Compostmodern
by: fast company, 2011-01-14 20:38:37 UTC

How to design an eco-design conference? Pick a setting (San Francisco, home to more green jobs than any other city in America) and invite a bunch of companies to give inspirational talks (Ideo, Stanford's d.school, GoodGuide, Obama for America). After the first day, when everyone tires of speakers, schedule a daylong "unconference," full of free-form presentations and project incubation. People will share, they'll kibitz, they'll finally corner Yves Béhar long enough to pitch him that idea for a sustainable dolphin fanny pack. But wait a sec -- isn't that just more conference? Those earnest designers can be so sneaky. -- Michael Silverberg

Sat, January 22 Self-Organize Compostmodern

Have an event to share? Email calendar[at]fastcompany[dot]comVisit the FC Now Blog or Calendar App for more events.

Apple criticized in Chinese environmental report
by: Gizmodo , 2011-01-20 16:59:45 UTC
Scoring last among 29 tech firms in report by Chinese environmental groups, Apple is rebuked for lack of responsiveness to health and safety conditions at factories that make its components.

Originally posted at News - Apple

Mitsubishi Getting Serious About Electrification, Will Launch 8 New Models in Next 5 Years
by: TreeHugger Science, 2011-01-21 19:44:54 UTC
Image: MMC Transitioning Away from the Internal Combustion Engine Mitsubishi, the maker of the lovely electric Jellybean (aka the i-MiEV electric car), has plans to introduce 8 hybrid (HEV), plug-in hybrid (PHEV), and battery-powered (BEV) models by 2015. They anticipate increased demand for "low-carbon" cars and want to position themselves as a major source of those. (Whether they will succeed is another question entirely, but they should at least get some points for trying to move away from th... Read the full story on TreeHugger

GE Developing New Magnets that Could Reduce Demand for Rare Earth Metals
by: Inhabitat , 2011-01-21 17:48:23 UTC

Energy efficient technologies like wind turbines and electric car engines are much greener choices than their traditional counterparts, but the powerful magnets essential to their operation require rare earth metals that are diminishing in supply. While countries in North America, Australia, and South East Asia hurry to bring more rare earth mines into operations — a process that can take years — General Electric scientists have created a new breed of nanocomposite magnets that would require less rare earths to achieve the same high magnetism as magnets currently on the market.

Read the rest of GE Developing New Magnets that Could Reduce Demand for Rare Earth Metalshttp://www.inhabitat.com/wp-admin/ohttp://www.inhabitat.com/wp-admin/options-general.php?page=better_feedptions-general.php?page=better_feed

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Post tags: GE Global Research, ge less rare earth metals, ge new magnets, greener resources, less rare earth elements magnets, less rare earth metal magnets, less rare earth metals, less rare earths, rare earth elements, rare earth metals, renewable resources, sustainable design, Sustainable Developments, sustainable technology

Solar Energy Desalination Plant in UAE to provide fresh water with a ‘zero-carbon’ process
by: Ecofriend, 2011-01-21 08:47:31 UTC
Attitude:

The ugly reality of global warming and man’s indiscrete exploitation of natural resources is on display currently in many parts of the Middle East and Mediterranean. Nations are having to rely on desalination of sea water to meet with fresh water demand of the region and while this might provide temporary relief, it requires a huge amount of energy. However, a Solar Desalination Plant that is currently being tested in Abu Dhabi is probably a lot better alternative than one that works on fossil fuel energy.

While countries like UAE and Saudi Arabia are already using desalination process extensively, they are not comfortable both with the costs of the process and the carbon footprint that it leaves behind. The current desalination plants largely rely on combustion of fossil fuels to fulfill their energy needs. With the new Solar Desalination Plants that are currently being tested in in Hameem and Sweihan districts of UAE, not only will the cost factor come down but carbon emissions will be eliminated altogether.

With the ‘Zero-Carbon’ Process in place the Plant effectively eliminates pollution of the atmosphere from the equation while still providing fresh, clean water for the desert lands. Yet, with more and more fresh water being extracted from the seas the salinity of world’s great oceans is bound to go up and destroy the fragile marine ecosystems. Hopefully we will find a better way to deal with the water shortage across the globe (Like waste water treatment and water management) than desalination!

Via: Greenprophet

Japanese company debuts zero-emission electric rickshaw
by: Ecofriend, 2011-01-21 09:12:38 UTC
Soumyanalam:

A compact three-wheeled and three-seat vehicle called “Meguru” that runs on a single Li-ion battery was recently unveiled by the Yodogawa Group in collaboration with three small companies based in western Japan. The vehicle is 2.5 meters long, 1.2 meters wide and 1.6 meters tall. The look and feel is enhanced by decorating it with traditional handicrafts of Japan.

With a speed range of 40 kmph (25 miles per hour), this electric vehicle can be further modified to increase its speed by increasing the number of batteries that power it. The chief executive officer of Yodogawa Group, Nobuyuki Ogura, claims that this vehicle is an environmentally friendly car, painted with red lacquer and a floor filled with recycled bamboo. He is also in the process of making further changes to the existing model by adding a wind chine that will add to user experience without having to spend money on cooling them down while they drive this vehicle.

Additionally, he also plans to add a pinwheel instead of incorporating an air-conditioner that will negate the need for electrical supply. This retractable window is made of washi paper that closely resembles a traditional Japanese fan. Though this rickshaw does not have a heater, blankets can be carried in it during the long and cold months of winter.

Though the car does not have to be registered, driver’s license is mandatory if the vehicle is to be driven on the road. The project is primarily geared towards providing small businesses the much-needed impetus in the wake of the economic meltdown.

Via: Reuters

Peugeot PLUX city car stretches its body to accommodate extra passengers
by: The Design blog, 2011-01-18 12:59:52 UTC

The compact cars may allow brisk movement on cramped city roads, but they cut a sorry figure when it comes to accommodating extra passengers. Designed for Peugeot, the “PLUX,” an acronym meaning pleasurable, lively, useful and extensible, by Italian designer Luca Le Piane is a two-seater city car that extends its body to lodge additional passengers. Featuring a body finished in telescopic parts driven by hydraulic tubes, the concept car stretches from its normal length of just 2.5m to a total length of 3.5m to house up to four passengers in comfort. Ideal for urbanities, the compact city car joins its rear seats with the front seats, while the backrest adjusts with the overturned seats perfectly for better interaction.

[Cheers Luca]

External lighting generates clean energy while you clean your house
by: The Design blog, 2011-01-20 12:40:41 UTC

We have witnessed some of the most creative lightings/lamps in the past, but the latest lighting by Arthur Xin is not only unique in its form but function as well. For the external lighting runs on the energy generated during floor cleaning with the wiper integrated at its base. Therefore, the user need to clean-up the floor first, which transforms kinetic energy produced through constant friction into electricity, to illuminate the house at night. The new floor lamp apart from enlightening your place with sustainable energy also keeps it clean and hygienic all the time.

Via: Aving

A lamp that illuminates your house with sunlight
by: Ecofriend, 2011-01-21 08:56:54 UTC
Soumyanalam:

Designed by Igland Design, Pure Sun is an indoor lamp that functions without using any electricity. The Denmark-based company has designed this lamp that more or less resembles a pinball machine. The lamp is designed like a table that needs only sunlight to function as a light source. With a mirror that is fixed at an angle to capture the rays of the sun and project the same onto the chosen area like walls and ceilings, Pure Sun can be used instead of artificial lamps at time of the day and during any weather.

The only factor to keep in mind is that the light has to be monitored manually by adjusting a set of dials that allow you to control the projection angle of the mirror. The mirror needs to be adjusted throughout the duration of the day to keep it in line with the sun. So, the dials need to be adjusted to capture light and this is done with a view to help people become a lot more aware of saving energy. So, while there are other low-cost devices that come with an auto-adjust mechanism, this device is primarily geared toward promoting green marketing. Most people are not aware of the impact that they have on the environment and they just do not understand the concept of ecological transgressions.

This lamp is primarily for that segment of the market that comprises customers who are interested in eco conservation and protecting the earth’s natural resources from excessive consumption in their own way. The lamp can also double up as a nice table as and when required when you want to keep it aside.

Via: Co.Design

One Tonne Life: A Swedish Family's Green Lifestyle Experiment Begins
by: TreeHugger Design, 2011-01-21 14:18:06 UTC
All images via One Tonne Life This week in Sweden an unprecedented low carbon lifestyle experiment has begun. The Lindell family have moved into a solar powered prefab house in the suburbs of Stockholm that is specially designed to minimise energy consumption. The family's aim is to see if they can radically reduce their average carbon footprint of 7 tonnes per year, down to 1 tonne. TreeHugger was in Stockholm this week to meet them and hear the Read the full story on TreeHugger