Energy is all around us. Even the smallest particles that we cannot see without a microscope have the potential to unleash enough energy to destroy large portions of the world. There’s a huge gas ball that rises over our east horizon every morning, unseen wind currents that can turn power-capturing turbines, and good ol’ fossil fuels that are still in abundance beneath our feet despite decades of massive collection processes. With all of these standard energy sources, it’s still refreshing to see that some people are being creative with the ways that we collect the energy around us. It is a collection…

If you want to start an argument at a cocktail party, bring up religion, politics, or global warming. The opinions on both sides are strong, though recent trends are leaning towards believing that climate change is real. Those who deny it, though, are adamant about their beliefs. Even if you believe in global warming, it’s not guaranteed that you believe that it’s caused by the actions of man. Even more contentious of a debate is how to solve the problem if it does indeed exist. Many who believe that it is man made also believe that if we would all adopt an eco-friendly lifestyle, that we can reverse…

Tell your boss that you’re not trying to be lazy. You’re helping the environment. That’s the report from the Center of Economic Policy Research, a liberal think tank. In the 13-page PDF they released, fighting climate change may be as easy as taking on a more “European” style of work schedule. “For all practical purposes, some amount of climate change is inevitable. However, the amount of warming is very much under our control. In addition to reducing emissions by other means, a significant reduction in climate change is possible by choosing a more European response to productivity gains rather…

In 2014, you could have the opportunity to rev up the engines of a Mercedes-Benz car that will have a 386-kilometre range and zero emissions, making it an invisible car to the environment. Using the idea they decided to market their vehicle by adding LED light’s onto the car and putting a camera inside the car to pick up the environment around it to display what a zero emission car would do to the environment, it would act like the LED car looks, invisible, as if it blends in with the environment instead of hurting it. …

On the surface, it may sound like a miscalculation by Apple to pull its products from the EPEAT green electronics certification program. With many large companies such as Ford, hundreds of schools, and the US government pushing EPEAT-certified electronics to be purchased in their various departments, it can be argued that Apple is cutting itself out of a large piece of the pie. They aren’t. Design over environmental certification will win out in the end and the company will continue to thrive. The release of their latest version of the Macbook Pro marked the end of the certification. They knew…

Going green is getting easier, and the products and ideas reach every corner of life. You can get a greener car, a greener kitchen, and now, and a greener office space. Whether working from home, or organizing your own cubicle, these five great bamboo office products will help you work with a greatly reduced carbon footprint.   1) Bamboo Flooring Linoleum, tile, concrete, and carpet are often used in office settings, but if you really want a greener and warmer office, consider making the switch to bamboo flooring. It is not only aesthetically pleasing, but also strong, functional, and…

Few developments, notions, or facts relating to green technology surprise us anymore. Alternative energy continues to expand while oil consumption slowly drops (perhaps too slowly for most). The alternative energy industry seems to be heading in the right direction (other than some notable failures recently). It’s for this reason that the huge acceptance of solar power in Germany blindsided us a bit. It’s common knowledge that they lead the world in solar, but the extent of their domination is mind boggling. The infographic below by 1bog looks at the top 10 countries from a solar perspective….

Stunning. Intuitive. Brilliant. Worthless? The first three words in the series can clearly be used to describe the CNN #COP17 Ecosphere Project, a real-time visualization of the climate change discuss that led up to the UN Climate Change Conference 2011 being held now in Durban, South Africa. The fourth word in the series is up for debate. CNN is putting much emphasis on coverage of the conference both through their television presence as well as on the web. They have a show dedicated to the event that ran frequently in November and will continue until the end of the year. The Ecosphere project is…

Technology has been accused of ruining many things in the world and in society, but there are times when it helps to preserve the natural elements around us by replacing things that once hurt the environment with more eco-friendly solutions. Such is the case with paper – more specifically, the ability to keep a few (million) more trees sprouting up and keeping oxygen levels at a sustainable level. E-receipts, paperless storage, and other forms of technology that have reduced the need for paper are poised to start making a difference. There are trade-offs of course; every device that replaces…

Many politicians in both parties are pointing to the Solyndra debacle as proof that we’re either handling the solar energy industry incorrectly or that it’s simply not valid in today’s world. Then, there are those who say Solyndra was an isolated case, that the industry as a whole is still thriving and valid. Who is right? The infographic below points towards the “isolated case” side of the debate, demonstrating that despite Solyndra’s massive failure, that the industry shouldn’t be tainted as a result. General Motors and Chrysler nearly failed just a couple of years ago – should we stop building…