It is ironic that 90% of the ‘natural’ disasters that we see today are actually a culmination of man’s callous exploitation of the planet. Yet, every time there is a disaster that strikes the civilized world, our heart goes out in support of the needy. It is not easy to face the fury of the elements and as kind as the planet can be, it can also unleash moments of madness that can and often do leave millions homeless. Matthew Malone’s innovative new green disaster shelter is a wonderful option which provides shelter to the homeless.

Designed for disaster relief, the Recover Shelter can house a family of four for a month. It can be set up by one person in minutes, collapsed into either of two configurations for transportation and is made of 100% polypropylene. The polypropylene makes the Recover Shelter 100% recyclable, the ridges can collect drinking water, and the structure can be covered in local materials for better insulation. The shelter has unique green features and is cheap to both produce and use.

Since there is no harmful gas produced during both the making and using of this green recovery Shelter, it makes it a lot better than the many that are in use today. The fact that it can be shipped with ease and convenience and can be set up by a single person in minutes only saves precious time in situations of emergency. Matthew Malone’s technology could probably be improved and developed further to provide permanent shelter for the millions who are homeless world wide.

Via Yankodesign

Nissan Mori is both a unique and an inspirational green concept that is more of a concept than a ‘Nissan’. While Nissan themselves have nothing two with making an electric bike that looks like it has fallen in to the real world from Looney Toon Land, it is what an imaginative designer feels Nissan must be making. (Now, you can see why the big boys do not let anyone and everyone design their stuff). A designer by the name of Shane Crozier has gone ahead and imagined what a scooter by Nissan that was inspired by a chest of drawers would look like.

Nissan Mori is a product of that inspiration and irrespective of what anyone think, we feel that it is really cool in a cute sorts of way. The Mori is all about eco-commuting in a big modern city and it serves its purpose pretty well. But it looks more suited for transportation in malls or in airports. While super-sleek city road might not need a mud guard, this still could do with one. Yet what attracts you is the green concept of an electric powered simple scooter that occupies very little space.

While it is unlikely that Nissan will turn to younger audience who intend to travel across the city in a cool new way with something like Mori, it is a fairly interesting idea that might yield something substantial in future in terms of green commuting.

Via� Autobloggreen

It was just a few days ago that I heard there was a church in certain part of this world to celebrate death and its carrier. So what is the philosophy behind this chilling ‘holy place’ which many believe is nothing but some kind of black magic? It is simple and it states that you need to celebrate death as you celebrate life since death is not detached from life itself and just another part of it. Without going too far in to the theosophical or philosophical aspects of it all, the logic sounds pretty sane indeed. Here though is the height of ‘eco consciousness’ with people taking a course in how to weave their own coffin!

The three-day workshop by Somerset-based Musgrove Willows may sound morbid, but it hopes to attract craft- and environment-loving students. The willow gains its eco credentials by being grown on-site at Musgrove’s HQ in Bridgewater. By contrast, some conventional coffins reportedly use illegally imported mahogany transported across the globe. The local sourcing isn’t the only green twist. The coffins are also designed to biodegrade completely if buried, and Musgrove claims the coffins release fewer chemicals than conventional ones during cremations.

The course would cost you a handsome $250 and the dates of the course will soon be given. I guess this proves that the English Summer can really have dampening effect on people and Somerset is feeling it. While it is a very unique way of going green, if I were really that close to my grave then I probably would be bothered about a few more things than weaving my own coffin. But I guess all this sounds perfect for an episode of ‘Six Feet Under’ with a green twist.

Via Smartplanet

For centuries now Bats have been creatures that have been plagued by our ignorance and horrible myths that were created around them. The creatures have been often misunderstood and with little knowledge about their ways even till this day, we still have a lot to learn about these creatures of the dark. They were always considered as carriers of death and plague while they actually stop both of those catastrophes by weeding out insects and saving crops across the world. Now they are apparently falling prey to the wind turbines spread across not America and it is not even the razor sharp blades that are killing them!

Researchers a the University of Calgary found that the vast majority of bats found dead at a wind farm in Southwest Alberta suffered severe injuries to their respiratory systems consistent with a sudden drop in air pressure - called Barotrauma. Barotrauma is a condition resulting from drastic changes in air pressure occurring, for example, when the bats fly through an area where the pressure drops dramatically, such as it does near a spinning turbine blade.

While people have been switching to smaller wind turbines in the urban and semi-urban locations, there are plenty of windmill farms that fall in the birds’ migratory path from Canada to Mexico. These wind turbines are killing the bats at a rate that is much higher than normal causing depletion in their population which subsequently would lead to increase of pests in farms across North America. While we indeed still need wind energy, one must study the ecological implications of setting them up in a certain location before we end up disturbing the entire ecosystem.

Via Cleantechnica

Geothermal Energy is almost like the step-child of renewable resources and the Solar and Wind Energy departments get the treatment of being the perfect brand ambassadors for green energy. This is due to a couple of factors. One is that people do not quite comprehend how valuable and immense the potential of geothermal energy is and secondly those who know about its worth are still unable to find ways to properly harness it. But that seems to be changing fast off late as people seem to have rediscovered its magic.

Google, which has an interest in affordable power to run its growing numbers of server farms, is heavily investing (through Google.org) in research into the development of geothermal power. In the US, Google is the largest funding source for geothermal research. While traditionally the US and North European nations have been considered Geothermal Energy hubs, there seems to be a new leader in the race as well.

The Australian government is investing nearly four times as much as Google to develop geothermal power for Australia. The Australian group estimates that just 1 percent of the country’s geothermal capacity could provide 26,000 years worth of clean electricity. With more countries like Australia and firms like Google investing both money and time in Geothermal Energy, the future indeed looks ‘steaming hot’ for the energy that lays hidden in the heart of the planet.

Via Ecogeek

It is almost always assumed that everything green is always priced at the high-end of the shopping cart and in most cases it is indeed true. One of the major hindrances to green technology is that it just is not always economically feasible in a large scale. But with more money and time going into the research of green products and eco-friendly gadgets, it only is going to get better with the prices. Most of the green cars and vehicles are generally far more expensive than their fuel-guzzling and Carbon fuming cousins. But with Ibiza of SEAT the convention is all set to change.

The new vehicle has been dubbed the ‘Ibiza Ecomotive’ and comes in either a 5 door hatchback or a 3 door Sport Coupe. Powering both the 5 and 3 doors versions is Volkswagen’s 1.4 liter 3-cylinder TDI turbo diesel engine which makes 80 horsepower at the wheels.

The new Ecomotive features a very low CO2 emissions figure while also providing very low consumption. Though the Spanish car makers have not yet released any official fuel mileage figures, it seems that the vehicle is pretty green compared to others in the same category.

The aerodynamic simplicity of the car along with its light body work makes it further reduce drag and increase fuel efficiency. So how good a buy is the car in pure economic sense? At $ 19, 120 the Ibiza is an excellent buy to say the least.

Via Inventorspot

Carbon Footprint measurement has become more of a fashion statement than something aimed at saving the planet. Hence, if you happen to look at the generous stylish Carbon Footprint Monitor crafted by David Tonkinson then you are inclined to take my argument that it is an ideal candidate to bag the crown of artwork than eco-consciousness. Yet, do not let the amazingly modern and sleek look of the two globes fool you as they are more than capable of serving the purpose and helping you reduce on your homes Carbon Footprint. With LED lighting and crafted to minimize water, they are all about going green.

The LED powered wireless globes measure the Carbon Footprint of your home in a blatantly clear way and there are no confusing scales that you need to adhere to and no painful stats. The Green shows that you are low on Carbon emission and the red foot tells you that you are causing more damage to the planet than you should be. It encourages efficient energy use and by always showing the status of you Carbon Emissions you have a constant idea of how well or how badly you are doing.

What captures you the most is the fact that it wirelessly communicates with your main power source and you will not have to deal with hassles of rewiring. It also makes for a wonderful interior decorative piece even otherwise with its beautiful ergonomic design. Just do not use it as a decorative piece though!

ProductPage

We have been covering products and practices depicting ways to capture the solar energy, thereby utilizing it in the best way possible. And honoring the latest pro-active nature of the drive aimed at powering the city with solar freeways is another eco-friendly solution coming from the house of “Going Solar.” I would invite your argument on possibilities to power cities, which currently is facing the problem of massive terra firma necessary to access the traditional inventions. They say photovoltaic panels are horizontal and extensive, posing a serious loss of wide space. Now Australian renewable energy vendor “Going Solar” has envisaged a clever policy that instills built-up shipment systems with energy producing potential, erecting solar panels on highway as sound blockades!

Positioned in Australia, Calder Interchange is witnessed as the first solar sound-barrier highway installation by Going Solar. The solar sound fence consists of 500 meters of photovoltaic panels that features project’s power output after being attached to a public display. Respecting its location near suburban region, each colossal solar panel offers much desired soundproofing to the residence nearby. The unique feature of the project can be counted as the fact that energy doesn’t have to travel far-off to reach its target as it is already engulfed with domiciles.

Anticipated to produce 18.7 megawatts per year, the intelligent minds behind it are hopeful to generate the cost-spent within 15 years. If you still have doubts regarding the functionality or efficiency of the project then here I have a confirmation that is suffice to erase all: The project has enabled Going Solar gab the ATRAA’s award for best grid-connected system.

Via ResourceSmart

They say that the best way to spread the word and catch the eye of the world is by actually churning out that magical performance that attracts one and all. If you wish to initiate a kid in to the world of basketball you want him to look at the tapes of Michael Jordon and if you want him to put brush on canvas then Da Vinci and Van Gough might be your best bets. It is similar in the eco world as well as one needs to spread the green word with a sense of style and finesse that catches the eye initially.

Natura Levo is a small wind, vertical axis wind turbine. It is a 66? tall turbine that contains two non-traditional blades that can catch wind from any direction. The center axis is a beautifully formed stationary shape that mounts to existing architecture. Natura Levo is intended to harness energy from a renewable energy source while co-existing with its natural surroundings. Natura Levo should be so beautiful that it raises awareness of natural energy by admiration of its design.

The innovative conceptual product by Laura Sink of The Art Institute of Pittsburg is all about style and ergonomic delight in a wonderfully practical and compact way. This should surely fill the eco-awareness sail with enough wind!

Via Idsa

Global warming is probably the single-most famous term that does round in the eco-world and even outside it. Thanks to the efforts of high profile men like Al Gore, you have the whole world sitting up and taking notice. One of the most important ways of solving this impending catastrophe is by reducing and if possible eliminating Carbon emissions. While it is easier said than done, it seems that many architects and firms across the planet are putting in some serious efforts in that direction.

Sony Bank has become Japan’s first carbon-neutral bank, thanks to its purchase of renewable-energy credits. Issued by the Japan Natural Energy Company, the Green Power Certificate equals 1.1 million kilowatt hours. That power is sufficient for the bank to run Carbon-Neutral for a year. The initiative saves the equivalent of 400 tons of greenhouse-gas emissions.

In addition, for clients who own funds that exceed a certain amount, Sony Bank will use part of their service charges to purchase emissions credits, which it will then donate to the Japanese government. While Sony Bank becomes the first Carbon Neutral Bank in Japan, there are many emission-free homes and communities taking shape across the planet which will hopefully lead us towards a future that is safe for us and for the coming generations.

Via Treehugger