Still addicted to oil like the rest of the world? You might reconsider wind power rehab now that a startup called ExRo has developed turbines that it says are consistently 30% -- and in some situations as much as 100% -- more efficient than the standard kind. The traditionally-used mechanical transmissions have been replaced with an inexpensive electric alternative that can adapt to changes in wind speed more efficiently. Also, many small generators are used instead of a large one, so the turbines can be customized in production to suit the intended installation site. If this is the real deal, it beats the 0.1% increase we saw in solar cell efficiency a few months ago, and those Maglev uber-turbines are still on the horizon. Hey Sun -- jealous yet?
As the bizarre story involving theSaudi-owner oil tanker and the Somali pirates continues to unfold, the plot grows thicker. The Sirius Star, holding about 2 million barrels of oil, is now parked only 3 miles off the coast of Harardhere, a notorious pirate city. The pirates -- well aware that no there are no refineries in Somalia -- are apparently holding the ship's crew and cargo hostage in order to exact some kind of ransom, and negotiations are underway.
Are you dissatisfied with your current job? When one thinks of "green jobs," it almost seems synonymous with "non-profit" -- a rewarding venture that doesn't offer much in terms of salary. However, there are careers out there in the green market that can earn six figures for the right candidate
Another incentive towards reaching sustainability -- a plastic bag tax...er...fee. The Big Apple's Mayor, Michael Bloomberg, recently suggested the implementation of a 6 cent fee for every plastic bag issued at the register in order to encourage residents to adopt the more eco-friendly practice of reusable bags. As opposed to giving shoppers a credit per bag, which is something commonly used where I live, Mayor Bloomberg feels the fee will not only deter the use of these oil-produced, street littering sacks but potentially raise millions of dollars in the short term (until shoppers make the switch). Additionally, his willingness to give 1 cent of every 6 cents charged to store owners will hopefully increase compliance. This would be the first city in the U.S. to take this measure -- other areas such as Melbourne and Ireland have already seen a drastic reduction in plastic bag usage since they began charging per sack. Soon we may be calling the City the Big Green Apple!
As alternative fuel vehicles start to hit the market, regulatory agencies are being faced with a growing new dilemma -- how to accurately measure fuel economy. According to EPA test guidelines, the urban test cycle is 11 miles long, while the highway is 10.3 -- the Volt can supposedly drive 40mi before its gas engine kicks in. That's prompted some, like the NY Times, to speculate that the GM Volt might actually be able get the coveted triple-digit EPA mileage rating.Gallery: The Volt Unmasked
