Mass Production of Electric Car Starts

Every 5th of June is a day used by the United Nations to stimulate worldwide awareness of environmental issues and encourages political action. It is fitting that on World Environment Day, June 5, 2009 — Mitsubishi Motors Corporation , unveiled the production version of the i-MiEV new-generation innovative electric vehicle (iEV), describing it as “the pioneer that will open the door to the next 100 years of our automobile society.”

Production is expected to begin at its main plant in Okayama Japan,The i-MiEV will go on sale on the Japanese market in late July of this year. Mitsubishi will be the first world's automaker to mass produce an electric vehicle.



From the Mitsubishi brochure:

"The i-MiEV is a zero-emissions vehicle (ZEV) which produces no CO2 emissions while being driven. Even when the CO2 gas emitted at power generating stations is taken into consideration, the i-MiEV generates approximately one-third of the CO2 produced by the gasoline “i” minicar (Calculated in-house based on the average of electric energy frameworks in Japan).

The i-MiEV is powered by a very high energy-density lithium-ion battery manufactured by Lithium Energy Japan*9. The large-capacity drive battery is comprised of 88 lithium-ion cells connected in series and is installed under the floor in the center of the vehicle. This configuration contributes to outstanding handling and stability due to the car’s low center of gravity."

Ecopod - Recycled Paper Coffin

The Ecopod

There is a new coffin alternative developed in Ireland, it brings together: care for the environment; biodegradability; hand manufactured from recycled materials, unique shape, form and colour.

They have exclusive agents and distributors in North America, The Netherlands and Ireland. Lists are available on their site.

"The Ecopod is a revolutionary and beautiful new design in coffins that brings together artisan skills with style, elegance and a respect for the environment.

Made by hand from recycled newspapers and hand finished with paper made from recycled silk and mulberry leaves, the Ecopod is available in a range of colours with screen printed motifs, plain white, or gold."

To read the rest of the article and check out the ARKA Acorn Urn click here and go to the Ecopod site.

Ecopods are not the only biodegradable alternative; for instance, EcoffinsUSA offers bamboo coffins and banana caskets made from all natural (organic) plant material which naturally biodegrades.

Recycled Cargo Containers Converted to Homes

Container city in London is probably the best example of how contains can be recycled into living space:




I thought I'd post this YouTube video of London's container city after reading the CNN story about a container home built recently in South Carolina. click here for the CNN story

The Daily Green has 46 pictures of cargo container home photos including interior shots and Amsterdam's massive Keetwonen complex houses 1,000 students: TheDailyGreen