Plant Power: How Photosynthesis May Be the Next Big Thing in Energy

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 spent covering photosynthesis in middle school was a long, long time ago, so here’s a quick refresher of the basics. …

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 to a 3rd party for a flat fee or percentage for resale/recycling Unless your car is in good or excellent …

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 interrupting waterways (endangered species, salmon spawning and eco-system health to name a few). This new in-pipe hydropower generates energy with …

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 changing due to the long drought. Here in California, as with most of the Southwest, we are experiencing record drought …

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 necessary to own a bike or spend a small fortune renting one while on vacation. Bike-sharing programs are becoming increasingly …

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 the Isle of Man TT to prove their power and reliability, but some are flying in under the radar. Prototypes …

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 just gets better and better. With rebates at purchase, reduced maintenance costs, and miles costing pennies compared to traditional gasoline, …

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 fastest electric motorcycle in serial production both riding and charging. Impressive specs showcase the progression of technology in electric motorcycles …

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 at Cornell University. His full bio can be found at the bottom of the post. Enjoy! Untitled Might we view …

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 public living wall of native plants in San Francisco 130,000 sqft of gallery space covering indoor and outdoor exhibits 15,000 …