Affordable Renewal Energy

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Cocona: A Fabric Enhancer Derived From Coconuts


Cocona is a natural fabric enhancer that is made with activated carbon. The activated carbon is derived from coconut husks — it is a “waste” product of the water filter industry. But what does Cocona do exactly? It is said to help traditional fabrics resist moisture, control odor and shield …

Optimal: European Toys


Toys that are well-designed and made with renewable materials are optimal. European toys often fit this description. This durable block set, for example, is made in Germany by Haba using solid, natural, untreated beech wood that is harvested from sustainable forests. Toys like this are known for their longevity — …

Nightclub Illuminated With 100% LED Light


The Barcode nightclub was built in a disused brick Victorian railway arch in Vauxhall, south London. The entire nightclub is illuminated using only LED lights, and the sound system is also energy efficient. The architect, Woods Bagot claims that the system consumes “less electricity than the power used to boil …

Optimal: Making Manufacturing Processes Transparent: Patagonia


Patagonia is really a leader in effective, green manufacturing. Now the company is making its manufacturing processes as transparent as possible. Patagonia has created a web site called the Footprint Chronicles, where you can track the eco “footprint” of several pieces of Patagonian clothing. Also listed in the amount of …

Merino Wool: Optimal Green Winter Material


Merino wool is an optimal green material for use in winter. In contrast to most other synthetic materials that are commonly used to make winter garb, it is quite sustainable. It’s softer than regular wool, resists wind, regulates body temperature, and warms better than synthetic material. Some good maker of …

Very Low Flow Showerheads By Bricor


How low can you go with showerheads? Well, Bricor has some showerheads that use as little as a 1/2 a gallon of water per minute. These showerheads make use of “vacuum flow restriction” technology created by Bricor. The showerheads seen here are the “B100 SUPERMAX” series, and they are rated …

Efficient: 100% Corn-Based Clothing Hangers


Clothing hangers should not be made out of plastic. These Earthsaver clothing hangers are made from 100% corn grown in the U.S., and they are manufactured in the U.S. by Merrick. However, conventionally grown corn involves the use of many of pesticides and artificial fertilizers. Organically grown corn would be …

The Matra MS1 Electric Bike


This could be a great commuting machine — it’s an electric-powered bike designed by the French company Matra. The bike was recently introduced at the Paris Motorshow. It has a range of 60 miles, in addition to the mileage you add by using pedal power. It has a top speed …

Hemp Shoes by Lafuma


This shoe, the Greenley 2 by Lafuma, is built with highly effective and sustainble materials. The uppers are made of hemp and the lining is a cotton canvas. The shoe also has a removable footbed of tanned leather (made without VI chromium or latex), and natural rubber sole. It is …

Hyperefficient Transportation: Utility Bikes and Bike Trailers


Utility bikes or “work bikes” are very efficient vehicles for transporting cargo (and children too). They are quite popular in bike-friendly places like Amsterdam, Copenhagen and China. Bikes can tow a remarkable amount of weight. Loads in excess of 880 pounds (400 kilograms) have been hauled behind bikes along flat …