Green Spot

We’re big fans of China, and no matter what a lot of media tends to say, its a great country that not only helps to sustain the economies and standards of living of the world, but has a rich history that predates much of western culture and contains a rational, down-to-earth and varied people. Not only have we talked about how China leads the world in eco-friendly ventures with major advances in wind power, tons of reforestation, partnering with Singapore to build an eco-city, but they also help places such as the U.S. state of our headquarters, California (Build the train already! What’s taking so long?!) and American companies such as General Electric.

They are not without their problems though, and are experiencing a similar oil spill as we are currently suffering through. In China’s Northeast, a large port has seen an oil pipeline burst and slick flows in to the Yellow Sea. China’s Government is acting fast to ensure it does not spread in to international waters. They are utilizing an oil-eating bacteria that is better for the environment than the highly controversial Corexit used by BP and our Coast Guard in the Gulf. In fact, the same bacteria biotechnology was used when the Exxon Valdez incident occurred in Alaska:

“The process, known as bioremediation, uses microorganisms to break down some toxic hydrocarbons present in crude oil into less harmful compounds.”

It seems that China practices what they preach. Yet the news is still not all that great for China.

The International Energy Agency (IEA) has measured China’s energy consumption, and it seems that China has dethroned the U.S.A. as the largest energy consumer. Although those are initial findings, there is indeed an odd dismay at hand. For a country of 3 Billion people to have finally overtaken the largest industrial nation in the world that consists of about 300 Million - is a bit strange. With all the steps they are taking to promote going green, it seems like it may take a lot longer for a country of its size to reduce energy waste - but at least they are trying, and spending time, money and effort to build towards a cleaner future.

There's too much at stake for China to not go green.

Imagine large cities and traffic jams polluting the air, airplanes overhead dumping exhaust on to th citizens below, factories nearby with smokestack emissions blowing in the wind towards apartment-dwellers that help the city grow and stay alive.

The sidewalks and roads of these cities can now be utilized to rid the air pollution, and make the world a better place thanks to dutch manufacturer Struyk Verwo Infra (say that three times fast). They combine their material with asphalt, and although about 50% more expensive than normal concrete, it can be used in building walls as well.

The air purifying pavement contains materials that are photocatalytic, possessing the ability to work with sunlight to modify a chemical - used also in ‘Self-Cleaning Glass’, and converts carbon-emissions from vehicles (mostly nitrogen oxide) in to harmless nitrate (Nitrate is one of the macro nutrients plants need to grow). The nitrogen is then washed away in the rain. It reduces the amount of nitrogen oxide by about 25%-45%

Tests near Eindhoven in The Netherlands which were comprised of laying 1000 sq. meters of the air purifying concrete and coated stones proved to not only reduce carbon emissions, but keep algae and dirt at bay as well.

Like the song “We Built This City” by Jefferson Starship, although a greener city isn’t built on rock ‘n’ roll, it must be something as creative to help us all breathe a bit better.

These roads clear lungs.

If eco-friendly items didn’t look good, would the ‘green movement’ be successful? Consumers have helped to push the environmental movement forward, and people do not buy ugly things that do not function well.

Businesses, design and ad agencies as well as renowned industrial designers plus engineers now have a website where they can collaborate and discuss projects and events that can better help the world and smaller communities through sustainable design. It’s presence is built to change mindsets through good action. The original curator of that site LivingPrinciples.org, Gaby Brink, says it quite eloquently:

“The biggest impact you can make as a designer is to change people’s behaviors, even aspirations,” she says, “We are looking for ways to change lives, not just materials.”

Which is similar to one of our mantras at Simply Green Solutions - Changing Mindsets. The more companies and individuals that we help to obtain reusable products with good design (which we pride ourselves on), gives us peace of mind knowing that communities will be inspired to take on reusable habits too.

In regards to good, green design - it comes in many forms. Locally, Tresor Properties builds LEED Certified houses in the exclusive Laguna Beach area that use FSC Certified lumber, water recycling, solar power and other eco-friendly processes. Green Aid has created SeedBombs that can be bought like gumballs out of a similarly styled machine, and can be found locally around Los Angeles too. Make sure to check out another green blog we’re friends with Sustainable is Good too for other green design, as more green awareness creates a better and darn good looking life.

green design surrounds us

Tianjin, a port city to the south of China’s capital, Beijing, will be the starting point of a new Light Rail Transit that has brought together both the Chinese and Singapore Governments. Not only will this new train connect to Beijing, but its inaugural ride will mark the arrival of a new trend in city planning, as Tianjin is called the eco-city.

It is a 30 square kilometer (About 11 square miles) city that will be the planned home of up to 350,000 people. All buildings in the Tianjin eco-city are being constructed with post-consumer materials and in strict, eco-friendly fashion to ensure energy efficiency and can utilize renewable energy resources such as solar and geothermal power. The city also boasts water recycling, desalinized water that will be reused and recycled for less waste and better use of resources, as well as hydropower that is harmonious with the surrounding ecosystem.

This venture was created due to the growing needs of the large country and population of China. Singapore, a highly advanced nation near Malaysia, has experience in building eco-friendly communities and technology. That nation’s government was called upon to help China create one of the world’s first “Green” cities. Although it won’t be 100% eco-friendly (renewable energy will only be about 15% of use in its flagship years), it will be more than friendly to it inhabitants. One out of five homes will be under government subsidy, ensuring that low-income families can take part in this new feat of living, and:

“Social harmony will be a key feature of the Eco-city.  The Eco-city will be barrier-free to cater to the needs of the elderly and the mobility-impaired. Public social and recreational facilities will be located within easy access of homes to meet residents’ needs and provide opportunities for residents to interact.”

As the world population grows, more governments will come together to create new “eco-cities” such as the Tianjin locale (which will be ready in about 10-15 years), and will pave the way for a new and cleaner, greener era on Earth.

Tianjin, the Eco-City (a rendering).

Chimney sweeps may be a thing of the past thanks in part to the ethanol-burning, high-design fireplace called the EcoSmart Fire. There is no flue, or permanent fixture for venting or gas connecting required, and the only by product is CO2, heat and water vapor. The flame produced is derived from burning Denatured Ethanol, a type of alcohol, which can be found in cleaners, solvents, camp stoves and is supplied through EcoSmart Fire for individuals, restaurateurs and property owners to fill their indoor or outdoor fireplace models using a “no drip” canister. Considering the company’s mantra is based in the notion that products should never compromise lifestyle, design or warmth, many homes should be overly pleased with an EcoSmart Fire experience.

Home owners that install and utilize the heating properties of an EcoSmart Fire system can receive up to $1,500 in tax credits as well, due to the fact it burns only biomass fuels (a plant-derived fuel), thereby saving energy. Entire wings and rooms of domiciles ranging from post-modern, pre-fab, artist lofts, restaurants, lounges, hotels and mid-century modern homes can be easily heated or given an ambience that is second to none.

These fireplaces are typically used as show pieces and were designed by famous Australian craftsmen

• Marc Philipp Veenendaal
• Paul Cohen
• Joseph Licciardi
• John Dimopoulos

EcoSmart Fire

A Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) research team edged out competing teams from Boeing, Northrop Grumman and more, to gain recognition from NASA as the pioneers in discovering a better and more eco-friendly, sub-sonic plane. Not only would it be more than 50% quieter than today’s current fleet of passenger planes, but it would emit over 50% less emissions and burn less fuel as well! PLUS - it doesn’t need runways that run the current 6000 feet!

By the year 2035, air traffic is expected to double, and the project funded by NASA at over $2 Million USD (for research alone), will finally change the way passenger planes look and operate - something the industry desperately needs in order to be sustainable as a business and as part of a greener society.

The next phase of the project is actual prototyping, and the MIT research team could be selected to lead a group within NASA to help manufacture testing models of the 2 proposed planes - one smaller, one larger, but both are sub-sonic (traveling slower than the speed of sound). The models developed place the engine in the back of the plane, and the fuselage now resembles two placed side by side like a pair of hot dogs.

The eco-friendly skies will soon be here and are just another way the world is seeking out simply greener solutions.

Greener Planes Coming Soon!

Ford and its new Hybrid Fusion have been bombarding the market with advertising, and on the radio, the above quote was heard in one of its commercials. To some extent, it’s true.

Dating is a lot like marketing. Publicize benefits and promote a good product, it will sell. If a man or woman markets themselves as eco-friendly or knowledgeable of the “Go Green” movement, suitors are more likely to inquire in to courtship. Plus, a lot of consumers will shop organic or green, ONLY because it supposedly induces a sense of increased social status. For companies like Ford, the big number is this:

“According to a HAVAS Media study, 79% of consumers said they would prefer to buy from companies trying to reduce their environmental impact and 35% are willing to pay a premium to do so.”

Going green has become a social cause that for many of us, influences our buying decisions, fosters sharing, and motivates engagement - things that marketers want their customers to do with brands such as Ford, on a daily basis. Thus it seems that consumer demand drives companies to retrofit their manufacturing, and revisit their mission and product line to “go green” and be friendlier to the ecosystem.

As we all do our part to help the world around us and become more sustainable inhabitants of this world, in the dating and consumer scene, it is best to make ‘green living’ part of your repertoire, to better attract a partner in the world marketplace.

Did she find Mr. Right?

According to their recent Press Release, the Ford Motor Company has developed power profiles for all its employees’ computers. In doing so, the computers will mostly shut down, and “Ford also stands to reduce its carbon footprint by an estimated 16,000 to 25,000 metric tons annually.” Before this energy-saving implementation, the majority of Ford workers left their computers and other office electronics on all night long, wasting quite a bit of energy. This is a big step from what is proving to be a new market leader in corporate AND moral ethics.

Not only was Ford the only automaker of the big 3 in the USA to nobly forego any bailout money from the American taxpayers, but it took a huge risk by leveraging its equity and full assets to spur growth, modify its mission and redesign some its flagship models. The risk paid off big and they saw their first profitable quarter since 1995.

Now, with their sight set on reducing energy costs and waste, for the fifth consecutive year in a row, they have won the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s 2010 ENERGY STAR Award, and are forging ahead to implore its customers, employees and families reduce their own carbon footprints as well.

Looks like it’s time to give their marketing and procurement departments a call to see if they need any post-consumer reusable canteens or bags!

Ford Goes Green...a lot!

Mirror, mirror on the wall, who’s the greenest one of all? Shall I partake of the Greenopia list or GreenEconomy post of ten women that lead eco-friendly lives? These 15 “green” female bloggers? Or shall we post an amalgamation that measures both popularity, cultural influence and maybe a bit of enviro-centricness? (That’s not a word by the way, don’t quote us on it!). Let’s face it, the word green gets thrown around so much these days and as fans of design, we’re also going to pay tribute to the lively, and refreshing color that helps our female cohorts in lighthearted-life and sustainability make the world a better place.

#10 - Poison Ivy

10. Poison Ivy - Not the itchy kind found in nature, but the lovely she-villain from many a Batman comic. Not only was her role donned by none other than Uma Thurman in the movie “Batman & Robin”, but she has a deadly kiss that coupled with mind-control, many men cannot resist. This sexy eco-terrorist has given Batman a run for his bat-money on many occasions and all she wants is for everyone to treat the world around them a bit better. We can get behind that.

#9 - Medusa

9. Medusa - As “Clash of the Titans” makes its way into the movie theaters soon, we’ll all get a very careful (don’t look her in the eyes!) glimpse of this gorgon with the slithering hair. From the days of of the gods on Mount Olympus, this vile, green woman has been terrorizing warriors such as Perseus and the Goddess Athena. Not only is she skilled in battle, but one look in to her eyes will turn anyone to stone. She has been depicted throughout history in art as well as national symbols such as that of Sicily, but in the end, this green madam of the serpents remains low on the list of popularity. If you pay her a visit, bring a mirror and sharpen your sword.

#8 - Wicked Witch of the West

8. The Wicked Witch of the West - AKA ‘Elphaba‘ is better known for her tirade in the famous “The Wizard of OZ” film and book turned musical “Wicked“. She was born with green skin due to her mother’s supposed adultery, and before turning ‘wicked’ was a central character in the OZ stories that supposedly cared for the Cowardly Lion as a cub, gave life to the Scarecrow and the Tin Man, and was very good friends with the Good Witch Glinda. You can be sure this witch will conserve water as it is her greatest allergy, causing her to melt upon contact, saving plastic waste and overuse of the world’s greatest liquid.

#7 - Diora Baird

7. Diora Baird - Not only is she most likely on the “lists” of many men out there, but she went through the excruciating process of getting her body painted green for the J.J. Abrams “Star Trek” flick. The character depicts an Orion (discussed more below), otherwise known as a slave girl. She’s had appearances on TV and in a few other movies here and there, but look for her to bust out in more roles and sweaters throughout her career.

#6 - Yvonne Craig

6. Yvonne Craig - This 60’s TV actress played the original green gal that Diora Baird’s character is loosely based on, Marta, on the original Star Trek TV Show. Not only did she star opposite William Shatner, but Elvis Presley and even Adam West on the Batman TV Show as well - as Batgirl!

#5 - She Hulk

5. She-Hulk - Green, strong, and a hero. What more could a man ask for? Sure it might be a bit emasculating for most men to be outdone by such a green, sexy gal, but don’t let the strength fool you. She’s an accomplished attorney in the Marvel Comics® universe that even worked for a District Attorney battling legal issues for heroes such as the Fantastic Four and the Avengers. After a blood transfusion from her cousin, Bruce Banner (The Hulk), she took on many of his great power but at a reduced level. Nonetheless, we’d let her save our simply green world anytime.

#4 - Oola

4. Oola - As the slave of Jabba the Hutt, this ‘Twi’lek‘ dancer was chained to Jabba’s throne, sold to this mobster by family. She danced and at times, was forced to pleasure the large, awful beast that was Jabba the Hutt. Although she wanted freedom, she never received her wish. Defying her master’s commands one day, he dragged her by a chain from her neck in to a pit where his pet Rancor devoured her quickly. Hey, when you’re chained by the neck and are a slave to a fat mobster, you probably don’t get much of a chance to waste plastic or hurt the environment much right?

#3 - The Green Fairy

3. The Green Fairy (AKA - Absinthe) - Okay, maybe not exactly a green woman, but once upon a time in Europe, Absinthe was the drug of choice for the counterculture of the early 20th century. Consisting of wormwood and thujone, this notoriously strong, licorice-tasting concoction personified by Kylie Minogue in the film “Moulin Rouge” was only recently legalized in the USA after years on the banned list. Artists and bohemians donned the liquor ‘The Green Fairy’ and imbibed it with a cube of sugar and ice cold water, wasting their lives and days in its deprecating goodness.

#2 - Princess Fiona

2. Princess Fiona - This ogre-ish maiden with the voice of Cameron Diaz has charmed the hearts of “Shrek” and audiences world-wide. With another version due out in theaters soon, we can be sure that this comical character that families find cute and hilarious will be enjoyed time and time again.

Bub and Bob get thirsty too y’know, after all, they’ve been producing bubbles that bob them to victory since the 1980’s. If and when they do, dragons tend to live sustainable lives. They don’t waste lighters or matches, or require a heating and gas bill - fire comes easy to them. And clothes? Nobody is going to bust a dragon for any indecency laws. Beyond that, they’re eco-friendly and possibly make use of the Bobble.

This one-of-a-kind, sturdy, BPA free water bottle has a filter built in to its body, so as you sip, tap water gets filtered. As of today, the filter needs to be replaced about every 2 weeks, and they can supply that as well. By utilizing the Bobble, not only do you reduce plastic bottle waste and save money on water purchases, but you help to reduce the amount of oil that goes in to the manufacturing of plastic as well. Not to mention a colorful way to make your portable water needs a simple solution towards a greener life.

Bob and Bub and their Bobbles