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.
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.
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!
In an interview with the New York Times published today, Al Gore has officially declared his intention to secure the vice presidential nomination. He said that he has spoken with both the Hillary camp and the Barack camp and has made his intentions very clear in his most confident voice to date:
There’s no question about it. Whoever I am standing with in November will win.
I told both of them that it’d be a big mistake not to consider me for the vice presidency. In the last couple of years, we have gained momentum for the fight against global warming. This political capital needs to be spent now before it gets squandered.
This makes sense of the ex-vice president’s refusal to endorse either candidate. So are we going to have a Clinton-Gore or an Obama-Gore ticket come November? Your thoughts?
Question - if you were stuck on a desert island, what would you rather have - An iPod Touch or a Self Powered MP3/Video Player?
Now replace “stuck on a desert island” with “stuck with no battery life” and you will greatly appreciate the Eco Media Player. The Eco Media Player features a hand crank for just those occasions. According to Eco Media, 1 minute of winding gives you 40 minutes of listening pleasure! You can also use it to charge up said iPod touch or a cell phone. Let’s here it for eco-superiority.
It’s available at Ecodigital and at £129.95, it’s a bargain. Just hurry up and get it before the dollar depreciates any more!
Sometimes you just need to use disposable plates and utensils - like that 4th of July bbq where you had more guests than real plates. Well you don’t have to feel guilty anymore!
These plates, cups, and bowls are made of compostable sugar cane fiber which is a byproduct of the sugar making process. These are 100% biodegradable and since the byproduct sugar cane fiber is ususally burned to dispose of it, this is a win-win situation.
As a side note, the term “biodegradable” is pretty complex but I guess it’s fancier than “decayable” or “rotable” althought I do think “rotable” kind of rolls of the tongue.
Tonight the Washington Nationals face off against the Atlanta Braves in the first green U.S. ballpark. Completed just in time for opening day, the ballpark will surely become one of the most traveled LEED structures in the world. The ballpark’s Silver LEED - Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design - rating is due to the park’s:
Efficient lighting technologies
Low flow bathroom fixtures
Use of recycled building materials
Stormwater management system
Green roof with plants which manages rainwater and temperature
This is an exciting time for mainstream LEED architecture. A new Mets stadium, also set to be LEED certified, will open for the 2009 season.
It’s a great feeling to know that Google is getting into it. I strongly feel that they are one of the most influential forces in the world right now. Hopefully Earth Hour can tip a great sea of change.
Earth Hour is happening this Saturday at 8PM. What started as a citywide event in Sydney, Australia, is now a worldwide event. Last year, the residents of Syndey turned their lights off for an hour at 8PM to demonstrate solidarity toward the growing environmental problem of climate change.
My town has signed on for it and the beach town down the road is having an Earth Hour Bonfire - now that seems like a much better time than sitting home and watching the boobtube.
Check out this video, narrated by Jeremy Piven, and visit Earth Hour
(Rock the vote!)
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