Khunu is a start-up company that aims to be the first to bring yak wool clothing to the global market. They offer a range of athletic clothing that is made with 100% Himalayan yak wool. What are the advantages of yak wool? (more…)

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Now that the e-bike market is maturing in the U.S., I think we’ll be seeing some sophisticated electric bikes released this year. Here are three intriguing e-bikes that have become available so far:

The Eneloop E-Bike by Sanyo

Eneloop E-Bike

Sanyo has introduced an electric bike called the Eneloop. This pedal-assist bike has a barely noticeable 250 watt motor that is designed to help the rider pedal without effort. It has a step-through frame and large tires — recalling classic three-speed Dutch bikes.

The bike also has regenerative braking that charges the battery. When you use the rear brake lever while riding downhill (over 5 mph) and you’ll start to recharge the battery.

This bike sells for $2300, which is a nice price for a bike of this type. The electric motor integration looks to be first-rate.

Available from Amazon.

Kalkhoff Electric Bikes

Kalkhoff E-Bike

A company called Greenlight Bikes has started importing Kalkhoff e-bikes into the U.S. from Germany. Kalkhoff bikes are well known in Europe as great commuter bikes. They use a center-mounted motor that applies power directly to the drive train. They also come with features commuters need on a daily basis including a powerful lighting system, great fenders, chain guards and solid racks.

The bikes are priced from $2500 to $3400, depending on sizes and configurations.

OHM Electric Bikes

Ohm 2010 Electric Bike

Based in British Columbia, OHM Cycles specializes in high-end electric bicycles. They’ve updated their bikes for 2010. The bikes feature 37V 10Ah lithium-magnesium batteries, regenerative braking and 350W BionX motors. Another nice feature is an LCD command console that displays speed, remaining battery charge, and level of assistance or regeneration.

Price ranges from $3300 to $3800.

Available from OHM Cycles.

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Looptworks Hoptu Laptop Sleeve

I’ve been testing some Looptwork products, and they are amazing. Here’s why: the company makes all their products from 100% industrial “excess” materials. That means every zipper, button and thread used in their designs was about to be thrown out. For example, the Hoptu Laptop Sleeve shown above is made with 100% upcycled nylon neoprene which was recovered from a wetsuit factory. (more…)

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Ovopur Blanc Water Filter

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A Metaefficient Bathroom – Environmentally Friendly And Functional

A bathroom may be one of the smallest rooms of a home, but make no mistake – it’s a vital one. Whether you’re building a new home or renovating an existing one, integrating efficient components into a bathroom will add convenience and improve functionality, and also minimize the environmental impact of energy and water consumption.
(more…)

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The Best Water Filters: A Review

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Pure Organic Snack Bar

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I neglected to mention a few more items for the MetaEfficient Winter 2010 Outfit: a belt, a pair of shoes, and some snow pants.

Leather Belt by Timberland

Choosing a MetaEfficient belt is a compromise. Leather is made from the hide of animals that have been slaughter for food (typically in factory farms). However, if not made into products, these hides would otherwise be wasted. In terms of durability, thick leather product can last for decades. However, toxic chemicals and heavy metals are typically used in the tanning process. More traditional tanning involves vegetables and waxes. However, it is difficult to actually find a belt made with non-toxic leather.  As an alternative, you can find artificial leather belts here, but they are typically made from polyurethane, which is not particularly efficient.

So as a compromise we’re featuring this leather belt by Timberland. Hopefully this belt is made with non-toxic leather. I’m eager to see further use of sustainable materials by Timberland. They are a company with a sound green commitment.

Patagonia Recycled Men’s Shoes

Patagonia Recycled Men's Sneakers

Most shoes tend to be made with toxic materials, the binding glues are particularly inefficient. Patagonia makes efficient shoes that incorporate water-based solvents and stitched outsoles. They also incorporate some recycled materials (see the full details here).

Recycled Snow Pants by Patagonia

Featured here are Storm Pants from Patagonia made with 100% all-recycled polyester double ripstop (suspenders are removable), or Patagonia’s lighter softshell Guide Pants.

Nau also makes a range of sustainable urban clothes (thanks Robert).

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