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... "Thin film is cheaper to produce, more durable and less unsightly than bulky solar panels, which are often called eyesores. The transparent sheets can serve as facades for skyscrapers and house roofs, where they turn sunshine into energy." ...Via Los Angeles Times: Future of solar
Several complaints about compact fluorescent bulbs is that:
- they contain mercury
- they do not fit in the same space as an incandescent bulb
Philips has solved these problems with their ALTO bulbs.
Read on for more >>>
" ... Philips Energy Savers ... don't just provide the light of your standard light bulb, they also have the same classic shape. ..."
These bulbs are better for the environment because they use less wattage for similar light, can last years longer than incandescent bulbs as there is no filament to burn out and have less mercury than other CFB.
Mercury is a highly toxic material that can pollute air and water and improper disposal of CFB can lead to pollution (though probably off set by the pollution of less fossil fuels ... ?)
Via: Philips Lighting - Link
Just what is Philips ALTO technology:
Simply put - the technology allows for use of less mercury ion CFB.
" ... lamps with ALTO technology [have] ... reduced mercury content. All fluorescent lamps contain mercury for effective operation, ... ALTO lamp technology average 70% less mercury than the 2001 industry average for fluorescent lamps ..."
" ... Toyota’s Plug-in HV is engineered to run in electric mode more often and at higher speeds than the standard [Prius] car. ... charge from 110-volt household current provides up to eight miles of electric operation ... before assist is needed from the 1.5-liter gasoline engine. ... the Plug-In HV is also capable of accelerating up to 62 mph on electric power alone." Toyota indicates that "... there’s still considerable battery development work to be done ... [in] the prototype HV models the additional MiMH capacity is gained by installing a second battery pack in the trunk area, ... Toyota is testing the Plug-in HV in Japan and is the first manufacturer to have a PHEV certified for use on public roads."
More about the Prius HV -
Toyota is loaning some HV Prius' " ... to ... the University of California, Berkeley, and to the Advanced Power and Energy Program at the University of California, Irvine. ... part of Toyota’s ongoing sustainable mobility development program that studies ... the trade-offs drivers are willing to make between range, acceptable charge times, battery cost, and size to ways of accounting for the upstream emissions from electric power generation."
Via: Greencar.com Link
Cell phones have grown in popularity and their life cycle has shortened. There are an awful lot of unused cell phones at best collecting dust ... at worst going into landfills and causing pollution.
ReCellular "... processed a record 6 million phones in 2007, solidifying the company’s position as the world’s foremost collector, refurbisher, and recycler of wireless phones."
"In 2007, ReCellular ... Raised more than $20 million for charitable causes for 50 non-profit partners ... and Diverted more than 1 million pounds of materials from landfills ..."
The 6 million phones equates to:
"10 million kilograms of carbon emissions ... or ... enough energy to power 11,400 homes for a year, and produce more than 10.3 million kilograms of carbon emissions. ... or ...A year’s supply of
gasoline for 6,000 vehicles ..."
Via: GreenerGadget.com Link
Via: ReCellular Link
More interesting information...
"... ReCellular implemented a zero-waste policy to help limit ReCellular’s environmental footprint. All donated materials are recycled … ”
"
"... in 2007, ReCellular increased the company’s green power renewable energy commitment to purchase 100 percent Green-e certified renewable energy credits representing 708 megawatt-hours of total energy consumption ...".
" ... initiatives are verified by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 14001 certification, ..."
Via: ReCellular Link
... "The Eni-MITEI Solar Frontiers Research Program will include six areas of focus: Nano-structured thin film photovoltaics; Luminescent solar concentrators; Self-assembling photovoltaic materials; Water splitting; Materials for solar energy capture and storage; Maximizing the return on investment for solar thermal plants; " ...Via MIT News: Advanced solar program
... "Walsh Construction led work on the building, designed for a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold certification in keeping with the University's sustainability drive. Berglund is the fourth new green building project for Pacific. In addition to environmental and resource saving materials and systems, the five trees cut down to make space for this project were reused in the building itself. An impressive table in the boardroom was one way the trees were used. Recycled wood was also used as trim, wainscoting, and on banisters. " ...Via Pacific University: Green Building Opens at Pacific University Feb. 1
... "He used all Sherwin-Williams paint from the Harmony line, which has no volatile organic compounds. He also used carpeting made from natural fibers, dual-flush toilets and sinks made from recycled materials. " ...Via Detroit Free Press : Eco-conscious design
... "The two new grants in the latest SAI round are geared toward advancing new materials that can be used in photovoltaic solar cells, with a goal of having prototypes developed by 2015 and commercialized by 2020 to 2030. One SAI grant, for $1.3 million, will go to a team led by John Kouvetakis, a professor in chemistry and biochemistry, and Jose Menendez, a professor in physics. The project will explore the photovoltaic potential of new materials that originally were developed for laser applications. The project promises dramatic cost reductions compared to current technologies. " ...Via Arizona State University: Grants to develop solar cells
New York City is hosting the Greener Gadget Conference on Feb 1, 2008. The one day event details:
10am - 6pm
McGraw-Hill Conference Center
1221 Avenue of the Americas
New York City, NY
"... industry leaders, entrepreneurs, [and others] ... will gather to discuss the business case for the greening of the consumer electronics industry. ... featuring ... consumer electronics companies ..., innovators from academic thinktanks, members of startups ... and some of the leading minds in the word of sustainable design and business. Topics to be addressed include: design for sustainability, product life cycle management, take-back and recycling programs, energy efficiency, greener materials, and green lifestyle and product marketing. An attached gallery space will feature a green prototype office display and technology exhibits from companies on the cutting edge of green tech."
" ... will showcase revolutionary design and tech innovations that will shape the future of the consumer electronics and change your world... for the better."
Some discussion points:
Via: GreenerGadgets.com Link
For more information and conference details, speakers, special programs, etc .... Link
China is manufacturing a mini car called the Nobel and plans to sell it in Europe. This tiny car has an intersting history including claims that is is copied from Mercedes-Benz's SMART car. See photos left (Nobel) and below right (M-B SMART).
The car is made by the Chinese maker Shuanghuan.
"The EU importer of the Xiao Gui Zu ... known as the Little Nobel, and now simply ‘Bubble’, ...has put the super mini car on the market in the EU."
"... The 1.1l, 68bhp motor is going on sale in Italy for just 9,000 Euros."
Via: China Car Times Link
" ... Chevrolet Equinox Fuel Cell has received Green Car Journal's ... Green Car Vision Award(TM), which honors the vehicle that best envisions the road ahead. ..."
"The Equinox ... is visionary on many levels," ... Powering a popular crossover model with a future fuel such as hydrogen, and doing so seamlessly with an efficient powerplant that creates no CO2 greenhouse gases, is exemplary and Chevrolet should be commended for this."
"An important element that weighed in the Equinox Fuel Cell's favor is the way in which GM is enabling consumers and fleets to experience its advanced hydrogen technology. Through "Project Driveway," the world's largest fuel cell demonstration fleet, more than 100 Chevrolet Equinox Fuel Cell vehicles will be driven by consumers and others for three months at a time in California, New York City, and Washington D.C."
Via: Sys-Con.Com LinkFive cars were the finalists in the Green Car Journal program:
For the full story >>> LINK
For more information on Green Car Journal and the ward process >>> LINK
... "Our research centers around determining ways to make solar cells last longer and to manufacture them at a lower cost. We expose solar materials to heat and humidity while monitoring their performance as a function of time. " ...Via YourHub: Q & A with NREL scientist
... "We had a car-maker, the fourth largest one in the world, that committed to Pure Electric Vehicles (EV) as a mass-market product. Not only are they committed, they have allocated the funds required to develop such vehicle, for the needs of the country where we will start. " ...Via Shai Agassi's Long Tailpipe: Transformation
... "The investment will be channelled through the Masdar Initiative, a company that aims to explore, develop and commercialize future energy sources. " ...Via AME: Clean Tech Investment
Jan 7, 2008 - Hong Kong - "Hong Kong's two electric power companies agreed ... to ...rate of return on assets based partly on how much pollution they emit, an approach that could someday be a model for mainland China's ..."
"If either company exceeds regulatory limits for any pollutant, then it would be required to charge less for its electricity, reducing its allowed rate of return ...[if] manage to cut their pollution by even more than required, then they raise prices so as to earn bonuses ...on their rate of return. A complicated calculation also allows them to charge slightly more for electricity as they make progress in using more renewable energy."
Via: International Hearald Tribune Link
Some schools are already green. Others are just getting started. Many need help with a structured program to guide them. 
Green Flag promotes 4 key areas:
-- Indoor Air Quality - looking at mold, irritants, etc
-- Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, - pretty self explanatory
-- Non Toxic Products - cleaning products and others
-- Integrated Pest Management - for grounds and indoors
"Schools across the nation are using the Green Flag School Program to make their schools healthier places to work and learn. ... Achieve recognition for ... your school already does, and improve your program with the support of teachers and field experts across the country. ... check out the Green Flag School Program today!"
Via: Green Flag Program Link
...
... "ICF is one of many new construction techniques that builders, architects and engineers are learning about as they adapt their methods to meet the increasing demand for sustainable building practices in the Gallatin Valley. " ...Via Bozeman Chronicle: Green Building
... "While not as flashy as the concept cars, technologies such as Ford's EcoBoost engine offer notable fuel economy improvements with near-term, high-volume potential. " ...Via Jim Kliesch, Union of Concerned Scientists: Comments
... "scientists on their Nano Photovoltaics (PV) team have demonstrated a scalable silicon nanowire-based solar cell, which has the potential to achieve up to 18% efficiency and be produced at a dramatically lower cost than conventional solar cells. This demonstration represents a promising development in the effort to make PV systems more economically viable for consumers. " ...Via General Electric: GE Global Research Demonstrates Nano-based Solar Cell
Airplane recycling is just like any other recycling ... sort of. Of course planes are bigger than household recyclables but older airplanes have a lot of steel and aluminum - materials that are easy to recycle.
"Steel, found in the landing gear of planes [left] ... is ...easy to recover. ... dealers sell steel ... to companies that make anything from new aircraft to food cans to bridges."
"... process of separating carbon fiber from plastic and metal composites is still being perfected. ..."
"Recycled carbon fiber is being tested for use in
tires, paint, industrial injection molds, and sporting goods ... also looking into using it in airplane baggage bins and galley carts, within car brakes, and even spinning it into yarn."
Via: ZDNet.com Link
For more information on airplane recycling, as reuse opportunities (desks, chairs, art, etc) as well as a slide show ... Link
... "Spains Institute of Concentration Photovoltaics Systems (ISFOC) announced the installation of the first CPV array in the ISFOCs 3 MW project in Castilla-LaMancha. This is the first 200kW of the .5MW that SolFocus will install over the next few months for this worldwide solar initiative aimed at accelerating the development and adoption of CPV technology. We share the belief with the ISFOC leadership that CPV is the disruptive technology that will have a major impact in moving solar energy toward a more cost-effective and scalable mainstream energy source, commented Pedro Ladrn de Guevara, SolFocus VP and General Manager. " ...Via SolFocus: Solar Array for 3 MW Spanish CPV Project at Castilla-La Mancha Site
Students at Maine's Unity College have taken on the high cost of diesel and are reusing waste cooking oil. They fill up their diesel cars with used cooking oil from the school cafeteria. The care are set up with one tank for diesel and one for used cooking oil.
Read on for more >>>>
Typically "... starts ... on diesel a... until ... waste vegetable oil (WVO) tank has reached 160 degrees. ...then ... switches over to the “grease” tank."
" ... students formed the Grease Car Club and work together to pick up, filter and store the grease."
" ... students say they get up to 45 miles per gallon from the waste vegetable oil and the engine runs smoother on it. They say the reduction in carbon and particulate emissions more than offsets the higher nitrogen oxide emissions."
For more details about the car club, some oft he costs and efforts involved .... Link
... "The award highlighted the revolutionary SunFab, the worlds first and only integrated production line for manufacturing thin film silicon solar modules using 5.7 square meter (m2) glass panels. These ultra-large substrates, sized at 2.2m x 2.6m, are four times bigger than todays typical thin film solar modules. Key to the SunFabs success is that it can be replicated by customers around the globe to rapidly establish solar panel manufacturing capacity and achieve lower production cost per watt to drive down the cost of solar electricity. " ...Via Applied Materials: Green Energy Innovator of the Year
... "Xcel Energy has contracted with enXco Development Corp., an EDF-EN company, to build the wind farm. The project will consist of 67, 1.5-megawatt wind turbines to be located approximately 15 miles east of Austin, Minn. The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission in December determined the project was needed and last week granted a site permit for the wind farm. Those approvals cleared the way for construction to begin in spring. The project remains on schedule to begin producing power by the end of the year. " ...Via Xcel Energy: Mower County wind farm
Now that we are well into 2008, many are already putting their trees into the trash. 
There is a better way. Why no RECYCLE your tree.
To find a place to recycle your tree ... check out Link. Enter your State and City or ZIP Code and you will (hopefully) find a place nearby that will recycle your tree.
My local municipality (in southeastern PA) recycler trees ... Yeah!
Via: Earth 911 Link
Everyone seems to have a few old cell phones lying around. looking for a good way to get rid of them?
Read on for more ... and find out how recycling your cell phone can be easy as 1, 2, 3.
T
Via: CollectiveGood.com Link
... "Availability of these patents will encourage researchers, entrepreneurs and companies of all sizes in any industry to create, apply, and further develop their consumer or industrial products, processes, and services in a way that will help to protect and respect the environment. " ...Via IBM: Eco-Friendly Patents This video highlights innovative patents pledged by IBM. ...
Fisker shows its Karma at the 2008 Detroit Auto Show today, Feb 14th, 2008 in Detroit, Michigan.
Fisker is a private GREEN AMERICAN sports car company.
"...its first production car, the Fisker Karma, ... first of its kind four-door plug-in hybrid ... a starting price of $80,000. ... deliveries ... will commence in the 4th quarter of 2009 ... "
" ... features cutting-edge plug-in hybrid technology, ... Q DRIVE, developed by Quantum Technologies ... consists of a small gasoline engine that turns the generator, which charges the lithium ion battery pack, powering the electric motor and turning the rear wheels. .. allows consumers to drive the car emission free for up to 50 miles ..."
"It's conceivable that if consumers follow this daily routine, they will only need to fuel the car but once a year. ..."
Via: PRNewswire Link
For the full press report: Link
For the Fisker Company Web site: Link
... "Lockheed Martin Space Systems has constructed the first buildings in Sunnyvale, Calif., to comply with the rigorous standards of the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System, the nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction, and operation of high performance green buildings, developed by the U.S. Green Building Council. The fleet maintenance facility and automatic storage and retrieval system building cover a total of 33,000 square feet and feature a wide range of green construction features, such as light-colored roofs (to reflect heat), trees to shade parking spaces, full cutoff fixtures to reduce light pollution, low-emission building materials and wood certified by the Forest Stewardship Council. " ...Via Lockheed Martin: Space Systems Green Buldings
"The Stillwell Avenue station in Brooklyn has just installed a 76,000-sq-ft solar roof, ... touted to be “one of the most sustainable mass transportation sites ever built in the U.S.,”..."
" ... 2,730 building integrated photovoltaic panels that create a shelter ... panels are each 5′ by 20′, made of silicon thin-film, which is less costly to install than other solar panels because it requires minimal framing. 
"... providing 250,000 kilo-watt hours of power to the station each year, ... and ... the transparent roof of panels that lets in plenty of natural light."
Via: Inhabitat Link
The solar panels for the Coney Island Subway station were made by RWE SCHOTT Solar.
For more infomation Link
Antarctica is probably one of the last pure pristine place on earth. It is also home to the Belgian research station Princess Elizabeth, in Utsteinen, Antarctica.
Can the two exist in harmony? Can a research station be GREEN?
Read on for more >>>
"... will use only 20% of the energy used by a comparable station. Heating will be done via a mixture of passive and active systems, including a heat recovery system ..."
Via: Inhabitat Link
To learn more about this project including pictures of construction, parties and other interesting information .... go to: Link
Via: AntarcticStation.org Link
... "The Peoples Car has a rear-wheel drive, all-aluminium, two-cylinder, 623cc, 33 PS, multi point fuel injection petrol engine. This is the first time that a two-cylinder gasoline engine is being used in a car with single balancer shaft. The lean design strategy has helped minimise weight, which helps maximise performance per unit of energy consumed and delivers high fuel efficiency. Performance is controlled by a specially designed electronic engine management system. The Peoples Cars tailpipe emission performance exceeds regulatory requirements. In terms of overall pollutants, it has a lower pollution level than two-wheelers being manufactured in India today. The high fuel efficiency also ensures that the car has low carbon dioxide emissions, thereby providing the twin benefits of an affordable transportation solution with a low carbon footprint. " ...
... "Combining these two approaches appears to yield better solar cell materials than either one alone does, according to Jin Zhang, professor of chemistry at the University of California, Santa Cruz. Zhang led a team of researchers from California, Mexico, and China that created a thin film doped with nitrogen and sensitized with quantum dots. When tested, the new nanocomposite material performed better than predicted - as if the functioning of the whole material was greater than the sum of its two individual components. The resulting hybrid material offered a combination of advantages. Nitrogen doping allowed the material to absorb a broad range of light energy, including energy from the visible region of the electromagnetic spectrum. The quantum dots also enhanced visible light absorption and boosted the photocurrent and power conversion of the material. When compared with materials that were just doped with nitrogen or just embedded with cadmium selenide quantum dots, the nanocomposite showed higher performance ... " ...Via University of California at Santa Cruz: New nanostructured thin film
Here is an interesting idea ... harness the body heat from commuters to warm a building. instead of radiating into the air ... an interesting idea in Sweden uses that heat to heat a new nearby office building.
>>> Read on for more.
" ... heat from hundreds of thousands ... will be used to heat a new office building..."
"...body heat would warm up water that in turn would be pumped through pipes .. ". "... old technology, but used in a new way. ... expects the system to bring down heating costs in the building by up to 20 percent. "
I" ... system is not expected to be complicated or very costly,..."
Via: Physorg.Com Link
"GE Energy Financial Services, PowerLight Corporation and Catavento Lda ... will build the world's largest solar photovoltaic power project. The 11-megawatt solar power plant, comprising 52,000 photovoltaic modules, ... in Serpa, Portugal, ... one of Europe's sunniest areas."
"... will produce electricity sufficient to power 8,000 homes and save more than 30,000 tons a year in greenhouse gas emissions compared with equivalent fossil fuel generation."
"... PowerLight's PowerTracker(R) ...patented tracking technology follows the sun ... generating more electricity than conventional fixed-mount systems. "
Via: RenewableEnergyAccess Link
For more information read the full story at Link
For approx. 100 years, the custom in NYC is to watch the "New Years' Eve ball drop in Times Square to "ring in" the new year.
For 2008 (midnight on 12/12/2007) the ball was new, able to produce millions of colors ... and - energy efficient! 
" ... new solid state lighting technology ... 9,576 Philips Luxeon LEDs replaced the 600 incandescent and halogen bulbs of the previous Ball. ... the entire Times Square Ball will be lit with approximately the same amount of electricity as it takes to power ten toasters or a single oven/range."
Via: Time Square Alliance Link
... "The U.S. is lucky to be endowed with a vast resource; at least 250,000 square miles of land in the Southwest alone are suitable for constructing solar power plants, and that land receives more than 4,500 quadrillion British thermal units (Btu) of solar radiation a year. " ...Via Scientific American: Solar Plan
will achieve elimination of 8.5 million pounds of carbon dioxide emissions in its initial year of operation. ...
... "GE Energy Financial Services is acquiring a majority equity interest in the five solar photovoltaic projects, which SunPower will design and build, operate and maintain. GE Energy Financial Services will finance and own the systems under the SunPower Access power purchase agreement program, which allows customers to take advantage of the environmental and financial benefits of solar power with no upfront capital costs. The solar electricity will be competitively priced against retail rates, providing customers a long-term hedge against rising peak power prices. Construction of the projects is scheduled to begin in February and be completed by the end of the year. " ...Via GE Energy: CALIFORNIA SOLAR PROJECTS
... "What do we have to do – we have to put our money into easing demand before it is too late. Addicts who wait for the crisis do not recover in the same shape as they were before a stroke or heart attack hit them. In the world of oil a heart attack is a global recession, and a stroke is probably global war. We can’t afford either. " ...
Via Long Tailpipe: Oil at $100 a barrel - the halfway point
With a hot real estate market, Atlanta sees strong interest in green construction. Real estate agents must get educated on green features. Prospective homeowners must be prepared to question builders about their green building techniques. Ultimately, green home will benefit the homeowner with lower operating costs. ...
... "The owner of a green home pays less per month in total and owns a more valuable asset. Plus the home is more comfortable and has better indoor air quality. " ...Via Atlanta Journal-Constitution: Green Home Market
... "To further boost efficiency, the vehicle has a regenerative braking system that uses the drive motor to slow the bus, effectively turning the motor into a generator that produces additional current to charge the energy storage system. The feature also reduces brake wear, reducing the need for brake maintenance. Compared to standard diesel propulsion, these hybrid buses deliver up to 30 percent better fuel economy while greatly reducing emissions: 90 percent less particulate matter, 40 percent less NOx and 30 percent fewer greenhouse gases. Drivers and riders enjoy a quieter, cleaner and smoother ride. " ...Via Daimler: Orders for Next Generation Diesel-Electric Hybrid Buses
... "The report, Local Leaders in Sustainability, analyzed 661 communities best practices, strategies and trends, as well as provides recommendations for cities that are looking to implement green building programs. " ...Via American Institute of Architects: Cities with Green Building Programs Have Increased More Than 400%
... "The terms of the Licensing Agreement authorize Suntech to distribute Andalay in Europe, Japan and Australia commencing in January 2008. This Licensing Agreement is in addition to Suntech's previous agreement to manufacture Andalay solar panels. Andalay solar-panel technology was envisioned by Akeena's CEO, Barry Cinnamon, after years of rooftop solar installation experience and customer feedback. Andalay improves on conventional solar panels by including built-in wiring, grounding and racking designed to provide maximum rooftop performance for consumers while minimizing installation costs for solar system installers. The result is a rooftop solar power system with superior built-in reliability with outstanding aesthetics in an all-black, streamlined appearance ... " ...Via Akeena Solar: New Solar Panel Technology Licensed
... "A latticework of flexible pipes, held in place by a grid, is covered over by asphalt, which magnifies the sun's thermal power. As water in the pipes is heated, it is pumped deep under the ground to natural aquifers where it maintains a fairly constant temperature of about 68 F. " ...Via Yahoo: Asphalt Energy