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Friday, December 24, 2010

Textile Sustainability with bluesign®

Bluesign logo

bluesign® is an independent standard for the textile inducstry.  It looks at the entire supply chain and seeks to exclude harmful materials at the start of the process … resulting in a safer product for consumers and the environment.,

Many outdoor clothing manufactures are supporting this standard including North Face and REI. 

Check out this YouTube Video for more info …

 

Via:  bluesign  LINK

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Kristianstad Sweden Uses Biofuels Not Fossil Fuels for Heat and Electricity

Kristianstad SwedeKristianstadn uses no fossil fuels for heating.  Instead they uses biomass from farming leftovers.  80,000 homes heated by biomass and not fossil fuels like coal, oil and gas!  And this is an area of the world where it gets VERY COLD !

Since solar and wind would not be effective in Kristianstad they worked with biomass.  " ... remains from farming ... manure, potato peels, pig intestines, and even cookies, .... to create biogas  ... a certain type of  methane, ... heat of the entire city, and to provide electricity for the city as well."

The driving force for the move away from fossil fuels was to protect their environment and they did not want to import fossil fuels from abroad.

   

Via:  Metrolic  LINK

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Pepsico Dream Machine - Makes Recycling Plastic Bottles Easier


PepsicoPepsiCo and Waste Management are trying to increase the rate of plastic bottle recycling from the current 34 % to " 50 % by the year 2018.
Pepsico Dream Machine
A key tool may be the Dream Machine ... which has " ... a personal reward system that allows consumers to collect and redeem points for each bottle or can they recycle in the kiosk."

Currently about 12% of spaces have a recycling container.  The Dream Machine will bring recycling to thousands of locations and facilitate recycling away from home - who wants to carry bottles home for recycling?

In case you are asking what you can do ... the numbers are  are compelling for individuals to make a change.  If each household in the country recycled just 3 more plastic bottles a month the result would be over 23 millions pounds diverted from landfills !

Wow!  3 more bottles a month - that is not hard to do !

Via:  Pepsisico  LINK

Sunday, November 21, 2010

Sheldon Crossing - Philadelphia's First Electric Car Charger

Sheldon CrossingSheldon Crossing in Manayunk (Philadelphia) Pa offers the latest in GREEN LIVING.   In addition to being LEED certified they offer a Coulomb Technologies electric  car charging station.

" ... will earn a Platinum LEED certification ... homes will use less energy, water, and natural resources ... "


Coulomb Charing Station
Features include " ... solar panels, vegetative green roofs, insulation, plumbing, HVAC, water purification and smart home automation ..."

The model home's Charging Station for electric vehicles is the first in the city of Philadelphia.  Picture >>>>>


Via:  Sheldon Crossing  LINK and Philadelphia Inquirer LINK

Monday, November 15, 2010

Learn More About Recycling with A Recycling Revolution

Recycling Revolution We all know to "Reduce, Reuse, Recycle "---  Want to learn more about recycling?  Are you doing all your can?  Do you have questions ... ?

" ... here to help answer your questions and help make recycling easier, more fun, and even profitable. ... simply give you practical information so that you can do your part."

Recycling is easy and there just might be more you csan do with little efforty involved ... check it out.

Be sure to check out >>> "Greener Choices Search Engine"


Via:  Recycling Revolution  LINK

Friday, November 5, 2010

EcoBatt Natural Insulation - Sustainable and Green

What's a quick easy way to save money .... year after year?
Insulate !!


EcoBatt insulation is made from "bio-based" binders - not petroleum derived raw materials and is certified to GREENGUARD standards so it is safe for children and use in schools.knauf insulation

eco bvatt logo" ... reduces binder embodied energy by up to 70%, and does not contain phenol, formaldehyde, acrylics or artificial colors used to make traditional fiberglass insulation."

" .... combines sand ... renewable resources, post-consumer recycled bottle glass ... to create ... sustainable insulation…"



Via: EcoBatt  LINK



Via: xxx.yyy LINK

Thursday, October 28, 2010

Waste to Eengy Systems from IST Energy


Waste to Energy (W2E) systems can be used to reduce waste sent to landfills and recover energy from a waste stream.  A "turn-key" W2E systems can be just the thing you need ... 

IST Energy trash to electricity processIST Energy makes systems that turn trash to energy (electricity and heat).  These systems turn  " ... paper, wood, plastic, agriculture waste, and food into electricity and heat."

" ... transformation ... within a self-contained, modular environment designed for ease of operation and maintenance."


Via:  IST Energy  LINK

Thursday, October 14, 2010

Walmart Partners with Solar City on Solar Installations in Arizona and California


Walmart is planning to add solar systems to an additional 20 - 30 in California and Arizona using new technology lower cost PV cells.

Walmart Solar PanelsThe systems are expected to provide about 25 % of the total energy needs of each location.

The systems:
- can product up to 22.5 kW / yr - equiv to the energy needed for 1750 home / yr
- avoid 11,650 metric tons CO2 - equiv to 3000 cars

The technology planned includes gallium selenide and cadmium terruride films and are exected to use less raw materials then earlier versions of PV cells.

SolarCity will do the design work as well as install, own and maintain the systems.


Via:  Walmart  LINK

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Google's Atlantic Wind Connection

Atlantic Wind Connection
Google is looking to build a 350 mile transmission line to link NJ and Virginia and connect to offshore wind energy sources.  The line will provide additional reliability for the Mid-Atlantic grid and create thousands of jobs.

The project is to be called the "Atlantic Wind Connection"


" ... signed an agreement to invest in ... a backbone transmission project off the Mid-Atlantic coast  ...  helping to accelerate offshore wind development ..."

" ... able to connect 6,000MW of offshore wind turbines ..."


Via:  Google blog LINK

Saturday, October 9, 2010

Best Buy Greener Together™

Best Buy's Greener Together™ program helps you clean out your dersk and closets of all those old electronics "things". 
I recently took two unused tube style monitors ... I had to pay $10.00 each and received 2 $10.00 gift cards (that do not expire !)

So it was free to get rid of and it will be properly and safely recycled.


" ...Regardless of where you bought it, what brand it is, or how old it is: bring it to us. We'll make sure it's properly and safely recycled. ... our Greener Together™ program."

" ... Most things are recycled absolutely free, with a few restrictions."




Via: BestBuy LINK

Solar Power Comes to the White House !


Solar Panels on White House from the Carter Administration
The White House is going SOLAR !!

Seeking to lead by example ... solar panels for electricity and a solar water heater for the White House residence will go on the roof of the White House. 

" ...  part of a Department of Energy demonstration project showing that American solar technologies are available, reliable, and ready for installation in homes throughout the country ..."
 
" ... reflects President Obama’s strong commitment to U.S. leadership in solar energy ..."




Via:  WhiteHouse.Gov  LINK

Friday, October 8, 2010

Duke Energy and National Gypsum Collaborate on Solar Power Array

National Gypsum logoDuke Energy and National Gypsum are collaborating on a solar panel array.  the Panels are on a Nationa Gypsum faciltiy and owned by Duke Energy.  The relationship goes beyond PV panels as waste from coal plants is used as a raw material for gypsum board.

Duke Energy has leased part of the roof of a National Gypsum facility in Mt Holly NC to use for a solar array.  The output is 1.17 mW - equivalent to the power needs of 700 homes.

" ... 5096 panels ... Duke Energy will own, operate, and maintain all components of the system. The lease agreement is for 25 years."

" ... National Gypsum has contracts to purchase byproduct gypsum ... from four of the utility’s nearby coal-fired plants."


Via: National Gypsum LINK

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

Fuji Water is Carbon NEGATIVE



"Since 2008, FIJI Water has been a carbon-negative brand. ... first and only major bottled water company to make this commitment, ... offset 120% of our emissions.... "

They consider every aspect of the product life-cycle including transportation and implement and promote sustainable practices.


Via: Fuji Water LINK

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

UPS Smart Pickup - Saves Fuel and Reduces Co2 Emissions


I noticed that UPS has added to its Decision Green shipping options something called UPS Smart Pickups. This service allows UPS drivers to skip a stop at locations that do not have a package to be picked up.

"... simple change ... will save an estimated 800,000 gallons of fuel per year and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 7,800 metric tons. ..."
me insight from UPS CIO David Barnes:
This is a great way for UPS to leverage its technology and a way for customers to be green.


Via: greenautoblog LINK

Monday, October 4, 2010

CityCar - Fold Up Space Saving Commuter Car

The CityCar is a new look at what a car can be.  It can be "folded" when not used / parked to take up very little space.  It eliminates the traditional car's transmission / drive shaft tunnel by having power directy at the wheels.

The CityCar is an EV designed to take up minimum space while parked.  This is achieved by "folding" the car.  Instead of the engine and drive train of a gas powered car the drive components are in each wheel eliminating the need for a long rigid structure for the exhaust pipe or drive train components.

" ... weighs less than a thousand pounds, get the equivalent of 150 to 200 miles per gallon of gasoline. ... no tailpipe emissions."

" .. powered by four in-wheel electric motors ... enables maneuvers like spinning on its own axis ... moving sideways ... "

" ... park nose-in to the curb in ... possible to park three or four CityCars in the length of a traditional parking bay."


Via:  MIT LINK

Saturday, October 2, 2010

Rentricity Uses Pressure in Pipes to Generate Electricity

RentricityRentricity uses energy recovery techniques to get energy from " ...  excess pressure in water mains ..." and can generate " ... between 20 and 300 kilowatts of electricity..."

Somewhat similar to wave energy but not really renewable.
The power can be sent to the grid and used to offset electricity purchases.

Since this electricity can then be sold onto the grid, Rentricity gives its generating partners an additional source of revenue and a way to offset rising electricity rates.

" ... no environmental impact and represent a new class of clean, renewable hydrokinetic energy. ... will produce hundreds of megawatts in aggregate."
 LINK to see diagram of system.




Via:  Rentricity  LINK

Thursday, September 30, 2010

Novacem - Carbon Negative Cement Reduces CO2 Emissions

Cement manufacturing is an energy intensive process and typically generates LOTS of CO2.  It is estimated that cement manufacture produces 5% of global CO2 !
Novacem Carbon Negative Cement

The challenge for the developing world (and the developed world) is how to make cement and not make so much CO2.

 "... carbon negative cement ... based on a non-carbonate raw material, magnesium silicate, and uses a relatively low temperature production process. ... more CO2 is absorbed during production than ... emitted"'

Substituting a ton of Novacem in place of standard cement would avoid 852 kg of CO2 emissions.
Novacem is based in the UK.


Via:  Novacem  LINK

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

World's Largest WindFarm Open off Kent, UK


Britain is set to open the world's largest wind farm off Kent (UK) on the English Chanel.  This facility will comprise 100 wind turbines each 300 ft tall; enough to power 200,000 homes.
Off Shore Wind Farm
" ... generate more energy from offshore wind than the rest of the planet put together ..."’s biggest ocean wind farm off Kent"

" ...  energy generated from offshore wind in the UK ... to 1,314MW,
compared to 1,100MW in the whole of the rest of the world."

The farm was built by Swedish energy giant Vattenfall.



Via:  Telegraph  LINK 

Monday, September 27, 2010

Bank of America Tower Certified LEED Platinum

BofA 1 Bryant Park, Manhattan, NY
Bank of America's One Bryant Park in Manhattan NYC has achieved LEED Platinum certification.  This is a first for a US high rise commercial building - achieving LEED platinum.

" ...  glass curtain wall permits maximum sunlight ... under-floor air delivery system ... power comes from an on-site cogeneration plant, which works in concert with an ice storage system ..."

The building reuses most all rainwater and sink water saving millions of gallons of potable water yearly. 

Via:  Bank of America  LINK

Friday, September 24, 2010

Green Acres Zero Energy Homes - Video Tour


Green Acres Zero Energy Homes in New Paltz, NY are a step beyond low energy homes.  Using geothermal cooling / heating, thermal insulated form construction, super insulation, etc the home is net ZERO energy over the period of a year.

Check out this video for a walking tour and details of all the systems ...





Via: Green Acres, New Paltz LINK

Thursday, September 23, 2010

Streetline Networks Technology Can Reduce Carbon Emissions in Cities


Streetline uses software and sensors to adjust parking meter pricing to reduce cars circling for parking spaces.  It is estimated that up to 30 % of carbon emissions are caused once a car is in the city - circling for a cheap parking space at a parking meter.  When meter prices are close to the rate of a parking lot the incentive to keep driving looking for a cheap meter spot goes way down ... as does wasted fuel and emissions and CO2.

" ... estimated that 30% of urban traffic congestion is caused by drivers looking for parking. ... reducing congestion ... makes finding a parking space that much easier. ..."


Via:  Streetine   LINK

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Green Acres Zero Energy Homes - New Paltz, NY

Beyond Low Energy homes are Zero Energy Homes (ZEH).  Using technology including geothermal heating and cooling, PV panels, heat recovery ventilation and super insulation and high efficiency windows the homes in Green Acres (New Paltz NY) may be the first ZEH in the world.

" ... first zero energy (ZEH) community in the United States and possibly the world..."

" ... each home has the capacity to generate enough renewable energy to offset its annual energy needs. ..."

Via:  Green Acres New Paltz (NY)  LINK

Sunday, September 19, 2010

Clarian Power - Low Cost Plug and Play Solar for the DIY'er

Solar power for consumers has lots going for it ... renewable energy, clean power, being green ... and one near term stumbling block --- cost.  Most systems are EXPENSIVE for the initial capital outlay.
Sunfish Plug and Play Solar 
Clarian PowerClarian Power Inc may be able to help lower the price with both affordable and easy to install (DIY type install) products.  Payback can be 3 - 4 years after factoring in rebates and credits.


"Sunfish™ is a plug-in solar power module that’s affordable and easy to install ... SmartBox™ technology allows homeowners to plug solar power into an existing outlet ..."


Via:  Clarian Power Inc.  LINK

Friday, September 17, 2010

NYK YAMATAI Uses Air Bubbles to Reduce CO2 Emissions in Bulk Carrier





NYK air lubrication system
schematic of bubbler system
NYK's (Nippon Yusen Kaisha) Yamatai will have a unique method to reduce CO2 ... by injecting air bubble at the bottom of the hull.  This reduces drag between the hull and sea water.  The result is lower CO2 emissions. 
NYK logo
" ... first vessel engaged in overseas transport to make use of a permanently installed air-lubrication system using an air-blower ...   generate bubbles ... to the vessel bottom ... expected to result in 10 percent less CO2 emissions from the vessel."


Via:  NYK Group LINK

Monday, September 13, 2010

Many GM Plants Achieve Zero Landfill Status


Waste ground for recycling
Eliminating waste sent to the landfill saves both money and the planet.  Many GM plants " ...  no longer send any production waste to landfills."


43 % send no production waste to landfills !

LINK to see plants by type and location.

The numbers are huge ... " ... 2 million tons ... will be recycled or reused ...additional 45,000 tons ... converted to energy at waste-to-energy facilities...."


Via:  General Motors  LINK

Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Philadelphia Single Stream Recycling Now Accepts all Recyclable Plastics

Recycle Now PhiladelphiaMost municipalities accept #1 - PET and #2 - HDPE plastics for recycling.  Philadelphia now accepts #3 -#7 as well! This means #3 - Vinyl, #4 - LDPE, #5 - PP, #6 - PS and #7 - other / mixed.

" ... Philadelphia has citywide single stream recycling. ... all recyclables can be put in the same container, including plastics and cardboard."  This makes it easier for residents and business as there is no more sorting into different containers at home.

There is even a section about debunking Phila Recycling Myths ... that gives the real info on recycling in the City.

Check out the web site for information you can use no matter where you live !



Via:  Recycle Now Philadelphia LINK

Saturday, August 28, 2010

Poland Springs Eco-Shape® Bottle

Poland Spring
Poland Spring has been actively reducing the amount of plastic in its water bottles.  Less plastic means less energy to make, less energy to ship and less impact overall.  Of course recycling the bottles completes the loop.

" ... Eco-Shape® bottle ... made with an average of 30% less plastic ... a label approximately one-third smaller ... more flexible so it's easier to crush for recycling. ..."

The label notes that the cap is also smaller ... resulting in less plastic !



Via:  Poland Spring LINK

Friday, August 27, 2010

Lennar PowerSmart Energy Efficient Homes

Lennar PowerSmart
Lennar builds the PowerSmart home in several states.  These homes have efficiency and energy savings build it.

" ... PowerSmart home by Lennar. ... green home designed to save you money while ... saving the environment. ..."
  • Features include " ... Tight construction ... Improved Thermal Systems ... 
  • High Efficiency power vented gas water heater ... High- Efficiency Toilets ... Low- Flow Faucets ..."

Via: Lennar ™ LINK

Friday, August 20, 2010

Arizona Public Services & SunPower Create Largest Solar Project on Federal Property


Arizona Public Service
The 15 megawatt PV plant will be located at Luke AFB in Glendale, Arizona.  Comprised of 52,000 SunPower PV panels it will be the " ... largest solar installation on U.S. government property."

SunPower
"Arizona Public Service Co. will own and operate ... hired SunPower Corp. to design and construct the solar plant ..."

" ... will ... follow the sun ... 25 percent more energy than if the panels were stationary. ..."


Via:  Arizona Public Service LINK

Thursday, August 19, 2010

San Diego Saves Water


San Diego - Save Water San Diego is currently in a Level 2 - Drought Alert Condition.· San Diego imports over 80% of its water so when water supplies get tight water conservation and reuse is critical. Two new plants provide for 45 million gallons / day of water from waste ...


" ... has built ... plants [to] treat wastewater to a level that is approved for irrigationSan Diego graphic, manufacturing and other non-drinking, or non-potable purposes. ... Recycled water gives San Diego a dependable, year-round, locally controlled water resource."


Via: The City of San Diego LINK

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Opposed-Piston Opposed-Cylinder Engine
EPOC Engine Layout
EcoMotors International has developed the OPOC engine - opposed-piston opposed-cylinder engine.  This engine can run on a number of fuels and is lighter in weight and produces more power than a conventional engine.

The basic engine "unit" has 2 pistons per cylinder and multiple "units" can be coupled for a more powerful engine - or one or more "units" can be turned off at idle or during highway speeds.

" ... demonstrate, in 2010, the automobile industry's first 5-passenger car capable of 100 mpg on the EPA highway cycle."

" ... ground-breaking internal combustion engine ... eliminates the cylinder-head and valve-train components ... lighter, more efficient and economical, with lower exhaust emissions compared with conventional designs...."



Via:  EcoMotors International  LINK

Thursday, August 12, 2010

Fuji Water is Carbon NEGATIVE

earthera carbon offset shipping
When buying Viva Terra products you have the option to purchase carbon offsets for the delivery of your order.

" ... reduce the environmental impact ... by selecting EarthEra® ...  For ... $1 per order, customers balance the carbon emissions associated with the delivery of their purchases ..."

" ... EarthEra is powered by NextEra Energy Resources, America's largest producer of wind and solar power."




Via:  Viva Terra LINK

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

viva terra logoViva Terra's Mad Mats® are made from recycled plastics.  This is a great way to reduce landfill use and reuse good materials.

" ... Mad Mats® are made from recycled plastic bottles and packing materials ... absorb no stains, can easily be cleaned with garden hose or sponge, and won't trap water or mildew. ..."

For an additional $1 in shipping fees you can offset the carbon impact from shipping.  Details on the Viva Terra web site under shipping.


Via:  Viva Terra LINK

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

EarthEra® - Carbon Offsets for Mail Ordered Goods

earthera carbon offsets
 When buying Viva Terra products you have the option to purchase carbon offsets for the delivery of your order.

" ... reduce the environmental impact ... by selecting EarthEra® ...  For ... $1 per order, customers balance the carbon emissions associated with the delivery of their purchases ..."

" ... EarthEra is powered by NextEra Energy Resources, America's largest producer of wind and solar power."




Via:  Viva Terra LINK

Friday, August 6, 2010

What do you do with your old cookware when you upgrade?  One option is Freecycling it.  But ... if you buy from Calphalon you can have your old cookware recycled for free.

The process is simple:  Pack the old cookware in the box from the new cookware (reuse) and they will provide a UPS shipping label to cover the shipping.  Shortly after you should receive two 100% recycled cotton shopping bags (reduce and reuse).

Here is an interesting bit of information from their web site ...
"Fact: Over 80 percent of items in landfills can be recycled, but they're not."

What can you recycle that you are currently tossing in the trash ... ?



Via:  Calphalon LINK

Thursday, August 5, 2010

GreenandSave.com
GREENandSAVE has a Website and Blog with lots of good "green" information.  There are tips to increase your "individual green-ness" and links to many green items in the news including green job training.

Check out the Experts Tip section for lots of ideas you can use to save energy, money and the planet.  Tips I found include ways to save water this summer and ideas for a greener Christmas.

 ... strives to inform the public about eco-conscious living, environmental matters, ... feature daily news, information and blogs  ... mission is to expand readers’ awareness of environmentally conscious efforts ... and encourage participation."


Via:  Green and Save  LINK