4 Nov 2007 at 9:21pm

Jonathan Goodwin is using off-the-shelf technology to turn Hummers from lumbering gas-guzzlers into swift and thrifty eco-cars.He uses a combination of biodiesel fuel, hybrid-electric motors and hydrogen injection to get performance and economy out of his tricked out rides. And his customers include Governor Swarzenneger and Neil Young.The feature article in Fast Company is a great read and ultimate asks the question... if this mechanic in Kansas can do this with off-the-shelf technology and a small team of mechanics, why can't the Detroit car makers with their billions in capital and thousands of employees?

21 Jul 2007 at 3:48pm

According to the IDC Worldwide Quarterly PC Tracker published in September 2006, there will be nearly 260 million personal computers shipped in 2007. On July 20th, more stringent ENERGY STAR standards for computers and monitors went into effect ensuring that American consumers have access to the latest information about products that meet minimum requirements for energy efficiency. According to the ENERGY STAR website, "ENERGY STAR delivers the technical information and tools that organizations and consumers need to choose energy-efficient solutions and best management practices. ENERGY STAR has successfully delivered energy and cost savings across the country, saving businesses, organizations, and consumers about $14 billion in 2006 alone."The new computing standards are part of an upgrade to the entire Office Equipment sector.One resource for finding computers that meet or exceed the ENERGY STAR standard is epeat.net. Here you will find two desktop models (from Dell and HP) that are gold level achievers for environmental standards (EPEAT measures many criteria including energy efficiency). This might be a good place to gather information before purchasing you next computer.

29 Jun 2007 at 2:23pm

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi unveiled new Democratic legislation that marks a tectonic shift in the energy priorities in Congress, revoking $16 billion in tax breaks for oil and gas drilling and creating incentives to produce biofuels and boost energy efficiency.Read more at the San Francicso Chronicle