Another smart use of a small space – in this case, a garage. Owner Jérémie Buchholtz now has one more guest sleeping area than I have. [FairCompanies.com]
Garage Converted Into 2nd Home In Bordeaux France
September 15, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Making Fun Of Geely’s Hybrid/Electric McCar And Scooter Combo Is Way Too Easy
April 26, 2011 By Leave a Comment
From “Geely McCar comes with an electric scooter for people who hate walking” on Engadget.com.
A concept car that seems to have it all… wrong might be the best way to describe Geely’s McCar which recently debuted at the Shanghai Auto Show. It’s supposed to come in two flavors – hybrid or electric – and in either form, the Geely McCar includes a scooter type vehicle that makes it less of a burden to walk to where you are going. Maybe it’s the car for our gentrified population or maybe it’s just so we can be little more lazy. I have a feeling that somewhere out there, somebody would like to get their hands on one of these scooter-sized McCars.
Putting Wind Turbines In Living Trees May Drive Increased Wind Power Acceptance
April 11, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Being able to incorporate a wind turbine into a living tree may seem farfetched but it’s something Jubbling thinks will make the technology more attractive and affordable. According to Inhabitat.com, the power generated by a tree-top mounted turbine is 30% less than a standard wind power generator its size but still enough to supply its builder, Architect Wolfgang Frey, and his nearby neighbors with power. We have to assume that the installation costs were less too since his tree-top wind turbine does not require a base. Mr. Frey’s tree-top wind turbine idea is not original [thank you Queen Wind Turbine] but it is the first application we’ve heard of where this Macgyverish technology is in use.
What is “The Fun Theory” Campaign?
December 4, 2010 By Leave a Comment
The best way to describe the idea behind “The Fun Theory”, initiated by Volkswagen, is to use their description:
[The Fun Theory] site is dedicated to the thought that something as simple as fun is the easiest way to change people’s behaviour for the better. Be it for yourself, for the environment, or for something entirely different, the only thing that matters is that it’s change for the better.
I’ve heard about some of “The Fun Theory” finalists but the latest winner, “The Speed Camera Lottery” brought me to the site. Kevin Richardson developed the idea as a simple way to motivate and reward drivers who drive at or below the speed limit. Each time a driver goes through a specific intersection, a picture is taken of their car and license plate. If they are at or below the speed limit, they are automatically entered into a lottery with a cash reward. If they are above the speed limit, the driver is issued a traffic ticket and its payment will fund the reward/lottery.
My guess is that they’ll only allow one entry per vehicle for the lottery but the citations are unlimited. Here is the video of the “The Speed Camera Lottery” in action:
Be sure to check out “The Fun Theory” site and see some of the other ideas and finalists.
So what works best – the stick or the carrot? With “The Speed Camera Lottery” example, you have both and it’s up to each driver to make their choice. I think it’s a great motivator; especially when our usual options are stick or no stick.
Fiji Water Closes Plant To Protest Tax Hike And Then Re-Opens It 48 Hours Later.
December 2, 2010 By Leave a Comment
Inspired by an article on Greenbiz.com.
Fiji Water closed their water plant this last Monday and then re-opened it 2 days later after agreeing to a portion of the Fijian government’s tax hike request – it’s now at $.08/liter. The tax goes into effect in 2011 and will generate $12 million in additional tax revenue for Fiji. Fiji Water has been a huge target for the anti-bottled water movement and they’ve responded with their own facts about the importance of Fiji Water to the nation of Fiji.
Fiji Water has gained a following by positioning their product as a premium bottled water and in my opinion, it’s up to you whether you buy it or not. I personally think it’s crazy to consider paying $4-5 per liter for water that is shipped from a country that I’d like to see but can’t afford to visit; especially when all I need to do is turn on my tap to get the nutritional and taste equivalent at a fraction of the cost.
Here again is a hilarious video from Penn & Teller “The Truth About Bottled Water”.
What Are The Results From China’s 2008 Ban Against Free Plastic Bags?
December 2, 2010 By Leave a Comment
Only in China could a free plastic bag ban be so easily enacted. As posted in Good and later in Treehugger, China passed a law in 2008 making it illegal for stores to give out free plastic bags. They can only sell them at a price higher than the bags cost and store owners could pocket the difference.
The results? According to a Hoaran He, a researcher from the University of Gothernburg, the ban against free plastic bags has reduced China’s consumption by 40% or the equivalent of 40 billion plastic bags. That’s a huge number and hard to verify. Nevertheless, I’m sure the law reduced plastic bag consumption in China by a number in the billions and that is significant.
What’s more amazing to me is how quickly China’s government can act without the interference of lobbyist and special interest groups pushing them and buying them to vote another way. Don’t get me wrong, I’m sure corruption is rampant in China, but their ability to act and respond to a problem and develop a nationwide resolution is something to marvel at. It’s no wonder a recent report by Ernst Young stated that China has a clear lead in the pursuit of renewable energy.
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