It may seem strange that a printer of any sort should get the thumbs up from an environmental body, but the Energy Saving Trust has just granted Epson its energy saving recommendation label; the first to appear on a printer.
The recommendation was based on three criteria; energy (Watts) used when the printer is on-ready to use, energy used in sleep mode and energy used when on standby. The only question in my mind is should the EST really be endorsing a technology that uses paper where greener alternatives may be available?
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My tech knowledge is not exactly first rate, but I do know that as gadgets get more advanced they tend to get steadily more tiny. So it was good to hear that a new 'micro mini' compact fluorescent light bulb (CFL) was launched earlier this week, suggesting that low energy lighting is coming on in leaps and bounds.
Actress Kelly Rutherford was at the swanky LIGHTCongress show in New York to launch the new bulbs, which are designed to replace the 60-watt incandescent and fit into virtually any light fixture to provide instant, appealing and energy-efficient light.
[Via Haute*Nature]
Want to do something positive to show your concern about global warming? This weekend it could be as easy as turning off a light, as a worldwide demonstration for more action against climate change is taking place, with those wishing to show support staging a one hour 'lights out'.
The hour between 8 and 9pm GMT on Saturday 29th March has been designated Earth Hour by the World Wildlife Fund and anyone can participate by switching off lights, TVs, computers (sorry folks!) and other electrical appliances.
Want to know the best way to spend your time in a blackout? Check our suggestions out here.
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With all the scaremongering around CFL bulbs and health, I'm often surprised at how many people don't know the correct way to dispose of CFL bulbs, or deal with broken ones. The procedure is pretty simple, and the chances of anything going horribly wrong virtually zero. So here's a quick reminder on what to do in case of breakage.
The official DEFRA guideline on this matter states that 'although the accidental breakage of a lamp is most unlikely to cause any health problems, it's good practice to minimise any unnecessary exposure to mercury, as well as risk of cuts from glass fragments.' Follow the jump for full instructions on how do go about this.
Related: Are you OK with low energy lightbulbs?
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Whatever will we do with all those electricity sockets once solar and renewable energy makes them totally redundant? Perhaps not the most pressing concern of the 21st century environmentalist, but one we should indulge, because it's led to some really amusing design ideas...
Scott Amron has created some rather inventive 'socket stuffers' that symbolise our determination not to rely on mains electricity - or something. He calls these 'die electrics'; insulating materials that use power plugs and sockets without the need for electricity. His website showcases these ideas, which include a socket-mounted flower pot, a handy toothbrush holder, and towel hook. In each case, the object is held secure with the attachment of a normal electric plug, but no current is allowed to pass. Neat! [Via Alternative Consumer]
Green was the new gold at last night's Oscars. Though we might have seen Daniel Day-Lewis, Marion Cotillard, Tilda Swinton and Javier Bardem bathed in some very bright spotlights, behind the scenes efforts were made to create the greenest Oscar night yet.
Academy President Sid Ganis announced the green technology ahead of the ceremony in the wake of rumours that hybrid and zero-emission vehicles would be used to ferry the production staff and glitterati to the show. This indeed turned out to be true, thanks to General Motors, and all generators used on site were powered by a mix that included bio-diesel fuels. On top of that one hundred percent of the energy used for the Oscars telecast and Governors Ball was supplied by wind power. Finally, a substantial majority of food service ware was reusable or biodegradable, with programs, invitations and other paper materials including a minimum 30% post-consumer recycled content.
[via Shiny Shiny]
This fab fairtrade, hand-knitted 'yard snake' is new at Branch and stole my heart with his stripey bod and droopy grin. And adopting him means you're helping to create income and ultimately a better life for these artisans and their families.
Made by women who belong to a collective of knitters in rural Kenya, the snake is made of natural wool yarn, treated with non-toxic vegetable-based dyes. His practical function (other than scaring off burglars, looking cool and serving as a great plaything for visiting toddlers) is keeping draughts away from your windows and doors, thus saving C02 in these cold times. $36.00 at Branch
It may seem strange that a printer of any sort should get the thumbs up from an environmental body, but the Energy Saving Trust has just granted Epson its energy saving recommendation label; the first to appear on a printer. 
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