Due to strict wine limits set by the EU excess wine cannot be sold on the regular market and instead ends up getting converted into environmental fuel. Besides his Aston Martin (which he only drives an average of 300 miles a year) Prince Charles has also converted several of his other cars to alternative fuel: his Jaguars, Audi, and Range Rovers all run on biodiesel made of cooking oil.
I've been a fan of the Earthrace boat since before I finally got to climb aboard back in 2006 so I'm particularly pleased that the biodiesel-powered trimaran and her crew set a record fastest circumnavigation of the globe by speedboat recently. The boat raced around the globe in just 60 days, 23 hours and 49 minutes which means they beat the old record by 13 days, 21 hours and 9 minutes. This was the second attempt by New Zealand skipper Pete Bethune who had to give up his first last year after a bunch of problems that included a pirate attack and a collision with a fishing boat. Congratulations to Bethune and his crew.
I'm not going to say that these Recycle Lights by Johanna Keimeyer are pretty because they really aren't (in my opinion), but that doesn't mean I don't like them. Inspired to re-purpose the ugly plastic bottles we all see laying all over the place to into something use-able again, Johanna Keimeyer took a trip through Europe that resulted in this unique collection of eclectic lights that incorporate bottles from water, soda, detergent, and numerous other products. They're especially interesting to me because they look so completely different when the inner bulb is illuminated versus when it isn't. Plus with all that melting and twisting they look really fun to put together!
Since 1986, Rails to Trails Conservancy has been repurposing old railroad tracks into hiking and biking trails with its goal to create "nationwide network of trails from former rail lines and connecting corridors to build healthier places for healthier people."
I'd heard about this group, but forgot about it until a few days ago, when taking a different route home, I noticed two nearby streets had dedicated bicycle lanes, and my memory was sparked. I think this group has more significance than ever, as more and more people are going green, and walking and biking more. The conservancy even has a pledge you can sign to "Burn Calories, Not Carbon!" I like that this group was ahead of its time, and isn't just jumping on the green bandwagon, or "greenwashing" its claims.
The conservancy has a strong political arm, defending the federal railbanking statute in Congress and the courts as an essential tool to preserve unused rail corridors. Read about how you can get involved.
In celebration of Green Transport Week a UK based insurance company, ETA, is offering a 24K gold-plated Charge Plug bicycle complete with customized seat, handlebars and chain. Talk about pimping out your ride! This glamorous bike also comes with its own security guard. Unfortunately unless you are living across the pond you can't get in on this great opportunity. You must be eighteen years old, live in the UK, and get a free quote online for cycle insurance in order to enter the contest. One person will be randomly drawn after the contest ends on October 21st. This amazing two-wheeled ride is worth £9,500 and certainly makes the green movement a lot sexier.
Roswell, Georgia is getting a new solar-powered residential community. Weatherford Place will offer eight homes on 1.6 acres of land bordering Crossville Creek. The small community will be designed to supply its own energy. The development is going for platinum LEED certification for green building, which is the highest designation.
Each home uses passive solar design as well as solar panels and has low flow plumbing fixtures and a system to harvest and store rainwater. The energy generated by the homes goes out into the power grid and the power company credits the home for the power it produces. The homes are designed to use less energy than traditionally built homes. The homes come in several different styles offering 2,500 to 3,900 square feet of space. Each has an artist's studio with a full bath over the attached two-car garage. These homes are on the market starting at around $750,000 each.
It's red, it's sleek, it's the Scorpion from the newly formed Ronn Motor Company. It's main features include the fact that it goes from 0-60 in 3.5 seconds and gets 40 mpg. So what's so special about that? How about the fact that it's also a hydrogen burning hybrid?
I'm no mechanic (couldn't be farther from it, actually) but the description on AutoblogGreen of how the engine works is really interesting. This car sounds like a really satisfying way to satisfy both a need for speed and an interest in preserving the planet (too bad it looks like a refurbished Viper).
The Scorpion will be manufactured in Texas and should be available to consumers this fall.
Before you leave the house be sure to charge your phone, ipod and ride? The Enertia Electric Motorcycle holds a three-hour charge on six lithium-phosphate batteries and can move you around town at speeds up to fifty miles-per-hour. So what is the attraction? A sleek new ride that is easy on the earth and gets people to take a second look and summer sounds like the perfect time to give it a try ... if you have $12,000 on hand. Just make sure your city cruise doesn't take you further than 45 miles at one time.
Using the best of old and new world winemaking techniques, Jim Fetzer introduces award-winning, Biodynamic growing practices that go beyond organic standards. The Opulent Vintner's Collection contains a 2002 Ceago Camp Masut Cabernet Sauvignon, a 2006 Ceago Del Lago Chardonnay and Ceago Vinegarden's estate-grown, cold-pressed, certified organic and Biodynamic olive oil. To complement the wine, included are 10 pieces of fresh, seasonal fruit, 4 oz. each of roasted and salted organic cashews, almonds and pistachios, and 4 oz. of organic chocolate caramel pecan clusters.
This collection is Biodynamic certified by The Demeter Association: no pesticides, herbicides or synthetic fertilizers; organic methods with astronomy; humane animal practices; and ecosystem protection.
A nice Father's Day idea for the gourmet, eco-concerned dad. $174.95
Love to decorate your home or office a little on the bizarre side, and also have a hard time remembering when it's time to water your plants? This I.V. Plant Pot will take care of both those issues at once, and although it would be especially entertaining in a doctor's office you don't have to be medically inclined to appreciate both it's creativity and functionality (it really does water the plant). The set includes the stylish contemporary pot, a metal I.V. pole, and a refillable I.V. bag with a flow regulator that you adjust to fit your particular plant's needs. And the best part? The water goes into the pot, not the plant, so no worries about "finding a vein." £159.50
Jim Carrey and Jenny McCarthy are hoping they can use their combined star power to help raise awareness this week for the Green Our Vaccines march and rally. Jenny's son Evan was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder in 2005, and Jenny has been trying to help him and others by raising awareness of the possible link between autism and childhood vaccinations. The actors have joined with other national autism advocacy groups to press for the elimination of toxins from children's vaccines and to change children's vaccination schedules. It's always a heated debate, with facts and studies being presented on both sides, but a growing number of parents of autistic children believe that vaccines, especially those containing the mercury-based preservatives, are to blame for bringing on their children's autistic symptoms. Learn more about this weeks fund raising efforts here, and if you want to get involved in this movement now is the time!
For grape growers, vino viticulturists, syrah sippers and green gods and goddesses, the day has come when wineries both domestic and foreign can compete for glory to bring us, the consumer, the best eco-friendly wines available. The Green Wine Competition has chosen its champions from over 271 entries originating in six states and eleven foreign countries within four categories: Class I - certified biodynamically grown; Class II - organic; Class III - transitional & third party certified; Class IV - natural (international imports only). With 153 award-winning bottles, broken up into gold, silver and bronze medals, and a shopping list to make your next selection of wine easier, the search for a fantastic bottle of green wine is bound to be simpler. (And in case you are wondering who took home the most medals, Bonterra Vineyards blew the competition away).
Brad (and his ever growing resume) has embraced a new project not on film, but with a hard hat in Dubai. He will be collaborating with an architectural firm there, Zabeel Properties, as well as the firm he currently consults with, LA-based GRAFT, to design a new hotel that will be built sustainably. Zabeel Properties is known for also being socially-responsible with its projects, considering the community's needs as well as its inhabitants seeing the development beyond the walls and through a larger lens. Lending his enthusiasm and expertise, after his experience with Make It Right which is still building homes in the 9th Ward of New Orleans, Brad certainly also creates added interest in any project he throws himself into. The primary fixture of this development project will be an 800-room five-star hotel with American themes and an environmentally-friendly structure. Once again, Dubai is on the cusp of both luxurious and current interests, going green with glamour.
This time of year speedboats are a popular hobby, and unfortunately a more and more common accessory with that hobby is a big 'ol side of guilt due to all the gas and energy negatively impacting the environment. But wealthy water-lovers in the Netherlands now have a new option that's not only much more environmentally friendly but also outrageously cool: a solar-powered speed boat.
The Czeers Solarboat is 33 ft long and can get up to 35mph, thanks to the 150 solar cells covering its entire surface and giving it a very futuristic look. All yours for just $1.1 million. Ouch.
I love the outdoors, and I love to bring the outdoors indoors, so it's no surprise that I'm in love with this Entwined Root furniture from Viva Terra. I agree with Daily Dose that these pieces should be used sparingly but if I get a bigger house someday I'll be looking to make room for more than just one of these unique pieces. Handmade from 100% reclaimed wood from fallen roots, branches, and trunks (trees are never cut down) each piece obviously ends up completely different from every other piece. The collection includes numerous furniture items including a table, mirror, coat stand, and stool. $149-$498
The world is experiencing shortages of natural resources and the search for alternative fuels is going stronger than ever. Prince Charles is doing his part by supporting some creative efforts and fueling his 38yr old Aston Martin with of all things, wine.
Brad (and his ever growing resume) has embraced a new project not on film, but with a hard hat in Dubai. He will be collaborating with an architectural firm there, Zabeel Properties, as well as the firm he currently consults with, LA-based GRAFT, to design a new hotel that will be built sustainably. Zabeel Properties is known for also being socially-responsible with its projects, considering the community's needs as well as its inhabitants seeing the development beyond the walls and through a larger lens. Lending his enthusiasm and expertise, after his experience with Make It Right which is still building homes in the 9th Ward of New Orleans, Brad certainly also creates added interest in any project he throws himself into. 
