The 42-inch Econova LED TV consumes 40 watts in eco-mode, uses a solar remote control, and has a partly recycled aluminum stand. It features a Zero Power Switch, which reduces power consumption to 0W when the TV is turned off. Its on-board battery is recharged by clean solar energy to reduce the impact on the environment.

Greenpeace says it is the first TV free of chemicals like PVCs and BFRs, and places Philips “well ahead of other TV manufacturers.” In September, the Econova was given the European Green TV 2010-2011 award by the European Imaging & Sound Association.

Green living gets a lift from a futuristic flashlight: brilliant portable LED light source, no batteries, recharges in minutes and durable construction. The 5.11 Tactical Light for Life™ is a professional grade flashlight with advanced capacitor technology that eliminates the need for batteries, and that’s bright news for the environment. At $169.99 it’s promoted as a flashlight that will last a lifetime.

On a conservative estimate, about three billion batteries are sold annually in the U.S. Batteries contain heavy metals such as mercury, lead, cadmium, and nickel, which can contaminate the environment when batteries are improperly disposed of. Batteries can also leak and are potentially explosive.  5.11’s breakthrough ultracapacitor technology has eliminated the use of any batteries; so there are no batteries to recharge, recycle or contaminate our landfills, not to mention the cost savings on replacement batteries. Because the ultracapacitors are made of mostly carbon and aluminum and they don’t contain any heavy metals and are RoHs compliant.

A rechargeable flashlight without batteries

Light for Life™ utilizes a sophisticated energy management system called FlashPoint? Power Technology. This technology utilizes environmentally friendly ultracapacitors that work together with revolutionary computer circuitry to efficiently manage how energy is loaded into the flashlight, and then optimizes how the energy is dispersed to maximize both performance and runtime. 5.11’s Light for Life™ flashlight fully charges in 90 seconds when stored on the base and delivers up to 4 hours of total runtime with no battery fade.

Rugged and Durable

In addition to being green, the 5.11 Tactical light is built to last a lifetime.  This durable flashlight was created to meet the demands and reliability of law enforcement and rescue teams. It remains the light of choice for police, fire and rescue units across the U.S. Constructed of a firearm-grade, high-strength polymer, the water-resistant casing is fully sealed against the elements with solid-state construction. It’s abrasion, crack and bend-resistant with temperature-tolerant ultracapacitors rated at -40° F to 149° F (-40° C to 65° C).

Brilliant Light

The high-performance Light for Life™ UC3.400 produces 270 peak lumens in bright mode, 90 lumens in standard mode, and has a 270-lumen tactical strobe…all recharged in 90 seconds. The three LED bulbs on the flashlight are rated for 50,000 hours and never have to be replaced. Its performance remains virtually un-degraded for a minimum of 10 years without replacing anything.

Learn more about 5.11 Light for Life™

Learn how an all-electric vehicle works.

Ford Motor Company has announced first markets that will sell the Focus Electric, Ford’s first all-electric, zero CO2-emissions passenger car.

The first markets selected for Ford Focus Electric: Atlanta, Austin and Houston, Texas; Boston, Chicago, Denver, Detroit, Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, New York, Orlando, Fla., Phoenix and Tucson, Ariz.; Portland, Ore.; Raleigh Durham, N.C.; Richmond, Va., Seattle, and Washington, D.C.

The Focus Electric initial markets were chosen based on several different criteria including existing hybrid purchase trends, utility company collaboration and local government commitment to electrification. As part of the collaboration with dealers, utilities and local governments, Ford will help develop consumer outreach and education programs on electric vehicles as well as share information on charging needs and requirements to ensure the electrical grid can support customers’ needs.

Last month, Ford launched a new educational Web site on electric vehicles (http://www.fordvehicles.com/technology/electric/). The site offers video, text and diagrams to help consumers understand differences in the technologies of electrified vehicles.

Focus Electric, available in late 2011, will be built at the Michigan Assembly Plant in Wayne, Mich. Production will occur on the same line as the gasoline version of the Focus. Using an existing vehicle platform and assembly line will give Ford the ability to vary production based on demand for the Focus Electric.

Instead of a traditional gas engine, the Focus Electric’s motor will be powered by a 23 kwh lithium-ion battery. The system utilizes liquid heating and cooling system to maximize battery life and driving range.

Collaboration between Ford and local authorities

Ford has been working with local government agencies and utilities in several of the selected markets to help prepare for the adoption of electric vehicles. Efforts focus on development of consumer outreach and education programs on electric vehicles as well as shared information on charging needs and requirements to allow for ease of consumer charging and to ensure the electrical grid can support the necessary additional demand.

As part of its electrification outreach, Ford has been conducting the “Charging Into the Future: The Ford Electric Vehicle Tour.” The 14-city tour promotes Ford’s electric vehicle strategy and educates consumers about what to expect from electrified automobiles and what is needed from the public and private sector to support this new technology.

Ford also will launch five new electrified vehicles in Europe and North America. In addition to Focus Electric, Ford will introduce the Transit Connect Electric small commercial van, two next-generation lithium-ion battery hybrids and a plug-in hybrid. The range of electrified vehicles allows Ford to address a variety of consumer driving needs.

Ledzworld won a LightFair International 2010 Innovation Award.

Switching to LED-based lighting can save 40 to 70 percent of the electricity a city uses for certain lighting applications such as parking garages, parking lots, outdoor public areas, street and portable lighting.

Technological advances in LED lights is happening at incredible speed. Today, everything from traffic lights, billboards, car headlights, and laptop computers use some sort of LED for a light source.

According to Raja Parvez, president and CEO of Rubicon Technology, LEDs have many advantages, including:

• Low energy consumption — ENERGY STAR qualified residential LED lighting uses at least 75% less energy
• Long service life – ENERGY STAR qualified LED lighting lasts 25 times longer than incandescent lighting
• Durable
• Directional distribution of light
• No infrared or ultraviolet radiation – excellent for outdoor use because UV light attracts bugs and LEDs don’t
• Safety and environmentally conscious – LEDs contain no mercury and remain cool to the touch
• Fully dimmable while CFLs are not

GE introduces new LED light bulb

The GE Smart bulb.

The inventor of the first visible light-emitting diode makes history again this year as it begins to show customers a 40-watt replacement GE Energy Smart® LED bulb available later this year or early 2011. GE Lighting’s new LED bulb is expected to consume just 9 watts, provide a 77-percent energy savings and produce nearly the same light output as a 40-watt incandescent bulb, while lasting more than 25 times as long.

The new GE Energy Smart® LED bulb is expected to outperform currently available products that may be underwhelming consumers right now. GE scientists and engineers designed the bulb to better direct light downward on the intended surface and all around, not just out the top of a lampshade, as most current LED bulbs are prone to do. The new GE LED bulb offers 450 lumens—the Energy Star® threshold to be considered a 40-watt incandescent replacement. Currently available LED bulbs produce 350 lumens or less. GE has filed multiple patent applications for the bulb and expects it will be an ENERGY STAR®-qualified LED omnidirectional light bulb.

“This is a bulb that can virtually light your kid’s bedroom desk lamp from birth through high school graduation,” says John Strainic, global product general manager, GE Lighting. “It’s an incredible advancement that’s emblematic of the imagination and innovation that GE’s applying to solve some of the world’s biggest challenges.”

GE Energy Smart® LED bulb product snapshot:

• Expected to consume just 9 watts—compared with 40-watt incandescent/halogen or 10-watt CFL, while delivering nearly the same light output;
• Expected 25,000-hour rated life—will last 17 years (4 hours per day), which is 25 times longer than a general service 40-watt incandescent or halogen bulb and more than 3 times longer than a standard 8,000-hour rated life CFL;
• LED technology delivers the instant full brightness of an incandescent or halogen bulb;
• Durable solid-state design with no filament to break;
• Contains no mercury and will be RoHS compliant; and
• Feels cooler to the touch than CFLs and far cooler than incandescent bulbs.

The 9-watt GE Energy Smart® LED bulb, a replacement for 40-watt general service incandescent bulbs, hits store shelves this fall or in early 2011. Retailers set pricing but it is expected to be $40 to $50. The new bulb joins GE’s growing family of LED bulbs in a broad range of shapes, wattages and colors, including, spot and flood lights (PAR20 & PAR30), ceiling fan bulbs (A15), medium globes (G25), small globes (G16.5), candles (CA10), and night lights (C7). All of GE’s Energy Smart® LED bulbs are rigorously tested to ensure constant color, long life and verifiable lumen ratings. For more information, visit www.gelighting.com or www.whatsyourlightingstyle.com. To learn about GE’s dedication to LED quality standards, visit www.gelighting.com/apples-to-oranges.

GE will put prototypes of the bulb—outfitted with Cree XLamp® XP-G LEDs—on display at two upcoming trade shows: Light + Building 2010 in Frankfurt, Germany, and LightFair 2010 in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA. The high-efficiency, high-lumen-output LEDs used in the GE bulbs are Cree’s smallest and brightest lighting-class LEDs, designed specifically for general lighting.

“The introduction of high-quality retrofit light bulbs, like the GE Energy Smart® LED bulb, is a key next step in the LED lighting revolution,” notes Norbert Hiller, Cree vice president and general manager, LED Components.

Strainic adds: “Consumers have been reluctant to move away from less efficient incandescent bulbs because they love the light quality. This new GE Energy Smart® LED bulb will address that lighting preference head-on and give consumers yet another option to light their homes and businesses.”

New Lighting Legislation
Starting in 2012 and continuing through 2014, standard incandescent light bulbs are going away as a result of U.S. federal lighting efficiency standards:

• 100-watt bulbs can no longer be made in January 2012;
• 75-watt bulbs can no longer be made in January 2013; and
• 60- and 40-watt bulbs can no longer be made in January 2014.

GE has consumers covered each step of the way with alternatives such halogen, CFL and LED bulbs that already meet the new efficiency standards.

Bulbrite video looks at broad range of lamping styles

A video from Bulbrite reviews a broad range of new lamping styles, including new Halogens, CFLs (Compact Fluorescents) and LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes).

Effective January 1, 2012, the household light bulb (as we know it) will no longer be manufactured. U.S. Congress mandated that all general service light bulbs, produced as of this date, must be up to 30% more energy efficient than current standards require. To comply with this legislation, Bulbrite has introduced the Eco-Friendly Halogen A19, which fits all standard and dimmable lighting fixtures. Consumers will gain the benefits of higher efficiency and superior lighting quality with the Eco-Friendly Halogen A19 bulb.

Consumers looking for CFL lighting should know Bulbrite offers a variety of new, high performance compact fluorescent light bulbs that are also aesthetically pleasing. This line features a broad range of sizes and styles, including the popular Energy Wiser™ brand.

Bulbrite’s high-quality, high-performance Chandelier LEDs are energy efficient alternatives to traditional chandelier light bulbs. These LEDs provide high quality Warm White Light and are available in a candelabra base and a medium base. Candelabra base bulbs produce up to 15 watts using only 2 watts of energy while medium base bulbs produce up to 25 watts using 3 watts of energy consumption, compared to standard incandescents. The unique design and engineering of high-powered miniature LED chips allow the Chandelier LEDs to deliver 360-degrees of total illumination. They are available in a Clear finish for maximum light output and a Frosted finish for a more traditional look.

The video also captures Bulbrite’s new generation of high performance LEDs, highlighted by the TURBO series, featuring a state-of-the-art, revolutionary design. TURBO LEDs offer innovative heat sink technology that eliminates the need for large, aluminum heat sinks and clunky housings. The new LEDs include an innovative cooling system featuring pure anodized aluminum thermal fins. With an IP 65-rating, the LEDs are totally protected against dust and low-pressure water from all directions, for indoor and outdoor use.

C.Crane Company introduces the GeoBulb^TM

Energy-saving LED light bulb lasts 30 times longer than incandescent bulbs and operates at a fraction of the cost

The GeoBulb.

C. Crane Company, a pioneer in LED (light-emitting diode) flashlights, has developed the GeoBulb^TM, an LED light bulb that uses half the energy of a compact fluorescent bulb, contains no hazardous mercury or lead and lasts for up to ten years of daily use. GeoBulb^TM, the first high light output, direct-replacement LED light bulb that uses just 7.5 Watts of power to produce as much light as a 60-watt incandescent bulb, is available now exclusively from C. Crane.

GeoBulb^TM brings LED light bulbs up to the brightness of incandescent bulbs, while maintaining the qualities that make LEDs so very exceptional:

• GeoBulb^TM lasts 30,000 hours or up to ten years with typical use;
• GeoBulb^TM generates very little heat and is not susceptible to vibrations or repeated on/off switching;
• Through quantum-well technology, the GeoBulb^TM uses only about 10% of the power of incandescent bulbs and about half of a comparable compact fluorescent bulb (CFL).

“The persons that have come together to design the Geobulb^TM have the vision and purpose to reduce worldwide energy usage by 10%,” said Bob Crane, President, C. Crane. “It will take many years to accomplish this goal but the GeoBulb^TM is here. The GeoBulb II™ Cool White High Powered light bulb reduces the amount of energy used over incandescent by up to 87% and significantly over Compact Fluorescent Bulbs.”

GeoBulb^TM is available in three light color spectrums: cool, soft and warm.  Each GeoBulb^TM uses only 7.5 watts of electricity and has an expected life span of 30,000 hours or approximately 10 years with eight hours of daily use.  GeoBulb^TM is available exclusively from C. Crane’s retail store, web site or catalog and every GeoBulb^TM is backed by a three-year warranty, valid even if the bulb is used for 24 hours a day, seven days a week or for three consecutive years.

The retail price for GeoBulb^TM is $119.95, which over the 30,000 hour lifespan of the bulb, actually makes it less expensive to purchase and operate than a traditional incandescent bulb:

The GeoBulb^TM has passed conductive and radiated emission tests from the FCC, also passed UL safety tests and is Lead Free, making it RoHS compliant. The GeoBulb^TM is designed for indoor use only, in an open fixture and within a temperature range from 14-104°F.

For over 25 years, C. Crane Company has been an innovator in the electronics industry and design. A forerunner in LED lighting sales and technology, they began their research and development of multiple white LED flashlights in 1997.

More…

Downloadable PDFs, Ten Things You Need to Know to Make an Informed LED Buying Decision, Promises Made, Promises Kept: The Truth about LED Lighting, Ten Questions to Ask Before Buying your LED Fixture, and the video LED Lighting and Building Performance, are available from Lunera Lighting.

Ledzworld, winner of LFI Innovations Award, has an online calculator to figure the amount of savings when you use one of their LED lamps (pictured at beginning of article).

Although other books present composting as a complex, difficult process, it doesn’t have to be. The Complete Idiot’s Guide® to Composting removes the guesswork and complexity for gardeners at all levels of experience. It takes readers step by step through the process of,

• Selecting the right compost container to filling it with the right “ingredients”
• Maintaining the mix at the right temperature and humidity
• Using the end product to enrich soil in the garden

The book covers both kitchen/yard waste composting and worm composting, which is rapidly growing in popularity.

About the Author:

Chris McLaughlin (San Francisco Bay, CA) is the author of “The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Composting” (Penguin/May 2010) and “The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Heirloom Vegetables” (Penguin/December 2010). An avid gardener for over 30 years, McLaughlin became a Master Gardener in 2000. During that time she picked up specialty certificates, one of which was a certification from the National Wildlife Federation as a Backyard Wildlife Habitat Steward helping people plan and plant for wildlife in their own yards.   Currently, McLaughlin teaches kids gardening and actively writes for several online sites including as a regular contributor at Vegetable Gardener.com and Fine Gardening.com. She’s the Feature Writer of Vegetable Gardens at Suite 101, and also writes as the San Francisco Gardening Examiner for Examiner.com.  When time allows, she relaxes and talks about her own gardens at A Suburban Farmer.com (www.asuburbanfarmer.com). Her work can also be found in Urban Farm Magazine, and The Herb Companion.  McLaughlin focuses on guiding and encouraging gardeners living in suburban or urban spaces to grow food in their own backyards.

The Complete Idiot’s Guide® to Composting

ISBN: 9781615640089, May 2010, $14.95

Author:  Chris McLaughlin (San Francisco Bay, CA)

Based on the average number of sockets per household, the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) estimates that American households will save an average of $143 on electric bills when the transition is complete. This figure assumes an electrical rate of $0.11/kWh.

NEMA has published a brochure that clarifies the upcoming phase-out of incandescent light bulbs. Lighting Options for Your Home summarizes the 2007 Energy Independence and Security Act, which mandates reductions in energy use and greenhouse gas emissions, and explains how the changeover from incandescent lamps will help accomplish the country’s sustainability goals.

Options for lighting homes and offices include halogen, compact fluorescent, and LED light sources, each of which is explained in detail.

To download a copy of the brochure, click here, or contact communications@nema.org to request a hard copy. For more information on lighting legislation and saving energy through lighting upgrades, visit www.nemasavesenergy.org.

Support for alternative commuting transportation also assists in LEED certification for commercial buildings, educational institutions and governmental organizations.

Duo-Gard bike shelters.

Duo-Gard Industries Inc., a provider of translucent daylighting, architectural illumination and specialty structures, has a new line of custom and standard bike shelters. Made with polycarbonate panels to provide UV protection, Duo-Gard’s bike shelters can withstand intense environmental conditions associated with rain or snow. With aesthetically appealing designs, the bike shelters are assisting buildings in achieving LEED certification by supporting alternative commuting transportation methods to reduce carbon emissions.

Ideally suited for corporate campuses, government organizations and educational institutions, Duo-Gard’s bike shelters serve as a cost-effective solution for city planners, landscape architects and specifiers looking to enhance building sustainability and design. Duo-Gard designs, manufactures and installs its bike shelters, which can be comprised of 20 percent recycled material and are 100 percent recyclable. The bike shelters feature either standard lighting or solar LEDs/PVs.

“Our bike shelters allow us to bring prominence to alternative transportation and to support the growth of green building by assisting in the LEED certification process,” said Michael Arvidson, executive vice president of Duo-Gard. “For over 25 years, our mission has been to provide our customers with contemporary solutions that utilize our advanced polycarbonate technology. Our bike shelters help deliver on our sustainable commitment and provide architects with versatile, visually appealing design options.”

Duo-Gard’s bike shelters are easy to install and can be designed as open, attached or fully-enclosed structures and feature custom glazing as well as multiple color framing selections. Additional options include bike racks, lean rails, seating and the incorporation of Duo-Gard’s 3S Solar Block coating, which reduces heat loads.

About Duo-Gard Industries:

Duo-Gard Industries Inc. is a leading innovator in high-performance translucent daylighting systems, illuminated walls and ceilings, as well as custom canopies, shelters and outdoor structures. For over 25 years, Duo-Gard has continued to advance its polycarbonate technology to assist in the design, engineering, fabrication and installation of custom architectural products that strive to increase sustainability. Duo-Gard was established in 1984 and is based in Canton,Michigan. For additional information, please visit www.duo-gard.com.

Artificial turf in a playground.

A report released in October 2010 on potential health risks of artificial turf found that after a few years’ use “synthetic turf can deteriorate to form dust containing lead at levels that may pose a risk to children.”

The research, by scientists at the U.S. Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry in Atlanta, Georgia, in partnership with health departments in New York, Las Vegas and New Jersey, found lead levels in breach of U.S. legal safety limits at 12 out of 29 tested synthetic surfaces.

Researchers also tested four new artificial turf products and found that two of them exceeded the U.S. statutory lead limit. The lead was found in grass made of nylon, polyethylene and mixtures of the two.

“Synthetic turf can deteriorate to form dust containing lead at levels that may pose a risk to children,” concluded the study, published in this month’s edition of the scientific journal, Environmental Health Perspectives.

The Sports and Play Construction Association, which represents the synthetic turf industry, has pointed out other U.S. studies that have concluded children are not at risk. “To date, no study has linked turf exposures to elevated childhood lead blood levels,” said the association’s Dr. Colin Young.

“In light of these overwhelming findings we have no concerns about the safety of synthetic turf regarding the health risks caused by lead levels for use by children or adults.”

Read more about this study in the heraldscotland.com.

Modern artificial turf

Drought tolerant plants and desert landscaping have been popular environmentally friendly options for years.  Now, there is a growing alternative to go “green” on your landscape, literally. Artificial turf is becoming the “go to” choice on commercial and residential products.

Artificial turf has been used on athletic fields back into the 1960s. A few years ago, it took off in residential markets for golf putting greens, low maintenance practice areas in your own back yard.  Due to the evergreen appearance and easy care these areas began to grow until entire backyards were done with artificial turf.  As the price came down, smaller schools began using it for athletic fields.  Commercial buildings are using it on roofs or courtyard areas where traditional sods would have no chance to grow.

This is not cheap or fake looking material.  Most of the time people have to be informed that it is not “real” grass, says Don LeMasters of Golf Turf. The “yarn,” or blades of artificial grass, are made of polyethylene.  The turf installs just like carpet. They glue the seams together and carefully cut the perimeter flush to whatever borders it.  Then, large, very long landscape staples are pushed down around the outside edge to keep them from pulling up.  Bags of “Tire Crumbs” are brought in. These are made by recycling old tires.  They are cryogenically frozen and then shattered to create tiny, soft black plastic particles. This creates the “dirt” between the grass blades. Power Brushes with rotating bristles force the tire crumbs between the blades while lifting and separating. This gives the turf the “real” look.

There are a couple of downsides to having a dream yard. The initial cost is a big factor. Don LeMaster’s turf ends up running about $9 to $10 a square foot. This includes the removal of old sod and prep.  Traditional Bermuda Sod usually runs about $6 a square yard. Artificial turf absorbs more heat from the sun.  So it is noticeably warmer walking barefoot on a hot summer day. Even in the shade, artificial turf has a higher surface temperature than natural grass. It is also not self-repairing like regular grass. If it is damaged, it must be “patched” unlike regular sod that heals itself.

But the positive green aspects must be weighed too. The turf will not need a sprinkler system. This is a giant factor where water is a precious commodity. With no weekly maintenance, there are no fossil fuels used by the landscape contractor. You are also not dumping fertilizer on the yard that can put harmful chemicals into the water supply. There is an eight-year warranty against fading and manufacture defect on turf.  You won’t get that with regular sod.

Kids and dogs love it. Imagine being able to stretch on a soft, green lawn staring up at the passing clouds and not getting an itchy back. In children’s playground areas the tire crumbs provide a cushion for the occasional tumble. Because it is synthetic, no insects will live in the turf. No surprising mounds of ants to stumble upon! Doggy messes clean right off the polyethylene blades of grass. And no yellow spots left by urine (either kid or dog). Some doggy day cares have started installing the turf in their indoor facilities.  With proper drainage and the granite sub base, it provides a great puppy play area for any climate.

Don LeMaster said he never thought he would install yards when he began his putting green business.  Sixty-percent of his business is now yards for commercial and residential properties. So next time you see a perfectly manicured, luxuriously green grass yard, give it a close look to see if it was man made.

Jason Walter Vaile, CGB, GMB, is a Project Manager in Dallas, Texas, for high-end residential and light commercial. He is also an award winning screenwriter.