Switched http://www.switched.com Switched http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.switched.com/media/feedlogo.gif Switched http://www.switched.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Revolutionizing Solar Energy by Taking It Underground]]>http://www.switched.com/2009/11/23/revolutionizing-solar-energy-by-taking-it-underground/http://www.switched.com/2009/11/23/revolutionizing-solar-energy-by-taking-it-underground/http://www.switched.com/2009/11/23/revolutionizing-solar-energy-by-taking-it-underground/#commentsFiled under:

Want greener energy without having to install large, gaudy solar panels on your house? Join the club. But what was once wishful thinking might soon be reality. According to ABC Science, scientists have created a way to harness sunlight and convert it into electricity by connecting a photovoltaic cell to fiber-optic wiring that's barely wider than a human hair. (Note that it doesn't actually use human hair, like these guys.) The wires, which are coated with zinc oxide (the stuff lifeguards plaster on their noses), could be installed on a roof or, best of all, underneath a house or inside its walls -- as long as the tip of the wire is exposed to the sun.

Here's how it works. Light is absorbed at the tip of the wire, and zips down its length and back, letting the zinc oxide convert it into electricity along the way. How effective is this process? Dr. Zhong Wang, who led the team of researchers at the Georgia Institute of Technology, says the wires only convert about 3.3-percent of the light that passes through. He hopes, though, that the number will soon jump to 8-percent.

Continue reading Revolutionizing Solar Energy by Taking It Underground

SwitchedRevolutionizing Solar Energy by Taking It Underground originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 23 Nov 2009 17:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakthroughelectricityenergyfiber opticFiberOpticgreenhomesciencesolarsolar powerSolarPowertopMon, 23 Nov 2009 17:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Dancepants Like This (Which Power iPods), Baby, They Were Born To Run]]>http://www.switched.com/2009/11/18/dancepants-stop-the-jams-when-you-stop-moving/http://www.switched.com/2009/11/18/dancepants-stop-the-jams-when-you-stop-moving/http://www.switched.com/2009/11/18/dancepants-stop-the-jams-when-you-stop-moving/#commentsFiled under: ,

For many of us, music is the only way we can get through a grueling session at the gym. But if you've ever wanted to feel more in touch with your MP3 player or to sync appropriate music to your run, a new pair of pants may be just the thing.

The new Dancepants Kinetic Music Player is, basically, a hamster wheel for music lovers. Although it may look like any other pair of track pants you might see flashing by as you eat an ice-cream cone on a park bench, the Dancepants actually have a built-in generator that can power your MP3 player -- as long as you keep moving. The conceptual pants convert the kinetic energy generated with each stride into electric energy, which in turn fuels your music. So, as long as you keep going, the music flows. Once you stop, the music dies.

Until we find out the minimum walking speed at which the pants can work, we'll probably opt for the couch and a laptop. But if you are bold enough to take the Dancepants out for a spin, allow us to make a couple of playlist suggestions. [From: Designboom, via: Engadget]

SwitchedDancepants Like This (Which Power iPods), Baby, They Were Born To Run originally appeared on Switched on Wed, 18 Nov 2009 12:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dance pantsDancePantsexercisegreenmp3mp3playermusicnoveltytopweirdWed, 18 Nov 2009 12:01:00 EST<![CDATA['Power Aware' Power Strip Glows With Your Energy Use]]>http://www.switched.com/2009/11/18/power-aware-power-strip-glows-with-your-energy-use/http://www.switched.com/2009/11/18/power-aware-power-strip-glows-with-your-energy-use/http://www.switched.com/2009/11/18/power-aware-power-strip-glows-with-your-energy-use/#commentsFiled under:

The Power Aware Cord is a power strip in the nude. Rather than visually shielding the complex transfer of energy contained in the cord, the Power Aware Cord glows and pulses in varying rhythms, depending on your energy consumption. As a visual reminder of your electrical use, the Power Aware Cord reminds us to shut off or shut down those energy-sucking appliances that continue to siphon current from our sockets even while dormant.

We love this novelty's eco angle, and the ambient light the cord produces is so pretty. We have only two questions: Don't most people use power strips for devices (like Wi-Fi routers and DVRs) that aren't supposed to be unplugged every time you go to bed? And do the cord's lights actually require more energy than a standard cord? We wonder if that wouldn't defeat the purpose. [From: Static!, via: Unplgged]

Switched'Power Aware' Power Strip Glows With Your Energy Use originally appeared on Switched on Wed, 18 Nov 2009 09:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>designenergyenergy conservationEnergyConservationgreenpower aware cordpower stripPowerAwareCordPowerStriptopWed, 18 Nov 2009 09:24:00 EST<![CDATA[Digital Cloud Inspires Physical One Proposed for London Skies]]>http://www.switched.com/2009/11/13/digital-cloud-inspires-physical-one-proposed-for-london-skies/http://www.switched.com/2009/11/13/digital-cloud-inspires-physical-one-proposed-for-london-skies/http://www.switched.com/2009/11/13/digital-cloud-inspires-physical-one-proposed-for-london-skies/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Normally when we speak of "the cloud," we're talking about intangible bits and bytes stored on the Web. That digital cloud has inspired the design of the very much tangible The Cloud, one of the finalists in a competition to build a tourist attraction in London's planned 2012 Olympic Village. The Cloud was designed by an international team of architects, scientists, and artists, including people from Google and MIT. The proposed structure would consist primarily of bubbles -- constructed of an advanced plastic called Ethylene tetrafluoroethylene, interconnected, and resting atop a series of 400-foot-tall towers.

Of course, if this design ended with space-age plastics, you wouldn't be seeing it on Switched. The ambitions for the design are lofty enough to live up to its heavenly name. The spheres would serve as an observation deck, while the walls would be used to project highlights from the games, results and scores from events, and information about the city (provided by Google). Projected information would serve as a tribute to the digital cloud of data that inspired the design of the structure.

Continue reading Digital Cloud Inspires Physical One Proposed for London Skies

SwitchedDigital Cloud Inspires Physical One Proposed for London Skies originally appeared on Switched on Fri, 13 Nov 2009 07:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>architecturecrowd sourcingCrowdSourcingolympicsthe cloudTheCloudFri, 13 Nov 2009 07:30:00 EST<![CDATA['Vampire' LED Lamp Sucks Power From Phone Cord]]>http://www.switched.com/2009/11/11/vampire-led-lamp-sucks-power-from-phone-cord/http://www.switched.com/2009/11/11/vampire-led-lamp-sucks-power-from-phone-cord/http://www.switched.com/2009/11/11/vampire-led-lamp-sucks-power-from-phone-cord/#commentsFiled under:

LED Lamp Gets Free Power from Phone Cord
While this lamp is hot pink and looks like a computer mouse with some kind of mutant growth sticking out of its back, it will cost you literally nothing to run.

This monstrosity has eight LEDs that provide light to read by, and rather than jacking up your electricity bill, it runs on power siphoned from your local telco. You see, rather than plugging into a standard power outlet, this lamp has an RJ11 plug (commonly known as a phone jack) on the end that plugs into that weird looking box in the corner that you haven't touched since cell phone coverage became pretty much ubiquitous. The reading light works because land line phone cords carry a small amount of electricity which is required to power wired handsets (remember those?). Interestingly, that power flows whether or not you have active phone service and, best of all, won't go down in the event of a blackout.

Continue reading 'Vampire' LED Lamp Sucks Power From Phone Cord

Switched'Vampire' LED Lamp Sucks Power From Phone Cord originally appeared on Switched on Wed, 11 Nov 2009 07:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>lampland lineLandLinelightphone cordPhoneCordrj11topWed, 11 Nov 2009 07:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Army and EnerDel Working on Hybrid Humvee]]>http://www.switched.com/2009/11/08/army-and-enerdel-working-on-hybrid-humvee/http://www.switched.com/2009/11/08/army-and-enerdel-working-on-hybrid-humvee/http://www.switched.com/2009/11/08/army-and-enerdel-working-on-hybrid-humvee/#commentsFiled under: ,

With the economy the way it is, and your unemployment check the way it is, we know it's hard to maintain your douche status and keep that Hummer gassed up. But fear not. According to CNET, battery manufacturer EnerDel just signed a $1.29 million contract with the U.S. Army to design a full-sized Humvee that runs, at least in part, on electricity.

Back in August, Raser Technologies showed off a Hummer powered by a hybrid engine that, thanks to dubious methods of measuring mileage, was able to lay claim to getting 100 miles per gallon. But that Hummer was the smaller H3 consumer model. For those with real inadequacies, though, that need real overcompensation, the H3 just won't do. They need the proper Humvee. You know, the one that takes up four parking spots and blocks three lanes of interstate traffic.

Continue reading Army and EnerDel Working on Hybrid Humvee

SwitchedArmy and EnerDel Working on Hybrid Humvee originally appeared on Switched on Sun, 08 Nov 2009 15:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>carhummerhumveehybridHybrid HummerHybridHummermilitarytopSun, 08 Nov 2009 15:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Gift Guide: HYmini Solar-Powered Charger]]>http://www.switched.com/2009/11/06/gift-guide-hymini-solar-powered-charger/http://www.switched.com/2009/11/06/gift-guide-hymini-solar-powered-charger/http://www.switched.com/2009/11/06/gift-guide-hymini-solar-powered-charger/#commentsFiled under: ,


HYmini Green Charger (Earth Lover, Under $100)

Eco-conscious people, however dedicated to their ideals, enjoy the same fruits of modern technology -- smartphones, MP3 players, and digital cameras -- as the rest of us. One company has created a sustainable way to charge those gadgets using multiple renewable energy sources including wind, the sun, and even a handcrank. The HYMini Green Charger's internal 1200 mAh lithium ion battery can also be charged via wall outlet by connecting it via USB to a computer -- two not-so-green, yet effective, alternatives. It takes four hours in a wall to fully charge, but just 20 minutes in a 9mph wind is enough to take 20 digital pictures or power your iPhone for half an hour. Up to four mini solar panels can be added to catch the sun, and the pocket-sized turbine can be attached to a bicycle (or skateboard, car, etc.) to collect additional wind upwards of 40 mph. With HYmini, increased velocity equals increased power, allowing users to get outdoors and "recharge their batteries" in more ways than one.

SwitchedGift Guide: HYmini Solar-Powered Charger originally appeared on Switched on Fri, 06 Nov 2009 16:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chargerchargershgghgg-100hgg-earthloverhyminisolarsolar chargerSolarChargerFri, 06 Nov 2009 16:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Laser-Etching Threatens Future of Stickers on Fruit]]>http://www.switched.com/2009/11/05/laser-etching-threatens-future-of-stickers-on-fruit/http://www.switched.com/2009/11/05/laser-etching-threatens-future-of-stickers-on-fruit/http://www.switched.com/2009/11/05/laser-etching-threatens-future-of-stickers-on-fruit/#commentsFiled under:

Let's face it. Fruit's gotten kinda boring. Unless they're wearing pajamas or belting out Motown classics, most household fruits lack character. A new labeling system, though, might finally give fruit that bad-boy, tattoo-parlor image it's been lacking for so long.

Instead of bearing the same dull sticker labels, fruit may soon appear on supermarket aisles with laser brands directly etched onto their skins. Thanks to a new technology that uses a low-energy carbon dioxide beam to print labels, you may never again have to pick away at that pesky sticker before enjoying a juicy Golden Delicious. So far, it seems the technique is pretty safe for consumers; a recent study found that thusly labeled grapefruits showed no significant water loss or increased decay rates when compared to non-branded fruits. And, even better, the new technology would be a lot more eco-friendly, reducing the need to print paper stickers, which become instant garbage anyway. Similar technologies have already been approved in Asia, South Africa, Central and South America, Canada, and Europe. The FDA has yet to give the process its seal of approval, but if it does, it would be only a matter of time before produce aisles all over the country got their own ink. [From: PSFK, via Inhabitat]

SwitchedLaser-Etching Threatens Future of Stickers on Fruit originally appeared on Switched on Thu, 05 Nov 2009 15:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>etchingfdafoodfruitlasertopweirdThu, 05 Nov 2009 15:12:00 EST<![CDATA[Cutting-Edge, Eco-Friendly LED TV for Less Than $2,200?]]>http://www.switched.com/2009/11/04/cutting-edge-eco-friendly-led-tv-for-less-than-2-200/http://www.switched.com/2009/11/04/cutting-edge-eco-friendly-led-tv-for-less-than-2-200/http://www.switched.com/2009/11/04/cutting-edge-eco-friendly-led-tv-for-less-than-2-200/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


A reader writes: I need a good TV for my living room, and I've decided that LCD, particularly LED, is the way to go. I've heard that some plasmas can look better than LCDs, so I definitely want good video quality, but I heard they use up a lot of energy and I don't want to break the bank if I can avoid it. Also, I'd like something that doesn't use up too much power. Please... just tell me what to get!

What up, reader? Indeed, the Plasma vs. LCD conflict is a tough one, as plasma does traditionally provide better black levels, which can translate to superior contrast between dark and light onscreen, especially valuable when watching high-definition movies now in the Blu-ray era.

The good news is that LCDs are continuing to evolve, with the switch to energy-saving LEDs (light-emitting diodes) as their light source (versus more common cold cathode fluorescent lamps, if you want to get technical). The Next Big Thing in energy-efficient televisions is local dimming LED, which can make specific areas of the screen lighter or darker depending upon the picture being displayed. The improvement can be absolutely stunning, imparting more drastic blacks and a much-needed boost to the dynamic contrast ratio, rated at a mind-boggling 2,000,000:1. Unfortunately, a lot of these LED TVs are pricey, but we've found one from good ol' bang-for-the-buck Vizio.

Continue reading Cutting-Edge, Eco-Friendly LED TV for Less Than $2,200?

SwitchedCutting-Edge, Eco-Friendly LED TV for Less Than $2,200? originally appeared on Switched on Wed, 04 Nov 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>featuresjusttellmewhattogetlcdlcdtvledtopvizioWed, 04 Nov 2009 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Kooky, 'Green' Japanese Electric Bikes Were Ahead of Their Time]]>http://www.switched.com/2009/11/03/kooky-green-japanese-electric-bikes-were-ahead-of-their-time/http://www.switched.com/2009/11/03/kooky-green-japanese-electric-bikes-were-ahead-of-their-time/http://www.switched.com/2009/11/03/kooky-green-japanese-electric-bikes-were-ahead-of-their-time/#commentsFiled under:

These days, everybody's looking for "greener" ways to get around town. Honestly, it wouldn't surprise us to discover that our mom had ditched her SUV for a bicycle. This wasn't the case until fairly recently in the U.S., but the Japanese, ever the technology mavericks, were green when green wasn't cool. Need evidence?

Just check out these bike models from Shukuno Rintendo that Today and Tomorrow found. Yes, it's awesome that one, the Fire Trick Bob (pictured above), is powered by a tiny turbine that'll produce 4.4 horsepower of raw cycling energy. Another, the Aqua Trick Bob, uses a series of tanks filled with water and air that'll propel the bike 50 meters -- also awesome in our books. But it's even more awesome that this series of bikes was manufactured between 1996 and 1998. Back then, our bicycles were still gathering dust in the garage.

Continue reading Kooky, 'Green' Japanese Electric Bikes Were Ahead of Their Time

SwitchedKooky, 'Green' Japanese Electric Bikes Were Ahead of Their Time originally appeared on Switched on Tue, 03 Nov 2009 09:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bicyclebikegreeninventionjapantoptransportationturbineTue, 03 Nov 2009 09:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Gift Guide: MSR Reactor Outdoor Stove]]>http://www.switched.com/2009/10/31/gift-guide-msr-reactor-outdoor-stove/http://www.switched.com/2009/10/31/gift-guide-msr-reactor-outdoor-stove/http://www.switched.com/2009/10/31/gift-guide-msr-reactor-outdoor-stove/#commentsFiled under: ,


MSR Reactor Outdoor Stove (Earth Lover, Under $250)

Cooking outside can be challenging, no matter how seasoned the outdoorsman. The MSR Reactor stove will get it done, and will do it quickly. Burning a mixture of isobutane and propane, the windproof, hyper-efficient Reactor uses less than half the fuel of an average gas stove. The 1.7 liter pot is spacious enough to prepare high tea for three. Even with all tha troom, the unit weighs less than 19-ounces, making it much lighter than firewood. Most impressive, though, is the speed: a liter of water boils in just three minutes -- that's faster than fire, even, and less likely to conk out when it's cold, windy and wet.

SwitchedGift Guide: MSR Reactor Outdoor Stove originally appeared on Switched on Sat, 31 Oct 2009 23:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hgghgg-250hgg-earthloveroutdoorsstoveSat, 31 Oct 2009 23:58:00 EST<![CDATA[How to Recycle Your Old Cell Phones, Computers, and Other Gadgets]]>http://www.switched.com/2009/10/29/how-to-recycle-your-old-cell-phones-computers-and-other-gadget/http://www.switched.com/2009/10/29/how-to-recycle-your-old-cell-phones-computers-and-other-gadget/http://www.switched.com/2009/10/29/how-to-recycle-your-old-cell-phones-computers-and-other-gadget/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Although spring is still months away, it's never too early to get a head start on cleaning out some junk. If you're like us, you could probably fill a closet with old gadgets. It might be tempting to simply toss them in the trash, but that's not your only option. Why not recycle them? It's a lot easier than you think, if you know where to look. Doing the hard part for us, Endadget has put together a comprehensive list of programs that recycle anything from outdated cell phones to enormous projection-screen televisions.

Many companies -- like the Apple Recycling Program and Sony's Take Back Recycling Program -- are making a push toward "going green." If you can't find a manufacturer's program, some stores, like Best Buy, have in-house recycling services. Of course, the Environmental Protection Agency's Plug-In to eCycling Program also does a nice job rounding up recycling resources.

Continue reading How to Recycle Your Old Cell Phones, Computers, and Other Gadgets

SwitchedHow to Recycle Your Old Cell Phones, Computers, and Other Gadgets originally appeared on Switched on Thu, 29 Oct 2009 15:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cellphonecomputerenvironmentgadgetgreenrecycletopThu, 29 Oct 2009 15:47:00 EST<![CDATA[Wesley Clark Deems Electric Cars 'National Security' Issue]]>http://www.switched.com/2009/10/26/wesley-clark-deems-electric-cars-national-security-issue/http://www.switched.com/2009/10/26/wesley-clark-deems-electric-cars-national-security-issue/http://www.switched.com/2009/10/26/wesley-clark-deems-electric-cars-national-security-issue/#commentsFiled under: ,

Retired U.S. Army General and former Democratic presidential candidate Wesley Clark has upped the ante in the ongoing national discourse on clean energy. Speaking before auto industry professionals and suppliers at a Detroit conference last week, Clark characterized the transition to electric cars as crucial to both environmental friendliness and, more surprisingly, national security. Noting the United States' desperate need to kick foreign oil, Clark described the production of electric cars as "absolutely dead-center in the bull's eye for national security." The Detroit Free Press reports that he then went on to give an economic argument for the move, comparing today's energy race to the early stages of the personal computer, the cell phone, and the Internet. Drawing a parallel to the "whole new industry" that PCs created, Clark apparently sees the potential for a similar economic boom in the nascent electric auto industry.

We've heard the same core argument before, but discussions of national security hold more weight when they come from someone with Clark's clout and experience. To the General's liking, General Motors has already unveiled the Volt and efforts to invest in renewable energy have already created a few jobs. It's just that the rest of the world is doing more. Automakers' primary concern remains the bottom line, and their first priority is clawing their way out of the red -- especially after the financial crisis put Detroit and its teetering economic system on life support. The financial crunch also explains the Volt's $40,000 price tag. Convinced that Americans prefer SUVs to petite hybrids, Detroit doesn't consider the Volt to have the widespread consumer appeal of SUVs. While national security issues are certainly important, it's going to take a purely financial argument to convince Detroit to really start playing catch-up with overseas manufacturers. [From: Detroit Free Press]

SwitchedWesley Clark Deems Electric Cars 'National Security' Issue originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 26 Oct 2009 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>autoindustryelectric carElectricCarenergyefficientgreenNationalSecuritytopvoltWesleyClarkMon, 26 Oct 2009 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Brothel Lowers Rates for 'Green' Customers]]>http://www.switched.com/2009/10/22/brothel-lowers-rates-for-green-customers/http://www.switched.com/2009/10/22/brothel-lowers-rates-for-green-customers/http://www.switched.com/2009/10/22/brothel-lowers-rates-for-green-customers/#commentsFiled under:

The economic slump has been tough on all kinds of businesses, even whorehouses. When money is tight, it looks like paying for sex is one of those extras people just can't afford. But one brothel in Berlin isn't taking this news lying down (Excuse the pun). According to The Associated Press, Maison d'Envie, or House of Desire, is giving a $7.50 (5€) discount to all customers who either ride a bike or take public transportation to the brothel. So, when you'd normally pay about $104 for 45 minutes with a lady of the night, you'd only pay around $97 if you were to opt for green transportation.

To make sure the clientele is going green, visitors must show a bike padlock key or a public transportation voucher to the receptionist. Although he's open to encouraging other modes of earth-friendly transit, owner Thomas Goetz points out to The Associated Press, "We haven't found a way for people to prove they have walked here."

Continue reading Brothel Lowers Rates for 'Green' Customers

SwitchedBrothel Lowers Rates for 'Green' Customers originally appeared on Switched on Thu, 22 Oct 2009 17:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bicyclebrothelbusinessdiscounteconomyenvironmentgreenmoneyprostitutionpublic transportationPublicTransportationtopThu, 22 Oct 2009 17:01:00 EST<![CDATA[How Much Electricity Does It Take to Run the Web?]]>http://www.switched.com/2009/10/22/how-much-electricity-does-it-take-to-run-the-web/http://www.switched.com/2009/10/22/how-much-electricity-does-it-take-to-run-the-web/http://www.switched.com/2009/10/22/how-much-electricity-does-it-take-to-run-the-web/#commentsFiled under: ,

How Much Electricity Does it Take to Run the Web
Ever wonder exactly how much electricity it takes to run the Internet? All those Tweets, e-mails, and YouTube videos aren't powered by magic fairy dust, it takes electricity, and lots of it, to store and spread this content.

US Infrastructure (magazine) decided to examine the stats, and then put together the beautiful inforgraphic above illustrating how many servers there are in the world, how much electricity they use, and how much that power costs.

The quick facts:
  • Between 2000 and 2005, the amount of energy consumed by data centers and servers doubled worldwide.
  • Data centers account for 1.5 percent of all electricity consumption in the U.S., which is more than the combined total used by televisions across the country.
  • The electricity to run these servers cost $4.5 billion a year worldwide. Add in the necessary infrastructure (such as cooling) to run these centers and the bill jumps to $7.2

Continue reading How Much Electricity Does It Take to Run the Web?

SwitchedHow Much Electricity Does It Take to Run the Web? originally appeared on Switched on Thu, 22 Oct 2009 09:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>efficiencyelectricityinfographicinternetserverstopThu, 22 Oct 2009 09:12:00 EST<![CDATA[Winter Olympics 2010 Medals Made From Recycled Electronics]]>http://www.switched.com/2009/10/19/olympic-medals-go-electronic/http://www.switched.com/2009/10/19/olympic-medals-go-electronic/http://www.switched.com/2009/10/19/olympic-medals-go-electronic/#commentsFiled under: ,

As Olympic athletes have increasingly resorted to complex steroids and synthetic drugs, even the most obstinate athletic purists have had to come to terms with the sobering fact that many of the gold medals awarded over the past few Games have been intrinsically linked to advances in science and technology. For the upcoming Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver, though, the union of sport and science will be more explicit than ever.

Winter Games officials have unveiled the design of the new medals in all their resplendent, curvaceous glory, and the chorus of "oohs" and "ahhs" has been heard 'round the world. Besides their uniquely undulating shape (said to reflect the Vancouver landscape), the ponderous prizes also have novel origins -- crafted, so we're told, from melted circuit boards. Created by Canadian artists Corrine Hunt and Omer Abel, the gold, silver, and even Cindy Brady bronze treasures weigh over a pound each, are designed with laser-etching to ensure that no two are exactly alike, and are all composed of materials reclaimed from electronics.

We're not sure whether or not this electrifying news will do enough to get us to tune in to curling; but then again, it's only logical that the medals, like the athletes, would be "juiced.' [From: Gizmodo]

SwitchedWinter Olympics 2010 Medals Made From Recycled Electronics originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 19 Oct 2009 10:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>medalsolympicstopMon, 19 Oct 2009 10:08:00 EST<![CDATA[California Lawmakers Seeking Ban on Wasteful HDTVs]]>http://www.switched.com/2009/10/16/california-lawmakers-seeking-ban-on-wasteful-hdtvs/http://www.switched.com/2009/10/16/california-lawmakers-seeking-ban-on-wasteful-hdtvs/http://www.switched.com/2009/10/16/california-lawmakers-seeking-ban-on-wasteful-hdtvs/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Many home appliances, like refrigerators and air conditioners, have to meet predetermined energy standards, but man's best inanimate friend, the television, has managed to evade such government restrictions, so far. According to the Los Angeles Times, TV's free pass may soon get revoked in California, where state regulators are currently attempting to implement energy efficiency standards for televisions.

The California Energy Commission hopes to begin unplugging substandard sets in 2011, with a vote on the proposal possibly coming as soon as November 4th. The proposed restrictions have been met with opposition from electronics advocacy groups, like the Consumers Electronics Association, who claim the new rules will hamper technological advancements and raise manufacturing prices. But at least one manufacturer believes otherwise. Vizio vice president Kenneth R. Lowe said that his company would have no problem meeting the efficiency standards within the proposed time frame.

Continue reading California Lawmakers Seeking Ban on Wasteful HDTVs

SwitchedCalifornia Lawmakers Seeking Ban on Wasteful HDTVs originally appeared on Switched on Fri, 16 Oct 2009 17:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>big screenBigScreencaliforniaenergyenergy consumptionEnergyConsumptiongovernmentgreentoptvFri, 16 Oct 2009 17:10:00 EST<![CDATA[EcoATM Kiosk Pays Cash for Old Phones ]]>http://www.switched.com/2009/10/10/ecoatm-kiosk-pays-cash-for-old-phones/http://www.switched.com/2009/10/10/ecoatm-kiosk-pays-cash-for-old-phones/http://www.switched.com/2009/10/10/ecoatm-kiosk-pays-cash-for-old-phones/#commentsFiled under:



Recycling cell phones eliminates tons of waste and saves valuable components. For various reasons, though, most people still toss their old phones into the trash or keep them squirreled away in a forgotten drawer or nook. In a true "Why didn't I think of that?" development, ecoATM recently unveiled its first credit-for-phone recycling kiosk (with more to follow) in a Nebraska store.

To take advantage of this gadget, a recycler merely drops an old phone into the machine, a camera then scans the device for cracks and other damages, and the machine finally assigns a value based on the model and its wear-and-tear. Depending on the phone's worth, the owner can receive a gift card, an in-store credit, or a free gift, like a waterproof cell-phone cover. The Nebraska machine doled out benefits to 23 cell-recyclers on September 21st, its first day of operation.

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SwitchedEcoATM Kiosk Pays Cash for Old Phones originally appeared on Switched on Sat, 10 Oct 2009 16:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Are you a fan of the motorcycle's ability to lean into turns but just don't feel safe riding with your body exposed like that? Well, a new concept car from Nissan has you covered, literally. According to Engadget, the Nissan Land Glider features two-in-line seats and the ability to lean at a 17-degree angle around turns. At just 3.5-feet wide, the electric car can maneuver like a bike, but it's also a zero-emissions vehicle, unlike those other hogs on the highway.

Alright, so the Land Glider doesn't give you as much street cred as a Harley Davidson, or even this other electric motorcycle. But it's still amazing to see a car, albeit a small one, lean into those turns (see the video after the break). One can only imagine what it'd feel like sitting behind the wheel. Come to think of it, the Land Glider will debut in a few weeks at the Tokyo Motor Show. Maybe we could "borrow" the Glider while security is distracted. [From: Engadget]

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SwitchedNissan's Land Glider Concept Car Leans Like a Motorcycle originally appeared on Switched on Sat, 10 Oct 2009 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Many people would love to build an entirely "green" house. But "going green" isn't always cheap or practical. That's why we're so excited about Dow Chemical's new solar-powered shingles, which are meant to be used on asphalt-tiled roofs. According to The New York Times, the Powerhouse thin-film shingle can be installed by most roofers, and they're durable, too. You can even drop one from a roof, or even walk on it, without fear of causing damage. They're simply nailed to the structure like regular shingles, but you'll still need an electrician to connect the panels to the home's electrical system. The Powerhouse shingle will be test marketed in the middle of next year.

While these shingles are only about 10-percent efficient, Dow managing director Jane Palmieri says a lower price and easier installation could create a $5 billion market by 2015. The solar-powered shingles are about 10-to-15-percent cheaper than a mounted rack of solar panels. That still doesn't change the fact that you'll need a lot of these to really make a dent in your electricity bill. Unless you're putting new shingles on Bill Gates's house, it's probably not quite practical to use them. [From: The New York Times]

SwitchedForget Panels, New Solar Shingles Offer Easier Installation originally appeared on Switched on Fri, 09 Oct 2009 12:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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