From the monthly archives:

August 2004

Weatherproof Outdoor Speakers: Polk Audio Atrium Self-Powered Loudspeakers

August 30, 2004

The Polk Atrium loudspeakers are rugged, weather-resistant, self-powered and portable. Many outdoor speakers are suitable only for sheltered locations. The Atrium speakers meet industry & military specs for full exposure to the elements. The speakers are constructed of stainless steel and brass components to resist rust and corrosion. The cabinets are completely sealed to enhance [...]

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Book Review: Portable Houses

August 30, 2004

When some people vacation, they take their homes with them.
Those are the people Irene Rawlings and Mary Abel write about in Portable Houses, a book devoted to all sorts of movable shelters and the people who created or renovated them. The examples featured in the book range in elaborateness from a canvas miner’s tent to [...]

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An Efficient Portable Amplifier: The Boostaroo

August 30, 2004

The Boostaroo is a pocket-size portable amplifier for your earphones. It amplifies the sound coming out of your iPod or MP3 player by 100%. I’ve tested this device, and it certainly does amplify quite well, and two AA batteries it uses last for weeks.
It also functions as a splitter and allows you to share your [...]

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Teflon: Strong Indications That It’s Toxic

August 27, 2004

Teflon contains a toxic chemical called C8 or PFOA which has been linked to cancer and birth defects in animals. Its effects have never been formally tested on humans.
The chemical, perfluorooctanoic acid, is a soaplike material. It is used to make many widely used products, such as non-stick cookware, fast food containers, clothing, Gortex outdoor [...]

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More Efficient Ceramics by Heath

August 26, 2004

Ceramics are a renewable material, and are generally an eco-effective choice over materials such as plastics. Treehugger points out that HeathCeramics use only half the energy to create their ceramics because they only fire them once and use matt glazes, which do not contain the questionable materials in some glazes.
Home Page: Heath Ceramics
Available from [...]

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VosPAD: Apartment Lit Solely by LEDs

August 26, 2004

I’m not sure if I’d want to live here, but interesting nonetheless — an apartment lit solely by LEDs. The light is supplied by 120 color-changing RGB LED fittings, using 360W of power total.
A customized Lutron system control system changes intensity and hue of the light in various room and can be used to create [...]

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3D LED Reactual Sculptures by James Clar

August 26, 2004
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Non-Toxic Infant Toys and Teethers

August 23, 2004

Infants absorb chemicals more easily than adults — their bodies run at a higher metabolic rate, and their skin is ten times thinner.
Infant toys and teether made of PVC plastic often leak phthalates (pronounced “thay-lates”) and other toxic substances (see more details in this report on 2003 PVC Report Card on Kid’s Toys Manufacturers).

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Efficient Canister Vacuum: Dyson Telescope DC11 All Floors Bagless Cyclonic Canister Vacuum Cleaner

August 23, 2004

This is a canister vacuum with the longest name we’ve seen so far. Designed by James Dyson in the U.K., this vacuum has only recently become available in the U.S., and it has a impressive list of design features, including the claim that it is “the first vacuum that doesn’t lose suction.”

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Grapefruit Seed Extract: Efficient Disinfectant

August 18, 2004

Grapefruit Seed Extract is a powerful disinfectant. It can be used to disinfect wounds, sterilize fruit and vegetables, purify drinking water, sanitize dishes, countertops and cutting boards and inhibit bacteria growth in pools and spas. The active ingredient of grapefruit seed extract is synthesized from the seed and pulp of certified organically grown grapefruit. The [...]

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Water Saving Shower Head: “Earth Massage”

August 16, 2004

This was my first low-flow showerhead, and it’s still one of my favorites. The Earth Massage showerhead produces a fine spray or pulsing jet but only uses 1.75 gallons per minute. It works consistently in both low and high water pressures. A “soak and soap” button reduces the flow rate to 1.0 gpm for soaping [...]

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Renewable Rocking Chair: IKEA/PS GULLHOLMEN

August 15, 2004

This minimalist rocking chair is made of renewable banana leaves and rattan. It has a steel base. It is quite comfortable to sit in and massages your pressure points a little.
Available from: Ikea ($59)

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Non-Toxic Adhesives, Caulks and Sealants

August 14, 2004

When building, adhesives are often overlooked and considered at the last minute. However, adhesives are often more toxic than the flooring and other products they are made to adhere.

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Our Choice for an E-Bike: TidalForce M-750

August 13, 2004

The TidalForce E-Bike is a powerful motor-assisted mountain bike. Originally developed for the U.S. Airforce, the bike has rugged body and folds down to 18″ x 42″ x 36″ (with the front wheel removed).

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Large Throw Pillow: 100% Natural and Inexpensive

August 13, 2004

These large hemp pillows (18″ x 18″) are made by villagers in Thailand for Tribal Fiber under a FairTrade agreement.
Hemp is a durable, mold resistant fabric that softens with use. The pillows are filled with natural kapok – a silky fiber grown Southern Asia. The color comes from dyes made with flowers, leaves, seeds, [...]

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Virgin Wool Rugs Available from L.L. Bean

August 12, 2004

These rugs are 95% virgin wool (a renewable resource), and reportedly very durable and colorfast. They are handwoven using flat braids by Capel in North Carolina. The cost is $80 to $570. They are available in nine colors and seven different sizes.
Capel also makes other carpets woven from renewable material.
Available from: L.L. Bean
Lead from: Apartment [...]

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Stronger Bioplastic Developed: Kenaf + Polylactic Acid (PLA)

August 11, 2004

A stronger bioplastic has been created by NEC.
It was achieved by reinforcing polylactic acid with kenaf fiber.
Kenaf is an extremely fast growing plant which absorbs more CO2 than other other crop.
The bioplastic would be beneficial to the ecosystem during its manufacture and when it is discarded and biodegrades.

The superior stength and heat resistance of this [...]

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Reclaimed White Oak Chair by Whit McLeod

August 11, 2004

This chair is made of 100% white oak salvaged from wine barrels discarded by California wineries. It is treated with linseed oil. The chair folds together like so:

The price for one chair is $125. They also construct other furniture.
Available from: Whit McLeod

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Renewable, Modular Carpet Tiles: FLOR

August 5, 2004

“Interface FLOR” carpet tiles are made from renewable materials that can recycled easily.
They are also built to be modular: if an accident happens, you can clean them in the sink put them back on the floor. They are held down by “low tack” adhesive dots. You can also create new designs by rearranging the tiles.

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American Clay: Natural Earth Plasters

August 5, 2004

American Clay natural interior plasters resist mold growth, do not outgas, are easily repaired, and are available in twelve earth inspired colors. Here is an article explaining the advantages of earth plasters.
Available from: American Clay

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