by GreenCar.com
Minivans have proven their worth over many years. While often overshadowed by the style and popularity of SUV's and the latest crossover vehicles, the venerable minivan is a family staple when it comes to safety, functionality, convenience, and value. Seating configurations are versatile and legendary. Seats come out, go back in, fold down, and some even turn around as needed. You can make room for cargo or in many cases carry six to seven occupants. Front bucket seats often allow parents easy access to kids sitting in the middle and rear seats. You just can’t get that kind of versatility from most other vehicles.
While it’s true that hybrid minivans are not on the scene yet, that will change as automakers continue to roll out new hybrid products. That doesn’t mean you can’t think “green” now when opting for a family-friendly minivan at the new car showroom. Like all models, there are some minivans that just stand out as more fuel efficient and “greener” than their peers. The top 5 are: #1 Mazda5; #2 Honda Odyssey; #3 Chrysler Town and Country / Dodge Grand Caravan; #4 Toyota Sienna; #5 Nissan Quest. Read more about there HERE.
Friday, April 25, 2008
Sunday, April 13, 2008
HGTV Launches Eco-Friendly Series
by Paul J. Gough of The Hollywood Reporter - April 8, 2008
Scripps Networks said Tuesday that HGTV will get on board with the move toward green living with three eco-friendly home programs and its annual home sweepstakes that will give away a green home.The programming will revolve around a new weekly series, "Red Hot and Green," that will make over a room in an environmentally friendly manner. Also planned are two specials: "20 Ways Your Home Can Save the Planet," which premieres this month, and "HGTV Green Home Giveaway 2008," which will showcase and award a Hilton Head, S.C., house in June.The network announced the shows for HGTV as well as ones for sister networks Food Network, GAC, DIY and Fine Living at Tuesday's upfront presentation at a midtown Manhattan restaurant.Food Network will launch several new shows, including a primetime show with Rachael Ray titled "Rachael's Vacation" that will see her overseas and spending big instead of sticking to $40 a day; "Food Sleuths," a series debunking misconceptions like the five-second rule; and competition series with the working titles "Eat the Clock" and "Chopped," pitting chefs in challenges. Food Network also will have "The Chef Jeff Project," about a former drug dealer who helps people become chefs, premiering in the fall.The HGTV shows, along with another run of "Design Star," follow last year's large investment in programming on HGTV that launched 12 series. Scripps Networks executive vp Burton Jablin also said that Fine Living will become a Nielsen-rated network in January.
Scripps Networks said Tuesday that HGTV will get on board with the move toward green living with three eco-friendly home programs and its annual home sweepstakes that will give away a green home.The programming will revolve around a new weekly series, "Red Hot and Green," that will make over a room in an environmentally friendly manner. Also planned are two specials: "20 Ways Your Home Can Save the Planet," which premieres this month, and "HGTV Green Home Giveaway 2008," which will showcase and award a Hilton Head, S.C., house in June.The network announced the shows for HGTV as well as ones for sister networks Food Network, GAC, DIY and Fine Living at Tuesday's upfront presentation at a midtown Manhattan restaurant.Food Network will launch several new shows, including a primetime show with Rachael Ray titled "Rachael's Vacation" that will see her overseas and spending big instead of sticking to $40 a day; "Food Sleuths," a series debunking misconceptions like the five-second rule; and competition series with the working titles "Eat the Clock" and "Chopped," pitting chefs in challenges. Food Network also will have "The Chef Jeff Project," about a former drug dealer who helps people become chefs, premiering in the fall.The HGTV shows, along with another run of "Design Star," follow last year's large investment in programming on HGTV that launched 12 series. Scripps Networks executive vp Burton Jablin also said that Fine Living will become a Nielsen-rated network in January.
Quicksilver Launches Eco-Friendly Winter Outerwear
Sustainable Outerwear Features World's Most Advanced Earth-Friendly Textiles; Signature Series Designed By Travis Rice - (taken from Snowboard Revolution)
Huntington Beach, CA - Because it needs to stand up to the elements, winter outerwear has historically been among the least eco-friendly apparel on the market. The challenge of combining waterproof, breathable and comfortable technology has relied on a great deal of innovation that has, more often than not, been developed with performance, not the environment, in mind.
No more. On January 29th, Quiksilver will unveil an all-new line of eco-friendly winter outerwear. Recycled PET water and soda bottles combine with sustainable Hemp fabric and non-toxic natural dyes (free of heavy metals that contaminate waterways) to create outerwear that is highly functional, environmentally conscious and supremely stylish. Designed with the world's most advanced earth-friendly textiles and production processes, the collection represents an entirely new orientation for designing, fabricating, wearing and recycling winter outerwear.
The line will be previewed simultaneously at SIA '08 and at the inaugural Quiksilver Natural Selection at Jackson Hole. Quiksilver team rider Travis Rice will be on hand in Jackson to debut his portion of the line, the Travis Rice Signature Series.
"As a company of boardriders, we've always challenged the power and grace of mother nature in a way that is perfectly in tune with the environment," said Dave Rosenberger, VP Sales Quiksilver Wintersports. "This new outwear line reflects this ideal, because it meets the essential performance requirements of riders, while introducing a new, earth-friendly approach to winter apparel."
A brand that is innately tied to the mountains and the ocean, Quiksilver has always been committed to the fundamental philosophy behind the organic movement. This new line represents a progression in the company's environmentally-friendly commitment to a clean, healthy and sustainable approach to both business and recreational practices that is at the core of its identity, and reflected in its people, events and Foundation.
Huntington Beach, CA - Because it needs to stand up to the elements, winter outerwear has historically been among the least eco-friendly apparel on the market. The challenge of combining waterproof, breathable and comfortable technology has relied on a great deal of innovation that has, more often than not, been developed with performance, not the environment, in mind.
No more. On January 29th, Quiksilver will unveil an all-new line of eco-friendly winter outerwear. Recycled PET water and soda bottles combine with sustainable Hemp fabric and non-toxic natural dyes (free of heavy metals that contaminate waterways) to create outerwear that is highly functional, environmentally conscious and supremely stylish. Designed with the world's most advanced earth-friendly textiles and production processes, the collection represents an entirely new orientation for designing, fabricating, wearing and recycling winter outerwear.
The line will be previewed simultaneously at SIA '08 and at the inaugural Quiksilver Natural Selection at Jackson Hole. Quiksilver team rider Travis Rice will be on hand in Jackson to debut his portion of the line, the Travis Rice Signature Series.
"As a company of boardriders, we've always challenged the power and grace of mother nature in a way that is perfectly in tune with the environment," said Dave Rosenberger, VP Sales Quiksilver Wintersports. "This new outwear line reflects this ideal, because it meets the essential performance requirements of riders, while introducing a new, earth-friendly approach to winter apparel."
A brand that is innately tied to the mountains and the ocean, Quiksilver has always been committed to the fundamental philosophy behind the organic movement. This new line represents a progression in the company's environmentally-friendly commitment to a clean, healthy and sustainable approach to both business and recreational practices that is at the core of its identity, and reflected in its people, events and Foundation.
Sunday, April 6, 2008
Long Beach Grand Prix Going Green
American motorsports is poised to take a giant leap into the future April 18-20 at the 34th Annual Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach.
With the debut of "Green Power Prix-View" and an expanded Lifestyle and Alternative Energy Expo, the Toyota Grand Prix weekend will be the first major auto racing event to focus on innovations in alternative energy as they apply not only to everyday life, but to the world of fast cars as well.
Green Power Prix View will feature extensive, weekend-long displays of alternative energy vehicles, including the Toyota "Highway to the Future," as well as on-circuit activities featuring everything from hybrids to electric power to robotic vehicles.
The robotic vehicles will include the 1-2 finishers in the recent Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency's (DARPA) Urban Challenge in Victorville, CA, which attracted more than 30 entrants, as well as the Toyota Prius that finished sixth.
The first-place vehicle from Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, PA won $2 million, while the runner-up entry from Stanford University in California took home $1 million. The Prius was entered by the Ben Franklin Racing Team.
The DARPA contest required the robotic vehicles to navigate traffic circles, avoid moving obstacles and merge into lanes…all the while obeying California's traffic laws!
In addition, race attendees will also have the opportunity to participate in an alternative energy vehicle ride/drive program, slated for 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Sunday, April 20 near turns 9 and 10 on the east side of the Grand Prix circuit.
And, all weekend long, the Lifestyle and Alternative Energy Expo will highlight renewable energy sources, water and energy conservation, green building and healthy lifestyles for inside AND outside the home. The Expo is open race weekend from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Sunday and, like all in-circuit Green Power events, is free with a race ticket.
The Expo's host - the Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center -- will be doing its part, too, generating more than 725 kilowatts of power daily from rooftop solar panels…more than 25% of the building's energy requirements.
"Green Power" will be a featured part of the weekend's six racing series ON the track, as well.
The American Le Mans Series (ALMS) is partnering with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, U. S. Department of Energy and SAE International to incorporate "green racing" into its 2008 season, with all series cars competing on alternative fuels
With the debut of "Green Power Prix-View" and an expanded Lifestyle and Alternative Energy Expo, the Toyota Grand Prix weekend will be the first major auto racing event to focus on innovations in alternative energy as they apply not only to everyday life, but to the world of fast cars as well.
Green Power Prix View will feature extensive, weekend-long displays of alternative energy vehicles, including the Toyota "Highway to the Future," as well as on-circuit activities featuring everything from hybrids to electric power to robotic vehicles.
The robotic vehicles will include the 1-2 finishers in the recent Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency's (DARPA) Urban Challenge in Victorville, CA, which attracted more than 30 entrants, as well as the Toyota Prius that finished sixth.
The first-place vehicle from Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, PA won $2 million, while the runner-up entry from Stanford University in California took home $1 million. The Prius was entered by the Ben Franklin Racing Team.
The DARPA contest required the robotic vehicles to navigate traffic circles, avoid moving obstacles and merge into lanes…all the while obeying California's traffic laws!
In addition, race attendees will also have the opportunity to participate in an alternative energy vehicle ride/drive program, slated for 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Sunday, April 20 near turns 9 and 10 on the east side of the Grand Prix circuit.
And, all weekend long, the Lifestyle and Alternative Energy Expo will highlight renewable energy sources, water and energy conservation, green building and healthy lifestyles for inside AND outside the home. The Expo is open race weekend from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Sunday and, like all in-circuit Green Power events, is free with a race ticket.
The Expo's host - the Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center -- will be doing its part, too, generating more than 725 kilowatts of power daily from rooftop solar panels…more than 25% of the building's energy requirements.
"Green Power" will be a featured part of the weekend's six racing series ON the track, as well.
The American Le Mans Series (ALMS) is partnering with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, U. S. Department of Energy and SAE International to incorporate "green racing" into its 2008 season, with all series cars competing on alternative fuels
The Seven "Rs" of Sustainable Packaging
From California Green Solutions
As the country's largest retailer, Wal-Mart sets the standard for acceptable product packaging. They realize that product placement within Wal-Mart is essential to your business. Shorewood Packaging created greenchoice™ with two goals in mind:
-To supply customers with eco-friendly packaging options that are in compliance with Wal-Mart's new initiative so manufacturers can continue to sell products in its stores.
-To make a positive contribution to the environment in the long term as part of a network of suppliers striving to create sustainable products, utilize renewable energy and generate zero waste.
Wal-Mart will phase out products and materials that are shown to have significant human health and environmental impacts. Wal-Mart launched its Sustainable Packaging Initiative with the goal of reducing overall packaging in its stores by five percent by 2008. Wal-Mart will only carry products that are packaged with materials safe for human and ecological health.
This means that, to retain your market share with Wal-Mart, your products and packaging must meet "The Seven R's" of Sustainable Packaging.
1. Eliminate unnecessary packaging, extra boxes or layers
2. Reduce. "Right size" packaging, use fewer or lighter components
3. Reuse. Use post-consumer recycled material (PCR), reusable plastics
4. Renew. Use materials made from renewable resources
5. Recycle. Recycled, recyclable, compostable materials
6. Revenue. Achieve the above for the same or lower cost
7. Read. Print recycled / recyclable message on packaging
Thursday, April 3, 2008
Bosch Establishes the Industry Standard as the ''Green'' Home Appliance Leader
(from Buiness Wire)--If the more than eight million U.S. consumers who purchased a new dishwasher in 2007 bought a Bosch 800 Series model, instead of a conventional unit, the lifetime energy savings would be equivalent to preventing 21 billion pounds of carbon dioxide emissions (according to the Department of Energy). This could save a forest twice the size of Sequoia National Park in Southern Sierra Nevada – which is more than 400,000 acres. A staggering statistic such as this clearly demonstrates Bosch’s longstanding commitment to the environment and how its full-suite product portfolio delivers complete ECO solutions that families can rely on. In fact, the brand is the only U.S. manufacturer whose entire lineup of major appliances is ENERGY STAR® qualified, in the categories that the program rates.
“From its global low-impact manufacturing approach, to the key partnerships it has formed with sustainable construction and design leaders, Bosch is the undisputed green appliance leader with the most efficient machines on the market,” said Franz J. Bosshard, president and CEO. “Our green stewardship is a global consciousness, as we have a worldwide integrated management system that maintains the highest standards for environmental responsibility wherever our operations take us.”
Bosch has taken significant steps to reduce the eco-footprint of its manufacturing with state-of-the art production plants. In fact, it is the first manufacturer in the world to discontinue the use of CFCs in the production of refrigerators. The brand typically manufactures where its markets are, to keep products closer to customers and reduce transportation created emissions. All its factories, including its appliance park in New Bern, NC, has received the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 14001 certification, a worldwide certification that requires a company to meet strict international standards that minimize harmful effects on the environment caused by production. Moreover, the brand relies on reusable and recyclable materials while recycling all of its wood, glass, cardboard and paper. Bosch even requires its preferred suppliers to adhere to environmental policies similar to its own.
Furthermore, Bosch has established key partnerships with sustainable construction and design leaders to further cultivate green thought, including the U.S. Green Building Council/LEED® for Homes certification program and the National Association of Home Builders. Bosch appliances have been selected for multiple sustainable design projects including LivingHomes®, the first residential project in the country to achieve the Platinum rating from the LEED for Homes rating system. Additionally, Bosch has developed a unique online Green Resource Center, an award-winning microsite highlighting the brand’s green appliances and informational tools. Through the recently expanded site, consumers can learn about money saving rebates, as well as use the Energy Savings Calculator to figure out the financial advantage of purchasing and using a Bosch appliance throughout its operational lifetime. Builders and designers can access a tool that can be applied to their current projects and guide them through national and/or regional Green Building Certifications.
Bosch home appliances is continuously recognized for its contributions to energy resource conservation and is the proud two-time recipient of the Department of Energy’s prestigious 2007 and 2008 Excellence in ENERGY STAR Promotion Award, as well as the 2007 Annual Flex Your Power Award.
"Partners like Bosch are valued leaders in energy efficiency," said Alexander Karsner, Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy at the Department of Energy. “Bosch’s long-term commitment to energy efficiency is good for business, the environment, consumers, and for the country as a whole."
“From its global low-impact manufacturing approach, to the key partnerships it has formed with sustainable construction and design leaders, Bosch is the undisputed green appliance leader with the most efficient machines on the market,” said Franz J. Bosshard, president and CEO. “Our green stewardship is a global consciousness, as we have a worldwide integrated management system that maintains the highest standards for environmental responsibility wherever our operations take us.”
Bosch has taken significant steps to reduce the eco-footprint of its manufacturing with state-of-the art production plants. In fact, it is the first manufacturer in the world to discontinue the use of CFCs in the production of refrigerators. The brand typically manufactures where its markets are, to keep products closer to customers and reduce transportation created emissions. All its factories, including its appliance park in New Bern, NC, has received the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 14001 certification, a worldwide certification that requires a company to meet strict international standards that minimize harmful effects on the environment caused by production. Moreover, the brand relies on reusable and recyclable materials while recycling all of its wood, glass, cardboard and paper. Bosch even requires its preferred suppliers to adhere to environmental policies similar to its own.
Furthermore, Bosch has established key partnerships with sustainable construction and design leaders to further cultivate green thought, including the U.S. Green Building Council/LEED® for Homes certification program and the National Association of Home Builders. Bosch appliances have been selected for multiple sustainable design projects including LivingHomes®, the first residential project in the country to achieve the Platinum rating from the LEED for Homes rating system. Additionally, Bosch has developed a unique online Green Resource Center, an award-winning microsite highlighting the brand’s green appliances and informational tools. Through the recently expanded site, consumers can learn about money saving rebates, as well as use the Energy Savings Calculator to figure out the financial advantage of purchasing and using a Bosch appliance throughout its operational lifetime. Builders and designers can access a tool that can be applied to their current projects and guide them through national and/or regional Green Building Certifications.
Bosch home appliances is continuously recognized for its contributions to energy resource conservation and is the proud two-time recipient of the Department of Energy’s prestigious 2007 and 2008 Excellence in ENERGY STAR Promotion Award, as well as the 2007 Annual Flex Your Power Award.
"Partners like Bosch are valued leaders in energy efficiency," said Alexander Karsner, Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy at the Department of Energy. “Bosch’s long-term commitment to energy efficiency is good for business, the environment, consumers, and for the country as a whole."
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