One of ioby's local green projects

Erin Barnes is a green gal next door.  What is a green gal, you might ask?  She is someone who is simply an ordinary woman who is creating much needed change in the world.  This green gal rolled up her sleeves and set out to change the world one block at a time.   How so?  Barnes is the co- founder and executive director of ioby, a local fundraising platform where local projects are funded by neighbors.  But it isn’t just about the project. It is about bringing neighbors together.

Ioby stands for “in our backyard ”  currently based in NYC.  However, if  Barnes has her way, the concept will go national.  If you listen to Barnes during her 6 minute video interview, you have no doubt that ioby projects will start sprouting up all over the country.  (Listen to the podcast by clicking here.)

Why ioby?

Barnes stated,

“[w]e know people care about the environment, but their most prominent option is to purchase something. Buying a table or a new light bulb leaves a lot of people thinking, ‘Now what?’ They are hungry to get their hands dirty,” says Barnes.

Erin Barnes, co-founder and Exec Director of ioby

Partners Cassie Flynn, Brandon Whitney, and Barnes who met in Yale School of Forestry & Environmental Studies  saw the need for local impact in changing the world.  Hence, ioby was born as a place where local funders and people who seek change in their neighborhood meet.

 ” ioby connects change with resources. It enables all of us to invest in change—then see (and live with) the return on our investment. These pages aren’t glamorous. There are no celebrities, no large-scale protests. There are everyday neighbors taking small steps—bringing sunlight, open space, fresh food and greenery into our backyards.”

Although there are matching funds donations, the majority of the projects are funded by local $10 and $20 donations.  Thus far, the Company has brought together funders and 86 projects  in which $132,000 was raised. The average donor lives two miles from the projects.

If you or your company wishes to donate, pick a project here.

How Does ioby work?

Compost Station. One of ioby's funded projects

Have a project?  First check out to see if you meet the Companies’ criteria. Then post your idea. ioby adds 8% to the budget for administrative costs such as credit card fees and postage.  Then the fun begins for project teams to solicit funds.  The beauty of the projects is that it brings neighbors together whether funding or getting their hands dirty.

Learn more about their 2011 heroes here.  Listed below are a few examples:

“In 2009, Stacey and Bee wanted to start a decentralized project where underutilized snippets of backyards, rooftops, community gardens, school grounds, and other open space could be converted into places for food production. With Molly and Martha they produce vegetables, eggs, flowers and new farmers and chicken apprentices!” (pictured above.)

And

“In the 1970’s the Bronx burned.  In the 1980’s the Bronx became the birthplace of break dance, rap and hip-hop.  In 1996 Troy Lancaster arrived to take out the trash.  If you know Troy you know that chatting for a while and getting trees are just some of his many special talents.  With a big empty lot cleaned and tree planted, the birds started to arrive.  Troy worked with neighborhood and planted more trees, plants and flowers.  More migrating birds flew by.  Each year the Dred Scott Bird Sanctuary uses approximately 900 lbs of bird seed to help and encourage the migrating flocks while educating neighborhood residents.  Troy is currently looking for donations for his ioby project.”

Take Aways:

I asked Barnes what advice could she give to others.  She said ask  for help when forming your organization.  The NY environmental community was extremely collaborative.  After I learned what Barnes did, I replied via email that it must feel amazing to get up in the morning.   And she replied that she has a good life.  Yes, she created it not only for her but others.

Join the Conversation:

• How do you feel about ioby?  Do you see a need in your neighborhood?
• What’s your take away about what Barnes accomplished
• Does she inspire you?
•  What characteristics inspire you?

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Inspiration

Over the years as I penned Green Talk, I have met the most inspiring  people who have used their life story to create a business or mission to help others. You know the ones that make your neck hair stand up when you talk about them?  They might be your neighbor, friend or relative.  We all have them in our lives.  And the Earth is a better place because of them.  Amen.

In the last year, a voice inside started to bug me.  It would whisper to me, “Anna, tell their stories.”

I would then push that voice aside since I had enough work on Green Talk to last me for two lifetimes.  Who has time?  By the way, whose stories?  Do I need meds?  Am I working too hard that I am hearing voices?  If they take me the sanitarium, will it be green?  That’s the last thing I need to do.  Green a sanitarium while being in an organic straight jacket. Voice, get a life.

http://youtu.be/sHTsQ9qePrQ

Again, the voice started getting louder.  ”If you build it, people will come.“

Wait a minute.  Voice, are you James Earl Jones?  Is this baseball movie? Isn’t the phrase, “if you build it, he will come?”   I hate baseball.  Sorry to all of you who love it.  It is simply boring. Voice, I don’t get your message.

Voice thinks.  Boy, she is dumber than a recycled content door knob.  Sometimes, she is such a squirrel.  Who cares if she hates baseball?

A few Months Pass and Then

A few months later, Voice keeps getting louder and louder.  Sometimes I can’t drown it out.  I am starting to think the meds idea is a really good one.

The voice:  ”Why did you start Green Talk?  To inspire?  Create Community?  To and be educated?”

Okay voice.  Yes. Yes, and HELL YES.  (For those of you who don’t know me, read my about page.)

Then the voice would say “tell their stories.”

Whose stories?  Crap.  I thought this is what I do on Green Talk.  Am I totally missing the boat here? I tell the stories of companies, products, and people.  I am a regular storyteller for crying out loud.  Please leave me alone, Voice.  I am too busy.

The Voice would just sign.  A heavy sign and think, she ain’t getting it.  Where is the 2 by 4 piece of lumber when you need it?

Voice, What Do You Want From Me?

Okay, Voice what do you want from me? You are driving me crazy. I don’t need you do this. I have four cavemen.  They drive me plenty crazy.   And let’s not forget the hubby.

Plus, I am working my fingers off at Green Talk.  The lone She wolf.  Sometimes, I think no one is listening. There is crickets around my comments despite my increase in internet traffic. I get defeated, hurt, and angry all at the same time.  I wonder why am I wasting my time probably once a month.  (Okay, maybe like twice a month…)

So what do you want from me, Voice.  Now I know how Brittany Spears feels. Voice wants a piece of me.

Do What You Do Best

Then the Voice says, “do what you do best.  Storytell and inspire.”

Then I got it. I don’t know how, but  I really did. The LED went off in my head. (Nice color too.)  What did I get?  I decided to create a series about women who inspire me.  Women who are our neighbors.  Not women who are television stars or are repeatedly in the paper.  Good old,  ”stop yapping about it and do something about it women.”  You know who they are.

The Green Gal Next Door.  She is ordinarily extraordinary.

She is so damn inspiring.  She decide to Go Big and NOT Go Home.

My Hope?

My hope with this series?

• To inspire you. Not just women.  Inspire you to live your dream. Heck, if they can do it, so can you. Being green means so much more than building a green house.  It means to live simpler, healthier, fulfilled and being kinder to Earth.
• Give you hope that we will be okay.  These women are forging ahead to make life better for all of us.
• Support their organization to help them build that field of dreams.  (Love that movie.  Okay, truth be told, I love Kevin Costner, but don’t tell hubby.)
• Make a difference.  It is the simple changes that count.  Start small.  One step at a time.
• We are all in this together.

Could I use Some Help?

I hate asking for help.  I am afraid of hearing the word, no.  Here’s where I need help:

Video work is hard work.  I see this series having a life of its own.  Please consider the following:

• Please give me feedback about the Green Jane Next Door videos.  I am keeping them to 5 minute which for a rambler like me is soooo hard.
• Consider sponsoring the series or asking your business sponsor the series so I can make the series more polished.
• If you feel inclined, please donate through the PayPal button on the side bar.
• Give me names of women who are healing the Earth in some way. I am trying to focus on not for profit companies or individual woman.
• As for businesses, I haven’t figured this part yet.  I walk a fine line at Green Talk about supporting it and not doing a pay for play option.  However, like your business, I need to support Green Talk.  Again, any of you who have a suggestion about how to deal with businesses, I am all ears.  There are some great women entrepreneurs I would like to feature.  Want to tell me privately, please contact me through my form.

Photo by SweetOnVeg

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2013 Ford Fusion

A week ago, I witnessed the unveiling of the newly designed Ford Fusion as a guest of Ford. My highlight of the unveiling was my indepth conversation with  Samantha Hoyt, Fusion Marketing Manager about the newly re-designed Fusion.  Listen to the podcast.

So, you don’t think this is a commercial for the Fusion, I test drove this car last year when my 2005 Sienna lost its transmission and gave it high marks.   (Heck, I drove about 10 cars last summer, but luckily my Sienna was fixed.)

When I previously drove the car,  I remarked that the trunk was in my line of vision.  Although the car has rear sensors, I am an old time driver and like to look over my shoulder.  (Teaching an old dog new trick.  Not going to happen.)  My close friend has an all wheel drive Fusion, and absolutely adores it.  There is also a hybrid model as well.

So Why Do I Love a Fusion?

The 2013 Ford Fusion is a medium size sedan that is fuel efficient, comfortable, and affordable.  Even though the old Fusion was pretty darn good, Ford decided to give it a make-over.  Inside and out according to Hoyt.

In addition, Ford expanded its med-size car platform to include the gas fueled Fusion (1.6 and 2 liter eco boost engines) the Fusion Hybrid, and Fusion Energi, the plug-in electric/hybrid.  In Europe and Asia Pacific, the Company will be introducing the Mondeo.

I urge you to listen to the 10 minute podcast.  Hoyt explains all the great features on the car.  Just in case you want a short synopsis, listed below are some interesting tidbits.

Interest tidbits:

• The hybrid gets 47 mph in the city.  44 mpg on the highway.  (Getting pretty darn close to the Prius.)
• Hybrid seat completely fold down for added trunk space.  The seats do not fold down on the Energi Fusion. Great for us gardening gals to haul big plants.   (Note, both seats don’t ordinarily fold down in other hybrid cars I looked at.)
• The Fusion Energi has a ”500-mile overall driving range.”  It can be plugged into a regular outlet. Hoyt explained the electric portion is 100 miles.
• Available voice-activated SYNC®27.  Hoyt says it is the most widely used car in-connectivity  system in the world.
• Lane Keeping System:  Gently steers you back into your lane if you get a little drowsy.  (Or not pay attention since you are breaking up a fight between the cavemen.)
• Adaptive Cruise Control:  Keeps you a certain distance from the other cars.  Boy, can my teenage cavemen use this.  Wait, so can the heavy footed hubby.
• Blind Spot Information System: helping you back out of tight spots.  (Okay, good for us not the best drivers.  I will admit it.  Driving is not my forte.)

Interior Green Facts:

Some of the green highlights, Hoyt explained:

 What About Range Anxiety?

I learned a  new buzz word at the Auto Show.  ”Range Anxiety.” (This is not to be confused with road rage or hyperventilating.)  It means anxiety of depleting the electrical battery while driving an electric car.   Hoyt explains their Ford Energi has a range of 100 miles on full electric.  Thereafter, the car switches to gas hybrid  with a total range of 500 miles.  Sign me up!

What about the Trunk?

Hoyt explains they did in fact re-looked at the trunk issue and readjusted the seat.  However, despite their efforts, some us might still have a problem.   At least, there is the back-up cameras.

Join the Conversation:

• Would you consider buying a Ford Fusion and if so, which one of the cars?
• Would you consider buying the electric/hybrid?
• Do you already own a Ford Fusion and what are your thoughts about its maintenance or performance?
• What your thoughts about Ford lately?

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Could LEED Litigation be Happening Here?

Welcome guest poster, David Scott, Esquire.  I asked David to write a post about why there hasn’t been much LEED litigation.  As a fellow lawyer and LEED AP, I anticipated a slew of lawsuits.    However, like David, I am still waiting.  Here is David’s response:

At one point in the immortal comedy Caddyshack, the character Judge Smails looks to the protagonist Danny Noonan and expectantly beseeches “Well … we’re waiting!” The same sentiment could characterize the feelings of many in the legal community about green building litigation (also referred to by the painfully clever portmanteau “LEEDigation”).

 Where is LEEDigation?

Notwithstanding many breathless proclamations that the rise of green building will coincide with the rise of green building disputes, the litigation storm has yet to hit. Of course there have been a smattering of cases involving LEED projects. In the ubiquitously-cited Shaw Development v. Southern Builders, the project team members found themselves on the business end of a lawsuit after the owner lost a tax incentive due to the project’s failed to timely secure LEED certification.

There have also been a few other cases involving bid protests, zoning amendment approvals, variance decisions, property tax appeals, antitrust allegations, and federal preemption claims related to green building codes. But most disputes simply involve traditional legal issues that just happen to arise on green building projects, as opposed to the dispute being causally related to the green nature of the project.

There is a compelling rationale behind the alarmism. LEED and other green building rating systems are new, different, and change the way things have “always been done,” and that’s typically a breeding ground for conflict. So why isn’t it lawsuit Armageddon? Different theories abound.

The AIA and ConsensusDOCS now offer model green contracts that can help more clearly define the parties’ rights and obligations. Growth in the market for sustainable materials means fewer shortages (or complete lack of availability) of low-VOC paint, flooring, and other LEED-compatible products that could cause scheduling hiccups.

From this litigator’s perspective, most disputes are caused by lack of communication, so maybe the essence of collaborative design lends itself to resolution of disputes before they take on a life of their own.

Whatever the reason, it’s still not open LEEDigation season.  Got your own thoughts or perspectives on green building disputes, or the lack thereof? Share a comment and we can talk it out.

Anna, here.  David, I have one more question.

What About Green Building Product Litigation?

To continue the conversation, I asked David with everyone jumping on the green bandwagon, what about products that fail to live up to their claims?  He responded as follows:

“Although I haven’t seen any product-related suits specifically related to energy promises, the first-ever LEED Platinum building was the subject of a lawsuit just last year.  The Chesapeake Bay Foundation (owner) desired that the wood beams for the project not be treated with arsenic or other chemicals that could leach into the bay.  An affiliate of Weyerhaeuser supplied certain wood members used in the building, which the architect specified would be exposed to the elements.

Subsequent inspections revealed that the exposed beams were rotting, prompting a lawsuit by the Foundation against all involved.  I’m unable to determine the current status of the lawsuit because the Circuit Court’s records for the case are not available online and I have not seen any news or commentary since the initial reports of the suit.  Some have opined that this case is more about a manufacturer or supplier providing faulty materials than it is about green building.  I think that could be argued both ways.”

For a good commentary about the suit,  see here.

Greenwashing  with Claims of Products Being LEED Certified:

David brought up another point that irks me to no end.  He stated,

“[t]here have also been some claims related to greenwashing and/or products that hold themselves out as ‘LEED certified,’ which of course is a falsehood because products cannot be LEED certified.”

You can’t imagine how many times I have explained to companies you can’t put on your website that your products are LEED certified.

Guest Poster Information:

David Scott

David Scott helps companies resolve business disputes (green or otherwise). One of the only attorneys in the country to be a LEED AP and a Million Dollar Advocate, David is the co-founder and editor of Ohio Green Building Law.

Join the Conversation:

• Why do you think there hasn’t been much litigation?
• In the LEED process, where do you think there would be litigation?
• What advice would you give clients who are thinking about getting their building certified?
• What advice would you give manufacturers who tout their energy efficient products?

Photo by Bose d’Anjou’

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Old Vitamins starting to decompose

The first of the year some how invokes that “must “declutter feeling.”   Is it being indoor?  A new year?  Who know.  All I do know is my pantry is the bane of my existence.    Especially the shelves that contain the vitamins.

I swear they grow expontentially. And no, Suzanne Sommers doesn’t live with me.  However, if  there were a male Suzanne Sommers, it would be my hubby.  He is a vitamin addict. We have vitamins that I have no idea what they are for. Three or four containers of the same vitamin. Why? He can’t see what he has and doesn’t have. Do you have a vitamin addict in your house?

DeCluttering the Pantry

I have challenged you several time on Green Talk to declutter your pantry. I don’t know about you, but when the pantry is crowded I often buy more than I should. Why? How the heck can see you behind 10 cans of tomato sauce?  Or all the empty boxes that the cavemen fail to throw out.  Are you with me here?

Hubby is the buyer in the household and love a good sale.  Hence, in my opinion, the clutter. Let’s be frank. Hubby needs a full time clutter assistant or an intervention, which ever comes first.  Who is this “person” in your home?

More Vitamins in a Square Mile Then People in NJ

Well, this year I had it with the overpopulation of vitamins. There was one designated shelf for vitamins that has grown in five years to three shelves. I kid you not. And between you and me, how many do you think have expired?

So, I methodically alphabetized all the vitamins. Before, you say, Anna, come on, get a life, there is a method to my madness. I figured if he saw with his vitamin A enriched eyes how many multiple bottles of  the same vitamins he had, he would be more careful in the future.  Fat chance, but a green girl is gotta do what’s she has to do.   (Okay, how many bottles of vitamin C do you need?  With all those vitamins who gets colds anyways?)

Oh, did I tell you.  He even had half bottles of the same vitamins. You don’t want to know how many hours this little exercise took me.

Don’t get me wrong.  Hubby is a lovable guy but this vitamin thing has me pretty wacked.

Finally, hubby knew that he had to clean up the vitamins starring him the face. As he sorted, he made different piles:

• expired vitamins (surprise, surprise)
• not my vitamins (ie belongs to the kids, the dog we don’t have, and maybe a distant cousin’s) and
•  finally, the ones that he wanted to keep.

So What Do I Do With the Old Vitamins?

So, as you can imagine, I had alot of vitamins to dispose of. Throwing them down the toliet wasn’t an option.  According to the EPA,

“[s]ome medicines, vitamins and other supplements poured down the drain or flushed down the toilet may pass through wastewater treatment plants. They may enter lakes, rivers and streams which are often used as sources for community drinking water supplies. Watertreatment plants are generally not equipped to routinely remove medicines and supplements.”

As I search online for alternatives, I ran across the following options:

• Dissolve them and then put them in plastic bag with coffee grounds or kitty litter.  Then, throw them away. If you know anything about me, I never throw away anything.  (Ask my sister.)
• Give them to the police when there is a US take back program. I did sort out the old medicine and hid them in the house to give to the semi-annual take back program.
• Find a participating green pharmacy who will take back medicine.  See here for other  US state programs.  Note, it is not a definitive list since your state might not be on it.
• For information in other countries, see EcoLife’s recycling list.  Scan down to “Disposing of pharmaceuticals” towards the bottom.  Also, see the information on the Northwest Product Stewardship Council.

For the life of me, I couldn’t find anyone to donate the vitamins to.  The take back program in my area had occurred.  Another one wouldn’t be schedule until April.   So, the light bulb came on and I thought why not compost them. They are just minerals, right?

The Experiment

I didn’t want to just throw them in the composter since I couldn’t figure out how they would decompose.   However, if I did, some rodent probably would be quite healthy.  Those darn animals get into the compost in the winter despite my rodent screen. Plus, some of the vitamins are gel coated. How the heck were they going to decompose?

So, I decided to put them in boiling water. My friend’s college age child who is majoring in chemical engineering suggested that I use vingear to simulate the stomach acid. Clever, huh?  However, I tried boiling water first.

Bowl #2 of Old Vitamins that Decomposed in Water

Lo and behold a couple of hours later, I had vitamin soup. Thank goodness it didn’t smell bad since there were old cinamon capsules in the mix. But, it didn’t look particular appetizing.

Guess who had the task of taking it down to the composter?  Hubby.

So, next spring I expect to have the healthiest compost in the neighborhood!

Join the Conversation

• How do you dispose of your old vitamins?
• Do you have a place to give them to?
• Do have a rule of thumb to know when vitamins expire?
• Do you compost them too?
• Can you add to the list of international or state takeback programs?

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The Ford Electric Focus

For the last couple of days, I have been in Detroit, Michigan attending the North American International Auto Show. My trip along with 140 plus bloggers was sponsored by Ford to learn about the Company’s mission to provide smart, safe, and green cars.  In my wildest dreams I would have never imagined the education I received.

Not only did I learn about their sustainability goals, which is dear to my heart, and their evolving technology but how a car is made.  Mind you, not an easy task.   Come along and find out what I learned.

History of a Company

Cars Featured at the Henry Ford

In order to understand the long history of the company and its ethos, I believe you need to look at their past.  Ford is a family owned company which has been around since 1903. Our first night in Detroit, we visited the Henry Ford Museum where we saw the new exhibit,  Driving America, an interactive display of 100 vehicles.  (A must see if you visit the Detroit area.)

If you stop and think, cars are so much a part of our own history.  Their shape and colors reveal the history of our society.  At the exhibit, my most memorable moments were sitting on Rosa Park’s bus and touching the spot where JFK’s car was shot.  Both cars reminded me of such vulnerable moments in our history.

Our society now yearned for fuel efficient cars as a push back from oil dependency.  Ford heard the call.

The International Auto Show

Ford Fusion Models

The following day was Ford’s press conferences and the North American International Auto Show where the likes of Toyota, Honda, Mercedes, and BMW attended to show off their new cars.

Bring On the Fusion

With the glitz of a rock concert (smoke and all,) Ford unveiled its newly designed Fusion.  This car is comparable in size to the Toyota Camry and Honda  Accord. (Remember, I drove the old Fusion just six months ago?)  Ford touts the Fusion’s fuel efficiency, affordability and luxury.

Smart, Green, and Safe

Ford Sync Applications

During the press conference, Ford elaborated on their motto, smart, safe, and green.  Their Sync technology applications keep their consumers connected and safe via a hands-free system.  In fact, Ford announced that they will be opening a research and development facility in  Silicon Valley to be closer to high tech companies and universities.  Their research team will continue to expand app integrations in the Sync technology.

What kind of apps?  Just to give you an example, at the International Consumer Electronic Show, the Company announced an alliance with Microsoft, Healthrageous and BlueMetal Architects to research technology to monitor health and wellness while in your car.  Talk about a doctor on call.

In addition, the Ford Fusion will offer the Lane Keeping System which keeps you from drifting outside your lane.  This technology is especially important for drivers who are drowsy.  For more information about this technology see here.

As for the green part of their mission,  the Company spoke about their Eco-Boost, hybrid, and electric vehicles. Along with their eco-fuel strives, the Company has replaced many parts of the cars with plastic alternatives.  See the below videos in which both Angela Harris and Ellen Lee explain the material sustainability of the cars.

The Press Swarming the Ford Fusion

The way the press swarmed the cars, you would have thought the President made an appearance.  (See the picture above.) What made the press conference so impressive was the accessibility of Ford’s product team.  Questions flew left and right and were dutifully answered by real people who were so openly passionate about their work with the Fusion.

The Headquarter Tour-Mouth Dropping

The last leg of the journey was a 1/2  day at Ford Headquarters learning how they design a car and the sustainable materials they use.  I love design and clamor to learn more of how things are made.  It just gives you an amazing perspective of how and why a product exists.

Ford Designer Using Photoshop to Design a Car

First stop was the technology lab where the car begins its journey.  The most exciting part was to watch how technology aids in the design.  The team showed us how they can change the inside, drive the car around to see how it looks, and compared its colors in different lights.  I even got to drive the car with a PlayStation remote.  All I could do was 360 donuts since I leave video games to my kids.  My kids would have thought I was pathetic.  But, then again, I wouldn’t classify myself as the world’s best driver either.  *Sigh*

Clay Modeling of the Designs

Our second stop was the modeling room where large clay models are made to replicate the car. We got to scalp the cars with different tools.  What a fascinating profession for someone who loves to sculpt.

Sustainable Materials

Our third stop was the sustainability lab.  Many of you might remember my podcast interview two years ago with Deborah Mielewski, Ford’s Technical Leader in Plastics Research.  Her team presented Ford’s efforts to reduce their use of virgin plastic in their cars.  And yes, I got to give Debbie a big hug.

Watch the below video of Ellen Lee and Angela Harris as they spoke about the various alternative materials they use including soy, wheat straw and polylactic acid (PLA).

Angela:

Ellen and Angela:

Seat Lab

Our fourth stop was the driving lab where the team works on the seat configuration. In my opinion, how comfortable is the driver’s seat is my top priority in choosing a car.  No one likes an uncomfortable seat.

The Seat Lab at Ford

Its All in the Motion

The final stop was the lab where they configure how you get in an out of a car.  The gentleman in the below picture got in and out of the car many, many times as the team recorded his motions.  Would you want to be that guy?

Ford Demonstrating their Product Development

Whew!  Then it was back to New Jersey land and picking up after the cavemen.  (Ford, take me back. Please.)

But the Best Part Was:

Green Gals at the Conference Making a Difference. Diane, me, Jenn, Tiffany and Stephanie

I would be remiss if I didn’t tell you the best part of the trip was meeting some of the green moms from the Green Mom Carnival for the first time in person. (Diane of Green Big Purse, Tiffany of Nature Mom, who lent me many of the above pictures, and Jenn of the Green Parent.) For over three years we have shared an online camaraderie which was strengthened by our trip together.  We even picked up two more green moms on the trip:  Stephanie of GoodGirlGoneGreen and Shane of Envirobooty.

I loved every minute of this trip and came back with a new found appreciation of how much work goes into making cars.

Upcoming Podcasts:

However, you are not off the car hook yet.  I podcasted with  the Ford team about the Fusion, the Toyota team about their new Prius as well as the up and coming hydrogen fuel cell car, and DiamlerChrysler (who makes Mercedes)  about their Smart Car.  For my Dad, who is a BMW aficionado, I learned about their new hybrid and up and coming electric cars.   Those posts are forth coming.

Join the Conversation

• What do you think about Ford’s sustainability?
• How do you feel about Ford as a brand?
• Do you think car makers are doing enough for the environment?

Disclaimer:  Ford sponsored my trip to the North American International Auto Show and paid for my meals and lodging; however, the opinion noted above are my own.  I wasn’t required to write about Ford at all.   

Most of the pictures were taken by Tiffany’s of Nature Mom.

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• Ford Fusion 2013 Green Year Lineup: Gas, Hybrid, Electric/Hybrid.
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Sun-Believable Solar Paint

Can solar paint power up your house?  The Notre Dame’s Center for Nano Science and Technology (NDnano) research team unveiled “Sun-Believable,” which may change the face of solar someday.  Before you start thinking about repainting your house,  the paint is a work in progress.

According to the team, the research showed the paint only had a 1 percent efficiency compared to its silicon cousins with its 10-15 percent efficiency.  Watch the below short video to see how this inexpensive product works.

http://youtu.be/_cEyOxCwUw8

When I read NDnano’s article about the advancements, I was beyond excited.  As many of my readers know I love renewable energy and especially solar.  Any time I can report about it, I do.   Solar is just so damn sexy.  Think Ryan Reynolds in silicon.

Needing More Information

In true Green Talk form, I can’t just read a press release or article on a website, then write about it.  There are more details that need to be fleshed out.  After 12 enlightening emails exchanges with team leader Prashant Kamat, John A. Zahm Professor of Science in Chemistry and Biochemistry, I was ready to provide you with more information.

Unfortunately, Kamat didn’t want me to relay any of my new found information unless it was contained in ASCNano research paper, which can only be read if you want to pay for the publication or your library has access to it.  I did have a copy of it but wanted to limited my discussion to what you had access to.

To say I was disheartened  was an understatement.  I guess he didn’t want the media to make more out of the product than what it is.   Nevertheless, I respected his wishes.  What is said in email, says in email.

How Does the Paint Work?

Before I go any further, I am not an engineer, nor a scientist.  Although I understand the concept, I am not trained in how the nuisances of the product work.  For those who want more information, I urge you to read the above research paper.  According to the NDnano article, the drive to create this concept was to move beyond silicon-based solar technology.  Basically, the paint application is

“nano-sized particles of titanium dioxide, which were coated with either cadmium sulfide or cadmium selenide. The particles were then suspended in a water-alcohol mixture to create a paste.

When the paste was brushed onto a transparent conducting material and exposed to light, it created electricity.”

The Cadmium Red Flag

The minute I read “nano-size particles of titanium dioxide” and “coated with cadmium sulfide or cadmium selenide”  a red flag appeared in my line of vision.  I remember a while ago the First Solar thin film toxic cadmium discussion as well as Consumer Report’s article about the potential hazards of nanotechnology.

Solar companies who uses of cadmium as of this date are exempt from ROHS compliance.  However, the Sweden based not for profit ChemSec, The International Chemical Secretariat, who is dedicated to working towards a toxic free environment warns:

“[c]admium Telluride panels contain Cadmium. Cadmium is an identified high concern chemical with a range of problematic properties, such as being carcinogenic and suspected of being mutagenic and toxic to reproduction. Cadmium is already restricted in e.g. RoHS I, in packaging material, in EU plastics (pigments) and in EU Toys legislation.”

In addition, a 2011 University of Buffalo study revealed that ”[q]uantum dots made from cadmium and selenium degrade in soil, unleashing toxic cadmium and selenium ions into their surroundings.”  Diana Aga, the chemistry professor who led the study stated

“[t]he research, accepted for publication in the journal Environmental Science and Technology, demonstrates the importance of learning more about how quantum dots — and other nanomaterials — interact with the environment after disposal.”

The Sun-Believable team is using quantum dots with cadmium.  Was I worried? You bet.

Could acid rain pollutants interacting with the paint causing the ions to wash into the soil over time?  How would that affect nearby plants or the soil?  Would certain soils allow for more leaching than others into the aquifers?

My Thoughts

The Sun-Believable research seems promising with a long way to go to before becoming efficient. Although the paint is viewed as a low cost alternative to silicon panels, can it take the environmental beating that Mother Nature unleashes to outdoor products?  Time will tell as the team advances in their research.

As for the use of cadmium,  it is my hope is that the team chooses another material to continue their research.  Hopefully, this becomes a non-issue if the EU decides in a few years to ban the use of cadmium in solar panels.  Again, time will tell.

Join the Conversation

• What are your thoughts about the technology?
• How do you feel about cadmium being used in solar panel?  In this application?
• Do you see solar paint being a viable alternative?

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Teens for Jeans Collection

The second of the most popular post on Green Talk is ”How to Recycle your Blue Jeans.”  For good reason, since according to a 2008 On Earth article,  450 million jeans are purchased  in the US each year.  Besides all of my other suggestions of what to do with your unwanted jeans,  add this one:  Aeropostale has teamed up with DoSomething.org for the fifth annual Teens for Jeans campaign to deliver unwanted jeans to homeless teens.

Before you Run to the Store

Hold on partner.  The take back program doesn’t start until January 16, 2012 and ends February 12, 2012.  Simply take back your gently used, but in good condition or new jeans to one of the Aeropostale US or Canada locations during this time period. (Yes, some of us still have the tags on clothing that we never wore.)

For each pair you bring in, you will receive a 25% coupon towards a new pair.  In fact, you might want to sign up for their email updates so you will be the first on your block to know when the yearly take back program commences.

Where Do Your Jeans Go?

The pants will go to a local homeless shelter for those teens who need clothes.  The Campaign has partnered with over 600 homeless shelters in the United States and Canada.

Note, although they will take any size jeans, the shelters are requesting large sizes.

How Successful is this Program?

The Teens for Jeans has collected over one million big blues to cloth teens in shelters.  In fact, last year, 90210 star Lance Lanter, one of the spokespeople for the campaign reported in his video, that in four weeks they collected  542,411 jeans.  Whoot!

Great Project for Schools

Last year, Franklin County High in Winchester, Tennessee collected  3,692 pairs of jeans.  Jump on the bandwagon and rally the troops.  Talk about a great service project for your school.  The contest is open to any elementary, middle, or high school in the US or Canada. Be sure to read the contest rules to enter.

What can you win?

•  a $5000.00 donation to the winning school;
•  one pair of jeans (retail value up to $30.00 per jean) for each student (Sweet!) and
•  a party hosted by sponsors at the winning school (up to approximate value of $2000.00).

Sounds like a fun contest.  So, go ahead and clean out that closet as an excuse to help a homeless teen.  All other unwanted clothes can be sent to Goodwill, Salvation Army, Lupus Foundation, or other organizations.

Anna, you bated us with your Second Most Read Article. What’s the First?

As of this date, the most read article is Organic Color Systems: Wash those Grays Away with a Safer Hair Color.  Yes, Anna has a bit of gray.  And no, the cavemen didn’t cause all of the gray.   (I can’t lie.  They definitely contributed.)

Join the Conversation:

• Have you participated in any of the Teen for Jeans collection programs?  Tell us how.
• Do you have a bunch of those old blues to donate?
• Would you consider starting a school collection?

Similar Posts:

• Recycle Your Jeans at the Gap March 5-14, 2010
• Recycle Old Blue Jeans at the GAP. Oct 5 thur 26, 2010
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• Second Life Denim Jean Rugs from Summer and Winter Weaving