Toyota plans to unveil a new concept vehicle at the 2008 North American International Auto truck concept vehicle, called the A-BAT, is a compact version of a pickup truck and it is also a hybrid.

The interior of the car has an instrument panel with a solar panel embedded on top of it that converts sun rays into energy that can be used by the car’s navigation unit, display, and portable power pack. The AC/DC battery pack can support power tools, a small appliance, or a laptop. It can also be used to jump-start the vehicle.

When fully expanded the A-BAT flatbed can hold a 4×8-foot sheet of plywood. The A-BAT 4-foot square bed can be expanded to 6 feet long by folding down the rear seats and wall of the passenger cabin. The tailgate also folds down to support cargo for another 2 feet. For extra height, a panel in the roof of the cab also opens.

The A-BAT also has sliding doors on the outside of the truck that open to pockets for more storage and a drawer that opens to store things underneath the bed. Other features include an AC power outlet, a first aid kit, and lights to illuminate the bed of the truck.

This new truck can offer many features that we all want in a truck. It is stylish and fun along with being functional and utilitarian.  And it is a hybrid that makes it green.

Toyota’s A-BAT mobile

You have to check this out.  It is very cool.  A car that runs on air.  First there was steam, then gasoline so why not air? 

 Thanks Matthew for this cool find.

After fourteen years of research and development, Guy Negre has developed an engine that could become one of the biggest technological advances of this century. Its application to Compressed Air Technology(CAT) vehicles gives them significant economical and environmental advantages. With the incorporation of bi-energy (compressed air + fuel) the CAT Vehicles have increased their driving range to close to 2000 km with zero pollution in cities and considerably reduced pollution outside urban areas.

The application of the MDI engine in other areas, outside the automotive sector, opens a multitude of possibilities in nautical fields, co-generation, auxiliary engines, electric generators groups, etc. Compressed air is a new viable form of power that allows the accumulation and transport of energy. MDI is very close to initiating the production of a series of engines and vehicles. The company is financed by the sale of manufacturing licenses and patents all over the world.

I have found the perfect house for us (that is myself and the love of my life, Lynn). The cool thing is that it is a “green” house. Not in color but in building and in operation. It is a near zero energy home.

In St. Louis, there is a cool green ecofriendly company, Sage Homebuilders who builds green. This is a brief summary of some of the guiding principles we employ when designing a new home.

• Incorporate green design elements
  A few examples - passive solar (orientation to sun, roof overhangs, better daylighting, use of shade trees), eco-friendly siting considerations, higher density developments, specify green framing techniques and green products, etc.

• Tasteful Exteriors
  This is, perhaps, one of the most difficult things to achieve; something that you know when you see it, but have a hard time saying why. Need to avoid flat facades (vary depths), incorporate a porch, substantial trim, create an interesting focal point (nice door, bay window, etc.) use quality materials (no vinyl siding and trim), don’t mix design styles in awkward ways, pay attention to proportionality, make the main entry something special, do substantial, but not crowded landscaping, reduce impact of garage door, etc.

• Efficient Use of Space
  Eliminate spaces that are rarely used (such as a separate formal dining and living room), use multi-purpose rooms, combine rooms, use as much space as is needed to be comfortable. In general, the smaller the house, the more functional, the more easily maintained/kept clean, and the more energy efficient. Although we will build any size home for a custom client, we believe the ideal size to be 1500 – 3500 square feet.

• Rooms that are open to each other, but are still distinct spaces
  Use of varied ceiling and floor heights, half walls, columns, “floating” fireplace, etc. to create division without closing off space; create long site-lines, or the ability to see through to other rooms (french doors between rooms). Open-feeling, but not cavernous; free flowing, but still cozy.

• Connection to Outdoors
  Create outdoor alcoves or rooms, take advantage of views fully, lots of double door exits, windows that “frame” in the view, back and front covered porches, courtyards, etc. Limits on this item must be considered, though, since windows and doors are the least energy efficient part of the building envelope.

• Careful Attention to Good Lighting
  Maximize use of natural light (use of skylights, larger windows, upper wall light transfer, tube lights, hallway/stairwell windows, open floorplan, etc.). Maximize use of indirect lighting (under cabinet, alcove, sconces, lit ceiling spaces). Avoid harsh lighting, and offer the ability to adjust light level.

• Use of Alcoves
  Most people are attracted to the smaller, cozy, safe spaces. Examples are a reading nook, a smaller hearth room, a window seat, etc.

• High End Finishes
  Take the savings from using less square footage and put it into using higher end flooring, plumbing fixtures, lighting fixtures, paints/wallpaper, kitchen cabinets/counters, appliances, doors/trim, closet systems, etc. These days, you do not necessarily need to spend a fortune to achieve an above average outcome. For custom and pre-sale clients, we offer assistance in choosing finishes.

• Character in Interior Design
  Avoid having all square spaces, avoid sliding closet doors, use: angled entry to rooms, wider trim, arched room transitions, barrel and cove ceilings, etc. Make each home unique by adding a few creative flourishes that are particular to that home.

• Be Aware of Context
  Blend with neighboring homes, in terms of size, style, colors, etc., without looking too much like the house next door.

So, you have done the right things and switched out all our lightbulbs for compact fluorescent lamp (CFL). You are saving energy, money and reducing global warming.

Now jump ahead in time, yes the future. Your CFL needs to be replaced. But wait, you cannot just put that blub in the trash can, there is mercury and that is a hazardous waste. First read this FAQ on proper disposal CFLs. Next is …

Recycle!

How you may ask, here is were to start.

• Earth911.org (or call 1-800-CLEAN-UP for an automated hotline): Online, enter your zip code, press “GO,” click “Household Hazardous Waste”, then “fluorescent light bulb disposal.” The site will identify your nearest residential mercury recycling facility or mail disposal method.
• Call your local government if the Web site and Hotline number above does not have your local information. Look on the Internet or in the phone book for your local or municipal government entity responsible for waste collection or household hazardous waste.

Since CFLs use about 1/4 of the energy of incandescent bulbs they are a key part of efforts to fight pollution.

Mercury use of compact fluorescent bulb vs. incandescent bulb when powered by electricity generated from coal. However, CFLs contain trace amounts of mercury. The amount is not large enough to pose a hazard to users, but it does become a concern at landfills and trash incinerators where the mercury from many bulbs can escape and contribute to air and water pollution.

Some manufacturers such as Philips make very low mercury content CFLs. Safe disposal requires storing the bulbs unbroken until they can be processed. Consumers should seek advice from local authorities. Usually, one can either:

• Bring back used CFLs to where they were purchased, so the store can recycle them correctly
• Bring used CFLs to a local recycling facility

The first step of processing involves crushing the bulbs in a machine that uses negative pressure ventilation and a mercury-absorbing filter or cold trap to contain and treat the contaminated gases. Many municipalities are purchasing such machines. The crushed glass and metal is stored in drums, ready for shipping to recycling factories.

Note that coal power plants are the single largest source of mercury emissions into the environment. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), (when coal power is used) the mercury released from powering an incandescent bulb for five years exceeds the sum of the mercury released by powering a comparably luminous CFL for the same period and the mercury contained in the lamp.

From the Wikipedia

Make it happen!

It is such a small thing to do, and I have done it! I have changed out 4 incandescent light bulbs today and that is just the beginning.

Make the pledge and save money, save energy, reduce carbon and yes it is true, changing your light bulbs will help stop global warming.

It is truly an exciting time, is corn the wonder food source or fuel source? Well both of course! From popcorn to ethanol to biodiesel, who would have thought that corn could do all of that.

Ethanol producer VeraSun Energy has said it will build a plant that can produce biodiesel from the oil from distillers’ grains–the waste product from ethanol.

“We are not convinced that the general public is willing to continue purchasing biofuels unless they are price competitive with petroleum fuels,” said James Peeples, vice president of marketing for PMC Marketing Group, an ethanol and biodiesel distributor, earlier this month.

VeraSun to squeeze ethanol, biodiesel from same corn