- 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 May 14, 2006 - May 20, 2006
Total this week: 99
Code Green: Home Renovation Challenge for Energy Conservation
by Michael Graham Richard, Ottawa, Canada on 05.20.06
A long time ago (in a galaxy far, far away), we wrote about Code Green, a home renovation TV show produced by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC). It was then just starting filming. Well, forward to the present day and the show is airing: See the schedule here. The premise of the show is that 12 home-owners are given $15,000 (Canadian, of course) to renovate their houses with the goal being a maximum reduction in energy and water usage, and the biggest reduction in greenhouse gas emission. All contestants will benefit from their efficiency improvements, but the winner of the challenge will receive a 2006 Toyota Prius hybrid. Learn more on the official Code Green website, and for those reading this post right after it's published, there's an episode on CBC Newsworld in 40 minutes....
Green Credit Cards: Get Your Money's Worth
by Erin Courtenay - Madison, WI on 05.20.06
Those of us who depend on e-commerce to shop for much of the eco-hip fashion, gizmos and accessories featured in TreeHugger also depend on credit cards to make the transactions. Unfortunately many credit institutions are known to finance some rather un-TreeHuggeresque activities (like illegal logging and dirty gold mining), so even though the end (product) is good, the means (credit) we use to get there isn't so great. There are options however, and taking a cue from Ideal Bite's informative financial tips featured during Money Week; we've gone looking for the perfect plastic…...
“Whole Foods Talks Dollars and Cents”
by Kara DiCamillo, Newport, Rhode Island on 05.20.06
The New York Times seems to be reporting a lot about food and groceries lately. As we were going through our newspaper pile today we came across this article (that we had intended on writing about earlier) with the title “Whole Foods Talks Dollars and Sense.” On the heels of our recent article which discussed Wal-Mart Going Organic, Whole Foods recently announced that in addition to their organic and fresh reputation, they want to add something else to their list of specialties: low prices. For the next 10 weeks, Whole Foods will be running print advertisements in New York City emphasizing “value” and “deals” (see the sample left)....
Virent Energy Systems: Liquid Biofuel Fed Hydrogen Generator
by John Laumer, Philadelphia on 05.20.06
Technology Review reports that Virent Energy Systems has developed a novel way to generate hydrogen cheaply and cleanly from biomass. Instead of removing hydrogen from natural gas, at high temperatures, a prototype Virent “reformer” is being used to derive hydrogen from liquid fuel such as corn syrup, at relatively low temperatures. “The company is also about to begin work on a $1 million U.S. Navy project to build portable fuel-cell generators. The goal is to make self-contained units capable of producing their own hydrogen from a biomass-derived glycerol solution or even antifreeze”. Virent claims it's able to produce hydrogen for $2-3 per kilogram -- competitive with natural-gas-derived hydrogen....
600 Posts Later: My, How We’ve Changed.
by Lloyd Alter, Toronto on 05.20.06
me and the daughter in our worn agains- I am the one on the left.
It has been over a year and 600 posts since we started writing for TreeHugger. We started here with an interest in design, prefab and a vague idea that living with less was the key to sustainability. We have read and we have written, we have cut and we have pasted and most importantly, we have learned. When Warren wrote his first anniversary post we felt like poseurs- we do not begin to live such a TreeHugger lifestyle. We are older and have a bit of inertia, real estate and other sources of resistance to change but when we look back, we realize we have changed, from the soles of our Worn Again shoes on up. Like Warren, we will cover an average day in the life: ...
Maurer House wins Governor General's Award
by Lloyd Alter, Toronto on 05.20.06
The Governor General's Award for Architecture is Canada's most prestigious, and the selections by the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada are usually pretty interesting. the Maurer House by Florian Maurer is of interest because of the architect's statement: "No tree was cut, no rock was blasted, no contours remodelled. The 4 pavillion-like buildings surrounding the trees in the centre form a private, tranquill garden. The simple shed roofs flow with the land toward a splendid view of Okanagan Lake."...
Light Weekend Post: Recycled Paper Ad
by Michael Graham Richard, Ottawa, Canada on 05.20.06
The copy of this recycled paper ad reads: "There are easier ways to help the environment." In semi-related news, we've learned that the pictures from our post "Air Pollution Guerrilla Marketing in Chicago" are indeed proof of concept mock-ups (there was some discussion about that in the comments of that post). According to this, they were made by Jesse Freese and he says that "that real ads should be appearing on the streets near the beginning of June, along with television spots, radio spots, newspaper ads, and posters created by Jesse and other students as part of Laurence Minsky's 'Ad Agency' class." So Chicago TreeHuggers, keep an eye open and let us know when you see the real thing. We're curious to know how well it works. ::Adparade, via ::Coolz0r. See also: ::Air Pollution Guerrilla Marketing in Chicago, ::Atmospheric Pollution Ads from Singapore...
An Inconvenient Truth - Coming to a Theatre Near You
by Nick Aster of TriplePundit on 05.19.06
Al Gore's film "An Inconvenient Truth" opens in NY and LA on My 24th, and in other cities shortly thereafter. You can get the whole list of opening dates by clicking "find a theater" on the film's website.
All in all, it's a fantastic, satisfying, and inspiring film. It lays down an explanation of global warming in wonderfully articulate detail. Coupled with what we like to refer to as the "sustainability tipping point", I believe it will represent the first large scale moment of awakening to the issue for the American public. This really is the experience that will leave no doubt in anyone's mind of the severe realities of what could face us.
But understanding the issue is only the first step. Whether or not this film produces positive action, despair, or denial is the big question.
Problem number one is that there will be a well financed backlash to this film. Please read on for more......
Chicago Climate Exchange 101
by Nick Aster of TriplePundit on 05.19.06
I've been talking about The Chicago Climate Exchange a lot over on Triple Pundit, but I thought it was time TreeHugger readers got a little 101 on this very interesting cap and trade program to reduce CO2 emissions.
One of the most effective methods of reducing a particular pollutant is to create a cap and trade program. This means that an authority such as government states that only some amount of the pollutant will be permitted, per year, and that each company in the country or state is permitted some amount, generally a bit less than their historical norm. After that, if a company manages to reduce its emissions by a greater amount than they were legally bound to, they may sell the "right to pollute" to other companies who have been unable to meet their target.
The United States created a very effective cap and trade program to deal with Sulphur Dioxide in1990, and the EU has now begun using cap and trade as a way to reduce CO2 - in keeping with the Kyoto accord. But what's a country to do if they're not a Kyoto signatory, and their government doesn't want to create a market for a particular emission, say CO2?
Simple - get a bunch of companies together and create your own market! A growing group of companies, including DuPont, Dow, Ford, Bayer and numerous city governments (see the impressive list here) have signed on to a legally binding contract to reduce their emissions, and trade their right to pollute on a free market exhange based in Chicago - the CCX.
So what would possess a major corporation to voluntarily do anything a long these lines, much less legally bind themselves to do so? Read on for the reasons......
Ford has a “Keen” Interest in Plug-In Hybrids
by Jacob Gordon, Nashville, TN on 05.19.06
Ford Motor Company is considering the production of a plug-in hybrid vehicle. Although they’ve made no commitments yet, they have expressed a “keen” interest in the idea, and would most likely focus on their Escape hybrid to create a plug-in, or PHEV. When questioned at the company’s recent stockholder meeting, CEO Bill Ford said that plug-in hybrids are being actively explored. "We have nothing to announce today, but yes, we are keenly looking at it," he said. A Ford rep. also told Green Car Congress at the recent LOHAS convention in Santa Monica, CA that “the message [about plug-in hybrids] is coming through loud and clear.” One of the leading plug-in advocacy groups, CalCars, has beseeched Ford to reduce its dependence on the sale of gas guzzlers and offer plug-in vehicles, most recently in an open letter to the automaker. Ford, it seems, has been taking these suggestions seriously and has allowed CalCars to meet with “top business and technical executives” since last November to discuss a fleet of plug-in Escapes that CalCars has offered to build. The non-profit has asked for no money or resources, only the automaker’s blessing to go ahead with the retrofits. Ford has also delegated green architect/designer William McDonough, who has been extensively coaching Ford on sustainability, to work with CalCars on the Escape project. ...
Get Free Parking with the Marinello4
by Collin Dunn, Corvallis, OR, USA on 05.19.06
City driving enthusiasts in the UK who aren't fans of the scooter archetype now have another short distance electric commuter to go with cars like the Tango. The Maranello4 is the product of a collaboration between London-based Sakura Battery Company and Italian commercial vehicle manufacturer EFFIDI. The two-seater has a top speed of 30 mph and a range of around 45 miles per charge, and is exempt from the London congestion charge and parking is free in many areas. Designed around a stainless steel chassis, the partners are developing a diesel-electric hybrid version that will offer a top speed of 50 mph and a range of 250 miles. It's spendy at £9,950 (US$18,775), but may just be worth it for those who have to drive around London and don't want to spew emissions or pay for parking. We wouldn't turn in our Tube pass for one of these, but it might come in handy sooner rather than later. ::Marinello4 via ::Green Car Congress...
HauteGREEN Sneak Peek: Cortiça Chaise Longue by Daniel Michalik
by Collin Dunn, Corvallis, OR, USA on 05.19.06
After weeks of swooning and drooling over the best contemporary sustainable designs the world has to offer, we've finally arrived at the big event. HauteGREEN starts tomorrow, showcasing the best collection of TreeHugging designs ever accumulated under one roof, and for anyone in the greater New York area, we highly recommend it. Our ongoing series has been bringing some examples of the entries to the show; to find out whether or not any of them show up this weekend, you'll just have to go (though they're all winners in our mind). We've seen today's entry from designer Daniel Michalik before, but it's worthy of another look and certainly deserves to be included in any "best of" sustainable design list. Made from cork that originates as the waste material from the bottle stopper industry, Cortiça showcases cork's tremendous potential to perform in ways unlike any other material. Says Michalik, "I have discovered that when handled correctly, the natural flexibility of cork allows it to form fantastic, complex shapes no other material can match. The balanced form, along with the pliability of the material allows the user of this lounge to rock gently from side to side or on her back with a great degree of stability. The result is a sensation of floating, weightless and totally supported." That's really what we all want when lounging, right? ::HauteGREEN and ::Daniel Michalik
Check out the rest of the Sneak Peek Series for a glimpse at the best in sustainable home design, and see it in person at HauteGREEN this weekend....
What is it you are throwing away? Designing Litterbins in Sweden.
by Leonora Oppenheim, London, UK on 05.19.06
One of our favorite topics on TreeHugger is waste management, the three Rs of reduce, reuse and recycle are repeated like a mantra. We haven’t, however, talked so much about the design of the receptacles that we throw our rubbish into, although here's a post and here's another, oh and another. At home it is relatively easy to control your waste disposal and recyling or even composting efforts, but the public litterbin in most cities is usually an object to lock your bike to or vandalise. Although when they are not overflowing some people do actually dispose of rubbish in them. For some however just throwing something in the vague direction of the trash can is good enough. After reading an article in a local newspaper, which criticised the town of Göteborg in Sweden for it’s dysfunctional litterbins and public waste management in general, three design students decided to focus their talents on redesigning the public litterbin. They began by investigating Göteborg’s city identity, vandalism issues, attitudes of the public’s awareness of what a litterbin is and how easy it was for them to locate it in the city landscape. ...
Plantronics Gets First LEED Certification in China
by John Laumer, Philadelphia on 05.19.06
Plantronics, Inc., a widely known maker of BLUETOOTH® headsets, apparently feels being first on the moon is not enough of a laurel to rest upon. Green cheese to green earth is the new benchmark, as Plantronic’s new manufacturing and design center in Suzhou, China, has just earned the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) gold certification for environmental sustainability. Plantronics Suzhou is now the only manufacturing facility in all of China to have achieved LEED certification. For a full look at the LEED features at the Plantronics Suzhou site, see the corporate new release here. Note: Plantronics brands include, Altec Lansing, Clarity, and Volume Logic....
VivaTerra Launches New Collection
by Kara DiCamillo, Newport, Rhode Island on 05.19.06
If you’ve been reading TreeHugger for awhile, you know how much we love VivaTerra. Between our Top 5 Finds, the Earth Platter and Recycled Honeycomb Bowls, VivaTerra has something for everyone. Now, in the newest catalog they introduce a new vetiver and teak bath collection and a variety of artisan wood home furnishings from tables to lanterns, along with dozens of new products. According to a VivaTerra, “Since ancient times in India and Indonesia the gentle yet deeply penetrating scent of vetiver, a naturally aromatic root and wild grass, has been valued for its healing and relaxing powers.” The new collection includes a bath mat, tissue box cover, waste basket and colorful balls and all release a delightfully woody, citrus scent that helps turn any bathroom into a soothing atmosphere. The teak mat, stool and ladder (with removable shelf) in VivaTerra’s new Teak Collection offer a place to stand, sit, and hang towels while storing bathroom items as well. Every piece is made from certified, sustainable teak. Now with your purchase of $75 or more, VivaTerra will make a donation to plant a tree or help build a windmill. ::VivaTerra...
Sweaterlodge: Giant Sweater Turned into Building
by Lloyd Alter, Toronto on 05.19.06
The Canadian entry in this year's Venice Bienalle is a giant polar fleece sweater. Made from recycled plastic drink containers, "an inhabited garment becomes a lodge, a voluminous soft orange interior space." Wait, there's more TreeHugger goodness: "As visitors enter the pavilion they encounter a series of stationary bicycles. When pedalled, the bikes will operate digital film projections which show vignettes of a city [Vancouver] which intertwines wilderness with modern urban life" To top it off, "After the exhibition, the 350 m2 sweater will be recycled into hats, scarves and mitts for the community." ...
Wal-Mart Wooing Seventh Generation?
by Jeff McIntire-Strasburg, St. Louis, MO on 05.19.06
We've dedicated an awful lot of space to Wal-Mart recently, but with the steady supply of curve balls the mega-corporation has thrown in the last year, it's hard not to keep coming back to the company that so many Treehuggers love to hate. Is the world's largest retailer serious about changing its ways? Could it actually use its tremendous influence to push us over that tipping point towards more sustainable ways of living our lives and doing business? Or, is it all just greenwashing of the highest order? The jury's still out, of course, but it looks like Wal-Mart will keep us scratching our heads for the near term.
Of course, we're not the only one's trying to wrap our heads around Wal-Mart's declarations of more responsible business practices: the business community itself is keeping a close eye on the boys in Bentonville. So, when I received today's Non-Toxic Times from Seventh Generation, and saw that CEO Jeffrey Hollender had met with his Wal-Mart counterpart Lee Scott, I couldn't click through quickly enough to get to the story. Hollender admits that he's been doing a lot of head-scratching, too, and was both intrigued and surprised by the invitation to meet with Scott and other company executives. Many of us know that Hollender's been an outspoken critic of Wal-Mart, so the idea of "an audience with the King," as he puts it, brought with it many questions:...
Recipe of the Week: Marinated Fiddlehead Salad
by Kelly Rossiter, Toronto on 05.19.06
This TreeHugger was thrilled to find fiddlehead ferns in the market this week. For me fiddleheads are the harbinger of spring eating, the signal that at last we can look forward to baby greens, asparagus, strawberries still warm from the sun, dining al fresco and all the things we love about spring and summer cooking. Fiddleheads are the epitome of spring food. You can taste the newness of the season, the earth they have grown from. Fiddleheads can be a bit of an acquired taste. People sometimes complain that they are bitter, but if you clean them properly it isn’t a problem. Most recipes suggest washing them in cold water. The real trick is to place them in a paper bag and give them a good shake to loosen the brown flakey bits from the fiddleheads which is what makes them bitter. Repeat the procedure a few times changing the bag each time (I use the paper bags we get with our wine purchase). Then rinse them with water and they are ready to cook. One of the great things about fiddleheads is that you can steam, boil, or sauté them and the cooking time is pretty short for all those methods. Today’s recipe is for a make ahead salad, which is always a bonus. Use a mild curry paste, otherwise you will mask the taste of the fiddleheads.
Marinated Fiddlehead Salad ...
Off to New York City
by Lloyd Alter, Toronto on 05.19.06
We are so off to New York City today, In a biodiesel-powered Volkswagen Beetle no less, to see Sustainable Design at the ICFF, BedZed: Trouble in Paradise
by Lloyd Alter, Toronto on 05.19.06
There are a number of ways to approach sustainable, low energy housing; "The Don't Really Change Anything but throw Solar Panels on the Roof" approach that Jeff discussed recently and that this TreeHugger rudely criticized; and the "dense, urban eco-community model with shared cars and rooftop gardens and heat from biomass and, um, solar panels on the roof" like BedZed that this TreeHugger goes gaga over. Except that at BedZed things are not running so smoothly. The Biomass fuelled zero-carbon heat system packed in last year and BedZed is back on the national grid. The "Living Machine" reed bed sewage filter system is out of operation. The developer, Bioregional, is fighting with the architect, Bill Dunster. Says one resident: "We're in the worst of all situations, buying all our gas, getting electricity from the national grid, and we're not even on a green tariff." Nonetheless, even with conventional power sources, the small, well-insulated units barely need heat, and the project still releases 40% less carbon and have lower operating costs than conventional buildings, the residents love it and values of the units are 15% above surrounding conventional projects. Perhaps they over-reached, but it is still a model for development. Says Bill Dunster: "In a year's time, the original ambition when we started this project will be on offer to residents," he insists. "All the people who have been detracting and knocking it for all these years are going to look very silly." ::The Guardian...
Pepsi Please Recycle Capaign by BBDO Puerto Rico
by Paula Alvarado, Buenos Aires on 05.19.06
Puerto Rican Pepsi has launched the second part of its Please Recycle advertising campaign, developed by agency BBDO Puerto Rico. The four pieces show different ways in which you can reuse Pepsi cans and bottles. Of course it’s always better to consume less and if possible, use glass bottles, but the campaign seems like a good initiative. See the whole campaign in the extended.
Via LatinSpots...
Frisian Nuon Solar Challenge To Get Fuel Cell Sloop
by Warren McLaren, Sydney on 05.19.06
The Netherlands is gearing up for the annual Frisian Nuon Solar Challenge, a 220km race by solar boats that links eleven cities via canals and lakes. It's based on the route of a historical ice skating race. Competitors may enter for free, but need to have the design of their craft scrutinised well prior to official acceptance. Three classes of vessel may participate: individual, two person and ‘everything else’. Of additional interest for this years race, commencing 26 June, is that the first Dutch fuel cell boat, will act as ‘chase boat’. The electrically powered craft, known as the Hydrogen Xperiance, will travel for three days without refuelling and is said to be silent, while emitting no noxious fumes. Renewable energy company, EcoFys, one of the developers, is considering marine applications for fuel cells, including canal boats. ::EcoFys, via Fuel Cell Today and Solar Navigator....
International Solar Cookers Conference, 12-16 July, Spain.
by Petz Scholtus, Barcelona, Spain on 05.19.06
Slowly but surely Spain is making use of its sunshine. After the making of 100 SOUL solar ovens, Terra Foundation together with the Solar Cookers International (SCI) are inviting you to the International Solar Cookers and Food Processing Conference in Granada (Spain), July 12th – 16th 2006. Online registration to participate is still available here but only until May 30th!
Solar Cookers Conferences have been held during the last 30 years with the last one in South Africa in 2000. It is their goal to share knowledge and form collaborations to widen the access to solar cooking, water purification and related solar food processing applications. The reason why solar cooking plays such an important role nowadays is that it reduces health and environmental hazards as well as growing fuel shortages related to traditional open fire cooking. In Granada this year, you’ll see or may share all the latest under the sun. :: International Solar Cookers Conference...
China Leads World in Renewable Energy Investment
by Warren McLaren, Sydney on 05.19.06
Close on the heels of John’s story about China setting standards in eco electronics, comes news that researchers from the Worldwatch Institute, have suggested that China is the world’s leading investor in renewable energy. If large scale hydro is excluded then the country spent $6 billion USD in renewable energy in 2005. That’s out of a world total of $38 billion USD, to which the US and Europe combined contributed $10 billion USD. Most of the investment was in small hydro and solar hot water systems. Worldwatch are quoted in another report as saying that 30 million households have solar hot water, nearly 60% of the worlds’ installed capacity. Wind power in China saw $600 million USD of investment. The news report indicated that China has plans to get 10% of its electricity from renewable energy by 2010, increasing it to 20% within a further 10 years. Via ::China.org....
Most Huggable
by Jacob Gordon, Nashville, TN on 05.18.06
Readers have been posting news on Hugg faster than you can say “styrofoam-free convent” or “fuel-cell NASCAR.” In fact, those are two of our top Huggs. The 47-acre Congregation of St. Joseph in Cleveland (alright, not quite a convent) is making some righteous green strides like eliminating styrofoam (the antichrist?), going organic in the garden, eliminating toxic cleaning agents, and installing a natural gas fueling pump for its fleet of CNG Civics. Wired News preaches the gospel according to the Neo-Greens (that’s us, folks) in a green-is-the-new-black exploratory. Green is apparently also the new red (neck?) as proven by news that later this month, NASCAR plans to run a fuel-cell powered racecar at Lowe’s Motor Speedway despite protests from other racers. And speaking of red, for those wondering if their Red Bull is made from organic bulls, Syzmo weighs in as the first 100% certified organic energy drink. Texas is also planning the country’s largest offshore windfarm, a 40,000-acre affair off the Padre Island seashore that has local groups worried about migratory bird traffic....
Carbon Clear Offsets Your...Diapers?
by Collin Dunn, Corvallis, OR, USA on 05.18.06
TreeHugger has previously reported on the carbon-neutrality of events (like this years' Olympic Games and World Cup), companies (like EcoTone Publishing and Working Assets) and even movie productions (as with Syriana). Clearly, it's no longer just about cars or travel; these days, it's possible to make sure just about anything doesn't contribute to climate change. The latest (and perhaps oddest to date) addition comes courtesy of the UK's Carbon Clear, which offers to make your baby's disposable diapers carbon neutral. While we prefer biodegradable or compostable, the entrance of such common consumer products into the climate-neutral market is either a sign that the cooling-climate trend is entering the mainstream, or that the apocalypse is nearly upon us...we can't decide. TreeHugger does know that every little bit helps, and we're glad to see that you can now get babies started on TreeHugging at an early age. ::Carbon Clear via ::Hugg (site in beta)...
HauteGREEN Sneak Peek: Velluto and Satin Wool by Q Collection
by Collin Dunn, Corvallis, OR, USA on 05.18.06
Just two days to go until HauteGREEN, which means this series is winding to a close, and we've been saving one of our favorites for today. It's hard for us to think "sustainable design" without thinking of Q Collection, the fabulous New York-based furniture and textile designer (we've featured their furniture and in our "Best of TH" Designers series). For the show, they've submitted two lines of textile fabric: Velluto (pictured) is the most sustainable velvet on the market. Made with 100% New Zealand wool pile, Velluto is backed with 100% European Ecological Cotton. Because it is Oeko-Tex certified, it exceeds European health requirements. For the other line of fabrics, called Satin Wool, Q Collection partnered with one of the world’s leading mills focused on sustainability. Highlights of the textile production partnership include: water that leaves the mill is cleaner than the drinking water that enters it; excess fabric clippings are used as mulch by farmers in the surrounding area; and dyes pass the most rigorous tests for human health and the environment. This is all done with the primary goal of the elimination of toxic chemicals, carcinogens and the leading components of poor indoor air quality; that it looks fabulous is a nice perk as well. photo credit: Chad Hunt ::HauteGREEN and ::Q Collection
Check out the rest of the Sneak Peek Series for a glimpse at the best in sustainable home design....
Paris Report: Ethical Fashion Market
by Kyeann Sayer, Nomad on 05.18.06
In the not-too-distant future, Paris may become as synonymous ethical fashion as with Hermes and Louis Vuitton. The lovelies who brought us last year's Ethical Fashion Show made the Ethical Fashion Market happen last weekend. Conscientious Parisians from many walks of life took in a hip mix of yummy tapas, amazing music and a wide array of ethical and eco producers, including TH fave Veja. You can check out other featured designers on the ethical fashion site. I will be highlighting my favorites in the coming weeks and letting you know where you can get their goods online and in Paris. Organizers Isabelle and Clem did an amazing job; their work instills faith in the future of fashion! :: Ethical Fashion Market...
"CO2: We Call it Life" ads: We Call it Hysterical
by Lloyd Alter, Toronto on 05.18.06
After reading John's post on The Exxon-funded CEI's commercials we thought we would look at them to see if they could be parodied, but they cannot, they are already parodies. It is as if they hired Jon Stewart to put them together; they are truly the funniest thing we have seen in weeks. Our message to Al: be afraid, very afraid. Watch them here ::CEI via :ENN. See also ::Latest Attack on An Inconvenient Truth, ::The Saga Continues: FOX News on An Inconvenient Truth...
TH Blog Love – Our Favourite Greens Of The Week
by Leonora Oppenheim, London, UK on 05.18.06
City Hippy: INTERVIEW: Craig Sams, founder of Green+Blacks chocolate by Al Tepper. Have you noticed all the amazing things going on at City Hippy recently? Our friend Al Tepper has gone into overdrive with some amazing posts and a succession of new writers representing different regions of the UK. This interview series with Craig Sams is particularly interesting. Al creates a great dialogue between his and Sams’ green points of view.
Earth Echo: Carnival of the Green #27 by Alexandra Cousteau
“In honour of Mother’s Day, we are happy to pay tribute to Mother Earth by passing along these submissions on everything from rust to Whole Foods to infertility. Mom would be so proud. Read on.”
Eco-Chick: Nuclear Power is NOT the Wave of the Future by Starre Vartan
There’s a new movement to shut down Indian Point Nuclear Power Plant in Westchester County, New York. Starre tells us who is getting involved in this movement and why Indian point is not economical, not safe, not secure from terrorists, and certainly not environmentally friendly. ...
Yes To Cork — Save Forests, Jobs and the Iberian Lynx
by Warren McLaren, Sydney on 05.18.06
We’ve covered the natural vs synthetic cork dilemma before. Now the WWF have released a report saying that up to 75% of the cork forests in the Mediterranean might be lost within the next 10 years — all because of screw-top wine. They go on to suggest that by 2015 there might only be 5% of wine bottles using cork. Apparently without protection of the cork forests (cork is harvested from the bark of a special oak tree roughly every 9 years and then allowed to grow back - some still productive trees are well over 200 years old), then habitat and livelihoods may be lost. 62,500 workers might be displaced along with the “endangered Iberian lynx, the Barbary deer, the black vulture and the imperial Iberian eagle.” In a recent 5 year period, natural cork usage in wine bottles dropped by 18%. If the trend were to continue, an area half the size of Switzerland may be under threat. Australian newspapers have been carrying a ‘Yes To Cork’ campaign in the past few months. It appears to be a sibling to the Real Cork initiative in Europe. All these programs highlight that cork extraction is financially, socially and environmentally sustainable, and that corks can easily be either recycled or composted, in contrast to the lifecycles of their newly arrived competitors. ::WWF via The Independent. ...
Instant Survey: Green Living - Sea Change or Pet Rock?
by Erin Courtenay - Madison, WI on 05.18.06
Green Gold Biodiesel in the UK
by Warren McLaren, Sydney on 05.18.06
Earlier this year it was the turn of Sydney, Australia to get it’s first biodiesel service station*, and now we discover that in Manchester is located the UK's first dedicated biodiesel garage. Green Gold Biodiesel provide a B5 blend of 5% biodiesel and mineral diesel, which meets the the European standard for Ultra Low Sulphur Diesel. It's made from rapeseed and waste cooking oil, not palm oil, as they suggest this leads to deforestation. Additionally they have a B100, being 100% locally sourced recycled vegetable oil. The latter is only available to members of the Manchester Biodiesel Cooperative. Members (ranging from £10 per year for an individual, to £25 for a business) also have access to an in-house mechanic and discounted parts. The garage is open 6 days a week. When we last looked the prices were 96.0 p / litre for B5 and 92.9 for the B100. ::Green Gold Biodiesel, via Vita....
Kick the Oil Habit Campaign
by Jeff McIntire-Strasburg, St. Louis, MO on 05.18.06
The American Progress Action Fund launched its "Kick the Oil Habit" campaign with an announcement by Robert Redford on Larry King Live, and a new website complete with a fairly frightening video that underscored the connections between American oil dependence and global political instability, corporate and political corruption, global warming and, of course, high gas prices. The campaign touts E85 (85% ethanol and 15% gasoline mix) as a viable alternative for the near term, and asks supporters to sign on to a letter asking major oil companies to double the availability of the fuel nationwide. The campaign provides a list of reasons why E85 is the preferable alternative to importing foreign oil:...
New Jersey: the Solar State?
by Jeff McIntire-Strasburg, St. Louis, MO on 05.18.06
So, I understand that New Yorkers are famous for kicking around New Jersey, and I'd bet that some of our colleagues in the Treehugger office have been guilty of this a time or two. It turns out, though, that the Garden State may be on the forefront of solar energy development:
When solar-power executives toured New Jersey's Meadowlands last month, checking out a $25 million plan to cover 30 acres of enclosed landfill, roofs and parking lots with panels - touted as the nation's largest solar farm - Thomas Leyden of PowerLight Corp. called it a "Persian Gulf" of opportunity. ... Last month, New Jersey updated its goals and is counting on solar to supply 2 percent of its power needs by 2020. Only California has a plan as ambitious....
Zerofootprint: Strange Bedfellows
by Ron Dembo, Zerofootprint on 05.18.06
What do the Queen of England, the rapper 50 Cent and George Bush have in common? It is not their political persuasion, the cars they drive or their bankers. They all have homes heated and cooled with geo-exchange heat pumps.
Geo what?
Geo-exchange is a technology that our ancestors in caves used.
A few feet underground, the temperature is constant year round. So, in winter when its cold, the cave feels warm, and in summer when it's hot, the cave feels cool. We can exploit this fact to heat and cool our homes and guess what, it doesn't consume oil.
Geo-exchange simply takes water and pumps it underground through a long pipe and uses the fact that it comes out the other side at 50 F or 10 C no matter where we are in the world (more of less). If it is hot outside, say 100 F, this cool water can be used to air-condition your home. If it is cold outside, say 0 F, this 'hot' water can be used to heat your home. Commercial systems add a compressor to all of this to enhance the effect, much like you fridge does at home....
China To Set "Environment Friendly" Electronics Standards
by John Laumer, Philadelphia on 05.18.06
The China “Peoples Daily Online” reports that the Chinese government is setting “environment-friendly standards” for electronics and appliances. “Starting July this year, the European Union (EU) will close its door to electronic products containing certain poisonous materials. "That would be a hard blow to Chinese manufacturers," said the official who asked not be identified”. Translation: the Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) directive of the European Union comes into force this summer, requiring electronic goods and appliances sold in the EU to be made with strong limits on use of lead (Pb), Mercury, Cadmium, Hexavalent chromium, PBBs, and PBDEs. Chinese manufacturers either overlooked, or were late in redesigning, products made for export. Consequently: “China has enacted its first set of regulations controlling pollution caused by electronic products. The regulations, to take effect on March 1 next year, demand that all electronic products meet environment-friendly standards”....
Battle of The Climate Titans
by John Laumer, Philadelphia on 05.18.06
Think Progress reports that “The Competitive Enterprise Institute (CEI) will unveil two 60-second TV ads focusing on what it calls “global warming alarmism and the call by some environmental groups and politicians to reduce fossil fuel and carbon dioxide emissions.” …The ad is being released just a week before the May 24th opening (in LA and NYC) of Al Gore’s new movie on global warming, An Inconvenient Truth”. The CEI news release regarding the ad concludes: "The campaign to limit carbon dioxide emissions … is nothing short of an attempt to suppress energy use, which in turn would be economically devastating-all to avert an alleged catastrophe whose scientific basis is dubious."...
Design Week in New York
by Lloyd Alter, Toronto on 05.18.06
We knew about Mobile Living and Haute Green and Green6 but had no idea that so much was going on in New York for Design Week- is eveyone moving out to make room? How can one go to so many parties? Do they ever sleep? Industrial Design site Core77 has their priorities straight and compiled a list of events, exhibits and parties. We will only report on the sober green events, of course. ::Core77...
Recycle: The Essential Guide
by Bonnie Alter, London on 05.18.06
Recycle The Essential Guide is a comprehensive introduction to the whole area of recycling. Clearly and succinctly written, it will appeal to the beginner who may not be quite sure what the subject includes but it has enough detail that even the most informed Treehugger will find something new to think about. It covers all the recyclable materials: paper, plastic,metal, glass, household waste and compost. Each material is explained in depth. For example under paper it describes its composition, asks why recycle, does it make a difference, explains the process, what the individual can do, includes games for children and a list of relevant websites in U.K., U.S., Australia, Canada and South Africa. There are case studies which illustrate innovative approaches to different issues around the world. These include composting in Hackney, recycling in Cuba and plastic bag taxes in Ireland ( it's true, and they have seen a 90% drop in consumption--l billion fewer bags consumed annually). A consumer directory of eco designers includes some new and interesting finds such as a trashcan made of recycled tires and a recycling bin made of shredded paper. Each product is illustrated and has web addresses and contact details of the supplier. There is an international directory listing organisations and charities by country. With good clean presentation and graphics, this is a fine present to encourage someone who is getting interested in the subject. :: Black Dog Publishing ...
BJ and Tyler: Will the Hippies Win the Amazing Race Tonight?
by Kyeann Sayer, Nomad on 05.17.06
TreeHugger readers new and old seem to join most of the US Amazing Race audience in really digging The Hippies. The straggly and sometimes partly pant-less duo won last week after consuming bowls of grasshoppers and crickets. Despite this recent show of strength, Mo Jo are rooting for the "Frat Boys," Eric and Jeremy, to share the $1 million. While BJ and Tyler clearly are goofy guys, they don't think much is funny about peace, love and understanding. Evidence: moments ago BJ answered my call from the limo they're sharing with The Frats (I presume en route to the finale!). What will happen? Do you think Ray and Yolanda will pull ahead on the home stretch? Bonus questions: 1) What have BJ and Tyler's reality caricatures done to help or hinder the image of hippies everwhere? and, 2) What should they do with their $ if they win?? Comment after the jump! :: The Amazing Race 9...
Asthma Sufferers Will Soon Help the Ozone
by Kara DiCamillo, Newport, Rhode Island on 05.17.06
As an asthma sufferer, you can imagine my surprise when I read in the New York Times that the medication I’m on is going to be phased out by the year 2008. Why? Because of a federally mandated shift due to its effect on the ozone. I have to admit I’m a little nervous about this shift, mainly because it’s already creating shortages due to a decline in the production of these “older” inhalers before the “new” ones are ramped up fully. And, because the new inhalers are covered by patents, this also means that they are going to cost more, say $30-$60 each as opposed to $5-$25. Now thankfully I do have health insurance so the latter might be less of a concern of mine, but asthma affects everyone, across all income levels and whether we have health insurance or not. ...
Kyocera Unveils Ozone-Free Printers
by Justin Thomas, Virginia on 05.17.06
New from Kyocera is a line of "ozone-free" printers. By applying a positive electrical charge directly to the rollers, Kyocera has eliminated the production of ozone. Most printers still use negatively-charged rollers, which generates the harmful gas. Ground level ozone is an air pollutant; it impairs lung function.
The new workgroup range comprises four low-noise, monochrome laser printers, printing up to 45 pages per minute and offering double-sided printing. All feature "Ecosys", the company’s synthesis of long-life ceramic components. ...
TreeHugger TV Survey Closes Tonight
by Sean Fisher, Cincinnati, Ohio on 05.17.06
Thanks so much to everyone who has already participated in ourTreeHugger TV Survey. Your input is important in making TreeHugger TV better with every episode. If you have yet to fill out the survey, we urge you to do so right away - let us know what you would like out of THTV. And, as an added bonus, super-cool designer HER Design is giving away an organic cotton canvas Lotus bag + accessories to one lucky respondant. But, in order to have a chance at the prize, you must fill out the survey before it closes toinght at midnight EST!...
How to: Build a Fuel-Less, Solar-Powered Vehicle
by Collin Dunn, Corvallis, OR, USA on 05.17.06
TreeHugger has recently covered the Solar Sailor and solar-powered electric bike, but we've never seen anything quite like this. For the serious DIYer, SolarVehicles.org offers info, resources, advice and even blueprints for building your own solar-powered vehicle. Most of the models are somewhere between a scooter and a golf cart, and, according to the pictures on the site, they even work! It may not be the kind of thing you'd want to take on the highway or even a busy street, but they seem perfect for putting around town. Once built, the three and four-wheeled vehicles go between 25 and 40 km/h (about 15 to 25 mph) depending on the load/cargo and grade of the road. The site has all the info you'll need to build your own, from wheels to solar cells to frames, so you can get yourself around using the power of the sun. ::Solar Vehicles...
Ailin: Eco-Active Wear With Style
by Erin Courtenay - Madison, WI on 05.17.06
Things that don't make sense to sporty TreeHuggers:
+Stinky PVC yoga mats
+Toxic surf wax
+Sweatshop manufactured athletic outdoor wear made from non-recycled petroleum products (try saying that five times fast).
The good news is we: 1) have the scoop on natural rubber yoga mats; 2) recently heard about biodegradable surf wax; and 3) just received a tip on the fall collection of eco-sweet active wear from Ailin outdoor clothing company. Better yet, Ailin's looks are so stylish that even the non-sporty 'Huggers can enjoy the benefit of their PCD (post-consumer downcycled) tops, skirts, pants and jackets. If you like what you see, have questions about the products, or want to get in on a great community dialogue about action-activism check out the AilinBlog....
HauteGREEN Sneak Peek: Adapt Design's Fresh Look
by Collin Dunn, Corvallis, OR, USA on 05.17.06
We've given lots of love to Adapt Design before, for their various classic bamboo designs like the Spring Chair and similarly-styled side table. They were even featured as one of The Best of TreeHugger Designers, so we're glad to see they're getting some outside recognition for their fantastic work. The Spring Chair's single bamboo part form minimizes weight and material waste, and its ergonomic design is contoured to the body. The strength and flexibility of bamboo create a gentle rocking action in this sensuous chair. We hear they've got something special up their sleeve for this TreeHugger classic; we'll all just have to show up to see what Adapt might pull out of their hat to improve this chair. ::HauteGREEN and ::Adapt Design
Check out the rest of the Sneak Peek Series for a glimpse at the best in sustainable home design....
TreeHugger Picks: City Guides
by Collin Dunn, Corvallis, OR, USA on 05.17.06
Each city around the world lives TreeHugger a little bit differently. From books and maps to simple word of mouth, there are neverending ways and resources to keep it green. Here are just a few.
1) In New York, there's The Big Green Apple and the Green Apple Map.
2) In Los Angeles, Greenopia has all urban dwellers in the city of angels covered.
3) In London, Veggie & Organic London will help keep the food on your table as TreeHugger as possible.
4) Our "Tell Us About Your City" series yielded some excellent advice from the locals of Austin, Texas and Portland, Oregon. Stay tuned for more soon!
5) The Sustainable Ireland Cooperative is chock-full of info on the world of sustainability in Ireland....
Pennsylvania is Giving Away 15 Wind Turbines
by Michael Graham Richard, Ottawa, Canada on 05.17.06
The Pennsylvania Energy Development Authority wants to generate some buzz about alternative energy, so they have "awarded a $193,000 grant to Southwest Windpower [the world's largest producer of small wind turbines] to place 15 small, advanced technology wind turbines in highly visible locations across the state." The Governor said: "The price of imported fuel is too high in terms of dollars and security. To become energy independent ourselves, Pennsylvania is blazing a new trail by making strategic investments to build a base of alternative energy supplies and infrastructure that can meet the clean energy needs of our residents and our economy. By placing these windmills in where many people can see them, Pennsylvanians will be able to learn about and experience alternative energy as part of their daily lives." More at ::Renewable Energy Access, via ::Hugg (still in beta)...
Bike-To-Work Week
by Warren McLaren, Sydney on 05.17.06
This week is U.S. Bike-To-Work Week, culminating in Bike to Work Day on Friday 19 May 06. The League of American Bicyclists offer a few reasons why cycle commuting is a good idea. They suggest that three hours of riding per week can cut the risk of heart disease and stoke by half. That to maintain a car for a year is more than $3,000 dollars, compared to less than $300 for a bike. And our use of motorised vehicles contributes to 70% of all carbon monoxide emissions, 45% of nitrogen oxide and 34% of hydrocarbons. The League have an online list of the major events taking place by state. According to one news article, less than 1% of U.S. workers regularly cycle to work. But a federal transportation bill is apparently set to double funds available for both pedestrian and bike facilities to $4 billion USD. And it looks like a tax incentive might be on the way to reward those who ride to work. ::Bike-To-Work Week, via San Francisco Gate....
TreeHuggerTV – TreeHugger News
by Leonora Oppenheim, London, UK on 05.17.06
One thing you can’t accuse TreeHugger of is being slow off the starting blocks. We’ve become the biggest green blog on the Web in an amazingly short time; we’ve brought you the green blog world’s first eco-product with the StuffBump; Hugg has bolted out of the TH stable in the last few weeks; and of course there is THTV keeping up with the latest media craze that is video podcasting. Not wanting to rest on our laurels today we’re setting off ahead of the pack once again by bringing you the first green newscast on the Web. Welcome TreeHugger News! This is a new video segment, produced by m ss ng p eces and presented by Simran Sethi, where we bring you a 2 minute newscast packed with the hottest green news this week. This week's episode is about "All Things Energetic".
Another exciting development is that these news segments are available to download onto your cell phone, so you can keep up with the latest green headlines wherever you are. Not to mention the joy of keeping the gorgeous Simran Sethi in your pocket! In order to download the file to your phone you need to put this URL into your phone browser http://tinyurl.com/jf2fj. It will take about a minute to download and only video enabled phones will work....
The Business of Green
by Lloyd Alter, Toronto on 05.17.06
The New York Times has an entire section today on the Business of Green- speaking of Ford and GE: "These industrial Goliaths want to be Jolly Green Giants. They have investors to impress and public images to maintain so that they can pursue high-profile projects that need government approvals. They may also have profit motives; most of the green technologies that make money now are profitable only because of government tax incentives or subsidies. But if oil and natural gas become expensive enough, some technologies could become commercially viable on an unsubsidized basis." Lots of interesting articles and a full page Wal-Mart ad that pretty much could have been our earlier post today, secret speech and all. Timing is everything. ::New York Times...
How To Subscribe to TreeHugger
by Michael Graham Richard, Ottawa, Canada on 05.17.06
Do you want to get weekly or daily TreeHugger headlines in your email inbox?
Then click the link to subscribe to the TreeHugger email newsletter.
Do you want TreeHugger.com to be the first thing you see when you start the Internet?
Then click here to learn how to make TreeHugger your browser homepage.
To have all the newest TreeHugger articles or only those from the categories you like, such as Design & Architecture or Food & Health, we've provided RSS feeds to do just that.
Subscribe to TreeHugger RSS
RSS is by far the easiest way to consume news and information online....
Solar AM/FM Radio
by Justin Thomas, Virginia on 05.17.06
This palm-sized AM/FM radio is solar powered. The solar panel and internal rechargeable battery will give up to 4-5 hours listening time when fully charged. It has a back-up AAA battery and a LED flash light, which, oddly, does not run on solar, but is instead powered by 3 button cell batteries. Available from the The Natural Collection for £15 via The Green Guy....
Beijing's "No Car Days"
by John Laumer, Philadelphia on 05.17.06
According to Agence France-Presse, Environmental officials in Beijing have asked residents to stop driving their cars to work one day a month "in an effort to clean up the capital's stifling air pollution and ease traffic jams...More than 200,000 drivers in up to 100 Beijing auto clubs have agreed to comply with the voluntary request, the Beijing Environmental Protection Bureau said in a report posted on its website". The request's trivial long term impact on air quality notwithstanding, those would be the days to ride one's bicycle or walk to work, to revel in life and to remember the freedom and beauty of an earlier time...or anticipate the Olympics. The psychology will be interesting. By helping people see what things could be like, assuming they get a high level of cooperation, there could be more willingness to look for better ways to get around. Which makes us wonder: Gas Hog-free days anyone? Wait. Let's limit this to people driving SUVs while wearing dress clothes...we're thinking about those guys you see wearing a suit and tie, driving their Mega-Truck to the office...so as to leave out the tradesmen and farmers who actually use those things for what they were designed.
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The Affordable Zero Energy House
by Jeff McIntire-Strasburg, St. Louis, MO on 05.17.06
We weren't surprised that the first generation of "zero energy homes" came out of places known for being on the cutting edge: California, London and even Chicago. Today, we learned that an Oklahoma builder is embracing the ZEH concept, and building these energy-sipping beauties for under $200,000. Could energy-neutral housing be on the verge of going mainstream? We'd sure like to think so... and that's exactly what Ideal Homes set out to do in its partnership with the US Department of Energy's Building America program....
It's Getting Harder to Hate Wal-Mart
by Lloyd Alter, Toronto on 05.17.06
Whether or not we shop there, we all feel the Wal-Mart Effect as it changes the way everyone buys and everyone sells. We don't shop there, and we also just read Michael Pollan's The Omnivore's Dilemma, which demolishes any belief in the idea that big organic is any better than big industrial food production, so we are not particularly concerned about Wal-marts entry into this market. We do note that TreeHugger has done 9 posts this year about Wal-Mart going with Green Roofs, Bullfrog Power, Corn based plastics, sustainable fish and buying forests. They are replacing their trucking fleet to double its fuel efficiency. What's going on? Is this for real or greenwashing? Can we reconcile it with our world view of Wal-Mart as a union-busting, supplier-abusing, smalltown-destroying behemoth? ...
Frankencotton- Is Your UnderwearTransgenic?
by Lloyd Alter, Toronto on 05.17.06
It appears that much of the cotton grown these days is genetically modified to include genetic material from a bacterium called Bacillus thuringiensis or Bt, considered by some to be a friendly and organic alternative to pesticides. Farmers who use BT cotton "reduced their use of pesticides and increased the diversity of their insect populations, while protecting crops against the dread pink bollworm." James Gorman writes in the New York Times (in a wonderful style that we shall simply cut and paste, he is very funny): " A similar genetic modification in corn has caused an uproar. Many countries have rules about labeling food that contains genetically modified organisms, or G.M.O. Zambia, for instance, has refused to import transgenic corn. But cotton has faced no such trade barriers.The obvious reason is that people tend not to eat their shirts." However some may be concerned about having pesticides built into their shorts. TreeHugger suggests any number of organic cotton, bamboo or hemp alternatives. James Gorman in the ::New York Times...
Paris Report: Get Your Green Necessities at resonances
by Kyeann Sayer, Nomad on 05.16.06
Since more of us visit Paris than any other city in the world, it's quite possible that you will find yourself here this summer. Not to be a giant (scrumptious, fresh, delightfully packaged) cheese ball of a tourist, but I'm feeling so lucky (even blessed, if I may) to wander this incredible city. For you, loyal readers, I'm selflessly forgoing Seine-side make-out sessions in favor of scouring (well, traipsing, really) the boulevards in search of TreeHugging food and fashion/accessories options. First, however, the basics: while family and friends are checking out Fauchon or the Maille mustard store (6, place de la Madeleine) around the Eglise de la Madeleine, you can wander over to France's answer to Gaiam. resonances (3, boulevard Malesherbes) is a great place to grab a host gift you feel good about, or needed items like towels, neck pillows, and toiletries (I snagged some well-priced Lavera necessities). Somehow, by virtue of their Frenchness, even a lot of the yoga and "wellness" products seemed chic... Check out the site for other locations in Paris and around France. :: resonances...
Canned Oxygen at Japan's 7-11 Stores
by Lloyd Alter, Toronto on 05.16.06
It is bad enough that people think that they have to buy bottled water; in Japan you can now buy canned air. Actually, its 95% oxygen, designed in minty or grapefruity flavours as a pick-me-up. "The idea behind the product is to allow buyers to replenish their oxygen levels anytime they feel a lack of it due to stress, fatigue, or other factors". Each can is good for about 35 inhalations and costs 600 yen or about six bucks. We suppose it was inevitable, paying to breathe. ::Mainichi Daily News
UPDATE: Courtesy of JW's comment, we attach googlemangle of the 7-11's website...
TREAD: Recycled iPod, Solio and Laptop Cases
by Collin Dunn, Corvallis, OR, USA on 05.16.06
We first came across TREAD over a year ago when we found out that they'd be making iPod, Solio and laptop cases from recycled rubber tires. Better Energy Systems, makers of the Solio solar charger (which we first covered here and reviewed here), have been busy in the interim, and have now launched their line of recycled products. The TREAD line includes (pictured left to right) a case for the Solio, 3G iPod, iPod nano (unofficially TreeHugger's green product of the year for 2005) and various 15" laptops. Each one is handcrafted from recycled truck tires and provides tough, waterproof protection for their respective electronics. While we aren't crazy about the tires having to travel from Colombia, it sure beats them sitting on a trash heap, so we approve. ::TREAD Cases via ::The Green Guy...
HauteGREEN Sneak Peek: Shroom Light by MIO
by Collin Dunn, Corvallis, OR, USA on 05.16.06
Before launching in to today's sneak peek, we have an announcement: HauteGREEN is looking for volunteers to help set up for the big show later this week. They're looking for help hanging the show and hanging lighting beforehand, as well as reception hosts during the event and help with breakdown next Monday. Anyone willing to help should contact hope(at)o2nyc(dot)org. Now, on with the post. We're coming down the homestretch before the big show this weekend; today we feature the Shroom Light by MIO (the same designer who brought us fabulous 3-D wallpaper, the Bale Chair and funky Light Capsule). Using traditional felt molding technologies and local manufacturers as a source of inspiration; the Shroom Light explores felt's natural beauty as a material for diffusing light. Material density softens and directs light, producing relaxing atmospheres that range from the warm and relaxed to the psychedelic and fun. Made from 100% wool, the Shroom Light is designed for easy disassembly for transportation and recycling. The shades are manufactured by one of the last remaining millineries in the US, and the design requires the use of compact fluorescent light bulb. Designed by Jaime Salm and Kate Wise, the shroom light works best as mood lighting for tabletop and floor use, and are ideal as nightlights or in clusters around living areas. ::HauteGREEN and ::MIO
Check out the rest of the Sneak Peek Series for a glimpse at the best in sustainable home design....
Solar Lampion by Damian O'Sullivan
by Justin Thomas, Virginia on 05.16.06
Unlike many solar lamps, this one by Damian O'Sullivan, has the solar panels incorporated into its design....
New Adaptive Blades for Low Speed Wind Turbines
by Justin Thomas, Virginia on 05.16.06
Knight & Carver, a Californian company, has developed an innovative wind blade that produces energy in low wind speed regions. The longer-than-conventional blade automatically twists during high wind to reduce loads on the machine thus producing a maximized amount of wind energy. Therefore, longer blades than normal can be safely used in regions regarded as lower-wind production areas. In wind-energy production, the term “low wind speed” means winds of up to 15 knots.
Today, a standard HAWT (Horizontal Axis Wind Turbine) captures the wind’s energy with three propeller-like blades mounted on a rotor. The turbine sits more than 200 feet atop a tower to take advantage of stronger and less-turbulent wind. Elevated so high above the surface makes maintenance and repair costly; bearings and shafts that transfer wind power from the turbine blades must be to withstand exceptional rigors in various weather conditions. ...
"Unexpected Green" Contest: Last Chance to Vote
by Sean Fisher, Cincinnati, Ohio on 05.16.06
We are running down to the wire in the voting for our "Unexpected Green" Contest. So, if you have not yet voted, please go check out our finalists and vote for what you think is the most unexpectedly green entry. The finalists with the most total votes after tomorrow (5/17) will receive a $350 gift certificate from our good friends at Earth. Please vote below for the most unexpectedly green entry:
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Instant Survey: Mosquito Management
by Erin Courtenay - Madison, WI on 05.16.06
Windy City Looks to a Green Future
by Jeff McIntire-Strasburg, St. Louis, MO on 05.16.06
Last month, we brought you the story of the green roof that will sit atop Chicago's first Wal-Mart, and the broader Green Roofs initiative the city is undertaking. It turns out that even an ambitious plan like that is only part of the story in Chicago: a recent article at Time.com notes that the Windy City has set a goal for itself of becoming "the most environmentally friendly city in the U.S.," and has a comprehensive plan, as well as an enthusiastic environmental commissioner, dedicated towards that end. Can a decidedly working-class town, with a long tradition of heavy manufacturing and slaughterhouses, make the transition to the nation's Green Capital? Mayor Richard Daley thinks so, and has put ample city resources behind the plan....
Chevron Invests in 100 million Gallon/Year Biodiesel Facility
by John Laumer, Philadelphia on 05.16.06
Chevron Corporation, a US-based oil company, has announced that is has taken a 22% investment stake in the first large-scale US biodiesel facility, planned by Galveston Bay Biodiesel LP (GBB). GBB will have initial production of 20 million gallons per year, representing almost a 27 percent increase in total U.S. biodiesel production of 75 million gallons in 2005. The facility has the capability to expand operations to produce 100 million gallons of fuel per year. Smart move really. In Europe biodiesel is said to capture around 1% of the diesel market, whereas here in the US it is far less. With the price differential between bio and fossil fuels offering a nice margin, a controlling position is what you'd expect from an oil company. We said goodby to garage bands and then garage-invented computers; and now, we'll do the same to garage-made biofuels, as mass availability dominates the scene.
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£60,000 Prefab Shown In London
by Lloyd Alter, Toronto on 05.16.06
In the Design for Manufacture competition supported by the British government, the challenge was to build a house for under £60,000, not much of a stretch by North American standards considering land and soft costs are not included, and controversial in Britain because people thought that they might be able to buy one for that price. Critics point out that "the major issue with housing affordability is lack of land and planning restrictions. Building homes with cheaper construction methods will not address either of those concerns." However architects Sheppard Robson (Danger! Flash crazy architect site!) and developer Crest Nicholson have crafted a SIP (structural insulated panel) walled, environmentally friendly prefab with only one radiator for the entire two bedroom house, which looks like good value. It will be sold at "market rates" which in London does not mean 60,000 quid. ::Telegraph
UPDATE: MocoLoco had the patience to root around for more pictures. ::Mocoloco...
Shell Eco-Marathon In France This Weekend
by Lloyd Alter, Toronto on 05.16.06
Rev up for this weekend's Shell Eco-Marathon Finals in Nagaro, France. The principle of the race is simple: to drive the maximum number of kilometres on a motor circuit with the highest energy yield possible. Teams are free to use any conventionally available energy source, including petrol (gasoline), diesel, LPG (propane), solar, electric, hydrogen or biomass. Over 21 years the fuel economy has improved dramatically- in 2003 team Microjoule from France achieved fuel consumption of 10,705 miles per gallon, which beats your usual CAFE standards by a bit. (Warren covered an entry yesterday that got 3556 MPG, but we think we are getting into conversion problems between metric, imperial and American gallons. Lets just say they all get damn fine mileage) 255 teams from 20 countries are participating this year- 163 running on gasoline, 21 on diesel, 19 on Propane and 52 on alternative fuels like hydrogen, biofuel, solar or electric. We suspect that in terms of excitement it is not exactly NASCAR- how long does it take? However the air will smell better and being in France, the concession food will be just fine. ::Shell Eco-Marathon...
Bono Edits Today's Newspaper
by Bonnie Alter, London on 05.16.06
Today Bono is the guest Editor of the Independent newspaper. The edition is a magnificent effort to cover all the issues relating to AIDS in Africa and his creation Project RED in a way that is accessible, interesting and broadly based. It starts with an article about a lost generation of children whose parents have died of AIDS and are raising their brothers and sisters alone. It ends with Condoleezza Rice’s 10 favourite musical works (“Respect” by Aretha Franklin is her number 3). In between there are serious pieces about EU subsidy policies and food dumping in Africa, interviews with Tony Blair and Gordon Brown (not very satisfying) and Bob Geldorf on increasing trade with Africa. The big question: Can rock stars change the world—the response from Bono: "Celebrity is ridiculous, but it is currency and I want to spend mine wisely. Who changes the world? The answer is all of us. For we each, in our very different ways, have our own currency to spend. And we must spend it wisely.” ...
G4E! An Eco Design Platform Good for Environment
by Petz Scholtus, Barcelona, Spain on 05.16.06
Looking for eco design? Check out Good for Environment! a new platform for eco design.
Here you can find things like a water saving device for potted plants, inspired by the Namibian beetle’s system of saving water by cleverly using evaporation and condensation to its advantage (further rather cute explanations on their web site). This simple disc is called Econo, designed to cover the earth in your plant pot to catch the evaporating water leading it back to the plant, drastically reducing the amount necessary to water it. They calculated that it saves you up to 50% of water, perfect for those of you who travel often or simply forget to water the plants.
Other products in their pipeline are Lappack the conference folder, Hexa-ton the smart container and a Personal Broadcasting System designed for the ‘Toshiba Hard Disk Drive Revolution 2006’....
The Joe Cell — A Fuel-less Energy Source?
by Warren McLaren, Sydney on 05.16.06
This sounds so phantasmagorical that it might just turn out to be real. A Joe Cell is an electrolytic capacitor. Supposedly it can run your car’s engine – with the fuel line disconnected (!), yet with more power than when it was joined. It is only 5 inches (127mm) in diameter, twice as long, and can be made for about $100. Though said not to need fuel, it might be that uses a form of electricity, vapour, ‘frequencies’, plasma physics, or even a living energy called Orgone. Yes, I know it’s beginning to get just a little too New Agey. but I’m equally sure descriptions of the telephone and electric light sounded that way in their early days too. And electricity from sunlight, come on, do you think I’m gonna fall for that one! Pure Energy Systems Network, PESN, the self proclaimed ‘Wikipedia of alternate energy technology’ have a wealth of stuff on Joe Cells that made my small brain hurt I’m hopeful those more endowed with grey matter will make sense of the FAQ, Instructions, and How to Run a Joe Cell features. Is it, like the solar powered bicycle, too good to be true? Time will tell. Or maybe this Joe Cell seminar in Utah come July will do the trick. Via ::Environmentally Conscious Design and Manufacturing....
Environmental Education at St Francis of Assisi Academy
by Warren McLaren, Sydney on 05.16.06
Back in February of this year, Liverpool had the UK’s Prime Minister on hand to open a new school. Tony Blair commented, "What the children will learn about at this school is that the environment is something that matters and it's something we can cherish," he said. "Maybe through this school and what I've seen here we can offer a vision for the future of education in our country and for the country itself." He was opening the St Francis of Assisi Academy. The school is the first inter-faith school (50% each Catholic and Anglican), that focuses on the environment. Design-wise it features a solar atrium (which is said to provide 3% of the schools energy), roof garden and furniture made from recycled materials. But what is more interesting is that ‘environment’ is built right into the Academy’s curriculum. 11- and 12-year-olds, for example, are provided with a garden for each class, and integrated into their maths classes are real world lessons on calculating the purchase of materials for their own patch of soil. “The impetus behind the campaign for a green academy came from the Anglican Bishop of Liverpool, the Right Rev James Jones. He and [head teacher] Mr Burke believe the focus on the environment will switch disaffected youngsters back to learning.” And although only recently opened, it would seems this is having some effect, with many pupils reported to be studying harder. There are plans to roll out more schools of a similar disposition. Via ::The Independent, plus The Scotsman and Government News Network. ...
The Week's Most Huggable
by Jacob Gordon, Nashville, TN on 05.15.06
As you may already know, Hugg.com is a new source for hot user-generated green—a ‘first of its kind’ sort of thing to make TreeHuggers salivate with tantilization. Readers have been posting and Hugging news hot and heavy, so here are some of the tastiest morsels for your green-news reading pleasure from this ever-changing eco-jambalaya stew. Inflatable hemp houses inspired by Architecture for Humanity An off-the-grid strawbale monster house A green hardware store in Berkely called Ecohome Improvement A 32-person pedal-powered bike bus A show seen on British tele on how water can power the future The party is just heating up, so get in there before all the punch and blintzes are gone. Get registered, get your little Gravatar thingy up and running, and get busy. Dig through the queue, post your news picks, and Hugg the stuff you like. Don’t let everyone else have all the fun, damn it!...
Fill Out the TreeHugger TV Survey and Win!
by Sean Fisher, Cincinnati, Ohio on 05.15.06
We have had some great responses to our TreeHugger TV Survey already, however the more responses we get, the better we can make THTV. And, to thank you for your input, we are picking a survey respondant at random to win a very cool HER Design tote bag + accessories! So, tell everyone you know (and even some that you don't) to go fill out the THTV survey by this Wednesday (5/17) night. It is a great way to help TreeHugger TV, and an even better way to get your hands on some HER Design gear. ...
TreeHugger and live|work have Teamed Up!
by Tamara Giltsoff, United Kingdom on 05.15.06
Sony’s Hand-Crank Radio
by Kara DiCamillo, Newport, Rhode Island on 05.15.06
Here’s another “personal power charger” to add to the list. New from Sony (but only available in Japan starting June 10th) is a hand-crank portable AM/FM radio. Like the Eton Crank Radio, the ICF-B01 also comes with a cell phone charger. An LED flashlight is included as well for those 911’s. We think this little gadget is great for emergencies, but we’re not sure it’s made to be used otherwise. One minute of cranking only provides up to one hour of AM reception, 40 minutes of FM and a cell phone charge that lasts for just 3 minutes. Nevertheless, it's nice to see a big company like Sony take a step in the right direction. Thanks for the tip, Shanti K.! Via ::Far East Gizmos...
Electric Taxis Coming to NYC?
by Collin Dunn, Corvallis, OR, USA on 05.15.06
Hybrid Technologies, whom we first heard from awhile back when they announced plans for electric smart cars, are branching out into all-electric taxis in New York. Pending negotiations with New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC), the fleet of Chrysler PT Cruisers taxis will help the TLC continue in the green direction started by the hybrid taxis that went into service last year. The lithium PT Cruisers, already being produced by Hybrid Technologies for Paratransit, a large, California-based transportation non-profit, use a 320V battery pack that offers a cycle life of more than 1,500 charges. According to the company, the taxi has a range of up to 150 miles, and can be fully charged in 5 - 6 hours using a conventional 110 volt current. With the success of the hybrid taxis in New York, we've got our fingers crossed that their all-electric counterparts will pass muster with the Commission and keep New York's yellow cabs looking more green. ::Hybrid Technologies via ::Green Car Congress...
TreeHugger Picks: Car Sharing Services
by Collin Dunn, Corvallis, OR, USA on 05.15.06
The high price of gas has been a hot topic of late, and we suspect it will continue to heat up with summer temperatures and busy summer travel. We've mentioned some easy ways to bump up your mileage, chatted about some ways to reduce our collective dependence on cars, and found some ways to drive greener every day. One of our favorite ways to drive is without owning a car. That's right, car-sharing services are booming across the world; here are our picks for driving for people who don't own cars.
1) Flexcar has more than 35,000 members in seven metropolitan areas -- Seattle, Portland, Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, Chicago and Washington, D.C. -- covering 37 total cities.
2) Zipcar's fleet reaches from San Francisco to Boston, with Minneapolis, Toronto, Chapel Hill, NC, Washington, DC and NYC in between.
3) GoGet has over twenty car-share locations throughout Australia.
4) Streetcar has London covered, from Bayswater to Wapping and Archway to Wimbledon.
5) Club Sportiva can put you behind the wheel of a Porshe, Maserati, Bentley or Lotus in San Francisco or Munich without breaking the bank....
Light Green is the New Black
by Lloyd Alter, Toronto on 05.15.06
Fie on the Oil Drum for getting that headline first. In the New York Times, it is "Greening Up With the Joneses", a far less accurate title for the article on how people are beginning to change their habits out of concern for sustainability. (and which contradicts the New York Times of three weeks ago). People, like David Brotherton of Seattle, are beginning to take steps. "The trick, Mr. Brotherton (pictured above) said, was not to give up nice things, but to buy nice things that were ecologically sound. "I don't even pretend to be a hard-core environmentalist," Mr. Brotherton explained. "But I do aspire to be a 'light green' kind of guy -- one who thinks carefully about the choices I make as a consumer and tries to tread as lightly on the planet as possible, within my chosen lifestyle."
Oil Drum says "If these people are merely "light greens", then what is a true environmentalist in this country? Do you have to live in a log cabin with no running water and no electricity? In fact, the people featured in this article are the paragon of treehuggers, if the new definition of treehuggers is defined by the lifestyle website that gets an awful lot of hits these days."
People on the more "serious" sites will say that making such changes is meaningless, but it's a start. ::New York TImes...
Green6: NYC Sustainable Design at ICFF
by Collin Dunn, Corvallis, OR, USA on 05.15.06
The confluence of contemporary and sustainable product design is a topic that gets a lot of play here at TreeHugger, so we're always glad to see it spread further to reach a wider audience. Though we've been concentrating on HauteGREEN lately, there is another exhibit later this week that New Yorkers should pay special attention to. The Green6 exhibit (booth 1732 in the Furniture New York area) will showcase the work of six New York based sustainable designers who are the at forefront of the aforementioned movement. The work of the Green6 reflects the idea that green design has become a prerequisite for "good" design and is emerging from the fringes to the fashionable. The exhibit will showcase the magnitude of green design innovation underway in the marketplace as practiced by cutting-edge sustainable designers, and will feature some of our favorite furniture/interiors designers. The work of Brave Space, Cambium Studio (who were also featured in our HauteGREEN Sneak Peek series), Fire & Water, Niche Design, Moe Design Studio and a joint collaboration between Delano Collection and Vivavi will all showcase how New York has become an epicenter for sustainable design. The booth itself will also be green, constructed of eco materials donated in part by another New York green designer: Bart Bettencourt of Bettencourt Green Building Supplies. If you can't make it to HauteGREEN (or even if you can) we recommend stopping by the Green6 booth to see six ways sustainable design informs and improves our lives. ::Green6...
Remembering John Napolitano
by Michael Graham Richard, Ottawa, Canada on 05.15.06
From O2 New York: "o2NYC and the NYC design community as a whole remembers with great affection John Napolitano, one of our first and most dedicated o2NYC members, co-chair from 2001-2004, and charter member of o2NYC's board. John passed away on Saturday May 13th, ending his battle with cancer."...
An Old Broom Sweeps Clean
by Warren McLaren, Sydney on 05.15.06
The other day, on my morning perambulations, I happened upon a man in our neighbourhood park. He was wearing safety boots, shin guards, ear plugs, ear muffs, gloves, safety glasses and a hi-viz vest. He was most properly attired in the correct Personal Protective Equipment, or PPE, as it is known in OH&S (Occupational Health and Safety) circles . His task for the morning was cleaning leaves and lawn clippings off the walkway. Nearing almost the end of the path, he was heard to swear loudly. Seems he’d just run out of oomph. You see, he was using a powered leaf blower. And it had died on him. Now, with the job nine tenths finished, he had to walk way across the park to get his very rowdy machine re-energised. Not for the first time – being an ardent despiser of leaf blowers – I wondered just what had the classic broom done to bring such neglect upon itself. If this guy had had a broom he’d have been done by now, instead of traipsing all over the park to get his ‘powered broom’ revved once more. I shook my head and walked on, in the new bliss of what passes for silence in the inner city. And was reminded of the quote ascribed to Albert Einstein: "It is appallingly obvious that our technology exceeds our humanity." And that of our common sense too, it would appear....
Pair Networks Working with TerraPass, Helping TreeHugger Grow
by Michael Graham Richard, Ottawa, Canada on 05.15.06
We'd like to interrupt our regular programming and take a moment to thank Pair Networks, our gracious web host. They've always been very supportive of TreeHugger, and are working with us to meet our growing needs as the site becomes more popular. Now we learn that they have purchased TerraPasses for all their employees and are working with TerraPass to buy carbon credits for the TreeHugger servers. Very cool, and for that we thank them! ::Pair Networks, ::pair Networks: Thanks!...
‘Car’ Claiming 2,861km per litre Enters Eco-Marathon
by Warren McLaren, Sydney on 05.15.06
In France, very soon, Shell are holding their Eco-Marathon. The winner will be the car that runs the longest with an average speed of 30kmph (19mph). More detail on this tomorrow from Lloyd. Anyhow Andy Green, of the UK, reckons his entry, the only British one, has a darn good chance. Indeed he believes he has invented the world's most fuel efficient car. Now ‘car’ might be too broad a term. The ‘TeamGreen’ is not the sort of thing you’ll be running the kids to football or violin practice in, or even collecting the groceries with. It barely weighs 30kg (66lb), and is but 600mm (23.6 inches) wide. It does however allow Andy the option of suggesting its single cyclinder four-stroke engine, with a capacity of a puny 35cc, can travel 2, 861km (give or take a few centimetres, one assumes) on a single litre. Whoops, sorry. For those not yet joined us in the metric world, that would be pretty close to 1,778 miles to a little over 2 pints. One may think Andy is just grandstanding with such a claim, but no, one of his previous creations achieved the feat of 6,603 miles to the gallon (0.036 liters/100 km), which is much the same economy. According to Andy, lighter vehicles are one of key ways for us to achieve better fuel efficiency. ::TeamGreen, via IOL....
Update on Honda Fit Hybrid and CR-V Hybrid
by Michael Graham Richard, Ottawa, Canada on 05.15.06
On May 5th we wrote about Honda's unofficial plans to make a hybrid version of the Honda Fit (also know as the Honda Jazz) with the Honda Insight's drivetrain in mid-2007, and to make a hybrid version of the CRV in late 2006. Well, it seems that the information given to hybridcars.com might have been only partially correct: Inside Line reports that an industry insider confirmed that there will indeed by a hybrid version of the Honda Fit, but that it will be based on the next-generation 2008 Fit and that the engine will be based on the Civic hybrid's integrated motor assist (IMA). ...
Are Gas Prices High Enough?
by Jeff McIntire-Strasburg, St. Louis, MO on 05.15.06
Gas prices work themselves into nearly every conversation occurring in the US right now, and politicians from both parties are tripping over one another to propose a range of ill-conceived “solutions,” ranging from a $100 tax rebate to a tax “holiday” on gas taxes for two months of the summer driving season. The political commentators have been weighing in on these proposed solutions, and while most of them demonstrate the same lack of imagination as the political class, a few pundits caught our eyes (and our imaginations) last week with more genuine, and even radical, proposals for addressing gasoline prices. Both Time’s Joe Klein and the San Francisco Chronicle’s Mark Morford take the position that perhaps the prices for gasoline aren’t yet high enough.
While Klein is definitely the more low-key and moderate of the two columnists, he doesn’t hold back in noting that 1) the American publics’ BS meters have been amazingly well-tuned on this issue (the rebate proposal, for instance, met with little but derision), and 2) perhaps its time we start thinking of gas taxes as “sin taxes” that punish or reward behavior based on its societal and environmental impact. Klein goes so far as to propose a revenue-neutral carbon tax, something that economist ranging from Paul Krugman to N. Gregory Mankiw have suggested for years, and which noted green business expert Paul Hawken proposed in the early 1990s in The Ecology of Commerce. Perhaps we Americans are ready for major tax changes that address our “oil addiction.”...
Ethanol Follies in Upstate New York
by Lloyd Alter, Toronto on 05.15.06
One hundred years ago, things were busy in upstate New York. Although the railway was the main means of transport, the Erie canal was still a cheap, energy efficient way of moving goods, as this picture taken in Medina NY in 1906 shows. Fisher Price made toys here; Heinz processed vegetables, all using the transportation network to move goods to the Northeast market. Things have changed- the industry is gone, the farms are fallow.
Now, on the site of an old cabbage farm 9 miles from Medina, New York Energy is building an 87 million dollar ethanol plant to turn 20 million bushels of corn into 50 million gallons of fuel. The Project manager notes that most plants are in the Midwest where the corn is, but this plant was being built here because of its proximity to the huge customer base in the Northeast. Only one small problem: they will be shipping in the corn because there is not enough grown locally, athough ""With a demand of more than 20 million bushels per year, we'll spur even more production," he said. "We're confident we'll buy as much of our corn as possible from farmers right here in New York State." So now we are using fuel to ship corn across America to make fuel. ::New York Times
Its time to get back to planting those cabbages in upper New York State and to get HJ Heinz back processing tomatoes and use that railway and Erie Canal to bring local food to that enormous Northeast Market, instead of shipping corn. That is where the future is. ...
Tesco Goes Green
by Bonnie Alter, London on 05.15.06
Tesco is the largest U.K. supermarket chain and has become one of the most reviled. Across the country they have bought up small, local chains and replaced them with Tesco Express stores which have put neighbourhood shops out of business, clog the streets with delivery trucks and sell standard fare which doesn’t respond to local demands. In response to public anger they have announced a new green programme. They will be building the “greenest store in the world”--a supermarket made from entirely recyclable materials. All carrier bags will be biodegradable by the autumn and shoppers will be able to return excess packaging to stores for recycling. They will encourage healthier lifestyles by promoting healthy eating in deprived communities, and sponsoring exercise-oriented events. The local Express stores are going to become more “neighbourhood friendly”—including blending them into streetscapes and reducing deliveries and truck noise. They will also push to get more locally sourced food into their stores. Their community plan, unveiled last month, is a £100m environmental fund which plans to power stores' lighting with wind turbines, add solar panels and geothermal power. Response to the announcements has ranged from positive to cautionary. Ethical Consumer magazine has noted that “one green superstore, a vague aim to reduce plastic bag use and sponsorship-read advertising-of healthy events does not constitute a multi-national taking its impact seriously”. :: Guardian ...
Recycling Can Be Beautiful: Uhuru Stool
by Lloyd Alter, Toronto on 05.15.06
Collect scraps from local workshops. Find bicycle rim. Put together. Charles Jencks used to call this adhocism. We quote Jill at Inhabitat and call it "as beautiful and evocative as it is environmentally friendly." Uhuru creates "innovative designs and one-of-a-kind furniture ...that emphasizes sustainability and responsible environmental practice." ::Uhuru via ::Inhabitat...
Modulab's New Products from Chile
by Paula Alvarado, Buenos Aires on 05.15.06
“A lot has happened since we were on TreeHugger”, was the answer we got back from our pals at Modulab, in Chile. The design studio that recycles advertising banners to produce accessories such as bags, wallets and alike, is now working with our also featured Ecoist to distribute its bags in the USA (we’re so glad to be able to connect countries like that!), and has focused on re-using the PVC coming from the film industry. They’re also working on shoes from the same material, with the goal to make stores that will sell all different shoes only separated by the fact that they’re right or left (not more unveiled yet! but we’ll bring you the news). So if you’re in need of a new bag or want to give someone a green present, contact the guys from Modulab through contacto at modulab dot cl. ::Modulab...
Sense Of Place - Sustainable Cornish Design
by Leonora Oppenheim, London, UK on 05.15.06
This beautiful table caught our eye on Moco Loco this week. The fervent hope was that anyone who designs a table with such respect for the natural form and beauty of wood must love trees as much as we do. Sense of Place is a bespoke design studio in Cornwall, UK, that specialises in furniture, cabinetry and ‘interior solutions’, which from looking at their portfolio translates as kitchens. Sense of Place's strength seems to be a beautifully handcrafted blend of traditional carpentry with an original design twist and a love for their materials. They clearly state that they use ‘only the best-quality materials and timber from well-managed and sustainable forests’. This particular table is a one piece made from local Cornish Macracarpa wood. via: Moco Loco ::Sense Of Place....
Toronto Buses to get Suncor Biodiesel, and More...
by Michael Graham Richard, Ottawa, Canada on 05.14.06
The 1,491 buses of the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) will start running on a blend of diesel and soy-based biodiesel provided by Suncor Energy. Unfortunately, the ratio of the blend is not clear at this time, but the contract extends over the next 20 months and 120 million liters (32 million US gallons) of biodiesel will be provided. It's hard to know if that's a significant amount without knowing how much fossil-diesel the TTC buses use, but some is better than none, and the door is now open for more. This is not Suncor's only "non-fossil" project: They also plan to open Canada's largest ethanol production facility in St. Clair Township, Ontario (lets hope this will be cellulosic ethanol like Ottawa-based Iogen) and a 76 megawatt wind project (which they say should be enough to power 22,000 homes) in Ripley, Ontario. ::Suncor's Press Release, via ::AutoblogGreen...
Chic Organics for Sloane Rangers
by Bonnie Alter, London on 05.14.06
In the heart of London's chic Sloane Square lies the ultimate organic experience. The Daylesford Organic Cafe, set up by SIr Anthony Bamford and Lady Carole, is a sophisticated bottled watering hole (22 different kinds) serving light lunches made with products from the organic farm on their estates in the heart of the english countryside. You can dine on soups,salads, and omelettes and take a few jars of organic jams and relishes or bread home for dinner.:: Daylesford Organic After lunch- go upstairs to Bamford and Sons to outfit yourself in some understated luxury wear for men, women and children. Think english aristocrat lounging in his country house or her villa in the south of France. There are linen shirts in soft white and cream colours, as well as denim and canvas trousers and natural-coloured hemp sweaters. The children's wear will make every child look like he was to the manor born. The cotton is organic, grown in Peru and Texas using ecologically sensitive production methods. It is then shipped to Japan where it is woven on traditional wooden looms. Styled in England, it then goes to the Tuscan hills of Italy to be made. Amazingly, and thankfully, all of this travel takes place by ship. :: Bamford & Sons...
"Little Green Data Book 2006" launched at United Nations
by John Laumer, Philadelphia on 05.14.06
The "LGDB" (pictured here is last year's version) is an annual publication of the World Bank. According to the 2006 edition, available free at the following link, CO2 emissions worldwide have now topped 24 billion metric tons (the most recent comprehensive data are for 2002), an increase of 15 percent compared to the 1992 levels. Eric Swanson, Program Manager for global monitoring in the World Bank's Development Data Group, says that, "The Little Green Data Book is the World Bank's comprehensive guide to environmental statistics. With data for 48 indicators in 222 countries, territories, and regions, it provides a statistical portrait of the state of the world and the impact of human activity."
...
RealClimate Reviews the Science of An Inconvenient Truth
by Michael Graham Richard, Ottawa, Canada on 05.14.06
The climate scientists at RealClimate.org have posted a short review of the science in the upcoming Al Gore movie about global warming: An Inconvenient Truth. The verdict? "For the most part, I think Gore gets the science right, just as he did in Earth in the Balance. The small errors don't detract from Gore's main point, which is that we in the United States have the technological and institutional ability to have a significant impact on the future trajectory of climate change." ::Al Gore’s movie See also ::An Inconvenient Truth Trailer Available at Apple, ::Grist Interviews Al Gore, ::Movie Review: Al Gore's "An Inconvenient Truth", ::An Inconvenient Truth - Al Gore Is A Hit With Enviro-Film At Sundance...
LIME: The Green Room
by Lime Planet, New York, New York on 05.14.06
Looks like Leonardo DiCaprio’s mother is going to be a little bit lonely today. DiCaprio, perhaps Mother Earth’s favorite son, intends to spend the day planting trees with the Los Angeles based group TreePeople. "We’re helping reforest the decimated Southern California mountains. It’s time to do what we can for the planet," says DiCaprio. Additionally, his global warming film, The 11th Hour, is slated to come out this fall. He’s also rumored to be attached to a biopic about American conservationist President Theodore Roosevelt. Hopefully Mama DiCaprio has somebody else to go to brunch with…...
Be a Humanitarian Designer Not a CAD Monkey - Cameron Sinclair Talks To The Observer About Architecture For Humanity
by Leonora Oppenheim, London, UK on 05.14.06
It's no secret that TreeHugger is a huge fan of Architecture For Humanity and it's dedicated founder Cameron Sinclair. Sinclair’s relentless energy and enthusiasm for his self-appointed role of providing shelter to people in the world who need it most is endlessly inspiring. While some might be daunted by the enormous challenges being met by Architecture For Humanity, Sinclair is a true optimist always looking at the positive side of his work. The following quote from his interview with Lucy Siegle in the Observer Magazine today exemplifies this positivism perfectly: 'Ninety per cent of what an architect does is not drawing, it's problem solving. Besides, think about a prestige architect like Zaha Hadid. There are probably 20 people in Britain who could afford to commission her. I, on the other hand, have somewhere between 4 and 5bn people on the planet who are looking for my help. So,' he concludes with an affable smile, 'I have a lot more clients than she does.' By encouraging more and more designers and architects to get involved with humanitarian design Architecture For Humanity is making a difference to people’s lives all over the world. Watch this space for more information on AFH’s upcoming book Design Like You Give A Damn. In the meantime you can read the full Observer article on Cameron Sinclair here. ::Architecture For Humanity...
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.
- BTC Elements Blog
- Celsias
- Clean Edge - The Clean-Tech Market Authority
- Cleantech Investing
- SRB Marketing | CONSCIOUS CLICKS - The Blog
- Daily Green, the Blog of GreenForGood.com
- Endogenous preferences
- Environmental and Urban Economics
- Environmental Economics
- EQUITY GREEN
- gDiapers: the early years...
- Gil Friend
- The Green Giraffe
