Posts by kaliocho:
BP Oil Spill Relief Drill Almost There
August 13th, 2010
BP Protest Sign in Minnesota
BP’s (British Petroleum) oil well in the Gulf of Mexico has been spewing oil for three months now, causing massive ecological damage and obliterating the maritime economy. But now, it seems like it could finally be over.
Last week, the spill was topped with concrete and mud, but BP wants to make absolutely sure that there will be nothing coming out of the well ever again.
They have begun drilling their ultimate solution towards the gulf’s floor. Once the drill reaches the well, concrete will be pumped into the well, sealing it off once and for all. The drill is currently just 100 feet away from the source of the spill, about to end the mess that began three months ago.
People whose lives have been damaged by the oil spill had the opportunity to claim for reparations in the form of checks sent from BP. However, many of these claims were rejected or were devalued due to the claims apparently being incomplete.
Nearly half of the 90,000 people applying for this will receive less or no money. This combined with the already devastated lives of the workers on the coast, will prove to be most challenging and terrible for the thousands.
{image courtesy of Fibonacci Blue}
Breaking Apple News: iPhone 4 Antennae Issues
July 16th, 2010Apple CEO, Steve Jobs, held a press conference today addressing some of the antennae reception issues with the iPhone 4.
After receiving a “Can’t Recommend” from trusted product reviewer Consumer Reports this past Monday, Apple knew they had to rectify the situation.
iPhone 4 Display Screen
(image courtesy of Yutaka Tsutano)
Here is a summary of what Steve Jobs’ says Apple will do for current iPhone 4 users:
1. Purchasers of the iPhone 4 will get free bumper cases.
2. Users who are dissatisfied with the bumper, can return their iPhone for a full refund.
3. Moving forward, the Apple Team will be looking into a solution to fix the problem without having to issue a product recall.
To contact Apple iPhone support, call 1-800-MY-IPHONE (1-800-694-7466)
How did Jobs and Apple do at damage control? Let’s discuss in the comments.
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(source: CNN)
Vuvuzelas And Website Oil Leaks – Creative Ideas For BP Oil Spill Awareness
July 10th, 2010
Since the British Petroleum (BP) oil spill began on April 20, 2010 with the explosion of the company’s Deepwater Horizon oil rig in the Gulf of Mexico, public interest has begun to fade although the oil leak shows no signs of stopping.
A few inventive individuals, however, are attempting to help generate and sustain awareness of the oil spill. Below are two creative ideas we came across on the web.
Turn A Website Into BP’s Oil Spill
Put together by A Cleaner Future, Instant Oil Spill is a website application that allows users to type in any site and create an instantaneous oil spill on that URL.
Just go to http://instantoilspill.com to create your own custom oil leak (pictured above is google.ca being consumed by the nasty stuff).
A Cleaner Future is dedicated to inspiring and providing information about renewable and alternative energy resources.
World Cup Vuvuzelas Set To Torment British Petroleum For Oil Spill
(image courtesy of Milton Jung)
In a Kickstarter project started by Adam Quirk, co-founder of Wreck & Salvage art video collective, a flash mob of angry Vuvuzela players will be showing up at BP’s International Headquarters in London for a full day of ear-wrenching torment for BP’s executives.
Currently holding the title as the most annoying “instrument” ever, the Vuvuzela has grown into somewhat of a worldwide phenomenon since its international debut at this summer’s World Cup.
The Vuvuzela is set to debut in London, England on a date to be determined. Quirk wrote that all of the $6,846 that was raised in support of his BP Vuvuzela effort is going to be donated to the Golf Disaster Fund.
What other creative BP oil spill awareness ideas have you come across? Please add in the comments!
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Are Commercial LED Lights Ready For Mainstream?
June 29th, 2010A few Fortune 500 companies have already adopted commercial LED lighting as a viable plan to reduce their energy costs for 2010 and into the future. Is commercial LED technology ready to take center stage as the most energy efficient lighting option for the future?
I will admit, before I learned about lighting, I didn’t really care about light bulbs. Let’s face it, light bulbs are cheap and the little bit of extra money I spend on my utility bill for my inefficient lights probably doesn’t amount to that much.
But, when you discuss lighting from the perspective of a business owner, lighting actually amounts to a rather large expense. When you have a lot of lights on for 12-24 hours a day, that really starts to add up as a large overhead cost.
The drop in price of LED lights that have occurred in recent months, have put smart business owners in a position to start considering the replacement of existing lights with LED bulbs.
Furthermore, changing light bulbs represents a simple solution that can yield immediate results. The majority of the time, businesses don’t need to go through a costly renovation plan to make their building LED-ready. The savings associated with commercial LED lights can thus, be realized right away.
Below are some of the companies that have already adopted the LED technology:
Set to install LED lights in 650 of its stores in 2010, Wal-Mart’s efficiency goal is to reduce store energy consumption by 25 percent.
Purchased 25,000 Pharox 6 watt LED bulbs as a replacement for 60 watt incandescent and mercury filled CFL bulbs on Earth Day in 2009 for Google employees.
Has already phased out the use of halogen bulb mr16 in 1,000 of its U.S. locations. Switching to mr16 LED lights will help Starbucks meet their 25% energy reduction goal by the end of 2010.
According to Starbucks, 8,000 stores worldwide will be completed by December 2010.
The “LED’s Kick Off” is a program designed by the Department of Ennvironmental Affairs (DEA) in concordance with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) to offset the estimated 900,000 tons of carbon emissions from the 2010 World Cup.
Retrofitting 3 million sockets in South African hotels, offices, and homes with Pharox LED light bulbs will save 240,000 MWh in electricity annually.
Have you seen any LED Lights around? What do you think of them? Please share in the comments!
image courtesy of Danny Sullivan
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The Best Way To Pay Tribute To Michael Jackson
June 25th, 2010
Michael Jackson Rehearsing for European Tour in 2009
One year ago today, Mother Nature and the people of planet Earth lost a great friend, Michael Jackson.
Not only was Michael Jackson a pop icon who transformed the music industry and practically created his own music genre, he cared for people and respected the planet like no other human being.
I think the best way to pay tribute to the King of Pop is to just listen to his music. His lyrical masterpieces inspired millions to love one another and the world we live in. It is all he ever wanted us to do. Live. Love. Laugh.
Here is a playlist of Michael Jackson’s most inspirational songs.
Did we miss one of your favorite Michael Jackson songs? Please share!
Mercury Compounds To Be Added To Canadian Environmental Protection Act
June 24th, 2010
Mercury is still found in many common household items such as CFL light bulbs, batteries, golf balls, and fishing lures. A revision to the Environmental Protection Act was proposed by the Canadian government to put procedures in place that will prevent the spread of mercury and its compounds.
Seven years after key findings were made regarding mercury and its compounds in the Global Mercury Assessment Report of 2003, carried out by the Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the Canadian government signed a notice of intent on June 12, 2010, to include mercury compounds along with elemental mercury in Schedule One of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act.
Elemental Mercury, was entered into Canada’s original Environmental Protection Act in 1988, as it was recognized by the United Nations Environmental Program that mercury and its compounds would have a significant negative impact on the environment and the health of individuals.
The new initiative set forth by the Canadian Department of Health will be to include mercury compounds along with elemental mercury, in a revision of the Environmental Protection Act, to prevent further development of extremely toxic forms of mercury seeping into the ecosystem and our immediate environment.
Recent research conducted in the UNEP global assessment indicates that the levels of mercury in Arctic seals and beluga whales have increased 2-4 times over the last quarter century. Further environmental analysis shows that about 30% of Ontario lakes had small fish with average mercury concentrations of greater than 0.3 ppm (the mercury threshold to avoid reproductive complications in fish-eating birds).
With mercury and its compounds being included in this Environmental Protection Act, the Canadian government hopes to stop the spread and development of harmful forms of mercury in the environment.
Original Article from Canada Government
Any items to add to this list of household items that contain mercury?
CFL Light Bulbs
Batteries
Golf Balls
Thermometers
Fishing Lures
(image by Pear Biter)
Idiots Guide to LED Lighting
June 22nd, 2010LED Light bulbs are becoming increasingly popular as a replacement for traditional light bulbs. Below are some tips to help you choose the right LED light.
LED Lighting in a Retail Store
Lights traditionally have not been considered to be an investment-type purchase until the new advancements in LED (light-emitting diode) lighting technology started to evolve into a practical solution as a primary light source.
When CFL (compact fluorescent) spiral light bulbs became commercially available in 1995 as a replacement for traditional incandescent bulbs, there was a steady increase in their popularity due to the energy savings associated with them.
CFL bulbs represented a transition bulb to get people to start thinking about ways to save energy with their lighting costs. Fifteen years later, advancements in energy efficient lighting have produced much more effective and efficient bulbs.
Why Now?
2010 is a landmark year in the lighting industry. With the announcement of a ban on incandescent light bulbs set for 2012 in Canada and 2014 in the United States, this is an indication that lighting technological advancements will be introduced as the future for lighting solutions.
Growing in popularity as a replacement option for traditional light bulbs, LED lights are set to take the throne as the future of light. Compiled below is a guide to help you understand LED Lighting.
What is an LED?
An LED (light emitting diode) is a scientific way of saying there is a chip that emits lights compared to a filament that creates light inside a traditional light bulb.
The progressive development of these LED chips is what brought LED lighting into the mainstream in 2010, as the chips are now able to produce light that is comparable to current artificial lights while using between 50-90% less energy and lasting 20-25 times longer.
LED vs. CFL
When discussing LED lights, there tends to be confusion between LED lights and CFL (compact fluorescent) bulbs. The confusion stems from the fact that both LED and CFL bulbs (the curly lights) are more energy efficient than traditional light bulbs. However, there are many important distinctions between the two lighting technologies.
Although not highly publicized, CFL light bulbs contain mercury and emit ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Thus, if a CFL bulb is accidently broken, mercury along with other hazardous chemicals are released into the immediate environment. Furthermore, once a CFL bulb burns out, it cannot just be thrown into the trash. They are very difficult to dispose of properly.
Meanwhile, many of the LED light components are fully recyclable and LED bulbs do not contain mercury or emit any UV radiation. Another important distinction is that LED bulbs are about 50% more efficient than CFLs.
To offer a metaphor, CFL bulbs are to LED lights, what VCRs were to DVD players. Yes, both have similar features but there are distinct differences and advantages of one technology over the other.
Why Choose LED?
LED lights present an energy saving opportunity. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, energy costs form lighting make up about 30% of the total energy bill of a home or business facility. Switching to LED lights can cut out almost 30% of your entire energy bill, monthly.
How to Choose?
Not all LED lights are the same. They can be broken down into two main categories:
High-Powered LEDs
Can be used as a primary light source
Low-Powered LEDs
Decorative/accented lighting
Color
In its primitive state, young LED lights were mainly offered only in a blueish color. Within the past year, LED lights have developed to offer a range of colors.
Cool White: Shade of white with an underlying blue tone
Best use for a modern and contemporary look
Application: Displays, retail, jewelry, art galleries
Natural White: A natural light that mimicks daylight
Best use for primary light source where a whiter light color is preferable
Application: Hotel lobbies, classrooms, Condominiums, Hallways
Warm White: The most popular color, this light is relatively similar to the light color given off by traditional light bulbs.
Application: Reading lamps, Desk Lights, Residential or Commercial Spotlighting
Will my existing fixtures work with LEDs?
Many LED light bulbs can now be used in existing lighting fixtures, making the switch to the LED technology as easy as changing a light bulb.
Dimmability
There a few LED bulbs that are dimmable. Although they will work with many traditional dimmers, LED lights work best with a digital dimmer.
How do I know it’s a good product?
Lighting Facts Label – Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy, this program is used much like Nutrition Facts for food. It represents a 3rd party authority managing claims put on LED lights by manufacturers. This is a quality assurance program to help move LED lights into mainstream lighting market.
UL/cUL Listed – This is a safety standard set for most electrical products in the United States and Canada. UL (Underwriters Laboratories) is the trusted resource across the world for product safety certification and compliance solutions.
Summary
As LED lights continue to grow in popularity, there will be many different products entering the market. My hope is that this guide will help you sort through the options and find what you are looking for.
Mikael Cho is the Co-Founder of Kuuala, a Green & Sustainable Online Shop that helps guide shoppers to sustainable purchases. He is also @MikaelCho on Twitter.
For more information or ideas about green products, green business ideas, or LED lighting, check out Kuuala’s website.
World’s Most Popular LED Light Bulb Debuts with Promo in North America
June 18th, 2010June 18, 2010 – With more than 2.5 million LED Lighting bulbs sold abroad in 2009, the World’s best-selling LED bulb is now available for purchase in the United States and Canada.
Pharox LED Lighting
North American Pharox LED lighting partner, Kuuala, have opened up an exclusive online promotion for an instant 50% rebate for each Pharox bulb purchased. Kuuala deals, previously open only to businesses, made this Pharox promotion available to the public for a limited time only while supplies last.
The Pharox LED bulb is designed to accommodate standard fixtures. The bulb offers light comparable to a 60-watt incandescent, but uses up to 90% less energy and lasts up to 25 years. It is also the World’s first dimmable LED.
Google Inc., one of the early adopters of the Pharox LED Lighting technology, purchased 25,000 bulbs for their employees on Earth Day in 2009. The Pharox bulb is practical for home and business use because of the high quality of light produced, despite using only 6-watts. This means that less energy is expended without affecting the quality of light.
Other positive attributes of the Pharox bulb include:
- No warm-up time required for light
- No harmful toxins (i.e. mercury or lead) within the bulb
- No emission of ultraviolet radiation
Full Post: Kuuala LED Lighting Press
Kuualafied Spotlight Company: hair habitat – A Pure Hair Studio
June 14th, 2010A Kuualafied company, a term created by Kuuala, describes a business that is aware of the importance of employing eco-friendly principles to reduce its impact on the environment.
In an industry that is notorious for its carbon footprint and hazardous chemicals, one company’s creative approach to sustainability represents commitment and leadership that is truly refreshing.
hair habitat, located in the heart of downtown Syracuse, New York, was created from the vision and dreams of a husband and wife, Frank and Suzy Procopio. Frank, the creative stylist, has seen his share of over-processed, chemically laden hair during his twenty-year tenure in the hair styling industry. His wife, Suzy, is a passionate believer in treating Mother Nature with dignity and respect.
With the decision to open a hair styling business, Frank and Suzy conducted extensive research to identify resources that would not only allow them to create, enhance, and, appreciate beauty but would simultaneously enable them to run a sustainable and eco-intelligent business.
Frank and Suzy pursued partnerships with business associations in the hair industry that were on board with hair habitat’s sustainability goals. The Procopios located a studio space in a renovated, well-preserved building erected in the 1920s. With the goal of diminishing the carbon footprint required by their clients’ travel, the location is accessible by public transport, within walking distance from Syracuse University, and major hospitals.
During the interior design process, Frank and Suzy developed the motto, “walk gently and with respect.” Suzy Procopio stated, “we wanted every inch, every nuance, to reflect our dedication to our pursuit of beauty, health, and the environment.” Suzy also mentioned that hair habitat purposefully chose to not use the words “organic” and “green” in defining their business. Instead, hair habitat’s goal is to be a leader by example in sustainability, to be a model for other businesses to follow and learn how to evolve their business into one that takes the environment into consideration in all facets of business operation. The Procopio’s said, “We identify our salon as pure, clean, sustainable, and eco-conscious. This choice has opened the doors for us to be an educator, which is extremely gratifying.”
hair habitat’s Sustainability Initiatives:
- All hair-coloring products are chemically safe and free of ammonia
- During hair highlighting, no aluminum foils are used. Instead, hair habitat uses recycled magazine and catalogue paper cut into strips in combination with reusable plastic “boards” which stabilize the hair and protect the scalp.
- The “re-hab” program – Simply Organic Beauty, Eco-Sevi Vegan and hair habitat shampoo and conditioner bottles can be returned for a refill when empty and customers with receive a 25% discount.
- Volume-sized products from John Master and Max Green Alchemy are available for purchase.
- Full Bloom Customer loyalty program: with the goal of minimizing landfill waste, hair habitat created business cards that serve a dual function as appointment cards. They are printed on 100% post-consumer recycled paper using soy-based ink. Hair habitat simultaneously rewards the loyalty of their clients while encouraging the idea of reusing. After five visits, clients receive a free hair product.
hair habitat continues to bring beauty to the city of Syracuse while providing awareness of environmental and health hazards that can be avoided in the hair industry. Always looking to make a difference, hair habitat encompasses a leadership and commitment to sustainability practices that positively contributes to their local community and is a model for other businesses to follow.
More information about hair habitat:
hair habitat was recognized in New York’s Creative Core “Green of the Crop” Competition along with 55 other businesses and was awarded 1st runner up in recognition of their green business practices.
Web: www.hairhabitat.com
E-mail: info@hairhabitat.com
Phone: 315.373.0111
Twitter: @hairhabitat
Facebook: hair habitat
More information about Kuuala:
Kuuala, founded in Montreal with a location in New York, provides high-powered LED Lighting and other sustainable products for working environments anywhere in North America. Pairing with sustainable ratings like Lighting Facts, EnergyStar, FSC (Forest Stewardship Council), Green Seal, and EPEAT, Kuuala offers LED lighting, cleaning supplies, information technology, and office products. Kuuala helps companies develop green business ideas that result in LEED certification or other achievements in sustainable business.
Web: www.kuuala.com
Phone: 1.888.KUUALA.1
Twitter: @kuuala
Facebook:Kuuala
LED Lights to Illuminate Montreal International Interior Design Show
May 26th, 2010
From May 27th to 29th, 2010, over 20,000 designers, architects, retailers, and visitors are expected to attend the 22nd annualMontreal International Interior Design Show (SIDIM) at Place Bonaventure in downtown Montreal. Kuuala, one of the sustainable exhibitors at SIDIM, is providing LED lighting for the recently added Green Building section of the show.
Montreal, QC May 26, 2010 – This weekend at the Montreal International Interior Design Show (SIDIM), Kuuala’s energy-efficient LED lights will illuminate the Green Building section of the show, to showcase how sustainable products can be used in design and architecture.
Kuuala’s LED lights provide a glimpse into the future of lighting. Using up to 90% less energy and lasting up to 25 times longer than halogen and fluorescent lights, Kuuala’s LED bulbs are designed to accommodate common fixtures. In addition, minimal heat is produced from the bulbs and illumination is instance once the light is turned on.
Kuuala’s exhibitor space will be at the beginning of the Green Bulding section at SIDIM. For SIDIM ticket information, please click here.
To stay up to date with what is happening or get involved with the social conversation at SIDIM, check out the live twitter feed for the event. If you would like to contribute to the twitter feed, use #SIDIM in your tweet, and it will be displayed during the show at Kuuala’s booth.
More information about Kuuala:
Kuuala, founded in Montreal with a location in New York, provides high-powered LED options and other sustainable solutions for home and working environments anywhere in North America. Pairing with sustainable ratings like Lighting Facts, EnergyStar, FSC (Forest Stewardship Council), Green Seal, and EPEAT, Kuuala offers LED lighting, cleaning supplies, information technology, and office products.
Web: www.kuuala.com
Phone: 1.888.KUUALA.1
Twitter: @kuuala
Facebook:Kuuala
More information about SIDIM:
The 22nd Annual SIDIM brings together all members of the design community and exhibitors take the opportunity to launch new products and services. The event is expected to have 20,000 visitors and exhibitors in attendance this year.
Web: www.sidim.com
E-mail: info@sidim.com
Phone: 514.284.3636
Twitter: @SIDIM2010
Facebook:SIDIM
