Jaspreet Kaur Walia: Liven up your surroundings the eco friendly way with lighting units made by a Portuguese designer named To Martins. The lamps have been brought to life using recycled washing machine parts, which would otherwise never be used and thrown in junkyards. Salvaged Laundry Machine Lighting Picture Gallery Salvaged Laundry Machine Lighting The rad recycled lamps are a project of the Portuguese designer To martin. The designer came up with these brilliant designs under the REWASHLAMP Project, which is worth taking a close glance, because of the beauty of the creation and the green tag that it carries. The re-purposed styling will leave onlookers impressed as they get swayed in the aura of these funky lamps. The designer has skillfully used the inner barrels of washing machines that had broken down and were of no use at all. The lamps rest on a base, which is a tripod stand used by photographers to capture perfect images. The use of tripod in the design will let users adjust the height of the lamp as per their whims and fancies. The environmentally friendly lamp shades look vivacious as they come wrapped around spare machine parts, which had been thrown away. The aesthetically appealing design is further made flamboyant by ornamenting it with a variety of materials, colors and textures. These chic shades can be kept just anywhere, like offices, libraries, bedrooms or living rooms. REWASHLAMP will enliven the area with its warm aura in no time and will prove to be a fashion as well as green accessory. From cleaning clothes to brightening up dwellings, the washing machine parts have definitely come a long way. Via: Trendhunter

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Funky lamps made from conked out washing machine parts

Sonia Renthlei: As we know it One of the most ancient forms of energy is hydropower. Its use has been documented for centuries and it is one of the most common forms of renewable energy. So common is its application in this regard that the United States’ renewable energy sector depends on hydropower for 49 percent of overall production. So, how exactly is hydropower generated? The process depends on massive amounts of falling water whose pressure triggers turbines that in turn produce electricity. Hydroelectricity without dams The need for change Hydropower is especially suitable for those areas that see a lot of water. Currently, it makes up 21 percent of global renewable energy sources. Conventional methods of generating hydropower require the use of dams which act as water reservoirs to drive turbines and generators. While hydropower provides us with a much greener alternative than fossil-fuel based power, dams are expensive to construct and aren’t all that environmentally friendly. They divert water which many people rely on while flooding other areas and posing a risk to the ecosystem. Some have also been known to contribute to geological imbalances. What’s next In view of the many dangers that large water reservoirs meant for hydropower can pose, there is a growing urgency to derive the same energy result without building dams. Fortunately, this urgency has spawned attractive concepts that could very well see us doing away with dams in the future. 1. Hydropower Kinetic Technology Hydropower Kinetic Technology What’s new Hydro Green Energy has developed turbine arrays that work on the principle of hydrokinetics. These modular turbines can be lowered and raised with the help of an on-board gantry, making it easier to conduct maintenance operations and doing away with the need to dive below the surface of the water to conduct checks. A floating raft acts as a platform for whatever operation needs to be undertaken. The rated capacity of the turbine arrays is 250kW per unit. What difference will it make This method of hydropower ensures that marine life is not disturbed and balance is maintained in the ecosystem. Unlike conventional hydropower, no dams are needed and the only requirement is flowing water. 2. FlipWing turbine FlipWing turbine What’s new Seattle’s Hydrovolts Inc. launched the FlipWing turbine in 2010, with a view to generating hydropower without the use of dams. What is great about the technology is that the turbine can be used to generate power in shallow waters, serving as a solution to those areas where water bodies aren’t deep. The turbine is completely submerged and the blades are pushed against the center shaft by the current to drive the rotation. Incidentally, the technology is believed to be able to generate about 4kW of power. The company is currently working on building turbines of different sizes. What difference will it make The FlipWing turbine can be used in aqueducts and irrigation canals, offering areas with shallow water sources a chance to generate their own hydropower. 3. Free flow underwater turbines Free Flow Underwater Turbines What’s new Ontario’s Verdant Power has built free flow turbines as part of the Cornwall Ontario River Energy Project. The turbines work much like a wind turbine does, except that they’re powered by water. The blades are slow-moving to allow marine life safe passage through the waters. What difference will it make Verdant’s free flow water turbines can also be applied to harness tidal currents to generate more energy. And while the impact of this technology cannot be said to be nil, it is still a far safer option than conventional hydropower techniques. 4. CARE Electric CARE Electric What’s new Johann Hoffmann is a name that is synonymous with eco-based inventions. Continuing his legacy of patenting innovative concepts, Hoffmann had CARE Electric Energia develop a turbine that generates electricity while protecting marine life and ensuring passage for small boats. The system is suspended in the midst of flowing water bodies while attached turbine blades rotate due to water flow and pressure that builds up from behind the installation. CARE Electric says that their system generates up to 90 percent of the total capacity of the generator which is substantially higher than conventional systems. What difference will it make The system, unlike conventional ones, can operate all year round to generate smooth supply of electricity. What is more impressive, however, is that CARE Electric’s system offers fish and small boats easy passage, maintaining the ecological balance and giving way for transportation and commerce. 5. Hydrokinetic river turbine Hydrokinetic river turbine What’s new A hydrokinetic river turbine developed and installed by New Energy Corp and Alaska Power & Telephone respectively, is currently being used by the small town of Eagle, Alaska, to generate hydropower in a safe manner. The system has been attached to a barge and rotates at speeds slow enough so as not to disturb aquatic life. According to the makers, their system is capable of generating 25kW of renewable power. What difference will it make The system is beneficial where aquatic life is seen in plenty and offers towns the option of generating their own clean power.

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What’s Next: Generating hydroelectricity without building dams

Jaspreet Kaur Walia: All lot of emphasis is being laid to come up with products that rank high on the sustainability graph. A lot of useful material is dumped in junkyards where it keeps piling up, without anyone trying to make good use of it. Patrick Drake’s love for the environment made him come up with a brilliant design, which gives recycling an all new meaning. The designer has crafted a shelf, which has been made from old skateboards. Pure skateboard shelf Picture Gallery Pure skateboard shelf Pure skateboard shelf by Patrick drake Christened the Pure Skateboard Shelf, it has been made of nothing but skateboards and its parts. The designer had a passion to collect these parts from many years and Patrick made sure he exploited them well. He made good use of the shape of a skateboard, natural holes that existed in the design and all the hardware that came tagged with the product. This meant that additional cutting, drilling, use of hardware or brackets took a backseat while designing the Pure Skateboard Shelf. The design is pretty interesting and eye-catching. It is simple and can be used to stack books, magazines and display decorative items like photo frames and ceramic pots. A complete skateboard has been swapped into a bottom shelf and the wheels have not been removed. But, don’t worry! The shelf won’t roll as the wheels have been tightened to make sure they don’t move at all. The base is further stabled as the tails vertical boards used in the design give it additional support. The two vertical boards are made to rest completely on the base shelf using trucks in the skateboard design, which makes sure the Pure Skateboard Shelf doesn’t fall backward or forward. The trucks have been turned in an irregular manner towards the outside of the design. Such a presentation makes these trucks function as a book ends, making sure the books don’t fall down. Pure Skateboard Shelf is totally eco-friendly and is a great way to use those old skateboards lying around the house. Via: Patrick-drake

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Pure Skateboard Shelf: A green design created using skateboard parts

Dattatreya Mandal: When we are talking about portable homes, the topic covers a broad field replete with flexible housing units, ranging from modular structures to mobile dwellings, but the core functionality of such transportable dwelling system always allude to one factor, and that is man’s response to adverse societal effects on our environment. Land Shortage Over the years, the mass scale of unplanned urbanization has taken its toll on some economic segments of our society, and, hence many of them have decided to forego the city based ’sedentary’ mode of life, thus giving rise to the practice of permanent living in wheeled mobile homes. Finally, portable houses also pose as habitation solutions in case of emergencies like natural catastrophes (cyclones, tsunamis, earthquakes, etc) and even conditions like war and famine. Living green in tiny homes On the other hand, the transportable housing industry has not always lived up to the set conventional standards. Studies show, many of the service related attributes like temperature control, insulation properties to even the materials used for construction are not entirely dictated by user comfort or even structural competence. In such unfavorable circumstances, eco friendly portable homes come as sustainable saviors, guided by practicality, compactness and most importantly efficiency. As a matter of fact, it can be seen as an alternative trend undertaken by specialized (and expert) designers, to righteously solve the crucial predicaments of human habitation affected by disorganized land use. Trends a) Eco capsule Eco-Capsule Self sufficiency is the name of the game in the compact dwelling design of Eco capsule. Conceptualized by Nice Architects, the designers have envisaged the aluminum clad capsule as a fusion of a mobile housing unit with a recreational vehicle (RV), powered by non-renewable energy. Coming to structural considerations, the 270 sq-feet area will cater to two people, while its spatial nature will comprise of separate waste collecting compartments, along with a gray water recycling facility. b) Eco friendly portable vacation capsule Eco friendly portable vacation capsule We come across another design in a conceptual stage, but this time the portable vacation capsule has been contrived to cure our traveling bug, albeit in a ‘green’ way. According to the designers of Nau Architecture Corporation, the self sustaining bantam habitat will be wholly powered by sustainable energy. But more importantly, it can supposedly be transported to anyplace in the world, starting from roof tops to wild jungles. c) M_Cube M_Cube Created by industrial designer Benjamin Beck, the M_Cube alludes to the next generation of modular dwellings. This means, the 2.55m x 2.55m unit (in its modular components) can be transported and assembled according to user’s preference. And beyond the efficient compactness, the design will also incorporate an ‘intelligent’ energy glass, for regulatory induction of natural light. d) iPAD portable homes iPAD portable homes When it boils down to portable homes, highfalutin conceptions come dime a dozen. But this time for a change, architect Andre Hodgskin has designed his ‘iPAD’ variety of dwelling units that fuses flexibility with user preference. This means the modular structural components can be easily assembled on notice, while the pad’s interior spatial elements can also be diversified with a variety of color options and extendable decks. e) Habitat Microhome Concept Habitat microhome concept Christened simply as the ‘Habitat’, American product designer Joe Salerno has adroitly conceived his conception as a ‘car-house’. The total scope encompasses a hybrid-like structure, with a separate car space (of 32 sq m) and a duplex space (of 100 sq m). When the Habitat is static, these two spaces fuse to become a credibly sized dwelling, with denominations like kitchen and bedroom. Finally, the conception will also not require conventional fuels, as its integrated systems will generate clean solar and wind energy. What it means for you The housing industry does form an important element of our overall economy and in allusion to its crucial impact, the industry does contribute to significant levels of carbon footprint. For example, housing emanated 30 percent of the total carbon emissions in the UK, for last year. So, in such a precarious ambit, we as ordinary citizens should work towards a decisive goal of collective sustainability. Of course, this does not necessarily entail that we should all pack our bags and be on the move like modern day nomads, but adapting to portable housing does tip the scale on favor of low emissions. As a matter of fact, we can look forth to long term solutions within our urban (and suburb) scope, with flexible yet permanent modular habitats. Added benefits Beyond the scope of sustainability, there are always the constraints of economy bound with our modernistic lifestyle. In relation to this, eco friendly portable homes have a tendency to come at relatively lower prices. Moreover, users can also cut upon their energy costs through long term usage of renewable sources, natural lighting and minimal wastage of building materials.

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Portable homes for comfortable green future

Jaspreet Kaur Walia: The classic Toyota 2000GT has managed to carve an everlasting image in the minds of people, thanks to its style and of course James Bond. Japanese engineers have given James Bond getaway car a new lease of life by remodeling a Toyota 2000GT for a recent car show. The car will roar like an angry beast but not by a gas-guzzling engine. It has been swapped into a 100 percent electric and solar-powered coupe under the ‘Crazy Car Project,’ which definitely shows some care for the environment. Classic Toyota 2000GT The classic Toyota 2000GT was a front-engine rear-wheel drive, which fetched all the power from a 2.0 liter in-line six cylinder engine. This made the car come up with 150 horsepower. But, the engine was discarded to achieve an eco-friendly status. The legendary Toyota 2000GT has been fitted with an electric motor that produces a horsepower of 161. It also features a 35 kWh lithium-ion battery, which will power the vehicle. Apart from this, the hood comes smothered with photovoltaic cells, making sure the car never stops rolling on the road. Transparent solar cells have been fitted on the black glass, which will harness solar energy during daytime. The solar electric vehicle is capable of touching a top speed of 125mph, which is quite impressive keeping in mind its environmentally-friendly status. The inside of the iconic car has been modernized to match with the present day comfort-coated coupes. It has been fitted with a lot of gadgets that are loaded with technology. The solar electric version of the iconic Toyota 2000GT will be put on show at the 2012 Tokyo Auto Salon. Toyota has tried to maintain the original look and feel of the car, which has ruled the hearts of many for years at a stretch. Classic Toyota 2000GT Classic Toyota 2000GT turned into solar-powered EV. Via: Greenautoblog

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Toyota 2000GT swapped into a solar electric vehicle

Balakrishnan Ramachandran: NASA scientist Drew Shindell has come up with a study that suggests control of methane gas emissions and soot dispersal into the atmosphere from the poorer regions of the world could slow global warming. This environmental benefit would be on top of improved health and greater agricultural yields for the people of these regions. This is welcome news when it appeared that the control of greenhouse gases would need new technologies, high capital investments or major changes to human habits. NASA Unveils Measures That Could Slow Global Warming Methane gas emissions Methane gas is emitted into the atmosphere from rice paddy fields which need to be flooded with water in the early weeks of its growth. The stagnant water causes the vegetation in the ground to decay, emitting methane gas. Methane gas increases the ozone level of the air at ground level and causes respiratory and cardiovascular problems in people living in the area. The higher ozone levels also cause changes in rainfall pattern in the area which can have long term impact for the human habitat. A simple step to reduce methane emissions from paddy fields is to drain the water frequently and pump in fresh water. This aeration process would also improve crop yields. Drew Shindell and his team estimate that between 30 and 135 million tons of additional crop production could happen with such water aeration. A second major source of atmospheric methane is from municipal landfills around third world cities. In advanced economies, municipal trash is incinerated under controlled conditions and the methane gas is used as an energy source for home heating or industrial use. Third world municipal authorities lack the capital to build waste incineration plants and city waste is simply dumped into landfills. The methane gas generated from decay of organic matter simply escapes into the atmosphere. The same thing happens with waste water treatment plants. Drew Shindell and his team recommend eliminating such methane emission into the atmosphere and building waste incineration plants. In addition, there is need to monitor industrial sources of methane emissions such as coal mines, hydrocarbon processing and long distance oil and gas pipelines to warn of leakages and to take steps to plug such leaks. Soot or black carbon emissions Soot particles escape into the air when people in third world countries burn firewood or animal dung for their cooking and heating needs. The soot causes severe respiratory problems especially in women and children who are generally less well nourished than the men. The soot particles in the atmosphere absorb heat from the sun and cause local heating which causes micro climate changes. The black soot particles also deposit on reflective surfaces and absorb solar radiation. There is need to convert wood or animal dung burning stoves into cleaner burning devices and to build in entrapment filters over the cooking stoves to capture these particles. Similar care needs to be applied to rural industries like brick kilns that use firewood or animal dung. Drew Shindell and his team also recommend a ban on burning agricultural waste and instead having them collected and used in biomass digesters. The other source of soot pollution is from diesel engines used in transportation vehicles and in engines for water pumping. These engines need to be fitted with particulate filters on their exhausts. Engines over a certain age need to be retired. These steps may not be very easy to implement over the vast areas of Asia, Africa and Latin America but a beginning could be made with educating village elders and opinion leaders. The human benefit in improved health would, in itself, make this program viable with reduction in greenhouse gases as a valuable bonus. If adopted on a wide scale, Drew Shindell’s projections show a 0.5 degree C lowering of atmospheric temperature which could give the world an extra 10 to 20 years to put in place new technologies to contain global warming. Via: Goodcleantech

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NASA studies indicate methane and soot control could slow global warming

Jaspreet Kaur Walia: What do you do after consuming the content present in a pet bottle? Obviously, dispose it without a second thought. But, Kerem Ali Asfuroglu converted these bottles into a mini hydroelectric plant, which has been named Eight. The lighting design converts energy from one form to the other, with the presence of a turbine. Lighting design by Kerem Ali Asfuroglu Picture Gallery Lighting design by Kerem Ali Asfuroglu It can be used without depending on any other source of energy. The design looks like a glowing hourglass, which has been created from used pet bottles and is a great example of purposeful recycling. Light is produced when water flows from one bottle to the other, making good use of the gravitational pull. The energy produced is converted into light, which will brighten up the area in an eco-friendly way. The size of bottle used determines the amount of time the design will keep producing light. Eight comes fitted with LEDs that face both directions and are well concealed under the cap. Such a setup makes sure that glare produced by light is limited. The light produced by the LEDs will start fading as the movement of water is completed. But, turning the bottle upside down will produce energy again and in turn will illuminate the surroundings. Distribution of light is enhanced because of the refraction produced in water and the shape of the bottle. The design comprises of a cap detail and both its ends are used to fit identical pet bottles. The cap detail has a universal size, which can be used with bottles that have a size from 0.5 liter to 2.5 liter. Eight can be fitted with LEDs of various colors and a user can pick the shade as per their taste. Eight is environmentally-friendly and an easy way to jazz up an area, lending the much required warmth. Via: Keremasfr

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Eight is an eco friendly lighting solution

At the 2012 State of Green Business Forum in Minneapolis Thursday, Donco's David Mendelson explained how taking the byproduct from one company and matching it to the raw material needs of another can improve one's environmental footprint — and the bottom line.

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The Successes Possible from a Jigsaw Puzzle Theory of Recycling

As part of its CSR initiatives, SAP has partnered with PlaNet Finance to help fund, and make more efficient, the work of rural shea harvesters in Africa — improving lives and helping to improve the environment in one fell swoop.

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How SAP’s Software Benefits Poor Rural Women In Ghana

Kamlesh Kandasamy: As we know it Bicycles are one of the most laudable inventions by human beings. Their simplistic design and dependability on mechanical energy are the highlights. To mention, bicycles are the highly efficient environmentally friendly vehicles ever built unlike the gas powered vehicles that liberate harmful emissions into the atmosphere. Though bicycles too have limitations, people continue to use them by ignoring the disadvantages. As the designers and engineers upgrade their designs to suit the modern trends, these vehicles never look unfashionable. Bicycles became more easy to use when engineers installed electric motors to them. As a result, the required mechanical effort is compensated by the electrical energy. Like cars and bikes, bicycles too undergo upgrades once in a while to adapt newer technologies and deliver luxurious rides. Eco friendly hybrid bicycles Need for change Though hybrid bicycles are eco friendly, they have significant limitations too. These battery powered bicycles have to be recharged frequently especially for daily riders, thus makes them less preferable. If newer technologies averts these limitations, definitely, hybrid bicycles are likely to become the most preferred vehicle in the future. Trends 1) Grace Grace Bicycle a) What’s new: Grace resembles a conventional bicycle in its design with two wheels, a sturdy frame and a seat. However, the materials used in making this bicycle is its highlight. To be specific, this bike is made from materials which are currently used in Euro-fighter planes and formula one cars. Amazingly, Grace is touted to become the most successful legal street bike, especially due to its high strength and rigidity. b) What difference will it make: Grace is a realistic modern bicycle that can cruise up to 45kph on normal roads and 65kph on race tracks. A 1.3KW electric motor is responsible for churning out this amazing power. The bike’s zero emission is the differentiated feature, which sets it apart and helps in supporting a pollution-free environment. 2) Electric bike blacktrail Electric bike blacktrail a) What’s new: Blacktrail bicycle possesses an extra-ordinary design that captivates viewers at the first glimpse itself. The bike’s body is made up of some of the most successful aerospace materials like carbon fibers, magnesium, titanium and carbon. Its wheels are broad, dynamic and sturdy enough to absorb abrupt shocks. Blacktrail has a disc-brake system similar to the motorcycles. b) What difference will it make: Blacktrail is regarded as the fastest motorcycle in the world. Its CM 48V Lithium-Ion battery pack could allow the bike to cruise up to a top speed of 100kph. The battery could be fully recharged in about 150 minutes. In short, Blacktrail is one of the lightest, fastest and most powerful bicycles ever manufactured, making it a highly efficient and preferable bike. 3) M55 EVO-001 Luxury Electric Bike M55 EVO-001 Luxury Electric Bike a) what’s new: EVO-001 electric bike is regarded as one of the most intelligent bicycles. The Hungarian bike manufacturer M55 has designed this bike as a power assisted bicycle. To be literal, this bike is not directly powered by electric motor. Instead, the pedal effort is effectively transferred to the wheels through an electric motor. EVO-001 was unveiled in two distinct variants with noticeable difference in the capacity of their electric motors. b) What difference will it make: EVO-001’s unique power assisted riding technology that makes your ride independent of electricity. The riders can utilize the mechanical energy to power up the electric motor up to a top speed of 43mph. 4) PiMobility Electric Hybrid Bike PiMobility Electric Hybrid Bike a) What’s new: PiMobility electric bike is very unique and intriguing especially because of its mind-boggling design and hybrid technology. The bicycle possesses an arch like monocoque frame made from aluminum. Shortly called as Picycle, this bike has a Lithium-Ion battery pack with a mileage range of about 30 to 50 miles on a full charge. b) What difference will it make: PiMobility electric bicycle could be used in three riding modes: pedal effort, fully-electric and pedal with electric assist. As the battery is completely hidden inside the monocoque frame, the bike has a pleasing appearance. The bike’s different riding modes makes it highly versatile. Obviously, Pimobility electric bike is environment-friendly. 5) Lexus Hybrid Bicycle Concept Lexus Hybrid Bicycle Concept a) What’s new: Lexus’ bicycle is one of the most creative bikes ever produced. The bike possesses a sleek design with independent motors for its wheels. The bike includes an eight speed transmission unit with a regenerative braking system. b) what difference will it make: Lexus’ bike is made of lightweight, composite materials which are currently used in formula cars. Its hybrid technology makes use of the rider’s mechanical effort. However, a 25.9V Lithium-Ion battery assists the pedaling effort through a belt-driven electric motor. These features make the bike emission-free and highly preferable.

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What’s Next: Eco friendly hybrid bicycles for those who seek luxury