Tesla 2008
May 11, 2008
Take a peek at the Tesla at the Monaco Grand Prix.
Wal-Mart going Green
May 10, 2008
There’s a lot of discussion going on of late about Wal-Mart’s push to go green.
Wal-Mart has pledged to make its stores 20 percent more energy efficient by 2013, which will cut annual electricity use by 3.5 million megawatt-hours.
They’ve also unrolled a a plan to double the fuel economy of its trucks by 2015, which will save 60 million gallons of diesel fuel a year.
The company also published a benchmark carbon footprint. Wal-Mart estimates its U.S. operations were responsible for 15.3 million metric tons of CO2 emissions in 2005.
About three-quarters of this pollution came from the electricity generated to power its stores. Take a virtual tour of a Wal-Mart store and hear how they are making changes in their test stores to experiment with how they can both reduce costs and their imact on the environment.
Perhaps more important than what they’re doing in their own operation, the comany is making great strides to educate their customers as well. Their website encourages users to think about how they shop, and highlights earth friendly products.
These changes have not been without controversy. Some say that this is just a smart move to reduce overhead. Others say it’s jumping on the green bandwagon to improve the company’s poor image in the public eye after the labor and health-care scandals of the last few years.
What do you think?
Happy Pangea Day!
May 10, 2008
In case you haven’t heard about it yet, there’s an exciting experiment going on around the world today.
It’s called Pangea day, and the idea is that by sharing this experience around the world, we can all learn about each other’s cultures.
Locations in Cairo, Kigali, London, Los Angeles, Mumbai, and Rio de Janeiro will be linked for a live program of powerful films, live music, and visionary speakers. The entire program will be broadcast – in seven languages – to millions of people worldwide through the internet, television, and mobile phones.
The 24 short films to be featured have been selected from an international competition that generated more than 2,500 submissions from over one hundred countries. The films were chosen based on their ability to inspire, transform, and allow us see the world through another person’s eyes. Details on the Pangea Day films can be viewed here.
The program will also include a number of exceptional speakers and musical performers. Queen Noor of Jordan, CNN’s Christiane Amanpour, musician/activist Bob Geldof, and Iranian rock phenom Hypernova are among those taking part.
It starts at 18:00 GMT (11 PDT) and you can find out lots more here:http://www.pangeaday.org/
What the heck’s a Zombu?
May 9, 2008
It’s a super green friendly computer, that’s what.
The Zombu comes as a desktop or laptop device and runs on only 15 watts of power (about 10% of what the average computer uses). Not only that, it’s certified by a slew of green rating boards, and they even offer free recycling to eliminate e-waste.
Here’s the specs on the laptop.
- Processor: 1.5GHz, VIA C7-M Intel-compatible, low energy use
- Display: 15.4″ WXGA Widescreen (1440 x 900) and VGA output
- Memory: 512MB
- Hard Disk local storage: 60GB (58GB for your data)
- Optical Drive: DVD-ROM/CD-RW
- Graphics: VIA Chrome9 HC IGP (64MB shared memory, 128MB maximum)
- Audio: built-in speaker, microphone and headphone ports
- 3 USB 2.0 ports
- Ethernet: 10/100 Mbps built-in - broadband ready
- Wifi: Built-in 802.11b/g
- Power Supply: 65 Watt AC-DC Adapter
- Battery: Rechargeable Lithium-Ion, 2h30 to 3h, depending on usage
- Measurements: 14.1″ x 10.7″ x 1.5″ (35.8cm x 27.2cm x 3.8cm)
- Weight: 5.3lbs (2.4kg)
- Keyboard: American QWERTY
On top of that the computer is low cost, starting at $99 and $14.95/month.
Find out more, and give some thought to going a little greener with your next computer purchase.
Greener by Design: Strategies, Tools, and Markets for Product Innovation
May 9, 2008
June 12-13: a two-day hands-on event focuses on finding ways to green mainstream products.
Participants will hear from leading companies large and small, as well as the top green product designers and participate in innovative techniques that combine the best elements of a traditional conference and an experiential workshop. Register or find out more.
Ecolite - the new concrete?
May 9, 2008
Cellular concrete could easily be the construction material of the future. Made of re-cycled materials and post-industrial steel covered with lightweight cellular concrete, the panels are constructed off-site and delivered ready to assemble. The panels can be painted or inlaid with a variety of materials and qualifies for 4 points in the LEED rating system.
Because there is air trapped between the interior and exterior walls, insulation and sound benefits are outstanding and the material is resistant to molds termites and is highly weather resistant.
Once the walls are built they go up fast. A standard 10,000 Sq foot building can be erected in less than 3 days. Learn more about this construction material on Ecolite’s website.
Bicycle Generator for your laptop
May 8, 2008
When is Apple going to come out with one of these eh?
Energy Efficient lighting can make a huge difference
May 8, 2008
Artificial lighting accounts for 44 percent of the electricity use in office buildings. Make sure yours are the most energy efficient possible.
Wind Generation turbine
May 7, 2008
The Helix turbine is a solution that can work for your home or business. According to the manufacturer you can get up to 75% of the purchase price back as an energy rebate in some states.
Timberland – putting their best foot forward
May 7, 2008
Who better than a company known for their hiking and rough and ready work-boots to think about their company’s environmental impact and do something about it? Not only do they use recycled materials and low impact inks in their packaging, they use re-cycled materials for many of their products.
They’ve reduced their chemical usage and carefully select the ones the do use and they are increasing their organic consumption. They’re also making sure their suppliers are stepping up by conduction environmental audits for tanneries that supply them. They are also creating strategic partnerships with organizations that share their values to expand their impact on the industry and the world.
Find out more about Timberland’s dedication to corporate social responsibility, and next time you go out to but hiking boots, ask how the company you’re buying from makes the world a better place.
Hot air Power
May 7, 2008
Green Remodel
May 4, 2008
Put your remodel in detox. Check the Washington Toxics Coalition for iideas and safer products to get the lead out.
Water water everywhere and not a drop to drink.
May 3, 2008
As we water our lawns and take our beloved long hot showers in Silicon Valley it is easy to lose track of how precious water is to our very survival. The World Health Organization tells us that at any moment over half of the world’s 6 Billion people have a disease associated with inadequate drinking water and sanitation. Close to 5 million people die each year from the same
While there are major efforts under way to provide desalination plants http://www.water-technology.net/projects/israel/ , create water sharing agreements between nations, the need is too immediate for many individuals who simply can’t wait for technology. They need pure water now.
Enter water filters like the LifeStraw, an inexpensive point of use device that can be used with little or no instruction, provide clean drinking water for up to a year, and are now being donated to villages around the world.
Another option, for those who can afford it, is the Slingshot. It’s designed by the inventive mind of Dean Kamen (inventor of the Segway). The Slingshot uses a Sterling engine, which can run on pretty much anything that burns (dry manure, coal, propane) and distills 1,000 liters a day of pure water out of any water source, no matter how polluted. As you can see from this video, it’s small, and could easily be transported to where it is needed.
Smart shopping for electronics
May 2, 2008
Look for Energy Star rated products when you shop. If possible research online for the hoghest energy ratings before you shop.
-
Subscribe
Currently Reading
