Green Technology

The 800 block of Percy Street is Philadelphia’s first porous street.  The street allows water to be absorbed directly into the pavement and will reduce the amount of water directed to the storm sewers.

“ … potentially mitigate the impact of ice on city streets following winter storms. “ by allowing road salt to soak into the street and not get dumped into rivers and streams.

“ … eliminating stormwater runoff from the site. Porous asphalt is as structurally strong as conventional asphalt, … provides temporary storage for water as it slowly soaks into the ground. …”

Philadelphia’s long term goal is to have hundreds of miles of porous asphalts streets in the future.

Via: City of Philadelphia LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 09:27 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

South African mining company AngloAmerican is using a waste product of coal mining to make bricks for homes.  Gypsum a by-product, is mixed with cement to make “ …‘low cement’ bricks for housing in the city of eMalahleni.” 

Operations recover about 200 tons / day of gypsum and at a rate of about 8 tons / house can be used to make close to 25 homes / day.

Estimates are that the low cement reduce 3 metric tons for each house build compared to houses made from traditional bricks.

See this CNN video for more information.

Via:  SmartPlanet  LINK

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Pervious concrete can allow for hardscape areas while not causing / contributing to rain water runoff often resulting from development.  Compared to typical concrete it has little or no sand it has about 20% interconnected voids that let water pass through … to the soil below.

“ … can take in stormwater at a rapid rate of over one thousand inches of water per square foot per hour, which far exceeds the flow rate needed to prevent runoff in even the most severe rain events. “

This results in little of the water runoff problems caused by imperious paved areas and allows rain to seep back into the ground and recharge aquifers.

Via:  Bay Area Pervious Concrete  LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 09:35 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

IBM creates analytics that enable watershed management in collaboration with The Nature Conservancy.  Online modeling tools allow users to understand water quality impacts.  …

…   “Typically, tools and information -- especially satellite information and analytical tools -- have been hard for the average watershed manager to obtain.

Rivers for Tomorrow will address this challenge by making the information readily available. It will even provide software so managers can take spending issues into consideration when formulating their plans.”   …

Via IBM: Rivers for Tomorrow (PDF).

Rivers for Tomorrow Website.

Posted by Green Tech at 08:38 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Grad student works on groundwater treatment project.  …

…   “She installed a pump at the site to pull the contaminated water from the ground. The pump is powered by solar energy.”   …

Via Missouri University of Science & Technology: Groundwater Treatment.

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SFO offers travels free water refills as a way to help reduce the use of single use plastic water bottles and the associated waste / carbon footprint.

...  innovative water bottle refill stations provide access to San Francisco's free high-quality, great tasting tap water. ... some of the purest, safest and best tasting water in the world."

The Hydration Stations are located throughout the SFO airport.

Via:  SFO  LINK and  San Francisco Public Utilities Commission LINK

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Arkansas will study the effects of pollutants on its freshwater resources under a grant from the National Eco-Region Monitoring Program.  …

…   “EPA awarded $343,200 to Arkansas to participate in a National Ecoregion Monitoring Program, a Wetlands Survey Project and develop a software program to interface the data.”   …

Via US Environmental Protection Agency: Arkansas Grant.

Elements of a State Water Monitoring and Assessment Program For Wetlands (PDF)

Posted by Green Tech at 02:23 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

The Physalia concept integrates mobility and sustainability into restoring European waterways.  Vincent Callebaut is the architect that developed this concept to ply the waters of Europe cleaning as it goes.  …

…   “It’s the same technology used in certain high-tech concrete that breaks down airborne particulates.  As the vessel whips along, purifying waterways, it can draw on both solar and hydro power. ”   …

Via Popular Science: Green Architecture.

Posted by Green Tech at 01:26 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

"The Delaware Solid Waste Authority ... is near completion of an environmentally green project of constructing a landfill phyto-cap (vegetative covering) over a landfill for the purpose of treating leachate generated by rainwater and decomposition of materials at the Solid Waste Management Center in Sandtown, Del."

" ... generates an average of 8,000 gallons of leachate each day. ... natural cap, technically known as a “phyto cap” was the answer utilizing an environmentally friendly leachate treatment system that avoids having to transport and store the waste."

" ... The phyto cap is 25-acres in size and consists of man-made wetlands and over 10,000 planted trees that play a crucial role in the water recycling process. ..."

Via: Water Efficiency  LINK

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Ready to drink once used water?  Folks in Cloudcroft, NM do - every day !

Cloudcroft NM runs 100% on recycled water.  From soup to nuts - washing to drinking ... toilet to tap !

" ... a town of ... 800 ... used to ... truck in upwards of 20,000 gallons of fresh water every day. ... got $600,000 from the state to put toward a $2 million water re-use system."

" ...“zero discharge” system is very unusual ... people tend get about phobic about the idea of drinking water that has been used for some other purpose ... sort of system you might find on a submarine ... everything is ... closed-loop. ..."

" ... ITT technologies ... include the Sanitaire membrane bioreactor, the WET reverse osmosis system, and the PCI ultrafiltration system.

Via:  SmartPlanet  LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 06:44 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Dow has products for many part of the green economy ... from solar cells to batteries for electric cars to materials for solar cells.

"Dow ... has embarked upon a multi-pronged strategy to capitalize on the demand for renewable energy and low-carbon alternatives to conventional products. ... "

" ... Dow's secret [is] ... Material science, i.e. membranes, coatings and other difficult-to-manufacture items that require a lot of chemical know-how. ... will have a huge impact on ... core green markets ..."

" ... Dow Corning ... brought a silicone sealant originally devised for outer space solar panels to the conventional solar panel market ... Dow signed a multimillion dollar, multi-year research alliance with Caltech to develop next generation solar technologies. ..."

" ... will sell copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS) solar roofing tiles. Initial customers for the tiles, developed in conjunction with Global Solar, include mass market home builders Lennar and Pulte Homes."

" ... is sponsoring Electric Avenue, the electric car hall at the North American International Auto Show  .... Dow Kokam, a joint venture, will also discuss batteries for electric cars at the show."

" ... wants a larger part of the water purification and desalination market, buying Rohm & Haas to help it expand ..."

Via:  Greentechmedia  LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 05:04 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

... "Membrane filtration is currently one of the most energy efficient techniques for removing salt and improving water quality. But, conventional membranes used today are easily damaged by chlorine, which is commonly added to water to prevent bacterial growth that can cause health problems. Now, the collaborative research team has designed a new concept in membrane materials that combines resistance to chlorine damage and high performance separation behavior in mildly basic conditions, making it suitable for arsenic removal in addition to water desalination. " ...

Continue reading "Energy Efficiency Meets Water Purification" »

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Looking to add a green roof?  Lots of building are now sporting green roofs.  There are a number of environmental and economical reasons to green the roof.  A green roof can even help get a LEED certification.

"Urban Heat Island Mitigation ... Green roof vegetation helps by cooling the air, slowing air movement and acting as a substrate for pollution to settle out and detoxify. ... Noise Reduction ... Plants, soil, and air trapped in the soil are great acoustic insulators.  ... green roofs can reduce indoor sound by as much as 40 decibels ... Fire Prevention ... Succulent green roof plants help reduce the risk of fire. ..."

"Water Conservation/Reduction of Storm Water Runoff ... green roof systems acts like a sponge and absorbs excess rain water ... green roof systems can reduce runoff by up to 90+% annually ... Habitat Recreation
Plants and soil help recreate habitat for butterflies, insects, and songbirds. "

Check out LiveRoof for more information.

Via:  LiveRoof LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 01:38 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Oberlin College's Living Machine® is a waste water treatment system that teaches students how nature purified water for years ... but is unlike most modern systems.

"Invented by Dr. John Todd, of Living Machines, Inc. ... Wastewater flows from the building into two underground reactors ... an anaerobic biological process begins digestion of the wastes.  ... wastewater flows through two closed aerobic reactors ... where the remaining organic compounds are further degraded. ...[then] ... enters the Living Machine® solarium and flows through three open aerobic reactors. ... plants such as papyrus, calla lilies and willows root into the planted aerobic reactors and assist in the treatment process."

" ... biosolids are settled out of the wastewater in a clarifier. ... then flows through a constructed wetland surrounding the open aerobic tanks for final ‘polishing.’ Ultraviolet disinfection is the final step prior to the treated wastewater being reused in the buildings’ toilets."

Posted by Green Dude at 09:09 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Pervious pavement solve the need for a hardscape surface that can also allow water to soak int the earth rather than flow into a storm sewer. Among the more costly means to handle water are catch basins and ponds to allow for a more controlled flow and absorption.

" ... a unique and effective means to address important environmental issues and support green, sustainable growth.... porous concrete is instrumental in recharging groundwater, reducing stormwater runoff, and meeting U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) stormwater regulations. ... pervious concrete is among the Best Management Practices (BMPs) recommended by the EPA ...  for the management of stormwater runoff ..."

" ... Typically, between 15% and 25% voids are achieved ...  flow rates ... typically around 480 in./hr (0.34 cm/s, which is 5 gal/ft²/ min or 200 L/m²/min),... "
 

Via:  PerviousPavement  LINK

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Nebraska Senator Ben Nelson has introduced legislation to produce energy from bio-waste.  Nebraska has the potential to make great use of this given the large number of cattle in the state ...using what is today a waste products to generate power serves to reduce waste disposal costs, help keep water sources clean and reduce consumption of oil ... as animal waste is likely to be a renewable fuel source for t he near if not long term.

"... already have the technology to break down these wastes to create biogas but it needs encouragement from the federal government to become a commercially-viable alternative to natural gas.  ... would benefit rural communities and the environment while lessening our dependence on fossil fuels ...We shouldn't waste the waste; we should promote biogas development."

" ... produced through technologies such as anaerobic digestion (AD) that can convert animal wastes and other agricultural or organic wastes into at least 50% methane (the principal ingredient of natural gas).  Biogas can be used as is on the farm or co-located with another facility such as an ethanol plant, or as a renewable substitute for natural gas, propane or other fossil fuels. "

"... would encourage greater production of biogas for energy purposes by providing ... a tax credit of $4.27 for every million British thermal units (mmBtu) of biogas produced. This could mean more jobs and a boon for rural communities. ... offers environmental benefits such as a reduction in the greenhouse gas emissions of both carbon dioxide and methane and improved water quality through better manure management."

Via:  BenNelson.senate.gov  LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 05:12 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

China is full of business opportunities and is also looking to become / embrace the green movement.  The China Green Business Summit - 2009 is being held May 13 - 15th in Beijing, China.

Via:  China Green Business Summit 2009  LINK

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For years thermostats have been made with a small vial of mercury (center top in picture) that was used to make electrical contact based on temperature.

Newer digital thermostats does not contain mercury so as consumers replace the old with the new -- there is the possibility of contamination from disposal of the old style thermostats.  Mercury can contaminate the air and the water and is a neurotoxin ... it is nasty stuff!

" ... Pennsylvania's new Mercury-Free Thermostat Law ... will allow people to safely dispose of out-of-service thermostats containing mercury."

" ... Law, effective December 8, 2009, bans the sale, installation and disposal of mercury thermostats. ... requires that thermostat manufacturers establish and maintain a collection and recycling program for out-of-service mercury thermostats; ... Wholesalers who sell thermostats must participate as a collection site for mercury thermostats."

Via:  nbcbayarea.com  LINK

Continue reading "Pennsylvania's "Mercury Free Thermostat Law"" »

Posted by Green Dude at 06:24 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

How do you recycle old subway cars?  Many have already been re purposed into artificial reefs off the coasts of NY and NY.

NY City's MTA  " ... made more than 1,200 “retired “Red Bird” subway cars available to Virginia, Georgia, South Carolina, Delaware and New Jersey.  [for] a new purpose-- to help form artificial reefs and become habitats for marine life. After we stripped the subway cars of components that float (oils, solids, etc.) and decompose, NYC Transit steam cleaned the cars, which were loaded on barges and “buried” at sea."

Via:  NYC MTA    Link

Posted by Green Dude at 07:19 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

 
The Taiwanese company "Evergreen" is building Green Cargo Ships.  One major source of pollution takes place when cargo ships are docked at port - either loading or unloading.  Read on how Evergreen solves this and other typical pollution sources from ocean going cargo ships.

>>>For details read on ... 

Among the Green features ...

 • "A double-skinned hull aimed at preventing accidents and oil spills. Oil tanks also are situated to minimize fuel spillage if there is an accident."

 • "The ability to plug into “shore power” at ports, allowing the ship to turn off its generators while tied to a terminal. The Port of Los Angeles is the only port to require that ships shut down their diesel generators while in port. ...ships’ engines and generators also have the capability to use low-sulfur fuels while in port."

 • "Large holding tanks that allow the ships to keep wastewater onboard until it can be properly disposed of at shore. Oily water separators help reduce the oil content in the wastewater."

 • "Tin-free, anti-corrosive coating on the underwater hull. Older coatings contained tin, which can be harmful to marine life."

" ... ... technologies added $2 million to the cost of each ship ... said the green ships are worth the money."

“... our market is price-driven and highly competitive … we know most” of our customers “are also very aware of the environmental issues,” said Evergreen’s founder and Chairman Dr. Y.F. Chang. “We can assure them that Evergreen will provide first-class service (while) maintaining the highest environmental standards.”

Via:  The New Tribune.com   Link

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 Bottled water or Tap Water?

It's not just a question asked at restaurants.  With clean water becoming more precious in parts of the western US, and the fact that at best only 15 -20 % of plastic water bottles are recycled one has to wonder how long bottled water will be around where it is not easily replaced by tap water.

Hear what Salt Lake City Mayor Rocky Anderson has to say ...
 

"... another reason to skip bottled water -- Anderson said the stuff flowing from public taps is clean and safe. ..."One has to wonder why anyone would transport French or Swiss water for consumption in Salt Lake City," ... "

"The chief executive of Wasatch IceWater Co., based in Park City, agrees that bottles in landfills are a problem. Bob Sasser said his company's water, which comes from a well in the mountains, is sold in collapsible bottles."

"Sasser won't concede anything when it comes to taste. "I'm not a big fan of drinking chlorine or any of the chemicals they have to put in to purify water," he said."

Via:  US Water News Online   Link

Posted by Green Dude at 06:12 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

The ubiquitous plastic bottle of water is everywhere. 

While there are many questions about the relative merits of tap vs. bottled water such as taste, quality, etc. there are the facts that bottled water can have a significant impact on the environment:

- the petrochemicals used to make plastic bottles
- the energy used for transport; sometime across the world
- the remaining waste if not recycled.
- the depletion of local water supplies

Granted; some areas have better water than others and plastic bottles are handy (and safe) to use while traveling) but .... some major cities like Philadelphia and New York are quite proud of the taste and quality of their tap water ....  

"The City of New York is trying to persuade its people to give up bottled drinks and consume tap water instead to help protect the environment."

"City officials say their campaign will save people money, and reduce waste."

"According to environmental groups, four out of five plastic water bottles end up on landfill sites and the production process contributes to global warming. ... Distribution process sometimes involves shipping water halfway around the world."

"But the Bottled Water Association says it is unfair to single out an industry that is promoting recycling and introducing biodegradable packaging."

Via:  BBC News   Link

Posted by Green Dude at 06:13 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Did you Know .... Tree FAQs:

"Over the course of 50 years, a single tree can generate $31,250 of oxygen, provide $62,000 worth of air pollution control, recycle $37,500 worth of water, and control $31,500 worth of soil erosion. "

“The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now.”Anonymous

"One tree can absorb more than a ton of carbon over its lifetime."
Via:  U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

Trees reduce storm water runoff and erosion, and they remove harmful chemicals from the soil to prevent them from running into streams and rivers.
Via:  USDA Forest Service

For details on trees for your local clime .... Link 

Via:  National Arbor Day Foundation    Link

Posted by Green Dude at 11:24 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

What is the impact of planting trees?  Quite a lot. Consider ...

"One tree can absorb more than a ton of carbon over its lifetime."
Via:   U.S. Environmental Protection Agency  

"Trees reduce storm water runoff and erosion, and they remove harmful chemicals from the soil to prevent them from running into streams and rivers."
Via:    USDA Forest Service   

Impact of Planting Trees

Soil:  "Over the course of 50 years, a single tree can control $31,500 of soil erosion"

Air Pollution:  "Once acre of trees removes up to 2.6 tons of Carbon Dioxide each year"

Water:  "Trees improve water quality by slowing and filtering rain water as well as protecting aquifers and watersheds"

Oxygen: "Two mature trees can provide enough oxygen for a family of four.  One tree produces nearly 260 pounds of oxygen a year"

Be part of the Solution ....   Buy Trees online    Link

Via:  National Arbor Day Foundation    Link

Posted by Green Dude at 11:07 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Water quality project focuses on proactive run-off protection techniques, such as farming systems and buffer strips.  ...

 ...   "Gov. Dave Heineman received a grant for $810,000 from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to help support a cooperative water-quality protection project in the Big Blue River/Tuttle Creek Lake watershed. The watershed area extends across southeast Nebraska and parts of northeast Kansas.

Tuttle Creek Lake is a 14,000-acre reservoir located in northeast Kansas. Nearly 75 percent of the reservoir's 9,600 sq. mile watershed is located upstream in Nebraska. Several streams, including both the Little and Big Blue Rivers, flow into the watershed area.  Tuttle Creek Lake is a primary source of water for the Kansas River, which supplies public drinking water for Lawrence, Topeka and Kansas City. Water quality in watershed area has been affected by run-off of sediment, nutrients and chemicals from cultivated cropland and livestock waste. To improve water quality in the watershed, the project will build upon pre-existing partnerships and cost-share programs throughout the two-state region.  A major focus of the Tuttle Creek project will be the installation of conservation practices throughout the watershed. Of particular interest are no-till farming systems and riparian buffer strips, which have been shown to be cost-effective ways to reduce run-off. Landowners in the region will be encouraged to adopt these and other conservation practices in positively impact water quality in the region."   ...

Water Quality Protection Project: Via Nebraska: Nebraska Receives $810,000 EPA Grant for Cooperative Watershed Project ...

Posted by Green Tech at 07:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)