KUALA LUMPUR, June 3 — Looking for a new crossover vehicle with eco-friendly and fuel-efficient features? Introducing the new Mazda CX-5 which offers a pleasant driving experience without compromising safety or sustainability. First in its generation, the CX-5 is using the Mazda’s newly-developed SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY: re-engineered engines, ...
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Feelings of betrayal dividing friends, lovers, and political allies have provided grist for Shakespeare and Verdi, among other great scrutinizers of the human condition.
It's intriguing to ponder what they would have made of the breakup between the Natural Resources Defense Council and Anschutz Entertainment Group, the would-be developer of a downtown Los Angeles football stadium.
Last September, the NRDC's Los Angeles office did the stadium developers a big favor by throwing its weight behind a gift bill streamlining the environmental review process for the stadium project, and only for the stadium project. The bill, SB 292, eliminated one whole level of court review otherwise provided for by the California Environmental Quality Act. For this project alone, litigation would have to start at the Court of Appeal level, rather than in the lower courts, and the judges would face tight deadlines. That was a big giveaway to the developers, for whom time is money.
The NRDC's involvement in the stadium project grows out of its interest in promoting mass transit and energy efficiency in urban communities, and therefore in seeing that the stadium be "green" in its construction and operational phases, and not encourage more automobile traffic. But its dalliance with the developers roiled environmentalists, many of whom are concerned about the impact of the huge project and anticipated going to court, if necessary, to make sure their views would be heard. The NRDC explained that it had negotiated several safeguards into SB 292, including the commitments from AEG.
"It was our assumption that some form of this would pass whether we liked it or not," NRDC Senior Attorney David Pettit, director of its Southern California air program, said at the time. "So we made the decision to be at the table rather than just say no. At the end of the day, we got what we wanted."
Plainly, NRDC now feels it did not get what it wanted. Earlier this month, Pettit complained in a letter to the city that the draft environmental impact report submitted by AEG for the stadium project lacks numerous commitments the builders had made to the group.
Studies that AEG promised to conduct of alternatives to bringing fans to the stadium by car were missing, for instance. Promises AEG made to the Clinton Global Initiative, a climate change program sponsored by the former president, were mysteriously scaled back; AEG told the Clinton group it would recycle 90% of solid waste produced during construction, NRDC says, but the draft report promises only 50%.
"We also have concerns about air quality, health risk, green construction practices and sustainability relating to the project," NRDC wrote.
"The letter does accurately portray that we're disappointed in what we see in the [draft environmental impact statement]," Pettit told me last week, "when you compare it to what AEG promised to do in connection with SB 292." This sounds like a tactful way of saying "we got rooked," though Pettit says he still favors the stadium project.
But he also acknowledges that the absence of some studies AEG had committed to conducting for the report means leaving the public in the dark about many of AEG's environmental plans. That's something that Pettit thought he had negotiated into SB 292 in return for shutting the courthouse door to the public at the ground floor.
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31-05-2012 08:24 American Geophysical Union presents: Science Policy Conference Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center Washington, DC Tuesday, 1 May 2012 8:15 - 8:30 am: Welcome Ballroom B Opening Remarks: Michael McPhaden, President, American Geophysical Union Opening Remarks and Moderator: Vera Alexander, President, Arctic Research Consortium of the US Panelists: Fran Ulmer, Chair, US Arctic Research Commission Alan Thornhill, Chief Environmental Officer, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, US Department of Interior Rapidly changing Arctic conditions require constant evaluation of economic, social, and security considerations for the most northern portion of the United States. Our speakers will address the risks and rewards related to the evolving energy landscape of the region and the many inherent social considerations related to energy development in the Arctic landscape, including lessons learned from the Deepwater Horizon oil spill.
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Opening Plenary: Governance, Security, Economy, and the Ecosystem of the Changing Arctic - Video
Rhino Linings Corporation will showcase Rhino Eco-Coat®, a protective roof coating offering a long term barrier that protects from water intrusion, in a San Diego RV service center demonstration.San Diego, CA (PRWEB) June 01, 2012 Rhino Linings Corporation (“Rhino Linings”), a leading manufacturer and distributor of spray-on protective linings and coatings, is helping to revolutionize the ...
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Rhino Linings Introduces Long-Term RV Roof Repair and Restoration Product
Roof Solutions, LLC is excited to announce its Metal Roof Restoration project at the New City Church, North Campus in Fairburn, Georgia, using energy efficient, bright white liquid applied membrane system (ERSystems - Eraguard 1000 Metal Roof Restoration System).(PRWEB) June 01, 2012 Roof Solutions, LLC, provider of Georgia commercial roof repair, supplied a cost-effective, eco-friendly answer ...
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Metal Roof Restoration to New City Church in Fairburn, Georgia Provided by Roof Solutions, LLC
Talk about North Korea usually centers around how the regime starves its people, whether it has the bomb, and if Kim Jong Un is really in charge. The UNs Kyoto Protocol doesnt make the list.
Yet under the terms of the protocol, North Korea, as a developing country and a member of the United Nations, has the right to build clean energy projects that may apply for Certified Emission Reductions, or CERs, popularly known as carbon credits. The North Koreans can then sell them to a rich country or company that needs the credits to offset its own greenhouse gases. Dig into data from the UNs Framework Convention on Climate Change, and you will find seven North Korean projects registered for carbon trading.
This is where Miroslav Blazek comes in. Blazek, director of Czech company Topic Energo, acts as a link between North Korea and potential carbon credit buyers. He says his experience as manager of a tractor factory in socialist-era Czechoslovakia is invaluable for doing business with the communist North Koreans. I can work with them because I understand how their system works, he says. If I send an e-mail and still dont have a reply in several days, I know its not because they didnt see it but because it had to work its way through the chain of command. For me its like a trip down memory lane.
North Korea is now building seven hydroelecrtric plants, which provide some of the cleanest energy going. Most can earn tradable carbon credits. Blazek says the North Koreans jumped at the opportunity to get into carbon trading: They immediately grasped that this is a way to make money. Koreas seven dams may generate as many as 241,000 CERs a year, worth almost 1million ($1.3million). The projects are already in a relatively advanced phase, says Ondrej Bores, director of carbon advisory services at Virtuse Energy in Prague, whos worked with Blazek on other deals.
Still, selling anything made in North Korea has its challenges. More than 30 potential buyers pulled out because of the U.S. embargo on trade with North Korea. Blazek finally struck a deal with a Chinese-controlled conglomerate that needs credits to offset emissions from facilities in Europe. He wont name the company, citing a confidentiality clause.
When he visited some of the hydro dam sites, Blazek saw workers digging with their bare hands. Human labor has practically no price there, he says. Maybe peaceful trade in carbon credits will make the regime a little less monstrous.
The bottom line: Although its initial foray into carbon trading may fetch only 1million, North Korea has ambitions to be a player in the market.
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Parents have a pretty tough job. Parents who are also drivers have it even tougher. They have to keep an eye on the kids in the backseat who are just waiting for an opportunity to kill each other, while keeping two eyes on the road so that the whole family doesn't die in a fiery crash. That's three eyes that they need, but most only have two. Forget texting, a shouting toddler is the ultimate driver distraction.
Infiniti's 2013 JX35 steps up to the plate with an array of driver aid technologies that help to keep a digital eye on the road and the cars around to help parents in those vital seconds when they need to glance away to tend to their kid. The system can even intervene on the driver's behalf, acting like a sort of force field, keeping the vehicle away from what could end up being minor fender benders.
The JX can't drive itself (yet), so you'll still need to pay attention to the world on the other side of the windshield, but thankfully the seven-passenger vehicle is also available with an array of entertainment options (including a pair of rear monitors) to keep those kids distracted so that the poor parent behind the wheel can concentrate more on the road.
The gas pedal that pushes back I've never seen a seven-passenger SUV or crossover that boasts great driving chops. That's probably because the kind of people who need space for five kids probably don't care about cornering or stoplight drag races, which is understandable.
The 2013 Infiniti JX35 doesn't break this mold. Under the hood is Nissan/Infiniti's workhorse 3.5-liter V-6 engine. It's not a particularly high-tech engine, lacking any turbocharging or direct-injection technology, but it is reliable -- finding its way under the hood of everything from the Nissan Altima to the Infiniti EX35 to the Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet. This time around, the V-6 sends 265 horsepower and 248 pound-feet of torque through a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that isn't doing it any favors in terms of responsiveness. Our JX was a front-wheel-drive model, but an all-wheel-drive system is available at an additional cost.
In an Altima Coupe, 265 horsepower can be fun, but in the 4,280-pound JX, it's merely adequate. Furthermore, it's pretty much impossible to hustle in the JX. Apply half-throttle and you'll get decidedly "meh" forward thrust. Floor the pedal, and you'll pretty much get the same. She's only going to go as fast as she's going to go.
A manual shift mode lets the driver grab a lower gear for a bit more responsiveness when it's time to pass and a Sport Drive mode adds an almost imperceptible bit of edge, but usually the CVT's hesitancy about venturing into the upper reaches of the tachometer keeps the power under lock and key. I wasn't able to drive the AWD version, but I can only imagine that it's even slower. Unless you live in an area that gets snow or deluges of rain, I'd skip that option until a stouter engine is available. (JX50S, anyone?)
The drive mode selector gives drivers control over the vehicle's throttle response and activates the Eco Pedal system.
So, you're not going fast in the Standard or Sport modes. How about twisting the Drive Selector to the Eco mode to see if you can get some fuel efficiency out of the deal? Here's where things get interesting. The standard JX model's Eco mode behaves largely as expected: the throttle response is retarded to discourage heavy-footed antics. However, on models equipped with the Driver Assistance Package gain the ability to activate what Infiniti calls the Eco Pedal. This active pedal provides force feedback to encourage more efficient driving. For example, when pulling away from a traffic light, you may meet resistance in pushing the pedal beyond a certain point or you may feel the pedal push back slightly if you try to floor it.
Of course, the driver is always under complete control and its easy to simple press past the resistance in situations where you actually need the full grunt of the engine. The Eco Mode and Eco Pedal combo is a great set of tools for training yourself to maximize the fuel economy of the big JX -- much better and much less distracting than watching an Eco light in the dashboard. You may be surprised to learn how little pedal input you need to, for example, maintain a highway cruising speed. This small bit of feedback and the tiny behavioral changes it encourages can lead to small but significant gains in your real-world fuel economy.
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A new eco-friendly lighting system on the Tower Bridge of London illuminates the structure with colours ahead of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee and the 2012 Olympics. Photo courtesy: AFP
A new eco-friendly lighting system on the Tower Bridge of London illuminates the structure with colours ahead of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee and the 2012 Olympics. Photo courtesy: AFP
A new eco-friendly lighting system on the Tower Bridge of London illuminates the structure with colours ahead of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee and the 2012 Olympics. Photo courtesy: AFP
A new eco-friendly lighting system on the Tower Bridge of London illuminates the structure with colours ahead of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee and the 2012 Olympics. Photo courtesy: AFP
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Apopka, FL (PRWEB) May 31, 2012
Aquatic Eco-Systems, Inc. (AES) announced today that their next Aquaponics Technology and Design Workshop will be held October 2 6, 2012 near Orlando, FL. As with the previous workshop, held in March of 2012, the AES staff will be joined by Father of Aquaponics, Dr. James Rakocy, famed Australian aquaponics expert, Dr. Wilson Lennard and special guest Dr. Fred Petitt of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts.
The October 2012 workshop will feature daily lectures, hands-on instruction, tours of the AES Aquaponics System and Green Sky Growers which is owned and operated by AES and a behind the scenes tour of The Land at Epcot. The AES Aquaponic System, constructed behind Aquatic Eco-Systems 130,000 sq. ft. facility in Apopka, FL, is a variation of Dr. Rakocys world-renowned UVI Aquaponic System.
In a statement about the AES workshop, Dr. Rakocy said, "Teaching at the aquaponics course sponsored by Aquatic Eco-Systems (AES) was a real treat for me because AES employees have an incredible depth of experience and knowledge that they share with their students as they guide them through all phases of constructing and operating an aquaponic system to establish a successful hobby or business."
Dr. Lennard added, I do workshops with Aquatic Eco-Systems because I believe they have the right attitude toward teaching aquaponics. This industry needs to begin to adopt scientific and engineering based principles to be able to advance. Aquatic Eco-Systems have been in the business for a long time now and bring this attitude to everything they do, including aquaponics. Because I base my approach to aquaponics on these principles, Aquatic Eco-Systems are the only company I trust to work with and fully represent what I believe in."
It is with great excitement that AES will hold another aquaponics workshop aimed at preparing attendees to actually practice what they learn during the 4.5-day course. Attendees will gain practical knowledge and an understanding for how aquaponics will actually work in their lives and the lives of others from some of the most recognized and respected names in the industry. Included in the workshop materials is a comprehensive manual which features a full list of parts and materials needed to construct the AES Aquaponics System. Also provided to each workshop attendee is a CAD drawing of the AES system, which is scalable to fit the area in which they plan to construct their system.
Other workshop extras include face time and Q&A with the presenters and AES staff as well as a CD of the PowerPoint presentations.
A sentiment shared by many, one Spring 2012 workshop attendee offered this testimonial, "This workshop was great! It was very professional and well organized. Presenters were very informative, the meals were great and the AES staff was awesome in every way. This far exceeded my expectations."
Registration is now open for the Fall 2012 workshop. Attendees are encouraged to take advantage of the early registration rate.
About our expert presenters: About Dr. James Rakocy: Known as the "Father of Aquaponics," James Rakocy obtained his PhD in aquaculture from Auburn University in 1980. Dr. Rakocy was formerly the Director of the University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) Agricultural Experiment Station and a Research Professor of Aquaculture. He has since retired, but his research at UVI concentrated on the development of production systems for tilapia that conserve and reuse water and recycle nutrients. During his time at UVI, Dr. Rakocy and his colleagues developed aquaponic and biofloc systems, which intensify production and utilize dissolved nutrients for hydroponic vegetable production and solid organic waste for the production of field crops. Dr. Rakocy now lives in Thailand and travels the world teaching the principles of Aquaponics.
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WICHITA, Kan., May 30, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --Universal Lubricants, a provider of premier motor oil that turns used oil feedstock into re-refined base oil, announced today that its ECO ULTRA line is now the product suite of choice for Colorado-based Green Garage. The comprehensive auto care and repair center prides itself on offering individuals, corporations and fleets better "smileage" with advanced maintenance products and services that use less oil and create less waste. In addition to relying on re-refined antifreeze, dual stage oil filters that decrease oil usage by up to 70 percent and silicone windshield wiper blades, rather than petroleum-based rubber alternatives, Green Garage relies on ECO ULTRA for its motor oil change services and other environmentally-friendly solutions. Like its counterpart performance-driven, eco-responsible products Green Garage recommends, ECO ULTRA complements the center's focus on helping customers save time, money and the planet with eco-friendly auto services.
(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110314/NY64482LOGO)
ECO ULTRA is an American Petroleum Institute (API) licensed line of automotive and industrial lubricants that rely on used oil as feedstock to its re-refinery that produces top quality sustainable base oil. ECO ULTRA meets all Original Equipment Manufacturers' (OEM) specifications and Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) requirements. Now, it's the motor oil of choice for Green Garage technicians.
"We're a business that finds strategic value striving to be part of the zero waste community," said Steve Kirchner, President of Green Garage. "Used motor oil is one of those valuable resources that can be kept in productive use rather than labeled as waste. In fact, motor oil that takes used oil as feedstock actually offers enhanced performance precisely because it begins with a feedstock that's cleaner than crude. That's why we chose ECO ULTRA for our green oil changes. Not only is it a performance product that helps our business soften the auto industry's environmental impact, but ECO ULTRA is part of Universal Lubricants' Closed Loop Process that turns petroleum into a true renewable resource."
"ECO ULTRA is another product that reinforces our brand promise," said Ryan Ferrero, founder, chief executive officer and 'chief carhugger' of Green Garage. "Based on our research, this oil is the best choice to complement our suite of eco-friendly parts and services."
The U.S. produces approximately 1.1 billion gallons of used motor oil every year, of which approximately 800 million gallons is collected for re-use. However, less than 20 percent of that 800 million gallons collected is re-refined. Most of the collected oil is burned as an industrial fuel, reducing supplies of limited petroleum reserves and perpetuating the need to import foreign oil. What's more, an estimated 200 million gallons of used motor oil is disposed of improperly, damaging the environment. Universal Lubricants is dedicated to reversing this trend with its Closed Loop Process by completely controlling every aspect of the proprietary system. The company collects, re-refines, blends, packages and redistributes its own oil, including the ECO ULTRA line without ever losing guardianship within the chain in an infinitely repeatable, sustainable cycle.
"The auto and trucking industries are reaching a tipping point when it comes to aftercare best practices," said John Wesley, Universal Lubricants' chief executive officer. "Increasing numbers of service centers and fleet operators, including Green Garage, are finding real value by factoring environmental considerations into their business models. Products that hinge on repurposing and recycling lead to streamlined processes, greater efficiency, and measurably longer product lives, all of which generate financial savings without sacrificing quality or performance."
Added Wesley: "Products like ECO ULTRA blend and bolster environmental and economic benefits for businesses and bottom-lines don't lie."
For more information about Universal Lubricants' ECO ULTRA products, visit http://www.ecoultraoil.com.
About Universal Lubricants
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Universal Lubricants Partners with Top Eco-Responsible Auto Center
28-05-2012 21:09 "how to" diy build Energy Power Update Global Climate Cold Gas Solar Green Wind Free Electricity Environment water fish garden Clean Generator "Global Warming" Alternative renewable ideas Save Change Tesla Earth Technology natural eco system
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Make your car an eco-warrior on the road! While the best way to reduce your carbon footprint is still to leave the car at home, the state of our local public transport system may make this a non-option. Driving is often more a need than a luxury in this country, but dont take that as an excuse to boot environmental awareness to the backseat. Here are 10 simple tips for greener motoring.
(First published in Womens Health Magazine as Green Machine in May 2010; adapted for use in Female Network)
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Coniston entrepreneur launches eco-friendly buses
5:00pm Tuesday 29th May 2012 in News
THE countrys first semi-electric tour bus will soon be ferrying passengers through the Lake District.
Coniston entrepreneur Harry Kilgour might be driving a white bus but its pioneering technology will offer passengers a green ride.
Tourists will be able to view the landscape in the hybrid 17-seater bus, which uses an electric unit to support its diesel engine.
Mr Kilgour had the motor fitted to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from the bus by 20 per cent and lower its diesel intake.
The system was initially tested in goods vans but has been installed in a tour bus for the first time by specialists Ashwoods Automotive of Exeter.
The hybrid unit, which is fitted at the back of the bus, generates power to help increase the vehicles diesel efficiency. It recharges its battery system when not assisting the engine.
Mr Kilgour, 61, took the minibus out for its debut drive this week as he launched his business Bluebird Tours of Coniston. It will offer planned and bespoke tours throughout South Cumbria.
Mr Kilgour said: Theres not much around Coniston in terms of bus tourism, and certainly nothing as green as this."
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The New Recharge Mower G2 Riding Mower from Driven by Solar Inc., is Cordless, Rechargeable And Eco Friendly.Carson, CA (PRWEB) May 29, 2012 The New Recharge Mower G2 Riding Mower from Driven by Solar Inc. uses No Oil, No Gas and Produces No Emissions. The 36v85Ah battery system provides up to 2 acres of cutting performance on a single charge. There are 7 selectable height adjustments and choice ...
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The New Recharge Mower G2 Riding Mower Is Cordless, Rechargeable And Eco Friendly
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Not understanding the need for a newer, more economically sound, eco-friendly, and secure utilities infrastructure can be a (socio-economic disaster in the making), if top leaders of U.S. industry and government do not seek a solution to our historically aged telecommunications, power, and water delivery systems. The legacy systems in place are expensive, un-reliable, publically unsafe, and vulnerable to sabotage on both a large and small scale.
NINA
"Networked Infrastructure National Architecture Pty Ltd (NINA) has developed a new physical (operating system) for the efficient distribution of networked utilities and services globally. It is universal in its application to urban, rural and regional population centers including remote and very isolated communities." (See: Pathways to the Future - Foundations for Life N.I.N.a Information Briefing)
The NINA Access Pathway is a low cost, flexible, easily deployed lidded modular pathway, curb, gutter and utility ducting system, which addresses the failure of legacy distribution systems (power poles, trenched and buried cables and pits) to deliver economies of scale and scope.
Inventor: NINA Access Pathway: Curb Deployment
Inventor and Founder Guy Dixon from Australia presented his infrastructure improvement proposal to various Australian government entities including the Parliamentary House of Representatives. He past stints includes former head of ICT Research at Sydney Business Research, Telecommunications Analyst at CCZ Statton Equities, and Associate Director Credit Suisse, First Boston.
Being the first in-depth review in infrastructure distribution in the last century, NINA is a multi-utility pathway which offers substantial efficiencies and safe-guards to the utility distribution process.
Benefits
Provides multi-level utility pathways for utility infrastructure via home garages and curb-side ducting for telecommunications, electric utilities, and water distribution
Promotes competition between key economic providers of services
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National Infrastructure Crisis: Improving Distribution Metrics
25-05-2012 10:17 Reduce Energy Bills Up To 70% With The Hog Hearth® ECO System The Hog Hearth® ECO System is the most efficient heating system available. The Hog Hearth® averages less than 65 watts per crate providing the perfect surface temperature for the newborn piglet. No heat lamps are necessary with the Hog Hearth® heat mat, even at farrowing time. Please visit us @
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23-05-2012 16:05 Reduce Energy Bills Up To 70% With The Hog Hearth® ECO System The Hog Hearth® ECO System is the most efficient heating system available. The Hog Hearth® averages less than 65 watts per crate providing the perfect surface temperature for the newborn piglet. No heat lamps are necessary with the Hog Hearth® heat mat, even at farrowing time. Please visit us @
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24-05-2012 08:30 Reduce Energy Bills Up To 70% With The Hog Hearth® ECO System The Hog Hearth® ECO System is the most efficient heating system available. The Hog Hearth® averages less than 65 watts per crate providing the perfect surface temperature for the newborn piglet. No heat lamps are necessary with the Hog Hearth® heat mat, even at farrowing time. Please visit us @
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23-05-2012 22:26 Sounds of Peace--Eco system 5-12
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