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Showing posts with label Solar Energy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Solar Energy. Show all posts

Monday, March 23, 2009

Solar Bird House: Late Night Bird Hangout

Solar Bird House: Late Night Bird Hangout
by Bridgette Steffen

oooms solar bird house, solar powered perch, solar perch birds, birdhouse solar

File this under - sure, but why? This cute-but-totally-gratuitous solar-powered birdhouse is made by OOOMS, Dutch designers of products like the Twig USB drive. During the day, a solar panel mounted on the roof charges a small interior battery. At night, the landing perch lights up in anticipation of bugs who are addicted to the glowing brightness of nightlights. The idea is that birds can use the light to attract their prey close to their bed for a nighttime snack. Sounds like a good idea, because who says birds shouldn’t enjoy some nighttime outdoor lighting? We think this thing should be on a timer though — keeping a perch lit after 2 am is asking for a flock of birds starting some trouble. Strangely enough, these solar birdhouses are hot-ticket items at Charles & Marie (sold out when we checked!), but you can find them for sale at the OOOMS website.

Thursday, March 12, 2009

Easy To Install Solar Panels Are City Friendly and Affordable

by Christine Lepisto, Berlin on 03.11.09

veranda solar panels can be installed anywhere photo

Solar start-up Veranda Solar wants to change the world of solar power the way Apple changed computers. Veranda got a big head-start on financing the start-up when the company was awarded 100,000€ as runner-up in the PICNIC Green Challenge, funded by the Dutch postcode lottery. The solar panels Veranda uses are nothing special. The prototypes were developed in cooperation with Stanford University and SunPower Corp. No new photovoltaic advances, no biomimicry.

But these solar panels are offering something new to the market. Check the photo over the fold to see what makes Veranda solar special and decide for yourself if they have what it takes for success.

veranda solar panels installed out of a window photo
Image via: Veranda Photos

Veranda Solar panels are plug-and-play. They can be installed in hours, with just a screwdriver, and without expensive solar specialists. The ease of installation on balconies and hanging out of windows will appeal to sustainably-oriented city dwellers, although solar panels will certainly join clotheslines and television dishes in the architectural eyesore wars. But this is exactly the angle Veranda Solar will use to compete. Veranda intends to win the wars by selling -- in the words of Travis Bradford, president of solar-research firm Prometheus Institute: "sexy solar."


The solar panels can be flat-packed for efficient shipping and come with everything needed for operation. At $400 for a 60 to 70 watt ($600 for a panel with inverter and cables), the Veranda solar panels are affordable, or at least in line with the cost of many electronic toys that are enjoyed by the people in Veranda's target market, but not beating the market benchmark of $1 per watt. However, Veranda can appeal to lower income buyers with the expandability concept. Consumers can start with one panel, adding additional panels later simply by snapping them on. Veranda also plans to use financing models that promote the accessibility of the technology, such as leasing the panels through utility companies.

CEO Capra J’neva is quoted in Salon:

We interact with real people to create our products, so we are reducing market risk by understanding the real needs of people.

Saturday, March 7, 2009

餿水變黑金

台北 巧文

  廚餘不是廢棄物,它可以變成黑金,化作春泥更護花!劉力學先生是隱居在東北角海岸的加拿大人,為了解決社區裡令人頭大的餿水問題,這個台灣女婿,基於對這片土地的熱愛,運用他的科學精神與知識,潛心跟著大自然學習,樂當下一波農業革命的先驅。

廚餘堆肥吸水強
 防旱防澇淨水質

   民國九十年九月納莉颱風侵襲台灣,挾帶豐沛的雨量,橫掃全省,降雨量創台灣四百年來的新高。住在白沙灣附近德茂村的劉力學,整夜輾轉難眠,外面傾盆大 雨,積水及胸,戶外露天堆放的一百噸廚餘堆肥,恐怕已被大水沖散殆盡,多時努力的成果,或許化為烏有。天剛亮,他立即出門查看,出乎意料地,堆肥完好無 恙!他扒開表面檢查內部,有一個更令人驚訝的發現,只有外面三十公分左右是溼的,堆肥的吸水性竟然這麼強!

  這個結果馬 上激發劉力學的探究欲望,隨即著手做實驗,找來容器在底部打洞,裝入兩公斤的堆肥,然後不斷加水,一直加到超過六公升,才開始滴水。之後,他又做了第二個 實驗,將一公斤的堆肥混合一公斤的紅土,此時需加到十二公升以上才開始滴水,也就是堆肥混入等量的紅土之後,吸水量增加四倍。

   這個實驗結果讓劉力學非常振奮,這表示廚餘堆肥除了可以供給農作物豐富的天然養分外,在環保上還有非凡的價值。混入紅土的堆肥,擁有如此高的的吸水性, 可以涵養水分;苗栗以北山區多為紅土,若能在水源區使用廚餘堆肥,既可防治旱災及水災,更能預防土石流的爆發,而且它還具有過濾、淨化水質的功能,我們將 可以重新擁有清淨的水源。熱愛大自然的劉力學,對環保格外關切,主動將實驗成果和學術單位及政府機關分享,希望這個好處由公家推廣,期待台灣在不久的將 來,回復福爾摩沙的美譽。

光鮮亮麗科技人
 樂當環保收ㄆㄨㄣ郎

   劉力學是遠從魁北克來的法裔加拿大人,一九六四年應輔仁大學之邀到台灣,預備在輔大成立工學院;一九六六年進入台大物理系就讀,成為台大第一位外籍學 生,就此與台灣結下不解之緣,落地生根。後來輔大工學院籌設喊停,但是他已深深愛上這個小島,決定留在台灣工作。此時他得知惠普有意在台灣成立分公司,便 積極爭取這個工作機會,如願成為惠普台灣分公司第一位負責人,也因此促成中文電腦的誕生。還有一點值得記上一筆,阿波羅十一號首度登陸月球,他也扮演了推 手的角色,幫助解決電腦方面的問題;退休前他的職務是神通電腦的副總裁。

  這樣一位科技背景的外國人,怎麼會跟廚餘堆肥扯上關係呢?

   廚餘,台語稱為ㄆㄨㄣ,早期台灣到處看得到ㄆㄨㄣ桶,有人專門收集拿來養豬。它的酸臭味,讓人掩鼻而過,我們很難想像一個外國科技人會去收ㄆㄨㄣ!當初 劉力學是為了解決社區焚化爐內湯湯水水的問題,而開始動念頭想製作堆肥。家庭廚餘是台灣飲食習慣特有的產物,混入垃圾不僅無法完全燃燒,更會降低焚化爐的 壽命,在焚化過程,鹽和塑膠素材,也容易產生戴奧辛等有毒氣體,因此劉力學便在社區推動垃圾分類。資源垃圾可以交給環保單位,廚餘怎麼辦呢?只有製成堆肥 一途。

  劉力學是那種遇到問題就會去研究,想辦法解決,並且身體力行的人。他可不是說說就算,他輾轉向台大農化系吳三和 教授求救。吳教授告訴他,要有足夠量的ㄆㄨㄣ才可以,起碼要堆至一‧五公尺高約七噸的量。他二話不說,果真就開始收ㄆㄨㄣ。每天三點多起床,天色未亮就開 車到處收ㄆㄨㄣ,數年來從未打過退堂鼓,越做越起勁。從一個光鮮亮麗、乾乾淨淨的科技人,變成與髒臭的廚餘為伍的收ㄆㄨㄣ人,我們從他身上卻看不出這兩種 角色有任何衝突,不管做什麼事,他都樂在其中,研究廚餘堆肥也不例外,在他眼中,那可是價值不菲的「黑金」呢!

餿水並非垃圾物
 廚餘也能變黑金

   透過吳教授提供理論基礎,劉力學不斷嘗試,有問題立即回報討論。八十八年秋開始實驗,克服許多困難,雖然家人抱怨惡臭,但他從未氣餒。一個多月後,第一 堆廚餘堆肥成功誕生了。接下來他持續觀察研究,針對不同的狀況,找出最適宜的方法。通常收集來的廚餘,先讓它慢慢流出其中的液體,儲存起來,等堆肥溫度逐 漸升高,變得較為乾燥時再噴灑回去,保持濕度以利發酵。如果有異味就增加稻殼、木屑的量,總之,保持氮、碳比例為一比三十,依溫度、濕度調整,只要做對 了,就不會有臭味。同時他又把收集下來的液體加入糖漿做成液肥,幾乎是百分之百利用,毫不浪費。

  這個階段堆肥表面三、 四公分處,住滿各種肥肥胖胖的蛆,劉力學直接用手扒開給我們看,果真蠕動迅速,活力充沛,他說這是堆肥極佳的蛋白質來源。約三十天後不再流出汁液,蛆也不 再出現,這時要定期翻攪,讓氧氣進入幫助腐熟。一般大約一百天左右就完全腐熟,有的材質需要一百二十天或者再久一點。劉力學說:「不要勉強它,你要觀察, 順應大自然的規律。」腐熟完成的堆肥,不再有異味,而且發酵過程內部溫度高達攝氏七、八十度,很多有害物質如抗生素、農藥等物質也分解掉了。

   做好的堆肥,每公克中都有上億的微生物,富含有機質,適合農作物的生長,劉力學又開始新的嘗試,培植蔬菜。他帶著大夥參觀他的菜園,順手抓起一棵剛採收 的青江菜,鮮翠肥美,算算大概有二十幾公分長。他自豪地說:「看!沒有一個蟲蛀的洞!」秘訣是什麼?就是用他自製的廚餘堆肥!裡面有豐富的微生物,透由微 生物的媒介,根部能充分吸收堆肥中豐富的營養素,自然長得健康又能抵抗蟲害。

  菜之所以會被蟲吃,是因為本身不健康,抵 抗力低。以有機菜而言,會發生蟲害,若非根部受傷,讓植株不健康,就是開始老化,抵抗力逐漸下降,蟲兒就趁虛而入。舉個例子來說,青江菜收成期大約是二十 一天,白菜是十八、十九天,採收時間是關鍵點,如果看到菜上有洞還不快採收,隔天一半以上的菜都會被蟲吃了。

  雖然慣行 農法可以透過化學肥料提供大量的氮、磷、鉀,使蔬菜快快長大,然而只是「虛胖」,並沒有抵抗病蟲害的能力,所以必需使用農藥。有機耕作採用有機肥,讓蔬菜 健康的成長,不但沒有化學肥料導致土地鹽化、酸化、耗竭地力的後遺症,也沒有農藥污染的問題,既能維持自然生態,也可以讓耕耘者、食用者都得到安心與健 康。

利用太陽能發電
 觀察研究順自然

   三分多的菜園,一部分是溫室,種了青椒、白菜,還有各色各樣的葉菜類。打開溫室的門,一陣涼風襲來……「好涼啊!」抬頭看看門的上方,原來不是裝了冷 氣,而是裝了一台電風扇。一台電風扇就有這麼好的效果?沒錯!劉力學說,透過風扇往外抽,空氣就能對流,可以降溫十度呢!如果室外是攝氏三十五度,那麼裝 了電扇的溫室就只有二十五度,不但避免蔬菜「中暑」,更可以防止蚜蟲滋生!可是溫室位在靜僻的角落,電力要從哪兒來呢?視線沿著電線找去,原來是接到旁邊 一張朝天的板子上,是太陽能發電啊!真不愧是科技人出身,在場的人都忍不住嘆服!

  回憶兩年半前開始搭溫室、學種菜,劉 力學剛開始也是一點概念都沒有。由於對水、土壤種種的不了解,所以有不少失敗的經驗,直到最近一年半才上了軌道。以種番茄為例,最初一批結的果實都不能 吃,因為每個番茄裡都有蟲在蠕動,於是他找來幾個有機耕作的夥伴商量。其中吳三和教授語重心長地鼓勵他:「你不要放棄!你要繼續試,繼續澆你的水、繼續施 你的肥,會有動物來幫你的。」

  劉力學相信吳教授的專業,繼續做下去,沒想到後來真的出現果蠅的天敵,使果蠅漸漸減少。 靠著自然界自我平衡的力量,一個星期之後,二十幾顆番茄中,已經有五、六顆可以吃;一個月後,收成的五十顆裡有四十顆是好的;而一年後的現在,已經達到每 天收成一百顆的規模,其中往往只有一顆有蟲。

  剛收成的一籃番茄嫩紅可愛,劉力學努力找出一顆被蟲蛀了大洞的給大家看。 他說:「別看它被蟲吃成這樣,裡面可是好的!」在大家好奇的眼光下,劉力學拿起水果刀從蛀洞的地方切開,哇!裡面真的是好的,飽滿的果肉,既沒有爛也沒 臭,讓人相當驚訝,他解釋,這是因為健康的番茄在蟲咬過的地方生出了一層保護膜,所以不會爛進去。

  一般慣行農法種植的 番茄株,只能長到第三、四節就不能再往上長,可是劉力學的番茄卻可以長到第七節還繼續結果,可見其健康豐沛的生命力。他對這樣的進展感到自豪,說:「原來 植物生存在地球上的時間比我們人類久,當它們想活下去的時候,只要我們給它支持的力量(有機肥),它們會自己想辦法跟蟲害對抗,不必用農藥去殺蟲。」

哪裡沒有服務好
 打開心門細傾聽

  葉菜類、番茄的種植方法熟練了,以不斷學習、迎接新挑戰為樂的劉力學當然不會就此滿足,接下來他還要挑戰小黃瓜與豆類的栽種。去年他就種過小黃瓜了,不太成功,因為被蟲吃得厲害,長不好。今年我們來拜訪他時,新一批小黃瓜已經種了三個多星期,有的還是被蟲「叮」彎了。

   不過,這六十三歲的人還是很開朗地把小黃瓜栽種列為目前的新鮮課題。他每天都會觀察小黃瓜,看看哪一條彎起來。研究它的位置、水土、光線……再觀察附近 沒有被蟲兒「盯上」的小黃瓜,想想為什麼蟲不會吃它?對於被蟲吃的小黃瓜,「我到底是哪裡沒有服務好?」這種對植物溫柔、細心又有耐心的態度,令人不禁莞 爾卻又深深佩服。

  「讓大自然來教你,當它來臨的時候,別忘了打開你的門、你的窗,讓訊息通通都進來。你先全部接納,然 後不要看壞的,好的才把它收起來……我天天都可以看到大自然的奇蹟!」劉力學先生如是說。許多人都愛好大自然,可是要從一個叱癍電腦界的高科技份子,變成 以身體力行、收餿水、做堆肥、耕地種菜的農夫,劉力學生命格局所開展的仍是一般人無法想像的遼闊。一位參觀過他有機農園的人問他:「你的生命中曾經消沉低 潮嗎?」你猜他怎麼回答:「連一秒鐘都沒有過!」

  他每天清晨三點半起床,第一件事就是上網收信找資料,接下來展開忙碌 的一天:耕作、收廚餘、種種勞務、接待一批又一批來參訪的個人、團體,還要出門與機關單位分享廚餘堆肥的經驗……這不禁令人想起他的中文名字──力學,這 個名字取得真好!因為他的的確確是個「努力學習」的人,也是個快樂學習、又願意分享的人,好像永遠都保持赤子的活力與熱忱,對世間一切事物充滿好奇,即使 遇到困難或挫折,也能既認真又輕鬆、既踏實又不疲厭地學習跟超越,彷彿沒有一件事難得倒他!只要找出正確的方法、肯學、肯努力,沒有事情是不能成功的!

Friday, February 13, 2009

Mushroom Cities: Tropical Urban Rainforests

Mushroom Cities: Tropical Urban Rainforests
by Evelyn Lee

Tropicool@KL, Urban Cities, Vertical Parks, Sustainable Developments, Green Cities, Sustainable Utopia, green building, mushroom city, sustainable architecture

As cities stretch to accommodate the world’s skyrocketing population, loyal Inhabitat followers are surely familiar with skyscrapers and other vertical solutions to cope with urban densification. Still, an urban ecology modeled after the rainforest, complete with towering mushroom high-rises, is sure to raise some eyebrows. Designed for the heart of Sentul, Kuala Lumpur, TROPICOOL @ KL envisions a series of self-sustaining mushroom skyscrapers that incorporate natural energy sources, rainwater harvesting, and bio-mass support for off-the-grid living in a truly green environment.

Tropicool@KL, Urban Cities, Vertical Parks, Sustainable Developments, Green Cities, Sustainable Utopia, green building, mushroom city, sustainable architecture

A play upon the symbiotic nature of organisms thriving in the rainforest, TROPICOOL @ KL envisions a series of symbiotic energy-generating skyscrapers modeled after mushrooms. These tropical trees of life provide housing and recreational facilities while mimicking the five layers found within a tropical rainforest: the overstory, the canopy, the understory, the shrub layer, and the forest floor.

The structure’s circular tops are composed of miniature solar panels that provide a power source while mimicking the process of photosynthesis that takes place in rainforest canopies. Scattered throughout the branches of the mushroom tops are dwellings modeled after the Malaysian vernacular, offering living within the “rural fabric” of nature. Although definitely a work in progress, the idea of bringing a crazy rainforest canopy into the city is a novel one, and one worth considering as we chart the future of our urban environments.

+ Tropicool @ CL

Via Ecofriend

Tropicool@KL, Urban Cities, Vertical Parks, Sustainable Developments, Green Cities, Sustainable Utopia, green building, mushroom city, sustainable architecture

Tuesday, September 30, 2008

SOM’s Stunning Cathedral of Christ the Light

SOM’s Stunning Cathedral of Christ the Light
by Bridgette Steffen

som cathedral, skidmore owings & merrill, sustainable cathedral, green cathedral, oakland cathedral, sustainable architecture, green building, fsc-certified wood, passive cooling system, fly ash concrete, daylighting

Throughout time, cathedrals have signified some of the human race’s most awe-inspiring architectural endeavors. Continuing this trend, Skidmore, Owings & Merrill recently completed construction on their incredible Cathedral of Christ the Light in Oakland. If you have been searching for religious -or architectural- inspiration, check out their awe-inspiring cathedral. The stunning structure makes beautiful use of glass, fly ash concrete, and fsc-certified wood, but we were most impressed by its incredible use of natural light. SOM is well known for its work on many other large projects such as offices, airports, islands, museums, and skyscrapers.

som cathedral, skidmore owings & merrill, sustainable cathedral, green cathedral, oakland cathedral, sustainable architecture, green building, fsc-certified wood, passive cooling system, fly ash concrete, daylighting

Craig Hartman, the lead architect for this project, says he “couldn’t imagine a more important commission than to design a cathedral.” Cathedrals of this magnitude are not often built, so to be chosen to build one among many other qualified architects is truly an honor. The Diocese’s main focus for the design was its use of daylighting. Hartman proposed that light would be the key “to create a contemporary design that was still evocative of the Church’s two millennium-old traditions.” To achieve this heavenly goal, Hartman consulted his retired SOM partner, Walter Netsch, who designed the 1950s Cadet Chapel at the U.S. Air Force Academy, which is also well known for its use of light.

som cathedral, skidmore owings & merrill, sustainable cathedral, green cathedral, oakland cathedral, sustainable architecture, green building, fsc-certified wood, passive cooling system, fly ash concrete, daylighting

SOM’s Cathedral goes against the classical design of cathedrals and basilicas, which take the form of a cross with the altar placed at the intersection. Hartman wanted a more modern structure that embodied the community, so they placed the altar in the center surrounded by seating. Circular motifs play and important role in the design, especially the outside structure, which funnels up 12 stories towards a glass oculus roof. The skylight focuses light onto the center altar, allows views of the sky, and is also part of the unique passive cooling system. The system uses natural convection to cool air as it rises up through floor vents and out through openings in the oculus.

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Additional sustainable features of the building include the extensive use of natural light to cut back on energy use during the day. The structure’s concrete was formed using fly ash and contributes thermal mass for heating and cooling. Finally the beautiful woodwork provides warmth to the building and came from FSC certified Douglas Fir. The Diocese asked that the Cathedral be built to stand the test of time for at least 300 years, and it is also seismically outfitted to withstand a significant earthquake.

The site for the Catholic Cathedral is the location of the old St. Francis de Sales Cathedral, which was irreparably damaged by the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake. The Cathedral of Christ the Light is home to the Oakland Diocese, the Bishop and over 500,000 parishioners. Construction began in 2005 and was just recently completed, with the Cathedral scheduled to be dedicated and consecrated on Thursday, September 25th in a private service. It will be open to the public for a special mass on Friday at 10 am, and regular weekend service will begin on Sunday.

+ Skidmore, Owings & Merrill

Via World Architecture News

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Friday, September 5, 2008

LED Street Lights are Coming

by Michael Graham Richard, Gatineau, Canada on 05.28.08

New Foothold for LED Lights
Dusseldorf, Germany, has 17,000 gas street lamps. The city's power utility has decided to replace 10,000 of them with LED street lights, but that hasn't happened yet. So far, only about 25 of them have been installed.

Of course, LED are still kind of expensive, so there's a capital cost. But once they are in place, their operating costs are lower and they can last for a very long time. Another benefit is that you can direct light much more easily, so you can avoid sending light in all directions (people with a street light across the street from their bedroom window will understand...). The first bump in the road for LED street lights was that some people thought their white light was too cold compared to the red-ish glow of the old lamps, but that can easily be fixed by using colored LEDs. ::Replacing gas lamps with LEDs

Monday, September 1, 2008

10 Ways to Go Green and Save Green

How can we live lightly on the Earth and save money at the same time? Staff members at the Worldwatch Institute, a global environmental organization, share ideas on how to GO GREEN and SAVE GREEN at home and at work.

Climate change is in the news. It seems like everyone's "going green." We're glad you want to take action, too. Luckily, many of the steps we can take to stop climate change can make our lives better. Our grandchildren-and their children-will thank us for living more sustainably. Let's start now.

We've partnered with the Million Car Carbon Campaign to help you find ways to save energy and reduce your carbon footprint. This campaign is uniting conscious consumers around the world to prevent the emissions-equivalent of 1 million cars from entering the atmosphere each year.

Keep reading for 10 simple things you can do today to help reduce your environmental impact, save money, and live a happier, healthier life.

  1. Save energy to save money.

    Compact Fluorescent Bulb
    Armistead Booker/flickr
    • Set your thermostat a few degrees lower in the winter and a few degrees higher in the summer to save on heating and cooling costs.
    • Install compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) when your older incandescent bulbs burn out.
    • Unplug appliances when you're not using them. Or, use a "smart" power strip that senses when appliances are off and cuts "phantom" or "vampire" energy use.
    • Wash clothes in cold water whenever possible. As much as 85 percent of the energy used to machine-wash clothes goes to heating the water.
    • Use a drying rack or clothesline to save the energy otherwise used during machine drying. If you must use a dryer, consider adding dryer balls to cut drying time.
  2. Save water to save money.

    • Take shorter showers to reduce water use. This will lower your water and heating bills too.
    • Install a low-flow showerhead. They don't cost much, and the water and energy savings can quickly pay back your investment.
    • Make sure you have a faucet aerator on each faucet. These inexpensive appliances conserve heat and water, while keeping water pressure high.
    • Plant drought-tolerant native plants in your garden. Many plants need minimal watering. Find out which occur naturally in your area.

  3. Less gas = more money (and better health!).

    Bicycle Commuters
    richardmasoner/flickr
    • Walk or bike to work. This saves on gas and parking costs while improving your cardiovascular health and reducing your risk of obesity.
    • Consider telecommuting if you live far from your work. Or move closer. Even if this means paying more rent, it could save you money in the long term.
    • Lobby your local government to increase spending on sidewalks and bike lanes. With little cost, these improvements can pay huge dividends in bettering your health and reducing traffic.

  4. Eat smart.

  5. Skip the bottled water.

  6. Think before you buy.

    Garage Sale
    Michael Reinhart/flickr
    • Go online to find new or gently used secondhand products. Whether you've just moved or are looking to redecorate, consider a service like craigslist or FreeSharing to track down furniture, appliances, and other items cheaply or for free.
    • Check out garage sales, thrift stores, and consignment shops for clothing and other everyday items.
    • When making purchases, make sure you know what's "Good Stuff" and what isn't.
    • Watch a video about what happens when you buy things. Your purchases have a real impact, for better or worse.

  7. Borrow instead of buying.

    • Borrow from libraries instead of buying personal books and movies. This saves money, not to mention the ink and paper that goes into printing new books.
    • Share power tools and other appliances. Get to know your neighbors while cutting down on the number of things cluttering your closet or garage.

  8. Buy smart.

    • Buy in bulk. Purchasing food from bulk bins can save money and packaging.
    • Wear clothes that don't need to be dry-cleaned. This saves money and cuts down on toxic chemical use.
    • Invest in high-quality, long-lasting products. You might pay more now, but you'll be happy when you don't have to replace items as frequently (and this means less waste!).

  9. Keep electronics out of the trash.

    1000 Cell Phones
    Gaetan Lee/flickr

  10. Make your own cleaning supplies.

    • The big secret: you can make very effective, non-toxic cleaning products whenever you need them. All you need are a few simple ingredients like baking soda, vinegar, lemon, and soap.
    • Making your own cleaning products saves money, time, and packaging-not to mention your indoor air quality.

Tuesday, August 19, 2008

Next Generation of Cheap Solar Cells

New technology uses cheaper materials instead of expensive silicon crystals. These new solar cells are projected to cost 1/10th of what the more expensive silicon cells cost.



Tuesday, July 8, 2008

Solar Powered Toyota Prius!

TRANSPORTATION TUESDAY: Solar Powered Toyota Prius!
by Jorge Chapa

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The manufacturer of the most popular hybrid car on the market is planning take its green vision even further. Toyota, the makers of the Prius, have decided that the best way to make their top selling hybrid car even greener is to add a set of solar panels to the roof of the vehicle. The addition of solar power to the already super efficient Prius marks the first time that a major auto maker will use this renewable energy in a top selling car. Could this be the official start of a hot commercial trend?

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According to a report in the Nikkei Business Daily, Toyota is seriously mulling installing solar panels, to be produced by Kyocera, that will power the air-conditioning unit of the vehicle. This is part of the refreshed model which is expected to be available next spring. It is probably more of a symbolic gesture than anything else, but still, it is a nice detail that will save some fuel.

With oil prices so high, everyone is focusing on making their vehicles as fuel efficient as possible. And, as far as the big car manufacturers are concerned, no one does this better than Toyota. Hopefully, where Toyota leads, others will follow.

+ Toyota to equip Prius with solar panels: report
+ Toyota Prius

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Image via: Car and Driver

Sharp’s Solar Powered Television

Sharp’s Solar Powered Television
by Jorge Chapa

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As part of G8 Summit in Hokkaido, Japan, Sharp will be showcasing some futuristic new technologies in the Zero Emission House. Amongst the future-forward prototypes to be shown: a 26-inch solar-powered LCD television that can be powered by a thin-film photovoltaic panel! Sharp’s plan is to distribute the TV and solar module to areas that have no easy access to grid power.

The triple-junction thin film solar cell module is the cost effective panel to date that is being mass produced by Sharp. The panel can be produced to be made semi-transparent, to be as windows, and is manufactured to not require rare or scarce metals. The television itself is an ultra low-powered LCD screen that uses less than a third of the energy required by conventional LCDs. The area required to power this television would be similar to that of the TV screen, something which is not possible with current TVs.

So, is a TV really the most practical use for a new solar panel? Initially, we would’ve thought that people living off the grid with no access to electricity might want that electricity for something else — something more useful like lighting or cooking. Still, we have to admit, an ultra-low powered LCD is certainly a positive development.

+ Sharp to Exhibit at Hokkaido

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Wednesday, July 2, 2008

Solar-Power Rickshaws for London

TRANSPORTATION TUES: Solar-Power Rickshaws for London
by Mahesh Basantani

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Rickshaws, or cycle rickshaws, are a popular mode of human-powered transportation all around the world. The higher tech electric version of the foot-pedalled rickshaws has been gaining popularity recently, as it is an important sustainable mode of transport across developing nations. Now, London-based research and design company Solar Lab is working on a solar-powered rickshaw that will be the first human powered hybrid vehicle - combining pedal power with energy from rooftop photovoltaics.

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SolarLab’s rickshaw is a response to the pollution and congestion of London. As a solution to the city’s traffic and emissions woes, their rickshaw will run mostly from power generated by photovoltaics fitted on the roof. The solar energy will produce 75% of the total power needed to drive the vehicle, while the rest will be provided by the driver’s pedal-powert. The physical effort required to drive the rickshaw will be very small.

The solar rickshaw would significantly reduce pollution and CO2 emissions in London. SolarLab estimates that each vehicle could reduce CO2 emissions by up to 2 tons. And, the design of the rickshaw is modular so it can be easily converted into a load-bearing vehicle if necessary.

SolarLab’s rickshaw will be launched next year in. Based on its performance in London, the vehicle could soon be made available in other cities around the world.

+ SolarLab

Via DeZeen

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Tuesday, July 1, 2008

VOLTAIC’s Super Solar Powered Backpack

VOLTAIC’s Super Solar Powered Backpack
by Ali Kriscenski

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There’s nothing quite like renewable energy on-the-go, and Voltaic makes solar power a stylish accessory with a hot lineup of solar powered bags to charge your mobile gadgets. We’ve been impressed with Voltaic’s products from the get go, and with their ongoing efforts to amp up the sustainability factor in their bags like boosting the power in their Generator laptop bag and going to 100% post-consumer recycled PET plastic based fabrics. One of our all-time favorite bags is the durable Voltaic Backpack which just may be the ultimate sustainable summertime sidekick and a must have for the eco-geek on the go.


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The Voltaic Backpack has 1,850 cubic inches of storage, making it the ideal weekend or day pack. Made from a tough fabric that puts recycled PET soda bottles into good use, the backpack is built to hold up under wear and tear. Water resistant and light weight, the bag offers 4 watts of solar power to charge smaller gadgets like phones, cameras and mp3 players and lots of techy features - like 11 adaptors, pouches and wire channels - keep things organized on the go. The bag even has a padded sleeve that can hold up to a 17″ laptop making versatility part of the deal.

+ Voltaic Systems

+ Voltaic Now Using Recycled Bottles in their Solar Bags
+ NEW VOLTAIC ‘GENERATOR’ Solar Bag Charges Laptops!

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Saturday, June 28, 2008

GRID HOUSE: Maximizing Green Space in Urban Infill

GRID HOUSE: Maximizing Green Space in Urban Infill
by Mike Chino

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Moto Designshop recently finished schematics for this beautiful modern residence situated on Pine street in Philadelphia. The Grid House packs a highly efficient floorplan into tight quarters, maximizing daylighting and ventilation via an abundance of open green spaces. The entire front and back façades open to infuse interior spaces with fresh air while the home’s flowing floor plan ensures a seamless transition between rooms. An elevated front garden preserves the residence’s interaction with the street while concealing an underground garage.

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Moto Designshop employed a variety of techniques to ensure that the Grid House was as efficient as possible in terms of lighting and ventilation. A long three story skylight suffuses the interior spaces with light, while the home’s open-ended construction allows for excellent cross-ventilation. The front façade features two stories of wooden solar shades which are deployable in a variety of configurations to allow for variable degrees of privacy.

In order to maximize the residence’s available space, Moto Designshop chose to situate the home’s garage below ground floor: “Within the property line, is a 2-tier car/garden lift which lowers the car to the basement level, hiding it from view while creating a private garden space at street level.”

We love how the re-envisioned row home integrates a variety of green spaces and a rooftop garden into an elegant example of efficient modern design.

+ Moto Designshop Inc.

Tip via Adam Montalbano

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Friday, June 27, 2008

Canada’s Shimmering Solar Collector Sculpture

Canada’s Shimmering Solar Collector Sculpture
by Mike Chino

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Earlier this week Cambridge, Canada welcomed a stunning new interactive sculpture that casts a shimmering set of lights against the night sky. Constructed atop a sun-dappled hill, Gorbet Design’s Solar Collector sweeps the skyline as a gracefully ascending corona of light-laced beams. The interactive installation serves as a conduit for both solar energy and creative input, soaking up sunlight and simple web-based controls throughout the day. Upon nightfall the installation synthesizes its stored reserves into a glimmering light show.

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Situated at the Waterloo Regional Operations Centre, the installation is composed of 12 illuminated shafts arranged in a graceful curve. The angles of each shaft reflect the angles of the sun throughout the year, with the tallest perpendicular to the sun during Winter solstice, and the lowest aligning with the Summer solstice.

During the day a set of solar panels provide the sculpture with energy, while the Solar Collector’s website stores interactive input for the evening’s performance: “Using simple web-based controls, members of the community compose wave-based patterns that flow across pulsing lights that are spaced along the shafts. At dusk, Solar Collector comes to life with the patterns created that day.”

+ Solar Collector
+ Gorbet Design inc.

Via designboom.com

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Thursday, June 26, 2008

Historic German Town Laying Down the Solar Law

Historic German Town Laying Down the Solar Law
by Bridgette Steffen

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Despite the typical cloudy weather, Germany has become a solar energy powerhouse fueled in part by government measures to reduce greenhouse gases and bring more renewable energy into the grid. Voluntary solar arrays are common throughout the country on barns, residences and in large solar plants, but a new law proposed in Marburg, Germany, is making solar a legal requirement on private and commercial buildings.

This small German college town of Marburg in central Germany has over 100 pubs, has more stairs in its alleys than in its houses, and is where the Brothers Grimm collected many of their fairy tales. It is truly a city of inspiration and historic significance. On June 20th, the town made 21st century history by becoming the first city in Germany to require solar power for newly built or renovated buildings. While all the reports say it is the first city in Germany, I can’t find any information that doesn’t disprove it may be the first city in the world to require solar power.

The law will officially come into effect October 1, 2008, after the city has worked out more of the details. The Mayor of Marburg, Fritz Kahle, says of the decision, “We don’t want to save the world and we don’t claim that Marburg will revolutionize climate action, but we must chart new territory in order to ensure a future supply of energy independent of oil and gas.”

This law will require newly constructed buildings or existing buildings that are expanded or altered by more than 20% to include solar panels as part of the heating system. The main goal of this law is to encourage the use of solar thermal systems to displace the use of non-renewable energy sources for heating. Photovoltaic systems also meet the requirement. Each building is required to install at least 1 square meter per 20 square meters of roof surface (that’s 5% of the roof surface).

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City Hall, Marburg

Certain historically significant buildings, such as the Marburg Castle, Elisabeth Church and the City Hall will be excluded from the requirement. Meanwhile any commercial or residential building that violates the law will be subject to a €1,000 fine. The city estimates that the cost of the system will be around €4,000 per household, with a €250 subsidy provided by the city.

Why is the city not setting a good example by putting panels on the City Hall? How did they decide on 5% of the roof surface as a good standard? Why is their subsidy so low? All of these are relevant questions, but we don’t have the answers just yet. Still, it’s nice to see that even small cities are starting to be more forward thinking with their codes and requirements. It’s certainly not surprising to see that a German city is leading the way.

+ Marburg City Press Release

Via Treehugger

Top left photo: ideeone

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Tuesday, June 24, 2008

SINGAPORE’S FIRST ECO-FRIENDLY HOUSING PROJECT

SINGAPORE’S FIRST ECO-FRIENDLY HOUSING PROJECT
by Tylene Levesque

Treetops@Punggol, Singapore’s First Eco-Friendly Housing Project

Singapore’s Housing and Development Board has unveiled designs for what will be the first eco-friendly residential project on the island. While this is not the greenest residential project we’ve seen to date, it is a step in the right direction, as over 80% of Singaporean households live in HDB apartments and they will soon have a more environmentally friendly living option. Treetops@Punggol embraces nature and utilizes green technologies including solar panels, roof gardens and grey water recycling systems for effective energy, water and waste management.

The residential development (set to be complete by 2011) is comprised of seven 16-story towers arranged around an “eco-deck” community garden area. The eco-deck (which covers the roof of the car park) will act as a green lung to absorb heat and provide shade for the jogging track, exercise station and children’s playground made from recycled materials. All outdoor and common corridor lights will be powered by solar panels installed on the roofs of the towers, saving up to 80% in energy consumption. Water-recycling systems have also been integrated into the design. A rainwater collection system will provide an estimated 130,000 gallons to be used for cleaning outdoors while all sinks in apartments will channel used water to flush toilets. Each apartment tower will also have centralized chutes for recyclable materials.

+ IHT

Treetops@Punggol, Singapore’s First Eco-Friendly Housing Project, View of “Eco-Deck”

Treetops@Punggol, Singapore’s First Eco-Friendly Housing Project, View of Balconies

Slovenia’s Gorgeous Honeycomb Housing Complex

Slovenia’s Gorgeous Honeycomb Housing Complex
by Mike Chino

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This stunning seaside structure bursts free from the all-too-frequently stale stock of public housing projects with its dynamic array of brightly shaded cells. Taking its cues from the modular honeycomb clusters of a beehive, the complex was constructed as a low-income residence for young families and couples in the industrial district of Izola on the Slovenian coast. The striking development boasts beautiful views and makes smart use of solar shading and natural ventilation to regulate its interiors all year-round.

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At first glance, one can’t help but be taken in by the building’s beautiful staggered balconies. Designed to mimic the rhythmic structure of honeycomb, the layout creates “dynamic elevations and offers privacy to the neighboring owners.” We’re also impressed by the collaborative effort behind the project which at its core was comprised of a 9-person design team including Rok Oman, Špela Videčnik, Martina Lipicer, Neža Oman, Nejc Batistič, Florian Frey, Marisa Baptista, and špela uršič.

Each of the balcony modules is topped with a colorful textile shade that provides for efficient solar shading and ventilation: “Textile elements fixed on the front of the balconies block direct sunlight and accumulate ‘air buffer’ zone. In the summer, hot air accumulated in the area behind the shadings is naturally ventilated through (10 cm holes) perforated side partitions of the balconies. In the winter the warm air stays in the area and provides additional heating to the apartments.”

We love seeing such inspired approaches towards social design!

+ Ofis

Tip via Air

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