Vote Ecologically

With the US Presidential Elections in just a few weeks and the battle for votes about to begin there is possibly no better time to address the environment as a serious point on the political agenda.

But with the United States of America being in a Wall Street nightmare the focus tends to shift from the environment to stock, banks and the global economy.

Well, luckily enough for the green-minded garment company Under The Canopy designed an awe-some t-shirt telling you what to vote on November 4th.

That's right, Vote Ecologically. No matter what party you vote, vote for the outdoors. It's propaganda for the green, and available for $28 or $34 from Under The Canopy. And did I mention it's been made of organic cotton and 2% of the money goes to the Rainforest Foundation?

via:treehugger

-jdh

Cantaro: let the plant do the singing

Plants are becoming digital. Maybe it's an odd revolution but it's happening. Previously we've had plants communicating with Twitter and now they all of a sudden become musicians.


With the Cantaro. No it's not just a silly singing plant (like one of those fishes you can hang on your wall) the speaker in fact depicts the plant's mood. Well for as far plants have moods then.
Anyway, when there's, for example a lot of water the speaker can produce 'watery' sounds to indicate this. Since this is just an early version of the Cantaro it uses a CD player for the audio samples. So in theory the plant could say "Some sun please" if it needs sun.

-jdh

Dell goes green

For years computer manufacturers have been infamous for producing (environmentally) harmfull products containing all sorts of toxic materials. Some time ago Apple started collaborating with Greenpeace to become more eco-friendly.

Now one of the biggest Windows-running brands is starting to pick up that trend too. I'm talking Dell. Yesterday they started selling a new line of computers, which goes by the name of Studio Hybrid. Intended as a compact desktop PC the Studio Hybrid should be more friendly towards the environment.

In regard to the packaging, which often results in a lot of garbage, Dell claims:

• Reduced packing materials about 30 percent by weight as compared to typical tower desktops.
• Packing materials are also 95 percent recyclable.
• Reduced printed documentation 75 percent by weight on average as compared to typical tower desktops.
• System recycling kit is included.

So less packaging materials (a bit logical, not? Since the system is kinda compact), the box is recyclable, there's less paper used for the documentation (which few people read anyway), and wait there's more. A system recycling kit, that's rather new to come with a computer, not? So the end user gets the oppertunity to properly recycle all the toxins that come with a computer.
If the recycle kit makes sure that all the toxins get removed from the system and are stored away properly I'd strongly recommend every other electronics manufacturer to include such a kit.

So the packaging is not as bad for the environment as regularly, but how about the computer itself. Well, Dell promises that it uses 70% less energy then a regular PC. That's not just a huge win for the environment, but also for your wallet!

I can only say that Dell has chosen a good direction with the new system, and that I hope they'll soon be followed by others. (And besides, the design is pretty great).

-jdh

GreenPIX

With the Olympic Games coming up China almost reaches the headlines daily. Most of the time because of pollution and such things. However, thanks to a couple of bright New York architects this harmful trend can be put to a halt.


They designed a brilliant media appliance called GreenPIX (short for GreenPixel). The system stores solar energy while the sun is shining, and when darkness comes in there's illumination (like in the picture).
It's also called the zero energy media wall. Currently one of the first 'walls' is installed in Bejing, not far away from the site where the Games will be held (it's actually shown in the picture).
I hear you think, "what is the use of something like that?". For starters it's a nice piece of art, and furthermore it offers possibilities for the future. Imagine Times Square running on the sun, with not a single solar cell visible.
And at last, such an awesome piece of sustainable technology is inspiration for anyone brainstorming about being green.

-jdh

Things I Love: Solio Solar-Powered Charger

Aw heck, while I'm at the computer, I might as well say something.

My radiant girlfriend just gave me a Pre-Christmas gift, and even though in my family we don't "do" the whole presents thing, I was still very excited.

That's because she got me the Solio Solar-Powered Charger!



What is it? How does it work?

Plug it into your iPod, phone, iPhone, uh... zune. Put the tri-foil in the sun, and blammy: Powered!!!

Think of how many batteries this little beauty will keep out of a trash pile!

Lots.

I love it.

Get one: Solio Solar Charger

Barier Houses

They're shaped like soccer balls! They float if it floods! They come in nearly any size you want, even for doggies!

Barier Houses! Strong With Disasters!!








via archinect




The sensible structures are made in Japan by World Window, and can be bought either fully assembled or in kit form.

If one were to be attempting to rebuild say, a city demolished by floods (New Orleans, Ao Nang, Tamil Nadu,) this might be a dwelling worth considering. Put it up on stilts above the water line and you're ready for anything.

Smart houses for smart people.

World Window has more pictures on their site: g-wood.jp

Watch Solar Panels Being Made

Fascinating, no? Who knew that fabbing a solar panel was so time intensive?
But really, six a day?
This is inexcusable. No wonder the darn things are so unaffordable!
Automation, people! Let our tireless friends the machines handle all the soldering and assembly, and then see how many you can make in a day.

We have far to go.

But it's great that we're going!

You're Stepping On My Ads!

Hello All!

I was just at the Metreon in San Francisco and saw something that made me smile.

A company called Reactrix has created an ingenious thing: an advertising carpet!
Well, not really a carpet, but a reflective mat on the ground, with images projected from above, so that when you walk across it, the images underfoot react to your presence. The best part? You can interact with everything!
There's a space game where you control a little spaceship with your foot, firing lasers by tapping your toes!
There's a ninja game where you flick throwing stars with your feet.
There's a Skittles ad where you walk around and piles of Skittles accumulate at your feet.

I must have spent twenty minutes looking at this thing.

Reactrix has done something very special, they've found a fabulous and engaging new way to advertise.
This is very much the new way. Don't just show me the product, let me engage with it. Let me kick it. Let me fling ninja stars at it with my feet. Let me walk through piles of it. Treat me like a thinking human being, and I won't resent being advertised to.

There is no limit to the great things one could do with the Reactrix System. As a teaching tool, it could be immensely useful. As a method of getting people to play together, as an ice-breaker, this system's use is unparalleled.




And the best part: Look at the way kids engage with it. Kids completely understand the tech, while most adults seemed content to stand at the edges and watch.



Don't watch, play.

Love,

J

Swedish Wind!

Get your minds out of the gutter.

I'm talking about wind power!

The New York Times has a cautious article on Sweden's big push towards an all-renewable energy infrastructure.

Now, wind power does have its naysayers, (although, I've yet to meet one,) but wind power's plusses here so far outweigh its minuses, I say when it comes to nice, clean turbines heating my bath water and providing me light to read, the more the merrier.

Here's the article: nytimes.com



Which would you prefer in your backyard?
Coal Power.


Wind Power.


Hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving.

-Jackson

The Incomparable Ramona Otto

There is an artist in Los Angeles whose work I adore.

Her name is Ramona Otto, and for many years she's been making the most wondrous things, all out of found and recycled objects!

check her site out:

ramonaotto.com