Kamlesh Kandasamy: The renowned German automaker Volkswagen is about to make a thrilling show with the debut of its two nature-friendly models, at the Detroit Motor Show in 2012. Surprisingly, it’s the unexpected Jetta’s hybrid version and Volkswagen’s pure electric concept. This electric concept is likely to be ‘Beetle Esque’ and it is expected to possess the traditional Beetle’s essence in a more sophisticated style. To mention, Volkswagen’s Beetle was one of the best selling models in the 1960’s. In fact, Beetle had made a remarkable re-entry into the automobile market, a few years ago. Undoubtedly, it captivated millions of heart across the world, despite the generation differences. Expectations have become very high for Volkswagen’s next electric concept, which is likely to possess some of the best eco-friendly solutions. Beetle-Esque Picture Gallery Beetle-Esque VW ‘Beetle-Esque’ EV Concept Joining Jetta Hybrid at Detroit If Beetle Esque EV is the manfuacturer’s new electric concept, it might have a similar profile to its previous versions. However, Volkswagen’s electric technology is likely expected to propel the front wheels in the newer version, unlike the earlier version which propels its rear wheels. As the manufacturer is playing cards close to its heart, much information has not revealed yet on this proposed concept. Volkswagen’s Up being the manufacturer’s one of the highly appreciated electric models, the next version in its electric segment is expected to carry bigger magnitudes and features. We expect a model similar to Beetle Esque, to be first in the queue. The convincing news is that Jetta hybrid will be revealed along with the new electric concept. However, we may not see this hybrid version on the roads until the last quarter of 2012. With just a few days for the scheduled motor show, you can expect officially confirmed news about the Volkswagen’s electric concept. All the information mentioned here is just a hearsay and hopefully, the manufacturers will confirm the news after their launches at the prestigious motor show in Detroit. Source: Motor Trend

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VW Beetle Esque EV concept could join Jetta hybrid at Detroit

Nisha Changrani: Energy crisis has already entered its golden era. Now, in the huddled up run to nullify it, we are stumbling upon sources that were earlier not even known to exist, at least under the cover of human understanding. Photosynthesis has been one of these long known and understood, yet untapped methods. Photosynthesis is the soul process of energy generation for plants, but who could think of it to suffice the energy hunger of the millions of brained bipeds today? Well, yes, today scientists at many renowned institutes the world over have discovered the potential of this process to biomanufacture an important biofuel – hydrogen. Souped up photosynthesis produces H2 The process of photosynthesis actually uses sunlight to split a molecule of water into two sister molecules of oxygen and hydrogen. With a slight twist and turn in the enzymes that are prescribed by nature in this process, it might be possible to get a constant harvest of hydrogen at a rate that would defeat the natural one – twice it. In the natural process, three groups of native enzymes – Photosystem 1, FNR and NADP are used. In the small solar device that has been made to conduct the mimicked process, FNR would be replaced by the enzyme, Hydrogenase, which acts as a potent catalyst for combining loose electrons with hydrogen ions to give birth to hydrogen molecules. Thus, by utilizing the same process, with a slightly different cocktail of enzymes, the end product, which is sugar in the natural process, can be altered to vomit out a perennial supply of hydrogen biofuel. But till now, this is just a thought. That should not be disheartening because every practical idea had once been a singular thought. Our researchers are working towards the gratified realization of this thought. The faster it is realized, the better it is. The specific reason that hydrogen biofuel does not leave anything but water behind when it burns completely makes this discovery all the more enticing. Via: ABC

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Researchers plan to produce hydrogen fuel using plant technology

Munmun Goswami: Israel is all set to become an international example when it comes to housing environmentally friendly buildings. The country will house a LEED Platinum certified building in Tel Aviv University (TAU). Around three years back, Geotectura, an architectural firm focusing on sustainable architecture, won a competition of international repute together with Chen Architects and Axelrod-Grobman Architects for designing a green building for Porter School of Environment Studies (PSES) located in TAU. And now, the trio have started laying ground work for the building. LEED Platinum Eco Building by Geotectura The building would take the advantage of Israel’s location. With sunlight pouring in bounty, the building will garner solar energy by using a 50KW photovoltaic solar arrangement. And you need not worry about the temperature inside, for a cooling technology, better known as the chilled beam technology will come to your rescue. This is not all, the eco friendly building will also have a green roof and vertical gardens so as to generate pure air. An addition to the green facts, rainwater harvesting system would also be installed on the roof in order to counter the scanty rainfall effect in Israel. Picture Gallery LEED Platinum Eco Building by Geotectura Construction of Israel’s First LEED Platinum Eco Building. In order to discourage people from using personal vehicles and promote the usage of public transport, Geotectura plans to construct a minimal parking area so as to house fewer vehicles. It is an assumption that when the parking area is less, faculty and students would be encouraged to use public transport and bicycles instead. Let’s see how much this project would succeed in its presumptions, assumptions and realizations. It is good that countries like Israel, where resources have not been very fair in their distribution, are thinking of such sane ideas to be realized. Green projects do cost more but in the long run are sure to benefit our home. Such steps are the commencements to lower our mammoth carbon footprints. Via: Greenprophet

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Israel’s Porter School of Environment Studies gears up for its LEED Platinum building

U.S. territory American Samoa has officially made it illegal for stores to give out plastic shopping bags. Signed last week by Gov. Togiola Tulafono, the law will go into effect on Feb. 23, 2011. The passing comes on the heels of California’s…

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American Samoa Beats California to Plastic Bag Punch

Sorry, gas guzzler. You fail — or at least, earn a D. One of two new EPA-proposed fuel economy stickers, slated to be rolled out next year and slapped on 2012 showroom cars, doesn’t dip into the F-range. But it gives letter grades to autos…

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New EPA Gas Economy Stickers Fuel Debate

If you’re a regular at your local farmers’ market, hopefully you got a vote in for it in the 2010 “America’s Favorite Farmers Market” contest, put on by the American Farmland Trust (AFT). The contest, which attracted…

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Where to Find the Best Farmers Markets in the U.S.

September is National Yoga Month, and whether you’re a daily practitioner, hot yoga addict or simply just in it for the Savansana, greening your routine takes less effort than any pose you’ll be twisting yourself into. 1. Switch to a recycled mat…

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5 Ways to Celebrate National Yoga Month

The University of Georgia’s 2009 home opener against South Carolina resulted in more than 70 tons of trash. And as one study by Michigan State points out, most trash at these types of events could have been recycled or composted. This…

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EPA Announces College Football Challenge

Do a typical search on “insects” on an environmental website and you’ll mostly get results about green options to keep the buggers away. But there are reasons why we should have a little more compassion for our tiny fellow earth-dwellers (even if…

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A Few Reasons to Show Some Love for Bugs

Did you switch to a metal water bottle to cut back on plastic waste or because of the potential health effects of a reusable plastic bottle? No matter how durable the bottle is, you’ll eventually need to dispose of it, and recycling is a…

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How to Recycle a Metal Water Bottle