Eco Factor: Sustainable architecture designed to minimize energy requirements.
David Chipperfield Architects has received the green light for a $130.5 million expansion of the St. Louis Art Museum. The new modernist wing will be able to provide over 200,000 square-feet of space, increasing the museum’s gallery and public space by 30 percent.
Eco Factor: Electric vehicle charging station powered by renewable energy.
Toyota Industries Corp. has developed a new charging station for electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles that is powered by solar energy. The municipal government of Toyota City has adopted the stations and plans to build 21 stations at 11 places.
Eco Factor: Eye implants powered by onboard solar cells.
Researchers at Stanford University have developed photovoltaic chip implants for people suffering from degradation in their photoreceptor cells. The implants feature miniature solar cells that power the processing retinal chip.
Eco Factor: Solar panel array to generate 2MW of renewable electric power.
Florida Gulf Coast University has launched the US’s largest university-sited solar panel array that is capable of generating up to 2MW of green electric power. The installation features over 10,000 solar panels installed on a 16-acre site.
Tell me, is your washing machine running?
Oh, you’ve heard this one? What do you mean “sort of”?
Well, is your washing machine running efficiently? Does it save you money on utilities while it conserves water? Or is it the same old junker you’ve had forever? Wait a second, don’t feel bad, purchasing appliances is a part of life, like… doing laundry, folding clothes, and ironing. So the least we can do is try to enjoy it.
There is a literal deluge of conflicting opinions online about what machines are best.
A few years ago, it was Maytag, but apparently the Maytag company was sold a few years back and that nice old, if a bit lonely, man was replaced by a board of directors who’ve opted to increase profit at the expense of quality. It’s sad but true. Don’t let it get you down, I hear he’s chilling in the Keys with his gold watch and a cadre of milkmen. They play dominoes and tell jokes, and it’s not all that different from his old gig. According to TMZ he’s even making the most of a respectful history of exchanging glances with Betty Crocker, and don’t they deserve to be happy together again…
So it’s time to usher in a new era in washing machines.
The new era is defined by efficiency, ease of use, quietness, and above all else, cleanliness. LG has worked its way to the top of the energy star efficiency-rated washing machine world:
This ain’t your Momma’s machine: The LG front loader is digital (like many other top appliances nowadays), and it runs quietly and reliably thanks to a Direct Drive Motor. Even this relatively basic LG has 5 Washing Programs, 5 Temperature Levels, and a 4 Tray Detergent Dispenser. It’s a reasonable price for a quality machine, so take care of it and it’ll take care of you. That means take the change out of your pockets before you wash those cruddy old jeans, yes you ; )
And in the interest of living even cleaner and greener (sans unnecessary chemical toxins), check out these natural and organic detergents.
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Eco Factor: Pedal-powered trike made from sustainable materials.
Monash University student Alexander Vittouris has come up with a zero-emission personal mobility vehicle that gets powered by human energy and is constructed from sustainable materials including bamboo. Dubbed the BamTrike, the recumbent trike also features side storage pockets that are sufficient to carry your personals.
Eco Factor: Zero-emission scooter powered by lithium cobalt batteries.
French auto manufacturer has announced plans to launch its first all-electric two wheeler by 2011. Dubbed the E-Vivacity, the scooter is powered by lithium cobalt batteries that offer a range of about 60 miles while cruising at a top speed of 28mph.
Eco Factor: Solar power plant capable of generating green electricity even after dark.
Keahole Solar Power has installed an array of micro-scale concentrating solar power concentrators at the Holaniku Solar Farm on Hawaii’s Big Island, which will be able to generate renewable energy even after sunset, overcoming the biggest hurdle in global solar adoption.
Eco Factor: Low-emission concept yacht.
Egypt-based design studio Pharos Marine has unveiled plans for a new low-emission concept yacht, dubbed the Orcageno, that is powered by a hydrogen diesel-electric system for low emissions. The axe-bow structure of the hull betters fuel-efficiency by reducing residence due to the low angle for entrance.
Eco Factor: Li-ion battery to store surplus renewable energy for home use.
After successfully acquiring more than a 50% stake in Sanyo, Panasonic is planning to commercialize a lithium-ion storage cell for home use. The company has already test-manufactured a storage battery for home use, which can store enough electricity for about one week of use.
Eco Factor: HCPV plant capable of producing 100MW of clean power annually.
Asia’s largest high-concentration photovoltaic (HCPV) power plant has been powered up in Taiwan, and it is expected to save up to 700 tons of CO2 emissions per year. Established by the Institute of Nuclear Energy Research, the power plant sits on a two-hectare site and is capable of producing over 100MW of clean renewable power annually.
Eco Factor: House constructed from sustainable materials.
H3AR Architecture and Design has come up with an Instant House proposal for an international student design competition. The theme being a temporary residential mini unit, the Instant House can be constructed easily and is designed to be made from sustainable materials.
Eco Factor: Device harvests static electricity from air.
We’ve seen devices that can produce potable water from thin air. Scientists in Russia have discovered another green use of air, by harvesting renewable energy from it. These researchers have come up with a device, which they call the Chizhevsky chandelier, that can convert energy from static electricity into usable electricity.
Eco Factor: Fuel-efficient vehicle runs sustainably on bio-diesel.
Industrial designer Małgorzata Hop has envisioned a concept vehicle for Audi that runs on futuristic technology for a clean, low-emission ride. The vehicle is a two-wheeled car with low ground clearance and wide, comfortable wheels, giving a driving impression similar to that of a motorcycle.
Eco Factor: Mixed-use development to harvest rainwater and solar energy.
Dutch architecture firm Zwarts & Jansma has unveiled the masterplan for the new Kharadi neighborhood to be developed in Pune, one of the largest cities in India, with a population of over 5 million. The development will provide space for shops, apartments, offices and leisure facilities.
While the benefits of natural cleaning products are increasingly recognized, it’s rare that we hear about the importance of natural, organic laundry detergent. Natural cleaning products can have a dramatic effect on the indoor air quality around your home. Equally important, natural laundry products can drastically reduce the effect of harsh chemicals that are transferred from garments into the body. With so many harsh chemicals used in our everyday home and cleaning products, you can reduce toxicity by making the easy switch to a natural laundry detergent. You’ll notice the difference immediately when you pour a cap full of the good stuff into the machine without cringing from the wafting chemicals.
If you or anyone who’s laundry you’re washing is allergic to any common skin irritants, this is simply a no-brainer. Luckily, what’s better for you is generally better for the environment too. And many people argue the benefits for the longevity of your clothes as well.
Here are our recommendations for going green in the laundry room:
If you’re hesitant to try a natural detergent, this beautifully (and lightly) scented detergent from laundry-legend Clorox is proven in the cleaning department as well as the “natural.” Clorox’s Green Works Detergent is cost-effective too, at pennies per ounce.
Mrs. Meyer’s Organic Detergent packs a highly concentrated punch, so you can use much less detergent per load (about a 1/4 of a cup). Mrs. Meyer’s uses essential oils from geranium, rose and clove. It’s phosphate-free and 100% biodegradable. Good ‘ol Mrs. M also makes some lovely biodegradable dryer sheets with a vegetable-derived softening agent.
Best Natural Detergent for Baby Clothes and Stuff…
Here’s a gentler, funner, faster solution for babies. You just toss one of these “Dropps” into the machine with all the poop, puke, food, drool, bibs, organic cotton onesies, organic carrot “leftovers” and that’s that… presto, bango, whirrr! No harsh chemicals to transfer from the laundry to the laugh-maker.
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Eco Factor: Sustainable pavilion for a private residence.
The Leaf House by Undercurrent Architects is a sustainable pavilion for a private residence constructed in Sydney, Australia. The nature-inspired design allows the occupants to be in-the-garden and inside the cottage at the same time. The building engages it surroundings and forms a part of the landscape, with its roof blending into the vegetation.
Eco Factor: Energy-saving computer made from sustainable materials.
Industrial designers have envisioned computers that generate renewable energy for power and are made using green materials. However, most of these green computers remain only on paper due to the lack of adequate technology. Hailing from Korea, Design Hara has come up with a custom and hand-built computer that looks like a modern space heater and boasts some green credentials as well.
Eco Factor: Energy-saving Christmas star with 9000 LEDs.
Siemens has powered up its Superstar, an LED-equipped Christmas Star in Munich that puts out a glow equivalent to 20,000 Christmas candles, while consuming as much electricity as a hair dryer. The revolving star, which is being touted to be the largest in the world, will stay lit until the day of Epiphany.
Eco Factor: A zero-emission electric Fiat 500 will probably be unveiled at Detroit Auto Show.
The soon-to-be-US-bound Fiat 500 could be launched in an all-electric variant at the Detroit Auto Show to be held next month. While Chrysler didn’t seem interested in any press conference, they are sure not to be empty-handed at the auto show. Automotive News believes that the company could be showing off an electric variant of Fiat 500 along with a new version of the Lancia Delta hatchback.
Eco Factor: Tiny solar cells expected to produce more power at less cost.
Researchers at the Sandia National Laboratory have developed glitter-sized photovoltaic cells that are about ten times thinner than conventional solar cells and promise to revolutionize solar power. The research team has identified over 20 benefits of these solar cells that includes better performance, low cost and more efficiency.
Eco Factor: Energy-saving tennis complex made from sustainable materials.
Paris-based design firm David Tajchman has come up with a unique tennis complex for Vaxjo, Sweden which can also serve as a mixed-use building. Dubbed the Tennicalator, the building has been constructed from locally sourced wood, which is a renewable material if harvested responsibly.
Eco Factor: OWC becomes US’s first data center operator to be powered by renewable energy.
Other World Computing (OWC), a small ISP and hosting company in Illinois, has become the first data center operator in the U.S. to power its facility entirely with wind energy that will be generated by an on-site turbine. The company has installed a 131-foot tall wind turbine to provide all the electric power for its building in Illinois.
Eco Factor: Sustainable development with green areas and an aqua garden.
Asymptote has proposed a sustainable “Dream Hub” complex for Seoul, Korea for the future development of the Yongsan International Business District. The concept relies on the Korean cultural landscape and has been designed with sustainability in mind.
Yachts for long have been toys of the rich to show the world that they have finally arrived in life. Such contraptions whose primary purpose is snob value are unlikely candidates for saving the planet. Yet, there has been a extremely concerted effort by the yacht making industry as a whole, to go green. Read the full story
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