Energy

While the world awaits for mass production to begin on the NanoSolar PowerSheet, think thin metal sheets containing solar-absorbing nano-ink, research in the field forges on.  Scientists from Swansea University in the UK are working towards developing a solar paint which can be applied to any type of steel.  The team has successfully applied the paint to small surfaces and are working with colleagues at other UK universities to improve the performance.  We last heard about this idea from the New Jersey Institute of Technology in 2007.  Swansea team's leader, David Worsley describes the current research as "a collision between two existing technologies – one for generating electricity and one for applying paint to steel." "We should see a commercial cell in two-and-a-half years."

When Gamesa Energy, a renewable energy windmill company from Spain, took interest in Lilly, a small town in the mountains of Pennsylvania, many of residents were apprehensive about the environmental risks and business ethics of a company they had never heard of. Gamesa provided little forum for public debate, instead choosing to push land-owners into signing long-term lease agreements with little long-term monetary reward. Having disturbed miles of property near state game lands with new roads, large truck traffic, and construction, our quiet woodland area has been forever lost. However, little did we expect, the greatest safety concerns would be falling from the sky...

Now, considering the immediate destruction to land and long-term safety risks these windmills cause, tell me again why Gamesa could not provide free or discounted electricity to residents of this small town?

High gas prices and environmental concerns have many looking for an alternative to car ownership.  In Chicago  the I-GO Car Sharing program offers a car sharing service that provides members with access to a fleet of fuel efficient vehicles including hybrids on an hourly basis.  Under $10 per hour including gas and insurance plus $0.50 per mile.  The program hopes to lower transportation costs and increase the use of public transportation and biking for trips that do not require a car.  Unfortunately for those in Chicago it remains to be seen whether the CTA will be able to provide new riders with safe reliable service.

If a Honda Civic isn't your style and saving gas isn't up your alley you can join the Collexion Car Club in Ft. lauderdale, Florida and have access to a Lamborghini Gallardo, Bentleys, Aston Martins and several other high end cars.  Only $15,000 per year and a one-time $15,000 membership fee.