by staff on December 6, 2012
Bounce Your Way to Work
We’ll start from the ground up, with the perhaps most fun form of transportation: a trampoline road. Estonian architecture studio, Salto, has built an inventive solution to the boredom of the morning commute—a 51 meter (170 foot-long) trampoline, that can be used to bounce to your destination.
The trampoline, dubbed Fast Track, has been built and installed at arts festival Archstoyanie, and has been a hit since it was opened at the end of November in the Nikola-Lenivets forest, in southwest Russia. The creation is made of black rubber, and is more sensitive to its forest environment than a road. [read more…]
by staff on November 30, 2012
Tesla Model S was named Motor Trend Magazine’s 2013 Car of the Year, the first time a non-gasoline powered vehicle received the honor. Even though the Model S was the fastest American car tested, Americans are still warming to the idea of driving an electric car.
The Model S beat finalists including luxury and family cars, such as the Ford C-Max Hybrid, Ford Fusion, Honda Accord, BMW 3 Series, Lexus GS, Porche 911, Porche Boxster, and Subaru BRZ, according to the magazine. Motor Trend’s panel of 11 judges voted unanimously for the Tesla Model S after testing 25 contenders in a closed-course environment. Motor Trend tested acceleration, brakes, handling, noise, suspension tuning, among other factors. [read more…]
by staff on November 16, 2012
As temperatures continue to drop, electric bills usually go up during the chilly months. A few simple changes can help you go green (and save some green) this winter.
Drafts
One small crack or crevasse can be a large drain on energy. Inspect your home for drafts by lighting an incense stick next to doorways and windows and watch the smoke, or walk around with a damp hand to feel for air flow. Use weather stripping or caulk to seal leaks on doors, windows and exterior walls. Install electric outlet and switch sealers, foam pads that are placed behind faceplates, to prevent drafts from exterior walls. Most heat loss occurs through windows, so hang curtains and drapes. During the day, make the most of natural sunlight by opening window treatments in rooms that receive direct sunlight. Close them at night to retain heat. Also consider installing double-paned windows, which are huge energy savers. [read more…]
by staff on November 9, 2012
With millions still left without electricity a week after Hurricane Sandy hit the Northeastern United States, many are left wondering how this aftermath could have been alleviated in some way. Solar is a relatively safe form of energy, a feature that may be overlooked in a state of crisis such as superstorm Sandy that disabled New York City’s power grid this week.
Unlike fossil fuel plants, solar plants require no combustible fuels to generate electricity and there is no danger that they will leak radiation like a nuclear power plant. Unlike the nuclear and fossil fuel infrastructure, the Northeast’s wind and solar farms evoked little public anxiety this week when Hurricane Sandy hit. Safety officials kept a careful eye on the nuclear power plants and three were shut down in New Jersey and New York. [read more…]
by staff on October 18, 2012
I’m sure you have heard about the unique benefits commercial businesses receive by going solar. As a reader, have you ever wondered which businesses have made the commitment to a solar installation?
One real-life example might be closer than you think. In fact, the next time you visit your local grocery store, you can find them on the shelf in the all-natural and organic section. With over 200 personal care products in more than 19 different countries, Kiss My Face is now more natural than ever. They proudly went solar and drastically reduced their overhead costs as well as their carbon footprint.
Kiss My Face, headquartered in the Hudson Valley, became greener than ever with the installation of a solar system in December 2009. As of July 2012, the system has produced over 178,921 watts. The installation was sized to cover 61% of the building’s electrical usage, but ended up producing approximately 110% annually, saving the company more money than expected. [read more…]