Getting All Shook Up to Produce Electricity

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 15:03:03 GMT

A piezoelectric device. Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons As you drive down the road, your vehicle wastes large amounts of energy through friction, wind resistance, and vibrations. But what if there was a way to harness some of this wasted energy and use it to produce electricity? Scientists at the City University of New York are working on a system that would do just that.... Read the full story on TreeHugger

Is Algae the Fuel of the Gods?

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 12:42:42 GMT

Image credit: Good Is algae the fuel of the gods? Well, on paper, it very well could be. Industry evangelists predict a bright future in which algae farms produce the equivalent of the entire amount of petroleum the United States' currently uses in a year. Even better: Algae could potentially do this using just one percent of the country's land mass and might actually remove carbon from the atmosphere in the process. Sounds great, but there are some problems.... Read the full story on TreeHugger

The Controversial Environmental Artwork of Christo and Jean-Claude (Slideshow)

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 09:55:46 GMT

Wrapped government buildings and surrounded islands, endless fences and saffron gates: This is the work of Christo and Jean-Claude. Famous for their large-scale installations, the couple has drawn controversy throughout their career, but the goal, but simply, has always been to make people happy with expressions of beauty. As Jean-Claude explained, when people come to see their art, "They start smiling at each other, they start talking to each other, they are in a completely different state of mind. Is very rewarding for us, because they feel that freedom and they feel that they are witnessing something that happens once in a lifetime." On November 18, 2009, Jean-Claude, wife and artistic collaborator of Christo, died in the couple's apartment. Following, is a celebration of the work she helped create. ... Read the full story on TreeHugger

The Controversial Environmental Artwork of Christo and Jean-Claude

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 09:50:19 GMT

Wrapped government buildings and surrounded islands, endless fences and saffron gates: This is the work of Christo and Jean-Claude. Famous for their large-scale installations, the couple has drawn controversy throughout their career, but the goal, put simply, has always been to make people happy with expressions of beauty.

As Jean-Claude explained, when people come to see their art, "They start smiling at each other, they start talking to each other, they are in a completely different state of mind. Is very rewarding for us, because they feel that freedom and they feel that they are witnessing something that happens once in a lifetime."

On November 18, 2009, Jean-Claude, wife and artistic collaborator of Christo, died in the couple's apartment. Following is a celebration of the work she helped create.

Do you have comments on this slideshow? Leave them here.

Image credit: joshmadison/Flickr

... Read the full story on TreeHugger

How Much Can Bike Commuting Curb Obesity?

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 16:52:14 GMT

GOOD excels at illustrating complex issues with infographics that are easy to understand and fun to look at. One of their latest addresses the relationship between bike commuting and obesity. I could try to explain it, but I think they do a better job of it:... Read the full story on TreeHugger

Are Short Flights Polluting Your Neighborhood?

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 12:15:11 GMT

Image credit: oxTM/Flickr A major air hub, with constant take-offs and landings and dozens of vehicles and large buildings is an obvious source of pollution. These huge airports may be strains of the atmosphere as a whole, but their immediate impact on our local airspace, thanks to mandated buffer zones, is usually fairly small. Regional and general aviation airports, however, have much smaller buffer zones and, according to a new study, are responsible for much more local air pollution than was previously thought.... Read the full story on TreeHugger

Don't Get Discouraged, Pluck Low Hanging Fruit

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 10:55:49 GMT

Image Credit: GOOD GOOD writes: "It's been a bummer of a week for climate news." Indeed, with a bill stagnating in the Senate and some bad news regarding Copenhagen, it would be easy to get discouraged.... Read the full story on TreeHugger

Planet Green Looks at the World Through a Wider Lens this Winter

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 17:39:06 GMT

Image Credit: Planet Green This winter, Planet Green will show you the world through a broader lens. With new and expanded coverage, the network is broadening its scope to consider, as Jeff Hasler, Senior Vice President Production and Development for Planet Green explained, "a wider range of stories about passionate people engaged in forward thinking activity." New episodes of Greensburg and Wa$ted! will premier alongside a slate of new series.... Read the full story on TreeHugger

Sea Stars' Amazing Natural Temperature Control No Match for Global Warming

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 11:35:45 GMT

Image credit: Wikimedia Commons It was assumed that sea stars, also known as star fish, where at the mercy of the sun during periods of low tide. A new study, however, has uncovered a secret adaptation, one that has never before been seen in the animal kingdom, which allows sea stars to regulate their temperature in the changing tides.... Read the full story on TreeHugger

Microscopic Ozone Bubbles Attack Oil Sheen Pollution

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 18:45:07 GMT

Image credit: timparkinson/Flickr Oil sheen, the scummy film that forms on the top of polluted bodies of water, is incredibly difficult to remove. Even common filtering practices, like aeration and sand filters, have trouble removing the small amount of oil that leaves neon swirls on the water's surface. Now, a scientist at the University of Utah has developed a new technology, combining and adapting some existing methods, to address oil sheen pollution. Using an inexpensive pump to repeatedly pressurize and depressurize ozone gas, the system creates microscopic bubbles that attack oil sheen and allow it to be captured by a conventional sand filter.... Read the full story on TreeHugger

GOOD Has the Goods on COP15: Everything You Need to Know About the Copenhagen Conference

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 12:57:01 GMT

Image credit: GOOD COP15, the UN Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen, has been called the most important meeting in history. Some people are optimistic about the results while others are already planning post-COP15 actions. Either way, being clueless is not an option. Fortunately, GOOD Magazine has put together a comprehensive guide to the conference to get you ready.... Read the full story on TreeHugger

Watch the U.S. Premier of Burn Up on Planet Green

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 17:50:52 GMT

Image credit: Wikimedia Commons Burn Up is a two-part miniseries that explores the oil industry from the inside. The series premiered in the UK in 2008 to rave reviews and went on to win a Rose d'Or. Now, the series will premier for the first time in the United States on Planet Green.... Read the full story on TreeHugger

Enter the Siemens We Can Change the World Challenge Today

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 17:10:17 GMT

Image credit: The Sierra Club/Flickr Right now, students from kindergarten to eighth grade can enter the Siemens We Can Change the World Challenge. The challenge encourages young students to confront the problems in their lives and neighborhoods and to share the solutions they discover with other participants around the country. There's the opportunity to learn. There's the opportunity to take action. In the end, students might even change the world.... Read the full story on TreeHugger

Join Erin Brockovich and the Million Baby Crawl

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 16:55:40 GMT

"We cannot stand," says the slogan of the Million Baby Crawl, "but be stand for something."... Read the full story on TreeHugger

Sesame Street's Top 10 Environmental Videos (Slideshow)

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 18:48:45 GMT

Image credit: charmcitygavin/Flickr Sesame Street, Jim Henson's educational masterpiece, has been teaching curious learners for 40 years. Among the well known songs about the alphabet and numbers were segments with strong environmental messages. Here are ten of the best. ... Read the full story on TreeHugger

Sesame Street's Top 10 Environmental Videos

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 11:30:06 GMT

Sesame Street, Jim Henson's educational masterpiece, has been teaching curious learners for 40 years. Among the well known songs about the alphabet and numbers were segments with strong environmental messages.

Do you have comments on this slideshow? Leave them here.

Video credit: Seasame Street/YouTube

... Read the full story on TreeHugger

Discovery News Launches as a Dedicated Destination for the Latest in Science and Technology

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 16:08:57 GMT

Image credit: Discovery News/DCI At a time when many newspapers and other news organizations are cutting back, Discovery Communications has decided to step out and fill an increasingly empty niche. The launch of Discovery News signals a new commitment to covering the latest science and technology news with original reporting and features.... Read the full story on TreeHugger

Oh Tannenboing! Something to Spring for This Holiday

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 13:30:00 GMT

Image credit: Tannenboing The Christmas tree is not the only thing that mars the holiday's environmental record, but it is certainly a major player. While farmed-raised trees are inherently "green," farmers' proclivity for pesticides and shipping to big-box parking lots means that shopping for a true evergreen can be a challenge. The artificial alternatives to real trees are, more often than not, toxin-laced PVC monstrosities. At least, this is how it used to be. Now, there is a new artificial alternative to the traditional tree; one that will add a touch of modern flash to your holiday decorations.... Read the full story on TreeHugger

Paul Sr. Tells Conan O'Brien About American Chopper's Electric Motorcycle

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 15:42:25 GMT

Image credit: Siemens/DCI To those following the cutting edge of green transportation, an all-electric motorcycle is not a novel idea. Still, if you want one, you either need to build it yourself, or find a highly-skilled and versatile mechanic willing to do custom work. Siemens wanted an electric bike and, instead of building it themselves, they went to the undeniable experts in custom motorcycles: Orange County Choppers. The American Chopper Green Build will be featured on TLC tonight at 9 pm eastern.... Read the full story on TreeHugger

Business as Usual is Not an Option at the Opportunity Green Conference

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 17:22:45 GMT

Image credit: Opportunity Green "The world can no longer afford business as usual," stands in bold at the center of the Opportunity Green website. The Opportunity Green Business Conference, to be held at UCLA from November 7 through the 8th, is about "being green and being profitable." It's about new approaches to business that take advantage of collaborative culture and unconventional ideas. It's about ingenuity and redirecting business to include the triple bottom line while maintaining profitability. It's an impressive set of goals, but the conference has a lineup of speakers and panelists to meet them.... Read the full story on TreeHugger

David Burdeny's Incredible Iceberg Photography (Slideshow)

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 13:19:29 GMT

Image credit: David Burdeny/Young Gallery David Burdeny is an architect and interior designer. He is also a skilled photographer. His iceberg series shows that these frozen giants are far more than platforms for penguins: They are floating sculptures that are becoming increasingly endangered. ... Read the full story on TreeHugger

David Burdeny's Incredible Iceberg Photography

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 11:00:26 GMT

David Burdeny is an architect and interior designer. He is also a skilled photographer.

His iceberg series shows that these frozen giants are far more than platforms for penguins: They are floating sculptures that are becoming increasingly endangered.

Do you have comments on this slideshow? Leave them here.

Image credit: David Burdeny/Young Gallery

... Read the full story on TreeHugger

Opportunity Green Kicks off with Tour de OG Bike Trip

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 14:14:09 GMT

Image credit: Tour de OG/Opportunity Green Business Conference When CEOs of the Big Three had to take a trip to Washington to ask for a public bailout, they took private jets. Several attendees of the Opportunity Green Business Conference are taking a lesson from this misstep: Instead of driving or flying, they're cycling from San Francisco to LA for the event. And you can join them.... Read the full story on TreeHugger

Horrifying Plants That Eat the Living (Slideshow)

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 10:55:16 GMT

Image credit: worak/Flickr Anyone who has seen Little Shop of Horrors has felt it: that sinking feeling that something is not right. And I'm not talking about Rick Moranis singing. I'm talking about sinister carnivorous plants. We all know plants can poison us, sure, but it seems unnatural for a plant to eat another living thing. It's hard to believe that a member of the largely peaceful and beneficent Plantae kingdom would lurk in the forest, waiting for prey. Well believe it. You're about to see a whole hoard of horrifying plants that eat the living. ... Read the full story on TreeHugger

Horrifying Plants That Eat the Living

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 10:30:13 GMT

Anyone who has seen Little Shop of Horrors has felt it: that sinking feeling that something is not right. And I'm not talking about Rick Moranis singing. I'm talking about sinister carnivorous plants.

We all know plants can poison us, sure, but it seems unnatural for a plant to eat another living thing. It's hard to believe that a member of the largely peaceful and beneficent Plantae kingdom would lurk in the forest, waiting for prey.

Well believe it: You're about to see a whole hoard of horrifying plants that eat the living.

Do you have comments on this slideshow? Leave them here.

Image credit: worak/Flickr

... Read the full story on TreeHugger

The World's Most Lovable Invasive Species (Slideshow)

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 09:40:23 GMT

Image credit: Daniel Wehner/Flickr Invasive species, we all know, pose a huge threat to biodiversity. Still, some surprising invaders are too cute, cuddly, or just plain beautiful to hate. ... Read the full story on TreeHugger

The World's Most Lovable Invasive Species

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 09:30:18 GMT

Invasive species, we all know, pose a huge threat to biodiversity. Still, some surprising invaders are too cute, cuddly, or just plain beautiful to hate.

Next to humans, the house cat is one of the most adaptable and successful invasive species on the planet. In places with delicate ecosystems and on islands with few natural predators, the common house cat's superior hunting ability represents a serious threat to native species.

Do you have comments on this slideshow? Leave them here.

Image credit: Benimoto/Flickr

... Read the full story on TreeHugger

6 Impending Disasters...and the Health Care Plan that Could Save You From Them

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 09:30:45 GMT

Image credit: A6U571N/Flickr We've all seen Mad Max and been frightened, if only a bit, by how savage a future it depicts. As extreme as that world may be, there is something about its resource-hungry depravity that seems almost tangible. Our industrial society has a lot of looming problems. From acidic oceans to flooded cities, shrinking biodiversity to new super-bugs, it's clear that something needs to be done to avert disaster. Could health care save us from these impending catastrophes?... Read the full story on TreeHugger

Ed Begley's Back with a New Season of Living With Ed

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 09:15:00 GMT

Ed and Rachelle Begley don't have your typical Hollywood power struggle. Rachelle loves her glamorous lifestyle while Ed, well he strives for something a bit more modest. How these two can live together, let alone reconcile their opposing predilections, is a mystery. But now, you can find the answer in the all new season of Living With Ed, premiering tonight at 9 eastern on Planet Green.... Read the full story on TreeHugger

SourceNewport to Explore How Sustainability Brings History to Life

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 15:18:34 GMT

Image credit: SourceNewport 2009 As cities struggle to develop, they are forced to balance the demands of the modern urban environment with their responsibility to the community's historic roots. Indeed, preservation is often at odds with development and adding sustainability to the mix further complicates things. In an effort to forge a more sustainable future that reconciles the historic and the modern, the city of Newport, Rhode Island, has scheduled its Second Sustainable Development and Restoration Congress from October 21 to 23.... Read the full story on TreeHugger

Recent Posts by TreeHugger's David DeFranza

Getting All Shook Up to Produce Electricity

Is Algae the Fuel of the Gods?

The Controversial Environmental Artwork of Christo and Jean-Claude (Slideshow)

The Controversial Environmental Artwork of Christo and Jean-Claude

How Much Can Bike Commuting Curb Obesity?

Are Short Flights Polluting Your Neighborhood?

Don't Get Discouraged, Pluck Low Hanging Fruit

Planet Green Looks at the World Through a Wider Lens this Winter

Sea Stars' Amazing Natural Temperature Control No Match for Global Warming

Microscopic Ozone Bubbles Attack Oil Sheen Pollution

GOOD Has the Goods on COP15: Everything You Need to Know About the Copenhagen Conference

Watch the U.S. Premier of Burn Up on Planet Green

Enter the Siemens We Can Change the World Challenge Today

Join Erin Brockovich and the Million Baby Crawl

Sesame Street's Top 10 Environmental Videos (Slideshow)

Sesame Street's Top 10 Environmental Videos

Discovery News Launches as a Dedicated Destination for the Latest in Science and Technology

Oh Tannenboing! Something to Spring for This Holiday

Paul Sr. Tells Conan O'Brien About American Chopper's Electric Motorcycle

Business as Usual is Not an Option at the Opportunity Green Conference

David Burdeny's Incredible Iceberg Photography (Slideshow)

David Burdeny's Incredible Iceberg Photography

Opportunity Green Kicks off with Tour de OG Bike Trip

Horrifying Plants That Eat the Living (Slideshow)

Horrifying Plants That Eat the Living

The World's Most Lovable Invasive Species (Slideshow)

The World's Most Lovable Invasive Species

6 Impending Disasters...and the Health Care Plan that Could Save You From Them

Ed Begley's Back with a New Season of Living With Ed

SourceNewport to Explore How Sustainability Brings History to Life