Green Options

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This 100% biodiesel-powered, 78 ft wave-piercing trimaran aims to set an around-the-world speed record while maintaining a net zero carbon footprint. The Earthrace left Sagunto, Spain, on April 27, and has already made excellent time across the Atlantic, landing in Panama just 8 days later.

Inspired by the desire to “connect with people about the need to get renewable fuels into our energy mix and to inspire them to do something,” the Earthrace has already generated a whirlwind of publicity. Much of this is due to the boat’s eco-technological appeal. It’s been described as “a rally car but for oceans”, with the ability to submerge up to 23 feet underwater while powering through the ocean. The “eco-” part doesn’t just include circling the globe on 100% biodiesel. Parts of the boat are made from a hemp-based composite, bedding foams are made from canola oil, and the operation’s total carbon footprint has been balanced by purchasing carbon credits.

Some people are prepared to go to extraordinary lengths to promote environmental alternatives, demonstrating just what is possible in a world that has long been reliant on fossil fuels.

I recently wrote of a Swiss family who are at the half way point of an epic round the world eco journey travelling only by foot, bicycle and wind power. During this journey they aim to cross seven seas and climb seven of the world’s highest mountains.

Now, a Swiss doctor is undertaking an adventure of similar proportions. Matrin Vosseler, in a bid to raise awareness on climate change has walked across much of Europe and the Middle East, sailed a solar powered boat across the Atlantic, and is now walking across the United States from West to East.

The Japanese man Kenichi Horie is sailing across the Pacific in a boat powered by. . . waves?

The boat has two fins that raise and lower with the tide, providing a petroleum- free alternative to motoring through doldrums.

Check out the full story here.

There are various ways to travel the sea in style. One of the most environmentally friendly ones would certainly be using sails alone. I mean, wind is free, right?

Well, a Japanese man named Kenichi Horie is attempting to be just as environmentally friendly but without the sails.

How does he do it? With a wave-powered boat. Wave power has been discussed quite a bit recently, with a lot of applications including traditional grid energy generation. However, Kenichi is taking things to the next level by powering his ocean going vehicle with the very thing it bobs atop.

Having taken no 1 spot in the world wide environmental performance rankings, Switzerland may also lay claim to being home of the world’s greenest family.

Dario and Sabine Schworer together with their two children are at the half way point of an epic round the world journey on which they aim to cross seven seas and climb seven of the world’s highest mountains, travelling only by foot, bicycle and wind power.

The family are currently in Sydney, Australia on year 7 of a 14 year expedition in which they expect to sail 70’000 nautical miles, cycle 18’000 kilometres and climb a total of 400’000 meters. They hope the expedition will “prove that great achievements can be done in harmony with nature" and have taken the opportunity to share their message with more than 21,000 school children whilst visiting schools on their route. Their own Children, Salina and Andri, were born during the expedition and continue to travel alongside their parents.