Poetree Burial Planter is an Eco Memorial That Honors the Cycle of Life
by: Inhabitat , 2011-10-03 22:57:21 UTC

Although death is universal, it seems that the final choice of how our bodies are laid to rest is not – and traditional burials are looking like less and less attractive as they take up land and use unsavory chemistry that eventually winds up in the soil. As a result, cremation and natural burials are becoming more popular due to the sensitive way they return bodies to the earth. We spotted a new approach over at Treehugger that was proposed by India-based industrial design student Margaux Ruyant as a thoughtful way to memorialize the deceased by incorporating their ashes into a living tree memorial. Poetree is a ceramic ring with a cork receptacle for ashes and an opening on top for a tree to sprout from.

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Post tags: eco burial, green burial, green memorial, living memorial, Margaux Ruyant

Paris Launches World’s Largest Electric Car Share Program: Autolib
by: Inhabitat , 2011-10-03 23:39:56 UTC

This past Sunday Paris took a monumental step towards the future of green transportation as it kicked off the world’s first large-scale electric car share program. Launched by Vincent Bollore, the Autolib electric car-share is modeled off the city’s popular bike share system, and it will be the largest program of its kind in the world. By December the program will include 250 electric vehicles, and it’s planned to expand in 2012 if the first leg of the project is successful.

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Post tags: Autolib, Bluecars, eco design, electric car share program, green design, Lithium Metal Polymer batteries, Paris Car Share, sustainable design, The Boolore Group, Vincent Bollore

VIDEO: Andrea Air Purifier Uses a Plant to Clean the Air in Your Home
by: Inhabitat , 2011-10-04 03:10:12 UTC

Click here to view the embedded video.

The Andrea Air Purifier is a brilliant partnership between man and plant that accelerates nature’s natural ability to clean air in order to detoxify the atmosphere inside your home. We had a chance to sit down with Tom Hadfield from Andrea to talk about how this amazing gadget is able to clean the air in your home 1,000 times better than a normal houseplant. Check out our video interview above!

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Soap and Glory: A Peek Behind Method's Methods
by: Greener Design, 2011-10-03 11:11:00 UTC

On the occasion of the publication of their new book, The Method Method, an interview with Method co-founders Adam Lowry and Eric Ryan, on what they've learned -- about small companies in big markets, about innovation, and about the green marketplace.

EnLighted spreads sensors for efficient lighting
by: Gizmodo , 2011-10-04 13:51:23 UTC
EnLighted raises $14 million and enters the commercial lighting controls fray with a sensor-per-light fixture approach designed for simpler installation yet significant energy savings.

Why Frito-Lay Built The Cleanest Manufacturing Facility In The U.S.
by: fast company, 2011-10-04 14:43:42 UTC

Their new Arizona plant is a test case for every conceivable kind of sustainable upgrade to manufacturing. As they find out what works, they can move it to other factories, to keep pumping out delicious snacks.

Frito-Lay is best known for making tasty chips, but the company has long worked on making its manufacturing plants more energy, waste, and water-efficient. Last year, we named Frito-Lay as one of our Most Innovative Companies for its plan to move all 32 of its plants to zero-waste status. Now the snack giant has completed what is perhaps an even more ambitious project: a 75% net-zero energy plant that the company is calling the "greenest manufacturing facility in the U.S."

The just-completed Arizona plant will produce Lays, Tostitos, SunChips, Cheetos, and more--and feature a water-recovery system that allows the plant to recycle 75% of its water, a biomass boiler powered by wood waste from local municipalities, and a 5 MW solar photovoltaic system. The plant also has a solar shade parking structure, high-efficiency tractors and trailers, and a solar Stirling engine. Suffice it to say, they've put a lot of tech in there.

The renewable energy and efficiency technologies are currently being used piecemeal at other Frito-Lay plants, but this is the first time the company has put them all together into what is essentially a research and development learning lab. Frito-Lay doesn't have concrete plans to replicate all of the Arizona plant technologies in future facilities, but Al Halverson, Senior Director of Sustainability at Frito-Lay, explains that "we need to be able to have this technology ready to go for when local and current conditions dictate it."

For example, if Frito-Lay suddenly found one of its plants in a drought-stricken area, installing a water-recovery system might be a better move than packing up and leaving. Think of the Arizona plant's technologies as insurance against natural resource and environmental disturbances. And if we're lucky, maybe others in the snack food industry will take a hint. Now, if they'd just bring back that biodegradeable SunChips bag, loudness be damned.

[Images: Top, Flickr user jugglerpm; Rest, Frito-Lay]

Reach Ariel Schwartz via Twitter or email.

The I-Slate: A Low-Cost Tablet For Kids In The Developing World
by: fast company, 2011-10-04 15:12:27 UTC

This tiny tablet can be powered by the sun, and dramatically improves a student's abilities to learn math.

Over the years, computers have become an integral part of education in the developed world. But what of schools in less wealthy areas that lack access to electricity, not to mention the cash for pricey electronics? The solution may come in the form of a $50 handheld electronic tablet, dubbed the I-slate.

The device, developed by the Institute for Sustainable and Applied Infodynamics (ISAID), is essentially a electronic version of blackboard slates used by Indian children. Over the past year, the I-slate was tested with children ages 10 to 13 in a village outside Hyderabad, with impressive results. Researchers looked at whether the I-slate, which allows students to write out math problems and get feedback about their answers, improved math skills.

"Our study clearly shows the I-slate is an effective learning tool for all students, regardless of their learning ability," said computer scientist and I-slate creator Krishna Palem, director of ISAID, in a statement. "The first production I-slates will be pre-loaded with lessons for mathematics, science and social studies."

[youtube nk8055kULjM]

Now that ISAID has proven that the device improves education outcomes, the organization is working on a production version of the I-sate. The tablet will be solar-powered (with panels similar to the ones found on handheld calculators) and will feature a low-power computer chip designed by Palem.

The solar-powered I-slate will go into production next year. In the meantime, 50 students in Mohd Hussainpalli and nearby villages will receive battery-powered I-slates in the fall for a six-month trial. Whether the I-slate will expire after three years of use or so (like so many computers and tablets) remains to be seen. Regardless, the device's low price tag makes it a worthy experiment.

Reach Ariel Schwartz via Twitter or email.

ubico studio: the wake furniture collection
by: Designboom - Weblog, 2011-10-03 07:55:00 UTC

giving new life to old scraps, the collection features stools and blocks which combine various wood types to create one redefined stump.

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10 Innovative eco friendly products
by: Ecofriend, 2011-10-04 12:56:46 UTC
Mahashweta Patra:

Eco friendly trend is now very popular across the world. This environmentally friendly concept is mainly used by industries as an eco-label on their products, ensures their undisruptive effects towards the environment. As a result of various natural calamities such as excessive heating effect of earth’s surface, global warming, polluted environment and many more. It has now become the prime need to pay more attention to this serious issue at global level. Most of the nations are extremely focused on maximum possible usage of eco-friendly products by people. As a result, the earth’s atmosphere gets benefited through so many ways. Such as minimal air pollution and global warming, conservation of non-renewable source of energy and many more.

Eco friendly products are actually considered as precious gifts to our nature. Various ways contribute all companies to project the nature friendly practices. Recycling process is one of the major practices exercised by so many industries in very large scale. Many used papers are recycled to be reused in different other forms of packaging or something. As the biodegradable materials are easily decomposable in nature and less detrimental to earth’s surface, severely emphasized to be used in major scenario. Nowadays, varieties of products used in our day-to-day lives, easily available with eco-label on them. Hence, aim of less harm to environment easily gets fulfilled to very much extent. Many sectors like automobile, textile industries, food industries, technology field, fashion and art industries are equally working towards the common aim of eco-friendly concept. There are so many popular products, so innovatively designed, especially to fulfill the dual purpose of styling and noble deed towards nature. If you are also one of the eco-lover people then you must be interested to know about various kinds of eco-friendly products.

Following is the list of ten innovative eco-friendly products –

1. Eco friendly burial

Price: $ 40000

Now, even a burial process can be done with an eco-friendly manner. One of the special caskets are designed, are biodegradable in nature. Residues of banana clumps and bamboo plant are mainly used to build the caskets. As a result, an eco-friendly medium is provided to the decomposition process of dead body. One famous industry from Denver introduced this concept of ecologically-friendly burials. They specifically named it as Ecoffin. The entire biodegradation process takes around six months to two years for its completion. It is reported that many communities like Muslim and Jewish are showing very much interest in eco-friendly burials. Also people from New Mexico shown very much interest in such Eco-friendly creations as they highly believe on green ceremonies.

2. Eco friendly remote control

A very interesting invention is presented by one of the renowned company like Sony. You can easily contribute to go-green concept even through watching your favorite show in your television. Well, the invention of an eco-friendly remote control made it happen in reality for you. The young mind from China came up with this magnificent invention in front of Sony. Sony launched this unique remote by the name of Sony Conductor TV Remote. This innovative creation is available in wand shaped and is required to be bend side-to-side for charging its power. At the same time, a green LED light is also attached to it and functions as an indicator of remote’s power level. The unique creation performs different function through its motion in varied directions. This is the main highlight of the remote. For channel change, you need to move the remote in up and down direction. The conductor’s left and right movement is helpful in terms of controlling volume of your television. Whereas, the conductor’s circular motion is allocated for turning the system on or off. The main highlight of this remote is its kinetic energy. This special remote is one of the most attractive remote control in the market these days. This is one of the green ways to make your television watch more enjoyable and easy going.

3. Eco friendly pet furs

Normally, you must have heard about usage of wool for winter clothes. In the same way, have you ever thought of wearing pullover made up of same fur obtained from your dog skin? Well, this is possible. In past few years, some people are actually experiencing the warm with the help of their own dog’s fur. The hair obtained from dog’s skin after brushing called stuffing. This stuffing is further collected in order to have sufficient quantity to start with knitting process. In later stage, the large fur balls are finally brought in use to design coats. Well, its one of very unique but interesting ways of acquiring an Eco-friendly nature.

4. Eco friendly edible shoe cream

Had you ever thought that your shoe cream may also be used as a multi-puprose herbal cream? With rapid advanced technology and human’s extra consciousness towards nature actually made it happen in reality. A special multi-purpose cream is invented with a tag of Eco-label on it. Mostly creams are prepared with the mixture of several chemicals. The rest entire processing method also requires chemical treatment. However, this particular cream is totally herbal and eco-friendly in nature as it is manufactured with organic ingredient i.e. coconut oil. This all-rounder cream can be used for multi purposes in man’s life. For example, as a lip balm, skin cream and also edible as a toast cream and drinks.

5. Eco friendly umbrella

This particular umbrella is very much different from the conventional umbrella designs. Unlike normal umbrella, these eco friendly umbrellas do not have any fixed shading surface. However, you can attach or provide any surface from your own side, in the form of newspaper or any plastic bags. This whole setup is easily folded into compact form. Hence, easy to carry while traveling. The flexible design of this unique eco-friendly umbrella makes it more attractive for people. Make your sunny or raining days more convenient and interesting by simply carrying an innovative eco friendly umbrella.

6. Eco friendly clothing for babies

Small cuddly babies are never expected to be involved in any causes like eco-friendly concepts and something. However, you can make it possible by simply make them wear an eco-friendly outfit. Basically, eco-friendly clothes are resulted because of organic farming. The organic farming is deprived of any kind of chemicals being used throughout the farming process. The entire farming process does not involve any usage of herbicides or pesticides. Instead of that, biodegradable and natural fertilizers are used during farming practices. A special harvesting technique is followed in case of eco-friendly cloth production. The unique soil management procedure and crop rotation standards make the go green concept truly applicable. You do not even have to worry about their proper cleanliness, as the eco-friend clothes are easily washable too. This cute outfit will not only make your baby look super cute rather also give them to chance to establish a style statement via healthy green way. In this way, even small babies contribute to environment save mission by wearing an organic cotton infant baby suit.

7. Pollution sensitive dress

The science and technology is constantly working towards reducing the pollution effects in our environment. However, for the first time art and fashion is also contributing towards the eco-friendly mission. The crumpled and tired condition of our clothes never put a nice impression to your mind. How about getting an idea about your surrounding through the same described condition of your dress?

Besides, you also get to know about all health hazards due to disturbances in your surrounded air. Recently, a special dress named EPA by Stephanie Sandstrom, efficiently shown its response against bad air surrounding. The designer has assembled the unique sensor with the dress material, which in turn creates a twist on the dress surface by detecting the bad air atmosphere around the carrier. the main highlight i.e. dress sensitivity makes it unique from any other modern dresses designed so far. Therefore, whenever the dress detects the unhealthy or poor surrounding, the dress looks automatically changes and gives a soiled appearance. Another incredible invention in the same field is also introduced. It is designed by Amanda Parkes and named this dress as Piezing dress. This particular dress mainly functions on combine affect of human motion and piezoelectric effect. The entire mechanism involves the storage of generated electricity in small storing battery for further use conditions. The main highlight of this product is, the produced electricity, generated after the result of mechanical motion in the area encircled around elbow joints and hip potion of the dress. Therefore, even fashion and art industries are paying equal attention to incredible style presentation along with the concern towards the environment.

8. Eco friendly moss carpet

A walk on grass always makes you experience a pleasant feeling. It is even recommended in order to attain a healthy blood circulation into your body. One of the innovative products designed is the moss carpet. Placing your feet over moss carpet almost gives you the same relax feeling as you get in the park. The moss carpet is especially made by using foam called plastazote. The complete mat mainly includes three types of mosses. One is island moss, second is ball moss and the last one is forest moss. It is only suitable for keeping in your bathrooms. This is because moss remains fresher in humid atmosphere which is best found in bathroom like places in house. So bring this incredible creation with eco-friendly thought and makes your bathroom an eco-friend place as well.

9. Eco friendly car racer

Automobiles are always considered harmful for the environment. The burning fuels are the major source for causing pollution in surrounding. Apart from that, the manufacturing process of complete body of the car also includes severe polluting ways to accomplish. The use of fossil fuels is one of the serious issues attached with car. However, one convenient green invention is presented in context of car driving. One innovative car named Eco One is launched with an aim of obeying non-polluting strategy. This is basically, a single seater racing car. The whole body of the car is constructed with biodegradable materials. Right from the body to the kind of fuel used for car movement, all plastics parts is replaced with organic substances like plants. The eco-car tyres are specially made from potato residues. Whereas, the brake pads are manufactured with the help of ground cashew shell particles. The entire body structure is made with the help of rapeseed oil and hemp. Besides, liquid mixture of fermented wheat and sugar beet is used as a running fuel of the car. This whole new eco-friendly concept in the field of automobile is very much capable to bring revolution in current time. It is reported that Eco One car is ninety five percent biodegradable and can easily be recycled in the nature. Only some of the car parts such as steering wheel, electric circuits and seats are comprises of basic conventional substances. At the same time, several tests also revealed that Eco One can easily cover zero to sixty two mph in just four seconds. Hence, acquiring high-performance-eco-friendly car is no more exist only as a myth rather it is already converted into reality.

10. Eco friendly earrings

How about combining your modish accessories with a noble cause of green concept for your environment? Well, as we know fashionable jewelries are mainly made from plastics and metals like materials, it takes around several years for their proper decomposition. However, many accessories are designed with less harming materials and easily decomposed ones. Such types of earrings are named as Eco-friendly accessories. This includes the light weighted earrings and easy to be carried by you. For example, the Eco-fashion accessories are presented by Kitten labs with beautiful design created with the help of IBM Selectric typewriter balls. The pretty balls used makes it more attractive and light weighted. This particular Eco-friendly invention not only enhances your modish appearance rather also contributes your environment to make it less polluted through many ways. Such as by reducing the landfill risks and many more.

Poetree: A Funeral Urn That Lets You Plant A Tree From Ashes
by: TreeHugger Design, 2011-10-03 18:52:50 UTC
Images: Margaux Ruyant Though conventional 'deathcare' is hardly green, thanks to the use of embalming chemicals, concrete vaults and non-biodegradable caskets, burials are getting greener each year with various eco-friendly options and smarter approaches. But what about keeping it simple, yet also tying death bac... Read the full story on TreeHugger