Gasoline-powered cars are perhaps the most inefficient devices that many of us use daily. The internal combustion engine is inefficient in term of pollution, gas costs and maintenance costs. Electric motors are comparatively simple devices that do not require much maintenance at all. But, as you may know, it’s difficult to obtain an commercial electric […]
How To Convert Your Car To An Electric Vehicle Read More »
The Zero X Motorcycle was designed from the ground up to be a 100% electric bike. What makes this new bike truly different is that it contains 168 individual high-power lithium ion cells and is expected to endure six years of hard riding. Zero Motorcycle’s power grid technology has the highest power density (power storage
Zero X Motorcycle: 100% Lithium-Ion Electric, 40 Mile Range, Weighs Only 140 Pounds Read More »
Utility bikes or “work bikes” are very efficient vehicles for transporting cargo (and children too). They are quite popular in bike-friendly places like Amsterdam, Copenhagen and China. Bikes can tow a remarkable amount of weight. Loads in excess of 880 pounds (400 kilograms) have been hauled behind bikes along flat surfaces. Generally though, 300 pounds
Hyperefficient Transportation: Utility Bikes and Bike Trailers Read More »
Down is one of nature’s finest insulators. Nothing matches its warmth for weight, compressibility, and resilience. Its ability to absorb perspiration and cozily drape along the contours of your body is unparalleled by synthetic materials. Down is more expensive than other insulating materials. However, when you divide its cost by the number of cozy nights
Efficient: Down Filled Sleeping Bags Read More »
This new snow throwing tool, called a “Whovel”, uses your body weight to lift and throw snow and slush. After suffering repeated back injuries, the company founder began working on snow removal designs that could reduce back injuries, while avoiding the many problems associated with gas-powered snow blowers.
Human Powered Snow Thrower Read More »
Traditional Japanese houses are built with bamboo, paper, straw and other kinds of light weight wood, all of which are renewable. The houses are also made with components such as tatami mats, shoji screens and tansu cabinets. The components are fitted together without nails, and are often rearranged. For example, in the bedroom, futons are
Japanese Interiors: Minimalist: Adaptable: Renewable Read More »
Metabolix has found a way to produce high-quality plastics using plants and bacteria. In one process it has re-engineered bacteria to turn them into highly efficient "biofactories." By feeding sugars and oils to bacteria in a fermentation process, the company has created bacteria that produce plastics amounting to more than 85% of the cell’s weight.
Biodegradable Plastic Made Using Bacteria Read More »
