While it may seem like technology out of a science-fiction film, plants may just be the next big thing in energy in the real world. Here is what we know about this new energy right now. Photosynthesis 101 That week …
Donating a Car for Charity – What to Look For
Choosing a Car Donation Charity Generally, there are three different outcomes when donating your car to charity: It will be used and operated by the charity It will be given to a person in need It will be passed on …
Renewable Energy from Drinking Water Pipes
New clean energy sources don’t just come along everyday, but a new technology is combining turbines with gravity fed water pipes to generate hydroelectric power. While traditional hydroelectric energy generation is clean, it usually comes with some environmental impacts from …
Harvesting Rainwater, Grey Water, & Landscape Water Recycling
So you’ve replaced your lawn with drought resistant natives, installed low-flow shower heads and faucets, upgraded your appliances to water saving efficient washing machines and dishwashers, and cut your water usage. What’s next? Well that’s where minds (and laws) are …
How Bike-Sharing Systems Are Revolutionizing Our Cities
According to PeopleForBikes, 31.5 percent of Washington D.C.’s Capital Bikeshare riders reported a reduction in stress levels. Meanwhile, Climate Central reports that Denver’s B-Cycle program is estimated to have avoided over 1 million pounds of CO2 emissions. It’s no longer …
Best Electric Motorcycles
Electric motorcycles are starting to pop up everywhere now. The technology is here, and like the Tesla did for electric cars, the designs are starting to get sexy. A handful compete for top honors in the Zero emissions division at …
Volta Free Electric Vehicle Charging Stations
Leave it to the land of Teslas and Leafs to come up with a free charging network provided by advertisers. Volta has combined classic start-up innovation with electric vehicles to provide a free EV charging service. Owning an electric car …
Spotted: Brammo Empulse R Electric Motorcycle
Looks like Brammo’s new electric motorcycle is all grown up. The Empulse R is a beefy and badass looking naked sportbike, with a design reminiscent of the Ducati Monster or Streetfighter. Packed with power, it retains the title for world’s …
Environmental Poetry – Nature, Energy and Expression
Here at The Chic Ecologist, I like to highlight all types of businesses, products, arts and artists, but it’s rare to find an environmental poet! Here are three selections from Robert Lopez, an electrical engineer major focusing on sustainable energy …
SFMOMA Expansion Plans – Vertical Garden
Who else is excited for the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art’s expansion plans? Recently announced is a huge vertical garden or living wall of native plants expanding the entire block. Not only that, we can also expect: The largest …
Natural Gas – Clean Future Fuel or Wolf in Green Clothing?
Natural gas has been in the spotlight lately as the clean fuel of the future, but what do we know about this clean gas? We already use it in our home furnaces, water heaters, stoves, fireplaces, even some cars (CNG); …
DIY Landscaping, Water Conservation and Stormdrain Runoff Pollution
I love to come up with creative Do It Yourself (DIY’s) ideas to solve issues, and this one is not only environmentally friendly, but it is also beautiful and beneficial! How we landscape can solve a lot of problems with …
The High Line Park Redevelopment – New York City
A perfect example of green re-purposing- turning an aging and abandoned elevated railway into a public greenspace. The High Line Park in New York city is probably my favorite urban walkway (with Seattle’s SAM Sculpture Park not far behind) with …
Tesla Model X – Gullwing Electric Crossover
Unveiled yesterday, Tesla has done it again, this time with an electric crossover for the Porsche Cayenne crowd. Blend a sportscar, an SUV, a minivan and drop in a 4 wheel drive zero emission electric drive-train and you have the …