News Archives - Page 6 of 31 - Green Businesses

Ecocapsule- World’s Smallest Solar House

The Ecocapsule (or Eggo-capsule?) is a new form of mini Glamping. It may not be the prime spot to host a party, but for the chic, pod-dwelling nomads among us, the Ecocapsule is strides beyond a basic shelter and nicer looking than most trailers or RVs. If you've ever felt like leaving it all behind, you can live off the grid for up to a year. It's got a bed, kitchen, bathroom and work area, and a couple windows to let in the breeze. No need to plug into the grid — there's a wind turbine and bank of solar cells built in to charge a battery for light and heat, and rainwater is filtered and collected into a tank under the floor. Power Supply A 750-watt wind turbine and 600-watt solar array collect energy. Assuming outside temperatures stay between -13° and 104°F, the capsule can consistently produce all its own power. A super-efficient climate-control system helps: On its way to the exhaust fan, heated air passes through channels alongside fresh air, warming it up. Video E…

200 Mile range Helps New Chevy Bolt Crack the EV Code

All New. All Electric. All Good. Electric Avenue is abuzz at CES 2016 this week about the 2017 Chevy Bolt. GM Chief Engineer for Electrified Vehicles, Pamela Fletcher, talks with John McElroy about the upcoming Chevrolet Bolt EV and how the company believes it has cracked the EV code. Not only does the Bolt have a 200-mile range and a price around $30,000, but it has has plenty of interior space and was designed for both personal and shared use. Car Sharing is one of the hot topics at CES, and the Bolt features easy connectivity for multiple users. Watch the video below and share your thoughts on the latest EV.

The Effect of Climate Change on Global Electricity Production

Fossil fuel power plants are one of the main causes of climate change, responsible for pumping out polluting greenhouse gasses as they provide the world's electricity supply. But they could also be extremely vulnerable to the dramatic impacts of climate change, as rivers and streams used to cool power plants dwindle and waters grow warmer, according to a new study published today in Nature Climate Change. According to the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA), over 98 per cent of the world's electricity production comes from hydropower and thermoelectric power - nuclear, fossil-fuelled, biomass-fuelled power plants - all of which could face major disruption from increasing water scarcity. Using data from tens of thousands of power plants around the world, the study found heatwaves and droughts caused by climate change could reduce global electricity capacity by 60 per cent between 2040 and 2069. The potential shortfall in water supplies c…

Jeff Goldblum Pricks Our Eco-Conscience as The Fixer

What would you do if you were locked in a room with the biggest corporate polluters on the planet? Would you give a speech on climate change or a powerpoint on your Clean Power Plan? Maybe team up with Leo diCaprio, Ed Begley and Mark Ruffalo and try a little corporate waterboarding on a few evil fossil fuel execs? Well, the League of Conservation Voters teamed up with Jeff Goldblum and Funny or Die to spoof the Fixer theme and share a few laughs while pricking our collective eco-conscience. In the video, executives gather to try and find a tobacco industry-like fix to their problems. Nevermind Big Tobacco or Volkswagen, these “nincompoops” and “garbage people” are about to be Goldblumed by "The Fixer." Check out the video (and then sign the serious petition to help stop big polluters).

Energy Saving Tips in the Workplace

by Kaitlin Krull for GreenBusinesses.com Most of us know how to take steps to save energy at home by cutting down on electricity, heating, and water usage. However, keeping our energy use to a minimum at the workplace is just as important. At Modernize, we understand the need to lead an environmentally conscious life both in and out of the home without sacrificing functionality. If you have the power to change the way your workplace’s energy is consumed, here are a few tips to get you started. Temperature Control Maintaining the temperature in your workplace is often harder than it seems. The struggle to keep equipment at the right temperature while making all your employees happy can be difficult at the best of times, and nearly impossible at others. Consider installing a smart thermostat system such as Nest in your workplace (an automated device that reads, monitors, and remotely controls your environment’s temperature) to save yourself daily trouble. In the meantime, f…

Top 20+ Eco-Friendly, DIY Wedding Ideas

Reprinted with permission from Custommade Wedding planning can be really (really) stressful. For earth-loving folks, the process can get even trickier, as most classic wedding decorations, favors, and traditions are far from eco-friendly. Luckily, a DIY attitude is all you need to create a wedding celebration that is unique, true to you, and kind to the earth. Whether you’re knee deep in planning or daydreaming about future nuptials, read on for a variety of environmentally friendly wedding ideas. Paper Products Recycled or plantable paper Any time you choose a paper product for your wedding, seek out recycled or plantable options. Plantable, seed-embedded paper products are a great choice; they’re completely biodegradable, and planting them promotes reforestation, the greening of urban spaces, and sustainable food choices. E-vites Whether it’s an engagement announcement, save the date, shower invitation, wedding invitation, or thank you card, you can go greener (and …