The Living River Glow: Red Light, Green Light

In New York City, as in most of the world, there is currently no way for the public to check the city’s water quality on a daily basis. But by mixing inexpensive science, responsive technology, and architecture that provides feedback, David Benjamin and Soo-in Yang of The Living design team have created interactive structures that inform locals about the health of their water. By measuring invisible elements, they have created a network of pods that float in public waterways, sense water quality, and send an easily understandable signal reporting change back to the shore.

The floating pods are powered by a rechargeable AA battery and contain a low-cost pH sensor that detects changes in water quality. LED lights on the pod change from green to red depending on the water quality below. Making use of new technology, these pods are also energy-self-sufficient. Soon, city dwellers will be alerted to the pollution found in their neighborhoods and be able to determine if the river is safe for water activities.

To learn more, visit: www.thelivingnewyork.com

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The Sustainable Living Fair: Conservation 101

If rising energy costs and the declining health of the planet seem insurmountable, fear not. Sustainability Living Fair to the rescue!

The September fair, held in Fort Collins, is the only one of its kind in the area. Focusing on educating the residents of the Rocky Mountain region to make sustainable and healthy choices, the fair emphasizes individual sustainable actions within the local community to achieve a global impact. Speakers, workshops and exhibits will emphasize sustainable living, from the simplicity of eating locally grown food to the intricacy of building a wind turbine.

The upbeat atmosphere and theme of the Fair is that you can make a difference and you can start today! Events around the country, like this one, are helping America down the path to a greener lifestyle.

This year's fair takes place September 19-20th.  Plan to be there!

For more information, visit www.sustainablelivingassociation.org

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Finavera: The Motion of the Ocean

For centuries, the ocean and all its majesty has been inspiring lovers, artists and now...engineers? Indeed. By creating a technology that taps into the power of waves, Finavera has discovered that ocean waves contain the highest energy density.

Finavera’s offshore ‘power plants’ consist of buoys that convert wave energy and are proven to be a time-tested technology. Clusters of these buoys, called AquaBuOYs, are positioned several miles offshore where wave resources are the greatest without disrupting the ocean environment. By transmitting the power to shore through a secure, undersea transmission line, Finavera buoy clusters provide clean, renewable energy for large populations.

For the first buoy project located in Makah Bay, Wash., Finavera partnered with the Native American tribe that has resided there for centuries: the Makah Nation. Working with the Makahs, Finavera was able to learn about the history and the power of the bay. Today, the Makah Nation is currently an owner and distributor of the wave energy and is helping communities find energy independence. 

To see more, head to www.finavera.com

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Roundabout Playpumps: Where Play = Clean Water

Just like many other communities around the world — sub-Saharan Africa needed a sustainable solution for pumping clean water.

“There’s nothing quite like children’s power as a pure, renewable energy source,” says Trevor Field, founder of Playpumps International.

After stumbling on the technology at a Johannesburg agricultural fair, Trevor Field knew merry-go-rounds were the perfect solution. While children have fun spinning on the merry-go-round, clean water is pumped from underground into a tank standing 21 feet above ground. A simple tap makes it easy for adults and children to draw water from the tank. The water storage tank also provides a rare communication opportunity: two sides are leased to consumer advertisers and the other two display public health and educational messages.

In 2000, Playpumps International won the prestigious World Bank Development Marketplace Award for its ability to deliver both clean water and powerful HIV/AIDS prevention messages through its Playpump design which facilitated expansion greatly. 

Kids play. Water pumps!  To learn more, visit www.playpumps.org

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Project C: Calling All Big Foots

You know you’re supposed to reduce your carbon emissions and footprint. But just how are you supposed to do it?

Enter Project C: Colorado Carbon Fund, a simple to follow voluntary carbon offset program. This project is a sign of Colorado’s strong commitment to improving the environment. Project C will allow individuals and entire companies to calculate their carbon footprint, reduce their carbon emissions, and offset unavoidable carbon emissions, such riding in your car instead of on your bike. Funds from offset purchases will support statewide energy efficiency and renewable energy projects, including harnessing wind and solar power, while also working to increase energy efficiency in homes, schools, and buildings.

In exchange for their responsible actions, participants will receive a tax benefit, save on monthly energy costs and contribute to a cleaner environment. With Project C, even a “big foot” can help the state to achieve its end goal to reduce emissions by 20% by 2020. Go Colorado!

For more information, visit www.coloradocarbonfund.org

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Press Release: Solix Biofuels Begins Large-Scale Algal Oil Production

July 23, 2009 --

FORT COLLINS - Solix Biofuels Inc. has started algal oil production at its recently completed Coyote Gulch Demonstration Facility near Durango, the company announced on July 23.

The facility is expected to produce the equivalent of 3,000 gallons per acre per year of algal oil by late 2009, according to a company press release. It is located on two acres of land provided by Solix's partner, the Southern Ute Indian Tribe.

Solix, based in Fort Collins and created in 2006, plans large-scale commercialization of microalgae-based fuels and co-products.

"The inoculation of the Coyote Gulch Demonstration Facility marks a major milestone for the algal fuel industry," said Doug Henston, Solix CEO. "We are proud to contribute to this new era of algal fuel production, making Solix an alternative energy industry leader."

Press release courtesy of Northern Colorado Business Report.

Sprig Toys of Fort Collins featured in USA Today

Sprig Toys of Fort Collins was featured in last weeks USA Today in an article titled "Best Beach Toys For Your Child".

Sprig Toys is a brand new toy company founded on the belief that environmentally and socially responsible toys CAN be made without severe cost or value penalties. They're currently making toys out of a blend of recycled plastic and re-captured wood (sawdust) in North America.

You can read more at their web site: sprigtoys.com

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