Sonia Renthlei: The world is now taking green living seriously in view of the increased damage being caused to the environment. Manufacturers of consumer products are looking at eco friendly resources for producing goods and are also utilizing what is known as eco packaging to market their products. These packages made from biodegradable materials are replacing plastic and metal rapidly. If every manufacturer joins the bandwagon, we may soon see the world get rid of plastic, leaving the earth cleaner and healthier.

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Eco friendly packaging designed to reduce waste

Ishan Sidhu: As our conventional sources of energy are about to go extinct, scientists are developing unique and indifferent technologies to meet the global demand of energy. Carl Peart, a Mexican student, entered the ‘Create the Future Design Contest, 2011′, with this unique design to produce clean energy. Named ‘Solar collection and Transfer Satellite’, it uses the system of Electro Mechanical Batteries to store energy, which is collected by the solar panels installed on the satellite. EMBs are simple and have amazing potential to store energy. Solar Energy Collection & Transfer Satellite Picture Gallery Solar Energy Collection & Transfer Satellite The Satellite collects energy through the incorporated solar array. A composite flywheel spins with an electric motor and is comprised within a battery. The flywheel using magnetic force floats in a vacuum chamber and can spin at speeds above 60,000rpm. The chamber is almost friction-less which makes it possible to store energy for a long period of time. The electricity can be used by slowing down the flywheel and using the motor as a generator. Energy is collected by the satellite using parallel connected solar panels. After storing this energy a microwave antenna transfers it to earth where a rectenna converts it back into electricity. The antenna can be repositioned; hence energy can be easily transferred to various locations on the earth, from one position in the orbit. The system features easy access doors and also allows easy replacement of worn batteries. The batteries are placed on a circular plate which rotates. They are mounted in a way which helps nullify gyroscope. Each satellite contains 360 batteries with a capacity to hold about 25 kWh each. In future, this satellite can be used for producing and storing clean energy. It would constantly provide clean energy for meeting the rising global demands. Via: Techbriefs

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Mexican student envisions energy generating satellite

Dattatreya Mandal: When we come across modernistic conceptualizations, the majority of the designs tend to flaunt their somewhat presumptuous and even vainglorious bearing. But if we talk about ‘down to earth’ practicality, it is the simplistic, credible conceptions that really matter in the massive commercial scheme of things. Well, the Yamaha Hecta is one among such very few facile contrivances that marries the high points of sustainability and innovation. Hecta Picture Gallery Hecta RCA Final Personal Project. Conceived by designer James Harness, the Hecta has been envisaged as a simple fusion of a human powered bicycle, or rather a tricycle, and an electric vehicle. Coming to the visual essence, the conspicuous front section of the craft insinuates a heavily built chassis with curvaceous lines. In stark contrast, the rear part of the vehicle embodies a minimalist approach with a simple bicycle form and pedals. As for the structural mechanism, this is where the designer effortlessly demonstrates his deft expertise. The bulky front component is covered by a stylized blue lexan top surface, which is fully removable. This structural ‘draping’ conceals a uniquely voluminous cargo space defined by light weight carbon fiber bearing. The hefty section is also supported by two hubless wheels, infused with sturdy electric motors and disk brake cooling. Coming to the rear part, the simplistic single wheel frame encloses a fully integrated battery pack, along a with SRAM I-motion 9 hub gear system. As for maneuvering, the Hecta will pose as a hybrid ‘green’ vehicle with dual driving mechanism. This means the driver can use it as a conventional bicycle powered by pedaling, while the electrical circuitry can alternatively provide for an automatic yet low emission form of transportation. And since we are talking about the intrinsic driving experience, the whole facet is improved upon by an advanced system of integrated computer with RFID sensor and GPS navigation capability, embedded along the front handles. So, at the end of the day, the Hecta certainly thrives to epitomize that novel essence of simplicity, intelligence and most importantly sustainability. Via: JHarness

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Hecta: A ‘green’ user friendly vehicle that fuses bicycle with an electric mechanism

Abdul Vahid V: Italian firms Med Computer and Biomood have created biodegradable cases for Apple iPhone, the iNature. It was demonstrated at CES 2012 in Las Vegas. The iNature cases will decompose about 90 percent in soil in 180 days after you throw away them. They are made from a native Italian bio-plastic, called the Apinat. The material is ideal to protect your iPhone from falls, scratches and shocks, as it fits well around your handset. iNature Bio-Degradable Outfits The iNature case can withstand harsh climate and won’t wear out even in heat, humidity or other still conditions. However, what makes it even more amazing are its biodegradable features. Like most iPhone cases, iNature won’t make any stress on ecology as it easily rots. The world today is in need of exactly this technology, which helps avert polluting the environment. The iNature case was one among the devices that grabbed the CES Innovations 2012 Design and Engineering Awards. Along with iNature, the Italian firms unveiled an iNature BioRolly, which is also a biodegradable technology accessory. The BioRolly is meant to wrap up cables and chords to shun away annoying tangling. The iNature iPhone case comes in three models with various tints. The case is priced at $19.9 and you can grab it from the product web site. The product will fit well around all recent models including iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4 and 4S. Get an iNature case for your iPhone and save the earth from more plastic and hard garbage. Via: GreenPacks

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Italian firms bring you iNature: A biodegradable iPhone case

Sonia Renthlei: The gap between mankind and nature is slowly but surely widening. While we have lived off the earth for millennia, it’s safe to say that we have barely given anything back. This is now causing problems as we see ourselves gazing into a future where resources are depleting, land space is scarce and pollution is at an all-time high. Our way of life has distanced us from the natural environment so much so that our understanding and connection to our surroundings is all but broken. Is there anything that can be done to reverse the trend? Maybe, if certain designers and architects have their way. Hybrid Forest Picture Gallery Hybrid Forest The project is conceived as an urban hybrid forestry of multiple elements. 24 Degrees Studio is a firm that seeks to integrate living with the environment, technology and architecture. Its method tries to prove that urban living doesn’t have to necessitate damage to the environment and can be accomplished through sustainable and intelligent designs instead. It hopes to be able to make interaction possible between man and nature which will hopefully see us finally living with nature and not living off it. 24 Degrees Studio has conceived a project called Hybrid Forest wherein structures will aim to use as little land space as possible. Four houses make up the project with all of them occupying a 36mx36m grid each. The space saved in between the houses can then be used for recreational activities. Plenty of glass will be used for construction of the Hybrid Forest to initiate ample natural lighting and scenic views of the natural surroundings. Each of the four units will have its own parking space and garden located in the given block. An elevator will be installed to elevate the car to its allotted space. On the same floor, a private garden will be constructed for inhabitants to plant and grow flora of their choice. The upper floor will have its own private viewing space, free from the eyes of the neighboring units. However, those who do want to interact with people living in the other units can do so via access ways on the rooftops. 24 Degrees Studio’s Hybrid Forest is a refreshing concept from the usual attempts to create green spaces in and around urban landscapes. While those methods help to a certain degree, there is no beating living in an area where your home and nature embrace each other. Healthier and far more peaceful, such concepts can provide people living fast-paced and stressed out lives a cozy and quiet nook to come home to. 24 Degrees Studio’s designs are minimalistic and contemporary, combining simple lines with earthy and muted tones. It also involves itself in interior decorating and what is unique is the architects’ ability to give even small rooms the illusion of spaciousness. Examples of the firm’s works can be viewed at its website. It isn’t known if Hybrid Forest will ever become a reality but such efforts to design homes that blend architecture with nature are always welcome. In this age of concrete and skyscrapers, it’s a pleasant change to come across designs that give the impression of sprawling homes without actually utilizing large amounts of space. Via: 24dStudio

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Hybrid Forest integrates technology, architecture and environment

Sonia Renthlei: The problems with current EVs As we all know, our fuel supply is slowly and steadily being exhausted, as our population soars and we continue to depend on the earth’s resources to keep us going. Unfortunately, fuel sources take thousands of years to regenerate which is why we’re struggling to find new ways to feed our demands. As of now, vehicles powered by electricity are trying to replace conventional cars in an attempt to conserve fuel. While this is laudable, there are some problems associated with EVs that prevent them from being truly feasible. Most EVs run on lithium-ion batteries that need to be charged ever so often. This poses a problem for areas where charging stations are scarce or non-existent. Of course, electric vehicles all come with a cable that can be plugged into any household electric outlet of 120 volts. But, the charging process can take a long time, usually up to 10 hours for a full charge and in worse cases, up to 20 hours, depending on the size of the EV’s battery. The maximum distance range of an EV is also significantly slower than conventional fuel-powered cars, increasing anxiety among EV users who have to commute for miles at a time. Hydrogen fuel Lithium shortage Most electronic devices use lithium-ion batteries and this includes EVs. While it’s a pretty abundant material, it needs to be processed as it doesn’t occur naturally in elemental form. Whispers of lithium shortage are already making the rounds, prompting researchers to seek out other sources. In EVs, lithium is required in higher quantities and this requirement is proportional to the size of the battery. Now, if everyone were to switch from fossil fuel-based cars to EVs, supply of lithium could very well diminish, posing another problem for our fuel-starved planet. The process of deriving lithium commercially, too is time-consuming, with two years needed to yield just a ton of the resource. High cost of replacement batteries What makes lithium-ion batteries inefficient is their short lives. Whether you apply them to EVs or other electronic devices that rely on them, they need to be replaced often. However, unlike in gadgets like MP3 players and cellphones, batteries used for EVs are far more expensive. The replacement for a hybrid car battery can cost anywhere between $1,000 to $6,000 depending on the make and year of the car. Customers also need competent dealers to replace it for them, the labor work of which can cost about $900. This isn’t viable in the long run as EV users will rack up a substantial bill, negating the advantages of owning and driving these eco-friendly vehicles. Fuel cells: A cleaner, greener alternative An alternative to batteries that is currently gaining ground is hydrogen fuel cells. This element is found in abundance and can be combined with other elements to power vehicles. Since it doesn’t occur naturally as a gas on earth, hydrogen needs to come into contact with air, the result of which produces electricity, steam and heat. Like lithium-ion-based vehicles, hydrogen-fueled cars produce nil emissions, making them popular with the green brigade. Advantages of hydrogen 1. Hydrogen has the highest energy content This green gas has the highest energy content of any other fuel per unit of weight. As water molecules break down to form HHO or Brown’s Gas, the resultant fuel is much more efficient than conventional gas or diesel. Fuel cell engines propelled by hydrogen run at a much capable rate than internal combustion engines. For a better understanding, 2.2 pounds of hydrogen give almost the same output of energy as a gallon of gas does. 2. Hydrogen is non-polluting Hydrogen as a fuel alternative doesn’t just generate more energy but it is non-polluting as well. The only byproduct you get is water and heat so there is no carbon dioxide produced. 3. Hydrogen is an abundant fuel source Unlike gas and diesel, hydrogen is found in abundance, with an almost inexhaustible supply. This makes it a better alternative to lithium-ion batteries as lithium is limited. Notable trends 1. Mercedes-Benz to debut hydrogen fueled F125! Mercedes Benz F125 Popular automaker, Mercedes, has revealed its hydrogen-powered F125! concept whose design is inspired by the F800. Looks-wise, it’s an awesome vehicle with smooth, flowing lines typical of a Merc production. Gullwing doors lend it a futuristic look that matches its inner workings. Four electric motors crank out 231hp, capable of pushing the machine to top speeds of 137mph. Acceleration time is pretty impressive at 4.9 seconds going from 0-60mph. What is more impressive, however, is its hydrogen consumption: a mere 0.79kg per 100kms. The gas tank is made of carbon fiber with a capacity of holding 700 bars of H2. Additional power is produced from the on-board lithium-ion battery pack of 10kWh, enabling the car to travel 31km before the fuel cell is activated. 2. Toyota FCV-R Toyota FCV-R To be launched in 2015, Toyota has also designed a hydrogen-fueled vehicle called the FCV-R. Still a concept, the FCV-R is a pretty large saloon, equipped with two 10,000psi hydrogen tanks, one under the rear seats and the second under the boot door. The fuel cell has been placed between the front seats while a second battery has been mounted behind the fixed seats at the rear. The company is still trying to bring the cost of the vehicle down before it is launched from the current estimate of 85,000 pounds. 3. Mazda debuts Norwegian-spec RX-8 Hydrogen RE Mazda RX-8 Hydrogen RE While Mazda’s Norwegian version of the RX-8 Hydrogen RE debuted a few years back, it deserves a mention as it was the company’s first hydrogen-powered vehicle for Norway. Incidentally, the car helped mark the opening of the country’s HyNor project (hydrogen filling stations) to make H2-fueled cars more popular among the masses. The hybrid vehicle has a hydrogen tank with a capacity of storing 2.4kg of H2. Needed improvements 1. High cost Like most alternative fuel sources, processing hydrogen to generate electricity can be expensive. Complex machines and techniques are required which is why the popularity of this abundant resource hasn’t hit its peak. 2. Storage and safety issues H2 may be clean and green but it’s also highly volatile and flammable. While current storage tanks are made keeping in mind chances of leaks and other dangers, they aren’t exactly fool-proof. 3. Still dependent on fossil fuels Energy produced by hydrogen may be high but so is the energy needed to produce this gas. The process of conversion still depends on fossil fuels which makes this ‘clean’ source of energy significantly polluting.

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Why the future of transportation needs better fuel cells not batteries

During the first morning of the GreenBiz Forums, Jon Foley, director of the University of Minnesota's Institute of the Environment, laid out a business plan for the Earth that aims to feed 9 billion people by 2050 while shrinking agriculture's eco-footprint.

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How Can We Feed the Planet Without Destroying the Planet?

Rajeev Kumar: Scientists have successfully identified the molecules which naturally clean earth’s atmosphere, making it pollution free. These newly discovered molecules will convert pollutants into aerosol drops that will eventually lead to the formation of clouds. Named after German Chemist Rudolf Criegee, who first hypothesized about this molecule in 1950s, the Criegee intermediates oxidize pollutants like nitrogen dioxide and sulfur dioxide. This chemical reaction produces aerosol-forming compounds like nitrates and sulphates which then help in the formation of clouds. New molecule may solve global warming Also known as carbonyl oxide biradicals, these are produced in the atmosphere by the reaction of Ozone and some chemicals released by plants. According to scientists these molecules are the most important link for understanding the reaction of unsaturated compounds with ozone in the atmosphere. According to them, this reaction directly contributes in the oxidation of hydrocarbons of sulfur and nitrogen in the lower atmosphere and leads to the formation of secondary aerosols. While these aerosols cause health problems associated with a photochemical smog and low visibility for a certain period of time, they also have positive implications on climate change because of the formation of earth-cooling clouds. The new finding could open up new avenues for tackling global warming, especially at a time when present efforts are said to be insufficient for stopping the ever rising global temperature. More alarming is the fact that about 2/3rd of total rise of 0.8 degree Celsius in the last 100 years occurred during the preceding 30 years alone. However, it is still too early to expect much from the new discovery as scientists now face the most difficult task of finding artificial applications of Criegee against global warming. The research was conducted jointly by scientists from Sandia’s Combustion Research facility, University of Manchester and Bristol University. Efforts are still in progress for developing a more practical solution. Via: Smartplanet

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Scientists discover molecules to fight against global warming

Abdul Vahid V: Google and the Department of Energy (DOE) have funded a massive project to generate geothermal power from a dormant volcano in Central Oregon. AltaRock Energy of Seattle and Davenport Newberry Holding of Stamford Connecticut are overseeing the geothermal project for clean energy. Google and DOE have already invested $43 million in the volcano power project. Google invest in volcano power Engineers plan to pump 24 million gallons of water into the areas of the dormant volcano to produce energy in a novel way this summer. The geothermal technology is a new method to produce alternative energy. The pumped water comes back to the surface fast and hot, which could be harnessed to generate electricity cheaply. The process will not bear any negative impact on the in environment. It will indeed not shake the earth or rattle the nerves of the nearby inhabitants. The volcano power has been used in many parts of the country for sometime around. For several years now, geothermal power plants in Central America have been supplying clean power to communities in the area. Google has a clear interest in the clean energy project. The web service provider has to power up its datacenters and aspires to use a low cost variants like geothermal power for the same. Lack of power is the biggest roadblock, which companies like the Mountain View tech and other giants face today in rolling out new and advanced data centers. Google has so far invested around $1 billion in sustainable energy projects. Apart from Google, Apple, Amazon, Facebook and Microsoft too are active players in other clean energy projects. All tech companies are upbeat about using clean energy sources to power up their businesses. Via: SmartPlanet

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Google and DOE finance a huge volcano power project in Oregon

Abdul Vahid V: Geothermal energy is gaining grip as a leading option for alternative power. Many more plants are coming up to produce power from the pressure and heat in volcano sites in many parts of the world. Geothermal energy developers are to pump millions of gallons of water to the sides of a volcano in Central Oregon this summer to produce large amount of power. It is yet another terrible idea to generate power without annoying the nature and people living around. Geothermal drilling rig Pumped water in the areas of an exploded volcano emerges out extremely faster and hotter. The heat and the pressure from its movement can be harnessed to produce power using high-tech geothermal plants. Seattle’s AltaRock Energy and Davenport Newberry Holding of Stamford Connecticut are overseeing the volcano power project in Central Oregon. Many tech companies and agencies have invested hugely in the volcano power project. Google and the U.S. Department of Energy have invested $43 million into the Oregon project. Google, the web search engine giant, is in look for more alternative energy to power up its growing datacenters in the U.S. Researchers reveal that the process of generating geothermal energy is highly cost effective. For power production, three things are necessary; a source of heat like a volcano, a source of water, which transfers heat to the surface to be turned to the electricity and lastly a method that will take the water down to the heat and bring it back. The combination of these three things will help humankind produce power from yet another natural source. It will cause no harmful impact on the earth or the creatures inhabiting the area of the geothermal power plant and volcano. Via: Dvice

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Pumping water into active volcanoes could generate ample geothermal energy