Obama has promised massive public works projects to get Americans back to work, but if we look at the last six years, China has lead the way in sustainable public works programs (at least when it comes to transportation). Since 2002, China has built a new subway system each year.
Sure, six subway systems may not seem like much for 1.3 billion people, but China has big plans to connect every province and its largest cities in a national grid system for freight operations and high-speed rail. In the same six years, the US has opened 45 new prisons. Take that China!
Mike Lambourn, an industrial designer, has developed a bike theft deterrent — or at least a startling telltale that brands a thief temporarily.
From Lambourn’s site:
SmartLock is a cable lock that has cores of compressed air and liquid running through its body. If cut, the liquids spray out over the perpetrator, his tools, the bike and the scene of the crime. A bike that has been stolen will be covered in coloured dye (the dye renders the bike undesirable and therefore unsellable) as well as transluscent Smartwater - an invisible forensic property marking liquid.
Calling itself the “world’s first portable, produce-where-you-consume, ethanol distiller,” the EFuel100 is an Easy Bake Oven of sorts. The EFuel100 Web site says:
Just add the EFuel100 Feedstock Mix (EFuel100-FM, sugar and yeast) to the unit and press START–set it and forget it. In about 5-7 days, a tank full of Ethanol100 is ready to pump into your vehicle, using the built-in 50-ft retractable fueling hose.
Spanish car company SEAT (Sociedad Espanola de Automoviles de Turismo) has a solar-powered, three-wheeled two-seater for the eco-crowd: the Brisa (Breeze). The design concept is credited to Miguel Ángel Iranzo Sánchez, while the inspiration for the sleek, fluid design is said to come from the designer’s love of flamenco and the sea.
Inventor Denny Klein demonstrates his HHO (water) fuel technology for Houston’s Fox 26 television news. Klein has sought a patent for the concept and, reportedly, has been in discussions with major auto manufacturers. On the flip side, a simple Google search of the topic can produce profound criticism that the invention is a nonsensical “invention.” So, is Klein a revolutionary inventor or is this wishful thinking?
Montreal artist Peter Gibson (aka Roadsworth) is known for his nocturnal activities in the streets. His art is a commentary on our car culture, and he has been charged with 53 counts of mischief for his work in the past. You can see more of Roadsworth’s work at Toxel.com.
Apparently, No-Impact Man Colin Beavan was riding his bike in New York City when he was almost sideswiped by a Mercedes. When he knocked on the window of the car to alert the obviously-unaware driver of his presence, the driver rolled down the window and said, “Get your hands off my car, you f***ing a**hole.”
The driver? New York State Senator Jeff Klein.
So you’re telling me you’re not going to vote for dedicated bike lanes, huh?
This sleek, dynamic next generation of Toyota Prius is shooting for solar-powered air-conditioning. The 1KW of electricity grabbed via rooftop solar panels won’t have the capacity to power much more than that. But it’s a solar start.
Eco Cabs is blending a few ideas into one to provide free — yes, free — transportation in Dublin, Ireland, and without emitting any noxious pollution. The blended business model uses old-fashioned peddle power, combined with companies itching to advertise — and show consumers their greenness in the process — and thereby foot the bill for passengers.
Obama has promised massive public works projects to get Americans back to work, but if we look at the last six years, China has lead the way in sustainable public works programs (at least when it comes to transportation). Since 2002, China has built a new subway system each year.
