Warren McLaren
Warren was one for the earliest writers for TreeHugger, way back in 2004, and has edited the weekly newsletter since its inception in 2005. These days, when not chained to his screen and keyboard, he also works for Australia's largest provider of outdoor education programs, designing courses to get kids outside into the sun and wind. Or can be found proudly watching his toddling young son harvest his own home-grown, organic strawberries and tomatoes.
Previously a designer of outdoor clothing and equipment for over a decade, Warren was one of the first, outside of the U.S., to specify fleece made from recycled drink bottles in the early 90's. He is a life member (and spent 15 years as a committee member) of Australia's first ecodesign not-for-profit, the Society for Responsible Design.
Warren later set up his own ecodesign consultancy, which saw him involved in myriad eco projects, like being lead researcher for Greenpeace's analysis of the Sydney Olympic "Green Games"; laying the groundwork for Ecospecifier, a database of green building materials; and lead editor of Environ, Australia's first trade magazine dedicated to eco-architecture. As well as lecturing at universities in green textiles, sustainable interior design and ecodesign, he's also got his hands dirty; managing teams in land conservation projects, co-managing a community re-use co-operative, and coordinating an organic wholefoods co-op.
Latest Stories from Warren McLaren - Page 8
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Mr. B's Joybox Express: Modern Minstrels Haul Piano 300 Miles by Bicycle
Tonight is the finale of a summer tour for Mr. B's Joybox Express. Blues & boogie-woogie pianist Mark Lincoln Braun (a.k.a. Mr. B) has been pedalling his custom-designed, piano-tricycle nearly 300 miles across Michigan, in
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Five Benefits of Cycle Commuting
Cycle commuting is apparently safer than not cycling to work. A Danish study assessing the health status of 30,000 people over a 14 year period found that, with all other factors being equal, simply cycling to work
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Cate Blanchett Shines on Australia's Second Largest Rooftop Solar Installation
Better known for lighting up the stage and screen, Oscar winner Cate Blanchett, (with husband and Co-Artistic Director of the Sydney Theatre Company) has teamed up with Australian federal government, the University of New
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Energy Efficiency: Twice the Impact of Renewables, Nuclear and Clean Coal. Combined.
"The International Energy Agency estimates that energy efficiency will deliver 65 per cent of worldwide carbon cuts in the energy sector by 2020, and 54 per cent by 2030. This means that in 2020 energy
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Kids Cycle To School and Parents Risk Being Reported to Social Services
Almost a year ago we asked the question, When Should Tykes Be On Bikes?. Now in the UK the question is being asked, When Should Kids be Allowed to Ride to School -- Alone?
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A $50,000 Portable Recycled House, DIY Solar Electric Car and Instant-On Induction Lighting: Renew Magazine
The Alternative Technology Association has been enlightening readers with Renew magazine on technology for a sustainable future now for 30 years, albeit with a name change from Soft Technology magazine back in
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Puma Teams Up with Biomega To Make Bikes. Again
"PUMA Bikes redefine and reinvigorate the city ride with a bit of radicalism and a whole lot of practicality. They fold, they carry, they cruise. They're everything and more, packed tight in a sweet, colorful ride." Well,
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The Weight of 74 Golden Gate Bridges Wasted in Food. Each Year. In USA Alone.
We mentioned the other day that the WorldWatch Institute was putting their wonderful WorldWatch magazine out to pasture. But doesn't mean they won't continue to deliver
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The P26. Patagonia Footwear's Answer to Backpacker's Zero Impact Challenge
Can you make a walking boot with less environmental impact? This is the question Backpacker magazine posed to 60 footwear companies. But only five rallied to their 'zero impact challenge.' Patagonia Footwear
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Australia's New Prime Minister on Climate Change
As we alluded to earlier, in a very historic day, Australia has a new Prime Minister. In her first speech as the nation's 27th Prime Minister, and first female in the role, Julia Gillard, had a few things to say about climate change:
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Australia's Prime Minister May Fall on Climate Change Sword
Following a leadership vote at 9am Thursday 24 June 2010, Australia may have a new Prime Minister. It seems likely the deputy Prime Minister, Julia Gillard, will be chosen by her political party to dethrone the country's Prime
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Fibershed Project: The 150 Mile Wardrobe
Three years ago we covered The Hundred Mile Suit, where 92% of a man's outfit was created from materials and production sourced from a radius of 100 miles. The project's designer, Kelly Cobb, said at the time: "If we worked on it for a
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The Power is in Pedals, Says WorldWatch Institute
It was with a sad heart I learned that the WorldWatch Institute have decided to mothball their illustrious print magazine after 136 stellar issues.* But at least it goes out with a bang, by including an article on bicycle transport,
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Half Of World Crop Is Feeding Animals, Not People
These figures (more after
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Ethical Consumer Asks: Who Makes Ethical Outdoor Gear?
Ethical Consumer is a British not-for-profit co-operative, who are, in their own words, "dedicated to the promotion of universal human rights, environmental sustainability and animal welfare. We produce independent research
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Where Are Australia's Most Sustainable Cities?
Australia maybe the world's sixth largest country, but over 80% of its 23 million people live within 100 kilometres of the coast. This makes it one of the most urbanised nations in the world.
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The Carbonwood Bicycle. Art or Design?
Design is about compromise. Art doesn't know the word. Design needs to respond to vagaries of a mass market. Art is more unfettered -- the idea comes first, the audience later. Design acknowledges the dictates of
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Australia's First Public Electric Car Charge Station is Go
It was 2005 when we last reported on Australia's pioneering car share business GoGet. The guys have been going places since then, figuring that their service now keeps the equivalent of more than 230 cars off the
