If you can create a vehicle that can get 100+ miles per gallon, you might have a shot at $10 million. The X Prize Foundation is offering this prize to the team who can produce the most production-ready vehicles of this type. The competition has already encouraged 60 teams, from nine different countries, to join. Tesla Motors has signed up for the challenge, as well.

The vehicles will race in 2009 and 2010, testing speed, distance, and overall performance. The prize will be divided between the best mainstream car and best alternative car. The mainstream requires at least a four passenger carrying capacity, as well as other conveniences such as air conditioning. As far as speed goes, the car must be able to hit 60 miles per hour in less than 12 seconds and have a minimum top speed of 100 miles per hour. The alternative car is only required to carry two passengers and have a top speed of at least 80 miles per hour.

Three years ago, the California-based company, X Prize Foundation, awarded $10 million to the first private vehicle to fly into space. This company does a great job at encouraging everyday people to invent something valuable for our future. Now, the company is challenging the public to create a more practical vehicle that can be enjoyed my the general public. We wish all the teams luck!!

SOURCE: CNN

-Brook

I decided to take a look at all three candidates’ web pages to see how clearly they explain their views on energy and the environment. Obama, Clinton, and McCain all agree that global warming, in fact, does exist and that we need to reduce our dependence on foreign oil.

Obama and Clinton’s web sites show detailed steps they plan to take if they are elected. Their sites also show dollar amounts they will spend and a time line they plan to follow. Also, the candidates plan to drive the economy and create ‘green-collar jobs’ by investing in renewable energy. Obama even goes as far as creating an energy-focused Green Jobs Corps to “connect disconnected and disadvantaged youth with job skills for a high-growth industry.”  By giving the voter specific and clear-cut steps they vow to take, the candidate can be held accountable.

McCain’s website, however, does not give the reader a real plan of attack. He explains that the economic needs of the country depend on the sustainable use of natural resources, but does not tell us how to get there. He is very vague about what he plans to spend and how long it will take him to improve on our standards.

I have included a brief list of some of the candidates’ environmental and energy plans below.

Obama

-Reduce carbon emissions by 80 percent by 2050

-Invest in clean energy ($150 billion over 10 years) including plug-in hybrids, low-emission coal plants, new digital electricity grid

-Establish a 25 percent federal Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) to require that 25 percent of electricity consumed in the U.S. is derived from clean, sustainable energy sources, like solar, wind and geothermal by 2025

-Support next generation biofuels

-Gain oil independence for America by increasing economy standards

-Improve energy efficiency by 50 percent by 2030

-Restore US Leadership on climate change

Clinton

-Create a comprehensive plan to address energy issues and create a green economy with 5 million new jobs

-Reduce America’s reliance of foreign oil and cut foreign oil imports by 2/3 from 2030 projected levels (more than 10 million barrels per day)

-Reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 80 percent from 1990 levels by 2050

-Spend $50 billion on a Strategic Energy Fund for research and development for clean energy

-Fund the retrofitting and modernization of 20 million low-income homes and reduce electricity consumption (strict appliance efficiency standards)

-Increase fuel efficiency standards to 55 miles per gallon by 2030

-Require that all publicly traded companies report financial risks due to climate change in annual reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission

-Require that all federal buildings designed after January 20, 2009 will be zero emissions buildings

McCain

-Limit carbon emissions

-Reduce our dependence on foreign supplies of energy

-Make sure America leads in a way that ensures all nations do their rightful share

-Meet our obligation to be proper caretakers of creation

-Address the challenges of our time, rather than letting the situation escalate so that the next generation is faced with a much more severe problem

-Reduce greenhouse gases (global effort)

-Reduce dependence on foreign oil

Also, check out Mike’s blog: America’s First Green President

SOURCES: Obama , Clinton , McCain

-Brook

Scottish power companies are working to perfect a new type of renewable energy: marine energy. With the force behind the waves from Scotland’s northernmost waters, this new source of energy will be able to create up to 1,300 megawatts of power. The European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC) is the world’s only test facility for tidal and wave energy. This laboratory uses underwater cables to connect to Scotland’s electricity grids.

There are two types of energy gathered from Scotland’s waters: wave energy and tidal energy. The wave energy is collected near the water’s surface, while the tidal energy is collected on the sea floor. This form of energy is said to be more predictable than wind or solar, but the technology is still a work in progress. Colin McNaught, a renewable-energy expert working with the Scottish government, explains that the “sector is still in its infacy.”

The Scottish Power company hopes to complete the world’s largest commercial wave “farm” soon. Although the technology is a bit behind, companies like General Electric (GE) are jumping at the chance to invest. With a $2.6 million contribution in 2006, Pelamis (company backed by GE) is one of the firms interested in the new energy source.

Although it could be up to ten years before we see this source of energy being used regularly in our oceans, we will be very excited when the time (or tide) arises !!

SOURCE: Fortune

-Brook

Funded by GE Energy Financial Services, A123Systems Inc. has partnered with Think Global AS to work on the new Th!nk concept car. A123 Systems Inc. manufactures batteries that are used in the electric cars. GE has recently contributed $20 million into A123Systems Inc. and $4 million into Th!nk.

Th!nk has been making electric cars for over a decade, but have plans to drastically increase the number of cars they produce in the next few years. The company has developed some larger electric cars, as well as some plug-in cars with over 100 miles range.

The company’s newest version, the Th!nk Ox, was released on Wednesday. This concept car will have many similarities to the traditional five-seater SUV, but remains 100% emission free and fully electric. The company suggests that the car could potentially be used as a taxi. Imaging NYC and London crawling with electric taxi cabs!! It seems like a stretch, but with the investments made by GE and the technology coming out of A123 Systems, Inc., it soon could be a reality.

Thanks,

Brook

SOURCES: MHT and Th!nk

Sintex Industries, a plastic manufacturer in India, hopes to alleviate two problems that are affecting their country: energy and sanitation. The company wants to install biogas digesters into the homes of many families, which will create energy for the household.

Biogas digesters are small units that convert human waste, cow dung, or kitchen scraps into fuel. Bacteria, which is used to break down the waste, emits gas (methane) that can be stored. One unit can convert the waste generated by a family into enough gas to cook all of their meals and provide fertilizer.

Government officials are confident that biogas plants will help India’s sanitation and energy issues. They have agreed to subsidize a third of the cost, but families will still have a difficult time affording the unit. Although the unit is said to pay for itself in less than two years, the average biogas digester can cost up to $425.Sintex plans to install more units into houses and business over the next year. If the government is willing to further assist local families, there might be more of a demand for the units. Hopefully we will see more biogs digesters installed in the future.

SOURCE: Fortune

Thanks!!

Brook

The scientists at Nokia are working diligently to complete the phone of the future. The “Morph” cell phone will be solar-powered and shape-shifting….yes, shape-shifting. Apparently, the phone would be able to morph from a conventional mobile phone to a flat, thin gadget and watch. This phone will also be able to acquire energy from the sun, as well as repel dirt particles from the air. Nokia has made a video that demonstrates the future potential of this phone.

Although Nokia has their researchers working full-time on their nanotechnology-based solutions, they do not expect the Morph to go on the market for at least a decade. Nokia research teams are collaborating with University of Cambridge for the Morph’s completion.

Tapani Ryhanen, head of Nokia’s multimedia devices research, told Fortune, “Our concept device is just to illustrate what this technology could mean, but most likely it is not exactly the device we will develop based on our work.”

Other companies, including Motorola, are also researching nanomaterials for future mobile device technology. The materials are supposed to provide better screen resolution, enhanced battery life and improved memory. Nanotechnology could be used in phone displays next two to three years, but the Morph will definitely need more time and research.

SOURCE: Fortune

Thanks,

Brook

Abengoa Solar has signed on with Arizona Public Service Co., one of Arizona’s largest energy utilities, to build and operate the largest solar power plant in the world. This 280-megawatt solar power will be constructed 70 miles southwest of Phoenix, which will make it the first 100+ megawatt plant built outside of California. The solar plant has been named Solana, meaning “a sunny place” in Spanish.

The Solana Generating Station will create enough power for 70,000 homes, while avoiding over 400,000 tons of greenhouse gases. The state is looking forward to the construction of the Solana Generating Station, since it will generate about 1,500 construction jobs and employ 85 skilled full-time workers once completed. Those involved with the construction of Solana are hoping that Congress will extend the 30 percent investment tax credit that expires at the end of 2008. If the credit is not extended, the economic benefit of the project might be threatened.

On Thursday, Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano stated, “This is a major milestone for Arizona in our efforts to increase the amount of renewable energy available in the United States. Arizona is leading the way in protecting our world for future generations through increasing the amount of renewable energy, combating climate change, fighting for air quality and much more. This plant will offer Arizonans a clean and efficient source of energy.”

SOURCE: Fortune and Business Wire

Thanks,

Brook

Two scientists from Los Alamos National Lab are introducing a new plan to turn carbon dioxide into gasoline. Their plan, named Green Freedom, would involve streaming our polluted air over potassium carbonate to remove the carbon dioxide. Once removed and combined with a few chemicals, the carbon dioxide would be turned into methanol, gasoline, or jet fuel.

The scientists are predicting that Green Freedom could reduce gasoline operating costs to $1.40 a gallon. Even after the production and transportation costs, this process would save the consumer a significant amount of money at the pump.

The only problem with this idea is that it requires a considerable amount of energy to produce the gasoline. If they went commercial, scientists project that Green Freedom would need a nuclear power plant to provide the amount of power used in the process. Solar panels could be used to create the energy, but the increased costs could be an issue.

Green Freedom has quite a few barriers to overcome, but it does seem like the most realistic plan for reducing carbon dioxide emissions at the moment. Hopefully our future will be filled with electric cars and SUV bans, but until that day we will have to focus on Green Freedom.

SOURCE: NYTimesPhoto

Thanks,

Brook

It may be down to the last minute and you might not have ‘remembered’ exactly what you wanted to get your sweetie. Well… here are a few gift ideas that you can to pick up from the store on your way home from work.

New Belgium Beer (around $10 per 6 pack) might not be the most romantic Valentine’s Day gift you have ever bought, but it will definitely be appreciated on more than one level. The company always looks for ways to be energy efficient and socially responsible. They work hard to minimize their own CO2 emissions with the help of their wind-powered electricity set-up. PLUS…their beer tastes really good!

Okay, enough about them….here is where you can get the beer:

VONS

Albertsons

Beverages and More

Frog’s Leap Wine (ranges from $30-$50 a bottle) can be a nice addition to a meal or just to enjoy between the two of you. This winery strives to produce wine that deeply reflects the soils and climate from which they emanate, while maintaining sustainable farming.

You should be able to get this wine at:

Beverages and More
You might find it at local health food or wine shops, as well.

Nothing is appreciated more than Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream!! It is well known that this company strives to create the finest quality ice cream while staying committed to natural ingredients. They promote business practices that respect the Earth and the Environment. Why not splurge on a pint or two with your sugar!?

You should be able to get many flavors at:

VONS

Albertsons

How about something for your other Valentine? Castor & Pollux Organix All Natural Organic Dog Cookies are a great hit with dogs!! The company says you can rest assured that all the ingredients in this package are all-natural and of the highest quality!! They sell for around $7 a package.

PETCO carries this product.

And finally, for someone who would like something other than food or drink for Valentine’s Day….

There is always…. Solio™, the Universal “Hybrid” Charger. For approximately $80, you can get this gift that will charge all of his/her hand held electronics home or on the move, anywhere under the sun. The reason they call it Hybrid is because you can use the sun to power it or the wall socket. Very Cool!! The company also says it will charge the electronic at the same rate as the wall socket. There are a few different versions of the Solio, so check them out.

You can pick up a Solio at the following locations (but call or check ahead, since they might be sold out):

Target.com

Amazon.com

REI

Flight001

ENJOY,

Brook

Annie Leonard’s The Story of Stuff is a new Internet film and website devoted to drawing the connections between extraction, production, distribution, consumption, and disposal in our consumer-based world economies. The production staff of this made-for-Internet film has done an amazing job making the hard facts and dismal details about the broken systems which feed our modern day economies palatable for the mainstream public.

This video is perfect for those people who normally shy away from learning about or discussing topics like sustainability, economic egalitarianism, fair trade, social justice, environmental protection, or government reform. I still think there’s hope they might internalize at least a part of it. Annie Leonard should be commended for presenting truth in relatively upbeat, bite-sized chunks. It’s a format that a wide and diverse audience can handle and digest. In much the same way An Inconvenient Truth hit the conscience of a widespread, mainstream audience. So too, will The Story of Stuff.

All ready, more than 1.5 million people have seen the video. It’s a hopeful example of the power of the Internet’s viralness to spread messages that need to be heard. Thank you Annie Leonard and thank you to my friends, Lauren and Valerie, for sharing the video with me.

I encourage you all to take 20 minutes out of your time to check it out and, more importantly, share it with others. You’ll be glad you did.