Inspirational and good news.
University of Iowa librarians have a cool project on their hands. They are taking all those old outdated library card catalog cards and turing them into art. This is a really neat idea for otherwise useless cards.
From the article: “UI Libraries Assistant Conservator Kristin Baum, who oversees the art project, said about one million cards will be sent in the coming months to school children, book artists, poets, writers and other artists.”
A British gas company has created a very efficient auto. Using hydrogen it needs only 25 watts to travel 25,000 miles (in theory). This car may put the Swiss car previously discussed here to shame. This car, however, will be piloted by a 13 year old for weight and space concerns.
After reading many arguments that hydrogen is a false hope it is good to see that really efficient vehicles can be made.
A California company has created a method to turn your Hummer into a zero-emmison vehicle for under $200. TerraPass members pay a fee each year that is used to fund things that counteract carbon production. This could be the purchasing of trees or the planting of a windmill (or vice-versa). The company is for-profit but it does limit how much profit it walks away with each year to the tune of 10%.
How much a member pays is based on what kind of car they drive. Perhaps a driver of a Prius gets money sent to them for driving. CNN has more information on this green-driven-intiative.
You would think that SUV drivers might be interested in this company but, environmentalists who drive are their major market. From the CNN article: “We fully expected to target SUV drivers with SUV guilt,” he said. “It just doesn’t exist”
And be sure to find out what would Jesus Drive.
A group of citizens in Vancouver, BC have successfully campaigned to eliminate a Wal-Mart being built. The group, Building Better Neighbourhoods, campaigned Vancouver City Council to forbid the American company from opening a store along South East Marine Drive.
Wal-Mart, having failed a lot recently in getting City Councils to OK new plans, really wanted to win in Vancouver. Interestingly Wal-Mart hired an architect to make a building that is environmentally friendly in an obvious attempt to sway council and placate lobby groups. A Canadian Tire store was also turned down.
As we are running out of oil we need to find other sources for energy. Progress is being made, and is sponsored by the private sector. Fuel economy races have been held and the new world leader is getting 5385 kilometers to the litre. The world-record holding PAC-Car operates on a hydrogen powered fuel cell.
The Swiss made this record. Switzerland is stereotypically known for its efficiency, now it seems they are just feeding that stereotype. Fine with me!