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March 2005

Attractive + Renewable = Metaoptimal

Attractive clothing that is also produced in co-ordination with our natural systems is metaoptimal. These are styles made from organic fibers and natural dyes. Benefits: Organic farming practices improve soil fertility, safeguard farm workers, health, and preserve the quality of the environment for future generations. Regular cotton is grown on roughly 3% of all cultivated [...]

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Book Review: Field Guide To Sprawl (De-Metaefficient)

Who would have thought sprawl could be so entertaining? I guess its the combination of Dolores Hayden’s extensive collection of sprawl coinages and the aerial photography by Jim Wark that makes this book an intriguing coffetable read. By glancing through the pages you see examples of curious sprawl phenomena such as “Pork Chop Lots”, “Boomburb”, [...]

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A Lightweight Water Bottle that Doesn’t Leach

Yes — a water bottle that does not leach plastic or any other compound into the water its holds. Klean Kanteen is a reusable, lightweight stainless steel container. Plastics containers tend to leach unwelcome compounds such as BPA during regular use, exposure to heat, and especially after cleaning. Klean Kanteen is made from 304 L.N. [...]

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Upside-Down Tomato, Flower and Vegetable Planter

An interesting idea. This planter can used to tomatoes, other vegetables or even flowers from a small area. Hang on decks, patios, porches, balconies, or even from a tree. The manufacturer claims feeding and watering is easy: you pour water or nutrients into the top of the funnel. Web Site: Clean Air Gardening ($19.95)

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Anti-Metaefficient: PBDE: A Poison That Is Now Everywhere

PBDE (polybrominated diphenyl) is a toxic flame retardant used in many products, including computer cases, carpet pads and foam cushions in chairs and couches. This recent article in the The Oregonian sums up the problems for humans: Research has shown that the levels of PBDEs in American women are doubling every two to five years. [...]

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Rubberwood: Renewable Timber

Rubberwood (also called Parawood in Thailand) is considered a renewable timber because it is only milled from rubber trees that have ceased to produce latex. After about 26-30 years, the latex yields from the tree become extremely low and the planters then fell the rubber trees and plant new ones. So, unlike other woods that [...]

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MP3 Boombox

This MP3 playing boombox stores 256MB of music. It connects to a computer via USB, and includes a headphone socket, alarm clock feature (wake up to music), FM radio, and travel pouch. Update: We’ve heard this MP3 player has poor sound quality. Available from: JR.Com ($149.99)

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Raised Beds: Efficient

The “Raised Beds” method of gardening is certainly metaefficient, and should be included in our guide here. Raised beds are widely acknowledged as the method to obtain the greatest yields of vegetables per alloted space. You can read about the benefits here: Aaron’s Home & Garden weblog (Aaron is an expert in Rainwater Harvesting). Website: [...]

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How Clean Is The Air You Are Breathing?

The website Scorecard: The Pollution Information Site will tell you how clean the air is in your zip code. You can enter your zip code below to test it out: Enter your zip code:    When the report appears, choose the “Air Quality Rankings: Health Risks, Exposure, and Emissions” link. The site also has suggestions [...]

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Hand Crank Blender: MetaEfficient

This Vortex blender might save you a couple minutes at the gym. A useful device to mix a margarita while living off-grid, camping, boating or traveling. It qualifies as metaefficient because: portable, energy efficient, and relatively inexpensive. Priced around $50. Available from: Shop.Com or Campmor

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