Archive for the “Environment” Category

Recently wife purchased a computer system and along with the store threw in a “cheap” printer. What I have begun to realize is that nothing is free, or in my case really cheap.

The cost to consumers today for printing is not the printer itself, but the highly expensive print cartridges that seem to run out quite often. Many electronic companies are realizing this.

Dell has released a printer called the WasabiTM PZ310 Photo printer. In addition to being completely wireless (using Bluetooth technology), Dell advertises this printer as being Zero-Ink (i.e. no expensive ink cartridges are required).

The printer uses AmorphochromicTM Crystals inside ZINK PaperTM to produce the image. The only cons I see to the design is the available paper sizes are not large. Hopefully producing a Zero ink “photo” printer is only the first step to getting rid of those pesky and costly ink cartridges.
Specifications

• Eco friendly printer
• No ink
• Uses Bluetooth wireless technology
• Compact size
• Holds up to 12 sheets of adhesive-backed ZINK PaperTM
• Available in three colors: blue, pink and black
• Print speed: 55 seconds per print
• Average battery life: 15 prints per charge
• Automatic reprint button
• Happy/Sad LED icons
• Automatic power save mode

Dell WasabiTM Ultramobile Photo Printer

If your like me and your tired of spending money on batteries for yet another remote control, then the “Shake Control” is the device for you.

As indicated by its name, this remote control is powered by simply shaking the remote control. When the remote control is shaken, electromagnetic induction generates a 20-30mA current. Shaking the controller not only generates electricity but also controls the channels, on/off switch, the volume and other menus.

I am well known as the “zapper” in my house because of my rapid channel changing. Based on the amount of shaking I will have to do to change the channels, I expect that this device will add a lot of muscle to my arms.
Specifications

• Eco friendly, green concept
• Batteries: none
• Power: generated by a moving magnet within a coil
• Designers: Lee Sung Hoon, Kang Sooyeon, Cho Eun Bee, Lee Junehwa and Kim Jean
• Availability: unknown, concept design
• Size: Unknown
• Weight: Unknown

Shake Remote control

Paper or plastic?  Most green activists would say neither but, most stores only provide plastic.  We now use reusable grocery tote bags whenever possible but, we still wind up collecting plastic bags over time.  The Simplehuman KT1000 Grocery Bag Holder is a great way to store and recycle these bags in an attractive way.  It easily mounts on a wall or inside of a shelf for quick and easy access, while storing up to 30 standard plastic grocery bags.  Made of stainless steel to match the high end kitchens of today.  Simple to use too…  Just place used bags in the top and when ready to recycle, just pull from the bottom.  If you are going to use plastic bags, also check out the One Trip Grip Bag Holder to help you carry those heavy groceries.

Highlights:

simplehuman KT1000 Grocery Bag Holder

Packing for a camping trip some times can be tedious, especially if you have a small vehicle.

The Light Cap 200, is a small compact cap that fits on standard 2.25″ bottles, turning them into solar powered lamps. It is totally safe and only requires 2.6 ounces of water (along with some sun) to work.

Specifications

• Fits all standard 2.25” diameter bottles
• Weighs just 2.6 ounces
• Safe, tough, fully sealed light system
• Daylight sensor turns it off automatically
• Swivel retaining ring for carrying and hanging
• Four Super-Bright white LEDs
• Can be used as a solar flashlight
• Safe, long-lasting, internal NiMH battery
• High output solar panel charges fast
• Totally sealed, waterproof switch
• Leak-proof internal O-ring for tight seal

SolLight Lightcap 200 Water flashlight

Once again as summer approaches, the prices of gas are starting to sky rocket up. One day, we will all be able to laugh at the gas gouging companies that seem to take advantage of the population.

Guy Negre, president of “MDI group”, a company that has the first car to run on compressed air. It is anticipated that it will go on sale in France next year, boasting “zero pollution” and a cheaper alternative to today’s gas consuming vehicles.

The car’s engine uses pressurized air to turn the pistons. The engine only emits fresh air out of the “frozen” exhaust pipe. Monsieur Negre and the MDI group have also created other vehicles including the CityCAT and OneCAT’s. The only thing I can add to this is, I can’t wait the day.

Specifications

• Dimensions Length 2.65 m x Width 1.62 M x Height 1.66 m
• Weight 730 pounds
• Travel 93 miles/hour
• Number of Seats 3
• Inventor Guy Negre
• Airbag, air conditioning, ABS, 3 seats
• Max speed 110km/h; Dual-energy2 125km/h; Dual-energy4 140 km/h
• Co2 emission in urban use 0 g/km
• Approximate price 9200 Euros

MiniCAT