Good on ya' bunch of Swisees

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So easy a child could do it

Here is a fun and clear diagram of how to get involved in being more environmentally friendly. It is an excellent illustration of how easy it is to get started.

Nanotech

I read about new solar panel technology from a company called Nanotech that can mass produce flexible (ie. very useful) solar panels for under 1$ US. Why is that important you say? Because that is the breaking point which makes it cheaper to produce electricity from the sun than it does to produce electricity from coal, of course!

I'm hoping this greenovation leads to a greenolution (both copyright 2007, the best nothing) whereby we actually see practical conversion to solar power. Imagine power plants and even home self-production of solar electricity for all? That would be splendid indeed.

Anyway, this product from Nanotech is Popular Science's Innovation of the Year for 2007.

Electric Cars

Here's an opportunity to support Canadian business and the environment all in one token. The government refuses to allow Zenn electric cars to be sold in Canada for (what appears to be) bullshit reasons. There is a story here that appeared on the front page of Digg. A CBC video is included with more info.

I realize it takes power to drive an electric car and most often that power comes from coal plants and I realize there are issues with disposal of batteries. However, these are issues that cannot be overcome with further/better science/conservation and renewable energy sources.

So why not give Canadians the choice whether to separate themselves from oil, benefit the Canadian economy (there are no Canadian oil-burning vehicle manufacturers), and demonstrate a willingness to improve air-quality/environment, thereby driving up demand and lowering costs for these vehicles.

You can sign a petition to help put pressure on the Canadian government here:
http://www.zenncars.com/letsgo/

Given their speed, they may not be the best option for getting around. However, I can think of many uses for them such as (grocery) shopping and other short trips not suitable for walking or winter travel and trips around the neighborhood (to school for those who have kids). In my case, this vehicle would be a better option than my truck, assuming I'm not hauling tons of stuff, which I rarely do.

Given the history of electric cars (see: Who Killed the Electric Car?), you have to ask yourself if it is really true that governments are blocking the adoption of these vehicles to accommodate oil companies. It would seem unlikely given this vehicle is being sold in the US, so what is it?