The Best iPod Car Stereos

A Review Of The Best iPod-Ready Car Stereo Receivers Under $150

If you’re a music lover who spends a lot of time on the road, you don’t want to fumble with an iPod’s controls to enjoy your music. So what’s the solution? An iPod stereo receiver for the car. And there’s no need to break the bank – … [Continue Reading]

How To Build A Deep Bass System For $750

Tactile Transducers

In this article I will describe how to build a high-fidelity, bass-intensive sound system for under $1000. The secret ingredient of the system is the use of tactile transducers. These transducers effectively eliminate the need for expensive woofers … [Continue Reading]

Updates From The MetaEfficient Kitchen Labs

csa-vegetables

This summer I've been working on food-related optimization projects, here are some updates: I now have subscriptions with two local farmers (through a CSA or Community Support Agriculture). One farmer provides me with raw milk, raw butter and … [Continue Reading]

Ozone Generators: Effectively Deodorize Rooms and Purify Water

Ozone Generator

One of the simplest and most inexpensive ways to purify water is to bubble ozone through it. Ozone is a molecule made of three oxygen atoms ( O3). It disinfects water very effectively, through a process called oxidation. Ozone ruptures the cellular … [Continue Reading]

A Solar Flower Tower Rises In The Desert

Constructing The Solar Tower In Israel

This unusual solar tower was designed by Israeli architect Haim Dotan for AORA Solar. It is set to launch on June 24 in South Israel. The tower has 30 tracking mirrors (heliostats) that reflect sunlight towards the top of a 30-meter high solar … [Continue Reading]

Hyper-Efficient House Completed In Virginia

Hyper-Efficient Plantium Home Completed In Virginia

This new home in Virginia was designed for optimal efficiency. It's the first to receive LEED platinum in Virginia. Optimal elements that set it apart: an integrated rain water collection system (the site design features zero site runoff for a … [Continue Reading]

The Best Wireless Earbuds For iPods

Jaybird JB 200i Bluetooth Stereo Earbuds For iPod

Wireless earbuds allow you to listen to an iPod or MP3 player without a tangle of cords. They are particularly useful for listening while you are engaged in sports. There are two types of wireless earbuds: those that transmit wirelessly via an … [Continue Reading]

Efficient Home Improvement: Re-Using Materials Gets Easier

ReStore In Austin, TX (photo: HFHI/Steffan Hacker)

For “D.I.Y.”ers, using recycled construction products is a great way to reduce raw material consumption and lessen stress on landfills.  But for retailers, the “Re I. Y.” trend (Re-use It Yourself) is taking the idea a step further, giving … [Continue Reading]

The Best Cargo Carrying Bikes Of 2012: A Review

Kona's Ute Commuter Bike

If you are interested in carrying cargo on your bike you should consider a dedicated "cargo bike" or "utility bike". These bikes are great for transporting luggage while commuting, touring or running errands. Cargo bikes feature a long wheel base … [Continue Reading]

Naturemill Pro Promises Easy & Efficient Indoor Composting

Naturemill Pro Promises Easy & Efficient Indoor Composting

Nobody’s going to put up with a compost heap in a closet.  But what if you could quickly compost your organic waste with no odors or bugs, indoors or outside, with a device small enough to fit in a kitchen cabinet?  Naturemill promises that its … [Continue Reading]