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    <title>Greenthinkers</title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://www.greenthinkers.org/blog/" />
    <link rel="self" type="application/atom+xml" href="http://www.greenthinkers.org/blog/atom.xml" />
   <id>tag:www.greenthinkers.org,2008:/blog//1</id>
    <link rel="service.post" type="application/atom+xml" href="http://www.greenthinkers.org/blog-mt1/mt-atom.cgi/weblog/blog_id=1" title="Greenthinkers" />
    <updated>2008-08-28T16:33:44Z</updated>
    <subtitle>Living a more green life.  Greenthinkers is green talk in a fun and informal manner.</subtitle>
    <generator uri="http://www.sixapart.com/movabletype/">Movable Type 3.2ysb5-20051201</generator>
 
<entry>
    <title>BPA-Free: Contigo AUTOSEAL Travel Mug</title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://www.greenthinkers.org/blog/2008/08/bpafree_contigo_autoseal_trave.html" />
    <link rel="service.edit" type="application/atom+xml" href="http://www.greenthinkers.org/blog-mt1/mt-atom.cgi/weblog/blog_id=1/entry_id=2077" title="BPA-Free: Contigo AUTOSEAL Travel Mug" />
    <id>tag:www.greenthinkers.org,2008:/blog//1.2077</id>
    
    <published>2008-08-28T01:45:20Z</published>
    <updated>2008-08-28T16:33:44Z</updated>
    
    <summary> BPA Free is a new running Greenthinkers feature where we discuss BPA, link to BPA-related pieces in the news, and also discuss and review all the BPA-free products you can handle. Enjoy your new BPA-free life. Contigo is a...</summary>
    <author>
        <name>Nathan</name>
        <uri>http://www.greenthinkers.org</uri>
    </author>
            <category term="Food &amp; Drink" />
            <category term="Gadgets" />
            <category term="Gifts" />
            <category term="Health" />
            <category term="Home Tips" />
            <category term="Products" />
            <category term="Shopping" />
            <category term="Web Sites" />
    
    <content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://www.greenthinkers.org/blog/">
        <![CDATA[<p><img alt="contigoautoseal_photos.jpg" src="http://www.greenthinkers.org/blog/images/contigoautoseal_photos.jpg" width="266" height="352" /></p>

<p><em>BPA Free is a new running Greenthinkers feature where we discuss BPA, link to BPA-related pieces in the news, and also discuss and review all the BPA-free products you can handle.  Enjoy your new BPA-free life.</em></p>

<p><a href="http://www.gocontigo.com/index.html">Contigo</a> is a Chicago-based company that gets our obsession with all things coffee.  They know we like our coffee either very hot or very cold (love that iced coffee in the summer).   And the nice thing is, their products work as good as they look.</p>

<p>Case in point, the <a href="http://www.gocontigo.com/catalog;catalog,products,9ddb7fe1e6662d838bbee340ddad8c08.html">Contigo Stainless Steel AUTOSEAL Travel Mug</a>.  We&#8217;re no stranger to the travel mug but this one is one of the more unique ones out there.  It really is impossible to spill and 100% leak-proof.  How is this possible?  Well, true to its name, the Autoseal automatically seals between sips.  Push the button to drink, release the button to seal.  But how well does it really work?  Review after the jump.</p>
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        <![CDATA[<p>Let&#8217;s get to the cold, hard facts.  Our reviewers took the Stainless Steel AUTOSEAL Travel Mug on their daily commutes for months and had this verdict: this AUTOSEAL Technology really does work.  None of our reviewers experienced any spillage when using the Auto-Seal Travel Mug.</p>

<p>Other highlights:</p>

<ul>
<li><p>And true to their claims, this double-walled vacuum-insulated, stainless steel mug habitually kept beverages hot or cold for hours.</p></li>
<li><p>The contoured body makes this mug easy to hold and easy on the eyes.</p></li>
<li><p>Fits most standard car cupholders.</p></li>
<li><p>Constructed with a double wall and stainless steel inside and out for maximum performance.</p></li>
</ul>

<p>So in the end was it as big of a hit as the above praise makes it seem?  Well, yes and no.  Yes in that it is now the preferred Greenthinker HQ travel mug - it will ride in the Greenthinker Prius and on the Greenthinker e-bike for as long as the AUTOSEAL holds out.  However, to note, one reviewer was turned off by the lack of a lip - she found it hard to drink from it.  We&#8217;ll post about her favourite (also from <a href="http://www.gocontigo.com/index.html">Contigo</a>) later this week.</p>
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    </content>
</entry>
<entry>
    <title>Dagoba Seeds The Day</title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://www.greenthinkers.org/blog/2008/08/dagoba_grows_chocolate_gardens.html" />
    <link rel="service.edit" type="application/atom+xml" href="http://www.greenthinkers.org/blog-mt1/mt-atom.cgi/weblog/blog_id=1/entry_id=2085" title="Dagoba Seeds The Day" />
    <id>tag:www.greenthinkers.org,2008:/blog//1.2085</id>
    
    <published>2008-08-28T00:03:24Z</published>
    <updated>2008-08-28T16:40:06Z</updated>
    
    <summary> Ok, here&amp;#8217;s the most ingenious campaign to come across our desk in a while. It&amp;#8217;s called Seed the Day and it is a new international initiative launched by Dagoba Organic Chocolate. In an effort to help reforest and sustain...</summary>
    <author>
        <name>Nathan</name>
        <uri>http://www.greenthinkers.org</uri>
    </author>
            <category term="Earth" />
            <category term="Education" />
            <category term="Food &amp; Drink" />
            <category term="Greenthinkers" />
            <category term="Society" />
            <category term="Sustainability" />
            <category term="Web Sites" />
    
    <content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://www.greenthinkers.org/blog/">
        <![CDATA[<p><img alt="dagobaseedtheday_photos.gif" src="http://www.greenthinkers.org/blog/images/dagobaseedtheday_photos.gif" width="192" height="111" /></p>

<p>Ok, here&#8217;s the most ingenious campaign to come across our desk in a while.  It&#8217;s called <a href="http://www.dagobaseedtheday.com/">Seed the Day</a> and it is a new international initiative launched by <a href="http://www.greenthinkers.org/blog/2006/07/dagoba_organic_chocolate.html">Dagoba Organic Chocolate</a>.</p>

<p>In an effort to help reforest and sustain family farms in Costa Rica (one of Dagoba&#8221;s main sources of cacao) they are planting 60,000 cacao tree seedlings.  Dagoba is partnering with the Upala Cacao Cooperative in Costa Rica on this project in order to improve economic opportunity for the farmers, restore native biodiversity and provide habitat for local wildlife.</p>

<p>In the U.S., Dagoba is getting behind the urban gardening movement and hoping to inspire 60,000 gardens by sharing free seeds and starts.  <a href="http://www.dagobaseedtheday.com/">Seed the Day</a> is hitting the streets of Boston , Chicago and San Francisco now through mid-September on custom bicycles towing trailers of fresh herbs to give away along with botanical-infused chocolate.  </p>

<p>Sign up for your seeds, upload your own garden photos, and even enter a contest to win free chocolate for a year at the <a href="http://www.dagobaseedtheday.com/">Seed the Day site</a>.</p>

<p>Support will also be provided for regional nonprofits dedicated to the urban gardening movement.</p>

<p>Hazah to Dagoba!</p>
]]>
        

    </content>
</entry>
<entry>
    <title>Beyond Skin&apos;s Ethical Heels</title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://www.greenthinkers.org/blog/2008/08/beyond_skins_ethical_heels.html" />
    <link rel="service.edit" type="application/atom+xml" href="http://www.greenthinkers.org/blog-mt1/mt-atom.cgi/weblog/blog_id=1/entry_id=2073" title="Beyond Skin's Ethical Heels" />
    <id>tag:www.greenthinkers.org,2008:/blog//1.2073</id>
    
    <published>2008-08-26T16:28:53Z</published>
    <updated>2008-08-26T16:46:35Z</updated>
    
    <summary> Beyond Skin is an eco-friendly footwear label creating beautiful, stylish, hand-made shoes that are produced in a manner that is non-exploitative to humans, animals and wherever possible the wider environment. Thrust into the spotlight by celebrities like Natalie Portman,...</summary>
    <author>
        <name>Nathan</name>
        <uri>http://www.greenthinkers.org</uri>
    </author>
            <category term="Design" />
            <category term="Fashion" />
            <category term="Products" />
            <category term="Shopping" />
            <category term="Web Sites" />
    
    <content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://www.greenthinkers.org/blog/">
        <![CDATA[<p><img alt="beyondheels_photos.jpg" src="http://www.greenthinkers.org/blog/images/beyondheels_photos.jpg" width="132" height="162" /></p>

<p><a href="http://www.beyondskin.co.uk/html/home.php">Beyond Skin</a> is an eco-friendly footwear label creating beautiful, stylish, hand-made shoes that are produced in a manner that is non-exploitative to humans, animals and wherever possible the wider environment.  Thrust into the spotlight by celebrities like Natalie Portman, </p>

<p>Their footwear is hand made to order in England. They are stitched, lasted and finished by hand, in a small, family run factory in East London.  Wherever possible, Beyond Skin is committed to sourcing the most eco-friendly, natural fabric alternatives.   Satins are made from polyester rather than viscose as viscose has a far greater impact on the environment as it&#8217;s processed.  And synthetic leathers are made from cotton-backed polyurethane. PU (polyurethane) looks like PVC leatherette, but unlike PVC it&#8217;s much kinder to the environment.</p>

<p>Plus, their packaging is even produced using materials from a sustainable source and their promotional material is printed on recycled paper using soya based inks.  They ship worldwide.</p>
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    </content>
</entry>
<entry>
    <title>EPIC FU&apos;s 7 Days Without Plastic: Day 2</title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://www.greenthinkers.org/blog/2008/08/epic_fus_7_days_without_plasti_2.html" />
    <link rel="service.edit" type="application/atom+xml" href="http://www.greenthinkers.org/blog-mt1/mt-atom.cgi/weblog/blog_id=1/entry_id=2082" title="EPIC FU's 7 Days Without Plastic: Day 2" />
    <id>tag:www.greenthinkers.org,2008:/blog//1.2082</id>
    
    <published>2008-08-26T16:26:37Z</published>
    <updated>2008-08-26T16:46:35Z</updated>
    
    <summary> 7 days w/o plastic: second day from Zadi Diaz on Vimeo. EPIC FU&amp;#8217;s 7 Days Without Plastic project is underway. Here&amp;#8217;s a look at Day 2....</summary>
    <author>
        <name>Nathan</name>
        <uri>http://www.greenthinkers.org</uri>
    </author>
            <category term="Education" />
            <category term="Health" />
            <category term="Home Tips" />
            <category term="Products" />
            <category term="Recycling" />
            <category term="Sanitation" />
            <category term="Shopping" />
            <category term="Society" />
            <category term="Sustainability" />
            <category term="Technology" />
            <category term="Video" />
    
    <content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://www.greenthinkers.org/blog/">
        <![CDATA[<p><object width="400" height="302">   <param name="allowfullscreen" value="true" />   <param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" />   <param name="movie" value="http://www.vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=1581578&amp;server=www.vimeo.com&amp;show_title=1&amp;show_byline=1&amp;show_portrait=0&amp;color=&amp;fullscreen=1" />   <embed src="http://www.vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=1581578&amp;server=www.vimeo.com&amp;show_title=1&amp;show_byline=1&amp;show_portrait=0&amp;color=&amp;fullscreen=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" width="400" height="302"></embed></object><br /><a href="http://www.vimeo.com/1581578?pg=embed&amp;sec=1581578">7 days w/o plastic: second day</a> from <a href="http://www.vimeo.com/zadi?pg=embed&amp;sec=1581578">Zadi Diaz</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com?pg=embed&amp;sec=1581578">Vimeo</a>.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.greenthinkers.org/blog/2008/08/bpafree_epic_fu_lives_without.html">EPIC FU&#8217;s 7 Days Without Plastic</a> project is underway.  <a href="http://blog.epicfu.com/2008/08/7-days-wo-plastic-second-day.html">Here&#8217;s a look at Day 2</a>.</p>
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    </content>
</entry>
<entry>
    <title>BPA-Free: Primo Water</title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://www.greenthinkers.org/blog/2008/08/bpafree_primo_water.html" />
    <link rel="service.edit" type="application/atom+xml" href="http://www.greenthinkers.org/blog-mt1/mt-atom.cgi/weblog/blog_id=1/entry_id=2083" title="BPA-Free: Primo Water" />
    <id>tag:www.greenthinkers.org,2008:/blog//1.2083</id>
    
    <published>2008-08-26T16:22:10Z</published>
    <updated>2008-08-26T16:46:35Z</updated>
    
    <summary> BPA-Free is a new running Greenthinkers feature where we discuss BPA, link to BPA-related pieces in the news, and also discuss and review all the BPA-free products you can handle. Enjoy your new BPA-free life. Primo Water is a...</summary>
    <author>
        <name>Nathan</name>
        <uri>http://www.greenthinkers.org</uri>
    </author>
            <category term="Energy" />
            <category term="Food &amp; Drink" />
            <category term="Health" />
            <category term="Home Tips" />
            <category term="Products" />
            <category term="Recycling" />
            <category term="Shopping" />
            <category term="Water" />
            <category term="Web Sites" />
    
    <content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://www.greenthinkers.org/blog/">
        <![CDATA[<p><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/8KPXotBy9Ec&amp;hl=en&amp;fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/8KPXotBy9Ec&amp;hl=en&amp;fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object></p>

<p><em>BPA-Free is a new running Greenthinkers feature where we discuss BPA, link to BPA-related pieces in the news, and also discuss and review all the BPA-free products you can handle.  Enjoy your new BPA-free life.</em></p>

<p><a href="http://www.primowater.com/">Primo Water</a> is a new bottled water where the bottle itself is made from plants, not crude oil.  While we&#8217;re not generally supporters of the bottled water wave, this one can bring you the convenience of bottled water with less guilt.  Of course, it&#8217;s also BPA-free.  How can they make such a bottle?  It&#8217;s all about the plastic they use - it&#8217;s called Ingeo, &#8220;the world&#8217;s first and only performance plastic made from 100% annually renewable plants.&#8221;</p>

<p>We&#8217;ve been in touch with Primo Water and hope to try out their product first-hand in the near future.  We&#8217;ll be sure to report back when we do.</p>

<p>Check out the video above which is <a href="http://www.youtube.com/primowater">one of three they have produced</a>.  One of them even reveals the &#8220;secret ingredients&#8221; to making their bottles!</p>
]]>
        

    </content>
</entry>
<entry>
    <title>Medis 24-7 Portable Fuel Cell Power Pack</title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://www.greenthinkers.org/blog/2008/08/medis_247_portable_fuel_cell_p.html" />
    <link rel="service.edit" type="application/atom+xml" href="http://www.greenthinkers.org/blog-mt1/mt-atom.cgi/weblog/blog_id=1/entry_id=2070" title="Medis 24-7 Portable Fuel Cell Power Pack" />
    <id>tag:www.greenthinkers.org,2008:/blog//1.2070</id>
    
    <published>2008-08-26T15:59:29Z</published>
    <updated>2008-08-26T16:46:35Z</updated>
    
    <summary> It&amp;#8217;s a known fact that disposable batteries harm our environment. One alternative is the Medis 24/7 Power Pack, a portable auxiliary power source run by liquid fuel cell technology. Small, lightweight and pretty convenient, the Power Pack provides extended...</summary>
    <author>
        <name>Nathan</name>
        <uri>http://www.greenthinkers.org</uri>
    </author>
            <category term="Design" />
            <category term="Energy" />
            <category term="Gadgets" />
            <category term="Gifts" />
            <category term="Home Tips" />
            <category term="Products" />
            <category term="Shopping" />
            <category term="Sustainability" />
            <category term="Technology" />
            <category term="Web Sites" />
    
    <content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://www.greenthinkers.org/blog/">
        <![CDATA[<p><img alt="medispowerpack_photos.jpg" src="http://www.greenthinkers.org/blog/images/medispowerpack_photos.jpg" width="413" height="310" /></p>

<p>It&#8217;s a known fact that disposable batteries harm our environment.</p>

<p>One alternative is the <a href="http://www.poweritanywhere.com/">Medis 24/7 Power Pack,</a> a portable auxiliary power source run by liquid fuel cell technology. Small, lightweight and pretty convenient, the Power Pack provides extended operating time for a variety of electronics, including cell phones, PDAs, MP3 players, and digital cameras. Think of it this way - it&#8217;s an additional 30 hours of talk time or 60-80 hours of play time for your MP3 player with just a simple squeeze.</p>

<p>When the fuel cell is depleted, plug in another Medis fuel cell to continue operating your electronic device and recycle the used one.</p>
]]>
        

    </content>
</entry>
<entry>
    <title>Ocean &apos;Dead Zones&apos; Spreading</title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://www.greenthinkers.org/blog/2008/08/ocean_dead_zones_spreading.html" />
    <link rel="service.edit" type="application/atom+xml" href="http://www.greenthinkers.org/blog-mt1/mt-atom.cgi/weblog/blog_id=1/entry_id=2067" title="Ocean 'Dead Zones' Spreading" />
    <id>tag:www.greenthinkers.org,2008:/blog//1.2067</id>
    
    <published>2008-08-26T14:57:47Z</published>
    <updated>2008-08-26T16:46:35Z</updated>
    
    <summary>According to the Toronto Star, &amp;#8216;dead zones&amp;#8217; with too little oxygen for life are expanding in the world&amp;#8217;s oceans. There are now more than 400 of them around the world, double what the UN reported just two years ago. The...</summary>
    <author>
        <name>Nathan</name>
        <uri>http://www.greenthinkers.org</uri>
    </author>
            <category term="Earth" />
            <category term="Education" />
            <category term="Water" />
    
    <content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://www.greenthinkers.org/blog/">
        <![CDATA[<p><a href="http://www.thestar.com/sciencetech/article/478558">According to the Toronto Star</a>, &#8216;dead zones&#8217; with too little oxygen for life are expanding in the world&#8217;s oceans. There are now more than 400 of them around the world, double what the UN reported just two years ago.</p>

<blockquote>The newest dead areas are being found in the Southern Hemisphere – South America, Africa, parts of Asia&#8230;Some of the increase is due to the discovery of low-oxygen areas that may have existed for years and are just being found, he said, but others are actually newly developed. Pollution-fed algae, which deprive other living marine life of oxygen, is the cause of most of the world&#8217;s dead zones. Scientists mainly blame fertilizer and other farm run-off, sewage and fossil-fuel burning.</blockquote>

<p>What lovely news.</p>
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    </content>
</entry>
<entry>
    <title>EPIC FU&apos;s 7 Days Without Plastic: Day 2</title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://www.greenthinkers.org/blog/2008/08/epic_fus_7_days_without_plasti_1.html" />
    <link rel="service.edit" type="application/atom+xml" href="http://www.greenthinkers.org/blog-mt1/mt-atom.cgi/weblog/blog_id=1/entry_id=2079" title="EPIC FU's 7 Days Without Plastic: Day 2" />
    <id>tag:www.greenthinkers.org,2008:/blog//1.2079</id>
    
    <published>2008-08-22T20:54:25Z</published>
    <updated>2008-08-22T20:56:46Z</updated>
    
    <summary> 7 days w/o plastic: second day from Zadi Diaz on Vimeo. EPIC FU’s 7 Days Without Plastic project is underway. Here’s a look at Day 2....</summary>
    <author>
        <name>Nathan</name>
        <uri>http://www.greenthinkers.org</uri>
    </author>
            <category term="Education" />
            <category term="Recycling" />
            <category term="Video" />
    
    <content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://www.greenthinkers.org/blog/">
        <![CDATA[<p><object width="400" height="302">   <param name="allowfullscreen" value="true" />   <param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" />   <param name="movie" value="http://www.vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=1581578&amp;server=www.vimeo.com&amp;show_title=1&amp;show_byline=1&amp;show_portrait=0&amp;color=&amp;fullscreen=1&amp;group_id=2424" /> <embed src="http://www.vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=1581578&amp;server=www.vimeo.com&amp;show_title=1&amp;show_byline=1&amp;show_portrait=0&amp;color=&amp;fullscreen=1&amp;group_id=2424" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" width="400" height="302"></embed></object><br /><a href="http://www.vimeo.com/groups/2424/videos/1581578?pg=embed&amp;sec=1581578">7 days w/o plastic: second day</a> from <a href="http://www.vimeo.com/zadi?pg=embed&amp;sec=1581578">Zadi Diaz</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com?pg=embed&amp;sec=1581578">Vimeo</a>.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.greenthinkers.org/blog/2008/08/bpafree_epic_fu_lives_without.html">
EPIC FU’s 7 Days Without Plastic</a> project is underway. Here’s a look at Day 2.</p>
]]>
        

    </content>
</entry>
<entry>
    <title>Ultra Motor&apos;s A2B Electric Bike Hits The Road</title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://www.greenthinkers.org/blog/2008/08/ultra_motors_a2b_electric_bike.html" />
    <link rel="service.edit" type="application/atom+xml" href="http://www.greenthinkers.org/blog-mt1/mt-atom.cgi/weblog/blog_id=1/entry_id=2071" title="Ultra Motor's A2B Electric Bike Hits The Road" />
    <id>tag:www.greenthinkers.org,2008:/blog//1.2071</id>
    
    <published>2008-08-22T16:40:32Z</published>
    <updated>2008-08-22T20:41:28Z</updated>
    
    <summary> Given gas prices and gas-related pollution, UltraMotor&amp;#8217;s new A2B electric bicycle enables environmentally conscious consumers to cut down on oil consumption. It also offers an alternative to overcrowded public commuter options by bypassing heavy traffic jams at up to...</summary>
    <author>
        <name>Nathan</name>
        <uri>http://www.greenthinkers.org</uri>
    </author>
            <category term="Design" />
            <category term="Energy" />
            <category term="Fashion" />
            <category term="Gadgets" />
            <category term="Hybrid Cars" />
            <category term="Products" />
            <category term="Shopping" />
            <category term="Transportation" />
            <category term="Web Sites" />
    
    <content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://www.greenthinkers.org/blog/">
        <![CDATA[<p><img alt="ultramotora2b_photos.jpg" src="http://www.greenthinkers.org/blog/images/ultramotora2b_photos.jpg" width="229" height="265" /></p>

<p>Given gas prices and gas-related pollution, <a href="http://www.ultramotor.com/usa/index.aspx">UltraMotor&#8217;s new A2B electric bicycle</a> enables environmentally conscious consumers to cut down on oil consumption. It also offers an alternative to overcrowded public commuter options by bypassing heavy traffic jams at up to 20mph as it runs for 20 miles on a single battery pack. </p>

<p>Yep, we love e-bikes.  <a href="http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/08/16/BU4I12BRU5.DTL">Heck, who doesn&#8217;t</a>?  <a href="http://www.greenthinkers.org/blog/2008/04/electric_bikes_oh_my.html">Who</a> wants <a href="http://www.greenthinkers.org/blog/2007/10/electric_bikes_how_embarassing.html">to send us</a> one <a href="http://www.greenthinkers.org/blog/2007/08/canadacoms_green_auto_review.html">to test</a>?  Email me at nathan at greenthinkers dot org and we&#8217;ll set it up!  This is shameless!</p>

<p>Press release after the jump.</p>
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        <![CDATA[<p>The A2B Electric Bike Offers Urban Freedom for People Who Want to Get Out of Their Cars</p>

<p>SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. – August 12, 2008 – Ultra Motor today announced the availability of its new A2BTM electric bike.  Developed and manufactured by an international team of expert designers and engineers, the A2B is a state-of-the-art electric bike built specifically for urban transport across the American city landscape.</p>

<p>Increasing challenges are making urban transportation more costly and time-consuming: the Texas Transportation Institute reports that gridlock costs the average peak period traveler almost 40 hours a year in travel delay and wastes an annual 2.9 billion gallons of gasoline, which has climbed to more than $4.00 a gallon.  In addition, the U.S. Department of Transportation reports that nearly half of all trips are less than three miles. The A2B is a clean, gasoline-free transportation alternative for the thousands of short trips Americans take every day.</p>

<p>&#8220;The A2B is unparalleled in performance, comfort and style,&#8221; said Chris Deyo, CEO of Ultra Motor USA. &#8220;Whether it is a commuter who wants their journey to be fast and hassle-free, a college student looking to get across campus or an active senior looking to combine exercise with convenience, this is the ideal transportation method.&#8221;</p>

<p><strong>Unique Combination: Performance, Utility, Design</strong></p>

<p>The A2B is built from the tires up for superior performance and comfort in a sleek design. It is powered by a proprietary motor that is highly efficient, producing more &#8220;torque&#8221; or force to enable riders to accelerate faster and climb hills more easily than other electric bikes. The lithium-ion batteries stored inside the frame provide more energy per pound than any other power source, and recharge just like a laptop computer.  Ideal for city roads, the A2B has full suspension like a mountain bike, an upright, relaxed sitting position, and an oversized seat for extra comfort.</p>

<p>The A2B combines functions of an electric bicycle and a scooter – the construction is the design. The manufacturing material and surfaces, such as the welding and motor, enhance the A2B&#8217;s industrial appeal in withstanding the demands of an urban commute. The colors and finishes underline the stylish appearance, while the brown leather seat and grips provide a touch of classical bike design.</p>

<p><strong>Ready, Set, Ride!
</strong>
No driver&#8217;s license is necessary, just charge the A2B, unplug it, turn the throttle and enjoy the ride. The A2B can travel at speeds up to 20 miles per hour, without pedaling. Or, if riders feel like some exercise, they can use the pedals to increase their speed and distance. The A2B travels 20 miles on a single charge and riders can use a secondary battery to travel up to 40 miles without re-charging.</p>

<p>For commuters and &#8220;short trippers,&#8221; the A2B is designed to carry the goods – computers, groceries, flowers or gear. Baskets and side bags are available separately for purchase.</p>

<p><strong>Smart Transport in September</strong></p>

<p>The A2B will be available nationwide through authorized dealers beginning in September. For more information on the A2B or other Ultra Motor Light Electric Vehicles, visit <a href="http://www.ultramotor.com/usa/index.aspx">ultramotor.com/usa</a>.</p>

<p><strong>About Ultra Motor</strong></p>

<p>Ultra Motor is a leading force in the innovation of personal mobility. With state-of-the-art technology manufactured in Taiwan and a design team in Germany, Ultra Motor is paving the way with emissions-free smart transport solutions for the global urban market. The company&#8217;s global headquarters are in London, and its US operation is based in San Francisco, California.</p>
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    </content>
</entry>
<entry>
    <title>GT Blog Watch: Greenthinkers Is Kicking Up Dust</title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://www.greenthinkers.org/blog/2008/08/gt_blog_watch_greenthinkers_is.html" />
    <link rel="service.edit" type="application/atom+xml" href="http://www.greenthinkers.org/blog-mt1/mt-atom.cgi/weblog/blog_id=1/entry_id=2072" title="GT Blog Watch: Greenthinkers Is Kicking Up Dust" />
    <id>tag:www.greenthinkers.org,2008:/blog//1.2072</id>
    
    <published>2008-08-22T16:27:45Z</published>
    <updated>2008-08-22T20:41:28Z</updated>
    
    <summary> GT Blog Watch is turning into a weekly affair, and we couldn&amp;#8217;t be happier. No onto the blogs&amp;#8230; Why buy a hybrid? The least fuel efficient hybrids? A laugh or two from The Onion. Yellow Pages goes green? Really?...</summary>
    <author>
        <name>Nathan</name>
        <uri>http://www.greenthinkers.org</uri>
    </author>
            <category term="Hybrid Cars" />
            <category term="Misc." />
            <category term="Web Sites" />
    
    <content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://www.greenthinkers.org/blog/">
        <![CDATA[<p><img alt="yellowpagesgoesgreen+photos.png" src="http://www.greenthinkers.org/blog/images/yellowpagesgoesgreen%2Bphotos.png" width="305" height="256" /></p>

<p>GT Blog Watch is turning into a weekly affair, and we couldn&#8217;t be happier.  No onto the blogs&#8230;</p>

<p>Why <a href="http://jalopnik.com/5038792/reasons-for-buying-a-hybrid-the-good-the-bad-and-the-moronic">buy a hybrid</a>?</p>

<p>The <a href="http://consumerist.com/5038449/the-11-least-fuel-efficient-hybrids">least fuel efficient hybrids</a>?</p>

<p>A laugh or two <a href="http://www.theonion.com/content/news/green_conscious_ge_develops_hybrid?utm_source=slate_rss_1">from The Onion</a>.</p>

<p><a href="http://lifehacker.com/400663/yellowpagesgoesgreen-like-do-not-call-list-for-giant-wastes-of-paper">Yellow Pages goes green</a>?  Really?</p>

<p>Comparing <a href="http://www.automobilemag.com/reviews/driven/0808_small_car_fuel_economy_comparison/index.html">fuel-efficient cars</a>.</p>

<p>Oh, and thanks to MyGreenElement <a href="http://www.mygreenelement.com/?p=374">for the name check</a>.</p>

<p>You too <a href="http://www.ecosalon.com/title/Eco_Links_to_Green_Your_Weekend">EcoSalon</a>.</p>
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    </content>
</entry>
<entry>
    <title>Yello Sparzähler Online Electricity Meter</title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://www.greenthinkers.org/blog/2008/08/yello_sparzaehler_online_elect.html" />
    <link rel="service.edit" type="application/atom+xml" href="http://www.greenthinkers.org/blog-mt1/mt-atom.cgi/weblog/blog_id=1/entry_id=2059" title="Yello Sparzähler Online Electricity Meter" />
    <id>tag:www.greenthinkers.org,2008:/blog//1.2059</id>
    
    <published>2008-08-22T16:24:58Z</published>
    <updated>2008-08-22T20:41:28Z</updated>
    
    <summary>Behold the Yello Sparzähler online Electricity Meter! Very design-y. The colour yellow of the innovative “Yello Sparzähler online” communicates that energy saving is yellow as well. It transfers domestic power consumption data to the user’s computer, so he can check...</summary>
    <author>
        <name>Nathan</name>
        <uri>http://www.greenthinkers.org</uri>
    </author>
            <category term="Energy" />
            <category term="Gadgets" />
            <category term="Shopping" />
            <category term="Technology" />
    
    <content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://www.greenthinkers.org/blog/">
        <![CDATA[<p>Behold the <a href="http://en.red-dot.org/2853+M5ed3def7a40.html">Yello Sparzähler online Electricity Meter</a>!  Very design-y.</p>

<blockquote>The colour yellow of the innovative “Yello Sparzähler online” communicates that energy saving is yellow as well. It transfers domestic power consumption data to the user’s computer, so he can check online and in real-time how much his fridge, his washing machine, his hi-fi stereo system etc. actually consume (in terms of watt, kWh, Euro). Thus, he has complete cost control and may easily find electricity hogs. He is able to use energy resources more sensibly and economically. The safe- and pleasant-looking casing has a yellow or white (within the living area) front cover. A semi-transparent LED displays the meter reading at first sight. The pulsing “sign of life” is a smart modern interpretation of the common meter wheel. </blockquote>
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    </content>
</entry>
<entry>
    <title>Golpa&apos;s Grass Driveways</title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://www.greenthinkers.org/blog/2008/08/golpas_grass_driveways.html" />
    <link rel="service.edit" type="application/atom+xml" href="http://www.greenthinkers.org/blog-mt1/mt-atom.cgi/weblog/blog_id=1/entry_id=2069" title="Golpa's Grass Driveways" />
    <id>tag:www.greenthinkers.org,2008:/blog//1.2069</id>
    
    <published>2008-08-22T13:43:32Z</published>
    <updated>2008-08-22T20:41:28Z</updated>
    
    <summary>Want to have a grass driveway but don&amp;#8217;t want to be seen as just some yaboo who parks on their lawn? Well now you can! The Golpa system, invented in Germany using recycled plastic, costs about $10 per square foot,...</summary>
    <author>
        <name>Nathan</name>
        <uri>http://www.greenthinkers.org</uri>
    </author>
            <category term="Earth" />
            <category term="Energy" />
            <category term="Home Tips" />
            <category term="Products" />
            <category term="Toronto" />
            <category term="Transportation" />
            <category term="Web Sites" />
    
    <content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://www.greenthinkers.org/blog/">
        <![CDATA[<p>Want to have a grass driveway but don&#8217;t want to be seen as just some yaboo who parks on their lawn?  Well now you can!</p>

<p>The Golpa system, invented in Germany using recycled plastic, costs about $10 per square foot, or five times as much as a paved asphalt driveway.  However, <a href="http://yourhome.ca/homes/article/478082">as written in the Toronto Star</a>, it doesn&#8217;t have to be resealed or repaved, is more aesthetically pleasing and easier on the environment (no groundwater runoff) than pavement. It takes the same type of maintenance that a lawn requires.</p>

<blockquote>Underneath the seemingly ordinary patch of lawn are a series of interlocking, hectagonal-shaped moulded plastic cells in which grass has been planted. The cells protect the roots from being crushed by the weight of a vehicle and allow water to flow through into the ground. The system has a load-bearing capacity of 100 tons per square metre.</blockquote>

<p>No paving or resealing again!</p>

<p>And for occasional parking, <a href="http://yourhome.ca/homes/article/478083">this is an option too</a>.</p>
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    </content>
</entry>
<entry>
    <title>The Wind-Up Remote Control</title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://www.greenthinkers.org/blog/2008/08/the_windup_remote_control.html" />
    <link rel="service.edit" type="application/atom+xml" href="http://www.greenthinkers.org/blog-mt1/mt-atom.cgi/weblog/blog_id=1/entry_id=2061" title="The Wind-Up Remote Control" />
    <id>tag:www.greenthinkers.org,2008:/blog//1.2061</id>
    
    <published>2008-08-22T12:14:27Z</published>
    <updated>2008-08-22T20:41:28Z</updated>
    
    <summary> Ok, here it is, the invention you&amp;#8217;ve all been waiting for - the wind-up remote control! Wind Up Remote Control not only lets you survey and control your multimedia empire from the sofa armed with just one for all...</summary>
    <author>
        <name>Nathan</name>
        <uri>http://www.greenthinkers.org</uri>
    </author>
            <category term="Gadgets" />
            <category term="Gifts" />
            <category term="Shopping" />
    
    <content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://www.greenthinkers.org/blog/">
        <![CDATA[<p><img alt="windupremotecontrol_photos.jpg" src="http://www.greenthinkers.org/blog/images/windupremotecontrol_photos.jpg" width="236" height="193" /></p>

<p>Ok, here it is, the invention you&#8217;ve all been waiting for - <a href="http://www.gizoo.co.uk/Products/AvCommunications/TvGadgets/windUpRemote.htm">the wind-up remote control</a>!</p>

<blockquote>Wind Up Remote Control not only lets you survey and control your multimedia empire from the sofa armed with just one for all remote controls, this handy device is a completely battery free remote control so there are no batteries to replace, ever! Yes, all you have to do is wind up a built-in generator using the easy-to-use dial on the wind up remote control – 30 full turns is enough to provide a full charge, which should last you about a week.</blockquote>

<p>Awesome.</p>
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    </content>
</entry>
<entry>
    <title>BPA-Free: CamelBak Better Bottle</title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://www.greenthinkers.org/blog/2008/08/bpafree_camelbak.html" />
    <link rel="service.edit" type="application/atom+xml" href="http://www.greenthinkers.org/blog-mt1/mt-atom.cgi/weblog/blog_id=1/entry_id=2064" title="BPA-Free: CamelBak Better Bottle" />
    <id>tag:www.greenthinkers.org,2008:/blog//1.2064</id>
    
    <published>2008-08-15T19:13:13Z</published>
    <updated>2008-08-15T20:08:53Z</updated>
    
    <summary> BPA Free is a new running Greenthinkers feature where we discuss BPA, link to BPA-related pieces in the news, and also discuss and review all the BPA-free products you can handle. Enjoy your new BPA-free life. CamelBak is a...</summary>
    <author>
        <name>Nathan</name>
        <uri>http://www.greenthinkers.org</uri>
    </author>
            <category term="Food &amp; Drink" />
            <category term="Health" />
            <category term="Home Tips" />
            <category term="Products" />
            <category term="Shopping" />
            <category term="Web Sites" />
    
    <content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://www.greenthinkers.org/blog/">
        <![CDATA[<p><img alt="camelbakbetterbottle_photos.jpg" src="http://www.greenthinkers.org/blog/images/camelbakbetterbottle_photos.jpg" width="280" height="280" /></p>

<p><em>BPA Free is a new running Greenthinkers feature where we discuss BPA, link to BPA-related pieces in the news, and also discuss and review all the BPA-free products you can handle.  Enjoy your new BPA-free life.</em></p>

<p><a href="http://www.camelbak.com">CamelBak</a> is a world-leading outdoor equipment company known primarily for their hands-free hydration systems.  Originally very popular with mountain bikers and motocross riders, they have branched out into many other arenas and have come out with many new products of late.  That&#8217;s right, CamelBak has spent over a decade helping people to maximize their performance, comfort, and health by providing the highest quality &#8220;drink delivery systems&#8221; available.</p>

<p>Our favourite <a href="http://www.camelbak.com">CamelBak</a> offering is their spill-prof Better Bottle.  Featuring the same &#8216;Bite-n-Sip&#8217; technology made popular with its hydration packs, the Better Bottles are a great way to keep hydrated on a walk or jog, at the gym, at the park, or even just at school or work.  Plus, it&#8217;s made with BPA-free Tritan copolyester (non-polycarbonate).  Now in cool Limited Edition styles!</p>

<p>And hey, this isn&#8217;t just some &#8220;look at this neat bottle&#8221; kind of post.  We have a review!  After the jump, that is.</p>
]]>
        <![CDATA[<p>We took these bad boys all over town with us this summer and here is our Greenthinkers take: This is a fantastic, impact-resistance and easy cleaning bottle. The wide mouth allows for easy cleaning and makes it easy to drop in big ice cubes (an underrated quality).  Plus, the flip-up valve with inside hose is leak-proof and spill-proof even when it&#8221;s left open. And the integrated handle hooks easily around your finger or clips onto your bag.  These are all pluses in our books.  Thanks Camelbak!</p>
]]>
    </content>
</entry>
<entry>
    <title>GT Blog Watch: The Honda Prius?</title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://www.greenthinkers.org/blog/2008/08/gt_blog_watch_the_honda_prius.html" />
    <link rel="service.edit" type="application/atom+xml" href="http://www.greenthinkers.org/blog-mt1/mt-atom.cgi/weblog/blog_id=1/entry_id=2063" title="GT Blog Watch: The Honda Prius?" />
    <id>tag:www.greenthinkers.org,2008:/blog//1.2063</id>
    
    <published>2008-08-15T14:47:13Z</published>
    <updated>2008-08-15T18:18:55Z</updated>
    
    <summary>We sort of forgot that we had this feature until recently when we went looking for a spot to park smaller stories that may not necessitate a full Greenthinkers post. So here we are, back with the GT Blog Watch...</summary>
    <author>
        <name>Nathan</name>
        <uri>http://www.greenthinkers.org</uri>
    </author>
            <category term="Energy" />
            <category term="Hybrid Cars" />
            <category term="Transportation" />
            <category term="Web Sites" />
    
    <content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://www.greenthinkers.org/blog/">
        <![CDATA[<p>We sort of forgot that <a href="http://www.greenthinkers.org/blog/2007/01/toyota_fths_hybrid_sports_conc.html">we had this feature</a> until recently when we went looking for a spot to park smaller stories that may not necessitate a full Greenthinkers post.  So here we are, back with the GT Blog Watch you&#8217;ve all been clamouring for.</p>

<p><a href="http://jalopnik.com/5036923/hondas-new-hybrid-cheaper-longer-and-higher-fuel-economy">New Honda Hybrid Unveiled</a></p>

<p>Who Hearts Greenthinkers?  Peacock Moon does!  Thanks to <a href="http://peacockmoon.blogspot.com/2008/08/stop-drinking-bottled-water-already.html">Peacock Moon for the re-post</a>.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.treehugger.com/files/2008/08/united-states-will-lead-world-wind-power-installation-for-third-year.php">USA!  USA!</a></p>
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    </content>
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