Archive for green building
Green News Weekly – Hybrid Sharks, Solar ATMs and Habitat for Humanity Building Green
Posted by: | CommentsWelcome back for another edition of our weekly green news highlights. This week: hybrid sharks were discovered swimming in the waters off Australia’s east coast; solar ATMs provide service to rural India; and Habitat for Humanity is building energy efficient homes and helping low income homeowners with reduced monthly utility costs.
Hybrid black tip shark containing both common and Australian black tip DNA (Image credit: uq.edu.au)
Ready for new hybrids? Australia’s hybrid shark reveals evolution in action. Is climate change causing different species of sharks to mate and create hybrids? MSNBC reports that Hybrid sharks have been discovered in the waters off the east coast of Australia. According to a research team, the hybrids may be driven by climate change and more hybrids could become common discoveries in the future. The hybridization is between the Australian black tip shark which prefers tropical waters and the larger, Common black tip shark, which favours sub-tropical and temperate waters. “To actually find something like this and prove it genetically is unprecedented,” said Bob Hueter, director of the Center for Shark Research at the Mote Marine Laboratory in Sarasota, Florida.
Solar ATMs Bring Change(s) to Rural India. Vortex Engineering has developed an ATM (Automated Teller Machine) that provides services to rural areas using solar power. The machine uses about as much electricity as a 70-watt lightbulb. “The initial lot of 400 solar ATMs, aptly called Gramateller (‘gram’ means village), the world’s largest order, placed by the State Bank of India ( SBI), has been winning accolades for performance and substantial energy savings. The ATMs were installed in 2010-11 across several states, usually within 20-50 km of the district headquarters, Vijay Babu, CEO of Vortex Engineering, which makes these units, told IANS from Chennai. Following SBI’s success with solar ATMs, the Catholic Syrian Bank also placed an order for 50 Gramatellers and Indian Bank for 20, while 10 more have been ordered by other banks, he added.” A solar-powered ATM saves over 90% of annual expenses in comparison to traditional ATMs.
Habitat goes green, saves green for residents. Antonio and Christie Miller of Nashville and Casey Greer are happy to see the decline in their utility bills thanks to their Habitat for Humanity built home that was designed to meet top energy efficiency standards. Habitat for Humanity, a non-profit organization, is responsible for building 4,800 homes in the United States and Canada in the last year, and they are committed to building energy efficient homes that are both affordable and green. Habitat homeowners agree. “Oh, my gosh, my utility bills are awesome,” Greer said. “This summer when it was extremely warm, I think the highest bill was 80 bucks. In my old place, the cheapest bill was almost $200.” Habitat programs in Nashville, Denver and Goshen, Ind., earned the Environmental Protection Agency’s 2011 Energy Star Sustained Excellence award for dedication to reducing greenhouse emissions through energy efficiency. With Habitat building homes for low income families, increased energy efficiency equates to lower monthly bills thereby making the ongoing costs to live there more affordable.
Are you afraid to go back in the water with new ‘hybrid’ sharks out there (I’m terrified of sharks)? Do you think solar ATMs will be popularized in North America? And bravo Habitat for Humanity, for green building and helping residents save on monthly utility expenses. Stay tuned for more green news.
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Planet Forward is an online retailer of ethically-made, earth-friendly products designed for everyday use with a distinctly urban feel. Products include reusable stainless steel bottles, stainless steel thermal travel mugs, waste-free lunch bags, reusable shopping bags, Make-it-Yourself toxin-free Green Cleaning kits, organic fashions and other accessories. SALE 50% OFF ALL PRODUCTS – SHOP NOW !
Green News Weekly – A Hobbit House, Tesla Electric Sedan and Remembering Joe Strummer
Posted by: | CommentsSeasons greetings and welcome back for another edition of our weekly green news highlights. This week we feature: green building with an eco-friendly Hobbit House; Tesla attempts to offer their electric vehicle sedan for under $50,000; and a special tribute to the legacy of The Clash frontman, Joe Strummer on the anniversary of the day we lost him.
Hobbit Home in Wales Image Credit: simondale.net
I’m sure there are plenty of fans of J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit (check out the movie trailer here). But how about those adorably cozy Hobbit houses? They add a whole new level of charm to green building design. There’s never been a better time to build a hobbit house. This photo looks like it came straight off the movie set but it was actually created by self-taught builder, Simon Dale. “The house is made of recycled and salvaged materials and features rainwater collection, a compost toilet, a green roof (obviously), and natural cooling and heating — all of which they probably had in the Shire too.” Sounds pricey, right? Surprisingly enough, it was only $5,000 to construct. Simon Dale built it with 1000 to 1500 man hours and within 4 months, his family moved in. You can read more about Simon’s Hobbit hole journey here. He explains how he did it, why he did it, the family’s perspective and the new house they are working on now.
I know it’s not for everyone’s budget, but Tesla announced Tuesday that the Tesla Model S gets the official price of $57,400 less a $7,500 US tax credit for Americans that meet a tax liability of at least that amount. They will be available for sale in fall 2012. Although the Tesla Model S electric vehicle will start accepting orders in summer 2012, the first models being sold are the Model S Signature Trim, which will start at a hefty $95,400 less $7,500 if you qualify for the tax credit. “While all vehicles are powered by the same electric motor, the battery capacity will vary depending on what you’re willing to pay. The standard 40-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery allows the Model S to go 160 miles when traveling at average speeds of 55 mph. There are also 60-kWh and 85-kWh batteries with ranges of 230 and 300 miles, respectively. Each increase in battery size increases the price by $10,000 — so $67,400 and $77,400, respectively.” Higher battery capacity also results in a slight increase in performance. The Tesla Model S sedan also features a 17” touchscreen, 19” wheels and seats up to 7.
9 years ago today Joe Strummer, lead singer of The Clash, passed away. Joe’s generous spirit and passion for life and social justice continues to influence to this day. Joe accomplished much in his short life and all he left behind inspires his fans from previous, current and future generations. Beyond his music and wisdom, Joe was a key participant in establishing Future Forests which has since been renamed The CarbonNeutral Company. Through Future Forests, Joe became the first artist to make recording, pressing and distributing his music carbon neutral through planting trees in various parts of the world. RIP Joe – you’re missed every day.
Stay tuned for our Best of 2011 recap series next week which will include a summary of our most popular green news stories, CSR triumphs, Meatless Monday recipes and eco-friendly crafts from the past year.
December 22, 2011
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Planet Forward is an online retailer of ethically-made, earth-friendly products designed for everyday use with a distinctly urban feel. Products include reusable stainless steel bottles, stainless steel thermal travel mugs, waste-free lunch bags, reusable shopping bags, Make-it-Yourself toxin-free Green Cleaning kits, organic fashions and other accessories. SALE 50% OFF ALL PRODUCTS – SHOP NOW !
Justin Timberlake Awarded for Environmental Leadership
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Justin Timberlake, the man who brought sexy back, has been honoured as an environmental leader by the EMA. The Environmental Media Association (EMA) has announced that Timberlake is the recipient of the “Futures Award,” sharing good company with past recipients Edward Norton, Rosario Dawson and popular band Maroon 5. Timberlake is known obviously for his music and acting career but also for his incredible eco-friendly golf course in Tennessee. Timberlake said, “My two loves are golf and the environment.”
Before we get back to JT, it’s important to understand the role of the Environmental Media Association (EMA). “The Environmental Media Association believes that through television, film and music, the entertainment community has the power to influence the environmental awareness of millions of people. This initial concept set the stage for our 1989 launch and it remains a core EMA tenant today. EMA mobilizes the entertainment industry in educating people about environmental issues, which in turn, inspires them to take action. A pioneer in linking the power of celebrity to environmental awareness, it was EMA who invented the ‘green carpet,’ launching the concept of taking a hybrid or alternative fuel vehicle – not a limo – to high profile awards events and bringing the concept of alternative automotive technology to millions of previously unaware households.”
EMA President Debbie Levin called Timberlake “a great example of how you can lend your voice for positive change.”
Now let’s explore some of the ‘greens’ at Timberlake’s eco-friendly golf course. Mirimichi golf course, located in Tennessee, has numerous green features and here’s the top five directly from their website:
- Audubon International Classic Sanctuary
The Mirimichi team partnered with Audubon International and consulted with Audubon Environmental so that the renovation of the golf facilities would implement sustainable resource management principles that incorporate wildlife conservation, habitat rehabilitation and enhancement, water conservation and water quality protection. Audubon International (AI) certification requires a yearly audit to ensure Mirimichi continues to implement these natural resource management principles long term. - GEO Certified
Mirimichi is one of the first ten courses world-wide to be recognized as GEO Certified from the Golf Environmental Organization (GEO). This prestigious designation recognizes our commitment to environmental sustainability by protecting and enhancing ecosystems and biodiversity, maximizing resource efficiency, reducing waste, and conserving cultural heritage and landscapes. We adhere to the promise of continual improvement, and regularly monitor and review environmental performance indicators to ensure progress. - Future Clubhouse
Mirimichi’s future clubhouse will be designed and constructed to meet the highest green building and performance measures. These measures will substantially reduce water and energy consumption, protect indoor air quality and occupant health, and use sustainable building materials that include local and recycled materials, as well as reduce the amount of construction waste diverted to area landfills. - Buffers, Littoral Shelves, Wildlife Habitat Enhancement
Along with conversion of turfgrass to grassland habitat, buffers and littoral shelves (shelves planted with aquatic vegetation along banks) have been added to on-site streams and ponds. Buffers and shelves protect water quality and provide safe, easy access to water resources for wildlife. - Natural Resource Management Center (NRMC)
The NRMC, or maintenance facility for Mirimichi, is the building in which pieces of equipment are serviced, and pesticides, fuel, fertilizer, and cleaning solvents are stored. The building has been designed to reduce the potential for spills and prevent pollution of soil, surface water, or ground water.
This isn’t JT’s first award for good deeds. The 24th annual Nickelodeon Kids Choice Awards gave the“Big Help Award” to Justin Timberlake for his efforts on behalf of the Shriners Hospital for Children. Justin Timberlake’s annual Shriners Hospitals for Children Open is a PGA golf tournament that’s dedicated to raising money and awareness for the organization. Justin Timberlake is a great ambassador for kids and the environment and remarkably, he’s leveraging his notoriety for good and not just fame and fortune.
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Planet Forward is an online retailer of ethically-made, earth-friendly products designed for everyday use with a distinctly urban feel. Products include reusable stainless steel bottles, stainless steel thermal travel mugs, waste-free lunch bags, reusable shopping bags, Make-it-Yourself toxin-free Green Cleaning kits, organic fashions and other accessories. SALE 50% OFF ALL PRODUCTS – SHOP NOW !
