Volkswagen's Touareg: Now A Clean Diesel Vehicle

Thu, 13 Aug 2009 00:46:04 GMT

I rarely drive cars these days. But recently, Volkswagen convinced me to test drive their clean-burning Touareg TDI SUV. The test drive was to take place in Washington DC, which is about 30 miles from my home. This meant that I wouldn't have to fly anywhere, which was great. A couple of years ago, I decided that I would not fly, unless it was absolutely necessary. ... Read the full story on TreeHugger

2009 Green Car Of The Year: The Volkswagen Jetta TDI

Thu, 20 Nov 2008 16:26:41 GMT

Today, the Green Car Journal gave its 2009 Green Car of the Year award to the Volkswagen Jetta TDI at the Los Angeles Auto Show. The 2009 Jetta TDI is a quiet-running, diesel-powered car. It beat out hybrids and mini-cars to take the title. The Jetta uses a technology called "clean diesel" which actually lives up its name pretty well. It has a very clean tailpipe, and an EPA estimated 41 mpg highway fuel economy. ... Read the full story on TreeHugger

Schwinn's Electric Bikes Now Available

Thu, 08 May 2008 14:52:14 GMT

After many delays, Schwinn's new electric bikes are now available in certain bike stores. The range includes the Campus, the least expensive model at $1,900, the World GSE, which sells for $2,200, and the Continental priced at $2,500. These bikes look just like regular bikes -- the electric motors and batteries are integrated seamlessly into the design.... Read the full story on TreeHugger

eZee Electric Commuter Bikes

Wed, 07 May 2008 12:40:41 GMT

Earlier this week, I reviewed a $350 electric bike, the E-Zip Trailz. While this bike is a good entry-level bike, if you are seriously considering using an electric bike to replace your car for short trips you should probably invest in a quality electric bike costing $1000 or more. One of the better brands of electric bikes is eZee.... Read the full story on TreeHugger

The $350 Electric Commuter Bike

Mon, 05 May 2008 15:02:18 GMT

I've been testing the E-Zip 2008 Trailz bike by Currie Technologies. This electric bike is quite inexpensive -- other electric bikes range in price from $700 up to $3000 in the U.S. For half the price, this is a solid bike with good range and power. My bike arrived partly-assembled in a box. It took me about an hour to attach the seat, front wheel and pedals. The lead-acid battery took about 2 to 3 hours to come to full charge. The weight of this battery and the motor make the E-Zip a heavy bike.... Read the full story on TreeHugger

Electric Uno Bike: A Clean Commute?

Thu, 01 May 2008 12:14:22 GMT

A young Canadian inventor named Ben Gulak has created an innovative new electric motorbike that takes some of the lessons learned from the Segway device, but implements them in cooler package. The bike, called the Uno, looks from its profile like a strange powered unicycle but actually employs two wheels side-by-side. Riders lean forward to accelerate -- a feature used by the Segway, and can hit a top speed of 25 mph in its current configuration. The Uno also makes use of a set of gyros to enhance ease of balance, and the wheels are independently operated making turning much more precise. ... Read the full story on TreeHugger

Bidets: Eliminate Toilet Paper, Increase Your Hygiene

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 12:59:20 GMT

Two years ago, I posted an article about bidets, and it generated a lot of healthy discussion. Since that time I've gathered more information on this topic, and I've been testing out a bidet for about three months. I now consider bidets to be a key green technology, because they eliminate the use of toilet paper. They also provide important health benefits. These include increased cleanliness, and the therapeutic effect of water on damaged skin (think rashes or hemorrhoids). But let's look at some figures on toilet paper usage:... Read the full story on TreeHugger

Great River Energy Headquarters Aims For LEED Platinum

Mon, 21 Apr 2008 12:35:08 GMT

In Minnesota, Great River Energy is seeking LEED Platinum certification for their newly constructed headquarters, which will open tomorrow on Earth Day. Solar cells on the building's roof will generate power, together with a 160-foot-tall wind turbine, that will generate 225 kilowatts of electricity. The headquarters will have a geothermal heating and cooling system that utilizes an adjacent lake. Rainwater will be captured in cisterns, and be used to flush toilets, and irrigate the restored native-plant gardens on 12.5-acre site. ... Read the full story on TreeHugger

Sheep Replace Lawnmowers In Italy

Tue, 08 Apr 2008 15:04:24 GMT

Police are having to double up as shepherds in Italy after local councilors decided to scrap the city lawnmowers -- and use sheep instead. About 700 sheep have now been employed by Turin officials to keep the grass verges and lawns in city parks neatly trimmed. Environment officials in Turin said they were paying 30,000 euros in gardeners' fees to cut the grass in just one of the bigger parks.... Read the full story on TreeHugger

Book Review: Green Building For Dummies

Sun, 06 Apr 2008 21:39:46 GMT

The book Green Building & Remodeling for Dummies was recently sent to me for review. I was curious to see the "Dummies" take on this subject, because there are few books on green building aimed at the layperson. The book was penned by Eric Corey Freed of Organic Architect. We have featured Freed previously on TreeHugger. He manages a comprehensive survey of green building techniques in the book's 361 pages. You can read some sample chapters. ... Read the full story on TreeHugger

Wild Gift: Application Deadline For 2008 Coming Up

Sun, 30 Mar 2008 23:28:00 GMT

Last year, we featured Wild Gift -- an organization that supports people who inspire others to live in harmony with each other and with nature. And the application deadline for 2008 is coming up on April 1st! Each year, five lucky applicants are given the opportunity to realize their project ideas. The recipients of the Wild Gift get a package which includes leadership training, deep wilderness trekking, and cool cash to help turn their ideas into action. ... Read the full story on TreeHugger

Allison Rogers Throws A Very Green Party

Fri, 29 Feb 2008 14:48:24 GMT

Recently, Allison Rogers threw a very green party. I arrived there quite inefficiently by driving through the icy streets of DC (for some reason I couldn't take the metro and bus that night). I knocked on the door, and was welcomed by Kayanna, one of Allison's vivacious green roommates. As I entered, I immediately observed that the whole house was lit with numerous strings of efficient LED lights.... Read the full story on TreeHugger

Powering 20,000 Homes: The World's Largest PV Solar Farm Opens

Fri, 15 Feb 2008 15:25:10 GMT

With an installed peak power capacity of 20 megawatts, world's largest photovoltaic solar power farm has opened in Spain. This farm surpasses the solar farm at the Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada which is rated at 14 megawatts. The new solar farm consists of 120,000 solar panels and covers 100 hectares (247 acres) in Jumilla, a wine-producing region in southern Spain, where the local Mayor says 300 days of sun a year are guaranteed. The farm's total annual production will be the equivalent of the energy used by 20,000 homes. ... Read the full story on TreeHugger

Cromley Lofts: A Closer Look At The First LEED-Certified Condos In Virginia

Thu, 14 Feb 2008 16:14:53 GMT

Last month, I wrote about Cromley Lofts, the condos in Virginia that received a Gold rating from the U.S. Green Building Council in 2007. Since then, I had to chance to visit the condos, and speak with William Cromley, the architect and developer of the lofts. William worked on the lofts from design to construction, so he was able to ensure that his green vision was completely realized in the finished homes, while still making the condos affordable. ... Read the full story on TreeHugger

An Electric Car That Dives Underwater: The Rinspeed sQuba

Thu, 14 Feb 2008 14:22:48 GMT

The Swiss Company Rinspeed has developed a new concept car called "sQuba", which is the world's first green diving car. This zero-emission, electric vehicle (EV) is capable of driving on roads just like a normal car, yet it can also be turned into an amphibious vehicle capable of diving, reaching depths of up to 10 meters (33 feet). The car has three separate electric motors. One motor powers the roadster when it's on land, and the other two motors are used for underwater propulsion. When you dive beneath the surface, two fender-mounted Seabob jets appear to help you navigate through the currents. Since "sQuba" uses an electrical engine it will not pollute the sea when it dives Here's a Bond-style video of the car in action:... Read the full story on TreeHugger

The Greening Of The Capitol: Very Efficient Food Service

Thu, 31 Jan 2008 13:15:00 GMT

Last week, the highly optimal Allison Rogers, invited me to survey the current state of the Greening of the Capitol. To get to the United States Capitol, I struggled out of bed, walked a couple miles to the bus stop, and then took a bus to the metro station, and then rode the metro to DC, and then walked a block to the Capitol. Upon entering, I was duly frisked by the Capitol guards, and proceeded into the building.... Read the full story on TreeHugger

Starbucks Switches To Hormone-Free Milk

Wed, 16 Jan 2008 13:48:21 GMT

Starbucks has announced that it is moving forward with its long-promised plans to serve only milk produced by cows free of the artificial hormone known as rBGH (recombinant bovine growth hormone). According to the company, all of its core dairy products (fluid milk, half and half, whipping cream and eggnog) are now rBGH-free. Unfortunately, Starbucks also plans to stop selling organic milk in its stores next month. The company has stocked organic milk at U.S. shops since 2001. Starbucks spokesman Brandon Borrman said the original reason for offering it was to cater to customers who wanted milk from cows that weren't given rBGH.... Read the full story on TreeHugger

Cromley Lofts: First LEED-Certified Condos In Virginia

Mon, 14 Jan 2008 11:35:23 GMT

Cromley Lofts are the first LEED-certified condos in Virginia. The three-story condos were part of a "adaptive reuse project" that received a Gold rating from the U.S. Green Building Council in 2007. The original building has a long history, beginning in 1910 when it served as a warehouse for Alexandria's railroad business. It was renovated in 2004, and numerous green features were incorporated into the building. ... Read the full story on TreeHugger

Red Worm Implementation By Allison Rogers

Fri, 14 Dec 2007 12:20:04 GMT

Vermicomposting is an optimal green technique. Recently, Allison Rogers implemented a red worm vermicomposting system on her balcony. Not one to be easily daunted, Allison got close up to the worms (see photos below). These worms will quickly turn her kitchen scraps into high-quality compost (see this article for more details of the intriguing processes involved). This effective technique makes composting available to apartment dwellers. ... Read the full story on TreeHugger

New Light Glows For 12 Years

Mon, 10 Dec 2007 17:28:58 GMT

Litroenergy is a new type of material that emits light for 12 years without needing electricity or sun exposure. The self-luminous micro-particles are called Litrospheres and are said to be non-toxic and inexpensive. The light is said to be equivalent to a 20 watt incandescent bulb (lumens please?). ... Read the full story on TreeHugger

Allison Rogers On Taking A Train From DC To Rhode Island

Mon, 03 Dec 2007 12:58:54 GMT

Trains, subways and streetcars are the most optimal methods of mass transportation. Given adequate investment, rail-based travel could be a viable alternative to air travel (see Andrew Posner's recent post for more details). Recently, instead of flying Allison Rogers decided to try taking the train from Washington DC to Providence, Rhode Island. Here is her account of the trip: ... Read the full story on TreeHugger

Optimally Green: Allison Rogers

Sun, 02 Dec 2007 03:14:11 GMT

Recently, I've become intrigued by people who are able to integrate truly green actions into their daily lives. Allison Rogers is certainly someone who does this with style. She first gained the attention of TreeHugger when she was competing in the Miss America Contest as Miss Rhode Island. During the competition she promoted green issues extensively — in fact, I suspect she may have entered the competition just to inspire others to go green. ... Read the full story on TreeHugger

Solar Powered LEDs Light Up Highways

Fri, 23 Nov 2007 10:29:23 GMT

In England, they are testing out an new way to illuminate roads using solar power and LEDs. These active markers have an edge over passive reflectors because they store solar energy during the day, and then emit light at night to improve visibility from about 300 feet to 3000 feet. The LED-based units reportedly extend driver reaction time from 3.2-seconds to over half a minute when cruising at 60mph. They have an expected life-span of eight to ten years and are said to have reduced night time accidents in certain areas by over 70-percent. The lights is produced and marketed by Astucia SolarLite. :: Newspress via Engadget via Autoblog ... Read the full story on TreeHugger

Green Cars At The LA Car Show

Tue, 20 Nov 2007 19:44:06 GMT

^{The GM Volt concept car on display.} Last week I attended the LA Car Show, which some may find strange, given the fact I believe cities should be essentially car-free. However, I do recognize that cars and trucks have a place in rural communities. And I also acknowledge that people will bee driving for a least a few more years hence. So I thought I'd see if the major automakers had taken any green inroads. I have to say overall, I was surprised by the amount of attention being paid to green issues. Almost every automaker was featuring a fuel-cell, electric or hybrid car (only Ford seems to remain oblivious to green considerations). For me, the question is: will we see working models of green cars in car dealerships, or will they exist only as an intangible concept vehicles created for marketing purposes?... Read the full story on TreeHugger

Fresno State Installs 1.1 Megawatts Of Solar

Tue, 13 Nov 2007 09:23:15 GMT

Fresno State University in California has installed a 1.1 megawatt solar power system that will supply the university with 20% of its annual power needs. The solar cells were installed over the university's park lots by Chevron Energy Solutions. The system is expected to save Fresno State more than $13 million in utility costs over its 30-year lifespan. The 10 structures, which provide the only shaded parking on the campus, comprise 3,872 photovoltaic panels mounted on top of more than 700 carport stalls constructed in parking lots on the southeast side of campus. ... Read the full story on TreeHugger

New "Cold Cathode" Fluorescents: 85% Less Mercury

Mon, 12 Nov 2007 09:49:11 GMT

It's a new fluorescent bulb that could have a bright future — the cold cathode fluorescent lamp (or CCFL). These bulbs contain half the mercury of conventional "hot cathode" fluorescents. They have a thinner tube diameter, which allows them to run cooler, and last up to four times as long (a lifespan of 25,000 hours). This means that the mercury is reduced by 85% over the life of a cold cathode bulb, because a regular CFL would have to be replaced three times during that period. Another big advantage of CCFLs is that they are fully dimmable, and "on/off" cycles do not shorten their life. This means they can be used with motion detectors and standard incandescent dimmers. ... Read the full story on TreeHugger

$450 Million Hotel To Be Powered By Rainwater, Solar

Fri, 09 Nov 2007 14:38:22 GMT

Robert Congel, owner of the Pyramid Cos., says he will build a $450 million, 40-story green hotel as part of the Carousel Center mall. The unnamed hotel will be powered (in part) by electricity generated by its solar panel facade and by hydro-electric turbines utilizing rainwater collected on its roof. It is intended to be the cornerstone of Destiny USA: a 75-million-square-foot retail, hotel, and entertainment complex touted as the world's most sustainable project. The hotel's green theme will be carried throughout its design, Destiny officials said. A rendering of the hotel shows a V-shape structure on the north side of the Carousel Center, with a green facade that makes it look like six giant blades of grass soaring into the sky next to Onondaga Lake.... Read the full story on TreeHugger

Intriguing Electric Bike: The EV-X7 Prototype

Thu, 08 Nov 2007 14:01:45 GMT

The intriguing electric bike seen in this video, the EV-X7, has a magnetic motor built into its rear wheel. The motor is a hybrid between a electromagnet and a permanent magnet. It was designed by the Axle Group in Japan. The bike has a range of about 110 miles on a single charge, and a top speed of about 92 mph. The company plans to start selling a mini-scooter version of the magnetic-powered bike next year, which will be priced at about $2100. See a photo of the bike over the fold. ... Read the full story on TreeHugger

Office Building Lit By 100% LED Light

Thu, 08 Nov 2007 10:37:24 GMT

Here's an example of an office building that has been converted to 100% LED light. The new bulbs consume 48% less energy than those they replaced (mostly fluorescents lights). The workplace in question is the headquarters of Cree, a company in North Carolina that specializes solid-state LED lights. The parking lots, entryways, lobby and conference rooms at Cree's headquarters are now lit by eco-effective XLamp LEDs. Even the high-pressure sodium parking lights and spotlights were converted to LED lights.... Read the full story on TreeHugger

Cleanut: A Detergent Made With Soapnuts

Tue, 06 Nov 2007 15:33:02 GMT

Almawin Cleanut is a new laundry detergent from Germany whose main ingredient is soapnut extract. When I first heard about this product, I was immediately intrigued because soapnuts are a great natural detergent. They are one of the few botanicals that contain saponin. The seeds come from trees (Sapindus mukorossi) grown throughout India and Nepal. Before this detergent was released, soapnuts were only available in their raw form, and they were fairly expensive.... Read the full story on TreeHugger

Recent Posts by TreeHugger's Justin Thomas, Virginia