We mentioned previously that using porous pavers is an effective alternative to paving with concrete. They make patios and driveways less erosion-prone and they do not get as hot as hard-surfaced pavement. Now a company called Biopaver is trying to take things a step further by introducing a new type of paver designed to catch… [Continue Reading]
Faucet Restrictors/Aerators
May 27, 2005 by 4 Comments
Have you ever spent time at the sink, judiciously adjusting the hot and cold water, to achieve that happy medium between “cold” and “scalding hot”? Well, we’ve been there too — and we’ve noticed that water streams down the sink in a meta-inefficient manner. That’s why these faucet restrictors are so handy. They attach like… [Continue Reading]
Oxygenics Showerhead
April 14, 2005 by 6 Comments
The Oxygenics showerhead is definitely worthy of inclusion here. With a nifty design, the showerhead is able to take low pressure water and transform it into a forceful stream for showering. It does this while using just 1.5 gpm (gallons per minute). It adapts to variable water pressure, and any water pressure from less than… [Continue Reading]
Upside-Down Tomato, Flower and Vegetable Planter
March 27, 2005 by 1 Comment
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)
Agalia: Plant-Based Paints
March 1, 2005 by 1 Comment
Agalia Paints are plant-based paints produced by the Germany company Beeck’sche Farbwerke. All Agalia products are 100% natural. They are made with unique combinations of plant oil and minerals. Here is a full list of ingredients (PDF file) used in their paints. They also produce wood finishes called Aquasol. The finishes are an alternative to… [Continue Reading]
Solar Tubes: Very Efficient Heating
January 22, 2005 by 5 Comments
Apricus makes a unique solar hot water heater which is 30-40% more efficient than flat plate solar systems. The secret to the performance is the use of cylindrical evacuated glass tubes to absorb the heat from the sun. Because the tubes are cylindrical, there is always a surface area that is perpendicular to the sun.… [Continue Reading]
Slow Sand Filters
January 20, 2005 by 3 Comments
Slow sand filters are perhaps the most efficient means of producing clean drinking water. Slow sand filters rely on biological processes for their action rather than physical filtration or disinfection. They require no electricity, no chemicals and no filter changes. How is this possible? The secret is that slow sand filters work through the formation… [Continue Reading]
Lead-Free Garden Hoses
January 4, 2005 by 7 Comments
Some garden hoses leach lead and other chemicals into the water. The problem is that they are made of PVC, which uses lead as a stabilizer. Consumer Reports tested 16 brands of garden hose sold at national chains and on the internet. In some hoses they measured 10 to 100 times more lead than the… [Continue Reading]
Solar Heated Outdoor Shower
December 31, 2004 by 4 Comments
This looks interesting — it’s a solar shower that heats 5 1/2 gallons of water with a built-in solar collector. Created in Europe, the imported shower is able to heat water to 140°F in 1-2 hours in sunny weather. The manufacturer claims that the shower is capable of capturing heat from the ambient temperature in… [Continue Reading]
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