by Andrew Meggison

Without question, a traditional pedal bicycle is the greenest vehicle on the road today. Some bikes are getting an even more sustainable treatment, being built from materials such as bamboo. Axalko Bikes has created a very unique bike made out of wood shavings.

If you saw this wooden bike pass you by on a city street, odds are you would not think it was made out of wood. The Axalko Bat bike frame is hand made out of lightweight, sturdy, tubular fibers of wood and a micro-laminated finish.

The wooden frame weighs between 1.4 and 2.3 kg (about 3 - 7 lbs) depending on the frame size. Thanks to a polyurethane varnish, the bike is highly water resistant - on par with carbon fiber frames, claims Axalko.

Axalko mainly uses ash tree wood for the core of the frame; however, many different type woods can be selected for an exterior lamination, making these bikes highly customizable. Speaking customizing, since the wooden frames are not that different from non-wooden high-end bike frames, they are compatible with a number of components from aftermarket companies.

This unique, handmade, wooden bike can be yours for around 6,000 Euros - that is about $7,396 USD at current exchange rates.

Andrew Meggison was born in the state of Maine and educated in Massachusetts. Andrew earned a Bachelor's Degree in Government and International Relations from Clark University and a Master's Degree in Political Science from Northeastern University. Being an Eagle Scout, Andrew has a passion for all things environmental. In his free time Andrew enjoys writing, exploring the great outdoors, a good film, and a creative cocktail. You can follow Andrew on Twitter @AndrewMeggison

Reprinted with permission from Gas 2.0

by Jo Borras

We've seen more than a few new-age planes here on Gas 2, from hybrid planes to full-electric planes to solar-electric planes. They're all ugly. The new Volare, from Italian builder Volta, is free. King. Gorgeous.

Just look at the thing.

I want to name it "Bettina" and do dirty things to it.

The beautiful, stunning, ever-so pretty Volare is a 4-passenger series hybrid is powered by a 1.5L turbo diesel engine. Similar in concept to Chevy's Volt (Volt:Volare, get it?), the Volare uses its diesel as a generator to "fuel up" the 55 kWh lithium battery pack. Combined with the Volare's lightweight construction and slinky aerodynamics, the package is good for a 310 knot speed with a 300 mile range in EV mode (before the diesel "kicks in", in other words).

Sound good? A little too good?

Fear not: the Volare is no million-dollar money-pit of vaporware.

Volta plans to sell the Volare for just under 500,000 USD, and claims maintenance costs will be 80 percent less than a similarly-performing ICE plane - and they've already sold a few! Of the initial run of 36, there are only 11 left.

Reprinted with permission from Gas 2.0

by Tina Casey

Shake the family tree of a decidedly weird material like graphene and you never know what might fall out. In the most recent development, researchers in Spain have found that they can replicate a distinctive feature of graphene simply by drilling a pattern of holes in a sheet of plastic.

The discovery of a plastic "cousin" is significant because graphene has tantalizingly unique properties that could spark a new generation of smaller, lighter, more powerful and less energy-sucking electronic devices, but it is a notoriously finicky material.

Plastic, on the other hand, is - well, plastic.

Dirac cones and graphene

The key to the outstanding electronic properties of graphene is the "unusual relationship" between the two points of a double-cone feature called Dirac cones. Electrons accelerate to high speeds as they move up the cone, and that accounts for the incredibly fast movement of electrons through graphene.

Loosely speaking, the Dirac phenomenon is similar to those change-donation stations at museums, where a penny dropped into the wide end of an inverted cone gathers speed as it whirls toward a small hole at the bottom.

If Dirac cones can be identified in other, more stable materials, that could lead to more cost-effective ways of mass producing foundational materials for next-generation electronics.

A plastic version of graphene

The new study was published in Physical Review Letters by two researchers at the Polytechnic University of Valencia, Daniel Torrent and Jose Sanchez-Dehesa.

As a stand-in for graphene, they used a compound called methyl methacrylate, which in the form of poly methyl methacrylate is more commonly known as Plexiglass.

They drilled a pattern of cylindrical holes in the plastic sheet to mimic the lattice structure of carbon atoms in graphene, which resembles honeycomb or chickenwire. Each hole represented a carbon atom.

When exposed to carefully calibrated sounds from a loudspeaker, the surface of the plate produced acoustic waves that varied in relation to the depth and radius of the cylindrical holes.

According to the researchers, this phenomenon is analogous to the way that the lattice structure of graphene produces electronic waves.

As described in a recent article at physicsworld.com by editor Hamish Johnston, the researchers identified analogs to Dirac cones at about 22kHz, confirming their theoretical modeling.

The next step, according to Johnston, is to confirm that the acoustic waves also travel unimpeded across the sheet.

Applications for plastic "graphene"

Though practical applications for an acoustic Plexiglass version of graphene appear somewhat limited, the finding could be significant at the research end.

In its natural state, graphene comes in sheets of carbon only one atom thick. The researchers who discovered graphene in 2004 fabricated it by literally lifting a layer of carbon atoms from a chunk of graphite, a technique that is obviously lacking in quality control. Fabricating quantities of graphene with a consistent quality has bedeviled the field ever since.

With a cheap, easily manipulated material like Plexiglass at hand, researchers could use the acoustic analog as an initial step in graphene research, to predict the behavior of electrons under varying conditions.

Scientists at Columbia University have been working along these lines to create a simplified form of "artificial graphene" that could be used as a research tool in lieu of natural graphene.

Other graphene variants are under investigation at the University of Erlangen-Nurnberg in Germany, where researchers are using

computer models to detect Dirac cones in graphynes, which are atom-thick carbon sheets that depart from the honeycomb structure of graphene.

At Manchester University, researchers are also tweaking graphene with hydrogen atoms to develop a sort of nano-sandwich called graphane, which could be cut into strips or ribbons for commercial use.

Reprinted with permission from Cleantechnica

by Guest Contributor

The appliances that are in our homes - washers, dryers, fridges and stoves - play a major role in our lives. They do a lot for us, from cleaning dishes, clothes, storing food, and more, but what you may not realize is they add to your monthly electric bill and they put increasing power demands on your local power company.

Buying energy efficient appliances and using your existing appliances in a more responsible and eco friendly manner will help you to lower your monthly power bill, take pressure off your local power company and help reduce your impact on our environment.

Here are some tips and suggestions about making your appliances as eco-friendly as possible whether that involve buying new appliances or using and maintaining them in an environmentally friendly and responsible way.

Ready to Buy

Buying a big ticket item like a new home appliance is a major commitment. When you've decided that it's time for a new appliance then look for a few things that will make your appliance eco friendly:

Features/Settings: The latest appliances have a lot of extra features, buttons and settings that you may or may not need or want. A few common energy efficient features you will need are: cold water setting on the washer, air drying for the dishwasher, and energy saving for the dishwasher.

Size: The larger the appliance, the more power that will consume when working, so think twice about getting that heavy-duty washer.

Energy Star: This program was designed by the US Department of Energy and the Environment Protection Agency. The label appears on many home appliances that these two agencies have designated as being more energy efficient than their older counterparts. Appliances with the Energy Star label can cost more than 40 percent higher than regular appliances; however, they will reduce by half your daily energy usage.

Your current appliances can be transformed into energy efficient machines by looking at how they are used in your household.

Disconnect: Appliances such as the coffee maker, microwave and other devices continue to draw power even when you hit the 'off' switch. This is a known energy waster referred to as phantom loads. You are paying to power these devices that are supposedly 'off.' Unplug the appliances that are not being used.

Frequency: Start with taking a calendar and for one week write on it what appliances were used. Now, ask yourself a few questions: Could those dishes have been hand washed? Do I really need to do laundry on three different days? Depending on your family/lifestyle it can be possible to cut down on the frequency you use your appliances which will help to power your energy and power consumption. For example, only run the dishwasher, washer/dryer when you have full loads of items that need to clean. Instead of using the stove's burners for boiling water, dig out the electric kettle or use the microwave (microwave's use much less power than the stove). Use the microwave to reheat leftovers.

Settings: Most of our appliances have a lot of features that you may or may not need to use. For example, if you pre-rinse your dishes before putting them in the dishwasher then there is no need to use that setting on the dishwasher. Also, select the no-heat drying option as the dishes will dry in the dishwasher like they would air drying on the counter.

Laundry: Laundry is a common chore that is a big user of water and power in our home. To help lower the power bill then here are a few suggestions: Wash clothes in cold water to reduce power consumption. When you wash clothes in hot water about 90 percent of the power goes to heating the water. Instead of using the dryer to dry clothes, hang them outside and give your clothes that clean fresh smell. If you have more than one load to do each day then do them together to use the heat from the first load to dry the next - thereby reducing the power used to dry the next load.

Be aware that your appliance use is a big part of being an eco friendly appliance owner. This is important to provide your appliance with a long and happy life.

Appliance Checkup: You take your car into the garage for regular maintenance, so why not give your appliances a proper tune up? Read your appliance's owner manual, as it will explain regular cleaning you can perform to maintaining your appliance such as, cleaning out the dryer vents, vacuuming the fridge's coils, using vinegar in the dishwasher, coffee maker as a natural cleaning product.

Repairs: When your car has a bad spark plug you don't get a new car - you fix the plug. The same principle applies to your appliance. If the dishwasher starts acting up (i.e. not cleaning the dishes) then begin by researching the problem. You will be able to locate information about the issue and discover the steps to help you get your dishwasher or any other appliance back in tip top shape. Repairing your home appliance will keep it around that much longer, and it's one less item that ends up in the landfill.

Being an eco friendly appliance owner means being aware of the decisions we make and the impact they have in our lives. Making small modifications to our lifestyle will go a long way to helping our precious earth and future generations. Start today to make changes to help build a greener future and a brighter tomorrow.

Jeremy Godfrey works at EasyApplianceParts as a Community Coordinator. He is passionate about the environment, saving money and doing it yourself.

Photo by Oren Zebest/flickr/Creative Commons

Reprinted with permission from Green Living Ideas

by Zachary Shahan

Piggy-backing on my post the other day about electric bicycles (focused on the fact that you can buy an electric bicycle for about the same money as it costs to fill up your gas tank 20 times), here's more electric bicycle news: annual sales of electric bikes are expected to go over 30 million in 2012 and over 47 million by 2018.

The findings, from a recent Pike Research report, indicate that "the worldwide market for e-bicycles will increase at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.5 percent between 2012 and 2018? and the "e-bicycle market is anticipated to generate $6.9 billion in worldwide revenue in 2012, growing to $11.9 billion in 2018."

China is where most of the growth is projected to occur, due to its rapid urbanization, demand for low-cost transportation, and a historical affinity to bikes, I presume. The Chinese are expected to be buying 42 million of the projected 47 million or so e-bicycles that that will be sold in 2018, 89 percent of the total world market.

Of course, the report is based on assumptions, and sales under a more optimistic scenario are even higher. Under the most aggressive forecast, sales will reach 51 million bicycles and $13.2 billion in annual revenue by 2018.

While China is going to continue to lead growth in the sector, the North American e-bicycle market is also expected to grow.

"E-bicycle manufacturers and importers in North America and Latin America continue to struggle with a weak distribution network and modest demand," says senior analyst Dave Hurst. "As a result, the e-bicycle market is experiencing an accelerated rate of acquisitions and business failures. Nevertheless, sales are expected to grow rapidly, with a CAGR of nearly 22 percent in North America from 2012 to 2018."

Want more details on these e-bicycles and the e-bicycle market? Here's more from Pike Research:

The vast majority of the e-bicycles sold in China, the world's largest market, utilize sealed lead acid (SLA) batteries. While this has resulted in extremely low-cost e-bicycles in China, it has also led to a number of challenges including e-bicycle traffic congestion, lead contamination, and manufacturers effectively ignoring laws relating to e-bicycles speed and weight limits. Pike Research anticipates that the global penetration of lithium ion (Li-ion) batteries will grow from 6 percent in 2012 to 12 percent in 2018. Cost pressures from Asia Pacific will keep manufacturers interested in SLA batteries through this decade, but once manufacturing efficiencies have driven down the costs of Li-ion, we will start to see the decline of SLA as the battery of choice in e-bicycles.

Pike Research's report, "Electric Bicycles", provides a comprehensive analysis of the worldwide e-bicycle and e-bicycle battery industry including an examination of market forces, technology issues, government policy influences, the competitive landscape, and key drivers of growth. The study includes global forecasts for e-bicycle units and e-bicycle batteries through 2017, segmented by world region and key countries.

Reprinted with permission from Cleantechnica

by Jeanne Roberts

Call them can lights, downlights or recessed lighting, when you design them with elegance and simplicity using cutting edge optical and thermal superiority, as Lighting Science Group has done with its luminaire called Glimpse, you get overhead lighting that-to hear them tell it-has no parallel in the field.

Moreover, the LED-based Glimpse will fit into most 4-inch recessed openings by simply replacing a standard (incandescent) bulb. It can also be surface-mounted to a junction box as a ceiling light. LEDs, or light emitting diodes, have so far proven to be the most energy efficient light sources available.

Selling for about $37 at Home Depot, thanks to a 70 percent reduction in the use of materials, the slimline Glimpse is a mere 2.116 inches thick-more like a tuna can than a regular can, and uses a single heatsink. This alone is a remarkable improvement, since most LEDs require several of these devices (which look, and work, like the internal fan inside a computer case or tower). For energy efficiency enthusiasts, the news that Glimpse also works with most dimmers (unlike many other LEDs) is a plus that puts Glimpse well over the top, particularly since Glimpse can be turned down to a mere 5 percent of output.

When not dimmed, the Glimpse's slim profile provides brilliant illumination, on the order of 750 lumens WW (warm white, as opposed to CW, or cool white). This compares more than favorably to office lighting, which is typically 400 lumens per square meter. It also meets most building codes, most notably California's highly restrictive Title 24, and the requirements for a Class B digital device under FCC codes (Part 15, Code of Federal Regulations). Glimpse is also IC rated for use in spaces where it will be in direct contact with insulation.

Operating at ambient temperatures of up to 104 degrees F (40 C), Glimpse uses a miserly 9.5 watts yet has a lifespan of 50,000 hours, comparing more than favorably to standard (incandescent) light bulbs giving out the same amount of light but surviving at most several thousand hours. The Glimpse also offers a 5-year limited warranty, and is eco-friendly, so when you go to dispose of it sometime in the distant future, hopefully through recycling, you will not be adding toxic wastes like mercury to the environment. Lighting Science Group advises that Energy Star certification is pending.

by Steve Duda

Is the emergence of the electric skateboard a sign that electrified and alt-fuel technology has integrated itself into every nook and cranny of vehicular culture or, conversely, does it confirm that today's skater youth are pampered beyond comprehension?

Philosophical questions aside, Kef Design, a Portland, Ore.-based company, is powering forward with its line of electric skateboards known as Metroboards. These decks can reach top speeds of 19 mph in five seconds and shuttle riders up to 15 miles on a single, two-hour charge. Driven by a 600-watt motor and a lithium battery pack, Kef says the Metroboard has enough power to propel riders up a nine degree slope.

The Metroboards feature nine rider-adjustable power levels (from beginner to advanced), allowing riders to fine-tune their ride to their personal own comfort and skill level. The decks are controlled by a small, wireless remote controller that uses Bluetooth digital signal to communicate with the motor controller located under the deck. The controller uses two buttons and a small joystick to control speed and the deck's regenerative braking system.

Starting at 2 mph, the controller can work in 1 mph increments all the way up to top speed. If the remote is accidentally dropped while riding or if the board gets away from the controller by more than about 10 feet, the brakes will automatically be applied to prevent a runaway board.

For such a small package, the decks are packed with bells and whistles. Aside from the regenerative braking the boards also feature a front and rear LED lighting system, a remote control bell to warn pedestrians, and a fuel gauge built into the remote control that warns of a low battery via a series of beeps.

There are four Metroboard models that start at around 17 pounds. The smallest deck, the Gravity Mini, is 27 inches long while the largest model, the Longboard, stretches to 41 inches.

Kef has done the math and figures the boards get about 1,500 mph using equivalent electrical energy. That translates to about $0.0005 per mile. And yes, if the battery dies and you are forced to do the unthinkable-actually push the board forward with your legs-it's possible due to what the company calls its low pulley ratio.

by Glenn Meyers

Biologists have long been drawn by the adhesive power of gecko feet that enable these 5-ounce lizards to scale vertical walls with nary a slip. Now polymer scientists and a biologist at the University of Massachusetts Amherst have duplicated how the gecko accomplishes this feat. The result: “Geckskin,” a sticky material that can hold up to 700 pounds on a smooth wall.

Put in perspective, this Geckskin could hold a flat-screen television, and come down as easily as it was put up. Nor does it leave any unpleasant odor.

According to a press announcement from University of Massachusetts Amherst, many polymer scientists formed the research team, plus biologist Duncan Irschick, who has studied geckos’ climbing ability for more than 20 years. A gecko is able to move with ease on vertical, slanted, even backward-tilting surfaces.

In its research, the team reported that a gecko’s skin, bones and tendons work in unison to remarkable and sticky effect. ”Amazingly, gecko feet can be applied and disengaged with ease, and with no sticky residue remaining on the surface,” Irschick says.

The scientists believe these properties, high-capacity, reversibility and dry adhesion offer remarkable potential for synthetic materials that can easily attach and detach heavy everyday objects such as televisions or computers to walls, as well as medical and industrial applications, among others.

Geckskin is a stiff woven fabric incorporating a soft adhesive pad, woven into a “synthetic tendon” like that of a gecko’s foot. “Our design for Geckskin shows the true integrative power of evolution for inspiring synthetic design that can ultimately aid humans in many ways,” said Irschick. The team is aiming to further improve the Geckskin by looking at the wide variation evident in the evolution of gecko feet.

The UMass Amherst researchers are now improving the Geckskin design, even taking lessons from the evolution of gecko feet, which show remarkable variation in anatomy.

The U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) through a subcontract to Draper Laboratories, plus UMass Amherst research funds supported the research project. The team’s findings have been published in the current online edition of Advanced Materials.

by Beth Buczynski

We can’t see the wind, but we know it’s real because we feel it on our skin and see it’s effect on other things, like the leaves of a tree or ocean waves. We know the wind is powerful because we can see it turn the blades of a mighty turbine and drive storms across the sky. Inspired by the wind’s potential, British inventor Tom Lawton created a lamp that could emulate its restless nature while illuminating outdoor recreational areas.

Dubbed the Firewinder, this unique LED lamp requires no power supply or batteries, elegantly transforming winds as low as 3 mph into light, enabling the abundant and free energy in the wind to be seen as an endless upward spiralling helix of light. The faster the wind blows, the brighter the light becomes.

“I have always wanted to design a product which works best when the weather is at its worst,” said Lawton. “While Firewinder has little practical purpose; it serves as a wind-powered beacon, inspiring everyone who experiences it with a beautiful, enchanting glow, which breathes with nature. The ambience you get from the magical effect of windlight has to be experienced to be believed!” Watch it in action below:

While you certainly wouldn’t want to depend on the Firewinder to illuminate your porch or garage, it would make a beautiful addition to your garden, patio, or other outdoor area that’s frequently utilized after dark. It features 14 ultra-bright LED bulbs, a lightweight recyclable ABS modular wing construction, and two brackets for easy wall mounting (it can also be suspended by a rope).

If you’re looking for an easy way to let your family and friends “see” the wind, the Firewinder is a fun device that’s available online from $40.

by Beth Buczynski

Smart phones have become so sophisticated that many of us can no longer make it through our day without them. This increased functionality (and dependence) also means that smart phones go everywhere we go, often putting them in danger of damage or destruction.

That’s why we were excited to learn that mobile accessory designer Snow Lizard Products recently unveiled the Aqua Tek S: the world’s first battery-powered, solar-charged, rugged underwater case for the iPhone 4 and 4S. The design was released recently to launch the company’s Kickstarter campaign to crowd fund the project.

“The iPhone is a great device but is too fragile to withstand the rigors of the outdoor enthusiast,” said Andreas Haase, who is part of the Aqua Tek S development team, in a statement. “With Aqua Tek S [you can] take your iPhone to places where no iPhone has gone before, this is the perfect solution for rock climbers, river rafters and beach bums alike.”

With an outer shell made from tough poly-carbonate materials with rubber grips for added protection, Snow Lizard claims the Aqua Tek S will be waterproof up to 20 feet and designed to withstand drops, falls and accidental spills. This will come as a huge relief to anyone who’s accidentally dumped their morning coffee all over their phone

Also, the Aqua Tek S’ built in battery and solar charger will eliminate the fear of running out of power while exploring in remote areas. Users will be able to charge and sync the iPhone in the Aqua Tek S by simply opening the thumb screw and attaching a micro USB to the connector. Sound to good to be true? Watch this video of the product being field tested on the slopes of Park City, Utah.

In just a matter of days, the Snow Lizard Kickstarter project has gathered a significant amount of capital from interested individuals. If you’d love to see this nifty case wrapped around your precious iPhone 4 or 4s, learn more on the Aqua Tek Kickstarter page.

by Charis Michelsen

February is a cold month for many people – it’s certainly hovering around freezing in the greater Chicago area We actually consider that incredibly mild and even overly warm weather for this time of year, but that’s another story…. And still, just because standing water isn’t freezing into sheets of ice doesn’t mean it’s not cold enough to be uncomfortable indoors without cranking up the heat. Of course, as the temperature goes up, so do the utility bills. One possible solution is a net-zero-energy home; a potentially less expensive solution is Hagent, the heating robot.

Developed by German designers – Andreas Meinhardt and Daniel Abendroth – Hagent is a sort of mobile space heater. Only, instead of plugging into the wall and heating the room indiscriminately, Hagent actually moves to a warm area to collect the heat and then goes to the cold areas to warm them up.

How Does Hagent Work?

Hagent, which looks like a simple black box, has a number of heat sensors. These allow it to identify heat sources (a fireplace, for example), and also cold areas (such as the bedroom on the other side of the house). Hagent absorbs the heat in something called phase-change material, stores it, and then releases it in the cold areas.

Hagent’s first prototype was pretty much a modified Segway control unit and a plywood frame, exhibited at Les Arts Décoratifs in Paris, in October 2011. Sensors weren’t added until the second prototype was built some time later, which allowed Hagent to move on its own and not crash into things (a major flaw in Prototype Number One). The current prototype is the fourth version, which has been tested against various temperature ranges (testing Hagent to detect body heat failed spectacularly as Hagent proceeded to gravitate towards sunny spots, monitors, and other machines, for example).

While there are currently no concrete plans to send Hagent to production, it does seem like a much more efficient way of heating a house or an apartment – I really like the idea of moving around the available heat rather than just continuing to turn up the thermostat until that one cold room seems warm enough.

by Jeff Jeff McIntire-Strasburg

Cooking packs a wallop in terms of health and environmental impact in the developing world: I’ve seen the numbers time and time again as I come across new appropriate technology for addressing that impact. Various social enterprises have played with clean, efficient cookstove models to address respiratory disease and deforestation that results from cooking with wood. I’ve been fascinated by these approaches: from rockets stoves to cogeneration concepts, there’s been a lot to admire on this front… and not just because these ideas are environmentally sustainable, but also address the economic impact of cooking in the developing world.

Of course, a stove that required no fuel would be perfect: no carbon emissions, no time devoted to gathering wood or working to earn the money to buy other fuels, no fine particulates that make people sick. The Wonderbag, a creation of South African social entrepreneur Sarah Collins, doesn’t eliminate fuel, but it does cut its use: once a pot of food reaches the boiling point, it can be placed in the insulated bag to keep cooking without burning any more wood or gas. When paired with a clean cookstove, I’d guess the resource savings would be tremendous.

How does this work? Essentially, thermal mass: the Wonderbag uses polysterene balls as insulation in the bags themselves, which hold the heat from the cooking pot. It can do so for several hours, turning a standard Dutch oven into a slow cooker… all while cutting emissions. Collins estimates that the Wonderbag “has already saved enough CO2 emissions to travel the globe 9,452 times…”

Want to see how it all works? Check out the video on bringing the Wonderbag to Rwanda on the company’s website. No doubt a simple invention like this would be great for American outdoorsy types (who can afford a $65 bag); for women and children in the developing world, it’s another lifesaver.