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Going green ideas made easy!
Taking a leaf from nature: the quest for a new cheap energy source
The scientific pursuit of a way to artificially replicate photosynthesis, and thus develop a cheap and versatile source of carbon-neutral renewable energy, has been gaining serious momentum over the last year or so, thanks in no small part to the efforts of MIT energy and chemistry professor Daniel Nocera. And this week, the Director of MIT’s Solar Revolutions Project (and Sun Catalytix founder) and his team appear to have achieved a new milestone.
ScienceDaily reports that a detailed description of the development of the first practical artificial leaf, published in the ACS journal Accounts of Chemical Research, has noted that unlike earlier devices, which used expensive ingredients, the new model is made from inexpensive materials and employs low-cost engineering and manufacturing processes.
The MIT-developed artificial leaf, which look less like a leaf and more like a playing card, is better described as an advanced solar cell. Or technically speaking, silicon solar cells with different catalytic materials bonded onto either side. When covered with water and placed in sunlight, they split hydrogen and water, mimicking photosynthesis – but in this case, the process results in the release of bubbles of hydrogen that can be used in fuel cells to make electricity.
Last year, Nocera told the National Meeting of the American Chemical Society in California that his team’s artificial leaf could operate continuously for at least 45 hours without a drop in activity and was much as 10 times more efficient at carrying out photosynthesis than a regular leaf. As ScienceDaily says, such characteristics make these self-contained units very attractive for generating power in far-flung places and the developing world, but thus far their production has relied on rare and expensive metals like platinum, and complex manufacturing processes that make them cost-prohibitive.
To address this problem, Nocera has replaced the platinum catalyst with a less-expensive nickel-molybdenum-zinc compound, while on the other side of the leaf, a cobalt film generates oxygen gas. Nocera notes that all of these materials are abundantly available, unlike platinum, or the noble metal oxides and the semiconducting materials others have used….More at Taking a leaf from nature: the quest for a new cheap energy source – RenewEconomy
More Reading
- Artificial Leaf Could Bring Electricity to Developing World – Photonics.com
- The Artificial Leaf and Sustainable Energy for All – UN Dispatch
- Artificial leaf holds promise for hydrogen fuel cells – Hydrogen Fuel News
- Secrets of the first practical artificial leaf – Nanowerk LLC
- Secrets of the first practical artificial leaf – R & D Magazine
- First Practical Artificial Leaf Produces Hydrogen Fuel From Sunlight and Water – Geekosystem
- Hot Sauce and Weight Loss; Artificial Leaf May Come in Handy – The Atlantic Wire
In today’s world, bioplastics are becoming increasingly prominent owing mainly to scarcity of oil, increase in the cost of petroleum-based commodities, and growing environmental concerns with the dumping of non-biodegradable plastics in landfills. This book summarizes the field of bioplastics by illustrating how they form a unique class of research area that integrates pure and applied sciences such as chemistry, engineering and materials science, to initate solutions. Compelling science demystics this complex and often ambiguous branch of study for benefit of all those concerned with bioplastics.
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In some images, tags: best eco-friendly houses, I found:
houseboat ……
to alt = “environmentally friendly homes
Picture of “http://www.flickr.com/photos/39179900 @ N04/5825549718″> Ranjit Shenoy
Kerala House Boats (Riceboats) the boats Kettuvallam gold Alleppey, Kollam, Kottayam and Kochi to other cities, including individual cases interior villages of Kerala Backwater area for the transport of goods in the early days have been used. Roads, bridges and ferries were gradually with the advent Kettuvalloms view. Today, a modern moving boat house is Kettuvalloms thesis again, as houseboats Kerala as tourist attractions. Kerala house boats vary in size from about 13 meters in length and width of 95 one bedroom and a house boat in the middle, up to 107 meters long and 19 meters wide with a big foot on houseboats. Materials that go into making are all local and environmentally friendly bamboo poles, coconut fiber ropes, bamboo mats, coir carpets etc.. Used hand wood “Anjili” is. Kerala’s spectacular beauty needs no introduction. Palm-fringed waterways of Kerala in luxury houseboats of Kerala Houseboats cruise along the enchanting holiday experience in India today. In this world of simple pleasures, past ancient Chinese fishing nets, water lilies, green – lush paddy fields, coir villages, rustic homes, temples and coconut trees, walking in the air.
Hyderabad Properties Real Estate India – Silver Oak
to alt = “environmentally friendly homes
“http://www.flickr.com/photos/30641685 @ N04/3237655683″ nancyarora2020> from Image
… = NAI curr oak and a place, a lifestyle, a symbol of their own class. Silver Oak Bungalows, sophistication and high taste is located next to the new address. Cherlapally, mint in Hyderabad. The second stage consists of 68 elegant bungalows was launched recently in life. 3 and 4 bedrooms, kitchen, drawing room, dining room, terrace, semi-detached houses with Silver Oak porch and lawn. Are country house with sloping roof tiles. 200-acre, more than 70% of the total area has been left open to the expansive green Silver Oak makes eco-friendly project. Huda (Hyderabad Urban Development Authority) approuvé layout and clear title ready to capture ensures that the house of his book within 18 months. A club house with swimming pool, such as lifestyle amenities, fully equipped fitness room, billiards and TT, open air amphitheater, tennis -. Courts, the top premium-conditioned lounge area with this project
Hyderabad Properties – Real Estate India – Silver Oak
to alt = “environmentally friendly homes
“http://www.flickr.com/photos/30641685 @ N04/3237655663″ nancyarora2020> from Image
… = NAI curr oak and a place, a lifestyle, a symbol of their own class. Silver Oak Bungalows, sophistication and high taste is located next to the new address. Cherlapally, mint in Hyderabad. The second stage consists of 68 elegant bungalows was launched recently in life. 3 and 4 bedrooms, kitchen, drawing room, dining room, terrace, semi-detached houses with Silver Oak porch and lawn. Are country house with sloping roof tiles. 200-acre, more than 70% of the total area has been left open to the expansive green Silver Oak makes eco-friendly project. Huda (Hyderabad Urban Development Authority) approuvé layout and clear title ready to capture ensures that the house of his book within 18 months. A club house with swimming pool, such as lifestyle amenities, fully equipped fitness room, billiards and TT, open air amphitheater, tennis -. Courts, the top premium-conditioned lounge area with this project
Barracuda Green hard drives from Seagate save you time. The fastest green drive performance offered with SmartAlign technology for Advanced Format means your drive performs faster and makes the transition to 4K sector technology a snap! Save energy, go fast and skip the software utilities required by other Advanced Format drives. With Barracuda Green hard drives you get fast performance, cool quiet operation and no-hassle integration. It’s the green power drive that won’t slow you down.
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This round ring binder is constructed with polypropylene film over paperboard and adhesives that do not release volatile organic compounds into the atmosphere. Open and close triggers allow easy access to important documents. Heavy duty metal rings and a durable hinge provide for long-lasting dependable use. 100% recyclable and made from the highest post-consumer recycled content in the industry. Binder Type: N/A; Global Product Type: Binders-Ring Binder; Binder Style: Non-View; Maximum Capacity Range (“): 2 in.
List Price:$7.49
High-back chair features thick eco-leather cushions with lumbar support and arms that adjust in height and width. Eco-leather offers a soft feel and recycled leather. Seat and back have individual controls with infinite locking. Functions include one-touch pneumatic seat-height adjustment, 360-degree swivel, tilt, tilt tension, tilt lock and multitask control. Seat measures 20-1/4″ wide x 19-1/2″ deep x 5″ thick. Back dimensions are 20-1/2″ wide x 5″ thick x 26-1/4″ high. Distance between arms is 20″. Five-star nylon base has dual-wheel casters. Chair is available in black frame only.
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The power of Core Data allows iOS developers to efficiently store and retrieve application data using familiar object-oriented paradigms. Pro Core Data for iOS explains both how and why to use Core Data for data storage, from simple to advanced techniques. Covering common and advanced persistence patterns, this book prepares any iOS developer to store and retrieve data accurately and proficiently.
Lots of iOS development books touch on Core Data, taking you through a few mainstream use cases for storing and retrieving data in your iOS applications. In Pro Core Data for iOS, however, we take you further into Core Data and show you how to leverage the power of this data framework.
After reading this book, you’ll be able to answer all of these questions:
- What are all the parts of Core Data, and how do they interact?
- How do I create my own custom store?
- Should I use plain NSManagedObject instances or custom classes?
- How do I undo and redo Core Data actions?
- How do I filter, sort, and aggregate data?
- What is “faulting,” and why should I care?
- Suppose I want to change my data model; how do I migrate my users’ data?
Pro Core Data for iOS delves into these and other Core Data questions. With explanations, diagrams, code samples, and working explanations, this book will make you a Core Data pro!
What you’ll learn
- Organize data appropriately
- Persist data efficiently
- Use Apple’s tools effectively
- Build Core Data applications
- Use Core Data in advanced settings
- Version and migrate data as your applications evolve
Who this book is for
All iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch developers whose applications manage any amount of data.
Table of Contents
- Getting Started
- Understanding Core Data
- Storing Data: SQLite and Other Options
- Creating a Data Model
- Working with Data Objects
- Refining Result Sets
- Tuning Performance and Memory Usage
- Versioning and Migrating Data
- Using Core Data in Advanced Applications
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Advanced polymer-based nanocomposite materials continue to become increasingly popular and important for a wide range of engineering applications, as evidenced by continued government initiatives involving R&D and commercialization of these substances. In the race to exploit the unique mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties of nanocomposite materials, researchers must also address new challenges to predict, understand, and manage the potentially adverse effects they could have on human lives and the environment.
Nano- and Biocomposites focuses on the structural makeup of nanomaterials and their range of applications. It details the latest research in which biological applications of nanostructural resins have been conducted within in vitro and in vivo environments. Some of the applications explored in this book include:
This compilation of author contributions is divided into two sections—Nanostructured Polymer Composites and Nano-Bio Composites. It provides a basic understanding of nanomaterial and nanocomposite research to explain the fundamentals of how nanostructured fillers strengthen polymer-based materials. With an emphasis on how nano- and biocomposites are used to create new biomedical applications, the text also focuses on the crucial yet often-ignored potential toxicity impact of using nanostructured materials. It presents important guidelines and new insights to stimulate investigation of anticipated research in this fascinating new field. Researchers, scientists, and academics will appreciate this cutting-edge exploration of nanomaterials, biomaterials, and the ever-evolving world of nano-biomaterials.
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An in-depth roadmap to sustainable product development
Drawing on the experiences of dozens of major corporations, Design for Environment, Second Edition, offers a business rationale for developing sustainable products and processes, as well as a comprehensive toolkit for practicing DFE in the context of product life-cycle management. Learn how environmental innovation creates business value, and helps companies to meet global energy and environmental challenges. Discover how to:
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Practice integrated product development and concurrent engineering
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Select appropriate metrics to represent product life-cycle performance
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Maintain and apply a portfolio of systematic Design for Environment strategies
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Use analysis methods to evaluate design performance and trade-offs
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Apply systems thinking to reduce the supply chain environmental footprint
This book features in-depth case studies of DFE applications by industry leaders such as:
Alcoa * American Electric Power * Caterpillar * Coca-Cola * ConAgra Foods * Dow Chemical Company * DuPont * Eli Lilly * Ford Motor Company * General Motors * Hewlett-Packard * Intel * JCPenney * Johnson & Johnson * Kimberly-Clark * McDonald’s * Owens Corning * Patagonia * 3M Company * Xerox
With all the recent talk about green technology and green jobs, Joseph Fiksel’s book could not come at a better time. If your goal is to design and develop environmentally sustainable products that also drive shareholder value, then this book is a must read.”
Stuart Hart, S.C. Johnson Chair in Sustainable Global Enterprise, Cornell University, Author, “Capitalism at the Crossroads”
Design for Environment shows clearly that aligning green design with innovation not only is possible, but is essential to remaining competitive in our brave new economy. This should be required reading for anyone who wants to understand the how to design for today’s consumer — and tomorrow’s.
Joel Makower, Executive Editor, GreenBiz.com, Author, “Strategies for the Green Economy”
A must read for all practitioners of a Design for Environment approach. This book makes the most compelling case yet for taking a more integrated and holistic approach to DFE – the bottom line! Green initiatives must increase profitability to be truly sustainable, and Dr. Fiksel provides the blueprint for how global companies are enhancing profits and winning in the marketplace by designing their way to competitive advantage.
Jim Lime, Vice President, Environment, Health & Safety, ConAgra Foods
Dr. Fiksel has developed a comprehensive and inspiring guide that provides a powerful case for integration of environmental principles into product development. Design for Environment is essential reading for any organization putting DFE into practice.
Ken Strassner, Vice-President, Global Environment, Safety, Regulatory and Scientific Affairs, Kimberley-Clark Corporation
Dr. Fiksel “hits the nail on the head” with this practical and informative approach to life-cycle design and management. A must read to help you achieve both exceptional environmental stewardship and exceptional business results.
Joe Allen, General Manager and Director of Sustainable Development, Caterpillar Remanufacturing Division
Joseph Fiksel has produced a masterful book that not only powerfully argues for Design for Environment, but also provides the roadmap and real-life examples that prove the point. This book arrives not a moment too soon for a stressed planet. Industry has the opportunity to re-think how we design, produce, sell and dispose of products, and this book provides the tools and best practices to accomplish a new and improved way of doing business.
Jim Thomas, Vice President, Corporate Social Responsibility, JCPenney
At a time when many companies are wrestling with the challenges of energy and environmental management, Design for Environment provides a unique resource—a clear and comprehensive guide to the tools and best practices that are essential for any business that aspires to be sustainable. Innovation will be the key to addressing global climate change and assuring future prosperity, and this book illuminates the path forward.
Dennis Welch, Executive Vice President, Environment, Safety & Health and Facilities, American Electric Power
Design for Environment is a must for those who want to move beyond talking about sustainability to driving sustainability. For those just starting on or already immersed in the sustainability journey, this text is a comprehensive, well written, and easy to read resource for understanding the “why”; developing the “what”; and implementing the “how”.
Patty Calkins, Vice President, Environmental Health & Safety, Xerox
The book offers important industry perspectives on how companies develop and design innovative solutions to complex environmental and societal challenges. It goes well beyond theory, offering case studies with quantifiable results that illustrate how companies can save money while improving the environment and helping local communities. It shows how companies of all types are using resources more efficiently, sometimes by teaming up with other industries, to achieve results that balance the triple bottom line of people, planet, and prosperity. This richly-detailed study should be of great interest to industry leaders, policymakers, scholars, and students alike. We are all fortunate to have Joseph Fiksel working on sustainable development.
Andy Mangan, Executive Director, U.S. Business Council for Sustainable Development
Sustainability has gone from a vague concept that was discussed in environmental forums to a means for improving business performance. Design for Environment is a cornerstone in communicating experience across various industry sectors about how environmental performance contributes to and becomes a basis for redefining our business processes. Dr. Joseph Fiksel has performed an important task in gathering these accomplishments into one publication, allowing us to benchmark ourselves against other companies.
Steve Gillman, Executive Director, Corporate Health, Safety and Environment, Eli Lilly & Company
Dr. Fiksel clearly states the urgency, summarizes DFE methods, and highlights today’s real world examples of redesigning our industrial systems to create more value while conserving our dwindling natural resources.
Ken Martchek, Manager, Life Cycle and Environmental Sustainability, Alcoa Inc.
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Since 1938, Aurora-GB has made fine desk accessories and office products. Today, they are experts in the manufacturing of office and school supplies. PROformance Styleboards from Aurora Products are clipboards with style! Colorful and moisture-proof, these scratch-resistant clipboards provide a high-gloss, tactile surface with enticing visuals and an appeal reminiscent of leather in a bold, simulated crocodile pattern paper. These smaller memo-sized styleboards are designed to coordinate with the entire Aurora Products Desk Collection that you can mix and match to create your own personal look of stylish professionalism. As with all of the Aurora Products desk accessories, styleboards are made with 70% post-consumer waste and is 100% recyclable. Aurora products are , made with no volatile organic compounds, so being green has never been so easy or looked so good!
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Comfort products 60-6810 5-motor massage executive office chair with 5 vibration massage motors to relax the back and thighs features 3 pre-programmed modes and 3 intensity levels. The built-in timer deactivates motors after 15 minutes and the 5-hour rechargeable battery and built-in controller allows for extended, customizable massages. Soft, bonded leather lends a long-lasting, luxurious feel to the chair’s exterior, while the thick, pillow-top seat cushions and padded pp armrests allow for a comfortable seat with or without the massage features running. Tilt, tension, lock, swivel and pneumatic lift height adjustment features allow for the chair to be customized to suit people of all sizes (maximum weight capacity of 250 lbs.).
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