Project: Greenify | Guide to Going Green in Your Home, Office & Life

Organic Dessert Recipes for Your Valentine's Day Picnic

2012-02-09T09:37:01-06:00

Valentine's Day is quickly approaching!

Previously, we've suggested trying a Valentine's Day organic picnic this year as a way to be more green and create an unforgettable date with your loved one. We've covered the main courses, but now we're left with dessert. Don't fret - you can easily make a delicious dessert that uses local and organic ingredients so you can keep you dish as green as possible. These recipes are fairly simple to make, and since they travel well, you can just tuck them into your picnic basket to enjoy with your Valentine.

Thus, if you're feeling adventurous, try these three recipes as a starting point! Most of these ingredients have organic versions that can be found at your local grocery store. You can also shop around at your local farmer's market, and if inspiration strikes, feel free to add your own touches!

Flourless Chocolate Cake

(Recipe courtesy of epicurious.com )

A surprisingly rich dessert to try is the flourless chocolate cake. Not only is this cake dense and delicious, it's also gluten-free! If your Valentine is a chocolate lover, you should definitely make this cake. Try it with homemade whipped cream or some organic raspberry preserves drizzled on top.

Ingredients

4 ounces fine-quality bittersweet chocolate (not unsweetened)

1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter

3/4 cup sugar

3 large eggs

1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder plus additional for sprinkling

Directions

Preheat oven to 375°F and butter an 8-inch round baking pan. Line bottom with a round of wax paper and butter paper.

Chop chocolate into small pieces. In a double boiler or metal bowl set over a saucepan of barely simmering water melt chocolate with butter, stirring, until smooth.

Remove top of double boiler or bowl from heat and whisk sugar into chocolate mixture. Add eggs and whisk well. Sift 1/2 cup cocoa powder over chocolate mixture and whisk until just combined.

Pour batter into pan and bake in middle of oven 25 minutes, or until top has formed a thin crust. Cool cake in pan on a rack 5 minutes and invert onto a serving plate.

Dust cake with additional cocoa powder and serve with sorbet if desired. (Cake keeps, after being cooled completely, in an airtight container, 1 week.)

Big Soft Ginger Cookies

(Recipe courtesy of Allrecipes.com )

Ginger is amazing spice with plenty of health benefits, but did you know it's also an aphrodisiac? Try this recipe for ginger cookies to add a little spice to the end of your picnic. You can sandwich the cookies with homemade whipped cream or dip them in chocolate if you feel this recipe needs a little more oomph. These can be a nice alternative to the traditional chocolate-heavy Valentine's Day desserts without losing that richness.

Ingredients

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons ground ginger

1 teaspoon baking soda

3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground cloves

1/4 teaspoon salt

3/4 cup margarine, softened

1 cup white sugar

1 egg

1 tablespoon water

1/4 cup molasses

2 tablespoons white sugar

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Sift together the flour, ginger, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, and salt. Set aside.

In a large bowl, cream together the margarine and 1 cup sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg, then stir in the water and molasses. Gradually stir the sifted ingredients into the molasses mixture. Shape dough into walnut sized balls, and roll them in the remaining 2 tablespoons of sugar. Place the cookies 2 inches apart onto an ungreased cookie sheet, and flatten slightly.

Bake for 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven. Allow cookies to cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before removing to a wire rack to cool completely. Store in an airtight container.

Lemon Meringue Tart for Two

(Recipe courtesy of EatingWell.com)

Feel like something lighter? Do you want to impress your Valentine with your culinary skills? You should try making this lemon tart. When you pull this delicacy out of the picnic basket, your loved one can't help but be amazed at this dessert. This dessert is also a nice change for those out there who don't prefer heavy, rich desserts. This light citrus tart will be a nice ending to an unforgettable Valentine's Day date.

Ingredients

All-purpose flour, for dusting

1 large egg, at room temperature, separated (see Baking Tip)

2 tablespoons plus 4 teaspoons sugar, divided

2 teaspoons cornstarch

1/4 cup water

1 teaspoon freshly grated lemon zest

2 tablespoons lemon juice

1/8 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

Preheat oven to 375°F.

Prepare Crust for Two.

Dust a work surface with flour and turn the dough out onto it. Dust the dough with flour and roll into an 8-inch circle, dusting with flour as necessary to prevent sticking. Transfer the crust to a 6-inch tart pan with 1-inch sides and removable bottom (see Sources or Equipment Tip). Press the crust into the bottom and up the sides, folding the overhanging dough back into the pan to form double-thick sides. Prick the bottom and sides with a fork.

Bake the crust until lightly browned, 20 to 22 minutes. Set aside to cool for 10 minutes. Increase the oven temperature to 425°.

While the crust is cooling, whisk egg yolk and 2 tablespoons sugar in a medium bowl until thick and pale yellow, about 1 minute. Whisk in cornstarch until combined.

Bring water, lemon zest and lemon juice to a boil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Remove from the heat. Whisk about half the lemon mixture into the yolk mixture in a slow, steady stream. Whisk the combined mixture back into the remaining lemon mixture in the pan. Return the pan to the stove and cook over low heat, whisking constantly, until thickened and pudding - like, 1 to 3 minutes. Pour into the prepared crust and spread evenly to the edges.

Beat egg white in a small bowl with an electric mixer at medium-high speed until soft peaks form. Beat in the remaining 4 teaspoons sugar in a slow, steady stream until stiff peaks form. Beat in vanilla. Mound the meringue over the warm filling; spread to the crust’s edges, forming peaks with a rubber spatula.

Bake the tart until the meringue is lightly browned, about 8 minutes. Let cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack and cool to room temperature before serving.

Bounce Energy is offering a special Valentine's Day promo for new customers! From now until February 14th 2012, you can earn a $50 gift certificate to Restaurant.com and two movie passes through Fandango.com!

Green Your Valentine's Day Gifts This Year!

2012-02-07T11:11:51-06:00

At its origins, Valentine's Day commemorates St. Valentine who, according to one legend, rebelled against the ancient Roman ruling from Emperor Claudius II that unmarried men made better soldiers. St. Valentine was imprisoned by bucking the system and secretly marrying lovers. Each year on the days leading up to February 14th, sweethearts follow in this spirit by searching diligently to find the most amazing and personalized gift, hoping to make just the right impression upon their cherished object of affection.

We believe that anyone can easily make the shift from red to green this Valentine’s Day, and it will still smell as sweet. By merely adopting the ideals of sacrifice evinced by St. Valentine, lovers of the Earth can remain eco-friendly and exchange sweet nothings along with giving something more sweetly tangible in the form of an environmentally conscious green gift. Valentine's Day can serve as a time to define each person's values for being environmentally conscious and reinforcing the idea that gifts can be as simple as respecting one another's values and commitment to being green, which may sometimes mean that gifts will not be something concrete but rather something intangible and with a higher purpose.

In that very spirit, here are just 10 of the many energy efficient, Earth-friendly and thoughtful green Valentine's Day gifts:

Say it with an E! Instead of heading to the standard brick-and-mortar greeting card store, Valentines can simply go online and select a Valetine's Day E-Card. These cards not only say everything a traditional card says, in terms of words of love and devotion, but they are often animated with charming graphics to create a swell of emotion.
Buy Certified Organically Grown Flowers. Going green with flower choices is an option with the proliferation of certified organic flower growers. Online companies will ship and pack flowers, fruit, and chocolates to ensure freshness. Certified organic flowers are grown without pesticides and chemicals.
Adopt an Endangered Animal with World Wildlife Federation. Adopting an animal is a considerate gift for any animal lover and is also a precious gift to an animal whose existence may be in peril because of extinction.
Seek Out Fair Trade Goods. By choosing a gift that is certified Fair Trade, your Valentine's Day gift will be helping developing countries increase sustainability and independence while offering their loved one fine quality gifts such as chocolate, clothing, accessories, and much more.
The Greenest of Green Gifts: Planting a Tree. Planting a tree in a loved one's honor serves as both a reminder and relationship analogy that we need to cultivate positive growth and invest in the future.
Search for Green Gift Certificates. Searching the local business directory for green-friendly restaurants who do business with fellow locally-grown and organic sellers is a great way to show love and support local green companies. Many may be offering Valentine's Day specials so call around and see what you can find.
Light Soy Candles to Spark Romance. Soy candles are a great spin on a traditionally romantic Valentine's Day gifts and a handy, romantic Valentine's Day accessory. Many local candle makers choose soy as an alternative primary ingredient to traditional candles. Soy candles can be found in a wide range of scents.
Shop Local Microbrews or Wines. As an accompaniment to Valentine's Day dinner, or for a gift to a Valentine, purchasing locally brewed beer or wine from a local vineyard is a great way to support local business as well as providing a unique and special libation for a loved one.
Buy Recycled or Re-purposed Gifts. Sometimes finding a second life for an item turns it into a truly unique find and something that a Valentine can appreciate for years to come. Items range from clothing to household items and much more.
Give the Gift of Fitness or Adventure. Selecting a gift certificate for the local running club, the climbing facility, or simply a membership to the local fitness club shows a love for someone's fitness goals or athletic pursuits and a desire to support them in health and fitness.

Have An Organic Picnic This Valentine's Day

2012-02-06T10:04:06-06:00

Valentine's Day is quickly approaching!

For many people, planning that perfect date for your loved one on February 14th can be quite a stressful event. This year, why not try something simple like a picnic? With a picnic, you don't have to worry about securing a reservation at an over-booked restaurant, and you could even skip the drive by riding bikes together to your local park. Better yet, create a cozy and intimate environment in the privacy your backyard.

Most importantly, your picnic doesn't have to be a sad event with boring sandwiches and chips. Instead, you can easily transform this event to a very elegant and memorable date. What could be more romantic than leading your significant other to a calico-print blanket where you can dine together al fresco with a delicious homemade meal?

Compare this to long restaurant waits for dinner you'd endure just to eat over-priced Valentine's Day meals made with ingredients that you can't control. By making your own meal, you can determine exactly what goes in the food and you could even make the entire meal green. You can start by checking out your local farmer's market to purchase locally grown and sourced organic vegetables and meat. This simple step not only dramatically lowers your food's carbon footprint, but you may be able to find a myriad of new vegetables and ingredients that can inspire your next meal.

Start off your picnic with something classic like local organic cheeses and crackers, and then try a grilled vegetable sandwich as your main dish. Try this recipe as your starting point, but don't be afraid to experiment and add your own special ingredients.

California Grilled Veggie Sandwich

(Recipe courtesy of Allrecipes.com )

Ingredients

1/4 cup mayonnaise

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1/8 cup olive oil

1 cup sliced red bell peppers

1 small zucchini, sliced

1 red onion, sliced

1 small yellow squash, sliced

2 (4-x6-inch) focaccia bread pieces, split horizontally

1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese

Directions

In a bowl, mix the mayonnaise, minced garlic, and lemon juice. Set aside in the refrigerator.

Preheat the grill for high heat.

Brush vegetables with olive oil on each side. Brush grate with oil. Place bell peppers and zucchini closest to the middle of the grill, and set onion and squash pieces around them. Cook for about 3 minutes, turn, and cook for another 3 minutes. The peppers may take a bit longer. Remove from grill, and set aside.

Spread some of the mayonnaise mixture on the cut sides of the bread, and sprinkle each one with feta cheese. Place on the grill cheese side up, and cover with lid for 2 to 3 minutes. This will warm the bread, and slightly melt the cheese. Watch carefully so the bottoms don't burn. Remove from grill, and layer with the vegetables. Enjoy as open faced grilled sandwiches.

Next up, instead of the standard chips-and-dip fare, you should make this spinach pesto tossed with whole wheat pasta and cherry tomatoes. This dish is literally greener than any bag of chips you can buy at the store!

Spinach Basil Pesto

(Recipe Courtesy of Allrecipes.com )

Ingredients

3/4 cup baby spinach leaves

1/4 cup and 2 tablespoons fresh basil leaves

1/4 cup toasted pine nuts

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

2 cloves garlic, peeled and quartered

1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1-1/2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice

1/4 teaspoon lemon zest

1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

Directions

Blend the spinach, basil, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, garlic, salt, pepper, lemon juice, lemon zest, and 2 tablespoons olive oil in a food processor until nearly smooth, scraping the sides of the bowl with a spatula as necessary.

Drizzle the remaining olive oil into the mixture while processing until smooth.

If you chose to have your picnic in your backyard, you can finish the meal with mimosas made from organic champagne and freshly made orange juice. If you traveled to a public park, be sure to leave the alcohol at home, and try this delicious hot chocolate Valentine's Day recipe instead. Be sure to store it in a thermos to keep it extra toasty while you both savor the wonderful meal you've made for an unforgettable Valentine's Day with your loved one.

Real Deal Hot Chocolate

(Recipe courtesy of Chow.com )

Ingredients

1/2 cup whole milk

1/4 cup heavy cream

5 ounces good-quality milk chocolate, coarsely chopped

Directions

Combine milk and cream in a small saucepan over medium heat and cook until simmering, about 4 minutes.

Add chocolate and whisk until completely melted and well incorporated, about 2 minutes. Serve immediately.

For a special added touch to increase the romance of the day, you should make these dishes with your significant other. Cooking together always makes for a memorable Valentine's Day event.

Check out our post on our sister blog Bounce Energy Savings for more recipe ideas!

American Heart Month: How Living Green Can Help With a Healthy Heart

2012-02-02T11:24:16-06:00

The hearts that fill out eyes in February aren't just because Valentine’s Day - it's also American Heart Month. Each year, the greatest danger to Americans is heart disease: in particular, it's coronary heart disease that reveals itself in the form of a heart attack. However, you don't have to be a victim to the silent killer that plagues our country. Instead of falling prey to heart disease, use February as a starting point for living healthy. Your heart will love you for it!

While most people associate living a green lifestyle with being environmentally friendly, you can incorporate this philosophy in your daily life and dietary choices. In doing so, you will be giving your heart a fighting chance against heart disease as you improve your body inside and out. Here are some examples of ways to combine healthy living and a green lifestyle:

Stop eating processed and pre-cooked foods

Eat only foods that have a natural source, such as whole vegetables and fruits, in order to keep your arteries free of plaque-forming cholesterol. You will also be able to give your body a better nutrition level, fewer saturated fats, and lower sugar intake. Instead of feeling sluggish and out-of-whack, eating foods that fuel your body correctly will greatly increase your energy levels. Foods that have been manufactured and processed in a factory have reduced amounts of minerals, vitamins, and nutrients remaining in the product. This is due to the high temperatures necessary for package sealing, which are required to prevent bacteria or fungus from spoiling the food during shipping and storage. This manufacturing process has a further negative effect on the environment due to the amount of oil and gas used for heating as well as the chemical byproducts released when clean-up of the equipment occurs.

Cut out the salt

Another issue with processed and pre-cooked foods is that they are often laden with salt, which is used as a preservative and flavor enhancer. High levels of sodium are a literal heart-stopper for those with high blood pressure - another pronounced risk factor for heart disease.

Limit your intake to farm-raised organic animals

This specifically refers to animals that were not fed antibiotics, steroids, growth hormones, or other unhealthy additives while being raised. Also, animal products are high in saturated fats, so eliminating red meat from your diet is a good way to trim your fat intake. Better yet, steer clear of animals and animal products all together - go vegan for an extra-healthy diet that is really beneficial to the environment.

Say no to sugar

White processed sugar is chemically processed, and it adds unnecessary calories to your diet without providing any nutritional value. Consuming a high level of sugar is also a proven way to develop diabetes, which is an increased risk factor for those suffering from heart disease.

Ride your bike

More urban dwellers across America are using their bikes for transportation rather than cranking up a car’s engine or even using public transportation. This way, you can get some much needed exercise, while reducing your carbon footprint. Physical inactivity is one of the risk factors for heart disease, so the more chances you give yourself to exert your body, the more chances you have to lose weight and become fit.

Stop smoking

With so many tests showing why we should not smoke, it makes you wonder why people still do it. Besides the addictive nature of cigarettes, smoking has proven especially dangerous to those who are already at risk for heart disease. The smoke from cigarettes, either from smoking cigarettes or via second-hand smoke, causes blood vessels and arteries to shrink, thereby reducing the circulation of blood circulation throughout the body. Smokers are two to four times more likely to develop coronary heart disease, while second-hand smoke increases a person’s risk for the disease by 30 percent. Performing cardiovascular exercises, such as running or bicycling, can become nearly impossible as lung capacity is drastically reduced due to the effects of smoking.

Now that you are aware of the different ways you can save your heart and improve your health, your next step should be to put a plan into action. Use American Heart Month to commit yourself to eating healthier and increase your physical activity in order to reduce your weight and improve your heart-health. As a result, you will soon find yourself living a more green lifestyle, as living healthier and living green go hand-in-hand. You will feel happier knowing that you are benefiting far more living things than just yourself.

Make Some Green Resolutions This Year!

2012-02-01T09:00:00-06:00

As we enter the New Year, most of us start making New Year's Resolutions. What better way to start the year off right then making those resolutions green? Here are a few examples of green resolutions that you may want to incorporate in this year’s resolutions.

Recycle. If your area/neighborhood doesn’t provide containers for recycling, designate a bin for recyclables. This can make it easier to recycle items such as newspapers and aluminum cans.

Stop using plastic or paper bags. The next time you have to decide between paper and plastic, remember this: 12 million barrels of oil were used to make the 88.5 billion plastic bags consumed in the US in 2011. So choose the green option and use reusable shopping bags.

Say good-bye to paper towels. This is the biggest problem in my household. We use paper towels all the time! So instead of using paper towels, try using some reusable microfiber towels. They attract dirt and dust like a magnet even if they are wet and work well for countertops and mirrors. If you are still hooked on paper towels, switch to recycled ones. According to the Daily Green website “[i]f every household in the United States replaced just one roll of virgin fiber paper towels (70 sheets) with 100 percent recycled ones, we could save 544,000 trees.”

Wash clothes in cold water. It’s a hidden secret that most clothes come out clean in cold water. And since about 90% of energy is used to warm the water, washing in cold water not only saves energy but saves money too. If you find yourself needing to wash in warmer water, switch the settings from hot to warm.

Switch to green energy. A green energy plan comes from renewable energy sources like solar, hydropower, wind and biomass. Whereas, standard energy comes from nuclear reactors or fossil fuels like coal, natural gas and oil. Bounce Energy, a Texas energy provider, offers a varity of green energy plans to choose from, one is sure to fit your needs.

Happy New Year!

2011's Top 10 Hottest Fuel-Efficient Cars: Recap

2012-01-30T16:57:01-06:00

Over the past few weeks we've compiled a list of 2011's most fuel-efficient vehicles for the best value. Here is our series in its entireity, in order of ranking, of the cars we thought were the best fuel-efficient cars of 2011.

#10 - Chevrolet Volt

#9 - Ford Fusion Hybrid

#8 - Honda Civic Hybrid

#7 - Honda CR-Z Hybrid

#6 - Honda Insight

#5 - Lexus CT 200h

#4 - Nissan Leaf

#3 - Smart Fortwo Electric

#2 - Tesla Roadster

#1 - Toyota Prius

2011's Hottest Fuel-Efficient Vehicles: #1 Toyota Prius

2012-01-27T09:00:00-06:00

In 1991, most drivers paid $1 a gallon for gasoline. Twenty years later, filling up a car or truck costs at least $3 per gallon, which is putting a strain on bank accounts. Federal and state tax incentives mixed with dealer incentives are making it possible for many drivers to afford a fuel-efficient vehicle.

We've compiled a list of 2011's most fuel-efficient vehicles. Each week, we will highlight a different car that will save consumers on their gas prices. This week, we present the #1 most fuel-efficient car.

At $21,600, the Toyota Prius is one of the most affordable fuel-efficient vehicles on the market. In 2012, an all-electric Prius that takes three hours to charge will be hitting the market. The Toyota Prius is a full hybrid car that is estimated to get up to 50 miles per gallon. Some key features of this car include the LED tail-lamps, UV reduction glass winshield, rear window defogger, roof-mounted XM radio antenna, and a top of the line navigation package. This is one of Toyota's best-selling models in the United States, and since it's a great fuel-efficient vehicle with an affordable price tag and great amenities, there is no wonder why.

Annual CO2 emissions (tons): 3.8
Fuel cost: $888
Mileage between fill-ups: 50 mpg

Giving a Little Consideration to Trees

2012-01-27T09:00:00-06:00

Trees—biggest and longest-lived of all plants—provide innumerable benefits to humankind and the rest of the biosphere. For one thing, they function as great carbon sinks: They absorb carbon dioxide, one of the Earth’s premier greenhouse gases, in order to conduct photosynthesis, the process by which trees generate their carbohydrate fuel. Recent evidence suggests areas of significant timbered extent, such as the eastern United States, may notably buffer against the large-scale emission of carbon dioxide from human industries.

Trees also provide significant habitat for a host of species, from bark-burrowing insects to denning martens. A forest stringer shouldering a stream and surrounded by open agricultural or developed land may function as an utterly crucial corridor for large mammals negotiating such inhospitable terrain. A tree shelters the nests of songbirds in the spring, provides resting roosts for migrants in the autumn, and services as scouting vantages for raptors year-round.

These magnificent plants also affect the microclimate of a given area—the localized characteristics of precipitation, wind, and other weather factors. By condensing water vapor on their leaves and twigs, and simply by shading from drying sunlight, trees can increase moisture under their canopies. This benefits a plethora of other plants growing at the base of the trunk. As every Great Plains farmer knows, a woodlot can provide a substantial wind break, too; during a big windstorm, the air in the understory interior of a large forest may be quite calm, protecting shrubs and herbs.

Just as significantly, trees are beautiful—and this aesthetic value should not be understated. There’s a reason community activists in inner-city labyrinths often initiate tree-planting events: It brings together neighbors for a productive activity while greening an otherwise concrete- and asphalt-heavy landscape (not to mention imparting some of the ecological benefits mentioned above).

All things considered, trees are one of the planet’s most valuable natural resources, and we’d do well to approach them sustainably. We’ll always use wood products, but a few simple choices can minimize the amount you personally use—and waste. Switching over to paperless billing is one easy idea: Do your banking online, for example, and cut down on all those updates, queries, and notices from your financial institution. Certain companies even reward you for going paperless.

Even in this age of email and smartphones, the sheer weight of junk mail you receive in your mailbox (the physical one) can still be staggering. Take the time to specially request that the offending companies remove you from their mailing list.

Using double-sided pages for printing can substantially cut down on wasted paper. So can requesting, at the ATM, that a bank send your transaction receipt via email or to an online message center, rather than printing out a paper copy you may scarcely glance at.

Our ever more versatile and powerful smartphones can play a role in tree preservation, too, in terms of cutting back on paper. These days you don’t need to print out directions; you can reference the map on your portable screen. The same goes, increasingly, for things like coupons; many smartphones and businesses allow you to pull up the discount offer on your handheld device to be processed.

These are all little steps, but, conducted routinely and by more and more people, they can have a big impact. The deepest message is not that our 21^st-century, computer-technology society has no more use for paper, or that all paper products are inherently unsustainable. Rather, it suggests that paying more attention to where our products come from and how we use them is the right way to move through the world—for the sake of forests and all other resources we depend on. If printing that next report on double-sided paper gives you a moment’s reflection on the myriad benefits trees render for us, it’s been worth it on more than one level.

2011's Hottest Fuel-Efficient Vehicles: #2 Tesla Roadster

2012-01-23T09:00:00-06:00

At $109,000, the Tesla Roadster is not a car for a driver on a budget, but it is definitely a vehicle that suits someone looking for a fun, flashy sports car that does not look like your typical electric car. The super-sleek exterior combined with a variety of high-end amenities make this a coveted electric dream car. The Roadster's light-weight design makes it possible to go from 0 to 60 in under four seconds. This fuel-efficient car allows you to drive 245 miles per charge. The comfortable seating feels almost like it's been hand-crafted for you body, and the touchscreen controls makes traveling so much easier and pleasant. This zero-emissions ride offers style, class, fun all in a fuel-efficient package.

Annual CO2 emissions (tons): 0

Charging time: 3.5 hours for a full charge
Cost to charge: $561 per year
Mileage between charges: 100 miles or the equivalent of 99 mpg

2011's Hottest Fuel-Efficient Vehicles: #3 Smart Fortwo Electric

2012-01-17T09:00:00-06:00

The electric Smart Car comes in a coupe or cabriolet model. The first round of Smart Fortwo vehicles go on sale in 2012 and are already available for lease only. As of September 2011, the Smart Fortwo Electric price has not been announced, though experts believe the price will be in the range of $27,000.

The compact, stylish, environmentally friendly car has zero-emission monitoring and will be available in spring of 2012. The third-generation Smart Fortwo Electric car has upgraded its battery, which allows this car to hit higher speeds than the previous models. Specifically, this boost in acceleration gives the vehicle the ability to reach highway speeds of 75 mph and 0 to 37 in 5 seconds flat. Other amenities include the quick-charging function that allows owners to charge your car in just an hour, and the air conditioning system is equipped with a pollen filter device. This car also offers a Smart Drive app for iPhone, with features that include navigation systems, hands-free phone call system, and the car finder.

Annual CO2 emissions (tons): 0
Charging time: Eight hours for a full charge or 3 ½ hours for 80 percent
Cost to charge: $547.50 per year based on average usage of 40 miles per day
Mileage between charges: 98 highway miles or 63 city and highway miles

If one of your New Year's Resolutions was to be more fuel-efficient and eco-friendly in 2012, then check out the Smart Fortwo Electric car in the Spring of 2012 to see if this is the car for you.