whats worse than getting something in an overpackaged box? Getting nothing in an overpackaged box! That is exactly what Ryan Roy found at his local big box store when he was browsing the electronics section. From the entry, "This is an EMPTY blister pack for a nano, complete with paper insert instructing you to bring the empty package to the register for your nano, AND, if that were not enough, note the master carton (waste) and pallet for shipping. And if that's STILL not enough, you will get the manufactures packaging as well when you do decide to purchase this item, making everything [here] a total waste!!!" For those of us who can't live without our iPod, Ryan has a few suggestions for the retailers, "Sell the item in its original packaging [or] create a single backing card for redemption at the register." However, his personal preference? "My suggestion is to buy only what you need and pay no attention to advertising, make your own music, go see live music, think about wat[sic] you buy and how it affects the world!" Thanks Ryan! Picture after the jump......
Voltaic Systems Hiring Operations Manager!
by Collin Dunn, Corvallis, OR, USA on 02.23.06
Voltaic Systems, the producer of some of our favorite little solar bags, are hiring an Operations Manager. Based in Manhattan, this position would touch most day to day activities including: PR, marketing; web site maintenance; fulfillment, customer support, financial administration and production. The emphasis would be on managing relationships with resellers and expanding distribution channels. This should be someone experienced in this type of work, who is concerned about the environment, interested in sustainable products, and self reliant enough to deal with multiple responsibilities. This would be part time initially, with the prospect of becoming full time very quickly. Ideally this person would be based in New York, but if not, could work virtually from anywhere in the world. If this is you, please send your resume to: info (at) voltaicsystems (dot) com. ::Voltaic Systems...
Most Brits Willing to Pay to Save the Planet
by Collin Dunn, Corvallis, OR, USA on 02.23.06
Most people in the UK would accept new taxes on goods and services that damage the environment, according to a Guardian/ICM poll which reveals a widespread willingness to make personal sacrifices to tackle the threat of climate change. Some 63% said they approved of a green tax to discourage behaviour that harms the environment, while 34% said they would not accept such price rises. About a third of the UK's greenhouse gas pollution comes from domestic heating, and the poll reveals that people would be willing to spend an average of £331 (nearly $600 US -- about the price of this solar starter kit) to make their homes more environmentally friendly, even if the investment never paid for itself. Only 16% said they would not pay anything; 32% were willing to invest over £100 and 8% more than £1,000. More than half (51%) said they or their family had boycotted a company because its products damage the environment....
"Waste of Packaging" Finalist: Individually Packaged Peanut Butter
by Sean Fisher, Cincinnati, Ohio on 02.23.06
For those of us who still think a good peanut butter and jelly sandwhich is manna from the heavens, Kathleen Robinson's entry into the contest is especially heartbreaking - individually wrapped peanut butter slices. Obviously, individually wrapping each "slice" of peanut butter creates quite a bit more packaging than a simple jar would. However, Kathleen thinks she may have an even better idea, "It seems to me the inventor of this "unsticky" peanut butter could have simply sold his peanut butter in blocks, like cheese, that could be sliced with a cheese cutter (creating even less waste than a regular peanut butter jar?). Consumers could maybe even use a cheese grater on a block of peanut butter, creating shredded peanut butter, which I imagine would be good for cookies, or icecream." We're still not sold on "unsticky" peanut butter, however Kathleen's block o' peanut butter looks much better than a pile of plastic any day. Check out the picture after the jump......
100% Recycled Lawn Furniture
by Mairi Beautyman, Berlin, Germany on 02.23.06
Yes, it's still February...but we are already thinking about lazy weekends lounging about outdoors...Canadian-based CRP Products manufactures 100% recycled plastic lawn furniture. This classic recline, available in a rainbow of colors, never needs painting or staining, is waterproof, and arsenic, copper sulfate, and creosote toxin-free. It’s a $300 investment, but since it won’t rot and is unappetizing to insects, it will also outlast the usual pressure treated lumber—just leave it outside all year-around. Even better: it won’t blow away (according to the company representative I talked to). They also have tables, footstools, and a five-piece set. If you do decide you want to trade up for something different, or maybe a new color, all CRP products can be recycled all over again. ::CRP Products...
Ionize Away with Beeswax Candles
by Mairi Beautyman, Berlin, Germany on 02.23.06
Today, I learned beeswax is a natural ionizer. Dust, odors and other bacteria? These guys are positively charged—courtesy of static electricity, they hang around in the air. So, beeswax reportedly emits negative ions when burning, which combat and reduce environmental pollution and indoor air problems in your home. This all boils down to 100% beeswax candles by Luxe for Et al Designs. The naturally smokeless, soot-free, non-toxic and non-allergenic candles ($42 each) are created from “homeopathic” essences and essential oils distilled from organically grown flowers, plants and herbs, which “flourish in lush abundance” in the remote northern highlands in and around Chiang Mai, Northern Thailand. Yup, and they also smell yummy. To order, call 510-834-1800....
Instant Survey: Recycling at the Office
by Erin Courtenay - Madison, WI on 02.23.06
Will Honda Produce the Cheapest Hybrid Yet?
by Jacob Gordon, Nashville, TN on 02.23.06
A major Japanese daily has reported that Honda Motor Co. may very likely produce a hybrid version of its 5-door Fit subcompact as early as next spring. Though unconfirmed by Honda officials, rumor has it that the Fit could become the world’s most affordable hybrid to date, selling for less than $11,800. The Fit falls into a growing class of smaller cars headed for the States, such as the Toyota Yaris. The Japanese press reports that the Fit hybrid could be released as early as the spring of 2007, and would be sold globally. The move would signal Honda’s commitment to ramping up hybrid production, an issue it is apparently straddling. :: The Boston Globe (thanks to Greg for the tip) Update: For the latest news on the Honda Fit hybrid, see Update on Honda Fit Hybrid and CR-V Hybrid....
TH Blog Love – Our Favourite Greens Of The Week
by Leonora Oppenheim, London, UK on 02.23.06
Eco Street: Ethical Man by Tracy Stokes
Newsnight rookie Justin Rowlatt has been set the challenge of living an ethical lifestyle over the course of a year. He has a question: what on earth is an “ethical lifestyle”?
Grist: Attack Of The Killer Corn by Tom Philpott
As bad as the annual flood of cheap corn is for our health -- nutritionally worthless high-fructose corn syrup, cheap feed for confined animals pumped full of antibiotics and hormones -- it may be even worse for the environment.
Inhabitat: Andrew Maynard’s Protest Structures by Sarah Rich
Few things deter a logger from felling a tree more effectively than a protester clinging fiercely to its trunk. Except maybe a protest structure that clings to three trunks at once.
The Greener Side: Life by Chocolate - Organic Cocoa Comparison Chart
For all you chocaholics out there check this extensive tasting survey to see which organic fair trade chocolate comes out on top.
The Hip and Zen Pen: Carnival Of The Green # 15
We love this week’s Carnival for its eclectic and wide ranging outlook including, amongst other things, Starbucks, deodorants, sex toys, nuclear waster disposal and polar bears!...
Wal-Mart Seeks Certified Sustainable Fisheries
by John Laumer, Philadelphia on 02.23.06
The Juneau Empire newspaper is reporting that: "The Alaska fishing industry has been abuzz since last month, when Wal-Mart, the world's largest retailer, announced it would buy a significant portion of its wild-caught seafood from eco-friendly suppliers". For intent, we give Wal-Mart an "A". The final exam, however, calls for analsysis of the consequences of further popularizing wild fish, and how well the incomes of small fishermen hold up. But it's not just about wild-caught. Again, from the Juneau Empire, "To the chagrin of some proponents of wild fish, Wal-Mart is pursuing similar eco-labeling for its farmed Atlantic salmon and shrimp". Walmart's purchasing will be based on evaluations provided by the Marine Stewardship Council, a UK based charity organization. "Under its new agreement with the Marine Stewardship Council, Wal-Mart will buy wild-caught fresh and frozen fish for the North American market from council-certified fisheries". For the rest of the story check the Juneau Empire (mandatory regisration site). See our earlier post here for further background on the MSC role....
Return On Green: LEED Proves It's Worth In Resale
by John Laumer, Philadelphia on 02.23.06
We've been wondering what happens to a LEED certified building when it goes up for sale. Willl it be lemon (Bitter Lesson) or mango (King of Fruits)? A recent article from Chicago Sun Times of February 20, 2006 provided anecdotal evidence: Mango it is. Here are some excerpts to whet your appetite. "In Chicago office development, "going green" has a double meaning. It's about environmental friendliness, yes, but especially the color of money"... "John Buck Co. was among the first in Chicago to seize upon the trend...It's 51-story 111 S. Wacker building opened last June, and four months later crossed a green milestone. It became the first new office building not designed for a single user to win what's called a LEED gold rating". "...from the landscaping and storm-water collection system on its roof to the recycling system and bicycle storage space in the building's depths...Buck met standards for sourcing construction material nearby, with much of it recycled, and for the design and installation of air-filtration systems and monitors for indoor pollutants".
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Kit 24 House by Karim Rashid
by Lloyd Alter, Toronto on 02.23.06
We're off to the Interior Design Show this evening to see the launch of the Kit 24 House designed by the multitalented Karim Rashid. “This project gave me the opportunity to develop a kit house — a house that can be produced with simple minimal parts and tooling. I have always been interested in this notion of frugal housing, of housing that can be erected simply and quickly, that can be very inexpensive and democratic, and variable or customizable with little cause and great effect.” Look forward to our usual dreadful and crooked pictures tomorrow. ::Interior Design Show...
Fleet of Earthships Lands in Brighton
by Lloyd Alter, Toronto on 02.23.06
Earthships started in Taos, New Mexico-"self contained dwellings that will sail on the seas of tomorrow". Built from indigenous materials and problematic items like old tires and bottles, they are so energy efficient that they have no utility bills. Now developer Biotecture is proposing a 16 home development in Brighton that will use up 15,000 old tires, collect their own water and be powered by solar panels and wind turbines. "A successful development in Brighton could pave the way for dozens of Earthship colonies around the UK. It's a very powerful, iconic building concept that has the potential to revolutionise the way we live." says Biotecture's Daren Howarth. Elegant high density solutions they are not, but Brighton has always attracted unusual architecture ::Biotecture via ::Guardian. ...
Squidoo Lenses Focusing on Treehugger
by Lloyd Alter, Toronto on 02.23.06
Squidoo is a fascinating concept where people with an interest or expertise set up web pages, sort of like blog software but more flexible."We have built an online platform that makes it easy for anyone to build lenses on topics they are passionate about. These lenses help you find a unique, human perspective on things that interest you." It was founded by author and marketer Seth Godin and has attracted thousands of contributors. It is in beta and some of the lenses are thin, but one can see where it is going. We typed Treehugger into the search box and found some interesting pages:...
Statue of Liberty Freed of Fossil Fools
by Warren McLaren, Sydney on 02.23.06
For 120 years Lady Liberty has stood tall, braving whatever weather blew her way. Now, finally, she is about to get some help, rather than hindrance from those pesky breezes. As of next month, 100% of the electricty needed to power the Statue of Liberty facilities on Liberty Island, and the Ellis Island Immigration Museum on Ellis Island, will come from the renewable energy of wind tubines. 27 million kilowatt hours (kWh) of the stuff, through a three year period, as provided by Pepco Energy Services. Over at The Oil Drum they would wistfully like to claim credit for galvanising the thought process that resulted in these winds of change, but are not too fussed how it happened, so long as the move shines as beacon of progress for renewables. Looks like ::Greenbiz broke the news, with Sustainablog close behind. Thanks to Mike for the tip....
So Shall We Reap - by Colin Tudge
by Warren McLaren, Sydney on 02.23.06
”That’s it in a nutshell. The problems and the hand-wringing begin when people in power decide the principal role of farming is not to feed people but to supply wealth, and to try and treat farming simply as a business like any other.” The subtitle of Colin Tudge’s book is ‘What’s gone wrong with the world’s food — and how to fix it.’ That first quote summarises the problem, and the solution is what he terms enlightened agriculture: ”These, then, are the physical and logistical requirements: good, plentiful food for everyone for ever; a fair deal for producers; labour intensiveness - a maximal number of good jobs, giving rise to working rural communities; benign husbandry; and wildlife friendliness. These desired end-points will not arise by default. They must be expressly written into the strategy ...” Colin, an award winning science writer believes that agriculture is indeed the saviour of humankind, but not as it currently practiced. Us grown-ups often ruminate on the awkward notion that kids today have no idea where milk comes from. Yet reading this volume will be very confronting for many adults who’ve held an idyllic view of farming. ...
Mitsubishi Develops Bamboo-Reinforced Bioplastics for Auto Cabins
by Jacob Gordon, Nashville, TN on 02.22.06
In efforts to reduce fossil fuel dependence and CO2 emissions, Mitsubishi Motors has announced the development of plastics for car interiors made from plant-based resin and bamboo fiber. The automaker hopes that the use of bioplastics can help replace processed wood and oil-based materials in car interiors. The materials they are calling “Green Plastics” are being developed in conjunction with the Aichi Industrial Technology Institute, and are planned for use in the interior of a concept minicar scheduled for next year. The plastic, called polybutylene succinate, or PBS, is a resin made from corn or sugar cane, and reinforced with fibers from the fast –growing bamboo plant. Mitsubishi reports test results showing an estimated 50% reduction in lifecycle CO2 emissions over petrol-based polypropylene, and a roughly 80% VOC reduction over processed wood hardboard. The pursuit of more sustainable component materials complements Mitsubishi’s recent developments in subcompact and in-wheel motor electric cars. :: Green Car Congress (thanks to Joe for the tip)...
Farmers Using Microtechnology to Make Biodiesel
by Justin Thomas, Virginia on 02.22.06
Farmers are working with scientists from Oregon State University to make biodiesel from their own soybean, canola, rape and mustard seed crops. Using microtechnology, the scientists have developed a new, faster way to create biodiesel. Goran Jovanovic, professor of chemical engineering at OSU, serves as lead investigator in the research. Jovanovic keeps a design prototype in a sandwich bag in his office. It's a plastic plate with 30 microreactor channels running parallel to each other, each about the width of a human hair. The entire plate can easily fit in the palm of a hand.
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Postal Service Cuts Energy Bill
by Collin Dunn, Corvallis, OR, USA on 02.22.06
The U.S. Postal Service recently celebrated the completion of two hybrid alternative power plants that, with the help of additional energy efficiency measures, are expected to cut power purchases in half at two of the Postal Service's largest facilities in California. The new power plants combine solar technologies and hydrogen-fuel-cell generation, and energy efficiency retrofits will help achieve significant energy savings. An initiative of the Postal Service's Shared Energy Savings (SES) program that provides alternative means to fund energy projects, the improvements will lower annual electricity purchases by $1.2 million, or 10 million kilowatt-hours, a 46 percent reduction. In total, these improvements will reduce carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 6,600 tons annually. According to Mike Fanning, acting manager of Environmental Management Policy, the Postal Service will expand the SES program to all 50 states by the end of February. "Our national energy program also includes utility-invoice analysis and renewable and alternative fuel vehicles, including electric hybrids and those than run on hydrogen, natural gas, and ethanol." Sustainable mail delivery; who knew? ::USPS press release via tipster Andrew and ::Happy News...
The 2F Folding Chair
by Justin Thomas, Virginia on 02.22.06
The 2F Folding Chair is so named because it has a profile of less than an inch, and a different appearance on each side. Designed by Hannu Kähönen, the birch plywood chair can be stored completely flat, and generates virtually no waste wood during production....
Pillow Covers Support AIDS-orphaned Teens
by Mairi Beautyman, Berlin, Germany on 02.22.06
After an eye-opening experience with Habitat for Humanity in Tanzania, East Africa, American Beth Peterson teamed up with Tanzanian Grace Ndunguru to support women-owned businesses and companies that offer trade skill training and jobs to AIDS-orphaned teens in the region. A portion of proceeds from each imported African textile sold on Haba Na Haba is donated to these companies. “In 2000, there were one million AIDS orphans in Tanzania. This number is expected to reach 1.8 million by 2010. One in 10 children in Tanzania under the age of 15 will be orphans. One-fifth to one-third of these children have lost one or both parents to AIDS,” says Peterson. According to press material, companies to benefit from the funds must pay fair wages and not hire children. The site, which launched yesterday, will feature a revolving catalogue of Tanzanian products—first up are Tanzanian cotton pillow covers, priced at $24.95 each. ...
o2NYC & Green Ground Zero Workshop Tonight
by Kara DiCamillo, Newport, Rhode Island on 02.22.06
There are only a few spots left for tonight’s o2NYC workshop in New York City, co-hosted with Green Ground Zero, for eco-entrepreneurs. Stefan Doering of Best Coaches, Inc., will run the 2 hour workshop and will teach the basic steps to organize and run a group support. Stefan runs a 90-day team-coaching program for entrepreneurs and teaches environmental entrepreneurialism at Columbia University. Whether you are a small business or work for a corporation, this is an opportunity to try coaching and learn skills for tackling your bigger goals. The course will speak specifically to environmental entrepreneurs, but can also be applicable to anyone in a business or non-profit. Don’t forget to bring your daily planners or Blackberry’s to this event. RSVP to Kakee Scott at: k (at) o2nyc (dot) com and she will provide you with the location. ::Best Coaches, Inc. ::o2NYC ::Green Ground Zero...
Earthrace: Racing Around the World for a Better Planet
by Collin Dunn, Corvallis, OR, USA on 02.22.06
We've covered sustainable yachting before, but have never seen anything quite like this. Earthrace is a bid to break the world record for circumnavigating the globe in a powerboat, and they'll try it using only renewable fuels. The program includes the 24,000 nautical-mile race, which the team plans to accomplish in 65 days (the current record is 75), and an accompanying 18-month tour at 60 ports (here is a map of where they're going) around the globe to promote fuels like biodiesel and raise awareness for sustainable resource use. The Earthrace team hopes it will be the highest-profile powerboat in the world, as well as one of the greenest, with it's showcase of environmentally friendly technologies such as low-emission engines and efficient hull design. The boat, a specially-designed trimaran, will run mostly on 100% biodiesel at a top speed of 45 knots/hours (about 55 mph or 90 km/h). The race was originally scheduled to start in December, but the project ran short of funds; according to the website, they're up and running and planning to launch this coming Friday, February 24, from Auckland, New Zealand. Good luck, Team Earthrace! ::Earthrace via tipster Suad...
Vanity Fair to Feature Green Issue
by Mairi Beautyman, Berlin, Germany on 02.22.06
According to Women’s Wear Daily, Vanity Fair may follow in Elle’s enviro-sensitive footsteps, and publish a green issue this Spring (coinciding with Earth Day). The issue, according to the source, will be published on recycled paper (like Elle) and feature eco-friendly celebrities (such as George Clooney, Leonardo DiCaprio, and former vice president Al Gore) on the cover. The article also includes a snarky comment by an editor from a competing magazine: "How can an issue be ‘green' when you only sell a quarter of the product you produce?" We think this is a good point, and a legitimate stab at the magazine industry in general, where magazines that sell 50 percent of newsstand copies are considered above par. But in an industry based on unpredictable demand…do we have a solution to this? ::Women’s Wear Daily...
TreeHugger Picks: Wallcoverings
by Collin Dunn, Corvallis, OR, USA on 02.22.06
When it comes to painting, papering or otherwise dressing up your walls, TreeHugger has you covered, so to speak. Wallcoverings can really jazz up your interiors, and can even help improve indoor air quality. Here are our favorites:
1) Paint :: Check out Yolo Colourhouse, or for a little texture, Tobias stucco interior wall finish.
2) Fabric :: Wallcovering textiles come in all kinds of varieties, like cork, organic wool, recycled polyester and cellulose.
3) Wallpaper :: We like the stuff that could be called wallrecycledpaper, like the DialTones wallpaper, made from Japanese phone books and the fabulous Mioculture 3-D wallpaper. Looking for something different? How about solar-powered wallpaper that automatically responds to the lighting requirements of a room.
4) Glass :: That's right; made from sand, Textra can be painted to suit your mood. There's always the more traditional glass tiles, useful for the kitchen and bathroom....
Hunter Gatherer — A No Sweat Shop
by Warren McLaren, Sydney on 02.22.06
What a fabulous name for a shop selling salvaged secondhand ‘vintage’ clothing. They carry their own line of manufactured threads in hip retro styles. The 'Hunter Gatherer' labelled clothes were apparently the first in Australia to be adorned with the No Sweat endorsement. It is estimated that 90% of Australian clothing is made by outworkers, of which there could be about 300,000. Such workers outnumber their factory compadres by about 14-15 to one, working for only $2-3 AUD/hr. As the parent of Hunter Gatherer, The Brotherhood of St Laurence has been focussed on human welfare since earlier last century. So when they got into clothing manufacture, they ensured their products didn’t take any liberities on the way to the shopfront. (Other international Australian labels such as Billabong and Collette Dinnigan are also now accredited with the 'No SweatShop Label', for their Australian manufacturing). Hunter Gatherer sells accessories that comply with the same standards, as well. ::Hunter Gatherer, via the Sustainable Living Festival list of exhibitors....
Another Great Reason to Go Veg- They are Gassing the Meat
by Lloyd Alter, Toronto on 02.22.06
How do you tell if meat is fresh? Smell? Colour? Date stamp? You just lost one test- The Food and Drug Admin in the US allows supermarkets to pack red meat in carbon monoxide gas- just as your lips get a lovely shade of red when you leave the car running in the garage, the meat stays red and fresh looking for weeks. (the two pieces shown are both two weeks old, guess which one got the suicide treatment). It is supposed to be safe but the Consumer Federation of America and the advocacy group Safe Tables Our Priority say the bright red colour could mask spoilage and dangerous bacteria in older meat or meat that has not been kept at the proper temperature. Rep John Dingell of Michigan sez: "It's just common sense that when consumers buy meat, they use color as an important indicator of its freshness...For F.D.A. to rely on a promise of some stamp on the package that says 'use or freeze by' is just naïve." Here is a project for Make- connect tailpipe to refrigerator and have better looking food. ::New York Times...
Here is an incentive to recycle: Money
by Lloyd Alter, Toronto on 02.22.06
Picture by Sabina Louise Pierce for The New York Times
We are reading Freakonomics right now and are at an early chapter about incentives- what makes people do things? Guilt? Fear? Image among our peers? Patrck Fitzgerald and Ron Gonen think the best incentive is money, and has set up a company to pay you to to recycle your garbage. In their Philadelphia pilot project, a computer chip in recyclable garbage bin weighs the material which is then sold to the recyclers. Almost everybody wins: the municipality dumps less at landfill; the recycling plants get more material; the homeowner gets paid. Losers: paying people for their garbage certainly does not encourage anyone to reduce or re-use, which are as important as recycling. As Bill McDonough says, most recycling is actually downcycling to a lower grade, lower value product. ::Recyclebank via ::New York Times...
The Phoenix Quad Pedicab — It’s a Recumbent
by Warren McLaren, Sydney on 02.22.06
At first glimpse this reminded us of the Rhoades Quadbike, but a closer look revealed two very obvious differences. One - the Phoenix is designed as pedicab (a western rickshaw) for toting other people around the place. And two, It’s a recumbent (rider is reclined). 24 gears help propel the passengers along while the rear frame is “articulated and floats via 4 poly resin shackle bushings” for added comfort. Maneuvering the four wheels is “via 3 headsets using tie rod Ackerman race car type steering. (Turning radius can be achieved in about a standard lane & half street.)” All of which is accomplished through USS (Under Seat Steering). The Phoenix takes about 1 month to build, and about $3,000 USD to own. Although it comes standard as passenger/family transport, the rear can easily be adapted to a boxed configuration for hauling all sorts of cargo. While you are over at Transport Cycling’s site, make sure you visit the very cool ‘Pocket SWB Recumbent Folder’. One of the cutest little bicycles we’ve seen in a long while (couple of pics & link below the fold). ::Transport Cycling’s Pedicab via Tipster JK....
The TH Interview: L. Hunter Lovins
by Nick Aster, San Francisco on 02.21.06
L. Hunter Lovins is perhaps best known for her work as co-founder and CEO of Rocky Mountain Institute, an internationally recognized research center, widely celebrated for its innovative thinking in energy and resource issues. She has also co-authored dozens of papers and nine books, including the landmark work, Natural Capitalism: Creating the Next Industrial Revolution, which has helped to bring the concepts of “natural capital” and Natural Capitalism into mainstream business thinking through her company, Natural Capitalism Solutions.
Her areas of interest and expertise include Natural Capitalism, globalization, governance, land management, energy, water, green real-estate development, and community economic development.
In 2001, Hunter was named one of four people from North America to serve as a delegate to the United Nations Prep Conference for Europe and North America for the World Summit on Sustainable Development. She was also a Commissioner in the State of the World Forum's Commission on Globalization, co-chaired by Mikhail Gorbachev, Jane Goodall, and Vandana Shiva.
She has consulted for governments and the private sector, briefing senior management at Interface Inc., Bank of America, Allstate, Royal Dutch/Shell and many other companies, as well as the World Bank & International Monetary Fund. She holds a J.D. degree from Loyola University and several honorary doctorates. In 2000, she was named a Hero of the Planet by Time Magazine.
She is currently the president and founder of Natural Capitalism Solutions, Inc. as well as a Professor of Sustainability at the Presidio School of Management - the first accredited MBA program in Sustainable Management.
In the first half of this two-part interview, Hunter talks a bit about her current international work promoting and implementing sustainability around the world....
The Tofu Bear: Bean Curd's Best Ambassador
by Kyeann Sayer, Nomad on 02.21.06
My brother's not into tofu. Neither is Oprah. But there's one thing I know for sure: both of them would love a soft, cuddly bear made from it. The Tofu Bear's fabric, called SOYSILK(R), is made from waste produced during the food's processing. Who wouldn't trade in synthetic petroleum-based bears for some nontoxic cashmere-like softness? The fill is still a standard, hypoallergenic variety, but great strides are being made to make the little buddies eco inside and out. Soon the Tofu Bear will be on your list of favorite things. $39. Via Jonelle Raffino :: Tofu Bear...
Dog Poo Power in San Francisco
by Kyeann Sayer, Nomad on 02.21.06
In my part of San Fancisco, dogs and strollers tyrannize the sidewalks equally, so I thought the dog and baby/toddler populations had to be similarly healthy. I did not know that the city's animals produce nearly as much waste as tykes, however. Apparently, at 6,500 tons per year, animal droppings are nipping at the heals of disposable diaper tonage. Not for long. The Associated Press tells us:Within the next few months, Norcal Waste, a garbage hauling company that collects San Francisco's trash, will begin a pilot program under which it will use biodegradable bags and dog-waste carts to pick up droppings at a popular dog park. The droppings will be tossed into a contraption called a methane digester, which is basically a tank in which bacteria feed on feces for weeks to create methane gas. The methane could then be piped directly to a gas stove, heater, turbine or anything else powered by natural gas. It can also be used to generate electricity.We'll keep you posted on this one. Via the Associated Press at Yahoo! News :: S.F. Examines Power of Dog Droppings. Reuters photo....
Binth Correspondence
by Kyeann Sayer, Nomad on 02.21.06
Plug-In Hybrid Kits from Hymotion
by Collin Dunn, Corvallis, OR, USA on 02.21.06
Just one day after President Bush busily touted his new "Advanced Energy Initiative" with talk of solar-powered homes and plug-in hybrids, Canadian company Hymotion introduced plug-in hybrid kits (PHEV) for the Toyota Prius and Ford Escape/Mercury Mariner. This odd coincidence owes itself to the fact that this week is also the Canadian International AutoShow; if the President is scouting Canadian car technology to structure his energy policy, his priorities are even further out of order than we thought...but we digress. The kits are made up of a lithium-ion battery system that can be recharged by plugging it into a regular household electrical outlet; when the car is being driven, the supplemental system is recharged from the engine and regenerative braking. ...
Instant Survey: Politically Active
by Erin Courtenay - Madison, WI on 02.21.06
Schwarzenegger To Recommend Higher Gas Prices, CO2 Reports
by John Laumer, Philadelphia on 02.21.06
According to the Chicago Sun Times of February 21, 2006, Governor Schwarzenegger is planning to have California step beyond it's "information clearing house" role, and "get active", with a climate change program. Word on the street hints at less-than penny a gallon gas tax increases and mandatory reporting of carbon dioxide emissions from fixed sources. Per the Sun Times: "The proposal, drafted by the governor's senior environmental advisers, has both business groups and clean-air advocates girding for a fight in Sacramento that could have profound national environmental and political implications. With President Bush reluctant to steer federal policy toward lowering greenhouse gas emissions, states and cities have taken the lead on what most environmentalists agree is the most critical issue facing the planet"....
gDiapers Earns Cradle to Cradle Certification
by Collin Dunn, Corvallis, OR, USA on 02.21.06
When we wrote about gDiapers a couple of months ago, it created quite a stir. Seems our readers weren't convinced that a flushable/compostable diaper lining was a good idea. After all, we are talking about baby's health and the planet's health together, and we don't like to mess with either. Lucky for us, the sustainability gurus over at McDonough Braungart Design Chemistry (MBDC) took a look and awarded them Cradle to Cradle certification. The certification process doesn't look easy; MBDC evaluates the product’s ingredients and the complete formulation for human and environmental health impacts throughout its lifecycle and its potential for being truly recycled or safely composted. Certification of a finished product also requires the evaluation of energy-use quantity and quality, water-use quantity, water-effluent quality, and workplace ethics associated with manufacturing (read: they're made right). So congratulations to gDiapers -- they're the first Consumer Packaged Good to earn the certification. ::gDiapers via ::Musings of an Eco-Entrepreneur and ::gDiapers: The Early Years...
Shindig Customized Stationery & Invites
by Kara DiCamillo, Newport, Rhode Island on 02.21.06
We love the idea of custom stationery and invitations, but better yet, when it’s made from recycled paper and especially for you. While there are several other companies out there that offer recycled paper products, Shindig is a company that works with you to design a product that suits your needs and style while keeping it within your budget. And, you won’t end up sending out an invitation to your friends that someone else has sent as well. Shown here is a set made from recycled paper and to save trees the guests were asked to RSVP online. Better yet, in lieu of favors a tree was planted in each of the guest’s name. Another idea that we liked was that guests received a package of seeds as the invitation which they brought to the shower and planted in pots for the bride-to-be's own garden. How creative! To complete the theme of each event, Shindig also customizes menus, place cards and party favors. So why pick the same as everyone else, after all, it’s your party! Via ::DailyCandy ::Shindig...
LIME: Special Delivery
by Lime Planet, New York, New York on 02.21.06
Don’t be surprised if your standard-issue brown UPS delivery truck takes on a greenish hue. The company announced it will add 4,100 low-emission vehicles and 50 hybrids this year. The move is a cost-cutting strategy, and one that shows the company’s faith that saving the planet also saves the bottom line....
New Roofing Material Uses Translucent Aerogel
by Justin Thomas, Virginia on 02.21.06
The translucent roofing material seen here is combination of Nanogel, a translucent aerogel, and GE's Lexan resin. Aerogel is an extremely light material that we've featured previously. Invented by Centerpoint, the roofing system is designed to allow filtered daylight to enter living areas without the usual energy loss associated with glass. It was chosen because it transmits a great deal of light, and it can withstand wind loads of up to 140 mph. :: Via: Renewable Energy Access...
Bush Promotes Alternative Energy During Trip
by Justin Thomas, Virginia on 02.21.06
On Monday, President Bush visited three states and promoted alternative energy on the way. As alternatives to oil, Bush promoted battery-powered cars at the stop in Wisconsin and solar power at a later stop in Michigan. He ended the day in Colorado, where some three dozen workers at the federal National Renewable Energy Laboratory were rehired after being laid off soon after Mr. Bush's State of the Union address promoting renewable energy....
Willie's Willys: Biodiesel Collectors' Pickup
by Erin Courtenay - Madison, WI on 02.21.06
I say "biodiesel" you say "Volkswagen Bus" right? Not if you're Daryl Hannah - she's cruisin' in a veggie-fueled 1983 El Camino - and not if you are one of the future owners of the recently released "Willie's Willys," a biodiesel fueled collectors' car modeled after the 1941 Willys pickup truck. The pickup was unveiled in a surprise honor to Willie Nelson at the 2006 National Biodiesel Conference in San Diego. Running a 700-horsepower engine, the truck also boasts a body made of a soy-based resin. Makers will break the mold after the last of the 500 limited edition trucks is produced; which may be awhile given the $97,000.00 price tag. But let me tell you, I'd be one of the first in line if I had the cash - these old trucks have always had a special place in my heart…
Via Autoblog and San Diego Union Tribune (lead photo credit - Sandy Huffaker)....
Planktos, Inc. "Seeds of Iron " to Mitigate Climate Change
by John Laumer, Philadelphia on 02.21.06
This story is about a proposal, by Planktos, Inc., to stimulate large-scale natural marine plankton blooms by "iron seeding", in-situ, for the purpose of scouring carbon dioxide from the air. Why do this? One reason is that if our collective response to Climate Change is limited to lessening future CO2 emissions with better technologies today, these same technologies may be used more intensely in the future. Such a narrow focus also overlooks legacy emissions of CO2 that will remain in the stratosphere for decades, possibly capable of cascading us, in one highly uncertain scenario, to a catastrophy which no amount of new technology or life style changing could reverse. The Planktos proposal would mitigate both the legacy CO2 emissions and future emissions from higher performing technologies. The response time for plankton stimulation is relatively short and done with more finality than other biotic mitigation techniques, such as tree planting. And, it does something crucial that "carbon sequestration", can not, which we'll explain a bit later....
A Univerisity without WifI
by Lloyd Alter, Toronto on 02.21.06
As we write this sitting three feet from a wireless router, we wonder about Fred Gilbert, who will not allow wireless internet into Lakehead University in Thunder Bay, Ontario, out of concerns about health consequences of EMF's (electric and magnetic fields) . “These are particularly relevant in younger people (who have) fast-growing tissues, and most of our student body are late teenagers and still growing, so it’s just a matter of taking precautions and providing an environment that doesn’t have a potential risk associated risk,” he said. We can't quite imagine a University these days without WIFI, but "There are plenty of computers around campus where students can access the Internet 24 hours a day, so it’s not like they’re cut off," Gilbert said. Gilbert added he believes there are many environmental impacts that are not manifest for 30 to 40 years after exposure. “Second-hand tobacco exposure is a case in point,” he said. “We’re just finding out now what some of those impacts are. Asbestos is another example.”
Hmm. We are putting on our tinfoil hat and moving our router. ::IT Business ...
Canvasco – carry easy mucho with these recycled canvas bags
by Petz Scholtus, Barcelona, Spain on 02.21.06
These fine recycled bags from Germany were spotted at rec di8, one of our favourite design shops here in Barcelona. A nice play with graphics, mix of materials (mainly recycled canvas, felt, cow skin,…) and functionality (built-in mobile and laptop pockets, velcro, zips,…) as well as quality provoke love at first sight with Canvasco bags. Examples are the poquito vaca, a limited edition folding bag with velcro closing system and a little real cow skin, lightweight (500-700gr) and watertight or maquera, the laptop bag out of canvas and felt for which you can define the measurements yourself. Then there are noches, handbags with a cute toggle fastening, llevar the washable travelbag and dinero, the wallet.
Apart from the beautiful designs, the smart presentation and the re-use of materials, we like the fact that the bags are made by female inmates of the prison in Vechta, Germany. Canvasco entrepreneur Jan-Marc Stührmann says:’ I believe that the work they do for me (for which they are paid a little more than the usual rate), takes a bit of their deadly boredom. The prison administration believes that working in prison is a privilege.’
To find out more about Canvasco, see a wide range of unique canvas bags (each one is different), the list of shops it is available from, prices and more of their sense of humour, go to ::Canvasco ::via rec di8
More used canvas on TreeHugger:
::Yellow port ::Tanker ::Sea Bags ::Red Flag design...
Naturgress Certified Bio-Building Tiles
by Warren McLaren, Sydney on 02.21.06
Don’t remember where I stumbled upon these. But Naturgress is an Italian collection of glazed porcelain tiles, that are certified in Europe for use in Bio-Building (green architecture). The certification comes from the ANAB-IBO-IBN an amalgam of three ecological building associations from Italy, Austria and Germany respectively. They awarded the certificate “based on the environmental impact of the manufacturing cycles, the durability of the material and the energy consumption required during the whole life cycle (transportation, laying, care and maintenance) and for the removal and disposal of the product.” In this instance it was probably because the tiles are guaranteed for 50 years against wear and tear, so they no doubt scored high points for longevity, compared to the energy required to produce them. ::Naturgress. ...
World’s Largest Solar Project for Nevada Military Base
by Warren McLaren, Sydney on 02.21.06
Recall how in July ‘05 when we profiled Sunedison for offering a Product Service System (PSS) in solar power? Probably not, but tipster Chris L might’ve, because he pointed us to news that the company has now partnered with Powered by Renewables (PBR) to develop the “world’s largest solar photovoltaic project. As the press release states this 18 megawatt (MW) project will almost double the current largest array of 10MW in Germany. This new installation will be built in Nevada to provide energy to a military base, though according to an informative story at RenewableEnergyAccess.com, it is known yet which facility this will be. The plant will be concentrated in one site and take up several square miles. The general press release also mentions that Nevada plans to be energy independent by 2020 with PBR and and SunEdison also involved in projects that will total 36MW - equivalent to the power needed by 36,000 houses. ::PR News Wire....
New York Report: ABC Carpet and Home's Organic Linens Galore
by Kyeann Sayer, Nomad on 02.20.06
I stumbled on the wide array of organic towels and bedding at New York's ABC Carpet and Home accidentally after nibbling on some ridiculous chocolate downstairs. What a happy surprise to feel in person a huge selection of goods I had mostly seen in catalogs: Anna Sova, Gaiam, Fisher Henny Naturals, Coyuchi, Akhara, Native Organic, and ABC's own brand of organic towels. Wandering around among the diverse colors and fabrics made a mainstream retail world of beautiful, pesticide-free products seem totally possible. Also, ABC President Paulette Cole seems to operate from a strong social and environmental commitment: check out the ABC Home and Planet Foundation. :: ABC Carpet and Home...
CleanMed 2006: Health Care Professionals Convene on Environment
by Erin Courtenay - Madison, WI on 02.20.06
Anyone who has visited or been admitted to a hospital can quickly conjure up images of a sterile, artificial environment that does not welcome the natural world. But just as the unfolding Eastern renaissance in the health care industry has invited such practices as acupuncture and meditation into mainstream medicine, so too has it helped to open a window onto the industry's interdependence with nature. A group of committed healthcare professionals is opening that window even wider via the resource organizations called Health Care Without Harm and Hospitals for a Healthy Environment (H2E). These affinity groups provide resources for medical professionals and administrators who would like to incorporate more environmentally friendly practices into their operations. This spring during the annual "everyone think about the planet" month of April, Health Care Without Harm, H2E and several other sponsors will host the conference CleanMed 2006. The conference will include: a workshop series on bringing more sustainable cuisine to hospitals; posters and workshops on green building practices; and an awards ceremony that recognizes environmental leaders in the health care field. See previous TH posts on Healthy Hospital Food and Eco-Friendly Clinics....
"Waste of Packaging" Contest: Last Day to Enter
by Sean Fisher, Cincinnati, Ohio on 02.20.06
It's not too late to enter our "Waste of Packaging" Contest ! However, today is the last day to enter for your shot at the contest prize of a $250 gift certificate from our friends at re:modern. Just send us a picture and description of product packaging you find wasteful and excessive along with how you would make it better to: contest [at] treehugger [dot] com. We will pick the best of the best and the TreeHugger readers will decide who gets the fame and small fortune that goes along with winning a TreeHugger contest. So, what are you waiting for? Send us your entry!...
EcoTraction: Stick with Green, Feel the Difference
by Collin Dunn, Corvallis, OR, USA on 02.20.06
EcoTraction is a winter traction agent designed to work better and greener than more traditional sand and salt. If icy patches or snowy stairs abound, EcoTraction claims to do it all, providing better traction than sand, absorbing melting ice and snow and providing numerous positive environmental benefits. That's a mouthful, so we'll try to break it down so it makes sense. EcoTraction is made up of rigid grains not unlike coarse sand or pebbles. Each rigid grain is filled with micro-porous channels that absorb liquids and chemical ions from the environment. This unique 'charged honeycomb' structure allows EcoTraction to not only embed itself into ice and snow, but also to passively improve the surrounding environment; it is proven to absorb ions from the air, soil and water like ammonium, nitrogen, mercury, arsenic, nickel, lead, silver, cesium, and uranium. It will never damage concrete, brick, wood or metal, nor will it harm vegetation in lawns and gardens. EcoTraction does not contain carcinogenic crystalline silica (unlike sand) and is low-dusting, so it can even be used indoors in things like cat litter or aquariums....
Adventures in Eco-Design: Exploring Dumpster Diving
by Collin Dunn, Corvallis, OR, USA on 02.20.06
'Adventures in Eco-Design' is a new blog started by some aspiring ecological designers to explore the cultural and economic ramifications of dumpster diving, and to see what it's like to live on what others toss out. Just under way (the first post is from last weekend), the blog is being used as a forum for discussing their newly-discovered lifestyle; sort of a 'how-to' guide with a little underground edge to it. The first post, something of a manifesto on the topic, runs through a laundry-list of items and foodstuffs to be had just by doing a little alternative grocery shopping at the dumpster, followed by a natural segue into the unfortunate amount waste in society. As of this first post, the author had been doing so for about three weeks, and couldn't be happier with the results. Because of the blog's short life thus far, it's unclear as to whether or not this is a committed lifestyle or just a social experiment, but we'll be keeping an eye on them to see how they do. ::Adventures in Eco-Design via tipster Aaron....
TreeHugger Picks: Killer Kitchen Designs
by Collin Dunn, Corvallis, OR, USA on 02.20.06
French foodie Brillat-Savarin rather famously once wrote, "Dis moi ce que tu manges, je te dirai ce que tu es", and while we appreciate the sentiment, TreeHugger prefers this axiom in a slightly different form: "Tell me where you cook, and we'll tell you what you are." Here are our favorite kitchen designs:
1) GE's Kitchen of the Future; if only it were here today.
2) Architect Michael McDonough's zero-emission kitchen features bamboo-covered radiant flooring and aerated concrete walls, for starters.
3) Both Peter Vivian and Henrybuilt showcase the beautiful juxtaposition of bamboo and stainless steel and help prove that eco-conscious kitchen design is not a contradiction in terms.
4) The concentric kitchen in the round, made from 100% recycled aluminum, will always be the center of attention.
5) Italian designer Valcucine produces kitchens with the lowest possible environmental impact without sacrificing functionality, safety or design.
6) No need to start from scratch; check out the real-life green kitchen renovation for ideas and tips about re-doing it green....
Follow the Fleet: Scaling Up Going Green
by Lloyd Alter, Toronto on 02.20.06
It's much more interesting to talk about BioWillie and Prius owners, but so much of the traffic on our roads belongs to fleets- "commercial on-road fleets, including inter-city freight carriers, urban delivery vans, buses, public and private mixed fleets, as well as taxis, police and emergency vehicles." They have money too, and can do the math on what it costs, what it saves and what the PR gain is when they convert to alternative fuels. That's why we were impressed with Fleet Challenge- an Ontario consultancy that is starting a Green Fleet Certification System, which "will provide an easy way for customers to tell which movers of goods and people are operating in an environmentally sustainable fashion." They are running a workshop in Ottawa on Feb 22 that looks interesting (PDF here) Fleets are dull but they are huge- a few signing on makes a huge difference. ::Fleet Challenge overheard at ::Greendrinks ...
Two Museums: An Incredible Look at the Fate of Everyday Objects at the Big Sky Documentary Film Festival
by Kyeann Sayer, Nomad on 02.20.06
Everyday here at TreeHugger, we deal with stuff in some way. We’re all preoccupied with what sorts of things we should and shouldn’t acquire, how to get them, and how to get rid of them. Two Museums’ cinematic exploration, screened at the Big Sky Documentary Film Festival, may be the most beautiful meditation on stuff I have ever seen. It’s not very TreeHuggerish of me to suggest that you get more of it in the form of a mail order DVD, but in this case I’m letting advocacy for the potential effects of this film experience outweigh the wastefulness. If you teach anything sustainability/consumption related, or simply want a rich reflection on what you have acquired, and what you will leave behind, grab a copy....
Wild Child — The Whole Juice, Nothing But ....
by Warren McLaren, Sydney on 02.20.06
The market in Australia for mixed juices has exploded in the past year or so. Largely due, I suspect, to the exposure (so to speak) afforded to irreverent juice brand, Nudie. To the point that it’s hard to make your mark in this over-burgeoning category niche. One brand who have a story different to most, is Wild Child. Their parent company, Wild about fruit, is the “largest apple orchardist in Australia”, which is kinda amazing, because their fruit is chemical-free. And they practice “environmentally-sensitive waste management”, which includes a state-of-the-art worm farm. This creates a large volume of rich vermiculture tailings, reducing their need for chemical fertiliser. The over 4 million worms also munch through much of the orchards biodegradable waste. Such that their waste has been effectively trimmed by 50%. The juice itself is mostly from Australian grown fruit, processed without added sugar, preservatives, artificial colourings or flavourings. Futhermore using a patented process developed with the government science lab, CSIRO, their fruit juice is the whole crushed fruit, including skin and core (but excluding the pips). This Australian 'first' is said to naturally retain all the nutrients and vitamins, along with taste and aroma. Flavours of Wild Child include Apple-Guava-Banana-Passionfruit, and Apple-Carrot-Beetroot-Lemon. ::Wild Child...
Crazy Crayons — Drawing Attention to Recycling
by Warren McLaren, Sydney on 02.20.06
Tipster James W, had seen our post on refillable whiteboard markers, and thought we should also cover a few other treehuggery style writing implements. One of his suggestions was Crazy Crayons. Created by LuAnn Foty, who will be an inspiration to our DIY fans, these crayons come in 26 different shades, packaged in a recycled cardboard box, containing tree-free scribble paper and finished with a straw grass ribbon. The Crayon Recycle Program accepts in old crayons stubs and melts them down (at one point using modified aluminium cans, and skillets rescued from yard sales for this operation). The liquid crayon is given a new life by being pouring into a quirky mould to set. LuAnn sends some of created crayons back as a courtesy payment to the people who originally mailed in the stubs. Crayon Crayons website, (whose design only a 4 and three quarters y.o. could love) hasn’t been updated for while, but James assures us the business stills operates. Though they might be competing against the craft industry, such as this Martha Stewart site, where we found the images, which gives how-to instructions for a very similar product. Over about a ten year period Crazy Crayons has saved over 16,000 pounds (7,250 kg) of petroleum based, unwanted crayons from going to landfill. Buy or donate at ::Crazy Crayons Thanks James....
Another Prius Hack: Mac Prius
by Christine Lepisto, Berlin on 02.19.06
If you like what is quickly becoming a series on DIY upgrades for your Toyota Prius here at Treehugger and you missed the Digg, then allow us to point you to the "quest to make Mac Prius", or how to make a Mac Mini with audio and video work in Toyota's hybrid, Prius. Granted the last hacks tracked here helped you activate the Prius' hidden powers and monitor the secret inner workings: what one might call first-order hacks. Mac Prius is more of a counter-culture family reunion....
Cannondale Jacknife — Another Take on Folding Bikes
by Warren McLaren, Sydney on 02.19.06
Have started going through a long backlog of tips that haven’t yet seen the light of day. And noticed this one. Dutchman Philippe Holthuizen (who sent the information) and Spaniard Rodrigo Clavel were Masters students studying transport design at the Elisava Design School in Barcelona. (We noted Elisava in a post of ecodesign university courses). The guys were selected to design a bike for Cannondale that would appeal to urbanites within the 20-35 years bracket. The Jackknife resulted. “For clean aesthetics and low maintenance the drive system is hydraulic, and for storage and easy handling in elevators and on public transport the bike is also foldable. The folding mechanism shows a unique and highly innovative approach, with the central tube twisting through 180°.” (The hydraulic drive sounds more radical than the folding aspect, but seems glossed over a bit.) The bike has integrated lighting and other details were in keeping with signature Cannondale aesthetics. The two wheeler has been doing the rounds of transport trade shows as a ‘concept’ bike, with the students sponsor indicating it may not be produced, but its ideas incorporated into future designs. Philippe initially sent us a link to the German site ::Radsport, but we see that in the intervening time the story was picked up by Bicycle Design and Car Design News. ...
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.
