Eco blog

An Eccentric 3-Axis Eco Robotic Lamp

2009-07-03T20:40:00.000-07:00

This weird are somewhat like flower shaped inimitable contrivance featured here is nothing but an adaptable Eco lamp model freshly projected by a pioneering designer named Chris NATT and this is actuality a form changing are intriguing lantern which is knocked with distinctive robotic traits.

Taking into contemplation the prevailing ambient light conditions this three-axis geared Eco lamp marked Stimuli 3.0 would automatically tune the lighting intensity. Moreover if ganged up with little energy efficient LEDs the intact mechanism may perhaps be twisted out into a pretty energy saving concept too.

This exceptionally designed lamp archetype would certainly entertain as well as poser its audience as and when it will alter its shape. Subsequently this peculiar lightening artifact if devoid of disquieting sounds and bangs and tagged with a contemptible price would unquestionably thumps on the market place in coming days.Via

Eco-Gold: Olympic Village Bestowed with LEED Award!

2009-06-30T20:29:00.000-07:00

China is on top of the medal tally at the Beijing Olympics and it seems that it intends to stay there by the time the flame starts its journey to London. Irrespective of who finish on top of the tally with the highest number of gold and China has bagged a golden honor with the way it has built and maintained its Olympic Village. U.S. Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson presented Chinese officials with a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold award for the 2008 Olympic village and that is one ‘Olympic Gold’ that China can only claim to have!

This is indeed being dubbed as the ‘Green Olympics’ and ironically so as Beijing is one of the world most polluted cities before the games started and there was a frantic effort to clean things up. While the Olympic Village is a segment of the celebrated athletic event’s environmentally-friendly planning and that is a major goal for the Olympic Village Eco environment was that its practices and techniques would also serve as a model for future development in China.

Currently housing 16,000 Olympic athletes, the 160-acre site contains 42 residential buildings ranging between six- and seven community centers, three commercial and retail buildings, a health center, library, gyms, swimming pools, tennis courts, and a kindergarten. Using high levels of insulation, energy efficient windows and a system that collects and re-uses rainwater for heating and cooling and these buildings are 50 percent more energy efficient than most other buildings in Beijing.

The apartments are also partially powered by solar energy and use grey water to flush toilets and vegetated green roofs make up more than 60 percent of the impervious surface on rooftops and 95 percent of parking was constructed underground are freeing up area for open green space as well as a network of pedestrian and bicycle pathways. What is nice to know is that the village is being used as a model for future villages in China and for that reason alone the LEED accolade is well deserved. Via

Distinctively Designed Green Bikinis

2009-06-16T21:11:00.000-07:00

By and large when anyone chats about bikinis or trunks and that we straight away visualize a super hot sculpt putting on a chic swimsuit. It is here only when one correlates the eco world with green bikinis and in disparity to the persistent outlook is a novel green collection of swimming costumes has been launched at NIKSTERS which would be finished through naturally obtainable soy are bamboo and organic cotton etc. And this vibrant and lively set of swimwear would be accessorized too by means of indigenous bits and pieces like shells and coconuts.

Only cast-off or recycled resources would be utilized for covering and wrapping of these swim wears and 5% of their gross sales would be donated to various aid organizations and charitable trusts which indeed is a milieu friendly and human friendly tread as well. These artistically designed purposeful eco bikinis prepared from innate threads and fibers would optimistically endorse a vigorous, green and healthy way of living. Via

Eco Green Cycler: Ingenious Waste Food Therapy

2009-06-12T20:29:00.000-07:00

In one way or another we all ought to be conscious of the verity that the oodles of food items which are getting wasted today would actually roll out to be a giant impasse for us in imminent future. Subsequently in order to isolate generations from this grim trouble an Eco canvasser named Sang HOON Lee has come out with a most up-to-date technique identified as “Green Cycler.” By means of this ambiance friendly modernism, we can essentially confer an amazing green treatment to spoiled and misused foodstuff since this instigated Eco mechanism would effectively putrefy frittered away food into valuable fertilizer for the plants.

This structure is aptly named as Green Cycler as it would help purge out the exasperating spoiled food stink away from the surrounds. Likewise it would be of splendid support in rapid growth of plant as of the nutrients offered to it by the decomposed food turned stimulant matter. Besides this the plant’s “going to be ready status” in this Green Cycler is exhibited by a downward going light beam.

Hence, undeniably this green concept would authentically sort out the food waste dilemma in a very short cross of time. Via

Eco News: Pacific Island countries

2009-06-09T19:53:00.000-07:00

The Pacific Island countries now have the support of the United Nations and Samoa Plan and the two bodies have come together with an Inter-agency ECO Climate Change Centre that will help the Pacific Island countries to fight ECO global warming. To appreciate the effort and Secretary General Ban KI-moon said, “I am glad that we are taking matters in our hands. Climate change is not science fiction. It is real and needs our attention.”

Reports suggest that there has been a rise in sea level in the Pacific Island region and this is not very good news for the hundreds of people who depend on fishing for their livelihoods. A change in sea ECO temperature can alter the temperature of aquatic species that people eat. For example the warmer ECO waters can harm the rate of metabolism, growth, reproduction and immunity in shell fish. Via

Turtles Breathe a Sigh of Relief with New Eco Fishing Tech

2009-06-05T19:59:00.000-07:00

WWF has found that a new fish technology is proving to save turtles while not affecting eco fish catches. Simply changing from the conventional Just hook to circular hooks has been helpful in releasing turtles accidentally hooked.

MOISES Mug from WWF said that using circular hooks is the right choice as it does not even hamper the economy of artisan fisheries.

Reports suggest that the alternate Eco fishing method has brought about a significant trend in by catch reduction and where marine turtle by catch has been reduced by 89% per thousand hooks.

It was quite a relief to find that ninety-Live per cent of turtles caught while fishing were recovered alive and the fishing ability of the circle hook was as good as the J-shaped.
Indeed a strong example to show how conservation and industry can work hand in hand for a better and greener life.

“Our goal is to reduce the incidental catch of marine turtles from the long-line fishing operations without affecting the fisheries activity which is a main source of food and income for local communities,”

“This programme is going beyond an initial focus of saving sea turtles from bycatch, and is creating the groundwork toward sustainable artisanal long-line fishing in the eastern Pacific,”

“By working co-operatively, collecting data and learning how to improve practices, this programme is living proof that conservation and industry can work together for sustainability.” Via

Newly Exhibited Water Conserving Eco Dish Washer

2009-06-02T20:05:00.000-07:00

Eco Water paucity is the most imperative consternation for us amongst all the sparse naturally available resources on our earth. So if in today’s epoch somebody comes up with an initiative to conserve water and energy then he would truly earn a comprehensive admiration around the world. In view of that a designer named Toby Fox has proposed an innovative scheme called ‘Water Efficient Washing up Unit’ for cleansing up dishes and utensils. As the name signifies this intact entity is meant for unraveling our critical water crisis.

As far as the edifice of this Eco dish washing piece is concerned the designer has put in just plain and simple ideas to design this magnificent energy and resource saving part of a set. Composed of two parts this valuable unit would reserve water desired for dishing up in one part while the other part performing as cleaning handle would warm up the water to generate steam out of it. This Eco steam would be in turn Eco projected for washing out articles once they have gone through detergent washing off.

And the whole cleansing course of action would be concluded very swiftly thereby speeding up the entire process. Hence this arrangement positively embraces all the Eco-friendly aspects looked-for in current scenario since in addition to premium water saving this unit ensues time saving as well. Via

Smart Edi10on: A Smart Urban Commuter for Cleaner Roads

2009-05-28T20:47:00.000-07:00

Smart is one company that is relatively new in the world of Eco automobiles and is only now celebrating its 10th anniversary. Now that is a very young age for a car making company and it is almost akin to an infant still in his first year. Then how is that Smart Eco is this awesome and fancy with its work and so confident about its market? For those still wondering and smart Eco is a joint venture of Swatch and Mercedes. That is quite simply a phenomenal combination and ensures that there is neither in shortage of funds or skill or even technical support.

To celebrate its 10th anniversary Swatch has released a Limited Edition Eco car that it quite aptly calls the Smart Eco Edi10n and the car is a perfect urban commuter in every sense of the world. Style and Eco automobile finesse aside and Smart is a diesel-powered vehicle for two. Before you even shout about how it still spills out fumes and is not good for the planet. This saves on space, energy while engineering the car and putting it together, fuel consumption and costs.

With most urban commuters using Eco cars either all on there own or just for a couple and it is time every carmaker starting making this ’smart’ choice. While it might not be appealing for all and it does its job to perfection and saves the roads from plenty of messy jams and fumes. The rest of the Eco car is simple impeccable with world-class interiors are the top-notch styling and great Eco design. It comes with the 0.8-cdi engines or the 1.0-liter 84hp gasoline engine and is priced at €16,850 - €19,790. Via

Mazda KIYORA ECO Concept

2009-05-26T20:43:00.000-07:00

Water is indeed inspirational and one trip to the beach will surely inspire you to follow the waves and while Mazda Eco concept have tried to emulate the wind and sand in car designs earlier and their attempt at giving solid shape to water seems to have come off much better. The KIYORA Eco Concept of Mazda is a futuristic Eco car that is inspired by water and one look at the car clears any further doubts on that and design of the Eco car along with the pattern on the glass are mesmerizing.

And this KIYORA Eco concept design and next-generation four-cylinder direct-injection engine contributes to excellent fuel economy and low CO2 emissions. The new Mazda KIYORA Eco concept car is based on an all-new platform designed to minimize weight and maximize safety and driving pleasure.

It also features an interior design and new functions that support a youthful lifestyle and it seems that this clean Eco car from Mazda with better efficiency and cleaner exhaust will really steal the show when the Paris Motor Show Kicks off. Via

Eco Xylophone Bin: Recycle waste with a touch of sensuous music!

2009-05-23T21:11:00.001-07:00

If you want your young kid to pick up the habit of recycling early or if you intend to add a touch of classy musical feel to your trash bin and then this is perfect for you. It is not very often that one gets to see an Eco concept that looks good and also does well for the Eco planet. The Eco Xylophone Bin is one such rare Eco concept which we would like to have ourselves and enjoy some beautiful notes every time we put the waste back where it belongs.

“Xylophone Bin” is an amazing Eco creation by Dominic Wilcox designed for Danish Company VIPP charity auction Eco event held in New York. The bin has crafted wooden stairs around it that go from longer to shorter. When you open the lid and an Eco metal ball is released on to the steps and goes bouncing down the steps to create a symphony of sound. It goes from the high note to the low note and probably this will encourage your young one to put trash where it belongs more often and this truly is one Eco gadget that is a delight to the senses.

When the pedal is pressed the lid opens, releasing a ball that travels down a spiral set of xylophone steps around the bin. Each time the ball hits a step, a note is played. The xylophone steps are cut in increasing lengths so that the note gets lower as the ball travels to the bottom.

Toshiba High on Methanol Powered Eco Fuel Cells

2009-05-20T20:18:00.000-07:00

We had been hearing of it unofficially for some time now, but finally Toshiba has come out with the actual schedule of the Eco fuel cell-powered mobile devices. Releasing in March 2009, the new mobile Eco devices will be equipped with a methanol Eco fuel cell that gets charged with a dedicated cartridge. However, there will be a second built-in-Li-ion battery that will provide a strong back up.

Hear the cartridge can make space for around 50 ml of 99 per cent methanol which can charge a Eco mobile phone 10 times. Priced at 700 yen, the cartridge has already become hot property but Toshiba is planning to reduce the cost price further down to 100 yen. A wise move as it will increase saleability manifolds.

The big Toshiba plan is to use these Eco fuel cells in DIGI cams, LAPPY etc as well and the best part is a cartridge being designed will be of a single type and will be compatible with many Eco devices. Via

Sporting Green: Garden House with Mini Golf on the Roof!

2009-05-18T21:01:00.001-07:00

This is one house that I would really love to own as it seems to combine two of my passions with elegant ease. The Garden House is a perfect combination of green environment with sports and when I say I mean a lot more than the boring indoor sports. The Garden House has a roof that is covered by a green blanket and it is not just for the look of it. The green top acts as a mini-golf course and you can have loads of fun and fine tune your shots and angles on your own terrace now.

Designed by ADD+ architecture and the Garden House is a good example of designer houses. The project is designed to be located in the city of IGULADA while overlooking the overall landscape. The big glasses all over the house ensure that the house does not have dearth of light and air. The house overall is supported on steel tubes and is quite strong in holding the whole house. Also the interiors are done very aesthetically with wooden flooring taking the overall feel to a new level.

The house is designed to be a beautiful green home and while I really like sports beyond golf and would probably prefer a soccer pitch on top of my roof, I’m pretty sure the folks at ADD + architecture would manage to do that with ease. The house is an example of how green architecture can still produce super cool homes with innovative new concepts that are fun and useful. Via

Ride 50 Miles Over Dynamic Solar Bike

2009-05-14T20:52:00.000-07:00

It’s time to see young and innovative minds approaching the world with their fresh and youthful initiatives. Now lately in the turf of solar powered vehicles a further name, which is going to be impressed, is of University of Iowa Solar Club as the students of university has remarkably instigated an energy efficient solar bike on the roads.

This Eco friendly pollution free bike designed by a collegiate group comprising ten to twenty students can actually revolutionize the whole world of city bikes as of its superb green eminence. The only disheartening facet of this bike is its slow and sluggish speed which comes up to be somewhere around 50 mph only. In today’s viable and hasty world such a lethargic vehicle would not be able to survive for a long time until or unless some relevant perfection is attained in its speed front.

Under the headship of Daniel Rogge, an industrial engineer and the group deems to achieve the target speed of 62 mph in imminent future. Although this newly commenced solar innovation exhibited in yellow color appears to be a weird creation yet it would be barely defied by anyone in this young and modernized horde. Via

German Perfection: Green living takes over in the Land of BMW and Mercedes

2009-05-09T21:02:00.000-07:00

Germany is a country that has vividly stamped a class of its own in the international arena with what the world considers as the unending quest for perfection. Germans are known to be hard taskmasters who strive for that final millisecond and that last millimeter of perfect design, form and function and it is something that comes up with German athletes I mean Eco German technology and of course the ever green German beer. From that perfect lap of magic by Michael Schumacher to the precision of the Mercedes- it is all about power with grace and accuracy.

But Germany has been a land that has been changing away from the technology to the green technology which saves both on oil and emissions. The home of the Mercedes, BMW (even though British) and Volkswagen is moving from oil-guzzling technology to windmills, green gadgets and electric vehicles. Germany is already the single largest producer and market for Solar Energy in the world.

To add to that Germany has recently taken to wind energy and now 7% of the country’s total power is produced by windmills and driven by those gusty flutters of the blade. It seems that the Germans are driven to even eek out perfection out of the renewable energy sources and that once again is a welcome sight. Via

In Germany comes a wind farm to produce hydrogen

2009-05-01T20:30:00.000-07:00

There is great turmoil in Germany as regards energy Eco Concept renovated. In Berlin was presented a project for the construction of a wind farm to produce hydrogen electricity that will become operational in two years and for the implementation is expected to cost around two million euros.

The objective in the near future is to sell hydrogen in the city and to achieve this goal we are working on two lines project is a service station to be built on the spot and a means to accumulate the hydrogen produced and transported to Berlin to the various distributors. The hydrogen made from clean energy such as wind power is an element on which the city of Berlin and Germany in general are working in alternative energies.

In the German city already circulating 14 hydrogen-powered buses and the objective is to bring the bus fleet to 40 cars more in the coming years.

At the time the problems associated with the development of this political economy is tied to the cost of the energy carrier and as well as the presence of non-capillary service stations and distribute it to a policy of incentives and choices it really favors.

Throughout Germany there are about 21 stations that distribute hydrogen, made from industrial waste, but other stations is achieved in part by renewable energy and partly by gas resources. In Germany the policy of dissemination of hydrogen are quite serious and major car makers, including BMW, especially, watching with interest the evolution of the situation?

It provides in the coming years, availability of funds for pilot projects aimed at producing hydrogen from green energy of 1.4 billion euros for half coming from public funds and half by industry funding.

Who Wooden Want This Eco Phone!

2009-04-28T20:36:00.000-07:00

I have always had a special liking for modern furniture and accessories and mainly because they reduce the clutter in one’s house and give you enough breathing space and yet adding its signature style and elegance to the decor.

Perhaps that is why I was delighted to see the new PAPPA Eco Phone launched by HULGER recently and they say it is world’s first wooden VOIP Eco phone and is priced at a neat 300 dollars. Crafted by hand from a single piece of American walnut and Eco the phone is a beauty that is an aspect further accentuated by solid brass from ‘I like its design’ studio in Montreal.

The eco-friendly look is supported by an updated technology. Yes PAPPA Eco Phone is USB based and can work with Mac and PC computers. One can also find the plug-and-play feature in it that can be which makes it compatible with services like Skype, ICHAT and Yahoo.Via
Furniture, Plants, concept

Eco News: India Gets Green Ideas for Cars

2009-04-24T21:00:00.000-07:00

After basking in the glory of appreciation and excited apprehension touted as the World’s cheapest car that makes way for green Eco brand Oreva. This new e-car is a part of the rich Ajanta group legacy who has been giving India affordable electric scooters and bikes over the past so many years.

Plans are to roll out Eco product Oreva from the Ajanta plant in Gujarat just though the mother company is careful not to divulge too many details, the national rep of the car did say that this green wonder would be able to cover 200-250 kilometers in a single charge.

Claiming to have no competition with Nano in the makers of Eco product Oreva call their move to manufacture the car an obvious one. They call it their future product. The R&D is on and looks like Eco product Oreva will have a completely India made battery.

The non-AC demo e-car, manufactured at the company’s Samakhiyali unit in Kutch district and where the Eco product Oreva e-bike is also made, is likely to be priced between Rs 85,000 and Rs 1, 00,000. People are already excited’s about the great pricing which apparently is lesser than Nano’s rate. The economic benefits from Eco product Oreva are obvious but the car is also a sign of how energy preservation is becoming an agenda for more and more countries like India.

OKOOKO Float: A Green Cradle Takes You on a Voyage through Dreams

2009-04-21T20:17:00.000-07:00

I always wanted my bedroom (which happens to be my favorite place) to look like the one I saw in the fairytales. I always wondered if I would ever find a bed like the one on which Sleeping Beauty slumbered for years. Well, I’m happy I finally found one. Float, a cute green bed crafted from the sustainable, water-resistant TOTARA wood with base and canopy enclosed in acrylic fabric finished in Teflon fascinated me.

This Eco-friendly bed designed by a sailor-designer David TRUBRIDGE for a New Zealand based company OKOOKO, was voted ‘The Best Piece of Bedroom Furniture’ and costs $25,000. This gorgeous cradle brings forth a stunning fusion of style and comfort reflecting the sailor’s experiences on his voyages through the Caribbean and the Pacific.

Though highly priced, I would certainly want it to be mine and I’m sure many of you feel like I do. So, if you are looking for a bed that can give you a voyage through dreams don’t forget to check this one out. It’s beautiful, green and will give you what you want.

Ovetto: The ECO Green Trash Bin

2009-04-20T20:25:00.000-07:00

Optimum utilization of resources like never before!!! With Gianluca Solid’s Ovetto ECO green in you wouldn’t have to hide your trash bin in the corners but can flaunt it upfront. In an attempt to go green, the Ovetto ECO green is made out of recycled polypropylene and meets the needs of domestic waste separation. This helps educate the population to correctly dispose of waste in order to be able to consequently recycle it.

Available in white and black color with a capacity of 15 to 17 Liter, it requires 25/35 Liter bags and is an object of interior design that unites functionality, ECO green design and environmental education. Each of its compartments has ventilation to accommodate air circulation. Separation of waste plays an important role in the integrated management system of waste as it allows the reduction in the trash that ends up at landfills. To make certain that waste is correctly disposed off and recycled; waste must be kept separate according to the material class it belongs to.

So all you need to do is drop your waste in the small colored slot on the top, pull out the larger storage sections when you need to empty. Endowed with futuristic curves, this egg-shaped bin is fitted with separate compartments for your recycled items, like paper, plastic and glass etc is probably the hippest bin on the market, with the added bonus of being one of the ECO green. It could be all yours for £139.99. Via

Eco Design: Building Excitement

2009-04-19T20:12:00.000-07:00

One of San Francisco’s most exciting green projects, the construction of the new California Academy of Sciences building, has finally come alive. Designed by renowned architect Renzo Piano in collaboration with engineer Rana Creek and the Eco building is topped by an undulating and functional and HUGE living green roof of 2.5 acre. Not only does this roof provide all the sustainable benefits that living roofs bring to a Eco structure, but it is also visible from within the exhibition spaces are connecting inside and out and engaging the context of San Francisco’s flora-filled backdrop.

All set to open to the visitors from 27th September in this new Academy Eco Building houses an aquarium, planetarium, and exhibition spaces. Aside from its green roof and the Eco building is a feat of institutional green building that can be using some of the most cutting-edge energy efficiency strategies, delighting and water reclamation.

The architectural Eco design of the new Academy responds to the Academy’s mission, history and setting. Inspired by the natural world are nature becomes part of the building itself. Its taken ten years and great vision to unify the Academy twelve Eco buildings into one notable structure are standing in the middle of the city Golden Gate Park.

With 60,000 photo-voltaic cells covering a glass canopy that frames it, the 410,000 sq ft compound involved a cost of US$500 million. See it ones and you would acknowledge and that it’s WORTH IT!!

Earth Now Gets a Beer Hug

2009-04-18T20:51:00.000-07:00

A beer that’s green!!! Sounds absurd? Well don’t be too surprised. After organic and biodynamic wine it is green beer that is making news these days.

Going by the name of Cascade Green, this organic beer company manufactures the fuzzy liquor in Tasmania Australia with a commitment towards a greener life. Their special product is called ‘Beer of the Earth’ as Cascade Green has been consistently working for over 6 years to reduce the energy and water consumption by 16% and 30% respectively in the manufacturing process.

The website is an extremely vibrant affair. But you have to be more than 18 years of age to access it. Here I read about the brewery’s green location that is surrounded by 250 hectares of pristine forest with Mount Wellington in the backdrop. The company is doing its best to maintain the beauty of the natural surroundings. And it is also taking special care to neutralize carbon emissions by purchasing carbon offsets. Via

Quiet Revolution’s QR5 addresses wind turbine issues

2009-04-17T19:30:00.000-07:00

With the benefits of Windmills come common concerns like the whooshing sound that regular turbines produce, as well as their divisive visual aesthetics. Keeping in mind the volatility of the speed of wind in the urban environment, the QR (Quiet Revolution) has been designed. A new type of wind turbine intended to address both of these issues, Quiet Revolution’s QR5 Vertical Axis Wind Turbine, or VAWT for shawt, is smaller, quieter, and way better looking than your typical windmill, plus it should produce the equivalent of its £25,000 price tag in clean energy within 15 years or less. The elegant helical (twisted) design of QR ensures a robust performance even in turbulent winds. It is also responsible for virtually eliminating noise and vibration.

At five meters high and three meters in diameter, it is compact and easy to integrate, and with just one moving part, maintenance can be limited to an annual inspection.

Though the energy output will vary according to the wind speed but is likely to be between 6,000 and 10,000 kWhrs on a typical site. And if that wasn’t all, according the usage of such windmills will also lead to reduction in CO2 emissions. Via

Flexibility and Transparency Take Silicon Solar Cells to a New Level

2009-04-16T20:03:00.001-07:00

This could be a breakthrough in technology and researchers in the US of A have come up with a method that will give flexibility and transparency to efficient silicon-based solar cells. So much so that they can actually be wrapped around a pencil as well as used to tint windows on buildings and cars. The technique involves processing silicon by slicing its brittle wafers into ultra thin layers and then transferring them onto a flexible surface. We have seen how the popularity of solar cells has increased many folds with the energy crisis cornering America. More and more people are willing to utilize the sun’s energy over oil.

Companies like Sharp Corp are already manufacturing thin-film solar cells but they are a little less efficient because of their rigidity. With the new breakthrough flexibility, solar cells can be easily transported. License for the technology has been given to a new company called SEMPRIUS Inc in Durham, North Carolina.

Turtuga Blanku’s Solar Tunes Are Ready To Woo Us All

2009-04-15T20:08:00.000-07:00

Believe it or not but even music can be Eco-friendly. I am not just talking about the green lyrics but the production bit as well. Caribbean musician Turtuga Blanku creates music that is powered by the sun.

The studio that he records his blend of rock, reggae and pop is called the Green Machine and is lined with strong photovoltaic cells. These cells absorb solar energy during the day in a battery such that the studio can utilize them at night. Plus Blanku keeps the recording process very simple to make it solar power friendly. He used recording hardware only for drums, bass, guitar, piano and voice keeping the rest for software, also instrument overload is avoided. And we thought Cloud Cult had given us the greenest music.

Hats off to Blanku for giving us a rare bare music in times when digital studio experimenting is a huge fad. And must we add Blanku’s music is good what with his strong focus on well-developed guitar hooks, rhythms and beautiful piano melodies.

India Gets Ready To Build Green

2009-04-14T19:48:00.000-07:00

The concept of ‘green buildings’ seems to be catching up in India. These structures are truly eco-friendly as they harvest their own water and not to forget the solar power systems. Not only this, they even have their own waste re-cycling system.

Plus the greenery in the otherwise concrete jungles that metros in India have become, is sure bliss. The construction has been done so that more than 50 per cent of the building is covered with glass like it is in Japan, which reflects the sun’s rays and keeps the indoor cool; thus, saving power.

When the fad was at a nascent stage, a 20,000 square feet green building was constructed in Hyderabad in 2004. But now, the green attitude is catching up. You will be surprised to know that the green buildings (please read 315) in India today cover over 235 million square feet. Via

Google Champions The Green Cause

2009-04-13T20:10:00.000-07:00

The big news is – Google decides to go green. In an attempt to rescue the USA from the energy crisis before 2030, the largest search engine in the world has decided to pursue a new energy plan. Experts believe that the company is being a little too modest calling their effort as too small, when now they are supporting and 's green technology like wind power, solar energy, geothermal energy etc like never before.

The idea here is to take pressure off the fossil fuel resources. Google has cut down on its servers and buildings, even their computers are more efficient now so as to decrease consumption.
A very simple approach by Google that is hoped to inspire many others to actually sit back and think about the amount of energy they consume. It has even partnered with General Electric Co to develop a power grid that will have real-time pricing to show people their energy consumption. Via

Starbucks In Utter Water Waste

2009-04-12T20:35:00.000-07:00

Green activists have taken up cudgels against Starbucks now. The coffee-giant that boasted of Eco-friendly credentials came under the scanner when investigations by Sun revealed that everyday 23.4m liters of water goes down the drains of 10,000 outlets worldwide due to a company policy that tells the employees to keep the tap running non-stop. Facts show that this much water is enough for the 2 million population of the drough-ridden Namibia to survive for a day.

Actually every Starbucks outlet is equipped with a cold tap behind the counter that trails down into a sink which they like to call “dipper well”. It is here that the utensils are washed. And as per the company’s health and safety rules, staff is especially asked not to turn the water off as they believe that a constant flow of water prevents the breeding of germs in taps.

Water companies as well as the green experts regard the wasting of water for hygiene as nonsense. It is a crazy to do indeed, considering the problems the world is facing with the shortage of this vital natural resource. Australia is suffering the worst drought in a century for over seven years now.Via

Imagine Ice Cream Made From Human Breast Milk

2009-04-11T20:55:00.000-07:00

PETA’s demand for replacing cow milk by human breast milk just went a step further. The animal loving organization sent a letter to the management of famous ice cream brand Ben & Jerry’s urging them to do a big favor to cows and customers by switching to breast milk.

The inspiration to bring breast milk to your plate came to PETA from the Swiss Storchen Restaurant. Apparently, the owner of the restaurant, Hans Lochen, has come up with a menu made from human breast milk. He has developed some recipes out of experimenting with his wife’s breast milk. Lochen was extremely excited about bringing a new milk revolution when the authorities intervened and disapproved his plan. The restaurateur had placed ads for human donors, I like this eco product because first a fall this product is not more expensive and related from environment I mean this milk production is based on climate, and this is an eco friendly product.

This is just the beginning of yet another PETA battle. Experts find the practice unethical because if breast milk is used instead of cow milk, mothers might start putting profit before the needs of their babies.

Hmmm….quite an interesting POV…will it be us, the humans over animals or the other way around? Via

Wal-Mart Spells Green Out and Loud

2009-04-10T20:37:00.000-07:00

Come October and Wal-Mart Stores Inc will be going the eco-friendly way. Yes, the largest retailer in the world has decided to reduce plastic bag wastage in its stores by 25 per cent in the US and 50 per cent in other countries. Keeping in tune with the new green promise, the store will be selling a new 50-cent reusable bag in the U.S. Also, its baggers will be trained to pack bags more efficiently, and I know this is a best eco friendly product because plastic bag is providing prolusion.

Actually, Wal-Mart is just becoming a part of the global attempt to curb the use of plastic bags. San Francisco has outlawed non-biodegradable plastic bags from supermarkets while California is encouraging their reuse. Even China has decided to put an end to the use of ultra-thin plastic bags. Countries like Rwanda and Bangladesh have also followed suit.

But looks like Wal-Mart’s little sacrifice is not aggressive enough! Environmentalists applaud their efforts but they do not think it will be able to make much difference in the large picture. The steps have to be more drastic, they say. Via

Kamen Says That You Can Drink Pee

2009-04-09T19:54:00.000-07:00

You can turn pee into water with a special kind of machine. As insane as it sounds, the trick has been performed by inventor Dean Kamen. Already a big name in the world of water filtration, Kamen has again gathered a lot of attention thanks to the Slingshot machine he has created.

Running on cow poo, the Slingshot is a filtration system that can turn any water-containing liquid, yes please read pee, into drinking water. The ideation is simple. Vapor compression distillation enables this little wonder to convert all kinds of liquid, from sea water to puddles, into clean and distilled water. It does not need a filter and since it can run only on cow dung, it can easily be installed in developing countries and many rural areas.

Kamen also gives a free gift with the Slingshot, electricity. Yep, the machine also generates electricity as a by-product. Cool, two benefits from one fully Eco-friendly machine. Do check out Kamen’s video on the Colbert Report. And this product is very luxury and Eco friendly product and this latest advance based Eco design product is not more expensive, but whole part of body and working process is very cool and more advance, I love this product. Via

How About Owning a Cute Little Toy-Green Car?

2009-04-08T19:51:00.000-07:00

The cute toy-like Eco-friendly cars have been made a reality by Global Electric Motorcars (GEM), which is a DaimlerChrysler company. Almost 10 years ago, they came up with a 48-volt GEM vehicle that could easily accommodate two passengers and give a top speed of 20 mph. Call it a coincidence, but the same year the National Highway Traffic Safety Regulation acknowledged a new class of vehicle, the Neighborhood Electric Vehicle (NEV) low-speed vehicle. So these adorable toy-like cars actually found their way to the public roads.

That was then. Even now GEM vehicles are legal in many countries, but only on roads posted at 35 mph or less. The speed has increased in the latest model at 25 mph. Plus with an ability to cover around 30 miles on a single charge and modifications in the car body to suit your requirements, they have become very popular for traveling around neighborhoods.

Meeting the safety guidelines, these GEM vehicles come with safety belts, headlamps, windshield wipers and safety glass. And their strongest point is that they are easily rechargeable at any 110-volt outlet in just six to eight hours. I like this eco product because this is representing best conceptual future and high advance technology and designing for this product is very cool and luxury. Via

A Ray of Light with Solar Powered Shade

2009-04-07T19:55:00.000-07:00

Imitating nature, this may be called!! With Lianne van Genugte designing an automatic functioning device which lights up with the sun, technology seems to be going the nature way. Intertwined with flexible solar cells that receive power from the sun during the day this device provides shade to its owners or to portions of a house in need of protection from heat or bright light. This innovation has been selected as one of 64 finalists for the Golden Eye, the top award for which is to be given at Dutch Design Week in mid-October.

Though this is a step ahead towards optimum utilization of natural resources, it has its respective loop-holes. Automatic switching may lead in wastage of accumulated energy when not required. Besides this, it also requires a battery to store solar energy to reserve all the power for illuminating the nights followed by cloudy days. Also such a solar guzzling shade can be utilized to power up few household gadgets. Like a flower opens to the sun, this device opens at daylight and closes at dusk. This is eco product and showing best unique conceptual high advance future and this eco product is more expensive and generally utilize on home decoration, but that is representing more advance future for another related product, I like this looking good product.

The World Gets Its First Hybrid Yatch

2009-04-06T19:16:00.000-07:00

We keep hearing about Eco-friendly vehicles dominating the roads across the world. But Mochi Craft has thought about the remaining 71%, which is water. A branch of Ferrety Group, this organization sailed in world’s first Eco-vessel.

A hybrid yatch and this was launch at 48th Salone Nautico Internazaionale and this green tag come from hybrid force scheme that is wholly designed by Ferrety. And I think I want to say this is a twin MAN diesel inboards are friendly to a 15-inch, touch screen monitoring system; thus allowing the helmsman to be able to switch among three different propulsion modes with the swipe of a finger: diesel, diesel-electric, or just electric.

An amazing start indeed, because once such eco-friendly hybrid yatch sail across the blue water the ever-increasing pollution level will come down. Plus with its diesel-engine combination, the 75-feet water bus leave’s ten kilograms of carbon dioxide for each nautical mile. There is also a battery pack that too can power the boat. And in this diesel-electric mode, the vessel emits less than half a kilogram each nautical mile. The RINA Green Star certifies that the Long Range 23, priced at a huge three million euros comes with both enhanced hydrodynamic capability and static stability, really very cool product.

Enjoy Sushi With An Eco-Conscience

2009-04-05T20:22:00.000-07:00

For those of you dying of guilt each time you pop up your fave sushi, fear no more. Time has come to eat your fish a little more responsibly. Montery Bay Aquarium and the Blue Ocean Institute along with Environmental Defense Fund have come up with a cool and helpful sushi card that you an carry in your wallet with your sustainable seafood card. This card will be available from 22nd October and will carry information on the shushi to be avoided.

Yep, there are three guides being released and that indeed will be some treat for all you sushi lovers out there. But hey there are a few common favourites that are mentioned in the to-be-avoided list like bluefin tuna and yellow fin tuna. By the way, farmed shrip, freshwater eel and farmed salmon are also to be kept away from. Good news is, wild salmon and shrimp have got the green signal.

The cards will be launched at the only sustainable sushi bar in the US, Tataki Sushi and Saki Bar in San Francisco. The idea behind is to have customers question sushi bar owners on the fish used to make the delicavyand then make an informed choice.

So, go splurge on those delectable sushi options, that have Pacific halibut, albacore tuna, striped bass, arctic char, bay scallops, imitation crab etc., with a clear Eco-conscience! Via

Dubai Uncovers Jumeira Gardens: An Amazing Green City

2009-04-04T20:14:00.000-07:00

Wondering where this stunning futuristic monument is situated? Well, this is just the design of one of the unalterable structures belonging to the triad of 1 Dubai, Park Gate and Park Avenue, of the Jumeira Gardens of Dubai. This picture shows the design of Park Gate, which encompasses three pairs of beautiful towers opposite each other connected by a covering of hanging gardens at the top which gives a cool atmosphere under it.

Designed by the Chicago-based architects Adrian Smith and Gordon Gill this sustainable green project is worth $95 billion. This project has been designed to accommodate offices, homes, business establishments, amusement parks any many more. These green buildings are environment conservative in more than one ways. 1 Park Avenue, an 1800 foot tower with its solar panels and wind turbines waiting to utilize the renewable power of the natural resources.� 1 Dubai stands as the third structure tower in UAE, with its 3 soaring towers measuring 3281 feet in height, connected by glass suspension sky bridges.

This beautiful all-purpose eco-project will take another decade to complete. This beautiful city in the city establishment of Dubai, with its three super-structures is going to be an eye-catching wonder for the tourists and a motivating idea to the Eco-friendly architects.

Bubbletecture Environment Circle with living space

2009-04-03T20:16:00.000-07:00

The fundamental concept behind this design ‘bubbletecture’ is very eco friendly concept of ‘circulation.’ And consign is found in Hyogo and Japan and the unique architectural part is a showcase of the melding of function and maximum utilize of accessible topography. The uneven land terrain was not altered. The limited flat land was utilized. The design keeps natural landform intact. The mission was not to let construction alter the natural environment. All this is the triumph of the Shuhei Endo Architect Institute that was established in 1988.

Japanese cypress thinning wood logs were used to regulate CO2 emission. Steel boards were utilized to minimize further rusting. A roof and a wall were greened with the application of water-retentive moss for moisture. The architectural materials used are natural and environmental, as well as bearing the characteristic of being maintenance-free.

The part of the structure touching the ground is strengthened with an underground beam, while the part that floats from the ground uses a steel frame. Part of the building frame is also used as a water tank for purposes of fire prevention. The single-layered three-dimensional truss structure is made out of Japanese cedar thinning wood log. The flatland areas and the more uneven topography all have trusses made of this wood. Via

A Green Museum for Kids!

2009-04-02T20:18:00.000-07:00

Certified in LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), the Brooklyn Children’s Museum is the very first ‘green’ museum to be found in New York. It focuses on environmental education and consciousness for children, as much as loads of fun for kids while they are in the process of discovery and thought. Here, kids learn about the environment in many innovative ways, and through interesting methods and strategies of presentation. Since many exhibitions are interactive, a trip to the museum is a guaranteed fun day for the whole family.

True to its mission of environmental consciousness and best practices, the Brooklyn Children’s Museum is a ‘green’ structure in itself, quite expectedly. The museum is a bastion of conservation: efficient energy use is practiced in terms of efficient lighting and temperature-control. The museum is an innovation that follows the latest trend in ‘green’ buildings. It boasts of a good percentage of its needed electrical power converted from its solar cells. The heating and cooling levels inside the museum are regulated by sensors that ‘feel’ the volume of people inside. There are also separate sensors that detect the amount of artificial light that is just necessary. Even the ventilation system has its own sensors that detect the CO2 level and, consequently, dictate the amount of oxygen that needs to be replenished inside. All in all, the museum is a child-friendly environment.

Brooklyn Children's Museum sample activity the museum building is a showcase of sustainable construction, with its many components that come from recycled materials. In turn, these materials, such as bamboo, cork, rubber, and linoleum, are easily replaceable. Definitely, the museum is a showcase of what being Eco-friendly is all about and what better clients to have than the ones that will continue the future generations on the crucial idea of taking responsibility for environmental protection. Via

2009 Pininfarina B0 Electric Car

2009-04-01T19:36:00.000-07:00

The Pininfarina B0 (pronounced B Zero) is a tribute to the legacy of Andrea Pininfarina (1957-2008) who believed that ‘designing and building cars is not only a business choice but a social responsibility.’ The B0 is clearly the solution for a pollution-free world, as was envisioned by its creator. This electric car of sheer styling is a collaboration born out of the partnership between Bollore and Pininfarina. The four-seater, four-door hatchback with an automatic gearbox is being built in Turin and will be powered by Bollore’s LMP technology, using the LMP battery that is rechargeable over a few hours only through a standard domestic main socket.

The car is a mass production model. The initial units will roll off by the end of 2009. The fully-electric vehicle will not produce any CO2 emission because of its use of the LMP revolutionary battery technology. It is No exhaust gases or particulates from this car. For the past 15 years, Bollore has been developing a solid-state lithium polymer battery that does not need any maintenance and has a lifespan of approximately 200,000 km (125,000 miles).

The B0 also runs on super capacitors that enhance acceleration and recycling power. These super capacitors make it possible for the car to store and recycle the energy that is generated while braking. High-performance solar panels, found on the car’s roof and part of its hood, augment the power needed for some of the car’s equipment. All the materials entailed for use in the creation of this vehicle are recyclable. Via

HYmotion3: The Latest Hybrid Compressor Concept From Peugeot

2009-03-31T19:07:00.000-07:00

Worried about getting wet in the rain or tanned in the sun while driving a 2-wheeler? Peugeot brings forward a three mode scooter that will drive these fears away. Taking its brainwave from the earlier BMW C1, it appears like a hybrid between an electric scooter and a car. This vehicle comes with 3 wheels and an overhanging bubble shaped roof that will protect the drivers from sun, shower and storm.

HYmotion 3 can function on a 3kW electric motor when driving on city roads or on a 15kW petrol engine when using an open road or both. The blend of the 3-wheel outline with regenerative breaking system and ABS offers this urban scooter a shorter breaking distance (30% less compared to conventional 2 wheeler), which is an indispensable obligation for driving on the packed city roads. The breaking system also charges the Lithium Ion batteries needed to run the electric motor. This attractive futuristic vehicle will combine safety and eco-friendly benefits tagged with an efficiency of a two wheeler in an urban set-up.

Peugeot being one of the best scooter makers in the world, HYmotion3 which is just a concept now will take shape soon. This car-bike hybrid design will rock the automobile world on its release and will also benefit the environment. Via

Cluster Housing: Cool and Affordable

2009-03-30T20:38:00.000-07:00

Enter Architecture of Sydney presently designs housing prototypes whose main consideration is alleviating extreme temperatures. The main principle behind the innovative design layout is for air to flow freely – longitudinally and laterally. The user can customize the many openings in the panels. There are even ways to configure the facade for full sun protection. The “air layer” model, found on external surfaces, can expel the sun’s direct heat off the surfaces. The user, then, enjoys thermal comfort.

This cluster housing will use curved metal profiles and formed plywood panels, all lightweight materials that are easy to transport and assemble. The user has ease and convenience of use and application, with the benefit of a strong architectural design whose model can very well be a practical solution for many other places in the world. The first of this cluster housing site, the Redfern scheme that addresses low income housing challenges in the poor inner-city suburb of Redfern in Sydney, will rise towards the end of November. Enter Architecture will be working on a similar scheme for a remote housing cluster in Western Australia, as well as in the Emirates. The architectural objective is to introduce design innovation while trying to preserve the old traditional aesthetic.

Image

Via

AlertMe Smart Plug: Computer-Programmed Energy Watch via an Electrical Plug

2009-03-29T20:54:00.000-07:00

Via a computer program, this electrical plug monitors energy use and cuts off electricity remotely. The “Smart Plug,” a new product from the energy line of British company Alert Me, does more than just conduct electricity. The Smart Plug that you insert into an electrical socket automatically connects to the Alert Me Hub, where the Smart Plug now acts as wireless broadband and GPRS connection. Through a website on your computer or handset, you can, then, view the electrical outlet’s energy usage statistical data.

The web interface can also let you remotely cut the power off in that particular outlet where the Smart Plug is connected. It can also program a schedule system for you as to what specific time you want the power to be cut off. According to Alert Me, the Smart Plug can save as much as 20 percent of your power consumption.

The product set containing the Smart Plug and the Security package where the Alert Me Hub is found costs $350 and will be available in November. Alert Me will also release soon its line of electricity meter and heater. Via

Powerwise: A Table with Power

2009-03-28T20:30:00.000-07:00

The Powerwise, a table that keeps eight electrical outlets, is a one-stop charging station for your iPods, cameras, cell phones, mp3 players, and other hand-held electrical devices. It is designed by Swedish based designers Johanna Strand and Asa Elmstam. The chargers may remain in place in their outlets all the time. The electricity that powers the entire table can be turned via the red switch. You can then pull the plug and wind up the cord into the table leg designated as cord compartment. When the green cord pulls back into the leg, energy consumption is reduced.

The whole idea behind the design is to give convenience to users who have their electrical and electronic devices constantly charged. This table gives the residents of the home a central charging station that will eliminate the possibility of several individual chargers being forgotten to be pulled out from sockets after use, making them fire hazard.

The Powerwise is still a functional and decorative table as it is. Only, it is a powered table that hides convenient internal electrical outlets that have their own on-off switches. Chargers can remain plugged in even when not in use under the lid or table top. This is truly a wise design to manage the flow and use of power. Via

Street Lamps Run on Drained Batteries

2009-03-27T21:09:00.000-07:00

South Korean designer Sung Woo Park’s Energy Seed is a smart street lamp powered entirely by low-life batteries. Community members drop their discarded batteries into Energy Seed’s disposal holes, making these batteries stacked up together. The drained batteries become a chain of combined energy that gives long-lasting supply of power to the LED lamps.

The Energy Seed is a timely project that is a showcase of energy conservation, recycling trash, and even social concern for public safety. Community members are encouraged to recycle, electrical power is generated sustain ably, and pedestrians get their much-needed light on sidewalks at night. It is also all about saving energy. Above all, it is a smart concept for a smart product.
The Energy Seed is truly a product that will fly after it passes from the present concept stage to mass production. It can also be a complete community project. Members of the community can pool together their drained batteries, assign some member to drop these batteries into the lamps’ disposal holes, and further assign some more to collect the totally used-up batteries and dispose of them safely. And this product is very conceptual and based on latest technology, actually usable technology is based on South Korean and usable part of body is very reliable.

Eco-friendly toilets

2009-03-26T20:17:00.000-07:00

Sven Ingvar-Nilsson, a 77-year old Swedish man–farmer by nature doesn’t only want to keep his piece of land fertile but is making efforts to maintain the green beauty of the world. As a result he has started a company that sells dry toilets. The very functioning of the Eco-friendly dry toilets helps in the flow of the urine and the solid waste in separate tunnels, thereby converting human waste into manure for farms. Till date, around 2,000 dry toilets has been sold and its whooping demand assures a definite decrease (may be by a per cent) in the growing black spots on our environment. Certainly, you must carry this device at your home without raising eyebrows.

These technological advancements are happening at the personal front but what about public places that define our country and at the same time gives the transparent image of our height of shabbiness. Without a single look to right or left, today generation think public places viz. railways, roads, platforms, pedestrians as their private property and take some time across the corner to relieve. Considering this shameless attitude of the citizens, the Railway sector is quite cautious to bring down such happenings by providing Eco-friendly toilets with septic tanks at stations and in trains. With the use of this “biotech” project, the the Railway Research and Design and Standard Organisation (RDSO) in collaboration with Microphor of the United States and Aikon Technology of India is hopeful that it is the hygiene way to do away with the biological wastes. The tanks use the bacteria that convert wastes into a harmless and odourless liquid. Initially, such toilets are accessible in AS-2 coach of the Delhi- Allahabad Prayagraj Express since 17 May. Presently, the pilot project is carried in one of the 25 coaches of the Prayagraj Express.
Having announced 2007 as “Clean Railway Year”, the Railway Minister Lalu Prasad has plans to provide Eco-friendly coaches along with modern toilets on the line of airlines.

Via DNA India/ Zdnet

EU Looks Up to Sahara’s Massive Solar Project for its Energy Needs.

2009-03-25T20:08:00.000-07:00

The Sun is rising in political spheres! Valuing the sun as renewable source of clean solar power, the EU super grid gets a crucial political backing from UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown and French President Nicolas Sarkozy. It is jointly decided now that the vast desert of Sahara would be the land where dozens of solar farms will be constructed as a part of the $71 Billion EU super grid infrastructure. The latter is an initiative taken by the European Commission to meet the continent’s electricity demands in future. The clean power generated by this super grid will be shared by all the EU countries.

It is projected that each farm of the super grid will generate up to 200 Megawatts of power. This would then be transferred to EU states via high voltage DC transmission, which is a better option over AC lines. The energy loss incurred over long distances is much lesser when DC lines are used. The decision to build solar panels in Sahara originates from the simple fact that the desert receives intense sunlight throughout year which can be effectively harnessed.

According to an estimate Photovoltaic panels installed in Sahara will be 3 times more energy efficient (in terms of electricity generation) than those fitted in the European countries. The project’s success will effectively reconfirm that solar power will be the most potent among renewable energy sources which also include wind and geothermal powers.

Solar Powered Ski Jacket by Zegna

2009-03-24T20:31:00.000-07:00

Famed Italian fashion designer Ermenegildo Zegna, in collaboration with Germany’s Interactive Wear that produces amazing innovations in ‘smart’ textile technology, brings to the world the world’s first solar-powered ski jacket. The slightly hefty price (hey, it’s a Zegna!) of $1,350 apiece may be justified if you look at the corollary benefit: you can also charge your cell phone or iPod while out on the ski slopes.

The Microtene jacket is waterproof, and comes with its own solar cells connected internally within its neoprene collar. You will be a walking (or skiing) carrier of renewable power since what you’re wearing converts sunlight into energy. If you don’t want to be carrying the solar converter, you may detach the collar and use it as a power source. This is sheer convenience and, yes, power! No more problems with cell phones, cameras, or iPods that have run out of electrical charge while you’re on top of a snowy mountain.

Interactive Wear has also pioneered another textile technology called iThermX. This one is capable of generating heat, this time. The technology is applied in Thermotec, a new line of sensor-controlled heating snow gloves from Reusch. Fashion has, indeed, become ‘intelligent.’ Among recent innovations along this line are a man’s suits that can control hidden electronic devices through an ordinary touching of the sleeve. Yes, think James Bond and there is also a kiddie backpack that can send SOS to the police. Via

Organic Farming Welcomes Electrons to Take Over Fungicides

2009-03-23T20:18:00.000-07:00

With the population on Earth increasing rapidly, there’s always a supply-demand mismatch with respect to all resources, especially food. Companies like Monsanto have made attempts to balance these deficiencies with herbicides and bovine growth hormones. Well versed with the damaging effects of these steroids and chemicals, people are now turning to organic foods which are grown without their use.

Keeping in view the interests of consumers, Fraunhofer Institute for Electron Beam and Plasma Technology FEP has come forward with a substitute for fungicides. According to the newly introduced technique, the fungal spores in the husk and on the surface of the seeds are exposed to accelerated electrons, which will annihilate the chemical bonds in the molecules of the spores without producing any heat. This organic sterilization technique will be exhibited along with the other similar methods at the latest Parts2Clean fair to be held in Stuttgart from 28th October.

The plant set up by FEP is working with the seed growers Schmidt-Seeger-GmbH to treat approximately 5,000 metric tons of seeds per year at a rate of 30 metric tons per hour. This innovative revelation is all set to help the food industry with its increasing demands for organic foods and give the people safer nutrition.

Greenhouse Rooftops in Spain Responsible for Reducing Local Temperature!

2009-03-22T20:49:00.000-07:00

Sometimes the most complicated of problems can have simple solution that are easy to apply and really do not cost a fortune. So instead of trying to suck out Carbon Emissions from the atmosphere using giants suction pumps are digging holes in the ocean floor, it would be far more beneficial if you just painted your rooftops white with a good reflective material. If the Spanish region of Almeria has truly dropped its average temperature by 0.3 degrees per decade in the last two decades as the scientists claim, then we might all soon be forced to paint our own rooftops with radiation reflective material.

Almeria in Southeastern part of Spain is home to the largest collection of Greenhouses in the world and this region apparently has experienced a cooling effect because of the structures. While since 1983, the average temperature of Spain has gone up by 0.5 degree, Almeria has only got cooler. Scientists have concluded that the reflective rooftops of the region are responsible for this phenomenon. They claim that if everyone across the world painted their own roofs in a similar fashion then the world would be a lot cooler place and that too without spending too much. Now, that should not be much of a problem, should it? Via

Jarst Composter: Stylish and Sleek Composter for Home-Grown Nutrition

2009-03-21T22:06:00.000-07:00

There is a very special attachment between those who live in the urban jungle and the greenery that is scant around them. There are two vividly different sets of people who have contrasting approach towards green landscape. The vast majority either just does not care about plants and shrubs or if taking a walk playful engage in a bit of destruction by ripping off a branch or clipping away a few twigs of leaves. But there are others who take great care of the little greenery they can fit into their own balcony and corners of the living room. Here is a perfect gift for all of them.

The Mini Jarst Composter designed by Leonardo Fortino and Andrea Bartolucci is ideal for the modern home with its simple and ergonomic design. The composter has a seal drum and cap inside the pot, where all your organic waste can go. Just wait for another five to six months and you will have fertile organic compost for your cute little shrub. This might appear small but is really very useful in dealing with organic waste. Via

Blu Homes Build Sustainable, Convenient and Inexpensive Green Abodes

2009-03-20T20:51:00.000-07:00

Looking for a green home that is both affordable and seems perfect for you? Blu Homes is planning such adobe at Colorado and Utah where the costs of other homes are nearly 50-70% higher. Ever since the company decided to build sustainable and comfortable homes, it has been working on the designs and the cost factor to make them reasonably priced. These homes look contemporary, provide enough space and are eco-friendly. The blue-prints of these homes have been released.

The houses planned at Utah measure 800 square feet in area and if this in any way sounds smaller, don’t get disheartened because the area will double after the basement is put in. Estimated to cost $150,000 these homes require an easy foundation, easier to build and finish. Furnished with wooden cupboards, tiled restrooms and low windows that give good ventilation, these homes also have spray foam insulation and a furnace, so that the inhabitants need to spend a lot less on such utilities. In addition, these are provided with an upgraded full ICF basement, bamboo flooring and are built using recycled concrete.

The homes at Colorado are spacey compared to ones at Utah with an area of 1700 sft, priced at $250,000 (land value not included) and differ in the basement. Beautifully designed to accommodate a modern family, these homes tend to the tastes and economy of people and will sure find many occupants. Via

Sewage-Powered Hydrogen Fuel for a Cleaner Tomorrow!

2009-03-19T20:29:00.000-07:00

What you might be flushing down the toilet could be the material that would power your car or even your home in the near future. Surprised or maybe you just think that we have lost it and are going plain crazy! Well, If Oregon State University College of Engineering has its way then very soon every sewage plant across the world can also open its own Hydrogen fuel supply chain. Just imagine the day big firms and multi-million dollar corporate houses would be fighting over sewage rights… Truly, stuff tailor-made for a reality television show.

But in all seriousness, Oregon State University College of Engineering has found a new way to clean up water and get energy from it. The new technology purifies water using natural microorganisms and in the process produces Hydrogen. A prototype plant is already being set up in Oregon as we speak. The technology saves 75% of energy involved in purification of water using the current method. It also produces Hydrogen equivalent of $2-$3 per gasoline and that meets the target set by US Department of Energy.

The new technology could really transform the way we look at treating sewage water and could transform the fuel market very soon. Via

Green Genius: Texas Teenager Crafts his Own Electric Car for $10,000

2009-03-18T21:25:00.000-07:00

Texas teenager Lucas Laborde will be driving to school in an all-electric car that he built all by himself. No, we are not kidding when we say that he will drive to school in it as the guy is still only 17 years old. While most teens would spend the summer away doing far more attractive and far less productive stuff, Lucas spent it converting his gas-guzzling old car into an all-electric vehicle with no emissions. So how many hundreds of thousands of dollars did he spend on it? Lucas just spent around $ 10,000 in making the revamp!

Now if that does not put the top firms of the auto world to shame, then I really do not know what would. Here is a 17-year old boy spending just 150 hours with an old car and an electric engine bought from eBay to create his own electric vehicle at $10,000 and Chrysler Peapod GEM goes around speaking how good it is! The car build by Lucas has a top speed of 45 mph and a range of 40 miles. Comparing it to the Peapod GEM once again- GEM’s Top Speed- 25 mph and range on single charge-35-40 miles. Now maybe Chrysler will understand why we dislike their small cars so much.

Lucas spent $5000 for the batteries and $5700 for the compatible parts and the integration. So, the vehicle is not perfect and the heavy batteries have already done a bit of distorting to the car. But, if a teenage boy can do so much, it is time the big boys pull their act together. Via

Future is here: Philips Brings Stunning Green Magic to give you a space-age Kitchen!

2009-03-17T20:03:00.000-07:00

This is exactly why Philips is rated so highly despite all the competition that it has across the board over the past few years. While we hate to sound like we are campaigning for someone, this Philips Concept Kitchen of the future is a must-have to everyone who loves to take their home to the next level. So if you want to buy this, start saving up some serious cash and if you think you really cannot afford this, then make sure you keep your wife away from getting a peak at it. The Green Cuisine kitchen from Philips allows you to take energy saving to a whole new plane with its futuristic look and technology that matches the ergonomics.

The kitchen is completely green with eco-friendly features galore. The central table can be used as a stove at any point as its smart technology detects a pan or other cooking utensils apart from your own hand. So, just place the pan at any spot and it will do the rest for you. The settings can be adjusted with an energy-conscious yet stylishly crafted LED panel. Water wastage is reduced by selecting the temperature they need to be at when they come out of the tap. You can a so cool your drinks on the central table with a whole different setting for cooling purposes!

The touch-sensitive pads, the LED panels and the energy-conscious heating systems along with beautifully crafted design and sleek ergonomics make this the dream kitchen of the future. You could bet Monica Galler would be going nuts about it! But you will have to still wait for 3-5 years for this to really materialize into a consumer product. Yup, that’s a long wait indeed. Via

Pelamis Wave Power Introduces a New Renewable Energy Source to the World

2009-03-16T21:07:00.000-07:00

The beauty of the waves is admired by every person who goes to a beach, but none of us ever thought of the marvels these waves can perform. There is probably tons of energy stored in them (estimated to be 2 Terawatts of power). Portugal’s Pelamis Wave Power has recently introduced this renewable source to the world through the first ever wave farm in Agucadoura.

This project which was started last year and the first phase with 3 machines is functioning now. Very soon the second phase will also start with 25 such machines and then the farm will be able to provide electricity to over 15,000 homes. The converters are huge in size and have a power of 2.25MW. These devices are attached to the ocean floor by cables and lie at right angles to the coast line. These under water cables transmit the electrical energy produced from high pressure fluid pumped through the motors against resistance given by the hydraulic rams when waves pass over them to the land. Thus, the power of the waves determines the amount of energy generated.

The United States for example has 1TW capacity of power hidden in the waves off it’s coast, and can use it light up many homes in the country. This new found Eco-friendly source of energy has a long way to go and will surely impress environmentalists with its capability.

Via

Husk Power Systems: On the Way to Electrify Rural India’s Rice Belt

2009-03-15T20:03:00.000-07:00

Chip Ransler and Manoj Sinha, founders of the Husk Power Systems (HPS) have found a way to give electricity to parts of India which still manage without one of the most essential energies today. This company focuses on providing power to the people in villages using rice husk (rice being abundantly grown here) through a small, off-grid system. The company already has five such projects operating in various parts and hopes to increase the number to a hundred.

Rice husk, which forms about one-third of the gross weight of grains is usually either burnt or left to rot in the fields by the farmers. This process leads to emission of harmful greenhouse gases like methane. HPS uses gasifiers to heat the husk (rice, wheat or corn) and then the gases thus released are filtered and passed through diesel-like engines to generate power. The left over debris will contain silica and this is sold to the concrete makers. The company is charging only $900-$1000 per KWh at the moment, which is far less compared to power generated from other sources including solar and wind.

The company is looking forward to setting up more projects in other places and anticipates providing power to over 2,500 villages in a decade. Agricultural waste being converted to electricity and minerals thereby saving the environment from its harmful effects is an applauding innovation by the company. Well done HPS… Via

Eco-friendly Houseboats with a Contemporary Touch by Spring 2009

2009-03-14T23:08:00.000-07:00

Germany will see a new fleet of modern green houseboats this spring. Schwimmhaus was designed by a company called confusion-direction. Who wouldn’t want to live in an attractive home in the middle of water at a price that is less compared to a house on land? The pictures just show the model of these homes.

Measuring 14m in length, 4m in height and 3m in breadth, Schwimmhaus looks roomy enough for a couple to stay. The boathouse has four rooms- a bedroom, a bathroom, a kitchen and also a living room. Over this, the house seems eco-conscious with a green roof and zero-emission. The house is made out of recycled wood from an old farm barn.

Though these boathouses look modern and beautiful, I feel that they wouldn’t be suitable for permanent dwelling. They would be too small for even a family of four to live. They don’t even seem to have a renewable energy source to provide power. Schwimmhaus will be fun when we are on a holiday, but to live here daily, would be boring and uncomfortable. Via

Atkins’ Anar Towers to Embellish Dubai Skyline

2009-03-13T20:14:00.000-07:00

Dubai, the land of fascinating skyscrapers will decorate its skies with its avant-garde Anar Towers very soon. The British company Atkins, which had in the past given Dubai other such beautiful buildings like Iris Bay will be the creator of this huge mixed-use project.

This 125 story building will house every thing from offices, shops, around 300 apartments, a lavish hotel with 250 rooms and like all this was not enough, it also has an art gallery which will conduct exhibitions and auctions. Sounds amazing! The building will have an empty circle at the top which will allow you to get pleasure from the panoramic view of the city. Apart from the sky gardens every 27 floors, each apartment will have an exclusive elevator and a private swimming pool, and are expected to be the most expensive in Dubai.

Though the building claims to be green, how thoughtful is it to give it that name? Especially, considering the amount of water the 300 swimming pools would need and the amount of power this giant building would consume. Whether Anar Towers will be able to satisfy its enormous energy demands in an eco-friendly way is for us to wait and watch. Via

Chlorophyll Organic Battery Can Use Any Liquid

2009-03-12T20:36:00.000-07:00

In a quest to find alternative sources of energy, researchers have continued their efforts in and out of laboratories and nothing concrete has come out yet. Though there are many alternate sources of energy, they are expensive, unmanageable, or simply not friendly enough for lay users to use, to charge small gadgets. Now, a researcher and professor from Taiwan have claimed to create the world’s first chlorophyll organic battery. Though it’s not clear how the battery works, Chungpin Hovering Liao claims that it can practically use any liquid to generate charge and that within just 10 seconds. Even urine could be used, says he. Apparently, the storage capacity is a lot more than traditional water-powered fuel cells and consumes very little power. It would also cost only 3 to 6 cents to manufacture one biodegradable unit. The fact that the battery is biodegradable makes it more environmentally friendly. It would be interesting to see if his claims can be substantiated with batteries that can truly use any liquid and help people charge their gadgets. If so, I must say this is a brilliant invention. Via

Raser Technologies Gives Utah a New Geothermal Plant to Power Homes

2009-03-11T20:55:00.000-07:00

The enormous energy stored in the Earth’s interior will now power over one-third homes in Utah. Raser Technologies has finally announced the completion of the first geothermal plant in Utah over 20 years. Built over the countries largest geothermal hotbeds that have been exposed since the past 25 years, this project took just 6 months to complete.

Where the conventional plants would take five to six years to reach completion, Raser technologies was quick enough to finish this zero-emission power plant using its proprietary technology. The 10MW power plant which uses a new low temperature technology devised by UTC Power would start functioning before 2009.

With Raser finishing an efficient power plant in such short time, we can expect similar plants coming up at the same site in the near future. I think very soon Utah will get all its power from these renewable geothermal power plants. Via

Futuristic Power Generating Photovoltaic Glass Windows via RSi

2009-03-08T21:41:00.000-07:00

After an array of solar windows flourished in the solar market, new transparent photovoltaic-glass windows from Rainbow Solar are here to make their mark. In a recent study done by the NTUST (National Taiwan University of Science and Technology), the windows have proven their efficiency through energy savings of about 50%. Now, that seems a practical option!

The new building-integrated photovoltaics generate 80 to 250 watts of electricity and have classy add-ons like a new technology that converts windows into light panels and an in-built electrical privacy curtain. This new technology, which the RSi claims, would one day eliminate the need for electrical power plants has a life span of 55 years.

I agree that these window panels are different from the previous ones, but I feel it is still too quick for the company to make such statements regarding its competence. However, if they click, the buildings would soon be able to generate their own electricity without the power grid. Via

Best Eco-Friendly Friday Tips

2009-03-06T19:48:00.000-08:00

The 40% of landfill room in use up by paper refuse and includes your normal coffee filters. Coffee fanatic may go during a numeral of these and smooth if you create one pot a day. Via

Eco Friendly Wedding

2009-03-05T19:31:00.001-08:00

This is a best eco friendly wedding and various couples face through these tough economic period.This is very nice and looking good wedding dress, place and location. Via

Gas Cost in Sardinia

2009-03-04T21:42:00.000-08:00

There is much talk these days of the issue relating to high energy costs compared to European standards to which the Italians are forced to cope. In this regard it is interesting to note that, even among the regions of our country, there is a marked difference to support these costs. The reason for this of the market is basically due to two factors: the absence of a distribution network of natural gas on the island and the presence of a few companies to monopolize the fact, when only gas available in ' island. In recent years the price of gas cylinders is increased in an exponential equation and the other one, so why the same companies ended up in the viewfinder Antitrust who, after buying the gas were employed to store and distribute it. The Antitrust essentially launched an investigation on 24 April 2008 to verify the existence of an agreement restricts competition in the LPG cylinder in Sardinia. Via

Triple their orders for cars on methane

2009-03-03T20:50:00.000-08:00

According the national association of dealers of gas for vehicles, the recently approved are having an immediate effect on the market for cars in methane. Already in 2008 the car market in methane had surprised everyone, with growth rates exceeding 30% in a depressed market, but now the government measures, clearly in favor of environmentally friendly vehicles, they are tripling their orders over the same period of ' last year. As usual, it's not just the environment to motivate the market. The first price, thanks to new incentives, which came to € 5,000 for cars and € 6500 for commercial vehicles and then comes the variety of models with double-methane feed gas to ensure a wide choice, guarantees freedom of movement even in provinces not covered by the distribution network. Via

Hydrogen to increase the efficiency of solar cells

2009-03-02T20:44:00.000-08:00

Hydrogen to increase the efficiency of solar cells this is a treated several times for new studies capable of making more efficient solar cells. In this respect it seems to me interesting to point out a new project is particularly curious. The research in question has as its objective the development of a spray that would be able to significantly increase the efficiency of photovoltaic panels and therefore make them more affordable and competitive in the market. Currently, researchers do not have bodies revealed what will be increased efficiency, but they are limited to stress that the study will focus on developing a system which will spray a film of hydrogen and a non-reflective material on panels. The estimated cost for research will be 1.85 million dollars and the company Spark Solar Australia already plans to produce, by 2010, eight million of solar cells with this new system, which, according to estimates of the data processors, will be enough to power 10,000 homes in Australia and create over 100 jobs. Via

Madagascar: amphibians and reptiles threatened with extinction because of climate change

2009-03-01T20:34:00.000-08:00

Madagascar is a biodiversity hot spot of the world's most important being simultaneously inhabited by a large number of species and highly threatened by the destruction of natural habitats by man made. Destruction of habitat must now add the effects of climate change, as demonstrated by research conducted by scientists of the American Museum of Natural History, is having dramatic effects on many species of endemic amphibians and reptiles of Madagascar. This phenomenon has been observed in other parts of the world and is in perfect agreement with the observed and predicted on the basis of climatological models. The problem is that there is in Madagascar and the Himalayas, the same climate models that fully explain the observed shift, predict that within a few tens of years, the height of the mountains Malagasy no longer sufficient to guarantee the existence of climatic conditions suitable for the survival of many species. Now the challenge, in Madagascar, as elsewhere, is to rethink the planning of protected areas in order to take into account that the species of animals and plants, in order to survive, must be able to meet the changes taking place and which will take place. Via

Increase in the Municipalities Renewable

2009-02-27T20:09:00.000-08:00

While the Italian government is thrown into nuclear territories give quite different signals. This report came to the fourth edition, says that there are almost semi, 2800 more than last year, the Italian municipalities that have at least a renewable energy facility installed in their territory. Yet despite this the procedures for authorization of the facilities are not easy, and yet lack of national guidelines for the approval of projects, and is a strong need to encourage the integration of renewable into buildings, all of which favor the spread. The most widely used renewable source is the solar thermal and photovoltaic. Nearly 700 municipalities that have installations of mini-hydroelectric, biomass than 600, 245 have 73 wind turbines and geothermal. The most virtuous behavior and worthy of note comes from small communities, which often are able to cover almost the entire energy needs with renewable sources. Via

Puglia and Tuscany say no to nuclear power

2009-02-26T19:35:00.000-08:00

After the Piedmont is also and Puglia and do not know what they want on their territory to be installed nuclear power. Said President of the Land and Environment of the Regional Council:

The government knows that Tuscany does not provide for the installation of power in the region that uses atomic energy. Our energy future is not built bringing to life the most dangerous dinosaurs, but with an industrial policy and employment centered on the massive use of renewables and the diversification of supply sources, with methane in a fuel transition. For this reason, the Tuscany, with its Energy Plan, gives a clear No to any location on our territory. A Chernobyl twenty years from any of the problems of that time was minimally resolved by the disposal of radioactive waste to the facility security and high costs that make it unacceptable and have also pushed the United States of Obama to do without it and to focus strongly on 'wind and solar.

Michele Alderman ecology of the region Puglia says:

Puglia has stated in its Environmental Energy Plan by notifying the incompatibility of the nuclear source with the choices that carries energy. The decisions taken by the Council President will not, therefore we neither consent nor acquiescence Regionale the institution, especially since Italy already produces a considerable amount of energy, more than 8,000 MW, which makes available to the country for 88% and that is destined to grow in the coming months. Rather the government should not penalize us by stopping the electricity tariff, as it has done in law leading to the short maturity of one year a certain increase of 30% of the electricity bill for citizens and businesses of Southern compared to a corresponding decrease of the same for the north. As you can see so much energy producing and making it available not only in Italy does not benefit, but does not absolve us from the penalty imposed by the center-right government. Via

Mercedes Bresso

2009-02-25T20:15:00.002-08:00

I received a release from the Piedmont Region, which says that they are not available to host a nuclear power. Writes the President Mercedes:

We do not want nuclear power in Piedmont. In a national energy worrying about cultures, the government declares its intention to build 4 nuclear power generation with France in joint design. Piedmont there is strong and maintains its proposal to invest in renewable energy sources to support the development, boost the economy, reduce consumption, protect the environment. Today, in fact, as demonstrated by the choices made by all countries in the developed world, which reduce the research and develop nuclear and renewable energy, the solutions are another. Our no, the stress, also affects the economic scenario, not just the environment. Piedmont began this journey a year ago, producing job opportunities and improving the quality of our territory.

It would seem not, in fact, adds Andrea, regional energy that at this point should be remade for a referendum to know the will of the Italians: After skipping the statement.

The country has already expressed through a referendum: we would like to understand the Premier and the Minister how the Government intends to circumvent the results of a referendum. We should return to consult the public to know if they have changed their minds or at least open a major debate in the country. Regarding the site of three, we remain firm on the views previously expressed.

Nicola Ruggiero concludes Regional environment:

I think before you speak of a new era in nuclear power, which we consider obsolete, dangerous and unacceptable, it is appropriate for the Piedmont is finally released from radioactive waste, which still in its territory. Piedmont has so far paid a price salatissimo.

Piedmont has been investing in clean energy over 300 million euros until 2013.

Via | Comunicato stampa

Clarification on nuclear power and refedendum 1987

2009-02-25T05:29:00.000-08:00

Anytime you hear talk of nuclear power in Italy, it is obvious to think of the referendum of 1987. The question that everyone is always doing the usual: "How is it possible that the Italian people voted against nuclear energy, and today is the proposed opening of new power plants?". We believe that each of us has an answer to this question. In any case, to provide a concrete basis for discussion, let us do some 'clarity without considering the merits of the "taste" or "wrong." As surely you know, the referendum of 1987 was a repeal. The Courier today shows the three clerks:

1 - It was requested the abolition of the State if a municipality had not granted a site for the initiation of a nuclear power plant in its territory. Yes I won with 80, 6%.
2 - It was requested the removal of state subsidies for local governments because of the presence on their territories of nuclear power. I mean s'imposer with 79.7%.
3 - It was requested the repeal of the possibility for Enel to participate abroad in building nuclear power plants. Yes I got the 71.9%.

As reported on Italians in a reply to an email:

1 - By law, the results of the referendum are binding, but for the duration of the constitutional experts are divided.
2 - It is not true that the referendum of 1987 made it illegal repeal or nuclear power.

That said, there is important that all express its opinion on concrete bases, without falling into easy game "against all" or "all-pro". To you the word. Read more

Germany: The lighting is required (but it?)

2009-02-25T05:21:00.001-08:00

I received a press release that advertises a service called Dial4light. In practice, says the press release, you can have a home automation service, targeted at government and private and used by people who used to turn on and off the lamps that illuminate the streets by a call by phone. The service costs 3.5 euros per 15 minutes. And as an example of public management through the call on my phone it mentions the small town of inhabited from 900 souls, 189 souls, was one of the people to realize the service that allows you to switch lamps Public for 15 minutes, using just the phone, to Instead, you pay 3.5 euro per hour and two hours costing twice. The problem is that Dial4light uses a 6-digit code, a kind of password, which serves to identify the road to be lit and if one does not know him you should bring, in the dark, with a pile of light, off, find it and ask the automated voice service switching.

Via | Press Release

Nuclear power plants in Sicily? Only after a referendum

2009-02-25T05:14:00.000-08:00

A big supporter of building a nuclear power plant in Sicily is Minister of Environment, who had just promised that within 5 years if they would be built probably around Syracuse.

To find out what the official position of the region, after the Environmental Energy Plan, adopted February 3 opens a possibility to nuclear I spoke with the press of Lombardo, President of the Region, which stated that:

According to the EP, you can build a nuclear power plant in Sicily, provided that they meet three requirements:
1) If the Sicilian express their consent a referendum;
2) If the building it from a cost / benefit analysis;
3) If there is a power of last generation and absolutely safe;

Also clarifies that the information in the press releases at this time, concerning the fact that nuclear power may arise in the province of Augusta are part of an argument on any possibility. In fact, said that certainly if you go to a building will be taken into account ex-industrial sites or in the process of dismantling and re-clear by the nuclear industry.