- 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 22, 2009 - March 28, 2009
Total this week: 228
New Study Shows Mass Transit is Green and Healthy
by Daniel Kessler, San Francisco, California on 03.28.09
Flickr
Taking public transportation isn't just good for the planet, it's good for your heart too. According to a new study from the University of British Columbia, do gooders on trains and buses meet or exceed the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada's suggested daily minimum of physical activity....
Neil Young hits a “Fork in the Road”
by Roberta Cruger, Los Angeles on 03.28.09
A Whopping 1.5% OF Mcdonalds’ Locations Will Dim Their Golden Arches For An Earth Hour
by Trevor Reichman on 03.28.09
image via dahlstroms.com
McDonald's is one of a few major corporations that have received extra green credit for its announcement of their one hour sacrifice to help the Earth. In the case of Mcdonald's, about 1.5% of its locations will dim their lights for 00.0114 % of the year. ...
What Are You Doing for Earth Hour? Twitter Followers Respond (Slideshow)
by Jaymi Heimbuch, San Francisco, California on 03.28.09
We wanted to know some of the great activities @TreeHugger Followers planned to participate in during Earth Hour tonight. Gathered here are some of the great responses we received. If you're looking for inspiration for how to spend an hour without power, check out these suggestions.
...
Earth Hour in China: Bird's Nest and Watercube Go Dark
by Alex Pasternack, New York, NY on 03.28.09
Fly Ash Used To Build Virginia Golf Course Threatens Private Wells
by John Laumer, Philadelphia on 03.28.09
Dominion Power, Chesapeake Energy Center Image credit:Resource International, LLC
With existing fly ash lagoons filling up, the electric power utility, Dominion Virginia Power, helped a golf course developer "build" a course by selling it fly ash to use in the landscaping. The Virginian-Pilot reports this statement from a nearby resident: "They paid people to take it from them, dig up the sand, the good land that we had over there. The developers sold the sand, took the fly ash that Dominion was paying them for and put it in our backyard." Recent test results showed arsenic in groundwater samples taken from the course-area at eight times the municipal drinking water standard. Now, of course, there is talk of a class action law suit....
Report: Japanese Paper Companies Still Lying About Tasmanian Old Growth Forests
by Kimberley D. Mok, Montreal, Canada on 03.28.09
Eight-five percent of Tasmania's logged old-growth forests end up exported, mainly to Japan (Photo courtesy of Island Lescure)When it comes to the bottom line, can we always trust companies that say they are doing good for the planet? In a world with plenty of less-than-responsible companies, it can be hard to swallow. But when it was revealed last year that Japanese paper companies Nippon and Oji had misled customers for years about the recycled content of their paper products - and were actually purchasing woodchips sourced from old-growth forests in Tasmania - it was expected that the companies would do something about it. Committees were set up, investigations initiated and head honchos honourably resigned. But despite the fallout, a recent report by two Australian conservation groups presents “irrefutable evidence” that the companies are still the yearly recipients of at least 268,000 green tons of woodchipped Tasmanian old-growth forests - despite their claims to the contrary....
Tiny Revolutionary Kids' Shirts Have Something To Say
by Jasmin Malik Chua, Jersey City, USA on 03.28.09
Photo credit: Tiny Revolutionary
Let's be honest here, every parent thinks their kid is going to change the world someday. (My husband and I are already calling our four-month-old Congresswoman Poopypants.) These hip, illustrated baby and toddler tees from Tiny Revolutionary don't just express that message of hope but they also have a lot of heart—on top of being 100 percent sweatshop-free, a portion of the proceeds also goes to charities such as Africa Aid, the Ethiopian Orphan Relief, and Engineers Without Borders.
The company's Eco Tees, which espouse ideals such as peace, recycling, and alternative fuel, are made from organic cotton (with recycled polyester and naturally occurring rayon occasionally thrown in) and printed with non-toxic, water-based dyes. Click below the fold for more designs.
...
Urban China Magazine: "An Encyclopedia of Chinese Cities in a Time of Junk"
by Alex Pasternack, New York, NY on 03.28.09
"Urban China: Informal Cities," at the New Museum, New York. Photo: Benoit Pailley
Urban China magazine may not make sense of China's rapid, mind-boggling urbanization. But the groundbreaking Chinese publication, which is featured in an exhibit at the New Museum ending Sunday before moving on to LA and Chicago, replicates on paper China's metropolitan phenomenon in impressionistic style, with academic-ish articles, fascinating infographics and captivating photographs. Each issue has a theme, like Chinese migration, “Green Leap Forward” and energy. "This formula won’t simply turn us into gold diggers or alchemists for information garbage," says editor Jiang Jun. "But it can turn this medium into an encyclopedia of Chinese cities in a time of junk." Check out the slideshow below the fold to see why this magazine, which can hardly be found outside China, is making waves around the world....
Blast From the Past: Captain Planet
by Jasmin Malik Chua, Jersey City, USA on 03.28.09
Organic Growers Optimistic Despite Economic Crunch
by Jennifer Hattam, Istanbul, Turkey on 03.28.09
Produce for sale at the '100% Ecological Market' in the Mediterranean city of Antalya. Photo via NTVMSNBC
The global financial crisis has hit Turkey as hard as anywhere else, with sales and production numbers down in many industries and a big rise in unemployment predicted for the year. But one group is still feeling downright optimistic: the producers and distributors of organic food....
Tesla Unveils Model S Sedan (Video)
by George Spyros, New York City, USA on 03.28.09
Gore's Green Group Loses CEO Cathy Zoi to the Obama Administration
by Daniel Kessler, San Francisco, California on 03.28.09
Photo via Flickr
First President Obama snatched up Van Jones from Green for All to be Special Advisor for Green Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation at the Council for Environmental Quality. And now he's hired Alliance for Climate Protection CEO Cathy Zoi to serve as Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy in the Department of Energy, pending her confirmation. Maggie Fox will take Zoi’s place as CEO of Al Gore's climate advocacy group....
US Land Devoted to Organic Cotton Increases
by Sara Novak, Columbia, SC on 03.28.09
photo: David L. Green
According to the Organic Trade Association, the total acreage of U.S. farmland planted with organic cotton has increased for the second year in a row. Nevertheless, there is much room for growth in a country that only produces 2.1 percent of the world's organic cotton....
New Research Suggests “Screaming Lobsters” in Boiling Pot, Might Really be Screaming!
by Eric Leech, New York, NY on 03.28.09
A Cuff For Your Wrist...And Coffee Cup
by Jasmin Malik Chua, Jersey City, USA on 03.27.09
Photo credit: Veer
The Coffee Cuff by Veer ($65) is a twofer in terms of style and function: Not only is it a chic accessory for your wrist, but it's also a wrapper for your coffee cup, so you can dispense with the disposable cardboard sleeve without scorching the delicate pads of your fingers. (We're assuming, of course, that you left your trusty travel mug at home because you were driven momentarily insane by caffeine deprivation.)
Not green enough for you yet? The cuff is also handmade from reclaimed black walnut veneer, which means that no trees were harmed in the noble pursuit of heat-proofing your double macchiato. ...
Get Out More: Backpacker Magazine's Message Goes on Tour
by Warren McLaren, Sydney on 03.27.09
We’ve devoted plenty to pixel space to the issue of Nature Deficit Disorder (see sthe links at the end of this post.) But words are easy, action is harder. So it great to see Backpacker Magazine has announced it’s going again with their Get Out More Tour (for the ninth time). This interactive mobile media and education tour is designed to “encourage participation in active outdoor pursuits.” As Backpacker Editor-in-Chief Jon Dorn puts it, “Through the Tour we are able to visit readers in their own backyards and offer quality, first hand experiences.”
And that what we kids and grown ups alike all need. Dust, rain, sunsets, dirt, bugs, sun-on-the-back, wind-in-the-hair, sand-between-toes, saltwater-in-the-eyes, mountains, owls hooting, beaches, deserts, wildflowers, companions, campfires, waterfalls ... When we mix with nature, we more readily remember that we are of nature too, and to hurt one, wounds the other....
NBA Green Week 2009 and Hockey Pros Give Emissions Reductions a Shot
by Kristin Underwood, Sacramento, CA on 03.27.09
Image via: Flickr
More teams than just the Boston Celtics will be going green this season, as next week the National Basketball Association (NBA) plans to tip off its first ever NBA Green Week 2009. Fans will be treated to green giveaways, the chance to win 40 autographed basketballs made from 40% recycled materials, as well as find out more about what their favorite teams are doing to go green.
Now in its second year, the National Hockey League Players Association (NHLPA) Carbon Neutral Challenge program is getting more than 420 hockey pros to sign up to commit to making substantial changes to their carbon footprint. Just who is taking part? Keep reading....
Wend Magazine’s Digital Version Now Almost Free
by Warren McLaren, Sydney on 03.27.09
Photo: Wend
Wend Magazine is currently offering yearly subscription of the mag in digital format for a paltry $5. Five dollars! Talk about a no-brainer. So run, Don’t meander, wander, amble, stroll, saunter, traipse, mosey, or tootle over to Wend’s website to sign up. This is too good of an opportunity to pass up. If TreeHugger were to publish a magazine focussed on the great outdoors, travel, action sports and associated green issues, we’d be hard pressed to do a better job than Wend. ...
Jewelry and Gems Shine Eco-Brighter with Brilliant Earth
by Naturally Savvy on 03.27.09
Brilliant Earth uses recycled metals and ethical, eco-friendly gems and pearls in their fine jewelry. Image source: BrilliantEarth.com
Is your soon-to-be fiancé eco-chic? As you're getting ready to pop the question and thinking forward to your green wedding, don't overlook the importance of a green engagement ring.
Unethical treatment of workers is a big problem in diamond mining, as is conflict diamonds (also called "blood diamonds" and "war diamonds"), so it's important to know where the diamonds in your jewelry come from. Mining metals and gold in particular is also extremely hard on the environment. Enter Brilliant Earth....
Largest Solar Array by an Electric Cooperative to be Installed in New Mexico
by Kristin Underwood, Sacramento, CA on 03.27.09
Image via: PowerTech - solar farm in Bavaria
Colfax County to be exact, and the array will include over 500,000 photovoltaic panels when it is finally operational and produce 30MW of solar electricity, reports MSNBC. Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association signed a contract with First Solar Inc to begin installing the system in April 2010....
Vickery & Clarke Apothecary is Luxurious and Affordable
by Kara DiCamillo, Newport, Rhode Island on 03.27.09
Photo courtesy of CVS.com.
We love finding organic beauty buys at our local pharmacy. Not only can we bypass the shipping, but it allows for us to actually see the product. What caught our eye about Vickery & Clarke as we breezed down the aisle was the packaging. With its clean yet vintage design, this “natural apothecary” brand was inspired by two female pharmacists, Alice Vickery and Isabella Clarke, who broke new ground for women in the 1800’s.
All of Vickery & Clarke products are reasonably priced (everything seems to be under $15) and, because of this, they make for fabulous staples for your bath or powder room....
One Dress, Five Ways: Global Girlfriend's Super Organic Sash Skirt
by Jasmin Malik Chua, Jersey City, USA on 03.27.09
Photo credit: Global Girlfriend
If you want to get the most bang for your recessionista buck, investing in transformer clothing that offers the versatility of several different looks is a savvy move, both financially and sartorially.
As a skirt, Global Girlfriend's Organic Super Sash Skirt can be worn with the fold-over sash tied in front, on the side, or behind you. You can also get two different dresses out of it by knotting the sash behind your neck and turning the erstwhile skirt into a halter dress or by tying the sash in the back for a strapless number. ...
Fastest Wind Powered Car in the World Hits 126 MPH
by Brian Merchant, Brooklyn, New York on 03.27.09
Photos via Greenbird
Out in the Nevada desert, the stunning Greenbird just shattered the world speed record for a vehicle powered solely by wind. Richard Jenkins, the vehicle's designer and driver, brought the Greenbird up to speeds of 126.1 mph on a desert cruise yesterday. He sailed past the previous record of 116 mph, and into history with his innovative, sailboat-like vehicle. And what might be most amazing of all, is how he did it.
...
US Turtles Being Unsustainably Harvested for Asian Cuisine
by Jaymi Heimbuch, San Francisco, California on 03.27.09
Photo via VirtualErn
The Center for Biological Diversity in Tucson, Arizona has sent out a warning about the unsustainable harvesting of American turtles to feed Asian diners. They're urging several mid-western and southern states to implement a ban on turtle hunting to help give the numbers time to bounce back....
Out, Monsanto! No GMOs in National Wildlife Refuge, Says Federal Judge
by Brian Merchant, Brooklyn, New York on 03.27.09
Photo via EcoSalon
In what could be a huge blow to Monsanto and a boon for small farms, a federal judge issued a ruling in Missouri stating that the US Fish and Wildlife shouldn't have allowed genetically modified crops on a national wildlife refuge. As a result of the ruling, 37 farming contracts—most of which were being used for GMO soybean and corn crops—have been canceled. Will this set a national precedent, paving the way for tougher rules and closer scrutiny of the environmental impact GMOs?...
Leonardo DiCaprio Is Kids' Green Hero, Nicole Richie Taps Into Charity, and More
by Terri MacLeod on 03.27.09
Photo via I Watch Stuff
Leonardo DiCaprio is already a favorite with eco-minded like gals, like myself! Now the next generation are digging Leo and his big green heart. This Saturdays Nickelodeon's Kids' Choice Awards will honor the actor/activist with their first-ever "Big Green Help Award" for his devotion to environmental issues. The award will be presented by Leo's good friend and fellow greenie, Cameron Diaz. Nickelodeon is also launching a major campaign to empower kids to take action on the environment and learn eco-friendly tips. Learn more: Nickelodeon ...
China Announces New Solar Power Subsidies (UPDATED)
by Matthew McDermott, New York, NY on 03.27.09
photo: Matthijs Koster via flickr
Details are a bit sketchy, but The Motley Fool is reporting that China is getting into the heavily subsidized solar power game. Skipping over the boost some solar stocks got because of the announcement, this what we know:...
Food and Water Production Will Be Next for Green Tech Innovations
by Jaymi Heimbuch, San Francisco, California on 03.27.09
Photo via iLoveButter
Forget clean energy for a moment. If climate change alters the earth's ecosystems and rainfall levels to the point that we can't rely on usual methods or locations for water and food supplies, then that means food and water production will need to be the focus of clean tech. Nicholas Parker of the Cleantech Group argues this point in a presentation given yesterday at the Entrepreneurial Energy Expo at Babson College. ...
10 Animals That Will Be Extinct Within Your Lifetime (Slideshow)
by Matthew McDermott, New York, NY on 03.27.09
Earlier this week the BBC was running a story about the sale of one gigantic egg, from the extinct Elephant Bird—a bird which weighed in at nearly half a ton and stood about 10 feet tall. It lived on Madagascar and died out sometime in the 17th century.
Though the exact reasons for this magnificent creature's demise aren't entirely clear (though over-hunting has been speculated), it got me thinking about other animals, while perhaps not as majestic in size, which we could push into oblivion.
The highest category on the scale of being threatened with extinction is critically endangered. According to the IUCN this means that the species' population numbers have decreased, or will decrease, by 80% within three generations. It's the last stop before be listed as extinct in the wild. The animals in this slideshow are just a small fraction of the species which may vanish forever over the course of your life:
...
Tesla Model S Electric Car: 300 Miles Range, Seats 5+2, 0-60 MPH in 5.6 Seconds (Slideshow)
by Michael Graham Richard, Ottawa, Canada on 03.27.09
The Tesla Model S electric car next to the Tesla electric Roadster. Click the image above to see our Tesla Model S slideshow.
Base Price: $49,900 After $7,500 Tax Credit
Finally! After all this time, we now know what the Tesla Model S electric car will look like, and what its basic specifications will be. Tastes are subjective, but I think it's quite beauty. Compared to the electric Roadster (pictured above in red), the Model S looks like a grown-up car. It's still sporty, but this time people with a family will actually take a second look. Read on for more photos, specs, etc....
Nathan Wolfe on Killer Viruses, Poverty and Species Degradation (Video)
by Jaymi Heimbuch, San Francisco, California on 03.27.09
Nathan Wolfe analyses how viruses pass from apes and other wild animals to the humans who hunt them. He wants to stay ahead of the next pandemic by studying subsistence hunters and the animals they hunt. He gives a powerful TED talk about tracking the viruses, the impact of poverty on endangered species, and how we solve the interlinked problems of poverty, health, and species protection....
Tea Time: Efficient Cooking in Rural Kenya
by Kelly Rossiter, Toronto on 03.27.09
When I got to Kenya, everybody told me that I had to try ugali, which is pretty much considered the national dish. So I did. It's corn meal and water, cooked until it resembles bread dough before it rises. I can't honestly say it was the most delicious thing I ate on my trip to Kenya, but I can see the caloric importance of it in the Kenyan diet where maize is plentiful, and not much else is.
...
Ali Hewson Talks about Edun Clothing (Video)
by Jaymi Heimbuch, San Francisco, California on 03.27.09
Edun's Spring/Summer line is featured at Clary Sage in San Francisco for the next few weeks, and Edun's founder, Ali Hewson, took some time to talk with us about Edun and the inspiration for starting the business. ...
Obama Sets Disappointing Fuel Economy Standard for 2011
by Brian Merchant, Brooklyn, New York on 03.27.09
Photo via Hummerguy
The president announced the 2011 fuel economy standard for cars and light trucks today, and it's—well, pretty unimpressive. It's a still a step forward, but it's about as small of one as possible. For all the talk about keeping this country on the cutting edge by pouring new money into research and development, getting the economy running on green jobs and doubling alternative energy production, Obama seems to set his expectations for fuel efficient vehicles a little lower. Make that way lower. So what's the magic number—the miles per gallon cars and trucks will be required to get in order to be deemed road ready?...
No Earth Hour in China; It Conflicts with Serf Liberation Day, AKA Invasion of Tibet Day
by Lloyd Alter, Toronto on 03.27.09
They are not celebrating Earth Hour in China; it conflicts with Serf Liberation Day, a holiday intended to "thoroughly reveal the vicious nature of the feudal serf system and the ulterior political purpose of the 1959 armed rebellion by the Dalai Lama group".
According to Jonathan Watts in the Guardian, "Chinese journalists and student groups have been told to scale back their participation because images of cities and campuses turning dark do not fit the upbeat propaganda message that the authorities wanted to convey.... on the anniversary of the entry into Tibet of the People's Liberation Army and the fleeing of the Dalai Lama into exile."...
Elizabeth Royte Says Boxed Water Just As Bad As Bottled
by Jaymi Heimbuch, San Francisco, California on 03.27.09
Elizabeth Royte, who wrote the book on the evils of bottled water, (Bottlemania), calls out Boxed Water as perpetuating a culture of unthinking convenience....
Is Google Earth One of the Most Powerful Environmental Protection Tools We Have?
by Matthew McDermott, New York, NY on 03.27.09
Appalachian Voices has made this Google Earth layer showing Appalachian the effects of mountaintop removal coal mining. Yes, that brown area used to be a mountain.
Various TreeHugger writers, myself included, have written a number of times about all the cool things people are doing with Google Earth to discover, monitor and increase awareness about environmental issues around the world. If you want to get up to speed on some of the really interesting things being done with this free software check out a new piece in Yale Environment 360 by Rhett Butler of Mongabay.com:...
The Evangelical Ecologist Hosts Carnival of the Green
by Kara DiCamillo, Newport, Rhode Island on 03.27.09
This week is Carnival of the Green #172 and it's being hosted by our friend Don Bosch and his blog, The Evangelical Ecologist. Don's newly-designed blog has been live for many years now, and is based here in Newport, RI (lucky for us, we get to catch up with him at our monthly Green Drinks gatherings).
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....
Origins Launches Recycling Program For Earth Month
by Jasmin Malik Chua, Jersey City, USA on 03.27.09
Photo credit: Origins
In celebration of Earth Month, Origins will be kicking off its Return to Origins recycling program, a new initiative that was inspired by a 2008 Allure article about the growing problem of cosmetic waste.
The first-of-its-kind nationwide recycling program will accept all empty cosmetic containers, regardless of brand, at more than 450 Origins retail stores and Origins department store counters across the country. ...
Koolhaas To Open Harvard Conference on "Ecological Urbanism"
by Alex Pasternack, New York, NY on 03.27.09
Photo from Eikongraphia
Harvard's conference next weekend on Ecological Urbanism, organized by the Graduate School of Design, might not normally raise many eyebrows. But it's got a big bold-faced name for a keynote speaker: Rem Koolhaas. The Dutch architect provacateur, one of our leading metropolitan prophets, is sure to stir up convention at the intersection of architecture and the environment (see below the fold). But will Koolhaas's interlocutor, post-colonialist extraordinaire Homi Bhabba, raise the architect's dubious if adventurous experiments in Beijing and the Middle East? ...
Climate-Induced Declines in Crane Fly Populations Could Spell Disaster for Some Birds
by Matthew McDermott, New York, NY on 03.27.09
photo: Wikipedia
In a very specific example of how changes in one part of an ecosystem have wide reaching effects, researchers in the UK how changes in the crane fly population, caused by warmer summers, are having a severe impact on the population of birds which depend upon them, the golden plover:...
Seven Reasons Why This is a Great Time To Start a Green Business
by Lloyd Alter, Toronto on 03.27.09
Scott Cooney, Author of Build a Green Small Business: Profitable Ways to Become an Ecopreneur, writes an interesting post at Triple Pundit with seven good reasons why this recession is a great time to start a green business. He makes the important point that every business takes time to catch on, to build a presence, so you might as well go put yourself out in front of customers while everyone else is cutting back. Some of his points:...
Quote of the Day: Model Erin Wasson on a Minimalist Wardrobe
by Jasmin Malik Chua, Jersey City, USA on 03.27.09
Photo credit: Eduardo Sciammarella
I'm working all day and I have a dinner or something, I'll go from jeans and T-shirt to maybe a simple black dress. Same heels. Same hair and makeup. I really like the idea of being utilitarian. My dream is to edit down my wardrobe and be very Japanese, where you have one rolling rack and it's like your four T-shirts, your five dresses, your two pairs of jeans ... I love the idea of being super edited.—Model Erin Wasson, who held a massive garage sale over the weekend, where she cleared her closet of everything she hadn't worn in six months, in The Guardian Via NYMag.com ...
Mountaintop Removal Coal Mining Must Be Stopped, But Don't Blame the Corps For Following Orders
by Matthew McDermott, New York, NY on 03.27.09
photo: Jake McClendon via flickr
At the beginning of the week the EPA put the Army Corps of Engineers on notice that it would be reviewing permits issued by the Corps for two mountaintop removal coal mining operations, one in West Virginia, the other in Kentucky. Though not explicitly stated, the spirit of the move was taken by some to mean that the EPA would be reviewing the entire mining practice and a halt on all permitting was in order. Apparently the Corps didn't pick up on that:...
Effective Communication for Green Brands: Say What You Do!
by Jerry Stifelman, The Change, Chapel Hill, NC on 03.27.09
Image credit: Erento's blog
Professionalism Equals Practicality
A sustainable construction consultancy contacted my brand creation agency. We responded as if they were a sustainable building supply company. How did we make this kind of mistake?
Because nothing on they're web site stated what they actually did as a business.
They did manage to use the word "solution" 8 times, offer a "knowledge library" and provide a section detailing 4 principles of sustainable construction. They also have a series of information-rich brochures about building sustainability — none of which actually say what they do. (This is perhaps most frustrating because what they do is offer a vitally important service to homeowners looking to make sustainable decisions!) Here's how to avoid the same mistakes:...
Earth Hour In Montreal: Ideas in the Dark
by Lloyd Alter, Toronto on 03.27.09
You think this is hard to read? Try the website.
Montreal ad agency Bleublancrouge wanted to do something for Earth Hour that went beyond the usual. Creative Director Gaetan Namouric tells the Globe and Mail:
"We imagined that the hour could be more than just switching the lights off and thinking about global warming," says Mr. Namouric. "We wanted to make it a very creative time."
So they came up with Ideas in the Dark, with a clever if aggravating website, (I had to fire up a second computer to transcribe this) and have come up with a more creative list of things to do:...
Climate Savers Summit Will Help You Learn PC Energy Efficiency
by Jaymi Heimbuch, San Francisco, California on 03.27.09
Yesterday we covered the issue of wasted energy from PCs left on overnight. For those interested in finding out solutions to the problem, you might want to check out the upcoming Climate Savers webinar that will teach you the ins and outs of managing PC power usage....
Himalayan Houseboats Shut Down for Polluting Lake
by Jennifer Hattam, Istanbul, Turkey on 03.27.09
Historic houseboats in the Kashmiri summer capital of Srinagar. Photo via BBC News
Adventurous, and eco-friendly, travelers often seek out off-beat lodging options, staying in yurts or on organic farms, both to soak up more local color and to avoid the social and environmental impacts often associated with large hotels. But when the small, local option is polluting the landscape, what's a green tourist to do?...
Is Boxed Water a Solution to Bottled Water?
by Lloyd Alter, Toronto on 03.27.09
We probably have more posts on the subject of the evils of bottled water than any other. Then along comes water in a box and Jaymi says "they're right in their tagline - boxed water is better for the earth...but it's still not good for it." Others would not even go that far.
...
Earth Hour Plea: We Don't Need Fake Telescopes, We Need Dark Skies
by Lloyd Alter, Toronto on 03.27.09
I was never a very good amateur astronomer, usually too tired to stay out all night looking through my Meade LX200, trying to rack up Messier numbers that you can now program a telescope to show you in an evening. But I have never forgotten the stunning amazement of realizing that the photon that has hit your retina actually travelled from a star light years away. Looking through a telescope changes the way you look at the world around you.
So I don't much like the Humble Telescope....
Chris Jordan: Gel Conference, Colbert Report (Video)
by George Spyros, New York City, USA on 03.27.09
Trend, or Trendy Greenwash? Orange Paying French Customers to Keep Using Old Cell Phones
by April Streeter, Gothenburg, Sweden on 03.27.09
Average cell phone lifetime: between 14 and 18 months. Main reason for getting a new phone (in addition to iPhone lust) is: having a new phone foisted upon you by your cellular provider for a ridiculously low monthly fee. That's why it's a brilliant potential idea that Orange in France decided to pay its current customers 40 Euros (U.S.$54) if they sign up to extend their current service plan but keep their old phones. Plus Orange will donate 5 Euros to WWF for each customer that takes the bait. So why would Orange do something so earth-friendly (and what do the cellular makers think about it?). Read on....
Darwin's Bicentenary Celebrated with TREE Artwork
by Bonnie Alter, London on 03.27.09
TREE at Natural History Museum
Last year this art work was commissioned to celebrate Darwin's 200th anniversary. The winning artist, Tania Kovats, was selected to decorate the ceiling of a gallery in the Natural History Museum in London.
TREE, as it was called, would be a cross-section of an entire 200 year old oak tree, cut lengthways, including the roots, trunk and branches, and inserted into the ceiling. And now the work has been unveiled for all to enjoy its splendour. ...
OMG Cute! & OMG Vulnerable: Clouded Leopard Cubs Born in National Zoo (Video)
by George Spyros, New York City, USA on 03.27.09
Tarte Be Good To Your Mother (Earth) Natural Lip Sheers and Reusable Tote Set
by Jasmin Malik Chua, Jersey City, USA on 03.26.09
Photo credit: Tarte
Pucker up for Earth Day while giving plastic bags the kiss-off with Tarte Cosmetics' Be Good To Your Mother (Earth) lip-gloss-and-tote set. For $35, you'll get a head-turning natural-cotton bag, as well as three natural lip sheers emblazoned with the central tenets of sustainability: Reduce (shimmery coral), Reuse (pink), and Recycle (nude).
Packaged in post-consumer recycled aluminum, the lip glosses offer your kisser an SPF 15 boost, along with a high-octane dose of moisture and protection from ingredients such as beeswax, mango butter, and coconut and peppermint oils. ...
SIGG Introduces New EcoCare Liner
by Jasmin Malik Chua, Jersey City, USA on 03.26.09
Photo credit: SIGG
SIGG, the Swiss maker of those now-ubiquitous (and oh so au courant) aluminum and stainless-steel reusable bottles, has just announced a new coating technology for the inside of their stylish wares.
Dubbed the EcoCare Liner, the new manufacturing process, as described by SIGG CEO Steve Wasik in a press release, is "not only a technological advance, it’s a major step forward in our journey towards sustainability.”
...
James Hansen and Columbia U Hold 350 Conference
by Kristin Underwood, Sacramento, CA on 03.26.09
Image via: Sweden.se
On May 2, 2009, The Earth Institute at Columbia University, the MA students in Columbia's Climate and Society Masters Program and Dr. James Hansen will host their first 350 Conference focusing specifically on the idea that we have to get our current atmospheric levels of 385 parts per million (ppm) carbon dioxide emissions down to at least 350 ppm (or lower). Just how scientists came up with this number, and how exactly we achieve this target is for them to know and you to find out. On May 2nd.
More after the jump....
From the Forums: What are you doing for Earth Hour?
by Alan Graham, Portland, Oregon on 03.26.09
Earth Hour is this Saturday at 8:30 pm. Wherever you are, turn off your lights as a vote for the Earth. The question I'm asking is what will you be doing during that hour? I've got my home automation system already set up to cut the power to our house automagically..
I'm shooting for a late romantic dinner.
You?
Post your ideas here....
Report Shows Half of US Workers Don't Shut Down PCs, Wasting $2.8 Billion
by Jaymi Heimbuch, San Francisco, California on 03.26.09
Nearly two years ago, we reported that leaving PCs on overnight cost US businesses around $1.7 billion a year in wasted energy. However, a new report shows that figure jumping all the way up to $2.8 billion - even during a time when energy efficiency is on everyone's mind. What gives?...
Event: Fair Trade Expo in Portland, OR
by Kristin Underwood, Sacramento, CA on 03.26.09
Image via: Econscious Market
Enjoy fair trade goods? Not sure what that means? Well then add this to your list of things to check out this weekend - the Fair Trade Conference and Expo, happening this weekend March 27-29 in Portland, OR. Not sure you know what Fair Trade is? No problem, keep reading to find out more....
Kevin Rose Leaks Photos of Tesla Model S Electric Car
by Michael Graham Richard, Ottawa, Canada on 03.26.09
Click on the image above to see our Tesla Model S slideshow.
Want more photos, more specs & info on Tesla Model S? Click here.
Maybe They're Fake - We'll Know for Sure at 3:30 EST Kevin Rose, of Digg.com fame, wrote on his twitter feed today: "someone leaked me some tesla model s (electric car) pics, seems to have a huge touch screen display". He then links to a Flickr photo album that contains three photos (more below). The most intriguing one shows a not fully assembled interior, and there's a huge screen....Is Boxed Water a Solution to Bottled Water?
by Jaymi Heimbuch, San Francisco, California on 03.26.09
Photo via Joy and Revolution
Might boxed water be a solution to bottled water for those who refuse to give up buying disposable containers of water? Boxed Water designer Benjamin Edgar thinks so....
Jake Gyllenhaal & Global Green Launch "National Green Schools" Initiative (Video)
by Collin Dunn, Corvallis, OR, USA on 03.26.09
Jay Coen Gilbert and the Search for the Beneficial Corporation (Part One)
by Jacob Gordon, Nashville, TN on 03.26.09
Good business or just good marketing? Green business or greenwashing? Even the most hawk-eyed, label-scouring consumer can’t always know. B Corporation's mission is to replace the guessing game with rigorous standards to judge what makes a truly “beneficial” company. To date, 179 companies representing almost a billion dollars have become certified B Corps. Jay Coen Gilbert, one of three veteran entrepreneurs behind B Corporation, tells TreeHugger how it all works. Listen to the podcast of this interview via iTunes, or just click here to listen, right-click to download. Music comes from Amadou & Miriam. Full text after the jump...
SEC Announces LEED-Certified Child Development Center
by John Laumer, Philadelphia on 03.26.09
Obama on Climate Bill: "We Will Get It Done. And I Will Sign It."
by Brian Merchant, Brooklyn, New York on 03.26.09
Photo via Fox Forum
Strong words—and much needed ones. Obama's proposed budget, which includes $645 billion being generated by a federal cap and trade system, has been the target of raging debates and formal protest. So if you caught Obama's press conference the other day, you may have noticed one particular area on which the president seemed especially emboldened—yup, when the talk turned to passing a climate bill. ...
Tweet-A-Watt Kits Available for Twittering Your Energy Consumption
by Jaymi Heimbuch, San Francisco, California on 03.26.09
Photo via adafruit.com
Greener Gadgets winner Tweet-A-Watt (@tweetawatt) has announced they have kits available so you can hack your Kill-A-Watt to tweet your energy consumption to your followers. ...
700 Megawatt Offshore Wind Farm Plan For Long Island Takes a Step Forward
by Matthew McDermott, New York, NY on 03.26.09
photo: Morten A. Mitchell Larød via flickr
A quick update to plans TreeHugger first wrote about back in September: Plans to develop an offshore wind farm near Long Island seem to have expanded a bit. The Long Island Power Authority and Con Edison have announced that they will be jointly studying the feasibility of developing up to 700 MW of wind power at a location "at least 13 miles off the Rockaway Peninsula":...
CleanTechies Will Help You Write Your Green Job Resume
by Jaymi Heimbuch, San Francisco, California on 03.26.09
Looking for a job in clean tech and need a little help spiffing up your resume? CleanTechies has your back. They've launched a new service that will assist you in writing a clean tech resume. ...
Cool Green Job Watch: Serious Materials Reopens Factory
by Lloyd Alter, Toronto on 03.26.09
Pennsylvania Governor Rendell with Kevin Surace, with permission
More for the Light at End of Tunnel Dept.: There isn't much need for your standard vinyl window these days, and many of the factories have gone bankrupt and closed. But Kevin Surace of Serious Windows is hiring back employees, reopening plants and making high efficiency, energy saving windows and are capturing what little market share there is out there. And the workers are proud and happy to be doing it. As Robin Scott, a 15 year worker said in Greener Buildings:
...
Eco Police Officers: To Protect and Serve . . . the Environment
by Brian Merchant, Brooklyn, New York on 03.26.09
Photo via NY Times
Officer's badge, check. Handcuffs, check. Semiautomatic pistol, check. Pollution sample collection kit, check. Wait, what? Yes, it might seem bizarre, but there's a real division of gun toting law enforcement officers who are out there to protect and serve—the environment. Their jobs are much like your average police officer, but they deal only with environmental crimes and investigations. And if you're illegally polluting, they will not hesitate to put you away....
$3.2 Billion in Federal Funding for Local Energy Efficiency Improvements Made Available
by Matthew McDermott, New York, NY on 03.26.09
As part of the economic stimulus package, Vice President Biden and Energy Secretary Chu have announced that $3.2 billion in block grants has been made available for energy efficiency and conservation projects: ...
Un-TreeHugger: Botanicalls Now Allows Your Plants to Tweet For Water
by Matthew McDermott, New York, NY on 03.26.09
image: Botanicalls
I'm all for Twitter as a communication tool, but this really takes things in a direction that I have to say seems very Un-TreeHugger. Like on many issues, other TreeHugger writers may disagree, but a new device developed by the people who brought you Botanicalls which will send tweets to you when your plants need watering seems really a pointless use of technology:...
Global Warming to Blame for 37% of Droughts
by Jaymi Heimbuch, San Francisco, California on 03.26.09
Photo via Andy Roberts
It's a bit of a debate about exactly what role global warming is playing in droughts in Australia and the US, but at least one scientist has determined that it is 37% at fault for the decreased rainfall in the areas....
Energy Wasting Day is Upon Us Again!
by Sami Grover, Carrboro, NC, USA on 03.26.09
Let the Large-Scale Solar Power Backlash Begin: Objections to California Solar Plans Mounting?
by Matthew McDermott, New York, NY on 03.26.09
It's not quite as simple as just plopping a solar power plant out in the Mojave... photo: Thomas via flickr
With all this talk about placing large solar power plants (either solar PV arrays, or solar thermal facilities) out in the desert, or in similarly wild places, of California—and with Sen. Feinstein's proposal to make 500,000 acres of the Mojave into a solar power no-go zone—the debate about whether we should really be sacrificing large areas of wilderness to satisfy our seemingly insatiable desire for more energy is heating up. Here are some quick excerpts I've noticed over the past couple of days:...
The Home Office Shed Goes Big Business
by Lloyd Alter, Toronto on 03.26.09
Here is an interesting idea being pitched in the UK: The OfficePOD. It isn't just a garden shed, it is a "full service system for employers to lease home offices for their employees to reduce costs, attract and retain staff, reduce CO2 emissions, increase productivity and adapt to change."
...
40% Cheaper Algae Biodiesel Production Technique Touted
by Matthew McDermott, New York, NY on 03.26.09
photo: Jaime Brown via flickr
Researchers at United Environment and Energy LLC in Horseheads, New York (yes, Horseheads...) have announced that they have developed "the first economical, eco-friendly process to convert algae oil into biodiesel." Which may be a bit of overstated, particularly the eco-friendly part, but considering that the process they've developed is claimed to be 40% less expensive than other procedures out there it's worthwhile paying attention:...
What is Blue Energy Anyway? Two Takes on Osmotic Power
by Matthew McDermott, New York, NY on 03.26.09
photo: mozzercork via flickr
Here's one more way to harness the power of water to create energy: It's been dubbed Blue Energy by Ode Magazine in a recent article and involves harnessing the energy released from the process of osmosis. All you need for an osmotic power system is a supply of salt water, a supply of fresh water and an alternating series of ion-exchange membranes. How hard can it be, right? Lets take a look:...
Fuel Ethanol Producers Use Antibiotics - Residues And Resistant Pathogens Found In Animal Feed
by John Laumer, Philadelphia on 03.26.09
Moonshine still circa 1930s. Image credit:OldPicture
Minnesota Public Radio points out that when it comes to weighing the benefits of ethanol for motor fuel, the devil is in the details...or more properly 'in the process.' Who knew that ethanol fuel-production fermentation tanks had antibiotics such as penicillin added? No kidding. This widespread operating practice may have indirect human and animal health impacts. Read on to find out how, and why.
...
Stunning Green Buildings in China: A Slideshow
by Alex Pasternack, New York, NY on 03.26.09
Beijing's Linked Hybrid (Photo courtesy of Steven Holl Architects)
Put this in your smokestack: No country emits more greenhouse gases than China, and nothing emits more greenhouse gases in China than buildings. It's true that China's traditional architecture has been green for centuries, and that the rest of its buildings use a fraction of the energy of their equivalents in the West. But as the country continues to urbanize and raise its standards of living, China's building footprint could easily make the US blush. As the government seeks to promote its own green building standards, projects that are certified by foreign-born systems like LEED (118 buildings have sought or are seeking accreditation) are becoming increasingly appealing to high-end developers.
Until the cost savings and brand-name appeal of green building can spread among Chinese architects and developers – and move beyond the major cities – China has these impressive models to follow. And their lessons aren't just for China.
...
EvanEco goes to the Carnival, Monbiot on Biochar, Accidental Eco Maniac Highlights Women + Water, and More
by Leonora Oppenheim, London, UK on 03.26.09
EvanEco: Carnival of the Green 172 by Don Bosch
"Got milk? Grab a glass of the white stuff and a chocolate chip cookie, and join me for some green bloggy goodness..."...
Is Lighting A Candle for Earth Hour Counterproductive?
by Lloyd Alter, Toronto on 03.26.09
earth hour 2008
Hank the Eco-Geek tells us that it takes about 40 candles to produce the same amount of light as a 40 Watt light bulb and puts out a lot more CO2, so lighting candles during Earth Hour isn't exactly doing much for our greenhouse gas emissions. But he also points out that we don't tend to light 40 candles and make do with a lot less candlepower, although I am now a bit embarrassed by the picture of our dinner table last year. While the source for his information says burning candles is carbon-negative, Hank concludes that it is roughly carbon-neutral if you don't burn too many. However in the end he notes that this is not the point....
Klättermusen Will Pay Customers To Recycle Already Recycled Packs
by Warren McLaren, Sydney on 03.26.09
Photos: Klättermusen
Klättermusen are having a busy March, being an environmentally active manufacturer of outdoor clothing and equipment. At the start of the month they launched their recycling programme, dubbed rECOver. From now on Klättermusen products will bear a small label indicating the value that product has if returned to a Klättermusen stockist. Customers will be refunded up to depending on the product. Some of the products will be processed to make recycled materials, whilst others will be repaired and donated to charity. A very commendable self imposed extended producer responsibility (EPR) program for a small Swedish company.
Klättermusen have been out winning awards this month too, and not strictly speaking for the above program. This particular win involves another equally pioneering endeavour: making packs from old fishing nets and carpets!...
Bushburbs and Hoovervilles Springing Up Across America
by Lloyd Alter, Toronto on 03.26.09
A year ago we reported that there were 18.6 million empty houses in America, with 24 empty houses for every homeless person. Now the New York Times reports that Bushburbs (Hooverville is so 1935) are springing up all over as people lose their jobs and their houses. No doubt the numbers are now far worse....
The North Face Can Sleep at Night in Recycled Sleeping Bags
by Warren McLaren, Sydney on 03.26.09
Photos: The North Face
Previously we made mention of all the back-of-house eco initiatives, that outdoor icon The North Face were pursuing. At the time those endeavours hadn’t really percolated through to their product line. However, we've noticed they rectified that situation....
Survey: Are You Celebrating Earth Hour?
by Lloyd Alter, Toronto on 03.26.09
It started in Sydney two years ago, spread around the world last year, and comes to the USA on Saturday night at 8:30. Are you going to be part of it?
...
We Can't See Them, But EU Wants to Better Regulate Nanoparticles in Sunblock, Lipstick, Creams
by April Streeter, Gothenburg, Sweden on 03.26.09
Photo of the Muji makeup counter Akira Ohgaki @ flickr.
On Wednesday a majority of the the EU Parliament voted for new EU-wide rules regarding nanocosmetics to take effect in 2012. Nanoparticles may already be a part of your life you just don't know too much about - they are in underwear, socks, and other performance clothing - and another area that could have used a bit of the precautionary principle before consumer products were launched on markets. But is there real cause for concern?...
Robot Fish Detects Contamination in the Sea in Northern Spain
by Petz Scholtus, Barcelona, Spain on 03.26.09
Image credit: Reuters
According to Spanish newspaper El País last weekend, British scientists have developed a 1,5 meter long robot fish that will swim around the Spanish north coast to detect contamination in the water. ...
Inspirational, Award-winning Essays from Ooffoo
by Bonnie Alter, London on 03.26.09
Image from bestpriceart.com
Natural Collection, the award-winning on-line website for ecological and fair trade products, started a community-based blog called "Ooffoo". It is a place to exchange ideas, sell things and " to network, communicate, help, advise and share."
Ooffoo held a first, and soon to be annual, Ooffoo Laureate. They asked readers to submit essays on topics that would "inspire people, offer hope and present positive ideas." ...
Seven Ply Recycled Skateboard Jewelry Turns Thrashin Into Fashion
by Kristin Underwood, Sacramento, CA on 03.25.09
Image via: Seven Ply Recycled Skateboard Jewelry
For those of you not living in southern California, or not used to spending your days grinding on a skateboard, Seven Ply is the latest company to turn the skate world into an eco-friendly venture. Owner Lynn Weiler turns broken skateboard decks (the name comes from the 7 layers in a skateboard deck) into cuffs, necklaces and other stylin' gear - the perfect accessory to pair with your new skateboard.
More images after the jump....
Congress Passes Omnibus Public Lands Protection Act
by Daniel Kessler, San Francisco, California on 03.25.09
After a few false starts, Congress has approved a massive public lands bill that protects 200 million acres of wilderness and a thousand miles of rivers. The bill, the Omnibus Public Lands Management Act of 2009 (H.R.146), also creates new national trails, national parks and a new national monument....
Humble Collection Eco-Friendly, Hand-Printed Pillows
by Jasmin Malik Chua, Jersey City, USA on 03.25.09
Photo credit: Humble Collection
The easiest way to dress a room for less? Textiles. With their clean, minimalist designs and bold, saturated colors, these pillow cases from Humble Collection are just what the interior decorator ordered to add some punch to your living space.
Handmade in the United States from 100 percent organic-cotton twill and printed with non-toxic, water-based inks, the cushion covers can be paired with Humble's bamboo or kapok pillows for a wholly sustainable way to gussy up your couch, chair, or bed. ...
Buy, Sell, or Trade Homegrown Produce With Veggie Trader
by Jasmin Malik Chua, Jersey City, USA on 03.25.09
Photo credit: Veggie Trader
Have a bumper harvest of winter squash that's leaving you stumped in the kitchen? Or maybe you have a hankering for fresh, local broccoli rabe. Get your barter on at Veggie Trader, a free Web community that allows members to buy, sell, and trade greens with their neighbors.
Says the site:
We believe Veggie Trader is all about community. It's about finding local food. It's about strengthening local economies. And it's about getting to know your neighbors....
Budget For A Brighter Future
by Greg Haegele of Sierra Club on 03.25.09
6 International Resorts Dishing Pampered Eco Luxury
by April Streeter, Gothenburg, Sweden on 03.25.09
Luxurious looks, eco sensibility. Hua Hin photo via Six Senses.
Luxury by its very definition means indulgence--while eco-consciousness, such as that employed by Scandic in its moderately-priced hotel chain, is more likely to mean slashing consumption. Yet because luxury resorts frequently are located in the world's most beautiful (and delicate) spots, a built-in need for a conservation and sustainability approach is growing fast--nobody will sign up for a safari if the animals are all dead. So when those really special occasions arise--from your honeymoon to your 25th wedding anniversary, to your college graduation--and a staycation won't cut it, try one of these green luxury resorts, located all around the world. All six combine pampering with a pronounced eco-sensibility, from the tropical 35-acre Star Island Bahamas resort to the otherworldly Longitude 131° in the heart of Australia....
Fish Near Water Treatment Plants are Harmed by Human Drugs
by Michael Graham Richard, Ottawa, Canada on 03.25.09
Photo: Flickr, CC
By now must of us have heard about how drugs that are thrown away or that simply pass through our metabolic system and end up in toilets can find their way into ecosystems. But to better do something about this problem, it helps to know more about it, to have quantitative studies and make a priority list. ...
Better Health For All: Critical To Reduce Population Growth & Poverty
by Lester Brown, Washington, D.C on 03.25.09
Rural Ugandan children fetch contaminated drinking water. Image credit:The Water School
Ensuring basic health care for people in low-income countries is critical to the Plan B goal of eradicating poverty and stabilizing population....
Project Green Prom Hosts Dress Swap For NYC Teens
by Jasmin Malik Chua, Jersey City, USA on 03.25.09
Photo credit: Project Green Prom
Give a dress, take a dress: Project Green Prom, a collaborative effort between Teens Turning Green and Whole Foods to get teens to make eco-friendly decisions and purchases during prom season, will be hosting its first ever dress swap on April 6.
New York area high school juniors and seniors are invited to donate their preloved gowns in exchange for another frock. In addition, a green stylist will be present to show teens how to transform something old into something new without spending a lot of dough. ...
A Scentual Brunch at Velvet & Sweet Pea's Purrfumery
by Kristin Underwood, Sacramento, CA on 03.25.09
Image via: Velvet & Sweet Pea's Purrfumery - Stern's own backyard!
This week I had a chance to sit down with Laurie Stern, owner of Velvet & Sweet Pea's Purrfumery. Over an organic brunch of cheese, strawberries, crackers and tea made only from herbs growing in her backyard in San Francisco and her own, homemade honey, we talked all things natural, scentual and even about beaver's balls. Come along for a luxurious afternoon in the hills....
From Recycling Tricycles to Super Trains, How China Moves: A Slideshow
by Alex Pasternack, New York, NY on 03.25.09
Bicycles in Sichuan (Photo by cookieevans5/Flickr)
Twenty years ago, a slideshow on transportation in China wouldn't include much more than two wheels. Now it's hard to set foot in a newly paved street without nearly getting hit by packs of automobiles, fueled as much by cheap gas as by Beijing's economic dependence on the auto industry (also reliant on China's auto yen: GM, which is still selling cars like hot dumplings in the Middle Kingdom).
But even as the expanding middle class drove car sales up by 28 percent last year, only 5 percent of Chinese own cars (compared to around 90 percent in the US); the rest rely on a panoply of other options, from the humble (it was a Long March that launched Mao's revolution) to the grandiose (the train to Lhasa, or a constant stream of new subways) to the downright silly-looking (tricycle-carts so loaded with stuff they can tip over backwards). These and other modes of transit may not brake China's automobile zeal. But they may be able to slow and redirect it before the country makes the same mistakes we did.
...
Toyota to Make Yaris Hybrid to Compete with Low-Cost Honda Insight
by Michael Graham Richard, Ottawa, Canada on 03.25.09
Photo: Toyota
Expected to go on Sale in the U.S. and Japan by 2011
Toyota has been saying for a while that it plans to make hybrid versions of most of its models, but Honda's recently released low-cost Insight hybrid has probably influenced Toyota in its decision to announce a hybrid version of the Yaris. ...
First Real GM Volt Integration Vehicle Scheduled for June 1st
by Michael Graham Richard, Ottawa, Canada on 03.25.09
Click on the photo above to see our Chevy Volt slideshow. Photo: GM
Bidding the Mules Adieu
Up to this point, GM had some Volt powertrains on the road, but they were in Cruze mules, vehicles that different interior and exterior designs. GM also had some cars that looked like the final Volt, but they didn't have the 'Voltec' powertrain. That's about to change: If all goes well, on June 1st, the first "full integration" Volt will be on the road, with about 80 of them to be made before the next phase of production can begin....
China Builds Dam on Indus, Doesn't Tell Pakistan
by Matthew McDermott, New York, NY on 03.25.09
Google Earth image of the area where the dam has been built: Tibetan Plateau (larger)
If you're already on TreeHugger it's safe to assume that you've got an interested in what lies under the great green umbrella. And, now, if you've also got an interest in Tibet you can combine the two at Tibetan Plateau. Though based on its archives, its been around for a bit, its output has increased recently. A post that really caught my eye, which I've seen no coverage of elsewhere, is on China building a dam on the upper reaches of the Indus River, which apparently no one knew about downstream in Pakistan: ...
Make a Laptop Bag Out of Used Plastic Bags
by Jasmin Malik Chua, Jersey City, USA on 03.25.09
80+ Whales and Dolphin Beached in Australia
by Michael Graham Richard, Ottawa, Canada on 03.25.09
Photo: Tasmanian Parks and Wildlife Service, Liz Wren, HO
Sadly, Few Survivors
The CBC reports: "More than 87 whales and five bottlenose dolphins beached early Monday in Hamelin Bay in the state of Western Australia. Seventy-two whales and one dolphin died before they could be rescued, officials said." 11 long-finned pilot whales have survived and were returned to the ocean, but sadly what appears to be 6 of them have re-beached themselves and the last news are that 2 have died....
Seventh Generation Buys Sustainable Palm Kernel Oil Credits, For Its Entire Product Line
by Matthew McDermott, New York, NY on 03.25.09
photo: one Village Initiative via flickr
TreeHugger has given Seventh Generation plenty of coverage for its line of eco-friendly cleaning products and recycled paper products. Now it's worthwhile pointing out that the Burlington, Vermont-based company has taken a further step down the green path: Purchasing sustainable palm oil certification credits for its entire product line, becoming the first company in North America to do so. Here's how this process works:...
Tea Time: A Visit to a Sustainable Tea Plantation
by Kelly Rossiter, Toronto on 03.25.09
all photos by Kelly Rossiter
I've just arrived back in Canada from a trip to Kericho, Kenya to see the Lipton Tea plantation. They are working in partnership with the Rainforest Alliance to have all of their tea plantations certified sustainable by the year 2015. This is a massive undertaking, and Kericho is essentially the model plantation. I'll be doing a series of posts about the Kericho plantation and with a wealth of information to impart, I thought I would start with the obvious, the tea itself....
Should Jatropha Really Be Called the "Blunder Crop"? Biofuels Digest Thinks So
by Matthew McDermott, New York, NY on 03.25.09
I've said it before and I'll continue to say it: Managed properly, and with realistic expectations of crop yields, Jatropha can produce enough oil to be an excellent feedstock for biodiesel. It also can have a number of other environmental benefits, when planted in degraded lands.
However, many of the claims about it be a "wonder crop" are wildly exaggerated. Biofuels Digest is running a good state-of-the-blunder overview of what's going wrong with Jatropha around the world.
Apart from singling out Mission New Energy and GEM Biofuels as doing Jatropha right, Biofuels Digest is catalogues a series of failures, mis-starts and unmet promises: ...
"Extreme" Performance Art By Sheep in LED Clothing (Video)
by Kimberley D. Mok, Montreal, Canada on 03.25.09
Earth Hour Getting Traction in the USA
by Lloyd Alter, Toronto on 03.25.09
Toronto Star
Does Earth Hour (Saturday night at 8:30 local time) make a difference? A bit. Toronto last year saw consumption drop 8.7% as utility workers monitored the screens for trouble. Others will complain that more energy was used making all the candles and driving around to Earth Hour parties. But it is really about awareness, about drawing attention to the issues of consumption and climate change. And everyone from Donny and Marie Osmond to Desmond Tutu are hopping on the bandwagon. ...
The White House Vegetable Garden: A Permaculture Perspective
by Sami Grover, Carrboro, NC, USA on 03.25.09
Image credit: Sunday Times
The White House Garden - Permaculture Style
Politics is an unforgiving arena - everyone's a critic. No sooner had the Obama's announced their plans for a vegetable garden at the White House, even featuring bee hives for pollination, and Rob Hopkins and the permaculture community starts weighing in on how they would do things differently. Read on to find out what their beef, I mean beet, is with the first family's locavorian habits.
...
Coastal Wetlands May Get Climate Change Boost, Before Being Overwhelmed by Rising Seas
by Matthew McDermott, New York, NY on 03.25.09
photo: Adam Sofen via flickr
Though in the long-run rising sea levels and temperatures because of climate change certainly still pose a threat to coastal wetlands, researchers from the Smithsonian Institution and the US Geological Survey have concluded a two year study on the effect of CO2 levels on soil elevation in marshes which adds a new wrinkle to the effects we can expect to see as the Earth continues to warm:...
Biochar is No Climate Change Miracle Cure: George Monbiot
by Matthew McDermott, New York, NY on 03.25.09
photo: Carbonscape
I generally like George Monbiot's writing, but in his latest piece in The Guardian on the benefits and consequences of using biochar (aka, charcoal) buried in the ground to sequester carbon is a bit sloppy.
While I agree with his larger message that collectively there is the tendency to look for a techno-fix to our environmental problems, when the real solution is much more complex and has at least as much to do with behavioral solutions, Monbiot overreaches in blaming several leading scientists (James Lovelock and Jim Hansen among them) for stoking the fires of over-enthusiasm. Fortunately The Guardian gave room for rebuttal. Here's the back and forth:...
Are Greener Big Companies Beating the Recession?
by Brian Merchant, Brooklyn, New York on 03.25.09
Photo via Daylife
What do Netflix, Peet's Coffee, and Apple all have in common? Maybe more than meets the eye. First off, each of these companies is defying expectations with stocks that continue to rise-- despite the recession. But how are they doing it? Could it be that the green qualities these companies have are inadvertently helping them beat the recession? Now, these aren't what you'd call truly green companies—but each has some green inherently built into their business models. Is it coincidence that the same companies that are staying above water are the same ones with greener operations? You be the judge....
A Trip to Italy and Michael Pollan, Too
by Kelly Rossiter, Toronto on 03.25.09
I can see the allure of a beach vacation if you lead a high-powered life and you need a week to stretch out and do nothing but read and swim and drink fancy cocktails. Personally, I like some intellectual stimulation when I travel. I want to learn something about the place I'm visiting, and possibly about myself. Here's an amazing sounding trip where you get the beauty of Tuscany, spectacular food by an award winning chef, and lectures by TreeHugger favourite, Michael Pollan....
Nissan and San Diego Gas & Electric's Electric Car Program Shows Promise
by Daniel Kessler, San Francisco, California on 03.25.09
Reuters
Nissan Motor Company announced on Monday that it has partnered with San Diego Gas & Electric to develop an infrastructure that would create charging stations for electric car owners, maybe as early as 2010. The announcement shows promise but it raises some significant questions....
EU Could Force Universal Charger Standard for Mobile Phones
by Christine Lepisto, Berlin on 03.25.09
Image: Getty
51,000 to 82,000 tons of waste. That is the volume of phone chargers that are sold with replacement handsets every year, assuming 50 to 80% of new mobile phone sales are "upgrades" for existing cell phone owners, according a GSMA analysis from UNEP, Gartner, European Commission Integrated Product Policy Pilot on Mobile Phones, University of Southern Queensland data. That is not counting manufacturing wastes and emissions either.
A Universal Charger Standard would make it possible for you to simply continue using the perfectly good charger you already have at home. Or to swap with a friend, or borrow a charger when travelling. With standardization, manufacturers could put more investment into developing smart chargers with better energy efficiency. But is it technically feasible? And is it too late?...
Border Patrol Poisoning Plants Along Mexican Border
by Lloyd Alter, Toronto on 03.25.09
Rio Grande via Aquistbe
When Michael Chertoff was in charge of Homeland Security, he took the environment seriously. He justified the wall he was building between Mexico and the United States:
....there are also environmental reasons to stop illegal crossings....illegal entrants leave trash and high concentrations of human waste, which impact wildlife, vegetation and water quality in the habitat. Wildfires caused by campfires have significantly damaged the soil, vegetation, and cultural sites, not to mention threatened human safety."He would probably therefore be upset to learn that the US Border Patrol is planning to poison that vegetation "to improve visibility and mobility."...
Forest Research Center is Built, Logically, of Wood
by Lloyd Alter, Toronto on 03.25.09
Wood is a wonderful building material; It is lovely to work with, warm in appearance and if sustainably harvested, sequesters Carbon Dioxide for the life of the timber. Its only big drawback is that it burns, which has limited its use in bigger buildings. However heavy timber can perform better than steel in fires, and there are effective sprinkler systems.
The Finnish Forest Research Institute was designed by SARC Architects to try and use Finnish wood in all kinds of innovative ways....
iPhorest iPhone App Plants Real Trees Every Time You Plant a Virtual One
by Jaymi Heimbuch, San Francisco, California on 03.25.09
A new iPhone app launched yesterday called iPhorest, an app that lets you plant trees, both physically and virtually....
Solar Power Frenzy Hits Texas
by Brian Merchant, Brooklyn, New York on 03.25.09
Photo via Sustainable Design Update
Texas produces more wind power than any other state in the US. Now, it's looking to be a leader in solar power as well. And Lone Star State legislators aren't wasting any time. The New York Times describes an "avalanche" of bills that create or improve incentives for solar power hitting the state senate. There are so many solar power bills rolling in that they've actually taken to calling this entire session of congress "the solar session."...
Are You Following TreeHugger Headlines on Twitter?
by Chris Tackett, San Francisco on 03.25.09
Image via Chris Tackett
Did you know you can get TreeHugger headlines on Twitter? You can! Follow @TH_RSS to have all TreeHugger headlines come to you via Twitter. This means you'll be seeing new stories posted to Twitter without having to leave the warmth and comfort of your Twitter world! Until we figure out a way to beam the latest in modern green news directly into your brain, this is the best way to stay up-to-date with everything green.
If you don't know what Twitter is or don't know how to take advantage of this, scroll down for a quick tutorial. For everyone already hip to Twitter, click through for more on the new @TH_RSS Twitter feed.
...
Turkish Schoolkids Teach, Learn About the Earth
by Jennifer Hattam, Istanbul, Turkey on 03.25.09
A hair cut to help the planet. Photo via Gazeteport
Early this year, approximately 60 Turkish schoolgirls at Mehmet Aslantürk Elementary School in the Black Sea region near Trabzon decided to get their hair cut. Not for school photos or graduation, but to draw attention to the problems of global warming and water scarcity. The girls had permission from their families to adopt the shorter styles, which will require less time and resources to wash and blow-dry [link in Turkish]. "I am saving water, electricity and shampoo," student İrem Yıldız was quoted as saying by local papers. "Our hair is shorter, but we extend our planet's life."...
Green:Net 2009: Who is the Green Audience, and What Makes Them Care? (Video)
by Jaymi Heimbuch, San Francisco, California on 03.25.09
How is the Internet shaping environmentalism among the masses? Companies who launch their services online have to know in order to reach their audience and make a difference. A panel of experts at Green:Net talked about knowing their audience and the focus they have to put on their services to get people to pay attention. ...
Down:2:Earth Green Living Expo Has a Special Surprise
by Jaymi Heimbuch, San Francisco, California on 03.25.09
The Down:2:Earth Green Living Expo is happening April 3-5 in Boston. It's a great place to find green products, learn about the goings on in the environmental community, and educate participants on sustainability. This year's gathering will feature a special treat that TreeHugger is pretty jazzed about. ...
Green:Net 2009: Debuting the 10 Start-Ups to Follow
by Jaymi Heimbuch, San Francisco, California on 03.25.09
A final event at Green:Net 2009 was the LaunchPad. Ten start-ups, many never-before-seen, had an opportunity to pitch themselves to the audience. The audience and a panel of judges decided the best start-up. Check out the contenders and the winner.
...
Survey: How Far Should We Go To Reduce Waste?
by Lloyd Alter, Toronto on 03.25.09
Tom proposed some pretty radical ideas for reducing waste; We have also suggested it's time for deposits on everything.
...
Skate Chair, Window-Metal Table + More: Reclaimed and Sustainable Furniture by 2Z
by Paula Alvarado, Buenos Aires on 03.25.09
Photos: 2Z Moveis.
These pieces of furniture are the work of Brazilian designer Zanini de Zanine Caldas, who uses reclaimed and sustainable materials to build modern, hip pieces folloring the steps of father Jose Zanine Caldas, a prominent architect and artist from Brazil.
Find out the details for the furniture above and more, larger pictures in the extended....
Green:Net 2009: Smart Grid Standards According to the Experts (Video)
by Jaymi Heimbuch, San Francisco, California on 03.25.09
"Standards" is the buzz word around the smart grid right now. And no wonder. About 3,500 utilities need to be put on the same track. Mainstream knowledge and desire for energy security, environmental concerns, and money-saving concerns has added to the push behind smart grid innovators, who have been pushing for standards for years. Finally, the industry is paying attention. A panel of leaders at Green:Net gave us some nuggets about smart grid standardization.
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Green:Net 2009: To Manage It, You Need to Measure It (Video)
by Jaymi Heimbuch, San Francisco, California on 03.25.09
But if you're going to measure it. how do you get the information needed to make those measurements? Five higher-ups from the top carbon footprint monitoring and measuring systems from different areas discuss how their systems gather the info that measures carbon footprints....
Threatened Iberian Lynx Mama Gives Birth to Three Kittens - Population Up 1.5 Percent!
by April Streeter, Gothenburg, Sweden on 03.25.09
Photo of Saliega and Aura via Kalipedia.
If I didn't read TreeHugger faithfully each day, I wouldn't have known the endangered Iberian lynx was in such terrible trouble, and the recent hit-and-run death of a pregnant lynx had the power to drop the global population of this whisker-jawed feline by more than one percent. But since I did know that, it seems only right to spread some good news. Another pregnant mama, named Saliega, successfully gave birth to triplets in captivity yesterday. These are the first three Iberian lynxes to be born in 2009, at Spain's Doñana El Acebuche nature park. Keep reading for a link to an adorable photo of one of the kittens. ...
Green:Net 2009: The Major Obstacles Standing in the Way of Electric Cars
by Jaymi Heimbuch, San Francisco, California on 03.25.09
A panel of the big names in electric car infrastructure held a panel at Green:Net. Better Place, Google, Coulomb Technologies, and GridPoint were all present. One issue discussed was the challenges facing electric vehicles. Click through to hear the biggest challenges standing in the way of us and our EVs. ...
Green:Net 2009: Bob Metcalfe Says Green is Not a Good Color (Video)
by Jaymi Heimbuch, San Francisco, California on 03.25.09
Bob Metcalfe, General Partner of Polaris Venture Partners, gave the morning keynote at Green:Net 2009. In it, he discussed how the internet and energy consumption blend with one another. Two things really stood out from his talk. Click through to watch video....
Green:Net 2009: Mayor Gavin Newsom Kicks Off Green Tech Conference (Video)
by Jaymi Heimbuch, San Francisco, California on 03.25.09
According to Mayor Gavin Newsom, it's remarkably easy for cities to cut carbon emissions significantly. It's just that no one seems to be doing it. Click through to listen to Mayor Newsom's opening remarks. ...
Ikea's April Fool's Day Present: A Car, Car-Sharing, or a French Joke?
by April Streeter, Gothenburg, Sweden on 03.25.09
Still clip from video via roulez-leko.com.
Since the Internet's abuzz with rumors of an IKEA car, supposedly to be called the 'Leko' and to be introduced by French IKEA on March 31 - we thought we'd jump in with some facts, as well as some healthy speculation.
The initial source of the rumor is a french web site called roulez-leko.com, which includes a video clip of the "designer" Christophe Grozs giving a few tantalizing clues about IKEA's introduction, along with the conservation charity WWF, of "the car of tomorrow." But before your mind goes frenzied with visions of a flat-pack car, read on...
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Enter the Spring Greening Contest Soon
by Bonnie Alter, London on 03.25.09
Image from Inhabitat
Our friends at Inhabitat are holding a Spring Greening Contest. It's a chance for all of you budding designers,artists, and crafts people to clean out your closets and remake some old dusty household item into a found object.
Whether it be an old chair that needs fixing and recovering or a table painted in heavenly eco-colours or a seat made out of newspapers... The winners will be featured on Inhabitat's award-winning site and you will win a gift certificate for $200....
Seven Smooches: Repurposed Clothing For Kids
by Jasmin Malik Chua, Jersey City, USA on 03.24.09
Photo credit: Seven Smooches
Repurposing for a purpose is the ethos behind Seven Smooches, a children's apparel company run by two moms who have seven—count 'em!—bambinos between them.
The one-of-a-kind, made-to-order pieces are divided into two lines: Fall/Winter, which comprises coats, cardigans, hats, and mittens made from recycled woolens, and Spring/Summer, a collection of dresses, skirts, board shorts, bonnets, and sun hats sewn from preloved pillowcases and vintage feed sacks....
Robo-Fish Ready to Get their Feet Wet... err, I should rather say, Fins (video)
by Eric Leech, New York, NY on 03.24.09
Sandmaiden: Sustainable Made-To-Order Lingerie, Sleepwear
by Jasmin Malik Chua, Jersey City, USA on 03.24.09
Photo credit: Sandmaiden
Get your sexy knickers made to order in the most luxurious of sustainable fabrics. Sandmaiden, a one-woman operation based in Seattle, hand-dyes natural textiles such as organic cotton, silk, bamboo, and hemp with low-impact dyes before stitching them into an array of boudoir-ready bras, chemises, camisoles, panties, lounge pants, and robes based on measurements you specify.
Can't wait? Sandmaiden has a small selection of ready-to-wear intimates that will still send you blushing. Even more remarkably, everything is under $100....
Greener Rubber Shoe Soles from Vibram: A Step in the Right Direction
by Matt Grigsby of Ecolect.net on 03.24.09
Photo credit: M.J.S. @ Flickr
In the 1840's, Charles Goodyear discovered a way to make rubber incredibly stable and a new material was brought into the world. This process still exists today and is called vulcanization; learn more about rubber chemistry from HowStuffWorks. So why is rubber which has been vulcanized, or chemically strengthened, becoming a controversial issue? ...
EPA's CO2 Scheme: the Most Ambitious Regulation Challenge in History?
by Brian Merchant, Brooklyn, New York on 03.24.09
Photo via World News
With the EPA moving ever closer to flat out declaring CO2 as a pollutant that's dangerous to public health, the idea of the regulatory mess the agency will have on its hands is becoming clearer and clearer. Heavy industry, vehicle emissions, and coal plants, oh my—the question remains exactly how the EPA will manage to regulate all the carbon that's spewed left and right by the likes of both car driving individuals and sprawling manufacturing companies. The New York Times stated outright that the EPA "has embarked on one of the most ambitious regulatory challenges in history."...
U.K. Launches First Carbon Label For Fashion
by Jasmin Malik Chua, Jersey City, USA on 03.24.09
Photo credit: Continental Clothing
U.K. shoppers will be able to examine the carbon footprint of the clothes they buy for the first time, thanks to the launch of the world's first Carbon Reduction Label for textiles.
Initiated by Continental Clothing, a London-based organic apparel company, in partnership with the Carbon Trust, the new label will state the amount of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases that were produced as a result of the clothing item's production, distribution, use, and disposal. ...
Australia's Carbon Cap System Will Cost Coal Companies $3.5 Billion
by Brian Merchant, Brooklyn, New York on 03.24.09
Photo via abc
It's bad news for Australia's coal industry, and good news for all those concerned about climate change: the country's proposed cap and trade system will hit big coal the hardest. The carbon cap will cost the coal industry a hefty 5 billion Australian dollars ($3.5 USD), since permits to emit a ton of carbon will cost A$25 each. Predictably, the coal industry is in a frenzy. They say if the cap goes into effect—as it's slated to do July 1st, 2010—over 3,000 jobs will be lost and 10 coal mines will be closed down. ...
Exxon Valdez Anniversary: Take Action Today
by Greg Haegele of Sierra Club on 03.24.09
Valdez oil spill. Image credit:Alaska In Pictures
Today marks the 20th anniversary of the devastating Exxon Valdez oil spill. It's hard to believe so much time has passed since the tanker dumped 11 million gallons of oil into Alaska's Prince William Sound, but it's not surprising that the spill's effects still linger. There is oil beneath the beaches of Prince William Sound, and the fishing industry of that region was decimated - leaving many without jobs.
It also didn't help those relying on the fishing industry for their livelihoods that Exxon fought its penalty payments to them for years. I know people who still avoid going to Exxon gas stations because of that tragedy....
Al Gore Announces New Book, "Picking up where An Inconvenient Truth left off"
by Michael Graham Richard, Ottawa, Canada on 03.24.09
Photo: Al Gore, Norwegian US Embassy.
Will There Be A Movie This Time?
Al Gore has just announced a new book titled Our Choice that will be a kind of sequel to An Inconvenient Truth. “An Inconvenient Truth reached millions of people with the message that the climate crisis is threatening the future of human civilization and that it must and can be solved. Now that the need for urgent action is even clearer with the alarming new findings of the last three years, it is time for a comprehensive global plan that actually solves the climate crisis. Our Choice will answer that call.”...
The Northern Divide Grizzly Bear Project (and a Pole-Dancing Bear)
by Michael Graham Richard, Ottawa, Canada on 03.24.09
Photo: Public domain
Better Understanding Grizzly Bears to Better Protect Them
Get ready for the acronyms. The Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center (NOROCK) is part of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), and one of their project is monitoring the Northern Continental Divide Ecosystem (NCDE) in northwest Montana. It's "one of the last strongholds of the grizzly bear in the lower 48 states" and probably is home to the greatest population of grizzly bears. The video below was taken by a USGS camera that was triggered by a motion sensor (the stripper music was later added...)....
10 Coolest Multifunctional Furniture Designs (Slideshow)
by Collin Dunn, Corvallis, OR, USA on 03.24.09
Transformer furniture is a TreeHugger favorite, from an entire apartment in a box to a dual table equally at home for coffee or dining and beds that hide in the ceiling. Check out a slideshow of some of the coolest multifunctional furniture designs out there.
More about green transformer furniture
How to Go Green: Furniture
Transformer Furniture Goes Mainstream
Transformer Furniture: Quickie by Jared Dickey
Transformer Furniture: Quickie by Jared Dickey
10 (More) Pieces of Clever Transforming Furniture: From Tetris Tables to Rooms in a Box...
EPA Acts on Mountaintop Removal Coal Mining: Stream and Wetland Protections Inadequate (UPDATED)
by Matthew McDermott, New York, NY on 03.24.09
photo: Wikipedia
Just one month after a US circuit court of appeals in Virginia overturned a ruling banning mountaintop removal coal mining, the EPA steps up to the plate to address the issue. The agency has sent two letters to the US Army Corps of Engineers expressing concerns about the environmental impact of two new coal mining operations in West Virginia and Kentucky:...
Threadless Loves Green T-Shirt Design Contest
by Jasmin Malik Chua, Jersey City, USA on 03.24.09
"Energy Efficient Firefly" by Andy Gonsalves
Threadless is looking for the next, big green tee. The online community-driven T-shirt company is running an Earth Day-themed challenge, sponsored by Wacom and Origins, to solicit designs based on what "green" means to you:
Is it a cleaner environment? Sustainable resources? Renewable energy? Global responsibility? All of the above? Or maybe you have some other ideas… We’d love to see em! Your challenge is to create a design based on the concept of thinking GREEN!...
First-Ever Global Glut In Natural Gas Will Slow US Drilling & Encourage Power Plant Developers To Pass Over Coal, Nuclear Fuels
by John Laumer, Philadelphia on 03.24.09
LNG plant on Sakhalin island, Korsakov, Russia. Image credit:IHT, via Sergei Karpukhin/Reuters)
This is a global tale, of LNG freighters bringing vast quantities of natural gas to North America, of US 'NIMP' ("not in my port") protesters bypassed by existing LNG terminals, and of a market-driven end to the "Drill Babies." Much good will come of the global gas glut. For example, as a result of the cheap, easy-access to more natural gas, a future plug-in hybrid fleet for the USA will operate more cleanly. As for the NIMP'ers, perhaps hindsight will better enable a broader understanding of a seminal and very controversial post about this same topic, written back in 2007:- Real Treehuggers Support Adding LNG Terminals...
This Warms the Cockles of My Heart: True Bus Rapid Transit in Los Angeles
by Michael Graham Richard, Ottawa, Canada on 03.24.09
Photo: Flickr, CC
Something Rare: Bus Rapid Transit Done Right in the US!
Our friends at StreetFilms had a closer look at the Orange Line Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) in Los Angeles, and what they found makes me very happy. This BRT line, though short, is very well done (there's even a bike path next to it, and bike racks on the buses), and should be a model for other lines in LA and all around the country. Read on for more and for the great video....
Quote of the Day: Jack Diamond on Beauty in Economy
by Lloyd Alter, Toronto on 03.24.09
Jack Diamond of Diamond + Schmitt Architects has always produced elegant but restrained work. He suggests that it is more appropriate for these times.
"You can build structures that are both dramatic and sustainable. Consider Buckminster Fuller's domes that were designed to have the smallest ratio of structural steel to the area enclosed or load supported. He was looking at an elegant way to use the least amount of material. Fifty years ago, he explored a dramatic and sustainable path to the future, a path followed by relatively few."...
Bangladesh Tries Working With Nature to Stave Off Sea Level Rise
by Matthew McDermott, New York, NY on 03.24.09
photo: Dan Nevill via flickr
Bangladesh has got it rough. Even without climate change set to give the nation a one-two punch (rising sea levels and increased storms coming in off the Bay of Bengal, and increasing run-off from the Ganges, Brahmaputra and Meghna rivers coming down from the Himalaya), the yearly effect of monsoonal flooding is pretty bad. Well, the New York Times is reporting on how some Bangladeshis are using increasing silt runoff to shore up the land around them:...
Today is Exxon Valdez Remembrance Day
by Michael Graham Richard, Ottawa, Canada on 03.24.09
20 Years After the Massive Oil Spill, What Have We Learned?
As we wrote about last week, today is the 20th anniversary of the Exxon Valdez oil spill, a sad day indeed. There's a lot of Exxon Valdez coverage on the net today, about the lessons learned and those that we still have yet to internalize. Read on for a quick overview of Exxon Valdez coverage....
Illegal Logging, Looting and Civil Strife Close Madagascar National Park, Rare Lemurs at Risk
by Matthew McDermott, New York, NY on 03.24.09
photo: Wikipedia
If you follow international news even slightly, you're probably aware that Madagascar is going through a bit of a rough patch, politically speaking. But what has been absent from the headlines so far is the effect that the civil strife is having on the country's flora and faura:...
The Talk Market Offers Deals for a Unique Shopping Experience
by Kara DiCamillo, Newport, Rhode Island on 03.24.09
If you’re like us, sometimes we hesitate when buying online. It seems even more so when it comes to small, artisan-type products. Enter The Talk Market, a new 100% video based shopping experience, where passionate designers, inventors, retailers, and artists personally show you their amazing products and creations. We really like what this new shopping experience has to offer and hearing the story from the people behind the scenes is even cooler. Whether it's Ted Dennard, owner of Savannah Bee Company in Georgia, or Dominique Camacho, founder of Sustainable NYC, or the creative green furniture designers at Brave Space Design in Brooklyn, The Talk Market has a unique selection of over 1,000 boutique products that you can see and experience as you shop. ...
Design the Classroom of the Future
by Lloyd Alter, Toronto on 03.24.09
In the world today there are 10 million classrooms in need of repair. The World Bank says we will need 10 million more new classrooms in more than 100 countries by 2015. And really, classrooms have barely evolved in the last few decades, perhaps a video projector is screwed to the ceiling and that is it.
Architecture for Humanity thinks we can do better. They are sponsoring the 2009 Open Architecture Challenge: to design the classroom of the future. ...
Ireland Offers New Feed-In Tariff for Small-Scale Renewable Energy, For a Limited Time
by Matthew McDermott, New York, NY on 03.24.09
The idea is to encourage more renewable energy development rural areas... photo: Fionn Kidney via flickr
In an effort to kick-start small-scale renewable energy development at homes and farms, Ireland has established a new feed-in tariff program. But if you want in on it, you had better act fast. Only the first 4,000 projects registered in the next three years will qualify:...
Looking for Green at the Sportsmans Show
by Lloyd Alter, Toronto on 03.24.09
Every year I go to the Sportsmans show, the home of ATVs and fast boats and guns and ammo, and try to see if there are any trends that could possibly be called green in this motorized world. In the past I have found yurts and some neat bikes, but alas, the environmental movement as we know it hasn't made much of a dent in this milieu, and the pickings were few and far between....
Green:Net 2009: You Know You're At A Green Conference When...
by Jaymi Heimbuch, San Francisco, California on 03.24.09
Green:Net is kicking off today, and you definitely know you're at a green conference the second you walk in the restroom......
How to Get Green Jobs and Beat the Recession Blues
by Brian Merchant, Brooklyn, New York on 03.24.09
Photo via Time
The recession sucks. Unemployment rates are rising to frightening heights as layoffs sweep the nation. And it can be most harrowing on a personal level: What do you do if you get laid off? Well, you turn it into an opportunity to green your job, your routine, your life.
Seriously. This isn't a pithy little feature designed to cash in on recession anxiety. These are real steps that real people—among them my own friends and relatives—can and are taking to turn one of the most painful, unnerving junctures of their lives into a real opportunity. Not only to restructure the way they work and live to lessen their impact, but to launch new careers in an ever-greening world. Here's a guide to how they're doing it, and how you can too:...
Largest Rooftop Solar Power Array in the US Dedicated... In Atlantic City
by Matthew McDermott, New York, NY on 03.24.09
photo: Atlantic City Convention Center
You may not think of Atlantic City, New Jersey as a major player in solar power, but with the official dedication of the rooftop solar array on the Atlantic City Convention Center—the actual construction was completed back in December—it certainly deserves its moment in the spotlight:...
Ocean Iron Fertilization Test Casts Doubt on Ability of Southern Ocean to Soak Up Excess Carbon Dioxide
by Matthew McDermott, New York, NY on 03.24.09
These small copepods ate up algae, preventing it from sinking to great enough depths for long-term sequestration to work. Photo: AWI
Researchers investigating ocean iron fertilization in the Southern Ocean as part of the Lohafex project have reported back that their results show that the geo-engineering technique could not have a major impact on absorbing excess carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, at least not in that region of the world's oceans:...
IKEA Goes Dark For Earth Hour (But Not In The USA)
by Lloyd Alter, Toronto on 03.24.09
Some people are saying that Earth Hour is silly and doesn't save a watt; others say it has become too corporate. But in much of the world, corporations and individuals are taking it very seriously. In the UK, IKEA is turning off its signs, turning down its lighting and donating 10% of its revenue from CFL sales to the WWF. In Canada, IKEA is also turning down the lights, but also doing what some think is manifestly silly: Giving out 4,000 candles to all of its employees "so they can flick their lights off at home in safety."
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Adili Online Ethical Fashion Store Launches Own Label For SS09
by Leonora Oppenheim, London, UK on 03.24.09
Hooraay for spring, sunshine, flowers and new pretty ethical clothing collections like Adili's recently launched Own-Label. This popular online fashion store, that won Retailer of the Year at the Re: Fashion Awards in November, has branched out from stocking regular ethical fashion favourites to creating their own 15 piece collection for SS09. Designed by Sury Bagenal the collection celebrates sustainable fabrics and traditional Indian embroidery skills from a women's cooperative in Gujarat. Click through to see more images......
The Blackboard Blogger of Liberia
by Mark Ontkush, Boston, Massachusetts, USA on 03.24.09
Image from AfriGadget
The “Daily News” is a blackboard on a major road in Monrovia, Liberia which is run by a fellow named Alfred Sirleaf. Everyday, he writes out the news in neat letters for those who can't afford newspapers, radio, or a generator to run a TV. Mr. Sirleaf might be considered an "analog blogger", and this is how he is changing the world one letter at a time.
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Chinese Government-Owned Company Considers Buying Partially-Built Hybrid California Power Plant
by John Laumer, Philadelphia on 03.24.09
Contract signing in 2008 for "VV2" solar-thermal-gas hybrid power plant turbine purchase. Image credit:City of Victorville CA.
Looks as if the economic downturn has claimed another green casualty. And the upshot is not pretty. Victorville CA's Daily Press reports that the City of Victorville over-reached on plans to build a municipally-owned hybrid power plant, called the "VV2," and can't drum up funding to pay for millions of dollars worth of outstanding equipment orders. (See design details in our earlier post:- Victorville CA Power Developer Proposes ‘Cross-Designed’ Power Plant.).
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Should Solar Development be Banned from the Mojave Desert?
by Lloyd Alter, Toronto on 03.24.09
There is a lot of sun in the Mojave Desert; one would think it is just about the most perfect spot for solar power installations. But there are also desert tortoises, so a California Senator is pushing for a ban.
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The Tata Nano, "The People's Car," Launches in India
by Daniel Kessler, San Francisco, California on 03.24.09
Image credit: Tata
After much hype from the press and protest from environmental groups, the Tata Nano, a car that retails for about 100,000 Indian rupees ($2,000), is ready to hit the market. ...
Electric Cars: A Definitive Guide from HybridCars
by Sami Grover, Carrboro, NC, USA on 03.24.09
Image credit: HybridCars
Definitive Guide to Electric Vehicles - Past and Present
As a rule, TreeHugger likes to pride itself as a go-to resource on all things green, including electric cars. Mike's round up of 17 electric cars you must know about, or his slideshow of 23 electric cars that are driving the revolution are both great resources for anyone wanting to explore the widening range of new, efficient electric vehicles that are beginning to emerge. But we're not the only ones with this obsession - Brett over at HybridCars has created what looks like being a definitive guide to all major electric cars that are currently available or in the works, and even most of the rare and discontinued models too. But he needs your help to keep it updated.
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Michele Bachmann Tells Citizens to Get "Armed And Dangerous" About Climate Change Laws
by Lloyd Alter, Toronto on 03.24.09
New Solar Refrigerator Prototype from Chile
by Paula Alvarado, Buenos Aires on 03.24.09
Photos: University of Santa Maria.
Even if each time the words ‘solar refrigerator’ come in the news it sounds like a groundbreaking story, truth is the idea of using heat to create cold is pretty old. A French inventor came up with a concept to do this as far back as 1858, there are records that show a machine prototype from 1935, and the concept of evaporative cooling has been widely explored, as Lloyd notes in a previous article.
However, it’s always interesting to see new prototypes. This one comes from South America and is based on adsorption, using methane as gas and active carbon as the absorbent solid material. Get the details and larger pics in the extended....
Toshiba Starting Mass Production of Fuel Cells
by Jaymi Heimbuch, San Francisco, California on 03.24.09
Photo of Toshiba's prototype fuel cell-powered cell phone via TechOn
So far, listening to what Toshiba is up to in terms of fuel cells has been an exercise in patience. And while we are still waiting for that fuel cell-powered phone they promised would arrive this month, it seems they're getting real about mass producing the fuel cells. ...
In-Season Food App for Locavores' iPhones
by Jaymi Heimbuch, San Francisco, California on 03.24.09
An app from the iTunes store could keep you updated on everything you need to know to eat locally, from which foods are in season in your area to where to find the next farmer's market to how to cook your finds. ...
Viv Puts Consumer Power to Positive Effect...It's Like Carrotmob 2.0
by April Streeter, Gothenburg, Sweden on 03.24.09
San Francisco, center of the CarrotMob phenomenon (which has spread to Europe and beyond), is now the birthplace of a new consumer tool to aid businesses in steps to greening. Brainchild of Arul Velan and Dinesh Thirupvanam, Viv's physical embodiment is a small bar code sticker that you affix to your credit card and show to participating retailers whenever you shop. On Viv's web site, Dinesh explains that he can't give up cushy white toilet paper, so he felt he'd better give back with Viv. How, you wonder can this little sticker help do good?...
Observer Food Awards Feature Healthy, Ethical Winners
by Bonnie Alter, London on 03.24.09
Image from the Guardian
The Observer newspaper Food Awards show how the range of foods available in the UK has changed; no longer a country of turnips and beer, the awards celebrate the ingenuity and dedication of producers involved in the British food business.
The categories dearest to our heart are food personality, best ethical contribution, best producer, best ethical restaurant and best independent food shop. The Food Personality of the Year is Jamie Oliver and how can anyone not agree. He's pioneering, revolutionary and a national treasure. And he's cooking for the G20 economic summit in April....
EPA Wants Your Photos and Videos For Earth Day Project, Submissions Open Now
by Matthew McDermott, New York, NY on 03.23.09
photo: Matthew McDermott
Photographers and filmmakers, the EPA wants you! As part of its Earth Day activities, the Environmental Protection Agency is launching an interactive film and photography project: Submit your own videos and photographs documenting what your doing to protect the water you drink, what steps your taking to reduce air pollution, and how you're contributing to the overall health of your community:
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$168 Billion Could be Saved by Federal Energy Efficiency Resource Standard
by Matthew McDermott, New York, NY on 03.23.09
photo: Dan4th Nicholas via flickr
TreeHugger consistently says that the least expensive way to green your energy usage is through energy efficiency. Energy that you don't need to use because your home or office retains heat when appropriate and ventilates well when needed, or because your appliances required less energy to do what they're supposed to do, is the cheapest way to knock some kilowatt-hours off your electric bill. But the impact of energy efficiency not only adds up quickly, it goes beyond reducing energy demand.
A new report from the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy shows just how much the United States could gain from increased energy efficiency:...
Most Beautiful Waves...Ever (Slideshow)
by Jaymi Heimbuch, San Francisco, California on 03.23.09
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Clark Little is a photographer with a gift for capturing the ocean at its most beautiful. When you take a look at his images, it's hard to imagine that the ocean is filling up with pollution and being emptied of its wildlife. As you click through these incredible photos, you'll remember just why it's worth fighting to save our oceans.
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"Untouchable" Certified Organic Seed Bank: Combating Climate Change & Empowering Women
by Kimberley D. Mok, Montreal, Canada on 03.23.09
In rural areas, ownership of land is the main factor in determining an person’s social status and standard of living. (via Fight Against Untouchability) In India, while the growth of slicker, modernized supermarkets with standardized brands might be edging out the traditional open-air markets – at the same time, India’s domestic certified organic food industry is also on the rise - sometimes in surprising ways. One such example is the collective of 5,000 lower-caste Dalit (untouchable) women from the central state of Andhra Pradesh that is now offering chemical-free, non-irrigated, certified and organically-grown food. In a region best known for its aridity and less-than-optimal soils, their crop yields are impressive. But for the women who originate from 75 villages across the region, switching to organic agriculture was the best logical choice to fight climate change (apparently they got the EU memo), discrimination, poverty AND globalization (take that, Monsanto!)....
Washington DC Bike-Sharing Program is Growing Up!
by Michael Graham Richard, Ottawa, Canada on 03.23.09
Washington D.C. Bike-Sharing. Photo: Flickr, CC.
Five-Fold Increase in Number of Bike Stations
Time flies! It wasn't so long ago that the Washington DC bike-sharing pilot project was born, and now it's growing up: "By summer, the D.C. Department of Transportation will have expanded the current Smartbike system from 10 racks to 50 racks." Total number of bikes should be about 500. Not quite Paris with its Vélib program (20,000 bicycles!), but a step in the right direction....
The Bizarre Push to Allow Concealed, Loaded Guns in National Parks
by Brian Merchant, Brooklyn, New York on 03.23.09
Photo via Photobucket
You might not be aware of it, but something odd has been afoot in America's national parks. Until three days ago, it was legal to carry concealed, loaded weapons in our wilderness refuges. Thankfully, a US District Judge has just halted the rule--for the time being. The initial decision to allow concealed guns in national parks and wildlife refuges was one of Bush's infamous midnight rulings, made in the last month he was in office. The law took effect last January, and for two strange months, people have been carrying concealed weapons in national parks. ...
MSNBC Checks Out Construction of Largest Offshore Wind Farm in Europe (For Now)
by Michael Graham Richard, Ottawa, Canada on 03.23.09
Photo of an offshore wind farm under construction (but not Rødsand II), gives an idea of what it looks like. Photo: Flickr, CC.
Enough Clean Electricity to Power 200,000 Households
Last November Matt wrote about Denmark's huge offshore wind farm project which, when completed, should be Europe's largest. MSNBC had a short piece on it (see video below). It doesn't add much new information (they say 91 turbines instead of the 90 initially planned), but it's always good to see such a big project on track, and seeing the scale of the wind turbines on video is quite impressive....
Free Heat and Light From Computer-Controlled Mirrors
by Lloyd Alter, Toronto on 03.23.09
This is such a clever idea for people with big yards. Practical Solar sells computer controlled heliostat mirrors that track the sun and aim it into your windows. Each heliostat can provide 600 watts of heat and as much light as forty 100 watt bulbs. If your house is well insulated then you should retain a fair bit of the heat into the evening. Finally that big front yard can be used for something....
TED Talk: Grow Your Own Fresh Air with Plants
by Michael Graham Richard, Ottawa, Canada on 03.23.09
Green Car Slideshows Galore!
by Michael Graham Richard, Ottawa, Canada on 03.23.09
Is it Possible to Imagine the Green(er) Cars of the Future?
Cars have a big negative impact on the environment. That's why we said countless times that if you can, you should choose green alternatives such as walking, biking, taking public transit, telecommuting, moving closer to work, etc. But cars also have many benefits (if they didn't, there wouldn't be that many around) and they're going to be around for the foreseeable future. How can we significantly reduce their negative impact?...
Delhi Metro Rail's Green Efforts Expand: Solar Power System Installed, Emissions Reductions Certified
by Matthew McDermott, New York, NY on 03.23.09
photo: Delhi Metro Rail
Delhi Metro Rail can stick two green feathers in its cap: Its sizeable emissions reductions over the past four years which qualify for UN carbon credits have been independently certified, and has recently installed a new solar power system (albeit fairly small) at its Connaught Place headquarters to offset some of its electricity usage:...
Green Stories from the New York Times
by Lloyd Alter, Toronto on 03.23.09
Lots to read in the New York Times over the last few days. Andrew Martin writes that food activists are thrilled with the new government:
“This has never been just about business,” said Gary Hirshberg, chief executive of Stonyfield Farm, the maker of organic yogurt. “We are here to change the world. We dreamt for decades of having this moment.”More in Is a Food Revolution Now in Season? ...
How to Pitch a $3.8 Trillion Budget: Obama Pushes Green Jobs, Renewable Energy
by Brian Merchant, Brooklyn, New York on 03.23.09
Photo via Bloomberg
Any proposed budget that pushes the nation into trillions more dollars of debt and does so during a massive recession is going to be a tough sell. And that's putting it lightly. With public outrage at the AIG bonuses and many questioning Obama's Treasury Dept's ability to handle the economy, he faces a major uphill battle in rallying support for his $3.6 trillion plan. Obama knows all this. His budget includes a number of important initiatives, like more funding for public transit and provisions for a carbon cap. So what's first thing Obama will pitch to drum up support for the gargantuan thing? The green jobs it will create, of course. ...
Tokyo Cherry Blossom Viewing Season Opens Early For Fourth Straight Year: Global Warming to Blame?
by Matthew McDermott, New York, NY on 03.23.09
photo: Matthew McDermott
For millions of Japanese (and numbers of New Yorkers, see photo above from the Brooklyn Botanic Garden) cherry blossom viewing is one of spring's great pleasures. And in Tokyo the cherry blossom viewing season has just been declared open, with 10 buds being confirmed as blooming on a designated tree this past weekend. This year's early beginning is the fourth year that the season has begun earlier than what is considered normal. Some officials are speculating that this could be one more sign that the effects of global warming are already upon us:...
Saul Griffith and Energy Generating Kites at TED (Video)
by Jaymi Heimbuch, San Francisco, California on 03.23.09
In a short video, Saul Griffith gives viewers a great run-down of the giant energy-generating kites that his company, Makani Power, has been diligently working on. Click through to watch the talk....
Cut Your Carbon Emissions in Half Overnight: Move to the City
by Matthew McDermott, New York, NY on 03.23.09
Barcelona's per capita carbon emissions were particularly good. Photo: Amitabh Trehan via flickr
While cities certainly use a lot of energy in a concentrated area, the per capita emissions of their residents are often well below national averages, a new report from the International Institute for Environment and Development says. David Dodman compared the emissions of 12 of the world's major cities:...
Krakatoa it Ain't: Mt Redoubt Enviro Effect Likely Small
by Lloyd Alter, Toronto on 03.23.09
Redoubt taken last week before the full eruption USGS
Krakatoa it ain't, but volcanic eruptions are often spectacular displays of the power of nature. Alaska's Mt. Redoubt is putting on a show and has been upgraded to Code Red, with a cloud now up to 50,000 feet. It doesn't look like it should cause a lot of damage- according to Discovery News,
Dave Stricklan, a hydrometeorogical technician with the National Weather Service, expected very fine ash. "Just kind of a light dusting," he said. He said the significant amount of ash probably dropped immediately, right down the side of the volcano....
Blue OLED Efficiency Boosted 25%
by Jaymi Heimbuch, San Francisco, California on 03.23.09
Image via Pacific Northwest National Laboratory
Blue OLEDs are significantly more efficient thanks to a materials breakthrough that promises to be cheap and easily implementable....
White House Garden to Feature Bee Hives Too
by Sami Grover, Carrboro, NC, USA on 03.23.09
Image credit: Eat The View
First Family Joins Bee Keeping Trend
I went to pick up my bee hives this weekend - and the supplier looked exhausted. He was out of veils, smokers, hive stands and even bees. It seems many people are rallying around our favorite pollinators in their time of need - after all, rumors of the return of Colony Collapse Disorder are rife. Now the bees have a new and powerful ally - the Obamas are taking up bee keeping. Who could have predicted that? Well, we could. Apparently. ...
Efergy Elite Power Monitor Takes Little Efergy to Use
by Jaymi Heimbuch, San Francisco, California on 03.23.09
Photo via Gizoo
We aren't sure what's up with the seemingly misspelled gadget names today, but the Efergy Elite is still a device worth noting if you're looking for a cheap energy monitor. ...
Jargon Watch: A Field Guide To Sprawl
by Lloyd Alter, Toronto on 03.23.09
Images by Jim Wark from a Field Guide to Sprawl
I thought I knew a lot of these terms from my days in architecture and development, but there is a whole new vocabulary out there, catalogued by Dolores Hayden in her book A Field Guide to Sprawl. Above is an "Alligator"- "Real estate that eats money – for instance, a plot that a developer has subdivided and is paying taxes on, but hasn’t yet developed."...
Optisolar's Promising Solar Power Run Comes to an End: Production Shut Down, 200 More Workers Laid Off
by Matthew McDermott, New York, NY on 03.23.09
photo: Optisolar
Just three months ago we called Optisolar on the 6 Clean Tech Start-Ups to Watch in 2009 and it certainly seemed that the thin-film solar PV maker had a lot of great stuff in the works. Well, that was all before the firm laid off half of its workforce in January, and now has not only stopped production at its Hayward, California panel assembly facility, but plans to sell the business entirely:...
Start Your Own Cul-de-Sac Commune
by Lloyd Alter, Toronto on 03.23.09
All over the world, people are losing their jobs. In America, there are millions of homes in foreclosure. The suburban areas are particularly hard hit, and many are asking how the suburbs will be reinvented. The Cul-de-Sac Commune project may be a solution....
Online Tool Calculates if Reuseable Packaging is Worth It
by Jaymi Heimbuch, San Francisco, California on 03.23.09
When it comes to deciding the price points of shifting from standard packaging to reuseable materials, companies are getting a little help. The Reuseable Packaging Association has put out an online calculator to make figuring out the financials that much easier. ...
Flying car may soon be in your rich neighbor's garage
by Daniel Kessler, San Francisco, California on 03.23.09
Terrafugia
The recession is hurting us all, but if you have an extra $194,000 laying around, maybe stuffed under the mattress, you can afford a new flying car that's scheduled to drive, take off and land in 2010....
Sen. Feinstein Wants to Prohibit Renewable Energy Development in 500,000 Acres of the Mojave Desert
by Matthew McDermott, New York, NY on 03.23.09
photo: Lin via flickr
With the Department of the Interior making a loud and public commitment to developing renewable energy on public lands, some conflict over what land was too ecologically important was bound to happen sooner or later. In this case, sooner. California's Senator Dianne Feinstein has indicated that she will push legislation to make some 500,000 acres of the Mojave Desert into a national monument, preserving it from wind or solar power development:...
Plastic Resin Pellets: Your New Source of DDT and PCB
by greenz.jp, Tokyo, Japan on 03.23.09
Photo by Paul L. Nettles via Flickr.
When I read a recent article in the Japan Times about "plastic resin pellets," I thought the term sounded familiar, so I searched TreeHugger, and--surprise, surprise--the first few hits were ads for Chinese producers of the stuff. These are tiny pellets that you find in many common products, including something as seemingly harmless as teddy bears. And now, according to the article "Oceans awash in toxic seas of plastic," by Winifred Bird, researchers are finding them all over the place, especially on beaches and in the oceans....
Reusable Shopping Bags: Which Is the Greenest of Them All?
by Pablo Paster, San Francisco on 03.23.09
Image via HowStuffWorks.com
Dear Pablo: I want to switch to reusable shopping bags. (Yes I should have done it years ago.) However, all the stores in my area seem to sell bags made of polypropylene. Is the manufacturing process of these bags bad for the environment too? Is canvas or nylon any better? Which do I choose?...
Report States Smart Grid Hackers May Cause Blackouts
by Jaymi Heimbuch, San Francisco, California on 03.23.09
Hackers movie poster via Kiss-Me.org
It's only a matter of time before new tech breeds new fears of how it could all go horribly wrong. We've arrived at that point with the smart grid. A new report states that tests have shown how hackers have the ability to cause blackouts by breaking into a system. But the worst part is, the first line in the news piece actually questions moving forward with the smart grid....
Gotta Garden Shed? Enter it in the Shed of the Year Competition
by Lloyd Alter, Toronto on 03.23.09
The SHED by Chuck Witmer, Silver Spring, Maryland, with permission
Why have garden sheds become so popular in recent years? It is true that they are an economical way of gaining more space without having to spend a lot of money renovating, and a lot more people are working from home and need a quiet spot. But I think it is also because they permit a kind of architectural experimentation that people don't get to do in their house- you can take a few more risks when it is a separate space and the building codes don't apply.
...
Rotating Shed Follows the Sun
by Lloyd Alter, Toronto on 03.23.09
Susanne Watzeck & Jörg Sturm designed this in 1996 as the "first unit of a space system in which the individual functions living, cooking, washing, sleeping, working are accommodated in separate units."
However, years later with garden sheds and small spaces being all the rage, it stands on its own quite nicely. ...
Transforming Paperclips into iPhone Stands
by Jaymi Heimbuch, San Francisco, California on 03.23.09
Un-TreeHugger: Cole Cleaner Soda Can Disinfector
by Jaymi Heimbuch, San Francisco, California on 03.23.09
Image via Yanko Design
It's completely understandable that if you drink soda from a can, you'll want to wash the top. Considering the dust and pests these things come in contact with in warehouses, it's only smart. But all you need is some soap and water. Not a giant hunk of UV-blasting plastic!...
Transformer Furniture: Mobile Dressing Table
by Lloyd Alter, Toronto on 03.23.09
Once upon a time you didn't worry if your luggage could fit in the overhead bin. This makeup trunk folds out into a dressing table; It could just as easily have been designed for a travelling office. ...
Dumb and Dumber: NAIOP Calls HSBC HQ Green Project of the Year
by Lloyd Alter, Toronto on 03.23.09
NAIOP (the Commercial Real Estate Development Association), which previously graced these pages with its dumb study on energy efficiency, proves once again that they really don't get it. We have called the HSBC headquarters Greenwash and accused it of the LEEDwashing sin of being laughingly inappropriate; NAIOP calls it the Green Development of the Year. As with the energy study, they demonstrate that the industry is completely stuck in a time warp of shiny new suburban buildings on greenfield sites. And, their press release gave us more information about the building that makes it appear even more ludicrous....
Economy Got You Down? Got A Mind To Give Up? Go Fishing Instead.
by John Laumer, Philadelphia on 03.23.09
Ice fishing on Pemigewasset Lake in New Hampton, New Hampshire
Image credit: Reuters.
With employment rates down, Americans have more free time. Watching TV - allowing you to catch an ad every 12 minutes for stuff you can't afford - only begets Depression. No surprise, then, that sport fishing is gaining greatly in popularity. Related pleasures abound. Ice fishing, you can boost your hot cocoa with peppermint schnapps and be the piscatorial predator that you really are. Or, just take the moment to get to know your kids better. Politically speaking:- when the "hook and bullet crowd" rides, conservation rules. All to the good....
Survey: Do You Prefer Sugar To HFCS?
by Lloyd Alter, Toronto on 03.23.09
Pepsi is proudly selling a premium pop made with real sugar instead of high fructose corn syrup, a substance that we have criticized here and here. Daniel asked Corn Syrup vs. Sugar: Which is sweeter for your diet? and we ask you:...
Environmental Justice Foundation Does Tee-Shirts
by Bonnie Alter, London on 03.23.09
Images from EJF
The Environmental Justice Foundation is a small organization with a big goal. They want to bring environmental injustice to international attention. In Brazil, Vietnam, Mali, Sierra Leone, Uzbekistan, Mauritius and Indonesia, they are working with individuals and grassroots organisations teaching film and advocacy training in order to document and expose abuses to the environment.
EJF gives assistance to those in some of the poorest countries to enable them to have a voice and save their quality of life. For example, they have waged a high profile campaign to promote "clean cotton";cotton which has not been picked by child labour or made use of deadly pesticides.
...
Swedish Store to Stop Burning Unsold Clothes
by April Streeter, Gothenburg, Sweden on 03.23.09
Spring's here, Åhlens says in ads, meanwhile promising it won't burn anymore perfectly usable clothes.
Popular Swedish department store Åhlens announced it would stop the common practice of gathering unsold clothes that are at the end of the sales chain into containers and shipping them to be burned, reported Dagens Nyheter last week. Instead, Åhlens said it would work with non-profits Stadmissionen and Myrorna to put the clothes to better use. Of course, this begs the question of how a clothing shop could have ever thought it was a good idea to burn clothes once they'd reached the bottom rung of the sales chain, rather than give to organizations currently hurting for donations! Read on for embarrassed Swedes' response to the good question of why they so totally dropped the ball on "reduce, reuse, recycle." Haven't they ever heard of "outlet store"?...
Seattle Sports Solar Charging/Cranking Flashlight Review
by Eric Leech, New York, NY on 03.22.09
Photo via: Seattle Sports
This month I was given the pleasure of putting two of Seattle Sports new solar/crank-powered flashlights/USB chargers to the test. Let's see how they stacked up to a few of their competitors...
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Seattle Sports Active Traxx Solar Radio/Speaker Comparison
by Eric Leech, New York, NY on 03.22.09
Photo via: Seattle Sports
This month I was given the pleasure of putting one of Seattle Sports new solar/crank-powered radio and iPod speaker to the test. Let's see how it stacked up to a few of its competitors...
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Women's Bean Project Teaches Job Skills to Help Women Overcome Poverty
by Jasmin Malik Chua, Jersey City, USA on 03.22.09
Photo credit: Women's Bean Project
It all started with $500 worth of beans and a desire to help disenfranchised women break out of the cycle of poverty. Two decades later, the Women's Bean Project employs 40 chronically unemployed and impoverished women annually to make and package products such as bean-soup and chili mixes (including one made with certified-organic beans), spice rubs, cookie and brownie mixes, jelly beans, and organic and fair-trade coffee.
The Denver, Colo.-based non-profit has also started offering vegetarian-friendly "recession-buster meals," which comprise a 6-person-dinner's worth of bean soup/chili, cornbread, and brownies for $13.50....
Oil Spill Clean-Up May Be More Harmful to Fish than the Oil Spill
by Josh Peterson, Los Angeles, California on 03.22.09
Photo: ingridtaylar via Flickr
Oil spills just got messier. According to a biologist at Queen's University, the detergents used to clean oil spills may be more harmful to fish than the oil that gets spilled. Biology professor Peter Hodson warns that the oil-dispersing detergents that do such a bang-up job of degrading and diluting oil in the long term increase the bioavailability and the toxicity of the oil to rainbow trout by 100-fold in the short term....
Leaky Sewage Pipe Shuts Down Tel Aviv's Beaches for a Month
by Jesse Fox, Tel Aviv, Israel on 03.22.09
"To the untrained eye, it looks like water."
This being World Water Day, the issue of water management and conservation (always a big one in this part of the world) got a bit of extra press in Israel today. On the positive side, the morning papers reported that Israel was being praised at the World Water Forum in Istanbul for its exceptional rates of recycled wastewater and desalination. On the not so positive side, a group of environmentally-concerned lawmakers organized a visit to the Ayalon River, where they tried to figure out why sewage has been polluting Tel Aviv’s beaches for over a month now. The answers they got were less than satisfying. ...
Is Water a 'Right' or a 'Need'?: Day 7 at the World Water Forum
by Jennifer Hattam, Istanbul, Turkey on 03.22.09
Istanbul hosted the 5th World Water Forum along the banks of the Golden Horn.
"We are all connected by our need for water. We all fear thirst, and we all fear that our children will be thirsty," Michael Blackstock, a naturalist of First Nations descent, said Friday at a session on water and culture. "But if you asked a hydrologist and a fisherman, they would define 'water' very differently." After a week of discussing the topic from seemingly every possible angle, that definition was still very much contested as the 5th World Water Forum drew to a close....
ITB Ideas: Illegal Import of Endangered Animals Continues Unabated
by Christine Lepisto, Berlin on 03.22.09
Image: photo by author
The fellow next to you on the plane is behaving strangely. Does it seem that he is protecting a belt that is producing an evident thickness around his waist? You remember the last time you observed a similar anomaly, when the Pringles-addict across from you on the train kept checking the chips supply, which appeared to be peeping regularly. If your thoughts turn immediately to terrorism, you would be wrong: there is another explanation. But this one is a real threat to your homeland security too....
Land Degradation Endangers Quarter of World Population
by Tim McGee, Western Massachusetts on 03.22.09
photo Josh Sommers @ Flickr
Land degradation is the decline in soil, water, and vegetation quality - the very things we depend on for life. For the first time scientists have used satellite pictures and GIS software to assess the degradation of land over the entire Earth. They found that from 1981-2003, 24% of the globes land surface has been degraded, often in productive areas.
"Degradation is primarily driven by land management and catastrophic natural phenomena." said Dr. David Dent, one of the authors....
Corn Syrup vs. Sugar: Which is sweeter for your diet?
by Daniel Kessler, San Francisco, California on 03.22.09
In an article published Friday in the New York Times, Kim Severson reports on how food manufacturers are moving away from using low-priced but high calorie corn syrup to sugar. The reason: customer perception. What, did you expect health and nutrition?...
Slow Fish Event in Genoa
by Sara Novak, Columbia, SC on 03.22.09
photo: Slow Fish
The emerging revival of local food traditions and the connection between the food choices that we make is no less important when it comes to fish choices. Enter Slow Fish, the event is a part of the Slow Food Movement but it focuses its energies on an understanding of sustainable seafood as well as the health of the oceans themselves. This year's Slow Fish event will bring light to these issues along with some serious yummy treats along the way....
Rio Grande Makes WWF’s List of Most at Risk Rivers
by Sara Novak, Columbia, SC on 03.22.09
photo: JNovak
The Rio Grande is home to an abundance of wildlife and it’s the life blood of both the American and Mexican economy. According to the World Wildlife Fund, however, the river has once again received the unflattering distinction of being one of the top ten most at risk rivers in the world. Why is the Rio Grande in such grave danger?...
