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    <title><![CDATA[Glam Media Network Blog Posts for - Wellness]]></title>
    <link>http://www.glam.com/</link>
    <description><![CDATA[Current Glam Media Network Blog Entries for - Wellness]]></description>
    <language>en-us</language>
    <pubDate>Wed, 16 May 2012 16:02:39 PDT</pubDate>
    <generator>Glam Media Publishing Engine</generator>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[Higher education linked to longer life]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wellness.com/newsfeed.asp?id=20120516/20120516Highereducationlinkedtolongerlife.xml&amp;storyId=23694058</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Education may not only improve a person's finances, it is also linked to better health habits and a longer life.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 16 May 2012 09:31:26</pubDate>
      <gf:blogName><![CDATA[Wellness.com]]></gf:blogName>
      <gf:blogUrl>http://www.wellness.com</gf:blogUrl>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[Surgeon offers hope to Afghan amputees]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wellness.com/newsfeed.asp?id=20120516/20120516SurgeonoffershopetoAfghanamputees.xml&amp;storyId=23695191</link>
      <description><![CDATA[]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 16 May 2012 09:31:26</pubDate>
      <gf:blogName><![CDATA[Wellness.com]]></gf:blogName>
      <gf:blogUrl>http://www.wellness.com</gf:blogUrl>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[Solar panelled parking canopies proposed for 11 campuses in Irvine District]]></title>
      <link>http://www.ecofriend.com/solar-panelled-parking-canopies-proposed-11-campuses-irvine-district.html</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Pratima Kalra: Large scale application of solar panels can alleviate much of our dependence on the grid. This has been demonstrated in the Irvine Unified School District, where the use of rooftop solar panels at 15 sites saved $220,000. Now plans are in progress to install solar panel parking canopies at 11 different campuses for further cutting down energy costs.  The new installation by SunEdison is expected to save $380,000 in the first year itself and both projects together would save the district anywhere from $5 to $11 million in two decades.


Solar power for Irvine public schools






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Solar power for Irvine public schools

Solar power for Irvine public schools

The District Board of Education will soon consider the plans. The idea seems even more lucrative because there will be no upfront costs that the state will have to bear. The solar companies will pay for the installations and earn revenue by selling it in the market at a lower price.
The downside of the project is that people from the surrounding neighbourhoods expressed their concern over the visual impact of such installations. But, officials have assured them that the canopies will be painted to match the overall architecture of the nearby surroundings; like they will match the colour scheme of the school buildings, etc.
The project in addition to saving energy costs will be helpful in educating students on various campuses about the essentiality of using renewable energy sources. Also it will propagate the benefits of integrating our daily lives with energy saving technology.
Via: Ocregister]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 16 May 2012 05:21:02</pubDate>
      <gf:blogName><![CDATA[Eco Friend]]></gf:blogName>
      <gf:blogUrl>http://www.ecofriend.org</gf:blogUrl>
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      <title><![CDATA[E-Scape: Dynamic personal work space with several green twists]]></title>
      <link>http://www.ecofriend.com/scape-dynamic-personal-work-space-several-green-twists.html</link>
      <description><![CDATA[B.Sameer Kumar: Researchers believe that a dynamic and customized workspace can really bring more output from employees instead of the same old boring cubicles that are stacked one after another. Of course, if you are in the creative line of things, then there probably is nothing like a beautiful view of the oceans or some lovely green valleys. But not all of us can afford to find offices that promise such wonderful views. And one look at E-Space and many of us will also feel that we are not lucky enough to have such vibrant and effervescent work environment. And you will start looking at your cubicle with new found disdain!


E-scape Pavilion by Michael Jantzen






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personal work spaces.

personal work spaces.

Designed by the brilliant Michael Jantzen, whose eco-friendly designs have been around for a while now, this dynamic work space gives you a multitude of options when it comes to customization. The entire structure is made from sustainably grown wood and organic fabric and with prefabricated curved wooden surfaces covered in rolls of fabric of your choice you achieve a highly personalized design that will wow others with its elegant form and flowing design. The E-Space can be created in various forms and sizes depending on the available space and your own requirements and the best part is that it is completely green.
Apart from the green material that is used for the making of the structure, one can disassemble and reuse the same wooden boards with different fabric patterns to achieve various textures and opacity. The enigmatic design and sustainable outlook ensure that E-Space stands out from the pack. If you want a work space that has a multitude of twists which inspire you each morning, then few match the vibrant vigor of E-Space.
[Thanks: Michael Jantzen]]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 16 May 2012 05:20:30</pubDate>
      <gf:blogName><![CDATA[Eco Friend]]></gf:blogName>
      <gf:blogUrl>http://www.ecofriend.org</gf:blogUrl>
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      <title><![CDATA[Researchers develop diagnostic technique based on lotus leaf design]]></title>
      <link>http://www.ecofriend.com/researchers-develop-diagnostic-technique-based-lotus-leaf-design.html</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Sonia Renthlei: We seem to be progressing into an age where things are being built on smaller scales. This is especially important for medical science as the smaller the equipment, the farther it can probe into the human body, getting around obstacles that stand in the way. But this progress also has certain issues it needs to overcome. For instance, small fluid samples make it difficult to analyze individual drops. Or, mixing tiny amounts of fluids can be problematic. However, researchers from the University of Washington seem to have discovered a key method that could overcome these issues: mimicking the structure of the lotus leaf.


Lotus leaf inspires new diagnostic technology






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Lotus leaf inspires new diagnostic technology

Lotus leaf inspires new diagnostic technology

The lotus has leaves with a unique microstructure that consists of small bumps topped with projecting hairs. If a drop of liquid is placed on a leaf, the hairs support the sphere and leave an air pocket beneath. The ball of liquid is extremely susceptible to movement and rolls off at the slightest tremor.
Using this microstructure as inspiration, the researchers developed a silicon surface through nanotech manufacturing techniques that consist of tiny posts in varying height and placement. Drops of water were placed on the top and the scientists then used audio speakers to emit vibrations at 50-80 times per second frequency. The drops of water moved along the specific paths, depending on where the posts were constructed.
As the vibrations generated by the speakers were changed, the researchers realized that the drops of water could merge into one and made to move as single entity. The team now plans to test their findings using a smartphones energy output to move drops placed on another silicon surface thats 100 times tinier than the current surface.
The researchers are hoping that the study will enable the development of tiny devices that are affordable and allow lab technicians in hospitals to analyze water or blood samples.

Via: Gizmag]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 16 May 2012 03:51:56</pubDate>
      <gf:blogName><![CDATA[Eco Friend]]></gf:blogName>
      <gf:blogUrl>http://www.ecofriend.org</gf:blogUrl>
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    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[Artist and professor creates stunning man-made rainbow]]></title>
      <link>http://www.ecofriend.com/artist-professor-creates-stunning-man-made-rainbow.html</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Sonia Renthlei: As kids, rainbows signified something magical, an etherealness that had to do with fairies and leprechauns waiting at the end of the rainbow with a pot of gold. With age came a more logical explanation of moisture, sunlight and the reflection and refraction of light. But despite our understanding of the phenomenon, rainbows still have the ability to instill awe, similar to how witnessing auroras make us feel. Michael Jones McKean is a man with a passion for rainbows. His interest has led him to develop a system that actually creates a man-made rainbow which can be seen arching over the Bemis Center in Nebraska.


manmade recycled rainbow by michael jones mckean






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manmade recycled rainbow by michael jones mckean

manmade recycled rainbow by michael jones mckean

The Micronesia-born artist and Virginia Commonwealth University professor used repurposed rainwater and a solar system to accomplish this feat after having spent a good 10 years of his life researching the possibility. The man-made rainbow will be displayed for all to see twice a day for 15 minutes over the Bemis Center from June-September 2012. McKeans rainbow installation can be seen from 1,000 feet away. Nine fountain nozzles emit a light mist of the repurposed rainwater into the air with the use of 60HP pressurized jet pumps.
McKean recently conducted a successful test run of his project which saw passersby stop to take pictures of the beautiful phenomenon. Bemis Centers chief curator, Hesse McGraw, said that since the project doesnt have to rely on actual rainfall, the system can be run for three-four weeks with no rain. Even if the state of Omaha in Nebraska receives average to below-average rainfall, the project can still operate for over 15 weeks.
After 10 years of research, McKean teamed up with Lindsay Corporation to develop an integrated system comprised of solar panels, commercial irrigation and rainwater collection systems. About 63,000 gallons of water were filtered to six holding bins having a volume of around 10,500 gallons. The water is collected from roof top gutters.

Via: Designboom]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 16 May 2012 03:51:28</pubDate>
      <gf:blogName><![CDATA[Eco Friend]]></gf:blogName>
      <gf:blogUrl>http://www.ecofriend.org</gf:blogUrl>
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      <title><![CDATA[10 design to create ionic sustainable structures]]></title>
      <link>http://www.ecofriend.com/10-design-create-ionic-sustainable-structures.html</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Surbhi Sharma: Today with increasing need for judicious use of our natural resources via sustainable ideas, 10 design has created an untouched relationship between rural landscape and the growing demands of a rapidly growing city. The Galaxy Yabao Hi Tech Enterprises Headquarter Park is located in the fast growing city of Shenzhen, in Guangdong Province of China, which includes the total site area of about sixty five ha. It consists of eighteen high rise buildings which are approximately three hundred meters tall. It also consists of a five star hotel and luxury apartments with three residential towers. Adding to its organized attribute, it also has a shopping complex for all the shopaholics.


Galaxy Yabao Hi-Tech Enterprises Headquater Park by 10 design






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Galaxy Yabao Hi-Tech Enterprises Headquater Park by 10 design

Galaxy Yabao Hi-Tech Enterprises Headquater Park by 10 design

In order to use technology for creation of greener elements, the architects of 10 design innovated to allow vegetation to cultivate up the sides of the edifices.  Algae ducts are placed over the western fronts with the vegetation bands ascending up the towers. This are then altered into rooftop gardens which helps in reduction of the heat-island effect.
The constructions designed at this Headquarter Park will eventually counterbalance air pollution continuously throughout the day. The algae arrangement will generate oxygen and organic fertilizer and helps cleanse grey water. This ionic element will utilize shopping mall terraces to convert them into green garden spaces. A chain of subterranean compartments will logically cool the outside air. This will be pushed into a series of outdoor enclosures. The construction of this project was initiated last year to help control the temperature  and air quality of this region.
Via: Evolo]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 16 May 2012 03:51:08</pubDate>
      <gf:blogName><![CDATA[Eco Friend]]></gf:blogName>
      <gf:blogUrl>http://www.ecofriend.org</gf:blogUrl>
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      <title><![CDATA[Prefabs from Connect Homes to help you go green anywhere in the world]]></title>
      <link>http://www.ecofriend.com/prefabs-connect-homes-help-green-world.html</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Surbhi Sharma: Connect-Homes; A Los Angeles based ecological house innovator, will soon launch a new line of modula homes. This will be referred as ship anywhere prefabs. These homes will help you contributing your share in saving the environment as they will be energy efficient and will host multiple eco-friendly sustainable design elements. The prefab industry will see first of its kind green and affordable line of prefab homes.  These homes will be available to national and international consumers as they can be shipped to markets across the world via a patent-pending modular system.


Connect-Homes affordable ship-anywhere prefabs






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Connect-Homes affordable ship-anywhere prefabs

Connect-Homes affordable ship-anywhere prefabs

Prefabs are modern and trendy yet eco-friendly. Any prefab kit includes factory made dwellings which are easy to install and are cost effective. The new style prefab kits from Connect-Homes will offer modern yet ecological prefab homes that can be delivered nearly anywhere. They will come at a starting price range of $145/sf transported and $165/sf fitted. This will give consumers a high quality prefab at easily affordable prices.
All Connect-Homes are built to be easily shipped and it is the first company to transport modular homes not only by truck but also using other modes of transportation like rail or ship. Every home designed by Connect-Homes meets the LEED Platinum status as well as CalGreen Tier 2 standards. Prefabs from this innovative company, will reduce the cost of shipping due to smaller modules. Factory setting homes These homes include energy efficient appliances, structures made from reclaimed material, water efficient fixtures and more, which adds to their greener attribute. This design innovated by Connect-Homes will help save the environment and also benefit the users to go green simultaneously.
 Via: Alternativeconsumer]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 16 May 2012 03:50:11</pubDate>
      <gf:blogName><![CDATA[Eco Friend]]></gf:blogName>
      <gf:blogUrl>http://www.ecofriend.org</gf:blogUrl>
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      <title><![CDATA[Automated solar powered boat aims for world record]]></title>
      <link>http://www.ecofriend.com/automated-solar-powered-boat-aims-world-record.html</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Surbhi Sharma: Sailing is a demanding activity as it required both novice and the expert to quickly respond to the changing conditions and make continuous adjustments while navigating. Currently everything being manual about sailing, it is easy to learn but difficult to master. And AVS Roboat comes will act as a solution by being fully autonomous. AVS Roboat can be on the waters without being manned as it is packed with a collection of sensors and solar panels to add to its automatic attribute.


Fully autonomous ASV Roboat






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Fully autonomous ASV Roboat

Fully autonomous ASV Roboat

Keeping the Laerling keelboat as the base, a team from Austrian Society for Innovative Computer Sciences (INNOC) has created this fully self-sufficient boat. This team has placed a battery bank and solar panels which generate up to 285 W of power to this boat which was originally designed as a learner boat for children. Direct methanol fuel cell has also been added to this boat for it to deliver 65 W for backup power. ASV Roboat comes with a three-stage communication system conjoining WLAN, UMTS/GPRS and an IRIDIUM satellite communication system for routing and trailing.
This innovative boat which will have a submerged microphone to deliver information about migration routes and pairing sites and the other mammals communication behavior, is set to cover one hundred and fifty nautical miles. It can remain at sea continuously for up to 100 hours. Since the boat does not produce any sound during its movement, it will not disturb the marine life. This solar powered boat can also be used for tsunami early warning systems.
Via: Gizmag]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 16 May 2012 03:49:15</pubDate>
      <gf:blogName><![CDATA[Eco Friend]]></gf:blogName>
      <gf:blogUrl>http://www.ecofriend.org</gf:blogUrl>
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      <title><![CDATA[Solar powered phones improving Kenya's communication links]]></title>
      <link>http://www.ecofriend.com/solar-powered-phones-improving-kenyas-communication-links.html</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Christina Pinto: Alago Alba, living in a marginalized village in the North Eastern region of Kenya, provided for her family by turning to renewable energy. Her village lacked a workable connection to an electricity grid and like many Kenyans; she could not afford the high costs of obtaining a main connection.


solar powered phones in Kenya





  Alagos job as a stock trader required the use of a mobile phone, which runs on electricity, to keep track of stock arriving from Isiolo, the nearest urban center. She solved her problem by purchasing a cell phone that recharges on solar energy. Such a device also saves her from traveling the dangerous stretch of road prowled by bandits.
Telecommunications company Safaricom (under UKs Vodafone) and Kenyas Mobitelea Ventures invented the phones to help Kenyans stay in touch and improve communications making them faster and reliable.  The phones are completely eco-friendly, assembled from recycled electronic waste and fitted with a useful charger that stores energy after absorbing sun rays. For charging their phones, users do not have to gain access to a main connection or to pay for an electricity service at a shopping center
The Director of the climate change office in Kenyas Ministry of Environment and Mineral Resources commends the phone as a brilliant innovation. It offers a solution to the increasing power outages in the country as well as fulfills stipulated environmental goals. The solar rechargeable phone benefits the urban poor who have to endure electricity rationing.
The phone is very affordable, and will help reduce the marginalization of struggling Kenyans. Positive effects have influenced the Kenyan government to examine the potential of solar power to meet the populations energy needs.  The government believes in investment in renewable energy to supply electricity in an environmentally friendly and sustainable way. It is pushing for a greater role for hydroelectric power; unfortunately Kenya has limited water resources. Reasonably, solar power is an opportune and attractive proposition to secure Kenya&#8217;s future.

Via: Trust]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 15 May 2012 22:59:23</pubDate>
      <gf:blogName><![CDATA[Eco Friend]]></gf:blogName>
      <gf:blogUrl>http://www.ecofriend.org</gf:blogUrl>
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      <title><![CDATA[Designers conceptualize next generation piezoelectric based Jaguar E-Type]]></title>
      <link>http://www.ecofriend.com/designers-conceptualize-next-generation-piezoelectric-based-jaguar-type.html</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Sonia Renthlei: A Jaguar that harvests piezoelectricity? Thats right, designers Hussain Almossawi and Marin Myftiu have conceptualized a modern version of the famous Jaguar E-Type that set the bar high for sports cars in the 1960s. Though not endorsed by Jaguar itself, the XKX concept is a design study into how the next generation model of the classic E-Type could be. Unlike the conventional E-Type that ran on fuel, the XKX will make use of piezoelectricity harvested from energy produced by air friction.


jaguar XKX concept by hussain almossawi + marin myftiu






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jaguar XKX concept by hussain almossawi + marin myftiu

jaguar XKX concept by hussain almossawi + marin myftiu

According to Almosawwi and Myftiu, the decision to conceive of a next-gen version of the E-Type came about after an in-depth study of the some of the worlds most famous Jaguars ever produced. By applying modern technology and new body forming techniques, the designers began to envision the successor to the E-Type and the XK8 models.
In terms of style, the result is no match when compared to the traditional models but manages to incorporate elements of the sleekness and curves favored by automakers back in the day. It combines these with futuristic bodystyles especially at the rear.
Since the XKX concept wont need the use of a bigger conventional powertrain, the designers could model the concept to become more aerodynamic by widening the side deflector intakes on the front and sculpting the door panels on the side to facilitate air flow. The body of the XKX will be covered in piezoelectric cells that harness air produced from friction and generate power which will be fed into the vehicles battery system.
The designers also developed disappearing side mirrors that fold into a hatch when the car is parked to minimize chances of mirror vandalism which, incidentally, is believed to be the second most reported act of vehicle vandalism in the United Kingdom.
Itll be a long time before we finally have automobiles that run on piezoelectricity but the efforts made by Almosawwi and Myftiu look set to bring the day nearer.

Via: Designboom]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 15 May 2012 22:58:48</pubDate>
      <gf:blogName><![CDATA[Eco Friend]]></gf:blogName>
      <gf:blogUrl>http://www.ecofriend.org</gf:blogUrl>
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      <title><![CDATA[Solar powered accumulator could help oil companies cut down on carbon emissions]]></title>
      <link>http://www.ecofriend.com/solar-powered-accumulator-help-oil-companies-cut-down-carbon-emissions.html</link>
      <description><![CDATA[B.Sameer Kumar: We are no experts when it comes to discussing equipment that is used by oil companies and we surely do not know much about what actually happens on an offshore rig when it comes to extraction of crude oil. But one thing we do know from watching the events of the past is that these working conditions are highly volatile and even a small mistake can cause both damage to equipment and human life on a large scale. Not to mention the environment in the area. Stotler Company recently demonstrated the prototype of their solar-powered accumulator and this piece of equipment apparently helps the oilfields in protection against blowouts.


prototype of a solar-powered accumulator





  Accumulators supply hydraulic pressure to close blowout preventers both during times of breaks and during any emergency. While normally these accumulators run on gasoline and diesel, the one showcased by Stotler is powered by solar energy. It quite obviously draws its power from the photovoltaic panels on top and in case it is a slightly cloudy day, then it has both manual and nitrogen-powered backup systems that come into effect.
The main purpose of the new solar-powered accumulator is not so much to cut down on fuel costs as it is to cut down on carbon emissions. Oil companies are being held to stricter emission laws with each passing day and the makers of these alternate energy-powered Accumulators believe that they will help immensely in cutting down the overall carbon footprint of oil companies and that will be indeed both good for PR and for the environment. Hopefully this means that we will see a lot more solar energy utilization in oil industry in the years to come; which might seem ironic yet is totally necessary.
Via: Bakersfield]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 15 May 2012 22:58:26</pubDate>
      <gf:blogName><![CDATA[Eco Friend]]></gf:blogName>
      <gf:blogUrl>http://www.ecofriend.org</gf:blogUrl>
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      <title><![CDATA[Could red wine help in Alzheimer's fight?]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wellness.com/newsfeed.asp?id=20120515/20120515CouldredwinehelpinAlzheimersfight.xml&amp;storyId=23691142</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Bob Sessions has never had a drop of alcohol in his life. Yet at age 86, the teetotaler is eager to see if a natural compound found in red wine can combat disease.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 15 May 2012 07:55:14</pubDate>
      <gf:blogName><![CDATA[Wellness.com]]></gf:blogName>
      <gf:blogUrl>http://www.wellness.com</gf:blogUrl>
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      <title><![CDATA[Organ donor system slow to start in China]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wellness.com/newsfeed.asp?id=20120515/20120515OrgandonorsystemslowtostartinChina.xml&amp;storyId=23691939</link>
      <description><![CDATA[]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 15 May 2012 07:55:14</pubDate>
      <gf:blogName><![CDATA[Wellness.com]]></gf:blogName>
      <gf:blogUrl>http://www.wellness.com</gf:blogUrl>
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      <title><![CDATA[Sleepwalking is fairly common, study finds]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wellness.com/newsfeed.asp?id=20120515/20120515Sleepwalkingisfairlycommonstudyfinds.xml&amp;storyId=23691940</link>
      <description><![CDATA[]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 15 May 2012 07:55:13</pubDate>
      <gf:blogName><![CDATA[Wellness.com]]></gf:blogName>
      <gf:blogUrl>http://www.wellness.com</gf:blogUrl>
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      <title><![CDATA[Ample Eo lays claim to being the first electric quadricycle]]></title>
      <link>http://www.ecofriend.com/ample-eo-lays-claim-being-electric-quadricycle.html</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Sonia Renthlei: The Electric Vehicle Symposium held in Los Angeles this week saw the introduction of an EV that claims to be the worlds first e-quadricycle. While that could be debatable since the older Italian-made Tazzari Zero is also an electric-powered quadricycle, Ample Internationals Eo has a higher range of 200 kilometers and can seat between 1 and 3 occupants.


Ample EVS






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Ample EVS

Ample EVS

The small EV is able to deliver a top speed of 65 kmph and a range of 200 km. Thats 60 km more than the Tazzari Zero offers. According to an official from Ample International, the Eo is an electric-powered four-wheeled motorcycle. Considering its slim shape, it does resemble a bike of some sort although with coverings to protect occupants.
What is interesting is that the Eo doesnt make use of side mirrors and instead relies on backward-facing cameras to provide a live feed of the surroundings onto a screen on the wraparound dashboard. As for the interior, it features a seat for the driver in front and two extra seats for a couple of passengers. If the Eo is to be driven alone, then the two seats can be folded down to make room for luggage.
Theres no word on pricing or technical specs though it wont be long before we hear of the details. While the Eo isnt the fastest EV around, the range it offers is pretty impressive. Needless to say, most EVs arent really built for speed with more emphasis laid on mileage.
The Eo is reminiscent of the Volpe, pegged as the worlds smallest eco car. The narrow bodystyle should be perfect for parking in small spaces and for people living in areas where congestion is a problem. Moreover, the fact that it does 200 miles on a single charge means that you can drive longer distances without panicking about the need to recharge.

Via: Autoblog]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 15 May 2012 03:00:17</pubDate>
      <gf:blogName><![CDATA[Eco Friend]]></gf:blogName>
      <gf:blogUrl>http://www.ecofriend.org</gf:blogUrl>
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      <title><![CDATA[Recycling at a click of a button made possible]]></title>
      <link>http://www.ecofriend.com/recycling-click-button-made.html</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Surbhi Sharma: To conserve and protect valuable sources of energy is the need of the hour. Companies and individuals around the world are making efforts to utilize and recycle waste and preserve non-renewable resources of nature. Dubai company is paving a way for recycling at a click of a button. If this becomes a reality, users will be able to separate waste in collecting paper, plastic or glass simply at a push of a button. WMS Metal Industries which is working on creating a machine which will be in a form of a separator with a large metal box installed at end of a rubbish chute. This separator will consist of a head that will direct the garbage trolleys at the end of the chute depending upon the button pushed.


waste separator system





  Today recycling is not practiced in countries like Dubai which is posing a great challenge to the diehard environmentalists. UAE currently has recycling rates lower than 10 percent which is a deterring fact for the ecologists. Using this machine, separating different categories of recyclable materials will make waste management easier and also lead in reduction of landfills. This recyclable material can prove to a great business asset for manufacturers of eco-friendly products.
Recycling is a process that includes collection and sorting of materials to produce brand new products. If recycling is optimized, it can help protect the environment by reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, energy consumption and landfills. Engineered landfills contain toxic substances which contaminate the already polluted air or contaminate nearby water supplies. Recycling also helps in conserving natural resources and promotes energy efficiency. Hence this recycling machine will help in conserving the environment. It also has a button to track if people have separated waste conscientiously.  This will make it easier for the cities of UAE to go green.
Via: The National
]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 15 May 2012 02:59:58</pubDate>
      <gf:blogName><![CDATA[Eco Friend]]></gf:blogName>
      <gf:blogUrl>http://www.ecofriend.org</gf:blogUrl>
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      <title><![CDATA[Stella cigar box amp gets a solar makeover]]></title>
      <link>http://www.ecofriend.com/stella-cigar-box-amp-solar-makeover.html</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Sonia Renthlei: DIY projects seem to be all the rage these days with people trying their hand at creating functional and artistic objects. While not all the results weve seen are laudable, a few stand out for their style and innovation. John Wilson is one such individual who made a name for himself with his cigar box-based Stella Amp, a battery-powered guitar amplifier that uses a TBA820M for the back end and a rail-to-rail op-amp for the front. Now, hes tweaked his creation to produce a solar-powered amplifier called Solar Stella that operates using sunlight.


Solar Powered Cigar Box Amp Kit






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Solar Powered Cigar Box Amp Kit

Solar Powered Cigar Box Amp Kit

For his earlier creation, Wilson developed the amp at home and worked late into the night. The best part about Stella is that it sounds pretty good even at low volumes. According to Wilson, he fixed the device early on in the developmental stage to make it sound good. As for the solar-powered version, the cigar box is a Romeo and Julieta package that he bought at a thrift store. It took a while for Wilson to work on it as he didnt want to mar the pretty artwork. However, he went ahead anyway and attached a solar panel on the lid.
The sound quality is pretty remarkable for a self-built device. It sounds impressive at both low and high volumes and we can imagine the time taken to tweak the amp to make it just right. The amp kit sells for $35 and can be purchased off Wilsons website.
Thereve been several DIYers whove tinkered around with the idea of a solar amp. However, most have been rather large and bulky and cant match Wilsons small and artsy amplifiers. The fact that theyre portable makes them especially appealing as most amps are known to be too heavy to lug around. The choice of cigar boxes is also novel as it adds to the aesthetics.

Via: Geekygadgets]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 15 May 2012 02:05:47</pubDate>
      <gf:blogName><![CDATA[Eco Friend]]></gf:blogName>
      <gf:blogUrl>http://www.ecofriend.org</gf:blogUrl>
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      <title><![CDATA[Future Energy Solutions develops energy harvesting system to test applications]]></title>
      <link>http://www.ecofriend.com/future-energy-solutions-develops-energy-harvesting-system-test-applications.html</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Sonia Renthlei: Using renewable energy to power devices is all well and good, but its a known fact that current systems arent able to harness as much sunlight or wind and store excess energy properly for future use. This has prevented a large part of the world from switching over to renewables. In a bid to enable design engineers to gauge the feasibility of utilizing harvested energy to power appliances, Future Energy Solutions has unveiled a development system that includes a software which shows the flow of harvested energy from the time of its capture to conversion and storage.


energy harvesting platform





Since the energy flow is depicted in real-time, the system will greatly help design engineers to test their creations with renewable energy and other sources such as vibrations and radio waves. This will save time and money and will help reduce trial and error.
The system comprises five modules that are connected to a control and measurement motherboard. The platform consists of a solar panel module that feeds a supercapacitor storage module through a power conversion module. The supercapacitors in turn provide power to an application through another power conversion module.
The development system enables for each module to be detached and replaced so that design engineers can test out various sources of energy. Likewise, the supercapacitor can be replaced with a battery pack. The control module lets users track and record energy capture and storage in real-time in the intended location. It also lets users switch the modules independently to see the time taken to charge the supercapacitors.
With Future Energy Solutions development system, engineers engaged in developing new devices and appliances can test their inventions with harvestable energy in real-world and real-time conditions. Aside from helping cut down costs, this will enable them to tweak their devices and iron out any kinks.

Via: Electropages]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 15 May 2012 02:05:15</pubDate>
      <gf:blogName><![CDATA[Eco Friend]]></gf:blogName>
      <gf:blogUrl>http://www.ecofriend.org</gf:blogUrl>
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      <title><![CDATA[dockTRAY: Charge your iPhone while you surround it with some green goodness]]></title>
      <link>http://www.ecofriend.com/docktray-charge-iphone-surround-green-goodness.html</link>
      <description><![CDATA[B.Sameer Kumar: The iPhone and the iPad do really have many accessories that are custom crafted for them. This obviously is not something that makes those who use other smartphones all that happy. But all you need to do is custom change the accessory and you have one for your mobile as well. And people might already be asking designers YoungGun Cho to create a dock similar to the dockTRAY for their own Android device. This docking and charging station does stand out from the pack and adds a wonderful new to your table, whether at work or at home.


Eco iPhone Dock






Picture Gallery
Eco iPhone Dock

Eco iPhone Dock

The dockTRAY is made completely out of wood (sans the electrical components that is) and that definitely is a lot better than using a plastic dock. While it might not be much, it will still give you a tiny bit of satisfaction that you are indeed going green. The dock has a design that allows for streaming of music while your iPhone is still charging and does so without any muffling of the speakers.
The design itself looks a tab bit like an arcade game controller from the past and there is also room for other stuff such as your pens and anything else that you would want to keep handy. The hollow cavity for sound is a nice addition and while the designer does not mention it, the look of an old gaming controller is definitely what gives this dock its charm. A thumbs up from us on this one
Via: Yankodesign]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 15 May 2012 02:04:46</pubDate>
      <gf:blogName><![CDATA[Eco Friend]]></gf:blogName>
      <gf:blogUrl>http://www.ecofriend.org</gf:blogUrl>
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