Apr 04
I always say that it’s a bit ridiculous that we have to have air conditioners blasting in the summer and heat blasting in the winter. When it’s winter in the US, it’s summer in Brazil. Why can’t we built some kind of superinsulated pipeline that pumps the “summer” from Brazil to our cold “winter” cities? If they can do it for gas, I’m sure they can do it for air.
To bring my stupid concept to reality on a micro scale is a new computer center in Switzerland. It is making novel use of the hot air thrown off by its servers and communications equipment: The heat is being funneled next door to warm the local swimming pool.
[More at PhysOrg.com]
  (Rock the vote!)  Loading ... |
|
|
Apr 04
Building on our post about Nick Foley’s Pear Light, we bring you the Candeloo Tooli portable lights. The Candeloos are a low light option perfect for the bedside. The Candeloo’s charging base is a smart charger which charges the Candeloo via induction charging so there are no wires. It’s the same concept as your Braun or Sonic Care toothbrush - it safely charges with magnets so there’s no risk of electrocution.
These ecofriendly lights last about 8 hours, have two different light settings and remains cool to the touch. All I hafta say is these would make an awesome, safe gift for any kid. It’s a portable nightlight!
Candeloo | Get It!
(Rock the vote!) Loading ... |
|
|
Apr 04
Yeup, got a flyer (*cough* spam) in my email today regarding green products at Costco (yes, the warehouse store that promotes buying 6 gallons of ketchup and to throw out 2.5 of those), and I was surprised to see that they had a selection of green (and quasi-green) products. Now, we’re not talking anything too revolutionary here, but it’s nice to see products that were once probably “alternatives” go mainstream.
One of the notable items here seem to be the outdoor furniture made from 100% recycled plastics. Sounds like a great application of green tech, and it looks nice too, not your standard white plastic chairs.
The other items that caught my eye were the variety of LED-lit products. It’s about time that people start realizing the power of the LED. A few years ago, the output of LED lights was laughable, now that the technology has improved, not only are they bright and durable, but they’re efficient (blah blah light hierarchy).
Lastly, (and my favorite) were the size big solar panels. They’re producing a good max power output at 246w, and most importantly, reasonably priced at $1700. The fact that these are even available at Costco, to me, means that there’s a lot of people interested in solar power, and it’s no longer a scary foreign technology to the general public.
Most people still consider green gadgets and furniture to be more exclusive and price-prohibitive. But at Greenwix, one of the things we’re here to promote is acceptable superior products that make more sense. I think that seeing these types of products at Costco certainly brings us closer to that end.
linky
(Rock the vote!) Loading ... |
|
|
Apr 03
I’ve always thought of solar powered flashlights as stupid inventions but that’s because I’ve taken light for granted. After Earth Hour this past weekend, I started thinking about light and how important and significant it is for us and how bad it must be not to have reliable sources of it after sunset. So after some research, I wanted to present the Sun Night Solar BoGo.
This Post Continues »
(Rock the vote!) Loading ... |
|
|
Apr 03
Continuing our coverage of Nokia’s green phones is this Eco Sensor Concept. The Eco Sensor concept consists of two parts. On the left, we have the stylish phone and on the right, we have a wearable sensor unit - a high tech watch. According to Nokia, the wearable sensor unit, can sense and analyze your environment, health, and local weather conditions.
These two items will work in concert to provide you with a wealth of information along with an energy efficient design. Nokia is experimenting with integrated solar panels so the eventual goal is to have self powered phones and devices. The wearable sensor unit - or watch - will have solar circuits embedded in the banding material and the phone will also feature solar technology.
Nokia Eco Sensor
(Rock the vote!) Loading ... |
|
|
Apr 02
I know we’ve covered many concepts lately so I’m happy to say that this light is available now. The MIMIC light from Haworth - a company dedicated to sustainability - is a futuristic light that runs on an 18 watt CFL. Loyal readers already know our lighting hierarchy, but for those who don’t know, check out our plasma light post.
The MIMIC also includes different lighting intensities which is sometimes hard to find in a CFL product. The UFO glowing ring you see around the light incorporates a touch sensor that lets you dim the flying saucer at will. Sure to make that cubicle more Earth and Mars friendly.
Haworth Website
(Rock the vote!) Loading ... |
|
|
Apr 02
These air filters by Mathieu Lehanneur has been making their rounds in green media like Good Magazine for their clever design. In Lehanneur’s design, a plant is enclosed in pyrex and aluminum. Through the use of a filter, ‘dirty’ air is brought into the system and then purified air is exhaled. I can’t tell if I like the concept or hate it.
Like It: If it is effective, then it will essentially be a sustainable air filter. As long as the plant inside is kept alive, there is nothing to plug in and no expensive filters to replace.
Hate It: It seems like a waste of materials which kind of makes it seem more “green hype” than “green hope” to me. My friend has tons of plants in his apartment. I’m sure they do more to filter the air than this tiny plant enclosed in a biodome.
Now it’s only a concept and a beautifully designed one at that but unless it can present some substantial data proving it’s effectiveness, I say open your windows and save your money.
Via BLDGBlog
 ( +2 rating, 2 votes) Loading ... |
|
|
Apr 01
Continuing our bamboo series is the ASUS Ecobook. Due out later this year, the ASUS Ecobook has been making the rounds at all the electronic conventions. ASUS likes to think that because the shell is bamboo instead of plastic, it can be called an “Eco Book” and billed as such.
After much digging, there doesn’t seem to be many new developments. Still no word on whether this Eco Book will make the leap from concept to production, but you can check out some cool drawings and more information at C|Net UK.
(Rock the vote!) Loading ... |
|
|
Apr 01
I was at a show recently, and this vendor, Vintage Redwood Company, had some really great furniture on display. Come to find out, it’s made out of reclaimed redwood and oak wine vats (show was in Napa, of course).
The awesomeness of the previous contents have left these pieces of wood with a great color and texture, and the need for such sturdy vats means that these pieces are incredibly stout.
According to the website, they’re great indoors and out, which shouldn’t be surprising considering they’ve held wine for years (around 50-100yrs!), and are thoroughly seasoned.
I can’t really tell if they require any conditioning or maintenance (ala teak), but I could definitely tell that these were extremely well-built, great looking pieces meant to last a lifetime.
I’ve seen a few of these companies popping up, and the furniture really seems to be top-notch…worth checking out…slightly financially prohibitive at this point, but there’s a good chance it will outlast the buyer.
(Rock the vote!) Loading ... |
|
|
Apr 01
This “Consumption Feedback” (is that an official term now?) switch gives a heavy-handed (in the form of a gentle spark) reminder that you’re using too much energy.
It seems pretty simple, really. Leave your light on for a few minutes, you’ll see a nice little glow. Put your air conditioner on that switch for a week, and be prepared to get sent back to the future.
These consumption feedback devices (remember the kick-you-out-of-the shower?) seem to be growing in popularity. Maybe they’re really onto something. I know it’s nice to have a reminder to do things, however subtle (or intrusive), and sometimes that’s all we really need to act.
Unfortunately, I can’t really see many new houses being built with a device like this. Think of the shame when your neighbors come over and all they see is sparking light switches. The thought, however, is in the right place…to get people conciously thinking towards living a more energy-efficient lifestyle.
No word yet on where I can get one…let me know if you find it!
( +1 rating, 1 votes) Loading ... |
|
|
Recent Comments