VW: Possible All Electric Bulli (previously the microbus !)

Google Translated from German ...

VW recently showed off at the Geneva Auto Show a prototype 6 seat all-electric called "Bulli".   " ... maximum utilization of space ... driven ... by a powerful electric motor or alternatively efficient gasoline and diesel direct injection engines ..."

 See picture of concept car at right >>>> 

Via:  Volkswagen  LINK

Motorola Takes Back / Recycles Cell Phones (even if not from Motorola)

As part of their corporate responsibility program Motorola has a program that will take back / recycle any mobile phone – even if not a Motorola product.

Some are repurposed (after refurbishing) to developing countries … others are just recycled.

Since consumer participation is a key drive Motorola tries to get more people involved in recycling mobile phones by among other things “enclosing …prepaid return envelopes with new products … Providing prepaid postage labels on our website ….” and participating in programs like “ … Mobile Muster in Australia, Green Box in China, Plug in to eCycling in the U.S. and Recycle My Cell in Canada “

Via: Motorola LINK

Rentricity Uses Pressure in Pipes to Generate Electricity

Rentricity 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

Dell Uses Compostable Bamboo Packing Materials

Dell is using new bamboo packaging materials that are compostable making them easier to dispose of in places other than a dumpster (read landfill).  The result is a more sustainable packaging solution.


" ... mechanically pulped bamboo ... will compost and biodegrade ... comparable to known compostable materials ..."


" ... building on its commitment to make ‘being green’ easy and cost-effective for customers. "

So why bamboo ?  Bamboo is a natural as it is fast growing, strong and " ... doesn't require replanting after harvest".


Via:  Dell  LINK