jim's blog

Politics aside, this is interesting from a tech standpoint. From an article at:

http://www.motherjones.com/mojoblog/archives/2007/11/6202_kucinich_campai.html

For a year-long test period, residents of the Linden Hills neighborhood will be able to put food scraps and other previously unrecyclable paper products out on the curb to be composted. The program promises to reduce the amount of garbage that goes into landfills, reduce the release of greenhouse gasses, and possibly provide a source of renewable energy.

1. Appliances: Goodwill accepts working appliances, www.goodwill.org, or
you can contact the Steel Recycling Institute to recycle them.
800/YES-1-CAN, www.recycle-steel.org

2. Batteries: Rechargeables and single-use: Battery Solutions,
734/467-9110, www.batteryrecycling.com

10 Aug 2007

Green building has grown up, from a tiny movement of hands-on idealists
to an increasingly mainstream business sector that erects office towers
and research centers. Sure, the structures on this list aren't as
low-impact as yurts or straw-bale homes, but they represent green
building on a broader, more public scale -- where energy efficiency and
sustainably sourced materials come together to touch the lives of the
many rather than the few.

No, The Hummer Actually Isn't More Energy Efficient Than A Prius

Let's Put This "Debate" To Rest

Ever wonder where urban legends come from? ... How about this doozy: a Hummer is more energy efficient over its lifetime than a Prius. Like most urban legends, it’s hard to pinpoint the source. Was it an article by James L. Martin of the 60 Plus Association (www.60plus. org), a lobbying group for the elderly that desires to be the conservative alternative to the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP)?

Stephen Leahy* - IPS/IFEJ
Inter Press Service News Agency Tuesday, May 15, 2007

http://www.ipsnews. net/print. asp?idnews= 37712

By Dara Colwell

AlterNet Posted on May 21, 2007
http://www.alternet .org/story/ 52077/

MUSICIANS AND CONCERT-GOERS ACROSS THE U.S. CAN NOW GREEN UP THEIR CONCERT EXPERIENCE

Green Mountain Energy Company and Sustainable Waves team up to offer "Eco-Tunessm" for musicians and concert-goers eager to help fight global warming:

"You may be interested to learn that microwave oven digital displays are responsible for the lion's share of their power draw -- 80 percent, by one reckoning. (This means unplugging microwaves when they're not in use is a good way to increase their efficiency and decrease your overall energy use. Ditto for other home appliances and electronics.)"

http://www.grist.org/advice/ask/2007/02/26/boiling/index.html

This clip shows both French and Australian companies pioneering the invention and development of cars that run on pnumatic power, a.k.a. air! The French prototype model appears to be pretty close to being market ready (though it did seem quite loud). They also mentioned the possibility of air-biofuel hybrid cars.

http://www.outlawjournalism. com/news/ ?p=4252