Live In An Solar Powered Egg House

I don't know if Beijing is having a property bubble but rents sure are skyrocketing.

An ingenious guy just erected a solar-powered, grass-clad, egg-shaped hut on the streets of Beijing.


Rent free, and no need to fret over commuting.

Can we try this in New York?

Sporty Nissan Leaf Electric Car

Nissan has rolled out a new electric car, Nissan Leaf. I like the curves of this car which look quite sporty. Although electric cars are usually small due to range and speed capabilities, the interior is quite spacious.

Getting an electric car or hybrid cost more than conventional car, that is why governments are giving incentives and tax breaks to encourage people to make a switch. Electric cars like Nissan Leaf do not use fuel but electric power from batteries or even solar energy. Thus, they have zero emissions which is a boon for the environment.

The electricity rate is about $2.78 to fully charge the Leaf (100 miles on a full charge), compared to the $2.90 per gallon of gasoline.


Nissan Leaf New Technology and Specifications

Nissan Leaf offer new specifications, features, and technology. See below...

* range – 100 miles/charge, speeds up to 90 mph
* 5 passengers, 5 doors
* 120 V portable charging cable
* regenerative brakes
* vehicle-speed-sensitive electric power steering
* aerodynamic LED headlights
* Nissan Intelligent Key and Push Button Start
* Bluetooth Hands-free Phone System
* Automatic Temperature Control (ATC)
* trip computer
* auto-dimming rearview mirror
* auxiliary 12-volt DC power outlet
* AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system with MP3/WMA playback capability
* XM® Satellite Radio 4
* auxiliary audio input jack 5
* USB connection port for iPod® interface and other compatible devices5
* Nissan Navigation System with 7.0” color display
* CARWINGS – allowing for remote connection to LEAF
* Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
* Nissan Vehicle Immobilizer System
* Vehicle Security System

One really cool feature is CARWINGS, a computer which allows you to communicate with the car via a touch screen interface, a web site, or your iPhone. If you forget to charge Nissan Leaf or a battery fail, it will send an email or text to alert you.

You can also get the Leaf with a rear back-up camera so you can back up safely, and even a solar panel on the back to help keep a small charge in the car even while you’re in your office, working away.

One of the unexpected features is the ability to program an audible pedestrian alert to let pedestrians know you’re driving a very quiet car in the vicinity. I’m told there’s even a third-party program to allow you to create and program in your own audio.

Despite the sporty design, you can't take Nissan Leaf for car racing. It is a car for technologically savvy and earth friendly people. Nissan Leaf will definitely give the Prius a run for the money.

[Nissan Leaf]

"Worst Case" Sea Level Rise Due to Global Warming Moderated By Met Office

According to the Met Office, alarming predictions that global warming could cause sea levels to rise 6ft in the next century are wrong.

The forecast made by the influential 2007 Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), which would have seen cities around the world submerged by water, now looks unlikely.

Most probably, sea level rise this century will remain between 8 and 23 inches (20-60cm), causing devastation in small island states and low lying countries like Bangladesh.

However, the Met report says the IPCC was right to warn of a sea level rise of up to 2ft by 2100, and that a 3ft rise could happen.

The IPCC underestimated the danger posed by the melting of the Greenland ice sheet and the release of methane from warmer wetlands but by and large, the report reinforces the IPCC's findings.

The Met Office analysis comes as world ministers fly to Cancun, Mexico, for the second week of UN climate change talks.

Well, when it comes to climate talks, it is usually hot air and no action. Alarmist hyperbole or not, I think people have to realize that global warming cannot be ignored.

As the science of global warming is inaccurate, there are always differing opinions on global warming effects and how much sea level will rise. Waiting for experts to come to a conclusion may be too late to take preventive actions.

Will we see anything concrete from the UN climate change talks or economic progress comes first again?

[Telegraph]

India Fighting Global Warming Effect On Wheat Production

As global warming rears its ugly head, the Indian government is taking timely steps to counter the dangers on on wheat cultivation.

So far, wheat production in India is on the rise with 80.71 million tons in 2009-10 which contribute to 71% of total grain production in the country.

However, research findings of ICAR indicate that 3-4% of decrease in production occurs with 1 degree Celsius of temperature rise. This happens in the grain-filing stage.

Some steps to mitigate global warming include popularizing heat tolerance varieties. Crop advisories are also issued to wheat growing farmers for adopting latest crop production/protection technologies; timely sowing; resource conservation technology including zero seed drill and irrigation.

The ICAR has also initiated networking projects for developing thermal and drought tolerant genotypes that are suitable for changing climatic scenario.

[Times of India]

Debbie Durkin’s 4th Annual Eco-Emmys Celebrity Chateau

Debbie Durkin successfully hosted her 4th Annual Eco-Emmys Celebrity Chateau celebrating the 2010 Emmys while promoting green values and giving back.

Honorees enjoyed signature well drinks at the Tierras Tequila Organic margarita bar while hydrating with LifeSource Water served by LifeSource LifeGuards, sampled gourmet grilled foods, discovered eco-luxury lifestyle brands, and were pampered with five-star beauty services in the Eco-Makeover Style Suite, all while taking in the breathtaking views from the Green Greenberg "Green" home nestled in the Hollywood Hills.

Generous door donations benefited charity partners, the American Red Cross and Green Wish. Hybrid Solar Light, the best eco-invention of our time, a flashlight powered by the sun and holds a charge for three years, in promotion of the American Red Cross (www.redcross.org) prepareLA+ disaster preparedness program by launching their worldwide donation campaign.

A celebrity-autographed Luna Guitar was also donated to the America Red Cross for auction at their annual fundraising gala. Patie Maloney of Green Wish (www.greenwish.com), representing board members Raphael Sbarge, Ed Begley, Jr., Sharon Lawrence , Rachelle Carson-Begley, and more, was on hand to film their PSAs asking “What is your Green Wish?” of celebrities who share a passion for the planet.

The exclusive Eco Emmys Red Carpet Nominee Gift BagTM full of eco-goodies was donated to each of the charities and was also featured on EXTRA! with Mario Lopez and PopSugar.com for one lucky fan to win.

Luxury eco-lifestyle and hospitality brands featured included: Admiral Tea; Beverly Hills Brazilian (BHB) by Janelle Varada; Bud Light Lime; Celeste Brunel Art & Eco Bedding; Chef John Spag; etc.

In honoring the 2010 Emmy nominees and celebrating television, celebrity attendees included: Alexandra Ella ("Mad Men"), Austin Anderson (“Victorious”), Bill Horn and Scout Masterson (“Tori & Dean: Home Sweet Hollywood”), Chelsea Staub (“Jonas”), Deidre Hall (“The Young and the Restless”), Dominic Fumusa ("Nurse Jackie"), Frances Fisher, Jason Davis (“Millionaire Matchmaker”), Jeremy London (“Drop Dead Gorgeous”), Jesse Tyler Ferguson (“Modern Family”), Josh Stamberg ("Drop Dead Diva"), Kathryn Joosten (2010 Emmy Nominee for “Desperate Housewives”), Miss J. Alexander ("America's Next Top Model"), Romy Rosemont ("Glee") and many more.

Stay tuned for Debbie Durkin's "Pre-Sundance Eco-Hospitality" event in Los Angeles on January 18, 2011.

L.L.Bean Installs Solar Panels at Flagship Store

PRESS RELEASE: Efficiency Maine Stimulus Grants Make Solar Technology Affordable

AUGUSTA, MAINE ­ L.L.Bean has long been recognized as an outdoor company with strong environmental values. In 2007 the company joined the EPA¹s Climate Leaders Program and formalized a corporate goal to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) 20 percent by 2012.


In addition to ongoing cost-effective efforts to decrease its carbon footprint, L.L.Bean was able to accelerate plans to create on-site renewable energy with the help of funding by Efficiency Maine's Commercial Grant Program.


L.L.Bean's new 180-tube solar hot water collector array provides 100 percent of the hot water to L.L.Bean's Flagship store in Freeport, Maine.


The Efficiency Maine Commercial Grants ­ funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) ­ pay up to 50 percent of eligible project costs. The stimulus funding reduced payback projections for L.L.Bean's new hot water solar system to less than 5 years, with immediate cost savings. L.L.Bean worked with Revision Energy of Portland on design and installation of the solar hot water system.


"The ability to create affordable, on-site renewable energy is a priority for L.L.Bean," says L.L.Bean spokeswoman Laurie Brooks. "We've been using solar hot water panels at our corporate offices since the early 1980s, and they're still working great. Solar panels are efficient, clean and require minimal maintenance."


"Energy efficiency has always been a goal for L.L. Bean," adds Rick Meinking, business programs specialist at Efficiency Maine, "so expanding their use of solar to heat the water for their retail location just made sense. And the grant funding provided through ARRA helped make it happen."


Visitors to L.L.Bean's first Green Expo in June were able to see the newly installed panels that produce hot water, courtesy of the sun, for the store's two cafes and public and employee restrooms. In the first week after installation, the solar system was generating 100 percent of the hot water for the store.


"We want visitors to see these solar panels and make the positive connection that L.L.Bean is investing in and promoting renewable energy," says Brooks. "The more businesses that make these types of changes, the better. It's our hope that eventually green technology will become mainstream, and prices for solar technology will become more affordable."


In addition to the stimulus energy grant, Efficiency Maine also pointed L.L.Bean toward other available resources to help fund their project including federal tax credits and Maine Energy Rebates, which brought the company's investment costs down even further.


For more information about the ARRA stimulus funds and energy-saving business programs offered through Efficiency Maine, visit http://efficiencymaine.com or call 866-376-2463.

Pittsburgh's FIRST Solar Group Purchase Program Launch

One Block Off the Grid (1BOG) will launch Pittsburgh's FIRST solar group purchase program. By organizing homeowners into a community, 1BOG offers advice and support and with pre-negotiated 15% (about $7,500 on average) group discounts.

This makes it easy and affordable for Pittsburgh homeowners to make the switch to solar. Astrum Solar was selected to service all installs.

PRESS RELEASE: Homeowners Now Eligible for Support, Group Discounts and Educational Tools For Going Solar


San Francisco, Calif. – August 24, 2010 – One Block Off the Grid (1BOG), the nation’s largest solar group discount company, today launched a new program to support Pittsburgh homeowners through the solar buying process. To minimize the cost and confusion typically associated with buying solar, 1BOG offers a 15-percent group discount rate for installation and free, impartial advice about solar for the duration of the three-month program.


Following a month-long process of vetting local installers, 1BOG selected Astrum Solar for their local experience, commitment to superior customer service, most up-to-date technology, industry leading warranties and flexible financing options.


"Homeowners might not know that Pittsburgh's incentives make it one of the best places in the country for home solar power,” said Dave Llorens, CEO of 1BOG. “Homeowners now have a way to save thousands of dollars on a solar installation, plus a resource to help them navigate the process."


“We are excited to be partnering with 1BOG as we strive to meet Pittsburgh’s growing demand for clean and affordable energy solutions,” said Astrum Solar President Vadim Polikov, PhD. “This partnership will allow for greater adoption of solar power among area residents by providing them additional incentives to transition from energy consumers to energy producers.”


The 1BOG Pittsburgh solar group purchase program is available now to local homeowners throughout the entire Pittsburgh area through November 24, 2010. For more information, details about pricing and products or to sign up, visit the 1BOG Solar Pittsburgh homepage at www.SolarPittsburgh.1BOG.org.


About One Block Off the Grid

One Block Off the Grid (1BOG)’s home solar group discount service makes solar power easy and affordable. For each regional 1BOG program, homeowners sign up for free online for exclusive pre-arranged group discounts and support through the entire solar buying process.

1BOG’s experienced team of solar experts researches local solar installers, so group members are confident that 1BOG’s installation partners have been carefully vetted on products, install practices and long-term company stability. 1BOG was founded in 2008 in San Francisco, California and has active solar programs in 17 markets across the United States. For more information, visit www.SolarPittsburgh.1BOG.org.