Category Archives: Other Stuff
Instead of tackling the dreadful fossil fuel and smog problem blanketing China right now, the Chinese are resorting to buying air in cans! A clever businessman has started selling fresh air in drinks cans as levels of pollution in China continue to raise danger alarms. The concentration of PM2.5 particles, which are the smallest and deadliest have gone off the scale twice this year, already. The Air Quality Index is showing numbers 20 times more dangerous than US Environmental Protection Agency ‘safe’ standards.
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China is burning more coal than the rest of the world put together, and their consumption is continuing to grow. 20% global greenhouse gases are due to coal burning, making it one of the biggest offenders in the climate change debate. Although coal is responsible for huge health problems, as well as climate changing effects, it is still a popular fuel source in China because it is so cheap. Tighter air pollution restrictions in developing countries mean that coal is being sacrificed for cleaner energy and renewable sources, but while it remains so cheap and readily available in developing countries, there is no pressing reason for them to switch to other means.
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To commemorate 75 years of the San Francisco Bay Bridge, an $8 million public art installation will light up the iconic structure for the next two years. Conceived by creative agency head, Ben Davis, and designed by New York-based artist Leo Villareal, Bay Lights will see the San Fran bridge illuminated by 25,000 white LED lights. The lights are programmable, so that different animations and abstract patterns can be created and will be visible from afar. They will cover a massive 1.5 miles along the length of the bridge, and 500 feet in height.
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Victora’s Secret has pledged to detox its underwear, in response to a Greenpeace investigation that revealed the lingerie retailer has been lacing its dainties with harmful substances. Limited Brands, which also owns La Senza, has promised to remove all traces of phthalates – endocrine-disrupting baddies linked to all kinds of sexual health problems, genital deformities, and ironically, premature breast development in girls, by 2020. This isn’t the first time Victoria’s Secret has been in trouble for toxic underwear. In 2003, the label hastily removed carcinogenic chemicals from its bras and panties. In 2008, they were taken to court after women suffered scarring and rashes due to formaldehyde contaminated products.
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At yesterday’s second inauguration of President Obama, the newly re-elected President did his best to prove his awareness of environmental issues, with the creation of a 10,000 square foot inauguration platform made from wood harvested using methods that protect water quality, biodiversity and habitats for endangered wildlife. Not only was it environmentally friendly, but it was also strong – holding the President, his cabinet, former Presidents, Beyonce and her large rear end. Attention was also given to waste reduction, recycling and diversion plans during the ceremony.
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Since its launch in May 2009, around 21,000 Ene-Farm Fuel cells have been sold in Japan. With the launch of the new model, Panasonic are hoping for more. The price has been cut (from approximately $30,700 to $22,320 – not including installation), lower energy needs can now be catered for (the latest cell can supply 200-750W), it is 95% efficient, has an operating life of 60,000 hours and can cut CO2 emissions by around 49%. Using chemical reactions, rather than combusting fossil fuels, fuel cells like the ‘Ene-Farm’ are more environmentally friendly than traditional power sources. Using a fuel processor, the cell takes hydrogen from the city gas supply and reacts it with oxygen in the atmosphere to produce heat and hot water. The remote control included with the latest model also monitors CO2 emissions for the fuel cell and also should any solar panels be installed in the home.
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Singapore’s Gardens by the Bay opened in the summer of 2012 and was quickly recognised for its innovative design. Awarded World Building of the Year at the World Architecture Festival 2012 and best display buildings for the Cloud Forest and Flower Dome, Gardens by the Bay are examples of eco friendly architectural initiative.
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We recently reported on Beijing’s environment being choked out of life recently. As air pollutions soared to a hazardous 993 micrograms per cubic meters, the city was engulfed with pollution. This led to traffic pulling off streets, flights being cancelled and people locking themselves indoors.
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And as the rest of the world is diligently moving towards a greener tomorrow, folks in Beijing are suffering from a terribly polluted environment. The city experienced extremely high pollution levels that actually led to the government setting up emergency measures. The city was choked with smog with air pollution levels crossing the 300 mark, considered dangerous by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), finally touching a hazardous 755 level!
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Tossing out waste on earth is a breeze. Tossing waste while out in space isn’t such a smart idea however! Instead, researchers from NASA’s Ames Research Center in California have come up with a fantastic way to put waste to rest. The team has designed a compactor that melts waste without incineration. An extremely efficient process, this compactor is capable of transforming a day’s worth of waste into an 8-inch diameter tile.
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