Editor’s Note: This is Dalton Wignall’s first contribution to Gas 2.0. Welcome Dalton!
Last Saturday, a rather low key ceremony inaugurated a new high-voltage charging station for electric vehicles. The station is located at the Gateway Center in east Woodland California.
It’s said to be the “most complete” charging station in the country, with two units that are capable of recharging electric vehicles in roughly an hour. Hopefully, the facility will set an example and give way to future possibilities for charging stations.
In honor of the inauguration, six Tesla Roadsters were brought to the charging station by Tesla Motors representatives. The Tesla roadsters are capable of traveling up to 250 miles on a single electric charge and go 0-60 in a speedy 4 seconds.
By Michelle Bennett •
September 8, 2008
Renewable energy is expanding quickly these days. But it’s still a fact that these technologies rely on petroleum and petroleum products for transportation and production. Now that is starting to change. A solar panel producer called BioSolar has replaced a vital component of their silicon panels with a cheaper petroleum-free alternative.
Silicon panels require a protective backsheet to keep out moisture and protect the panel. Usually this backsheet is made from plastic, and practically all traditional plastics are petroleum-based. BioSolar’s backsheet is made from cotton rags and castor beans. They turn the cotton rags into a film of cellulose and blend in nylon made from the beans. The resulting cover lasts just as long or longer than the plastic blacksheet, and they keep out the moisture too. BioSolar also avoids genetically-modified crops.
The best part about it is the cost: up to 50% less than traditional plastic backsheets. As the price of petroleum and petroleum-products rise, this alternative starts to look more
By Caroline Savery •
July 17, 2008
Rain, rain, go away. Come again some other day…
Mold, mold, meet your end. Never, ever come again!
A couple days ago, I recounted my story about how I was forced to abandon my abode (a small tent) due to a blight of mold. The old children’s song of the first lyric is what Pittsburgh’s been singin’ all summer. The second is a little ditty I’ve been singin’, ever since I kissed that tent goodbye.
I haven’t tossed the tent in the garbage (that wouldn’t be very sustainable!) I do plan on redeeming it: even if it ends up stained by the mold, its function shouldn’t be reduced by the event. Since my close encounter of the fungal kind, I’ve been doing research about methods for removing mold. Read on for sustainable solutions for dealing with moldy clothing.
