MIT's Solar Powered Recharging SOFT Rockers

Architecture students at MIT, led by Professor Sheila Kennedy, recently unveiled their latest design for the Massachusetts’ based school’s 150th anniversary Festival of Art+Science+Technology (FAST). These solar powered SOFT rockers allow you to plug in and recharge your USB device while relaxing outdoors. With a soft wood construction, the rocker makes use of the balance from human body weight to create an interactive 1.5 axis 35 watt solar tracking system.

MIT's Solar Powered SOFT Rockers At Night

Also incorporated into the design is a 12-ampere-hour battery that harvests and stores solar power during the day for use during nighttime hours. A strip of light can be turned on after the sun goes down that runs along the interior of the lounger. The charging stations were on display at the university’s Killian Court for students to gather while having the convenience of plugging in.

SOFT Rockers Charge Any USB Device

Time will tell if these solar loungers will make it to production, either as is or in a more polished form, but they could add a touch of efficiency and innovation to the average backyard.

Via: Apartment Therapy

Images: MIT

CFL Light Bulbs By Plumen

They’ve been called everything from curly bulbs to squirrel bulbs to pigtail bulbs, but one thing CFL light bulbs have never been called is beautiful. Until now. A British company by the name of Plumen creates CFL bulbs with an attractive design, one that is meant to be on display. Last month the Plumen 001 bulb won the Brit Insurance Designs of the Year 2011 beating out over 90 other entries including the Apple iPad. In addition to it’s aesthetic charm, the Plumen bulbs use 80% less energy, last 8 times longer than incandescents, produce 680 lumens, equal to a 60 watt incandescent, and come on instantly.

Plumen Bulbs Illuminate A Cafe

Though currently only available in Europe, a 110v version is set to hit North America at the end of April 2011. The bulb is causing quite a stir in the interior design world and can be seen in boutiques and coffee houses in cities like London and Copenhagen. There’s even a Flickr group where Plumen owners can show off their design ideas. As it’s stated on the Plumen website,

It’s strange that the bulb, an object so synonymous with ideas, is almost entirely absent of imagination.

Perhaps Plumen will be able to sway some of the CSL haters, though there is still the mercury problem. According to Plumen, their bulbs contain a smaller amount of mercury than previous CSLs. They will recycle the bulb for you if you send it back to the company or bring it to the store where it was purchased.

A Plumen Light Bulb Holder

The cost of the Plumen is expected to be around $30, which may be hard to swallow for some, though taking into account the energy efficiency and longevity as well as the chic factor, the price may be reasonable to others. Or you may just want to hold out for the LEDs.

Also check out our light bulb efficiency guidelines.

Via: Wall Street Journal and TreeHugger

Copenhagen Waste-to-Energy Plant Multi-Functions As Ski Slope

Copenhagen residents will soon be able hit the slopes, not on a ski mountain, but on top of a waste-to-energy plant. Looking to replace their current 40 year old industrial plant, Amagerforbraending held an international competition and unanimously chose this ski slope design by Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG) in an effort to turn what is normally an eyesore into a useful and beautiful recreational facility for the city of Copenhagen. BIG, an innovator in revolutionary design and architecture, promotes the idea of Hedonistic Sustainability, which they define as “the idea that sustainability is not a burden, but that a sustainable city in fact can improve our quality of life”.

Award-Winning Design For Copenhagen Ski/Power Plant

With a 1,500 meter descent, the artificial ski slope, made of a recycled synthetic granular material, will offer terrain for all skiing ability levels: from the bunny slope to moguls. To get to the top, skiers will take a glass elevator that ascends alongside the converted smokestack so visitors can view the interior activities of the waste-to-energy plant. Yet another function of the design is to remind the public of the effects of over-consumption. With every ton of fossil CO2 that goes up the smokestack, a 30 meter smoke ring will be released into the atmosphere. These smoke rings will be illuminated at night. So you can literally count the amount of CO2 being emitted on a daily basis.

Copenhagen Terrain Park Surrounding Waste-To-Energy Plant

Surrounding the “mountain”, will be a terrain park featuring rock climbing, sailing, and kart racing. To help resemble a mountain from afar, the 95,00 square meter exterior will be covered with a green facade made of a combination of windows and planter modules stacked like bricks. Though many environmentalists argue that governments should focus more on recycling than using incinerators, Denmark sends only 4 percent of its’ garbage to landfills, while 42 percent is recycled and 54 percent is burned, according to Eurostat data.

Green Facade Of Waste-To-Energy Plant

Scheduled for completion in 2016, time will tell if people can embrace hanging out at the local power plant, but residents of ultra-flat Copenhagen may very well enjoy the view of their new mountain while finally being able to do some year-round downhill skiing without having to travel to their Scandinavian neighbors to the north.

Via: CleanTechnica and Inhabitat

Green Holiday Gift Guide

Do you rack your brain every year, trying to come up with the perfect unique gift? Does the over-consumption and stress of holiday shopping leave you less than jolly? Do you even remember what gifts you bought last year? Or better yet, what you received? Unless it was something awesome like an e-reader or a pony, you’ve probably long forgotten. This year, think simple, think efficient, think green. The following gift ideas are either made of renewable resources or help us in our daily living to save time while being kind to the planet. With something for everyone on your list, these ideas are not only efficient, affordable, and eco-friendly, but sure to be remembered. You may also be interested in our Top Ten Green Toys for the Holidays.

For the Foodie: Totally Bamboo Sushi Gift Set

Totally Bamboo Sushi Gift Set

Totally Bamboo is an innovator in creating cutting boards and other premium bamboo products from one of the most renewable sources available. Bamboo, which is harder than maple and won’t crack or peel, can be harvested every 3-5 years and does not need re-planting. The wood used by Totally Bamboo is hand-selected and does not come from the Giant Panda’s food source or habitat. This Sushi Gift Set includes a 9 1/2″ sushi plate, 2 pairs of twist chopsticks, 2 chopstick rests, and 2 two-inch dipping bowls. The attractive coloring is achieved by steaming the bamboo and will not fade or absorb water. No toxic stains or glue are used. Comes in an all-natural gift box.

The Totally Bamboo Sushi Gift Set sells for $29.50 on Amazon.

For the Commuter: Mobile Edge Eco-Friendly Canvas Messenger Bag

Devoted to exploring green alternatives, the Mobile Edge company has created a line of eco-friendly cases made out of all-natural cotton canvas. Efficient products from Mobile Edge are being featured on this season’s episodes of Glee. The Eco-Friendly Messenger Bag holds laptops up to 16 “. A separate, padded compartment keeps it protected. Other features include sections for files, a removable ID holder with multiple anchor locations, and a padded back panel and padded shoulder strap for comfort. Comes in a choice of green, red, black, and navy.

The Mobile Edge Eco-Friendly Canvas Messenger Bag is sold on Amazon for $35.39.

For the Gadget Lover: Etón FR160B Microlink Self-Powered AM/FM/NOAA Weather Radio

Etón FR160B Microlink Self-Powered AM/FM/NOAA Weather Radio with Flashlight, Solar Power and Cell Phone Charger

This self-powered radio from the award-winning Eton Corporation packs a lot of function into the palm of your hand. Power it by using the built-in rechargeable battery pack which can be charged by the hand crank or by the USB port. Or let the sun be your power source by using the water resistant, shatterproof, glass-enclosed solar panel. Other features include the USB phone charger which can charge your cell phone or mp3 player, 3 LED lights, AM/FM radio, and NOAA Weather Band. Reviewers on Amazon have rated this Eton radio a 4.5 star. This would also make a great gift for the camper or the tail-gater.

Sells for $29.55 on Amazon.

For the Busy Mom (or Dad):

Waste-Less Bags

These reusable shopping bags from Waste-Less Bags will come in handy for anyone on the go. They each hold 25 pounds and carry twice the amount of a plastic grocery bag. After use, they can be rolled up to a palm-sized, compact shape for storage. They are each coated with polyurethane which makes them durable and water-proof. The Waste-Less Bags come in a variety of fun colors and have received a 5-star rating on Amazon. These would also work great to use as a “wrapping” for your gift.

The Waste-Less Bags Variety Pack of 6 sells for $20.77.

For the Adventurer: REI Explorer Hat

REI Explorer Hat

Wait, is that the urban sombrero? Perhaps, but REI calls it the Explorer Hat. REI is a company committed to the planet and carries a line of eco-sensitive products. The REI Explorer Hat is made from organic cotton duck cloth, grown without the use of pesticides. Organic cotton duck cloth is durable, mildew-resistant, and breathable in warm or cool weather. Features brass snaps on each side to flip up the brim and an adjustable cotton chin cord. This hat is “crushable”, meaning you can flatten it or scrunch it up for storage and it will pop back into shape. The unisex design comes in a choice of 2 colors: dark khaki or gunmetal.

The REI Explorer Hat sells for $34.50.

For the Spa Lover: Slice of Nature Raw West African Shea Butter

Slice of Nature Raw West African Shea Butter

Personal care products from Slice of Nature are free from chemicals, preservatives, and fragrances. The Slice of Nature Shea Butter is 100% unrefined and organic, taken from the karite tree grown in West Africa. The many benefits of shea butter are not limited to moisturizing, but also include helping to reduce stretch marks, prevent wrinkles, remove scars, and soothe ailments such as eczema, psoriasis, and skin rashes. The most important aspect of Slice of Nature’s Shea Butter is that it’s unrefined, not processed.

A 4 oz. jar is sold on Amazon for $8.99.

For the Wine Connoisseur: Umbra Barrel Bamboo Wine Rack

Umbra Barrel Bamboo Wine Rack

Umbra makes contemporary design products for the home. An eco-friendly choice, this Barrel Bamboo Wine Rack is made of renewable and sturdy bamboo, which is mildew and moisture resistant and won’t split or crack. The unique circular frame holds up to 12 wine bottles saving valuable counter space and keeping wine bottles in the preferred horizontal position. It can be folded flat when not in use.

The Umbra Bamboo Wine Rack sells for $17.99 on Amazon.

For the Book Lover: Easy Green Living by Renee Loux

Easy Green Living: The Ultimate Guide to Simple, Eco-Friendly Choices for You and Your Home

Renee Loux, celebrity raw foods chef, author, eco-consultant, and television host of Fine Living’s It’s Easy Being Green, has written a comprehensive guide on how to make eco-conscious choices in our daily living. With chapters such as 5 Steps to a Green Kitchen, Natural Beauty: The Simple 7, and Energy Efficient Light Bulbs, Renee Loux teaches the reader how to make a home green with minimal effort and expense. She also includes charts, easy to follow step lists, recipes, and product suggestions. Amazon readers have given this book a 5 star rating.

The paperback version of Easy Green Living can be purchased on Amazon for $10.00.

For the Organic Gardener: Norpro 1 Gallon Stainless Steel Compost Keeper

Norpro 1 Gallon Stainless Steel Compost Keeper

If you know someone who’s passionate about organic gardening, chances are they’re passionate about compost as well. Composting is the act of decomposing organic materials for the purpose of fertilizing a garden.  The Norpro Compost Keeper holds unwanted kitchen scraps in an attractive countertop container before transferring to an outdoor composter. The charcoal filter provides odor control for up to 6 months. Measuring 10.5 x 8 x 8 inches, the Norpro Compost Keeper is perfect for storing vegetable peelings, coffee grounds and eggshells.

Sells on Amazon for $41.28.

For the One Who Has Everything: An Eco Friendly Gift Basket

Eco-Friendly Gift Basket

Feeling creative? Why not put together a gift basket of eco-friendly products. Throw in some rechargeable batteries, efficient light bulbs, and a flashlight. For the outdoorsy type how about some Pure Organic Snack Bars or non-toxic sunscreen. Some of the previous items on this list would work well also, such as the Waste-Less Bags and the Slice of Nature Shea Butter. And don’t forget the ultimate green by including an indoor houseplant. Put it all together in a reusable, all-natural basket such as the one pictured.

ADC (Advanced Data Centers), a company based in San Francisco, is set to build the country’s greenest data center. Because of its efficiency, the project stands to save its owner from $1.8 million to $2 million in energy costs. ADC says its new center will be 25-30 percent more energy efficient than the industry standard.

The data center will use outside air to cool its racks of computing gear for 75 percent of the year, which significantly decreases its cooling needs. Ducts and pipes will be laid to maximize flow and minimize turns that reduce efficiency.

ADC has already secured a Platinum Pre-Certification for a data center under the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) program for rating green buildings. The building is now under construction and is set to take tenants in the first quarter of next year.

Customers will have the option of using water to cool their equipment. ADC has structured its billing so customers pay a percentage of the cooling costs, which gives customers incentive to use energy-efficient technology like virtualization.

Its Sacramento facility will also have a number of water-saving features, including the ability to capture nearly all its rainwater runoff for landscaping, its cooling towers, and bathroom fixtures.

Paints and sealants without volatile organic compounds will be used in the building, as well as porous and reflective materials to avoid absorbing heat.

Image via CNET.

More details: ZDNET