- 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 March 15, 2009 - March 21, 2009
Total this week: 196
Amazing Jumbo Elephant Landing - IFAW Germany PSA (Video)
by George Spyros, New York City, USA on 03.21.09
Exploring Salt As A Sustainable Material For Art
by greenz.jp, Tokyo, Japan on 03.21.09
Photo: www.motoi.biz
If you are an artist, chances are that you have gotten tired of chemical-based paints, thinners and other materials that may cause problems for the environment or your health. Some artists are exploring recycled stuff but that doesn't really solve the bigger problem, although it can produce striking results.
What if you want to use a pure substance that can be used again and again, in installation after installation? Motoi Yamamoto may have found just one such material: salt....
MimiTENS For Your Baby's Cold Mitts
by Jasmin Malik Chua, Jersey City, USA on 03.21.09
Photo credit: MimiTENS
Spring may be officially here, but the East Coast is still experiencing some of winter's cold shoulder. And if keeping your wee one's mittens where they belong seems like a lost cause, MimiTENS' extra-long cuffs may be just the cure for your tot's acute case of missingmittenitis.
Designed and made in Canada—where folks know a thing or two about frosty temps—MimiTENS bamboo-and-organic-cotton mitts come in two sizes: baby (6-18 months) and toddler (2-3 years). Adorably embroidered robots, robins, and rainbows not enough of a draw? A portion of sales also goes to the Geneva Centre for Autism. ...
Occasional Car Program Sets the Pace in Denver, Colorado
by Eric Leech, New York, NY on 03.21.09
Photo by Rkimpeljr's
Last Tuesday kicked off the beginning to the Denver based car share program, known as Occassionalcar.com. The program is one of the first in the U.S. to take a stab at reducing the amount of vehicles on the streets, by making them more of an object of necessity rather than convenience.
...
SoleRebels: Fair Trade, Eco-Friendly Shoes With Plenty of Soul
by Jasmin Malik Chua, Jersey City, USA on 03.21.09
Photo credit: SoleRebels
Bethlehem Tilahun Alemu started SoleRebels with her husband and brother in her native village of Zenabwork, Ethiopia, to fill a pressing need—creating jobs where there were almost none.
Today, less than four years later, the footwear company employs 40 full-time workers and 100 part-timers who hand-spin and hand-loom the shoes' organic-cotton fabric and turn used tires into meticulously formed soles.
...
Florida Water Worries: Serious Shortages For Tampa Bay
by John Laumer, Philadelphia on 03.21.09
Alafia River Florida, one of several potential sources of drinking water for Tampa Bay. Image credit:Florida State Parks.
Last summer I posted on Tampa Bay Florida's new desalination plant, an expensive technology that was needed to cope with the growing demand for potable water, amidst falling supplies (due to extended drought). See Tampa Bay Florida Area Drinks Oil-Fired Water for details. Since then, surface water supplies have fallen off further and mandatory use restrictions may have to be put in place. Desalination was not enough. Nor were voluntary conservation measures....
'Another Water Management is Possible': Day 6 at the World Water Forum
by Jennifer Hattam, Istanbul, Turkey on 03.21.09
Grounds for deportation from Turkey. Photo via IISD Reporting Services
There weren't any naked protesters rushing the stage, or thousands marching in the streets, like there were at previous World Water Forums, but activists haven't wavered in their conviction that the triennial event is an "elitist," "undemocratic," and "illegitimate" forum for addressing the planet's urgent water problems....
Latest Victim of China's Food Safety Scandals: Celebrities
by Alex Pasternack, New York, NY on 03.21.09
In the West, celebrity spokespeople need to worry about their bad behavior, lest they lose their endorsement deals. In China, celebrities need to start worrying about the things they're endorsing.
Prompted by a slew of food safety scandals, the Chinese parliament has passed a sweeping food safety law that makes liable public personalities who endorse questionable products.
...
California Homeowner Association Fails To Block Installation Of Low Cost "Blue" Solar Panels
by John Laumer, Philadelphia on 03.21.09
Solar panel installation in Palos Verdes CA. Image credit:ABC Solar
Because a Rancho Palos Verdes California homeowner association "Art Jury" (they actually have one) did not like the blue-appearance of US-made solar photovoltaic panels that were 30%-cheaper than the preferred, darker alternative (as pictured), they initially refused to permit proposed solar panel installations on three homes. That homeowner association decision was subsequently over-ridden by the City of Palos Verdes CA, as reported in the Penninsula News. The City had the legal ability to over-ride because:-...
Eco-Organizations Come Together to Form the Alliance for Water Stewardship
by Sara Novak, Columbia, SC on 03.21.09
photo: JNovak
Water conservation leaders from around the world are joining forces to set basic standards for water stewardship programs worldwide. The Alliance for Water Stewardship hopes to establish the gold standard certification for new and existing water stewardship initiatives by coordinating a transnational effort to preserve the world's water resources. The water stewardship certification process hopes to align organizations in a similar fashion to that of the Forest Stewardship Counsel and it comes just in time to deal with some pressing water issues....
Loomstate for Target
by Jasmin Malik Chua, Jersey City, USA on 03.20.09
Photo credit: Target
An unlikely marriage if there ever was one: Loomstate is partnering with Target to produce a limited-edition collection of sustainable, spring-ready togs, just in time for Earth Day.
Made from 100 percent certified-organic cotton, Loomstate for Target's warm-weather casuals, priced from $14.99 to $44.99, will be launching at Target.com and select Target stores nationwide on April 19....
4 Radical Solutions to Packaging Waste
by Tom Szaky of TerraCycle, Trenton NJ on 03.20.09
As CEO of TerraCycle, I'm constantly thinking about how to solve problems with waste. From bottle bills to packaging taxes, nothing is too out-there to me. I've come up with four radical solutions that could help curb the problem. Click through for my concepts and let me know your reactions and alternative ideas.
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Dear Obamas: Congrats on the Organic Garden
by Meaghan O'Neill, Newport, R.I. on 03.20.09
Image credit: Seansie & Linda N. @ Flickr
Dear Barack, Michelle, and Kids,
First of all, we are thrilled that you've decided to plant an organic garden on the White House lawn. (w00t!) Our mission at TreeHugger and Planet Green this year is really to move people from awareness to action—looks we can check you and the fam off our to-do list!
...
Unravelling the Tangled Web of Mergers and Acquisitions in the Organic Food Industry
by Matthew McDermott, New York, NY on 03.20.09
If you've even had only the most basic media studies course, you've probably seen one of those giant giants showing the tangled web of companies owned by some big conglomerate, the connections between which you never suspected. Well, Huffington Post is pointing out a really cool series of these sort of charts on the organic food industry. They are reproduced much large on the original Michigan State University site, but this gives you a taste:...
Solyndra Gets $535 Million Loan Guarantee from Dept of Energy for New Solar Panel Facility
by Matthew McDermott, New York, NY on 03.20.09
image: Solyndra
Back in October there was quite the buzz about a new type of solar power array consisting of cylindrical thin-film PV modules produced by Solyndra. Now Solyndra is announcing that it has received an offer from the Department of Energy for a $535 million loan guarantee to expand its manufacturing capacity in California:...
Ga-Ga Over Green Baby Products and Advice From Ecorattle
by Naturally Savvy on 03.20.09
Photo by Jose Manuel Suarez/Flickr.com. Graphic courtesy of Ecorazzi.
From the founders of Ecorazzi comes super eco-baby blog Ecorattle.
And it couldn't have popped up at a more opportune time. With recent concerns over toy safety, the spotlight is on all items our kids come in contact with, and the laundry list of concerns is long: baby bottles leeching BPA, carcinogens found in bath toys, formaldehyde-laden baby furniture...It's enough to worry any new parent.
But not anymore......
Toronto Hydro-Electric Earth Hour Contest: Guess The Power Drop
by John Laumer, Philadelphia on 03.20.09
To increase participation in this year's Earth Hour, when everyone is asked to turn off the lights for an hour, Toronto Hydro is launching an online contest asking Torontonians How Low Can We Go T.O.? Those who guess the correct range of electricity drop at the Go T.O. website, are automatically entered in a draw to win one of 10 Earth Hour prize packs. For a world-wide perspective on Earth Hour, see Lloyd's post: Earth Hour Comes To America....
Huge Land Preservation Bill Finally Set to Pass Congress
by Brian Merchant, Brooklyn, New York on 03.20.09
Photo via House.gov
Anyone following the saga of the bill that would bring the biggest expansion of the Wilderness Preservation Act in 15 years—otherwise known as the Omnibus Land Bill--know that the it's had a strangely bumpy road. And just when it looked like it was finally ready to pass, and set to fast track its way through the House, it suffered a surprise defeat thanks to a dispute over an odd provision allowing people to carry concealed weapons in national parks. The Senate voted overwhelmingly in favor of the important conservation bill (77-20), and sent it right back on over to the House of Representatives. So what will the bill's fate be this time?...
March 24th Will be the 20-Year Anniversary of Exxon Valdez Oil Spill
by Michael Graham Richard, Ottawa, Canada on 03.20.09
Victims of the Exxon Valdez. Photo: Wikipedia
A Toxic Legacy: Don't Forget, We Need to Prevent the Next One
Naomi Lubick of Nature has a great piece about the Exxon Valdez oil spill. She looks back at what actually happened on March 24th, 1989, and then looks at the implications: Impact on ecosystems then and now, what was done to clean it, how long for oil to disappear, did anything good come out of this disaster, what about people living in Alaska?...
Half-Price Parking for Smart Cars in 350 New York City Garages
by Michael Graham Richard, Ottawa, Canada on 03.20.09
Photo: Flickr, CC
Central Parking System Partners with Smart USA
Parkings in urban areas are expensive because space comes at a premium, so it makes sense that if you use less of it with your car, you should pay less (and maybe they could also charge more to gigantic SUVs?). This is what Central Parking System, in partnership with Smart USA, has decided to do in its 350 parking garages in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens and New Jersey....
Will Obama's Cap-and-Trade Ideas Survive a Gauntlet of Lobbyists?
by Matthew McDermott, New York, NY on 03.20.09
image: Aaron Escobar via flickr
While its a great thing that President Obama wants to set a price on carbon through a cap-and-trade program, actually implementing it is likely to prove difficult. In a new piece for Yale Environment 360 Marianne Lavelle examines the difficult road ahead for any US legislation will face as it tries to withstand the gauntlets of lobbyists who would like to either shape to their benefit or derail entirely any cap-and-trade bill. It's a good overview of the subject, though as Lavelle admits, its hard to keep track of all the players:...
Power of One (Xof1) Solar Car Breaks World Distance Record
by Michael Graham Richard, Ottawa, Canada on 03.20.09
More Than 12,000 Miles Powered by the Sun!
Jacob wrote about the Power of One solar car back in 2006. At the time, Marcelo da Luz, the driving force of this project, was finishing the construction of the solar car with help from a "pieced-together team of engineers, students, scientists and sponsors". Today, we're happy to learn that all went well - better than expected in fact - and the Power of One solar car (Xof1) has set a new world record for solar cars. Read on for more details....
Republican Leader Michael Steele is a Climate Change Denier
by Brian Merchant, Brooklyn, New York on 03.20.09
Photo via Kaleidoscope Factor
As the debate rages on—or rather, meanders aimlessly on—over who the leader of the Republican party is, RNC chairman Michael Steele offers yet another reason why it shouldn't be him. Turns out he is an avowed climate change denier. In a radio interview that surfaced recently, Steele announced his take on global warming. And like so many of his ideas, like pledging to rap battle against Stephen Colbert, it is absolutely ridiculous....
Trend Of The Day: Building Material Suppliers Positioning On Green Product Attributes
by John Laumer, Philadelphia on 03.20.09
Styrofoam® block, concrete-form construction. Image credit:StevesCustomLogHomes.
With money from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act being dispersed through state agencies, "shovel-ready" markets for construction materials such as insulation can be expected to increase. That makes it an especially good time to position construction materials based on substantive environmental attributes. Suppliers are rising to the opportunity. Here's a noteworthy example: ...
One Third of US Birds Endangered, Threatened or in Decline, New Report Shows
by Matthew McDermott, New York, NY on 03.20.09
Greater Prairie Chicken, photo: Teo via flickr
The newly released 2009 State of the Birds report catalogues just how much pressure birds in the United States face. For the first time, data from a wide variety of sources has been pulled together and presented in an easy-to-read format. And the news is not so good: About one-third of US birds are endangered, threatened, or are in significant decline. Here's why:...
Earth Hour Comes To America
by Lloyd Alter, Toronto on 03.20.09
When Earth Hour started in 2007 there was Sydney, Australia. Last year there were cities all over the world, with a conspicuous big white hole over the United States, which had a tenth of the rate of participation of its neighbour to the north. Was it too foreign? Not invented here? Too tied up in the political tenor of the times?
But this year, it is different. There still is a big hole in the middle, but the growth of interest appears to be huge. So in case you are learning how to do this for the first time, here is a roundup of tips from last year:...
Disneynature's Tree-Planting Marketing Ploy Good, But Not Perfect
by Jaymi Heimbuch, San Francisco, California on 03.20.09
Earth, the movie, is hitting theaters on Earth Day, April 22, and Disneynature has announced that anyone who attends the movie during that week will have a tree planted for them. A great marketing idea, but not without questions. ...
Tesla Model S to be Under $50K, 250th Electric Roadster Delivered
by Michael Graham Richard, Ottawa, Canada on 03.20.09
Photo: Tesla Motors
Tesla Model S Electric Sedan Gets Cheaper
The Tesla Model S electric sedan, which will be unveiled very soon (March 26), was originally supposed to sell for about $60k. But Tesla has announced that the price would be $57,400. If you include the $7,500 tax credit, that's $49,900. Still expensive, but getting very competitive with gasoline luxury sports sedans if you include fuel costs. One of the main competitors of the Model S, the Fisker Karma, will start at $87,900....
Understanding the Sacred Value of Water: Day 5 at the World Water Forum
by Jennifer Hattam, Istanbul, Turkey on 03.20.09
Ritual bathing in India's Ganges River. Photo by judepics via Flickr
In southeastern Bangladesh, people tell of a lake near the spot where a very devout Muslim man was buried. In the old days, they say, golden utensils would magically emerge at a certain time each year from its waters. But one year, a villager stole one of the utensils. After that, no more precious items ever came from the lake again....
Gossip Girl's Green Heart, Selena Gomez' Puppy Love, and More
by Terri MacLeod on 03.20.09
Photo Courtesy: Pop and Politics
Onscreen, the Gossip Girl gang are scheming, back-stabbing high-schoolers. Not your most likable crew. In real life, the too-pretty-for-words cast are actually very much into the eco-lifestyle. Besides, fighting for a greener production set, the actors are all part of the CW network's green your world campaign. The CW's website devotes an entire section to green living/tips. Yes, the tips are pretty basic, like only run a full dishwasher to insulate your water heater, but every little bit helps to ensure a greener future. Learn more: CW TV: Free 2 Be Green...
Los Angeles Voters Reject 400 Megawatts of City's Ambitious Solar Power Plan
by Matthew McDermott, New York, NY on 03.20.09
photo: Ron Reiring via flickr
Back in November, Los Angeles' plan to develop 1.28 gigawatts of solar power was announced with some fanfare. Now, after two weeks of sorting through votes cast on Measure B, which would have seen 400 megawatts of solar power placed on city-owned property, the city clerk's office has announced that Measure B has officially failed by a margin of one percent:...
Gearing Up for Earth Hour in San Francisco (Video)
by Jaymi Heimbuch, San Francisco, California on 03.20.09
$2.4 Billion for Electric Vehicles Announced by Obama (UPDATED)
by Matthew McDermott, New York, NY on 03.20.09
photo: Lawrence Jackson/White House
Yesterday at the Edison Electric Vehicle Technical Center President Obama announced the availability of $2.4 billion in funding for development of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles and batteries. Before going into how that money (which had already been allocated in the stimulus bill) will be distributed, here's how the President framed the importance of electric vehicles:...
Treehouse Restaurant Fit For An Elven Queen
by Lloyd Alter, Toronto on 03.20.09
All photographs by Lucy Gauntlett
Well it isn't covered in mirrored glass, but it is still pretty cool: a restaurant in a treehouse. One can almost imagine Galadriel hosting dinner in Lothlórien, but in fact It was built in New Zealand for an advertisement for the Yellow Pages and everything was ordered out of the book....
Skiers Take Break in Pavilion Built of Reycled Pallets
by Lloyd Alter, Toronto on 03.20.09
a. ml and partners
Pallets are cheap and ubiquitous, with over two billion in circulation around the world. Architects and designers have been having their way with them, building theaters, refugee housing , art and architecture.
Matthias Loebermann and Partner built this pavilion for the World Ski Championships in 2005 with architecture students from the University of Biberach....
Dude, Pimp My Boombox Bike
by Lloyd Alter, Toronto on 03.20.09
Brazilian Boombox bike via OOBject
We noted last fall that times being what they were, kids couldn't afford to cruise the streets in cars with the sound turned up, so they were customizing bikes. This turns out to be an entire subculture, with people annoying other people all over the world....
Internet Can Be Used to Detect Early Warnings of Eco Changes
by Jaymi Heimbuch, San Francisco, California on 03.20.09
Image via Wikipedia
Researchers from Stockholm Resilience Centre at Stockholm University and the University of East Anglia have determined that the Internet can be used for a whole lot of untapped information mining - including detecting possible environmental disasters....
A Green Tech Road Trip Across India
by Jacob Gordon, Nashville, TN on 03.20.09
In a caravan of solar-powered vehicles, the Climate Solutions Road Tour traveled India for five weeks, gathering good news of homegrown sustainability solutions. We managed to get three of these messengers on the phone: Caroline Howe and Jitin Abraham—both in Delhi—and Deepa Gupta, in Vadodara. They met the president of India, they took Thomas Friedman of the New York Times for a ride, and by all accounts fulfilled their desire to “create, communicate, and celebrate” powerful solutions for the future. Listen to the podcast of this interview via iTunes, or just click here to listen, right-click to download. Music comes from the sun-powered band Solar Punch....
Rocket Stoves: Build Your Own Ultra-Efficient Cook Stove (Video)
by Sami Grover, Carrboro, NC, USA on 03.20.09
Image credit: ILoveCob
Rocket Stoves: Simple, Efficient Wood Burners
Generally speaking, TreeHuggers are fans of efficiency, and we are obsessive about recycling. So you'd think we'd be all over a design that can be made from recycled materials, costs pennies, and can boil water quickly and efficiently with only a few twigs for fuel. Yet strangely, it seems we have covered very little about Rocket Stoves. Sure - there are posts on both the Envirofit Cookstove and the Turbocooker, both of which seem to follow similar principles - but it seems like we've not talked about the concept from which these designs stem. I'll make a start at correcting this oversight. Click below the fold to learn how rocket stoves work, and to see a video of how you can build your own.
...
Robotic Fish to Patrol Oceans for Pollution (Video)
by Jaymi Heimbuch, San Francisco, California on 03.20.09
Photo via Reuters/Jonas Borg/UPPA/Photoshot
An extraordinarily realistic, extraordinarily expensive robotic fish has been created to patrol the open sea and sniff out pollution. They're a lot like the robofish we talked about last year, only these things look very real. Check out the video of one swimming after the jump. ...
Amazing Photography of A World of Waste
by Lloyd Alter, Toronto on 03.20.09
Airplane graveyard in Bolivia via Artificial Owl
All over the world there are abandoned buildings, airplanes, cars and junk just slowly rotting away. However, a good photographer can transform it, and a great photographer like an Edward Burtynski can make it a thing of beauty.
...
Almost Homeless: Living in an Internet Café
by Lloyd Alter, Toronto on 03.20.09
The Incredible Ethiopian Journey in Search of Water (Slideshow)
by Leonora Oppenheim, London, UK on 03.20.09
To mark World Water Day on Sunday 22nd March this slideshow shows images of the amazing journey I took in February with WaterAid and Ecover, to see the progress of their projects in the northern Hintalo Wajerat region of Ethiopia.
In April 2008 WaterAid and Ecover launched a partnership to help 14,750 people in Ethiopia gain access to safe water and sanitation. Click though to get an insight into our extraordinary journey in search of clean water in a land of drought.
...
Mismatched Glassware Unified by Sandblasting
by Lloyd Alter, Toronto on 03.20.09
Take mismatched glassware. Sandblast it. Now they are all united with a similar frosted exterior. The Frosine glasses were designed by Michelle Ivankovic, senior designer for Umbra. ...
Survey: Would You Eat Invasive Species?
by Lloyd Alter, Toronto on 03.20.09
Sami calls it "eating aliens", conjuring up a different image, but some people suggest that it is good for the environment to eat invasive species to help restore the balance in native ecosystems; Peter Singer once wrote that it is OK to eat meat out of a dumpster because the animal didn't die for your dinner. Or maybe we just shouldn't eat meat at all.
...
Observe World Water Day on March 22
by Bonnie Alter, London on 03.20.09
Images from Prix Pictet
World Water Day, celebrated on March 22 every year, is an initiative of the United Nations that recognises that water is a basic requirement for all life. This year's theme: "Shared Water - Shared Opportunities" and "Whether we live upstream or downstream, we are all in the same boat." It calls on all nations to co-operate in resolving transboundary water disputes.
These powerful images by Munem Wasif reveal the daily impact of the scarcity of clean, safe water on the people living in poor, rural communities.The title of the exhibition, "Salt Water Tears: Lives Left Behind in Satkhira, Bangladesh", just about sums up the horror of the problem....
LIttle Sapling Toys Made From Eco-Friendly Wood
by Jasmin Malik Chua, Jersey City, USA on 03.19.09
Photo credit: Little Sapling Toys
True classics never go out of style, and these handcrafted wooden toys from Little Sapling Toys hearken to a simpler, quieter time, when childhood wasn't a discordant cacophony of electronic—and lead-contaminated—distractions.
Made in California from reclaimed or Forestry Stewardship Council-certified wood, these charming, no-frills rattles, teething rings, blocks, peg boards, and stacking rings are also surprisingly affordable. A handmade solid-pine rocking horse for only $49? Surely you jest!
...
Green Living Event in Chicago This Saturday
by Jaymi Heimbuch, San Francisco, California on 03.19.09
If you're in Chicago on Saturday, March 21st, we have a great event for you to attend. From 5:30 to 9 pm at Connect Chicago, Sara Snow - a favorite eco warrior of ours - will be talking about Green Living and signing advanced copies of her book Fresh Living: The Essential Room-by-Room Guide to a Greener, Healthier Family and Home....
Voltaic Bags Run DJ's System at South By Southwest
by Jaymi Heimbuch, San Francisco, California on 03.19.09
Photo via Voltaic Systems
Fans of solar power attending South by Southwest will be happy to see the booth of the Syncons, DJs who take advantage of solar power to play their music. But there's one very cool twist - they're using a product mentioned a few times here on TreeHugger to run their MacBook Pro and PowerBook... ...
Green For All Gets New Leader: Phaedra Ellis-Lamkins (Video)
by Matthew McDermott, New York, NY on 03.19.09
Green Apple Festival and Planet Green Launch Online Volunteer Sign-Up for Earth Day
by Jessica Root - Brooklyn, NY on 03.19.09
Earth Day ‘09. It’s just around the bend and yet, for many enviros the term is so-not-music to the ears. After all, every day is earth day, right? But are we really always giving our best or giving back to our communities? If we’re going to be honest, er, ok—if I’m going to be honest—not really. If you’re like me, time intensive eco-volunteer work, though the thought so sweet, usually feels like it’ll have to take a backseat—until I hit retirement—or the jackpot.
That’s why I think even Earth Day haters will simply love this year’s refreshingly different Obama-inspired call to volunteer-ism action being made by Green Apple Festival and Planet Green. Why? It’s easy, time manageable and it might just make a difference. ...
Consumer Reports Tests Energy Monitors: Kill-A-Watt, Watts Up
by Michael Graham Richard, Ottawa, Canada on 03.19.09
Kill-a-Watt meter. Photo: Flickr, CC
Guess Watt? They Work
Those of us used to stories with shocking endings and counter-intuitive conclusions will be disappointed by the Consumer Reports piece on energy monitors (more specifically the Kill-A-Watt and the Watts Up). Basically, they work as advertised. Nothing to see here, right? Well, it's certainly reassuring to the owners of those devices and to those who are thinking about buying one (or better: borrowing)....
City of Paris Puts Map of Electric Vehicle Charging Stations Online
by Michael Graham Richard, Ottawa, Canada on 03.19.09
Image: Google Maps
Paving the Way for more Electric Vehicles
One of the main concerns that people have when you talk to them about electric cars and trucks is "where to charge your batteries when you're not at home?". The city of Paris, France, has started to address that by installing many charging stations (some just for electric bicycles, some for cars and some for bigger trucks and vans) in the city proper and in the near suburbs. But even if the stations are there, they're not very useful if nobody can find them......
Pomega5 Skincare Made From Biodynamic Pomegranate Seed Oil
by Jasmin Malik Chua, Jersey City, USA on 03.19.09
Photo credit: Pomega5
The first thing you'll notice about Pomega5's absolutely delectable line of skincare products is its fresh, delicate aroma, courtesy of the biodynamic and organic pomegranate seed oil the company partially derives its name from. (The other half of its name comes from the anti-inflammatory omega 5 fatty acids found in the aforementioned oil.)
Handcrafted from certified-organic ingredients, Pomega5's antioxidant-rich collection is free of parabens, synthetic chemicals, and perfumes. The complete Pomega5 skin system comprises five essential steps. ...
The Amazing High-Tech Crosswalk Makes Pedestrians Safer
by Michael Graham Richard, Ottawa, Canada on 03.19.09
The Fisker Karma and Karma S Plug-In Hybrid Luxury Cars (Slideshow)
by Michael Graham Richard, Ottawa, Canada on 03.19.09
Click on the image above to see the Fisker Karma slideshow.
Can't Afford One, But It Costs Nothing to Look
While we don't believe that everybody will start driving Teslas and Fiskers anytime soon, these cars are important because they're helping change the image of electric cars, and once that has happened and there's a bigger potential market, it's a lot easier for other automakers to invest in them (thus improving the tech, driving costs down, etc). That's far from perfect, but better than what we have now...
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The Obama Cap and Trade Debate Rages On
by Brian Merchant, Brooklyn, New York on 03.19.09
Photo via Cleveland
Nobody thought this was going to be easy—how to best launch a carbon cap and trade system is one of the most contentious issues on the table right now. And predictably, things are already getting messy. 28 senators have already protested the cap and trade being included in the national budget. Now a chorus of voices is rising to oppose just about every aspect of Obama's proposed cap and trade system. Here's what's being said—rather, yelled about the great effort to curb carbon emissions....
Mayor Gavin Newsom Writes on Greening Buildings to Create Jobs
by Jaymi Heimbuch, San Francisco, California on 03.19.09
Photo via http2007
San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom has posted a piece on Triple Pundit about focusing on retrofitting the city's buildings to be greener, and to stimulate job growth....
New Municipal Waste-to-Ethanol Facility Planned for Mississippi
by Matthew McDermott, New York, NY on 03.19.09
photo: Enerkem
TreeHugger has covered the goings-on of Enerkem on a couple of occasions: Turning telephone poles into fuel and helping develop an industrial scale municipal waste-to-ethanol facility are definitely worth a mention.
The latest from the Montreal-based company? A new second generation biofuels plant in Mississippi:...
OneSelf Bathroom Has Works in the Drawer
by Lloyd Alter, Toronto on 03.19.09
TreeHugger loves ideas that let you live with less space, but they can be hit or miss. Here is an interesting idea from a designer named Pavel, who calls it the Oneself, a bathroom for someone who lives by themselves....
Images of Inundation: Day 4 at the World Water Forum
by Jennifer Hattam, Istanbul, Turkey on 03.19.09
Flooding in Sri Lanka. Photo by trokilinochchi via Flickr
Perhaps it was just the rain pouring down outside the conference hall windows, but issues related to floods conjured up particularly vivid images at the 5th World Water Forum today. While the planet as a whole faces an ever-more-acute water shortage, cities and regions struggling to deal with an often-seasonal excess of water can hardly be expected to feel blessed.
...
Taxing Foreign Companies for CO2 Emissions: American Protectionism?
by Brian Merchant, Brooklyn, New York on 03.19.09
Photo via ECVV
Yesterday, Energy Secretary Stephen Chu told a congressional panel that they should consider taxing imported goods from foreign companies that don't try to limit their greenhouse gas emissions. China's top climate negotiator immediately shot back, saying that the idea was a thinly veiled "excuse to impose trade restrictions." He went on to claim that such a tax would be American protectionism masquerading as "climate protection." Harsh. But does China have a point that the measure would be unfair, or do we have a right to tax polluting companies from other countries?...
Green Social Networking at CoolTribe
by Jaymi Heimbuch, San Francisco, California on 03.19.09
It's pretty easy to find greenies on social network sites like Facebook and Twitter, but if you want a community that is specifically geared towards getting green-minded people together, you might want to check out the new website CoolTribe. ...
Valero Energy Buys Six of Verasun's Ethanol Plants: More Big Oil Backing Biofuels
by Matthew McDermott, New York, NY on 03.19.09
photo: Nic McPhee via flickr
Back at the beginning of November, the world's largest producer of ethanol, VeraSun filed for bankruptcy. Today comes word that Valero Energy , the US's largest independent oil refiner, has bought seven of Verasun's facilities, for a price of $477 million:...
solCHAT Brings Solar Power to Bluetooth
by Jaymi Heimbuch, San Francisco, California on 03.19.09
Ok, so it's not terribly exciting. But when we're looking for any small way to go off grid, it's nice to see new solar powered products for things we use often. And that's why we want to tell you about solCHAT. ...
Eating Aliens: Are Invasive Species Ethical Food?
by Sami Grover, Carrboro, NC, USA on 03.19.09
Image credit: The Guardian
New Market for Invasive Species
The above photo may not look too appetising, but I have friends in the UK who won a blind bake-off in their local pub with Gray Squirrel Pasty. (OK - no jokes about English food please!) But it seems my friends may not be alone. According to the Guardian, more and more folks in the UK are getting a taste for invasive species as the ultimate in ethical meat. It's free range, natural, and you are helping to restore balance in native ecosystems. Click below the fold to find out what other aliens are gracing the dinner tables of UK gourmands. ...
New York Times Critic Visits Robin Hood Gardens
by Lloyd Alter, Toronto on 03.19.09
Steve Forrest, The New York Times
It takes a lot of energy to make concrete, and a lot of concrete to make a building like Robin Hood Gardens, the Alison and Peter Smithson icon that is under threat of demolition. TreeHugger has covered the campaign to save it and the issue of how buildings from the era are currently not fashionable, but that doesn't mean we should tear them all down.
Nicholas Ouroussoff, the architecture critic for the New York Times, visits the site and adds to the discussion....
RoofRay Online Solar Power Calculator Adds New Social Modeling Features
by Matthew McDermott, New York, NY on 03.19.09
The RoofRay online solar power calculator is really a pretty cool idea: Virtually tinker with different solar panel configurations on your home's roof before even talking with a solar installer. Now RoofRay has launched a new social modeling feature that makes calculating that potential for surrounding houses a bit easier. Want to buy a new home, check out it's solar power potential:...
Bucky's Back: Domes Come in From the Cold
by Lloyd Alter, Toronto on 03.19.09
Intershelter
An Alaskan company has crossed Bucky Fuller's geodesic dome with walk-in cooler and come up with the Artic Dome [their spelling]. Intershelter's twenty foot diameter dome is built like a boat, with a gelcoat exterior and a core of P2000 insulation, a material that "combines thermal reflective technology with the high insulating properties of a specially formulated EPS foam core."
Each piece is 70 pounds so that it can be shipped easily and assembled quickly. While the materials are not particularly green, they pair it with a Sol-Cool heat pump unit that runs off solar panels and a wind turbine.
...
Transformational Trucking, How The Trucking Industry Can Avoid The Automotive Industry's Fate
by Rocky Mountain Institute on 03.19.09
The volatility of fuel costs and the reeling economy have taken their toll on the long-haul, heavy-duty trucking industry, though their tribulations have received less attention than those of the auto sector.
More than 2500 owner operator trucking companies--self-employed commercial truck drivers or small businesses--went bankrupt in 2008. And in late February 2009, Transport Topics reported that Class 8 tractor sales hit a 17-year low in sales.
Heavy-duty, long-haul trucks' smokestacks emit 6 percent of the United States' carbon dioxide per year, so with carbon regulations becoming all but certain in the next year or two, some serious changes will have to be made. It's safe to say the industry is at a critical juncture. ...
New Haven, Connecticut to Get Waste Oil Biodiesel Plant
by Matthew McDermott, New York, NY on 03.19.09
photo: sarah n via flickr
One way to get around many of the problems attributed to biofuel production (land use changes, effect on food prices, etc) is by using waste vegetable oil to produce biodiesel. Now it looks like New Haven, Connecticut will be getting its own waste oil biodiesel refinery: Guilford-based Greenleaf Biofuels has been awarded a $1.3 million grant from the State of Connecticut to assist in the project, expected to be completed in early 2010:...
Self-Organizing Equipment Will Help Cut Buildings' Energy Bills
by Jaymi Heimbuch, San Francisco, California on 03.19.09
Bee photo by vagawi
We all know that bees represent an extremely efficient social networking system. Using that buzzing example, a Toronto start-up is figuring out how to network a building's equipment in order to avoid big spikes in energy use, and therefore steer clear of big bills for peak-demand energy consumption. ...
The Jellyfish Wind Appliance: Plug-In Wind Power for $400
by Matthew McDermott, New York, NY on 03.19.09
Beauty Lab: Trillium Organics Body Polish is Still a Favorite
by Kara DiCamillo, Newport, Rhode Island on 03.19.09
We are always on the lookout for new beauty products to try and when a company comes recommended by a friend, even better. So when Alexandra Grabbe, Innkeeper of the “green” Chez Sven B&B on Cape Cod, spoke so highly of Trillium Organics' products (she uses nothing else in her guests’ bathrooms) we knew they must be wonderful.
At first glance, perhaps it was the ingredients list that attracted us the most to Trillium. Each product contains a label with “ingredient, source, function, and purity.”...
Silent Day: From Bali To The World On March 21
by greenz.jp, Tokyo, Japan on 03.19.09
Silence is golden. Now it is also getting cool. The World Silent Day campaign is based on the tradition in Bali of 24 hours of inactivity to rejuvenate people and give the earth some rest from human activities. This tradition is now offered to the global community as a solution to reduce greenhouse gas emission.
Why March 21? The date was selected because of the Northern Equinox and the World Forestry Day, linked to World Water day on March 22, symbolizing life. Even if you can't keep quiet, they suggest that you try to not use your cell phone, or avoid driving your noisy motorbike or car. Try doing something quiet and just enjoy the moment! Video after the fold....
Merrell Wants You To Get Outside And On The Road to Rothbury
by Warren McLaren, Sydney on 03.19.09
Photo Credit: Dave Vann of Rothbury Crowd, 2008.
The Black Crowes, Ani Difranco are just a couple of the myriad artists booked to perform at the Rothbury Festival in early July of 2009. Some dude called Bob Dylan, and another, known as Willie Nelson, are apparently on the playlist too. We’ve mentioned Rothbury before, but it was the 2009 event’s sponsor, Merrell, who alerted us to a full run down of the festival’s green ambitions. Get yourself a cup of organic Rooibos tea and settle down - it’s a long list. With prizes too....
Electrified Computerized Cradle Rocks Your Baby To Sleep
by Lloyd Alter, Toronto on 03.19.09
In our tireless quest to burn coal and waste electricity in new ways, we offer the Suima electric cradle. For $4,255 you get a unit that has a microphone that detects crying noises. Tokyo Mango reports that " It's programmed to start with a quick-paced rocking, then slowly settles into the pace of the mom's heartbeat; and eventually, it rocks slower and slower to a more sleep-inducing pace. If all goes according to plan, the baby should be asleep again within 15 minutes."...
World's First Color e-Reader Launched By Fujitsu
by Jaymi Heimbuch, San Francisco, California on 03.19.09
Photo via Fujistu
Fujitsu opened up online sales today for the world's first color e-reader. The device, called FLEPia, looks pretty slick! ...
Top Ten Plants That Will Poison Your Pet: Grapes Especially Toxic To Dogs
by John Laumer, Philadelphia on 03.19.09
Grape warning sign on grocery store produce stand. Image credit:Moblog.
When a grape lands on the kitchen floor, I expect my Black Lab to scarf it down: like any other people-food item she beats me to. But, when it's a grape, she mouths it and spits it out. Now, I'm almost as smart as she is, having just learned from an article in Earthtimes, via PR Newswire, that grapes are fairly toxic to dogs. Read on for a list of common foods and decorative plants that frequently have toxic effects on pets.
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IT Buyers Rank Greenest Computer Companies
by Jaymi Heimbuch, San Francisco, California on 03.19.09
Photo via Dave Bullock (eecue
Strategic Oxygen and Cohn & Wolf have released a study that ranks which companies IT buyers view as the greenest. Over 3,500 CIOs, CXO, IT Managers and other decision makers from 11 countries were surveyed about 26 different brands to find out what businesses think about green IT products and marketing. Turns out, a company that is frequently discussed on TreeHugger made the top of the list as the most eco-friendly computer manufacturer. ...
4 Farming Methods That Go Beyond Organic
by Jeff Nield, Vancouver, British Columbia on 03.19.09
Image: Jenn Pentland
With the recent hubub around the shortfalls of organic and local agriculture we think it's good to point out some of the "beyond organic" methods that farmers have adopted. It's no secret that organic agriculture has drifted from the original intent of the farmers that originally rejected the chemical-industrial system. The methods of growing described below would fit squarely within the ethic of organic production as it was conceived, and before certification turned a holistic agriculture system into a set of rules.
Read on to eat beyond organic. ...
Muji Has Green Goodies for Mother's Day
by Bonnie Alter, London on 03.19.09
Image from Muji.com
Muji, the Japanese product and design store, is ubiquitous in Europe and almost nowhere in America. It is a Japanese chain selling good quality, simply-designed products with no overt brand markings, and little or no packaging.
This month their shop windows are featuring displays of recycled cardboard picture frames, corrugated cardboard book shelves and recycled glass vases. It's a nice way to remind passers-by, even if they aren't shopping. And Mother's Day is coming up soon....(March 22 in the UK).
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Spain's Seville, Madrid, Barcelona To Get Electric Car Infrastructure This Year
by April Streeter, Gothenburg, Sweden on 03.19.09
Simple electric charging post, this on in London, via Alan Trotter @ flickr.
The pretty southern Spanish town of Seville has been chosen along with the capital Madrid and the northern hub Barcelona to implement the Movele pilot electric car infrastructure project proposed by the Spanish Ministry of Industry. The cities' energy authority will this year begin putting in place the recharging stations for an eventual fleet of 500 cars expected to be purchased partially by private owners and partially by the state (subsidized in both cases up to by 30% state funds). What's incredible (in the sense of being a bit hard to believe) is that the infrastructure of 75 charging stations in Sevilla alone is expected to be completed this year. Que será, será indeed!...
Barcelona’s Bike Sharing Program Celebrates its 2-Year Anniversary with its 186,000 Users
by Petz Scholtus, Barcelona, Spain on 03.19.09
Image credit: CESAR RANGEL/AFP/Getty Images
As you could read in our first post about Barcelona’s bike sharing system written in May 2007, Bicing started with a bang: 30,000 subscribers in the first 2 months; 15 stations and 200 bicycles to start with. Since then, it has been forced to expand and grow rapidly and now counts 400 stations and 6,000 bikes for 186,000 subscribers. Read on for more impressive numbers and figures....
Natasha Richardson And Why Helmets Are Important
by Lloyd Alter, Toronto on 03.18.09
I could go on about how pointless and unnecessary this death was, how ridiculous it is that people do not give their brains a fraction of the care that they give their notebook computers. This tragedy might have been avoided had Ms. Richardson been wearing a helmet; they are often recommended for beginners. The London Times notes that "it is known that beginners are the most vulnerable."
TreeHugger has posted a number of times about helmet use in sports, some are not comfortable to read or look at, and the issue of helmet use is always controversial, but we reprise them below....
'First Locavore' Michelle Obama to Oprah: Veggie Garden Coming to White House Lawn
by George Spyros, New York City, USA on 03.18.09
Obama White House Veggie Garden to be Planted
Food writer Eddie Gehman Kohan has the scoop (or shall we say shovel) on the April issue of Oprah's Magazine interview featuring a cover-story interview with Michelle Obama revealing the exciting plans for a White House vegetable garden. But will this newest shovel-ready project from the Obama administration be an organic undertaking?...Do Earth Hour Videos Entertain and Motivate?
by Roberta Cruger, Los Angeles on 03.18.09
EPA Gives $565 Million of Stimulus Cash for Water Projects in the South
by Brian Merchant, Brooklyn, New York on 03.18.09
Photo via Flickr
For the most part, we're still in the very early stages of the stimulus process. Even though a few projects are shovel ready now, most of the funding is still in the allocation process. Highlighting this fact is the news that the EPA has made $565 million available for water projects in its Region 6—so Texas, Arkansas, New Mexico, and Louisiana can all get ready to upgrade their aging water infrastructure....
More Greenwashing from Ontario's Liquor Store: "Cheerpacks"
by Lloyd Alter, Toronto on 03.18.09
The Liquor Control Board of Ontario was established in 1927 after Prohibition to do what its name says- control liquor consumption. 82 years later its mandate has evolved, and now its purpose is to make as much money as possible for the Government, turning it into one of the world's largest buyers of wine and liquor. It has been a big promoter of alternative packaging to reduce landfill waste and get more product on the shelves, and TreeHugger has whined about its Tetra-paks and bag-in-box wines before. Now they have a new item on the shelf, Australian wine in "Cheer packs", and it is possibly the most questionable yet. ...
"Beach Nourishment": The $285 Million Answer to Vanishing Shorelines?
by Brian Merchant, Brooklyn, New York on 03.18.09
Photo via Rutgers
Beaches are America's number one tourist attraction—they pump $320 billion dollars into the economy every year. With sea levels rising twice as fast as 100 years ago and beach erosion rates accelerating, concern is mounting that both revenues and the beauty of the natural shoreline stand to suffer from global warming. So the American Shore and Beach Association is setting out to lobby the federal government for $285 million for "beach nourishment" to haul massive loads of sand to beaches across the country's coasts to increase their size and flag erosion rates....
The Answer To Detroit's Problems: Build Mobile Nuclear Reactors
by Lloyd Alter, Toronto on 03.18.09
englishrussia
After all, alternative energy is huge now, and in World War II Detroit retooled from cars to tanks in a matter of months. How much of a stretch would it be for them to start churning out these portable nuclear power stations that the Russians used until the unfortunate events at Chernobyl nudged them off the road. This is a TES-3 built on a T10 tank platform, with an 8.8 megawatt output....
"Saved By the Well" Teaches Schoolkids About World Water Crisis
by Jasmin Malik Chua, Jersey City, USA on 03.18.09
Photo credit: Dream Village
Dream Village didn't waste any time using the $10,000 grant it won to create its series of children's books, which are aimed at teaching kids about social, economic, and environmental issues. Plus, the fledgling company plans to donate at least 50 percent of its proceeds to a charity selected by its readers via its interactive Web site.
Its first offering, "Saved by the Well," launches on Friday in conjunction with World Water Week. Tackling the subject of water scarcity, the book chronicles the story of a village in Mozambique and how the installation of a PlayPump water system enables it to gain access to clean drinking water. ...
Accounting for Every Drop: Day 3 at the World Water Forum
by Jennifer Hattam, Istanbul, Turkey on 03.18.09
The path of "virtual water" related to coffee imports to the Netherlands. Image via the Water Footprint Network
The concepts of a carbon footprint, and, more recently, a water footprint are meant to evoke the mark we leave on the planet with the products and services we create and consume--to remind us that, say, the beans in our morning cup of coffee took water to grow and created greenhouse gas emissions when they were transported to the store. But when done in detail, a water footprint also serves to map our virtual path around the planet, the path from the T-shirt worn in San Francisco to the Aral Sea in Uzbekistan dried up by unsustainable cotton production, or to the bones of an endangered Indus River dolphin, a victim of pesticide runoff from the same industry....
Obama Administration Adds Rare Hawaiian Vine to Endangered Species List
by Matthew McDermott, New York, NY on 03.18.09
A rare Hawaiian vine, Phyllostegia hispida has been added to the endangered species list by the US Fish and Wildlife Service. This is the second species added to the list since Barack Obama became president, the first being the reticulated flatwoods salamander which was added last month.
The plant in question is a only found in wet forests on the island of Molokai, at elevations of 2,300 to 4,000 feet. It had been thought extinct since 1997, but four years ago two seedling were found in the Nature Conservancy's Kamakou preserve. It is now thought that about 23 plants exist. ...
Keep Calm Posters Remixed For the Times
by Lloyd Alter, Toronto on 03.18.09
image at right: Matt Jones
We have shown the original World War II "Keep Calm and Carry On" poster a number of times, including in our slideshow Frugal Green Living: Posters for the Movement. The Guardian writes that it has become all the rage and is everywhere now. Evidently doing remixes has become a sport; I really like Matt Jones's response to what Cory Doctorow at BoingBoing calls the econopocalypse. Others appear to have different ideas....
Facebook App Saves PC Energy...Maybe
by Jaymi Heimbuch, San Francisco, California on 03.18.09
Are you on Facebook and up for a little friendly competition? A Facebook App from Support.com just might help people save energy through PC settings and sharing information with their friends. It's part of a 30-day "Green Your PC" challenge. ...
This Week Only: Free E-Book About Canadian Tar Sands
by Michael Graham Richard, Ottawa, Canada on 03.18.09
Learn More About the Most Destructive Project on Earth
In the Globe and Mail, Alanna started her review of Tar Sands, a book by Andrew Nikiforuk, with: "Canada has no cohesive energy policy. Nor does it have a cohesive environmental policy. Put the two together, and you get the tar sands of Alberta, in all their hideous glory." That sums up the situation here up North pretty well.
If you'd like to learn more about the very dirty Canadian tar sands, now's the time. Publisher D & M is pulling a publicity stunt (but we're not complaining) by giving away free e-versions of the book....
ITB Ideas: Give the Gift of Experience
by Christine Lepisto, Berlin on 03.18.09
Image: ITB Virtual Marketplace
Continuing our series on green ideas found at the International Tourism Convention (ITB) in Berlin, here is a fantastic tip: instead of giving material gifts, give the gift of experience. The company Smartbox does the work for you, selecting good partners and putting together a set of travel coupons that can cover all expenses except the cost of getting to and from the destination. A wide list of geographic options and a handy search tool make it easy to select a get-away which is not too many carbon pounds distant from a lot of major population centers. The vacation offer which caught our eye at ITB is particularly green....
Will Scion Sell the Toyota iQ Urban Micro-Car in the US?
by Michael Graham Richard, Ottawa, Canada on 03.18.09
Photo: Toyota
We Will Know at the New York Auto Show
We've written a few times about the Toyota iQ micro-car (see below for links to those posts for more details). It's a pretty cool and innovative car; Toyota engineers found clever way to package many things more efficiently to save space, so that you can actually seat 4 people (at long as one of them is a kid) in a car not much bigger than a Smart ForTwo. But until now, we weren't sure when to expect it - if ever - in the US. This might all change at the New York Auto Show......
Forget National Emission Reduction Targets, How About Personal Ones?
by Matthew McDermott, New York, NY on 03.18.09
The idea is that emission reductions have more to do with a person's wealth rather than national origin. Photo: Cory Doctorow via flickr
Here's an idea that definitely falls into the easier to say than do category: Instead of making national emission reductions the cornerstone of a global climate change agreement, everyone should have a personal emissions target based on their individual footprint. This idea was put forward at the Copenhagen Climate Congress last week by Heleen de Coninck of the Princeton Environmental Institute in a session I didn't happen to personally attend but which has been summed up by New Scientist: ...
Questions for Ed Begley, Jr.
by Alan Graham, Portland, Oregon on 03.18.09
Do you have questions for Ed that simply must be answered? Do you want to know more about composting, solar, wind, water...or do you want to know more behind the scenes stuff about his home or transportation?
TreeHugger is doing an interview soon with Ed and we'd like to know what your burning questions are? Ask them here and we'll pass them along.
Post Here: No Account Required...
Clif Bar Launching iPhone App for Green Ski Resorts
by Jaymi Heimbuch, San Francisco, California on 03.18.09
Clif Bar is putting out a new iPhone app called Save Our Snow that will give you not only the snow conditions at your favorite ski resorts, but also tell you the environmental steps the resorts are taking to fight global warming, so you can make the best choice on where to go to for your snow fix. ...
Real World Half-Life: Chernobyl Nuclear Disaster Still Harming Animals
by Michael Graham Richard, Ottawa, Canada on 03.18.09
Photo: Chernobyl reactor after explosion. Source: Soviet Authorities
23 Years Later...
A study published in the Royal Society Biology Letters shows that the nuclear reactor explosion on April 26, 1986, at Chernobyl is still making victims. "Scientists Anders Moller and Timothy Mousseau determined that insect, bird and other animal populations have dramatically diminished there in the two decades following the disaster." Read on for more details....
Galapagos Islands: Travel and Conservation (Slideshow)
by Brian Merchant, Brooklyn, New York on 03.18.09
Photo by Pete Oxford
The Galapagos Islands. They're among the most striking, strangely beautiful places on Earth. But don't take my word for it--or Charles Darwin's for that matter. Last year, I had the great fortune of accompanying 30 accomplished secondary school teachers on a trek across the Galapagos for the Toyota International Teacher Program. We not only got a front row seat to some of the most stunning biological wonders of the world (like the huge marine iguanas pictured above), but saw a full portrait of a very endangered ecosystem--and the many forces fighting for and against its survival. Hopefully, these pictures from the trek bring that portrait to life.
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UN Ups Its Low Population Growth Scenario for 2050: Developed World Birthrates Increase
by Matthew McDermott, New York, NY on 03.18.09
photo: Rob DiCaterino via flickr
Though the United Nations thinks that the most likely scenario for human population growth will mean that the planet will have to accommodate 9.2 billion people in 2050 (which is a very slight reduction from previous estimates) the low end of their projections just got a bit higher: Because of increase in birthrate in some developed countries, the "low variant" scenario are now 117 million people more than previously thought. That means that at minimum we could be faced with 8 billion people by mid-century:...
Planet Dog Unleashes Organic Cotton Tees
by Jasmin Malik Chua, Jersey City, USA on 03.18.09
Photo credit: Planet Dog
So proud of your pooch that you want everyone and their arthritic cat to know? Planet Dog's new line of organic cotton tees will send your environmentally savvy, canine-loving self's tail a-wagging.
Made in India in a factory that operates with partial wind and solar power—and then printed in the United States with phthalate-free inks—these 100 percent certified-organic short-sleeved shirts come in four designs, in both women's and men's styles: "Reduce Your Carbon Pawprint," "Reduce. Reuse. Rewoof," "Think Globally, Act Doggedly," and "You Had Me at Woof."...
GoodGuide Launches Food Ratings Category
by Jaymi Heimbuch, San Francisco, California on 03.18.09
If you enjoy using GoodGuide for informed purchasing, and if you like knowing the details about your food, you're going to really like this news. The GoodGuide has added a new food category to its ratings....
7 Hot CEOs and Their Cool Green Companies
by Kara DiCamillo, Newport, Rhode Island on 03.18.09
Scott Mackinlay Hahn, Loomstate. Photo courtesy of Loomstate.
Sustainable companies are on the rise but that didn't make it any easier for us to pick out the hottest eco-CEOs paving the way. However, we've managed to narrow the list down to seven that have kick-started global change. The hotties listed below (in no particular order) have businesses that are very different in many ways, but they all have one goal in common: Yup, you guessed it--our future....
Teddylux Recycled Cashmere Soft Toys
by Jasmin Malik Chua, Jersey City, USA on 03.18.09
Photo credit: Teddylux
Abandon not all ye moth-eaten and shrunken cashmere sweaters—designer Brooke Serson Cernonok of Teddylux can sprout an entire menagerie from your castoffs.
The Atlanta, Ga.-based former ski instructor hand-sews one-of-a-kind bears, elephants, and bunnies from vintage and preloved cashmere in her studio, a century-old erstwhile rug factory. Every cuddly creature is made to order—you get your choice of pinks, blues, and neutral palettes—and you can even send Cernonok a much-loved sweater for transforming into a custom softie at no extra cost. ...
Sustainable Loband in the Cloud?
by Mark Ontkush, Boston, Massachusetts, USA on 03.18.09
As the discussion over rural broadband heats up, there's sure to be plenty more discussion as to the efficacy of the proposed solutions. Here's one that novel - Loband. Put out by Aptivate, Loband is a free service that simplifies web pages in order to make them download faster over slow Internet connections. The simplified page viewed through Loband contains the same text information as the original, with attempts to preserve the formatting as well. No colors or images though - these are removed. Can Loband save billions of dollars in government-subsidized telecom in rural broadband? Maybe.
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Energy Department Rolls Out Weatherization Program
by John Laumer, Philadelphia on 03.18.09
Rolling out attic insulaton. Image credit:Waterworks Valley
For implementation of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), the US Department of Energy has announced that US$5 billion dollars allocated for the Weatherization Assistance Program, will be used to insulate, seal leaks, or modernize heating and air conditioning equipment for low-income families, "at a cost of up to $6,500 per home." The assistance is for families making up to approximately $44,000 per year in the lower 48 states, $55,140 per year in Alaska, and $50,720 per year in Hawaii.
Details also were announced forState Energy Program; but, in this post we'll have a closer look at just the Weatherization Program....
US Agencies Reduce Red Tape on Offshore Renewable Energy Project Approval
by Matthew McDermott, New York, NY on 03.18.09
photo: Vik Walker via flickr
Developers of offshore wind power projects in the United States may still have to worry about financing, but the amount of bureaucratic red tap that has to be untangled will now be less of a hassle. Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar and Acting Chairman of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Jon Wellinghoff have announced that their two agencies will now divide up the work overseeing offshore reneawable energy development:...
Sonata Battery Now Available in HP Notebooks
by Jaymi Heimbuch, San Francisco, California on 03.18.09
Back in December we mentioned that Boston Power's new Sonata battery would be available for HP laptops. We're excited to say, they're here! ...
Over-Hyping Fish Health Claims May be Bad for Environment
by Michael Graham Richard, Ottawa, Canada on 03.18.09
Photo: Flickr, CC
Doing Good on One Side, But Bad on the Other?
According to a study published yesterday in the Canadian Medical Association Journal (CMAJ), the health benefits of fish have been "over-dramatized" and this has put a large pressure on wild fish populations and habitats. Could this be doing more harm than good in the end?...
Shell Gets Out of Wind & Solar Power, Backs Biofuels and CCS Instead
by Matthew McDermott, New York, NY on 03.18.09
Shell hopes that CCS technology will reduce the emissions from carbon-intensive projects such as this Athabasca oil sands project. Too bad that CCS will do absolutely nothing for the water intensity of these projects, nor toxicity of that water afterwards. Photo: Shell
In what seems to be to be astounding stubborness, oil company Shell says it will no longer be investing in wind and solar power, instead focusing on biofuels and developing carbon capture and storage technologies so it can reduce the emissions from extracting oil from Canada's tar sands. Until recently Shell had touted its investements in wind power, being one of the original backers of the 1,000 MW London Array. That is, until it pulled out leaving the future of the project in limbo for some time:...
GE Launching Smart Appliance Pilot Program
by Jaymi Heimbuch, San Francisco, California on 03.18.09
Looks like AT&T's new suite of smart grid services will see a new suite of smart appliances to go along with it. We mentioned a few months ago that GE is introducing new appliances that are Energy Management Enabled. In other words, they cut out the need for the homeowner to act on information from the utilities. Well, they're here!...
Pee Power! Recycling Urine to Powder Makes Superior Fertilizer
by April Streeter, Gothenburg, Sweden on 03.18.09
Photo of urine separating toilet instructions via tjuvtittat.se.
"Night soil" has for centuries been the fertilizer of choice for healthy gardens, and at TreeHugger we've tried all the bad puns there are when writing about the art of utilizing urine for garden fertilizing. Why are we so obsessed? Well, the Western penchant for flushing away the poo and the pee is an expensive and wasteful proposition. It can also be downright scary to think of someone else's antibiotics and Viagra eventually ending up back in our water supply. That's why Gothenburg researcher Zsofia Ganrot's new method of powdering pee (which also removes traces of pharmaceuticals) is such a great idea....
Dale Vince: Wind Powered Cars and the Auto Bailout (Video)
by Sami Grover, Carrboro, NC, USA on 03.18.09
Image credit: CNET
How Many Electric Cars for $13bn?
It's been a while since we checked in on Dale Vince's electric sports car project, but it looks like things are still storming ahead. Dale may not have decided on a name yet (he is asking for suggestions), but he does have the wheels turning. The Guardian's formidable environment editor, John Vidal, visited the project to dish the dirt on some of the technical details about the wind-powered car, and to ask what Dale would have done with the auto bailout money. Click below the fold for the results. ...
Middlebury College Uses Biomass Gasification to Reduce Carbon Emissions, Reach Carbon Neutrality by 2016 (Video)
by Matthew McDermott, New York, NY on 03.18.09
AT&T Offering Wireless Network as Smart Grid Solution
by Jaymi Heimbuch, San Francisco, California on 03.18.09
Photo via mightyboybrian
AT&T and SmartSynch feel that their resources combined provide a better way to get the smart grid up and running. SmartSynch will use AT&T's wireless network as a platform between homeowners with smart meters and utility companies. ...
Don’t Be Shy. Make a Difference with Horny Toad’s 9 in ’09 Program
by Warren McLaren, Sydney on 03.18.09
Horny Toad, the Californian maker of the outdoor lifestyle clothing, launched its 9 in ’09 Make a Difference program at the start of March. You’ve heard of the phrase, “blind leading the blind,” well, this is more like the ‘brave leading the brave.’ Customers are encouraged to list, on the 9 in ’09 webpage, the steps they have taken to live a more sustainable life. In return they earn $9 in Toad Bucks to spend on clothing at participating Horny Toad dealers or HT’s online. Additionally on the 9th and the 19th of each month they’ll be drawing names of participants to win a $99 gift certificate, with all going in the draw for a grand prize of $999 worth of Horny Toad gear.
What’s inspiring is that almost 200 people have, to date, already logged in to discuss the greening they’ve committed to for this year. ...
Rubber Soles Carpet, Trainers Puff + More: Reuse Ideas for Adidas Stuff from Satori
by Paula Alvarado, Buenos Aires on 03.18.09
Photos: Satori.
First it was the Chilean students: their designs with Puma trainers were probably not the most practical things, but they sure showed creativity on how to reuse footwear. Now a group of Argentine students from the Satori initiative have come up with some very clever ideas to make use of old trainers, catalogs and fabrics donated by Adidas and some other materials delivered by Natura.
Check the designs and more information on the extended....
The Race To Be the First "Shovel Ready" Project
by Lloyd Alter, Toronto on 03.18.09
Monica Almeida/The New York Times
We griped when the first stimulus project out of the gate was, surprise, a highway bridge, hoping that it might be a bit more inspiring. The California Conservation Corps to the rescue, with its work in the San Bernadino National Forest, where they are actually using shovels.
“Our project is definitely the first one to use shovels,” said Jimmy Camp, a spokesman for the agency in the New York Times....
Survey: Is There Room in the Environmental Movement for "Non-Scientific" Causes?
by Lloyd Alter, Toronto on 03.18.09
George Monbiot is at it again, causing controversy by saying "Environmentalism may be emotional but it should always be based on science, not like the wishful thinking behind natural remedies."-Environmentalism must be fact based and there is no room for squishy stuff like alternative medicine. On the other hand, not too long ago vegetarians were considered squishy non-scientific flakes and George loves them. Not long ago the "healthy home" was the realm of a few kooks and now it is an accepted part of architecture.
...
The Free Store: A Concept for Recessionary Times
by Bonnie Alter, London on 03.18.09
Images from Stylelist
The Free Store, located in the heart of New York's financial district, is free and it is also an art project that has become a social experiment. Started by two artists, with a grant from the September 11 fund, it is a statement on greed and need and the spirit of the times.
Planned before the recession, it has struck a chord with the visitors that have been coming non-stop since its opening. Everything is tagged "I'm free", and there are shirts, books, shoes and knick-knacks on the shelves at no cost. ...
The Argument for Buying Domestic Over Foreign
by Eric Leech, New York, NY on 03.18.09
Photo via: Mike Licht, NotionsCapital.com
The American auto industry has gotten a bad wrap over the years, and justly so in many ways. While a lot of negative responses continue to circulate around the Big Three, their Bailout, and their past inferior vehicles, they have actually risen above this ridicule and at the very least deserve a second look....
Tipping Point Reached On BPA: Investigative Reporting, Product Stewardship, and US Congress Take The Field For Baby's Future
by John Laumer, Philadelphia on 03.17.09
"Chemical Fallout" reporters Meg Kissinger and Susanne Rust. Image credit:Kevin Eisenhut
In a matter a few years at most, babies living in the USA will likely be off the BPA-laced formula. Washington Post documents two important developments which signal this likelihood. In Bills Would Ban BPA From Food and Drink Containers, WaPo reports that "Leaders from the House and Senate introduced legislation...that would establish a federal ban on bisphenol A in all food and beverage containers." Read on to see what else is afoot and why baby's health will be improved....
Mission Playground Offers 25% Off Eco-Apparel
by Kara DiCamillo, Newport, Rhode Island on 03.17.09
We like Mission Playground because not only are they an environmentally conscious clothing company, but they also uses apparel designs as a vehicle for change. Since 2003 Mission Playground has built a team of environmentally conscious individuals dedicated to the brand’s mission of protecting the playground -- our earth. All apparel incorporates sustainable fabrics, thought-provoking graphics, a pledge to protect the environment and a sewn-in ‘Earth Tip', such as 'Plant Your Car - bus, bike, walk or carpool' to encourage wearers to take action for a healthier planet....
Linking Water, Conflict, Gender, and Migration: Day 2 at the World Water Forum
by Jennifer Hattam, Istanbul, Turkey on 03.17.09
Refugees displaced by the Hirakud Dam in India. Photo via the PACS Programme
The construction of dams in Turkey has forced some 300,000 people from their homes. In China, the massive Three Gorges project alone has displaced more than a million. Residents of Sindh Province in India, at the downstream end of the Indus River basin, are moving upstream in search of water they say has been diverted by provinces to the north. Even the deadly conflicts in the Sahel region of Africa, which have created hundreds of thousands of refugees, seem to have been partly sparked by devastating drought conditions. "People have migrated throughout history," says Kuntala Lahiri-Dutt, a research fellow at the Australian National University. "But it's happening to such an extent now, you have to look at the causes."...
Synthetic Estrogen Contaminating Popular Plastic Packaging: Study
by Kimberley D. Mok, Montreal, Canada on 03.17.09
Image: Plastic Bottles (2007) by photographic artist Chris Jordan
Not only is plastic the ubiquitous bane of modern consumerist lifestyles, it’s also increasingly seen as a potential health hazard. Fact: we now know that hard plastic polycarbonate water bottles, canned food and soda pop linings contain the “genderbender” chemical bisphenol A, which hormonally mimics estrogen. Now German researchers have found another unknown estrogenic chemical leaching from a widely-used plastic packaging material.
The study, published online in Environmental Science and Pollution Research, is the first to discover that certain types of packaging are consistently leaching a hormonally active chemical into bottled water. Read on to find out which packaging to steer clear of....
Don't Destroy People To Power Homes
by Greg Haegele of Sierra Club on 03.17.09
Blogger Writes About Bee Colony Collapse Disorder in his Backyard
by Michael Graham Richard, Ottawa, Canada on 03.17.09
Photo: Danny Jensen
Blogging About Bee Colony Collapse Disorder
Danny Jensen, a blogger at Takepart, blogged about what seems to be a bee colony collapse that happened right in his backyard. He has posted many photos and a video showing dead bees everywhere. Read on for more details on colony collapse disorder....
Report: Now Unprofitable for American Companies to Drill for Oil, Natural Gas
by Brian Merchant, Brooklyn, New York on 03.17.09
Photo via World News
The era of frenzied drilling for oil and natural gas in America has passed. Or in other words, "the great American drilling boom is over." That's the lead from a report in the New York Times today about how plunging prices of oil and natural gas are forcing companies to shut down their pumps and close up their rigs. Looks like those intent on drill, baby, drilling are out of luck, at least for the time being. ...
Portugal's Pelamis Wave Power Project Dead In the Water
by Matthew McDermott, New York, NY on 03.17.09
photo: Pelamis Wave Power
TreeHugger has touted how cool the Pelamis wave power device on a number of occasions, as well its implementation in the €9 million Aguçadoura project in Portugal. Well, that 2.5 MW adventure has come to an end. Citing technical and financial setbacks, what would have been the world's current largest commercial wave power project has been taken offline indefinitely:...
Hey Obama - Check Out the Carbon Cap and Trade Already Up and Running in Your Own Backyard
by Brian Merchant, Brooklyn, New York on 03.17.09
Photo via Abendblatt
With the buckets of controversy and a parade of protesting senators swirling around Obama's proposed carbon cap and trade system, it's easy to forget there's already a pioneering carbon cap and trade system already set up right here in the US. The Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative orchestrates a cap and trade between 10 northeastern states, and it's holding its third carbon permit auction tomorrow—and it's expected to bring in over $100 million in revenue. Is there anything Obama can learn from it?...
Natural Sunscreen Made With... Hippo Sweat?!
by Michael Graham Richard, Ottawa, Canada on 03.17.09
Photo: Flickr, CC
Biomimicry Strikes Again
Among mammals, hippos are king when it comes to standing in the hot sun all day without getting burned. How do they do it? According to a new study, hippo sweat, a red-colored glandular secretion, contains microscopic structures that scatter light, protecting hippos from the sun. "In the future, scientists hope to create a product inspired by hippo sweat that we may be slathering on our bodies before long. The stuff could be an advertiser's dream." Read on for more details....
Cool Green Job Watch: Green Renovations
by Lloyd Alter, Toronto on 03.17.09
What a great sign, what great marketing; laying out for all to see what you are doing inside. It is another entry in our Light at the End of the Tunnel Dept: the kind of business that gets people working on sustainable, valuable jobs. Nobody puts up signs saying "installing a granite counter and subzero fridge" but they do when the work is something to be proud of and can make a difference. It is the handiwork of Greening Homes in Toronto....
1.5% Decline in Endangered Iberian Lynx Population Seen in One Day
by Matthew McDermott, New York, NY on 03.17.09
photo: Programa de Conservacíon Ex-situ del Lince Ibérico
When dealing with the world's most endangered feline species, the Iberian Lynx (estimated population, 200) every death matters. So when a pregnant Iberian Lynx was found dead in Doñana National Park it's worth passing on the news:...
routeRANK Guides You to Your Destination and Tells You How Much CO2 to Get There
by Michael Graham Richard, Ottawa, Canada on 03.17.09
Image: routeRANK website
Available in Europe Only (For Now?)
Many of us are familiar with sites like Google Maps, Mapquest, Yahoo! Maps, etc... They can provide driving directions, or even directions on how to take public transportation in the case of Google Transit. But routeRANK, a new European website, beats all of the others when it comes to making greener travel easier. Read on to find out why....
So Why Aren't We Tapping Into North Africa's Vast Solar Power Potential?
by Matthew McDermott, New York, NY on 03.17.09
photo: Stefan Gara via flickr
You've probably heard or read reports about the vast potential that North Africa has for producing solar power. We've covered plans to tap into it a number of times on TreeHugger, both from the theoretical perspective and on plans floated in the EU as to what would be required to bring electricity from the Sahara across the Mediterranean. So why aren't we tapping into it?
That was the subject of Anthony Patt's, from the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis, presentation at the Copenhagen Climate Congress:...
Share Contact Info Via SMS With Contxts
by Jasmin Malik Chua, Jersey City, USA on 03.17.09
Photo credit: Contxts
Stop patting your pockets for business cards made out of pulped and bleached dead trees—analog contact info is so 2007, according to Contxts, a free new service that allows you to text your deets to your latest acquaintance.
Similarly, your new colleague/associate/soul mate/BFF can retrieve your profile via SMS simply by texting your username on their phone (upon your approval, of course, just in case you were worried about potential stalkers). Setting up your txt card couldn't be easier. ...
Magnetic Train Proposed: Detroit To Lansing Michigan - Hydrogen and Solar Energy Powered
by John Laumer, Philadelphia on 03.17.09
The Four Sins of LEEDwashing: LEED Green Buildings That Perhaps Aren't Really Green
by Lloyd Alter, Toronto on 03.17.09
Henry Gifford, photo by Travis Roozee
"Is LEED a Fraud?" is the provocative title of an article on the Fine Homebuilding website by Kevin Ireton. It appears that mechanical designer Henry Gifford thinks it is, and makes a few good points in his paper A Better Way To Rate Green Buildings. (PDF Download here)
It is a good starting point in a discussion of what one might call the Four Sins LEEDwashing: using the LEED system to make a building appear green, when for any number of reasons, it really isn't. The Sins are:
1) The Sin of Not Following Through
2) The Sin of Valuing Gizmos Over Appropriate Design
3) The Sin of Laughably Inappropriate Use
4) The Sin of Wretched Excess.
...
Fight Against Malaria Goes High-Tech: Scientists Build Anti-Mosquito Laser
by Michael Graham Richard, Ottawa, Canada on 03.17.09
Photo: PlaneMad/Wikipedia, CC
Not Quite the Original Star Wars...
Malaria is a huge problem. About 1 million dead a year, and countless others who suffer. Bill Gates was quite eloquent about it at the TED conference this year (he actually released mosquitoes in the audience). There are many ways to fight it - finding drugs, inexpensive bed nets, insecticides, etc - but this is the first that I hear of shooting down mosquitoes with lasers. Read on for more details....
Tom Brokaw Takes Another Look at Global Warming in New Hour-Long Discovery Channel Special
by Matthew McDermott, New York, NY on 03.17.09
What effect will climate change have on both the populated and less-populated parts of the US? Tom Brokaw will delve into it. Photo: Bruce Tuten via flickr
Want an hour-long update on the state of the world's knowledge on climate change and/or have a thing for Tom Brokaw? Then sit yourself down in front of the television on Wednesday, March 18 and 10PM ET/PT for the Discovery Channel's "Global Warming: The New Challenge With Tom Brokaw":...
Both Scientists and Media To Blame For Climate Change Miscommunication: Elizabeth Kolbert
by Matthew McDermott, New York, NY on 03.17.09
photo: Andrew via flickr
One thing that particularly struck me about the Copenhagen Climate Congress was a feeling consistently brought up that there is a real disconnect between what scientists are saying about climate change, the way its presented in the media and by politicians. A fundamental problem of communication exists. Which made it all the more interesting when Yale Environment 360 ran an interview with Elizabeth Kolbert on her perception of the coverage of climate change. Here are a couple of the excerpts:...
Drink Green on St. Patty’s Day without Ingesting FD&C Green No.3
by Marissa Moss, Manhattan (Lower East Side) on 03.17.09
Photo: Jayce Giddens
Let’s get this out of the way first: I’ve never celebrated St. Patrick’s day. It’s nothing personal – I look terrible in a shamrock headband. But I thought in the spirit of this oh holiest day of imbibing, I would finally succumb and herald the occasion with a couple ways to booze (responsibly, folks) TreeHugger style....
The 60 One Minutes Film Contest
by Jaymi Heimbuch, San Francisco, California on 03.17.09
Photo via pedrosimoes7
Want to put green issues at the top of every one's mind? Think you can do it in less than 60 seconds? A film competition that works to inspire the world to action might be your perfect outlet. ...
Monbiot: Environmentalism and Alternative Medicine Shouldn't Mix
by Sami Grover, Carrboro, NC, USA on 03.17.09
Image credit: HowStuffWorks
Environmentalism and Alternative Medicine - Oil and Water?
George Monbiot is undoubtedly no stranger to controversy - my post about his climate change book, Heat, drew 81 comments, while his well publicized opposition to aviation can also be relied on to fuel a good debate. Monbiot's been at it again over at The Guardian website this past week, arguing why environmentalism needs to sever ties with alternative medicine. As usual, he's managed to stimulate quite a fuss. ...
New Music Video from Death Cab for Cutie Inspired By California Wildfires
by Jaymi Heimbuch, San Francisco, California on 03.17.09
Take a break from your day and enjoy this powerful song from Death Cab for Cutie, "Grapevine Fires," and their new video to go with it. It's a song inspired by Ben Gibbard's encounter with the California wildfires of 2007. Click through to watch the music video....
Designer Covers Mountain House with Recycled Tin Cans in Patagonia
by Paula Alvarado, Buenos Aires on 03.17.09
Photos: Manuel Rapoport.
Here's a proof that you can always go further if you're really fanatic about recycling. Also proof that some materials can look great in very unexpected places.
Argentine industrial designer Manuel Rapoport decided to cover his house in Bariloche, Patagonia, with tin cans from dry milk and tomato sauce. He also used whisky and cognac bottles to create bricks for small skylights and windows.
Check out how he did it, with many pics, in the extended....
Think SMART and Your Art Could Win $2,000
by Jaymi Heimbuch, San Francisco, California on 03.17.09
Interested in turning trash into art and winning $2,000? If you're in to sculpture, functional art, film, photography or music, you might want to consider entering into an upcoming competition. ...
Should We Care that A Seattle Newspaper Just Stopped Printing?
by Lloyd Alter, Toronto on 03.17.09
I have never been to Seattle, and I never read a paper copy of the Seattle Post-Intelligencer. But I knew it well; it had terrific reporting and a great website, and was the source of many posts for this site. Now, after 146 years, they have cancelled the print edition. But I suspect that the online edition is not going to be quite the source that it was, as it cuts back to “20 news-gatherers”, a number considerably smaller than the full-time and part-time staff of TreeHugger.
...
US Seed Sales Up 19% - Time To Get Moving On Your Garden Plans
by John Laumer, Philadelphia on 03.17.09
AP reports that major garden vegetable seed suppliers are selling out as 'recession gardening' takes off. For money quotes on the sudden popularity of home gardening, see Jeff's complimentary post:- Feeling Broke? Plant A Garden..
The point is, don't wait to order the seeds of your dreams. Other items that should not be postponed: signing up for that community garden plot; turning over a new plot while soil is still porous and wet; and, getting your soil tested.
Look below for this writer's current favorite seed sources....
Survey: Do You Use A Microwave Oven?
by Lloyd Alter, Toronto on 03.17.09
Alice Waters doesn't own a microwave, but then she cooks all day and is called an elitist. Some studies say they save energy; others note that people who cook with microwaves eat more overprocessed food.
...
Stephen Fry Gives a Great Green Gift For Mother's Day
by Leonora Oppenheim, London, UK on 03.17.09
Image via: Healthy Planet
This Sunday March 22nd is Mother's Day here in the UK and while we all like to show our mums how much we love them, we're also wary of these occasions, like Valentine's Day, that can be overwhelmingly commercial. Luckily, as TreeHugger's gift guides show, there are many ways of giving green gifts. On this occasion Stephen Fry, the Great Brit himself, is leading by example, through the Healthy Planet charity Stephen has given his mother an adopted hectare of Cambridgeshire Fen, helping to conserve one of Britain's most beautiful and biodiverse areas. Click through to read Stephen's message... ...
London's Congestion Charge is Reconsidered
by Bonnie Alter, London on 03.17.09
Image from Guardian
The congestion charge in London is being reconsidered to make it more effective and "intelligent". A new Mayor brings new views, and London's Mayor Boris Johnson is having second thoughts about the controversial charge. He has already scrapped its proposed extension into the western part of London and rejected the plan for a £25 fee for large gas-guzzling cars.
The new form of charging would be based on when drivers enter the congestion zone. During peak hours it would be more expensive to curb traffic and during off-peak it could be cheaper to help businesses. ...
Alice Waters Doesn't Have a Microwave - Should You Ditch Yours?
by April Streeter, Gothenburg, Sweden on 03.17.09
ITB Ideas: TreeHouse Hotel
by Christine Lepisto, Berlin on 03.16.09
Image: Kulturinsel
Wandering through the International Tourism Bourse, or ITB, in Berlin, looking for the eco angle amidst pushy vendors of exclusive golf courses and luxury hotels, one stand stands out. Behind a creatively lettered, found-wood framed sign boasting "First German TreeHouse Hotel", rearing into the air above the bustling crowds, a treehouse grabs attention. But a destination that looks like a child's vacation dream come true also offers an alternative for bold businesses looking for an adventurous meeting location to spur creative thinking or simply for a rapport-building escape. Join your colleagues in the cannibal's kettle?...
Summer Rayne Oakes’ Eco-Fashion Book Bash
by Roberta Cruger, Los Angeles on 03.16.09
Summer Rayne Oakes kicks off LA Fashion Week with Style, Naturally. Photo: R.Cruger
Paparazzi hung out in West Hollywood to check out the scene at Stella McCartney’s eco-friendly clothing boutique. The occasion: Summer Rayne Oakes’ book party for Style, Naturally (her guide to sustainable fashion and beauty) and the hip guests were sipping, nibbling and chatting to kick off LA’s Fashion Week. The guest of honor was glowing in Linda Loudermilk’s eco-chic Look 13, a striking and strappy little black dress....
The Days of Oil are Far From Over, Says Saudi Arabia
by Brian Merchant, Brooklyn, New York on 03.16.09
Photo via Cleantech
Saudi Arabia, the world's biggest oil exporting country, has just issued a warning against a "premature shift" to renewable energy. In related news, bottled water companies have issued a warning against a "premature shift" to tap water, and tobacco companies have warned against a "premature shift" to quitting smoking. Seriously, though—Saudi Arabia's Oil Minister gave a speech at the Energy Pact Conference saying that oil, natural gas, and coal must remain the energy "workhorses" for many decades to come—and that investing in alternative energy too early could lower levels of investment in fossil fuels and ruin the global energy economy. Hm....
The Enobling Journey Hosts Carnival of the Green
by Kara DiCamillo, Newport, Rhode Island on 03.16.09
This week is Carnival of the Green #171 and it's being hosted by Joe Kennedy and his blog The Enobling Journey. Through his blog, Joe shares the steps that he's taking in his own life to be more green. He's hoping to educate his readers while also learning from others along the way.
So head on over to this week's Carnival to find a round up of green news and events from the past week, submitted by other bloggers and green sites.
We are now accepting host requests for 2010! Read on to find out how to host....
What is this 'Big Water Meeting'? Day 1 at the World Water Forum
by Jennifer Hattam, Istanbul, Turkey on 03.16.09
The week-long global gathering kicked off today. Photo via IISD Reporting Services
Even journalists living in this year's host city of Istanbul are a bit perplexed about the event we've dubbed "waterpalooza." Local advertisements describe it as "A big water meeting in Istanbul!" and that seems about as specific of an explanation as most people can muster. The chief organizing body, the World Water Council, calls it "the main water-related event in the world, aimed at putting water firmly on the international agenda" and "a stepping stone towards global collaboration on water problems." Protesters say it's an undemocratic way for big business to push water privatization. What everyone seems to agree on is that water is more important than ever....
120 Nations Meet in Attempt to Avert Global Water Crisis
by Brian Merchant, Brooklyn, New York on 03.16.09
Photo via the Scurry Group
Half of the world's population will be living in areas of "acute water shortage" by 2030. That's the grim finding of a report issued by the UN last week, and it's one of the main reasons that 120 countries have convened in Istanbul for a World Water Forum in order to address the burgeoning crisis. There's more at stake than trying to ensure countries have an adequate water supply--they've also got to prevent full on wars from breaking out over water resources. ...
Is the IPCC Assessment on Global Climate Change Wrong?
by Pablo Paster, San Francisco on 03.16.09
Image via Global Warming Art Dear Pablo: I've heard that we don't have enough remaining fossil fuels available to burn in order to reach the carbon dioxide concentrations that the IPCC scientists are predicting. What would happen to the concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere and the global average temperature if we were to burn all remaining fossil fuels? Do you think IPCC scientists are overstating the problem to get us to act more quickly?...
Feeling Broke? Plant A Garden
by Jeff Nield, Vancouver, British Columbia on 03.16.09
Grow these at home. Photo by Jenn Pentland
It's no secret that garden fresh produce tastes better than what you buy at the supermarket. Throw in the physical and mental health benefits and zero emissions from shipping and it quickly becomes clear that growing your own makes sense. And now, finally, someone has done the calculations on what kind of a boost a garden gives your bank account. ...
Sea Turtle Cam Reveals Surprising Food Choice (Video)
by Jaymi Heimbuch, San Francisco, California on 03.16.09
A critter cam is attached to a green sea turtle, and researchers discover an interesting eating habit. The turtles are thought to be vegetarian, but as fireweed invades their usual veggie selections, the turtles turn to jelly fish as a snack. Check out the documentary video that shows the research project, and swim with the sea turtle!...
Scale in Bus Stop Tells All
by Lloyd Alter, Toronto on 03.16.09
I am not sure about this one. You sit on the bench and it is projected on the scale for all to see. Is an ad for a Dutch fitness club, but probably will send people scurrying back to their cars. Hot or not? via PSFK
...
Green:Net Using Solar Power for Conference's WiFi Network
by Jaymi Heimbuch, San Francisco, California on 03.16.09
Green:Net 09 is rapidly approaching. The event, being held March 24 in San Francisco, focuses on how the tools of the Internet can be used to fight global climate change. It's something we talk about a lot here on TreeHugger, for obvious reasons, and we're excited to be attending the conference and sharing with you all the great happenings. Best of all, Green:Net is walking the walk already, teaming up with Meraki Solar to provide solar-powered wireless for attendees. ...
Casa Viguet Shows How To Build in Sunny Climes
by Lloyd Alter, Toronto on 03.16.09
On of my biggest complaints about the Hemeroscopium house was its construction in Spain without a bit of shading on the windows. Architect Nicolás del Campo shows how it is done right, with his Casa Viguet in Buenos Aires. It has decent overhangs, a sliding louvre systems and fixed screens....
Overview of Recent Toxic Coal Ash Spills
by Michael Graham Richard, Ottawa, Canada on 03.16.09
Where is Your Clean Coal Now?
We all know that burning coal is a very dirty source of energy. Just the act of mining it out of the ground causes a fair amount of destruction (and costs the lives of many miners, especially in poorer countries), and burning it produces more CO2 than any other source of energy, as well as mercury that makes its way up the food chain and smog-forming emissions of all kinds... But that's not all! Even after all that you are left with literally tons of coal ash (fly ash captured from the chimneys, and bottom ash from the furnace) that sometimes just spills out of the giant holding ponds (oops). This has happened at least 3 times in the US in recent months. In this post, we look at those incidents and at possible future regulations of coal ash by the Obama administration....
School's Out Forever in Detroit
by Lloyd Alter, Toronto on 03.16.09
This tiny box elder sapling took root in a pile of mouldy books and ash inside the former Detroit Public Schools book depository.
We talk often about Detroit, how this incredible infrastructure is going to rot and waste. The school system, which used to handle a city of twice the population, has a lot of surplus space and is closing schools every year.
James Griffioen did a searing photo essay of the schools of Detroit and it isn't pretty. ...
120 MW Wind Power Project to be Developed by Cheyenne River Lakota Sioux
by Matthew McDermott, New York, NY on 03.16.09
photo: Lauri Streaker via flickr
Here's another example of a Native American tribe getting into renewable energy: The Guardian reports that the Cheyenne River Lakota Sioux are partnering with Citizens Wind to tap into the wind power potential of their land in South Dakota:...
Make Your Own Cardboard Furniture
by Lloyd Alter, Toronto on 03.16.09
The Ponoko blog has a good roundup of incredible cardboard furniture, much of it from a collective of cardboard furniture makers in France known as Les Cartonnistes.
...
Cape Wind Offshore Wind Farm Clears Another Permitting Hurdle
by Matthew McDermott, New York, NY on 03.16.09
image: Cape Wind
For a while I was convinced that the claims by the developers of the Cape Wind offshore wind power project in Massachusetts that it would be the country's first offshore wind farm would have to be amended. It's just been in the planning stages for so long now that surely plans that have been touted in Delaware, New York, Rhode Island or Oregon would steal Cape Wind's thunder. But in the past couple months, the wind has been blowing in Cape Wind's direction:...
Green Eyes On: New Trends at Natural Products Expo West
by Sara Snow on 03.16.09
Photo courtesy of Sara Snow
Last year the Natural Products Expo West tradeshow in Anaheim, California was named one of "top 50 fastest growing shows" by Tradeshow Week. This year this position was solidified by the record breaking 53,000 people who attended. Today’s economic climate certainly didn’t seem to put a damper on the week’s activities or on exhibitors launching their new products. According to show producers New Hope Media, the expo spanned across 300,000 square feet and featured nearly 2,000 exhibitors, hailing from as many as 28 countries. Nearly 500 were new to the show. "The show’s success proved that, despite a cool economy, innovation and retailer interest in natural products remains strong," says Lisa Conover of the New Hope PR group, Fresh Ideas Group. ...
How Green Buildings Should Look: Ken Yeang
by Alex Pasternack, New York, NY on 03.16.09
Ken Yeang's Human Research Institute
The Aesthetics of Green Buildings
Green architect Ken Yeang may be to skyscrapers what Buckminster Fuller was to houses. The Malaysian architect's visionary approach to green building bucks the mainstream, embracing the tall building as an urban fact, a problem to be solved afresh with each new design. He seeks what he calls ecomimesis in buildings, a way to copy and paste nature into our high-rise designs. But just as importantly, he tells Wallpaper*, the building must look damn good too -- and definitely different....
TreeHugger's Graham Hill on Obsessed TV (Video)
by Jaymi Heimbuch, San Francisco, California on 03.16.09
Samantha Ettus thinks of TreeHugger founder Graham Hill as the "poster boy of the green movement" and says that's why she's obsessed with him. Click through and check out their interview, and get the background on Graham and how he got started in the green movement. ...
Ontario Proposes Massive Renewable Energy Boost With New Feed-In Tariff Program
by Matthew McDermott, New York, NY on 03.16.09
Renewable energy in Ontario could get a massive financial boost with newly proposed feed-in tariff rates. Though Ontario has had feed-in tariffs for about two years, the project size was capped at 10 MW, under the newly proposed rates that cap is lifted or raised for most technologies (solar power not being one of them).
Feed-In Tariff Costs Shared Across All Electricity Consumers
For those unfamiliar with feed-in tariffs, qualifying projects receive an above-market rate for the electricity they produce, fixed for a given time period (say 20 years). All of the electricity produced is sent into the grid. The costs of implementing the incentive program are then spread across all consumers of electricity. In general, the costs increase a customer's utility bill only slightly, while stimulating the development of renewable energy. Of all the ways of promoting renewable energy growth, though not widely adopted in North America, are found by many analyses to be the most cost-effective incentive program.
This is what the new Ontario program could offer:...
eBay's New Green Team Steers Shoppers Towards Eco Purchases
by Jaymi Heimbuch, San Francisco, California on 03.16.09
eBay has noticed three things: Our current consumption patterns aren't sustainable, the economy is requiring us to rethink how we shop, and we want help shopping with green as a priority. As a response, the company is launching a Green Team to encourage buyers and sellers to make more sustainable purchasing decisions. ...
Solar Water Heating is Best Use of Solar Power, Indian Scientists Assert
by Matthew McDermott, New York, NY on 03.16.09
photo: Tim Schapker via flickr
A quick search on TreeHugger shows that 'solar power' most often occurs in connection with producing electricity and only secondarily in connection with solar water heaters. That's unfortunate, according to scientists at the Dr Panjabrao Deshmukh Agricultural University in India, because using the sun's power to heat water is a far more efficient process and offers a much quicker return on investment:...
Green Eyes On: Obesity and Organics
by Sara Snow on 03.16.09
Photo via Flickr
Can obesity and diabetes be slowed or reversed by organics? Yes, according to a new study released by the Organic Center at the Natural Products Expo West. This may be one of the most exciting things to come out of the Expo, currently underway in Anaheim, California....
Light at End of Tunnel Dept: Landscape Architects Designing Chicken Coops
by Lloyd Alter, Toronto on 03.16.09
Many people say that when we dig ourselves out of the current economic mess, the world will look very different. But how will people adapt? Daniel Gross writes at Slate that "if the economy is going to recover, Americans need to start taking risks again." Many of those risks involve careers that didn't exist before. He describes a few risk-takers, including Landscape architect Susan Durrett....
San Francisco Company Starts Green Commuter Service for High End Travelers
by Jaymi Heimbuch, San Francisco, California on 03.16.09
Photo via Mike Kepka, The Chronicle
It's hard to get a high-end person out of their Lexus and onto a city bus or the BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit). But in an effort to green even these commuters, Bauer's Intelligent Transportation is expanding their luxury commuter service that appeals to the people used to first class traveling. ...
Survey: Are You Swapping or Buying Used?
by Lloyd Alter, Toronto on 03.16.09
April tells us that "recession chic" is in, and that swap groups, garage sales and other sources of used clothing are increasing their business. However the second hand stores are running out of stock because people are making do and donating less.
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Recycling Bins From Around the World (Slideshow)
by Jaymi Heimbuch, San Francisco, California on 03.16.09
Photo via starrynight
Recycling bins are as varied as the people who use them. They come in countless sizes, shapes, and colors, signage...it seems like no two are the same. So we became curious - what do recycling bins look like in various countries?
We've whipped up a world tour of recycling containers. Check out bins from countries all over the planet. No ticket necessary - just buckle up and start clicking.
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Maldives to Be First Carbon Neutral Country
by Bonnie Alter, London on 03.16.09
Image from aaru.com.rv
Let's all move to the Maldives and live out our principles. This country of 1,200 atolls and 380,000 people is set to become carbon neutral within ten years. The newly and first democratically elected president, Mohamed Nasheed has made the environment a top priority because of the rising sea levels that are threatening to swamp the land.
Last year the President announced that he was looking to buy an alternative homeland for his country because of his fears of the effects of climate change. The country has already spent £30M on a three-metre high flood defence wall around the capital, Male, but 80% of the islands are just one metre above sea level. ...
Fashion Swapping Spikes As Clothing Sales Drop - Two Ways to Start
by April Streeter, Gothenburg, Sweden on 03.16.09
Photo of a (clothes) swapping party SharonaGott @ flickr.
Because swapping and clothing exchanges are part of the unofficial economy, it's hard to get a direct statistic on how much so-called "recession chic" has grown since the dawning of the global depression. Clothing and accessory sales have gone down about 6.5% in the last year. But two trends tell a story: the first is growing membership in different swapping Meet Up groups. The second is the rise of sites related to swaps, not only Big Wardrobe with its designer focus but also swapstyle.com, Clothing Swap, and green-oriented Rehash. And why not? Swapper Suzanne Agasi says women use only ...
Researchers Have Found a New Greenhouse Gas Nearly 5,000-Times Worse than CO2
by Eric Leech, New York, NY on 03.16.09
Global Atmosphere Watch Station, Photo via: Robstephaustralia
First, the Bad news
It seems like the world just keeps coming up with more bad news and no matter how hard we try, there are always new bad things popping up. A team of international researchers at the MIT Department of Earth, Atmospheric and Planetary Sciences have discovered a potentially harmful greenhouse gas, known as Sulfuryl Fluoride, within the atmosphere. The bad news is it is 4,800 times worse than CO2, but the good news is......
Researchers Say 9-second Charging Battery Within 2-Years
by Eric Leech, New York, NY on 03.15.09
Photo via: osde8info
One of the biggest complaints consumers can think up against rechargeable batteries is how darn long they take to recharge. Just for a small AA lithium battery it can take up to 4 hours to get a complete charge. Two researchers, Byoungwoo Kang and Gerbrand Ceder of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Cambridge, have discovered a way to stuff a recharge worth of lithium ions into a AA battery in a matter of 9-seconds. Such technology will also have the capacity to spread through the gambit of various other rechargeable gadgets, such as cell phones, laptops, and yes, even electric vehicles....
What Will Consumers Pay for a Green Vacation?
by Christine Lepisto, Berlin on 03.15.09
Image: Adlwarth ppt, ITB
First CSR Day at International Tourism Convention in Berlin
The International Tourism Convention in Berlin, ITB, convenes yearly. In 2009, the "World's Leading Travel Trade Show" (as it is billed), introduced the first ever ITB Corporate Social Responsibility Day. It is overdue, judging by the reaction of most of the tour operators, location representatives, and marketers filling the convention center's halls -- where questions about "green tourism" opportunities usually end up in discussions about national parks. But change is afoot. ITB 2009 served up an excellent agenda with highly qualified speakers, including the presentation of an exclusive survey on consumer willingness to pay for Corporate Social Responsibility when making their vacation plans.
Read on to learn: - Who are the CSR-minded tourists?
- Where are they going on vacation?
- Just how much extra will the committed traveller pay?
- What is the biggest obstacle to prioritizing CSR in the Tourism Industry?
Bad Economy, Production Problems Gobble Turkey Diesel Company
by Josh Peterson, Los Angeles, California on 03.15.09
Photo: Steve Voght via Flickr
Changing World Technologies, the maker of “turkey diesel,” has filed for bankruptcy protection. Reasons cited include rising costs of commercializing its patented waste conversion methods, mounting debts and lack of financing. Brian Appel, chief executive, had made plans to take the company public but withdrew due to the unstable state of the markets. ...
Standard & Poors Offers Carbon Performance Index: Focus On Small Footprint Brigade
by John Laumer, Philadelphia on 03.15.09
To reflect its carbon efficiency, the Index is comprised of constituents of the S&P 500 that have a relatively low Carbon Footprint, as calculated by Trucost Plc. Trucost, the environmental data organization quantifies the environmental impact of over 4,500 companies across different sectors and geographies. Trucost calculates the carbon intensity of companies in the S&P U.S. Carbon Efficient Index by researching and standardizing publicly disclosed information and engaging directly with companies to verify its calculations on an annual basis. Carbon Footprint is calculated as the company’s annual greenhouse gas emissions assessment (expressed as tons of carbon dioxide equivalent) divided by annual revenue....
Weighing the Water Solution, Will a New Ground Water Replenishment System Drought Proof California?
by Sara Novak, Columbia, SC on 03.15.09
picture: JNovak
Visitors to Disneyland likely don't know that when they sip from Disney water fountains that the great tasting aqua treat was once streaming through a public sewer. Not to worry though. That sewer water is actually substantially cleaner and more carefully filtered than the water consumed in the average American household. Moreover, the new system providing Disney's water could be the most viable means of drought proofing a state that faces some potentially serious water issues in the coming years....
Scientists Have Begun to Nail Down the Process of Reading Minds
by Eric Leech, New York, NY on 03.15.09
Photo via: Digital Shotgun
Breaking Down the Complexity of the Brain
Imagine a world where criminals no longer have the convenience of personal thought, the camouflage of lying, or the capability to hide behind memories they do not wish to share. The scientists at University College London (UCL) are within 10 years of putting a form mind-reading to use in police investigations....
9thirty Theatre Company Presents Eco Plays in NYC
by Jasmin Malik Chua, Jersey City, USA on 03.15.09
Photo credit: 9thirty Theater
New York City's 9thirty Theatre Company dubs itself one of the country's first "eco-theaters." In founding artistic director Jeff Burroughs' own words, 9thirty's mission is to "cultivate creativity and artists as we work towards viable solutions for a sustainable future."
For the week of April 22 to 25, in celebration of Earth Day, 9thirty will be presenting "A Fresh Assortment," a series of four plays that bring environmental issues—climate change, overpopulation, colony collapse disorder—to life on stage. Take a peek below the fold to see what the performance troupe, which uses salvaged materials and performs outdoors and in abandoned spaces, has in store for the city so nice they named it twice. ...
