Annika Tostengard, Author at The Green Optimistic

Roadblocks to Hydro Power Generation in Bhutan

Annika Tostengard — Sat, 12 Dec 2015 15:50:17 +0000

Bhutan is a small country, located northeast of India. While small, the country has the potential to generate a massive amount of hydro power, since it is home to mountainous terrain brimming with fast-flowing rivers. The area could generate up to 30,000 MW of power, though it is estimated that, given the limits of technology, 24,000 MW […]

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Clean Energy Won’t Need Battery for Storage, Say Stanford Scientists

Annika Tostengard — Sat, 12 Dec 2015 15:49:45 +0000

Stanford scientists recently revealed a study supporting the idea that the United States could generate all of its power using clean energy technology. Not only is it possible to run the country off electricity, battery storage will not even be necessary to compensate for the intermittency fo energy sources like wind and solar. The scientists […]

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COP21: India and France to Lead International Solar Alliance

Annika Tostengard — Thu, 10 Dec 2015 20:41:54 +0000

The COP21 UN summit on climate change, located in Paris this year, hadn’t even completed the first day of proceedings before it was announced that France and India will head an International Solar Alliance. Their goal is to provide solar access around the world. It was also revealed that nineteen emissions-heavy countries have pledged to […]

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How “Phantom Loads” Are Hurting Your Energy Bill and the Environment

Annika Tostengard — Thu, 10 Dec 2015 18:56:09 +0000

“Phantom loads” are electronics that always run, regardless of whether they are being used or not. Most people are aware of the harm that these electronics can have on the environment: inefficient electricity use greatly increases the output of the coal plants that supply power and, therefore, increases fossil fuel emissions into the atmosphere. Unplugging […]

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UAE Emerges as Leader in Clean Energy Technology

Annika Tostengard — Thu, 10 Dec 2015 18:53:00 +0000

Climate talks are happening in Paris at the moment, but many are uninterested in the proceedings. World leaders promise to commit to clean energy technology, but their programs often do not seem to cause any real change. However, Abu Dhabi and Dubai are examples of cities that have made real changes to their infrastructure, and […]

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High Schooler’s Recycling Program is a Success Three Years Later

Annika Tostengard — Wed, 09 Dec 2015 07:35:53 +0000

A high school student in Branford, Connecticut started a local recycling program during her sophomore year in high school, and three years later it is till successful. So successful, in fact, that the program paid for itself this year. The program was the first of its kind in the state of Connecticut. Etta Hanlon is now […]

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Researchers Find Alternative Way to Clean Oil Sands Wastewater

Annika Tostengard — Sat, 05 Dec 2015 07:44:08 +0000

Contaminants in wastewater left after drilling in Canadian oil sands can remain in the environment for years. It is an environmental pollutant and can also be harmful to human health. However, researchers at the University of Waterloo have come up with an alternative way to clean water left after drilling operations, and it is both […]

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Renewable Energy Targets Probably Won’t Work in India

Annika Tostengard — Thu, 03 Dec 2015 19:16:05 +0000

As with other arbitrary renewable energy targets set by world governments, it is unlikely that India will meet its goal to generate 40% of its power with renewables by the year 2030. According to Business Standard, they currently support their grid with 15% renewable energy and experts estimate the country will need an additional 300,000-350,000 MW of […]

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Japanese Consumers to Gain More Renewable Energy Options by 2020

Annika Tostengard — Tue, 01 Dec 2015 20:57:30 +0000

Tokyo has been picked as the location of the 2020 Summer Olympics, and the city hopes to showcase its commitment to renewable energy as part of the fanfare. If Tokyo’s plans move ahead on schedule, Japanese consumers will get 20% of their electricity from renewable sources including solar, hydrogen fuel cells, and hydropower. As the […]

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3 Natural Options for Keeping the House Clean

Annika Tostengard — Tue, 01 Dec 2015 20:52:22 +0000

Many chemical cleaners available on the market today are bad for the environment, and also probably bad for human health. However, the CDC also reports that 76 million US residents become sick from food-borne pathogens every year. Most of these illnesses come from the kitchen, usually the dirtiest room in the house; even bathrooms usually […]

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Even Mining Magnates Get Excited Over Wave and Tidal Power

Annika Tostengard — Tue, 01 Dec 2015 20:50:47 +0000

Swansea Bay, beach located in the southern part of Wales in the UK, will soon be the site of a six-mile sea wall complete with 16 underwater turbines. The project, started by a company called Tidal Lagoon Power, will generate enough electricity to power 155,000 homes and create 1,900 new construction job. The project will cost £1bn […]

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UK Renewable Energy Companies Given Less Access to Government

Annika Tostengard — Fri, 27 Nov 2015 17:57:22 +0000

The UK government prioritizes relationships with fossil fuel companies, rather than those that generate renewable energy, according to a new analysis by The Guardian. Ministers have held 112 meetings with executives from Shell while BP has enjoyed 79 meetings with government officials. While there were a total of 119 with renewable energy executives, they were split […]

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5 Home Preservation Methods to Get Through the Winter (Or Any Time of Year)

Annika Tostengard — Thu, 26 Nov 2015 19:14:22 +0000

Farmer’s markets are closing up for the year, and if you ended up with too much produce, here are some surprisingly simple home food preservation methods to get the most out of what local fresh produce is still available. 1. Fermentation Food that is preserved using fermentation actually does spoil, but the chemical processes produce friendly, rather […]

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A Solar Power Farm is Reviving Rwanda

Annika Tostengard — Wed, 25 Nov 2015 07:43:49 +0000

The Rwandan government is desperately searching for more energy – in 2013, they only had 1110 megawatts, according to Twaha Twagirimana, the supervisor at the new solar plant built just last year. At 8.5 megawatts, it resembles the shape of the African continent from above. In fact, the contract for the new solar field was signed […]

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New UK Waste Management Systems will Export Refuse Derived Fuel

Annika Tostengard — Tue, 24 Nov 2015 07:28:41 +0000

A county in the United Kingdom has recently approved an export plan that will send refuse derived fuel (RDF) to the Netherlands and Germany. The Environment, Development and Transport committee of Norfolk voted to award three waste contracts over the next four years, totaling £68 million. In an effort to stop the flow of trash into […]

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3 Projects Making Fundamental Changes to Agriculture

Annika Tostengard — Mon, 23 Nov 2015 05:32:59 +0000

The Sustainable Food Lab’s winter newsletter this year highlights some programs that will lead the agricultural industry in developing new sustainable systems to feed the world and make fundamental changes to the way the world grows its food: 1. Cocoa and Coffee Companies Plan for Climate Change Food companies need to understand their supply chains: […]

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Electric Cars are Saving the Earth, After All

Annika Tostengard — Mon, 23 Nov 2015 05:32:31 +0000

This summer, researchers from the National Bureau of Economic Research reported on a study they conducted which found that electric vehicles actually emit more harmful greenhouse gasses than traditional vehicles. Now, in a rebuttal, the Union of Concerned Scientists have released their annual report, known as the State of Charge report on electric cars. They […]

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Coconut Oil: An Environmental and Economic Source of Renewable Power

Annika Tostengard — Thu, 19 Nov 2015 20:52:03 +0000

Some sources of renewable power have the potential to dramatically change the economy. For instance, the solar industry is on its way to competing with fossil fuels in price, and it will change and shape the power infrastructure in the future. In the Philippines, biodiesel made from coconut oil could bolster their economy and provide […]

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Villa K Uses Natural Temperature Gradient to Reduce Energy Footprint

Annika Tostengard — Thu, 19 Nov 2015 20:49:28 +0000

The Villa K, designed by Paul de Ruiter Architects blends into its surroundings and uses very little energy. Sheathed in glass, steel and concrete, it’s built into a hillside found in Thüringen, a state in Germany. It comes complete with climate-optimization and a heat exchanger to regulate the temperature. There are solar panels located on […]

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The Value of Energy in Developing Countries

Annika Tostengard — Thu, 19 Nov 2015 20:48:44 +0000

Here at Green Optimistic, we’ve talked about biomass stoves before. While the Mayon Turbo Stove doesn’t advance the design, it demonstrates how energy value plays a large part in attracting interest in renewables. In developing countries, importing fossils fuels can be a challenge. Since it is so expensive to cook without a fire, that in turn […]

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4 Ways to Use Less Energy at Home

Annika Tostengard — Tue, 17 Nov 2015 12:56:03 +0000

The Department of Energy has several recommendations as to how homeowners can use less energy and save on their energy bills, especially during the winter when heaters are often on full blast. Homes in the United States have also grown about 30% larger since 2000 while using just 2% more energy, thanks to much-improved materials […]

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Australian Company to Ship Hydrogen to Japan as Renewable Energy Source

Annika Tostengard — Fri, 13 Nov 2015 21:44:00 +0000

Australian company Renewable Hydrogen plans to harness solar energy to make hydrogen and “bottle it and ship it to Japan on a true industrial scale”, as executive director Andrew Want told ABC. The process uses solar energy to electrolyze purified seawater, separating hydrogen from oxygen, that then gets converted to ammonia for shipping. The energy […]

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Solar Panels will Raise the Price of Your Home, Says Study

Annika Tostengard — Fri, 13 Nov 2015 05:49:25 +0000

If your house has rooftop solar panels installed, it is now officially worth more money, according to research from Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. They estimate that these homes are worth 3-6% depending on location, which ranges anywhere from $10,000 to $22,000. The Berkeley Lab collected data about the values of homes in certain regions over a […]

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Remote and Island Communities Reap the Benefits of Renewable Energy

Annika Tostengard — Thu, 12 Nov 2015 16:04:26 +0000

Islands and remote communities are in a tough position. Their infrastructure and transportation rely on oil, but their location makes ensuring a steady supply of reasonably-priced fuel a challenge. That’s why many of these communities have turned to renewable energy as the price of the technologies drop. The Rocky Mountain Institute recently released a report […]

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Foodfully – How to Reduce Food Waste with a Smartphone

Annika Tostengard — Wed, 11 Nov 2015 19:17:42 +0000

Food waste can leave a pretty big carbon footprint. The farther the food had to travel to get to your fridge, the bigger the footprint. However, the health issues surrounding healthy eating become more and more critical and adds another dimension to food management. It can feel overwhelming to navigate through a busy day, only to […]

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Leaked Emails Reveal Truth about UK’s Renewable Energy Target

Annika Tostengard — Wed, 11 Nov 2015 19:16:38 +0000

Amber Rudd, the energy secretary in the UK, revealed that she does not believe the country will be able to meet their renewable energy target, obligated by the European Union, of 15% by the year 2020. Now she is accused of misleading the public, and will probably have to answer to the Commons energy committee […]

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How 3D Printing Could Stop Rhinoceros Poaching

Annika Tostengard — Sun, 08 Nov 2015 05:19:49 +0000

Every eight years, a rhinoceros is poached. Wildlife experts worry, since, at the current rate, the animal will be extinct within a decade. The rhinoceros is primarily poached for their horn, which is used mostly in Asian countries for medicinal purposes where it is also seen as a status symbol (which is no wonder, since […]

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Carbon Emissions from China Higher than Reported

Annika Tostengard — Sun, 08 Nov 2015 05:18:44 +0000

Recent reports that China’s carbon emissions from burning coal are declining may have been premature, according to new numbers released by the Chinese government. The numbers show that China has not reduced its emissions at all and is actually burning 17% more coal than what was previously reported. The New York Times writer who first reported news of the […]

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The Future Effect of Climate Change on Life in the Middle East

Annika Tostengard — Fri, 06 Nov 2015 14:06:30 +0000

Scientists have been examining how climate change will effect southwest Asia and the results are alarming. The Middle East could quickly become inhospitable for all practical intents and purposes. Published in Nature: Climate Change, the studies examined both how the climate in southwest Asia will respond to varying levels of carbon dioxide emissions and at exactly what […]

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Cheaper Tesla Model 3 Might be Unveiled in Early 2016

Annika Tostengard — Fri, 06 Nov 2015 14:03:51 +0000

The Model 3 will retail for just $35,000 dollars, far less money than any of their previous models or their new, advanced car, the Model X. The new Tesla Model 3 should be unveiled by March of 2016. Although Tesla has been known to delay new technologies and models of their electric vehicles, production of the cheaper Model […]

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Tesla Machine Learning Software will Fix Autopilot Problems

Annika Tostengard — Thu, 05 Nov 2015 10:31:40 +0000

Tesla is using machine learning software to fix the problems it has been having with the autopilot, or self-driving, program. Even though Consumer Reports recently withdrew its support for the Model S because of reliability issues, the problems will become a memory quickly with machine learning. Using data collected from real-world driving to identify problems and explain […]

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Stellarator: The German Nuclear Fusion Machine That Could Provide Limitless Clean Power

Annika Tostengard — Wed, 04 Nov 2015 12:50:39 +0000

It took 1.1 million construction hours, but the Max Planck Institute for Plasma Physics is finally ready to turn on the world’s biggest “stellarator”, a type of nuclear fusion machine. Fusion generates an immense amount of clean power, and could potentially solve the current problems related to resource consumption and mitigate the possibility of a […]

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Tesla Plans to Build the Model 3 in China Starting 2017

Annika Tostengard — Fri, 30 Oct 2015 19:19:59 +0000

Tesla CEO Elon Musk wants to begin marketing and selling the Model S in China, but there are a lot of costs associated with exporting vehicles across the ocean. That’s why he plans to work with a Chinese manufacturer to begin building the electric cars there, instead. That will let Tesla drop the price of […]

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Nissan Wants to Build Self-Driving Vehicles by 2020

Annika Tostengard — Fri, 30 Oct 2015 06:35:54 +0000

Nissan is well on its way to actually getting self-driving vehicles on the road. Their Nissan Leaf, an electric car, is being equipped with the sensors that will make autonomous driving possible, and is set to hit the Japanese market by the end of next year. Three cars have already been upgraded with the new technology, […]

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TerraPower is Researching a New Renewable Nuclear Energy Reactor Design

Annika Tostengard — Thu, 29 Oct 2015 04:25:12 +0000

New designs for nuclear energy reactors could lead to a very sustainable, steady, and abundant source of renewable energy. One of the companies working on sophisticated ways to produce that energy is TerraPower, a company with ties to both of Microsoft’s founders. Bill Gates is also an advocate and financial supporter of the company. That’s […]

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Unsurprisingly, Media Overstates Link Between Bacon and Cancer

Annika Tostengard — Wed, 28 Oct 2015 06:41:07 +0000

Yes, the World Health Organization (WHO) now states that eating processed meat like bacon and sausage can cause cancer. However, that certainly does not mean that it is “as big a threat as cigarettes”, as one headline on the subject read. The WHO’s list of carcinogenic, or cancer-causing, substances doesn’t address the degree to which they […]

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Too Much Recycling Not Good, Surprising Research Shows

Annika Tostengard — Tue, 27 Oct 2015 03:31:39 +0000

It might sound crazy to suggest that Americans recycle too much, but that is exactly what Thomas Kinnaman, a Professor of Economics at Bucknell University found through a research study last year. His conclusions reveal exactly how much recycling benefits both the environment and society and make several useful suggestions to maximize the positive impact of your […]

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Stella Lux – The Dutch Solar-Powered Car That Produces Energy in Excess

Annika Tostengard — Fri, 23 Oct 2015 19:33:11 +0000

The Eindhoven University of Technology was the birthplace of an extraordinary new green technology. The prototype was developed two years ago by students at the university. A “family-sized” car, the Stella Lux can seat four and generates energy with 5.8 square meters of solar cells. The vehicle also has a battery that can generate 15kWh of energy. That […]

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50 kWh Bosch EV Battery will Soon Weigh Just 190 Kilograms

Annika Tostengard — Thu, 22 Oct 2015 06:54:23 +0000

German company Bosch’s current goal is to create a 50 kWh battery that weighs only 190 kilograms. Based on recent comments by a company researcher and how much money the company is funneling towards electric car battery research, Bosch is working very hard to achieve their goal. They predict that 15% of all cars sold […]

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Neighborhood Electric Vehicles Take US by Storm

Annika Tostengard — Wed, 21 Oct 2015 15:58:45 +0000

While electric vehicles like the Tesla Model S get all the hype, a lot of people just want something simple to get them around town. They don’t need all the performance and extra features provided by Tesla Motors, and they just want something they can use to run errands fuel-free. Even smaller and cheaper than […]

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Green Car of the Year Won’t Go to a Diesel Model This Year

Annika Tostengard — Wed, 21 Oct 2015 15:58:00 +0000

Every year, Green Car Journal picks the most environmentally-friendly vehicle from the past year and awards them the title of “Green Car of the Year”. The group considers the car industry as a whole to determine which model should get the lauded title. While Volkswagen’s diesel models have twice won the award in the past, but this […]

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Electric Volvo Available by 2019!

Annika Tostengard — Tue, 20 Oct 2015 05:39:43 +0000

High-end carmaker Volvo has just announced in a press release that they plan to have a line of fully electric vehicles ready on the market by 2019. They plan to make a variety of their existing models compatible with plug-in hybrid technology, promising eco-friendly options across the company’s entire range. They expect electric vehicles to […]

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Big Oil and Gas Companies Will be Struggling in Years to Come

Annika Tostengard — Tue, 20 Oct 2015 05:38:10 +0000

As oil prices drop, the biggest oil and gas companies may be the ones that suffer the most. While smaller companies may find it easier to start and stop work as the market fluctuates, the largest companies will likely have a difficulty adjusting. In addition, companies are also cutting their exploration budgets, which will significantly […]

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Jay Leno’s Awkward Phone Call with Tesla CEO Elon Musk

Annika Tostengard — Sat, 17 Oct 2015 15:55:14 +0000

Everyone is impressed with the Tesla, even former late night TV host Jay Leno. That’s lucky since he could have been scared off the subject entirely by one awkward phone call. On his CNBC show, Jay Leno’s Garage, he tells the story of a time he accidentally called Elon Musk in the middle of the night, […]

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The 10 Greenest Cities in the US

Annika Tostengard — Sat, 17 Oct 2015 15:54:47 +0000

Appearance isn’t everything. The current concept of a green lifestyle has more to do with the products you buy than actual fossil fuel output. Of course, it’s impossible to calculate all your neighbors’ carbon footprints (and you would get the police called on you), but there’s no denying that a lot of people who are […]

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Apis Cor 3D Printer Can Build House, Only Uses 8kW of Energy

Annika Tostengard — Thu, 15 Oct 2015 05:46:45 +0000

3D printing is taking off in a big way, and will soon be the foundation of manufacturing, medicine and home repair. One industry that will be changed by this innovative new technology is construction. Soon houses will be built by 3D printers instead of laborers and the Apis Cor is the most advanced of its kind yet, demonstrating […]

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Seghal Foundation’s Innovative Recharge Well will Help Developing Countries

Annika Tostengard — Thu, 15 Oct 2015 05:39:06 +0000

In rural India, access to clean drinking water is hard to come by. The country is the second most populated in the world, so that leaves a lot of people without fresh water. Especially since the population will only continue to grow, it’s important to fulfill this basic need. Luckily, the Sehgal Foundation has come up […]

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Quant F – Flow Cell Sports Car on Display at Geneva Motor Show

Annika Tostengard — Tue, 13 Oct 2015 16:58:46 +0000

This year at the Geneva Motor Show, an exciting new technological wonder was on display: a sports car that runs off “flow cell” technology. The Quant F, as it’s called, from carmaker Nunzio La Vecchia, gets 746 kW (1,000 hp) of energy and can travel 500 m (805 km). The sports car was actually around […]

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NexusHaus Carbon Neutral Houses to be Built in Austin, TX

Annika Tostengard — Tue, 13 Oct 2015 04:43:10 +0000

The city of Austin, TX welcomes 100 new citizens every single day. That has caused a significant increase in the resources needed to keep the city running, so the Austin Community Desing & Development Center’s Alley Flat Initiative has been hard at work to design a carbon neutral house to alleviate some of the energy […]

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Anyone can Build this DIY Cheap Solar Energy Concentrator

Annika Tostengard — Tue, 13 Oct 2015 04:42:00 +0000

If you’re looking for a cost-effective way to get some DIY solar energy right now, we may have just the solution for you. Go.Sol, a company dedicated to spreading cheap, sustainable solar energy throughout the world, has released a design for a solar concentrator that can be built for just $79-$145. Called the Sol1, it […]

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Elon Musk Reveals How Difficult It Is to Build Tesla Model X

Annika Tostengard — Mon, 12 Oct 2015 05:25:18 +0000

The Model X launched in the San Francisco Bay Area and was a huge success. Although the event celebrated the green tech company’s accomplishments, CEO Elon Musk also took the opportunity to explain just how much of a pain the Model X was to build. The vehicle is complicated and insanely high-tech, to the point that Musk […]

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Dutch University Discovers How to Reduce Platinum Use in Fuel Cells

Annika Tostengard — Mon, 12 Oct 2015 05:21:58 +0000

Researchers from Tufts University have discovered a way to make fuel cells cheaper by using less platinum. Platinum is used as a catalyst in fuel cells, inducing the chemical reactions that make green technology like electric vehicle batteries work. Platinum, however, is extremely scarce and so using it in any technologies generally prohibits them from being very […]

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Hydrogen Fuel Cars Focus of Department of Energy Grant

Annika Tostengard — Sat, 10 Oct 2015 19:24:07 +0000

One of the major factors holding back hydrogen cars up until now has been storage. There is currently no economical way to store the gas onboard a vehicle. However, the Lawrence Livermore Nationa Laboratory aims to solve this problem as part of a tri-lab consortium working on new materials and tools to make hydrogen fuel […]

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Renewable Energy Investments Go Down with Oil Prices

Annika Tostengard — Fri, 09 Oct 2015 20:15:43 +0000

How does this make sense? With oil prices dropping, renewable energy investments should increase. Unfortunately, reality is not lining up with expectations. Investors are dropping green energy investments quickly, after a promising start in 2015. During the first half of the year, renewable energy production and installation costs dropped dramatically as capacity grew. So how […]

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Clean Energy Sources Will Provide 26% Electricity by 2020

Annika Tostengard — Fri, 09 Oct 2015 04:47:12 +0000

Despite the push for clean energy sources over the past couple years, it is still easy to get discouraged by climate change. There is still so much we have to do and it still seems so far away. We all know that a couple of wind farms or solar panels aren’t going to do much good. However, […]

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Even Porsche Cayenne Can’t Beat Tesla’s 0-60 Accleration

Annika Tostengard — Thu, 08 Oct 2015 20:09:49 +0000

Even though Porsche is synonymous with sports cars, Tesla’s Model X outperforms the Cayenne Turbo in nearly every way. The Model X is cheaper, too. In Ludicrous Mode, 0-60 takes just 3.2 seconds, while in a Cayenne Turbo that same acceleration will take 3.8 seconds. It’s easy to forget just well great Tesla’s vehicles perform when […]

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Elon Musk on Nuking Mars, Greenhouse Effect and CO2

Annika Tostengard — Wed, 07 Oct 2015 17:18:35 +0000

Right now on Earth, the greenhouse effect is seen as a bad thing, but it’s easy to see why it’s important when looking at Mars. The red planet has no atmosphere and is therefore too cold for humans to inhabit anytime soon. This is partly because there is no greenhouse effect. It’s important to trap at […]

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7 New Sustainable Designs from London Design Festival

Annika Tostengard — Tue, 06 Oct 2015 18:15:46 +0000

The latest, most innovative designs were on display at the recent London Design Festival. The SustainRCA exhibition featured several advances in materials and devices that will soon be changing the world into a better place from some of the most creative students at the Royal College of Art. Check out some of the most sustainable designs below below: […]

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Food Companies Demand Climate Agreement from Congress

Annika Tostengard — Mon, 05 Oct 2015 04:34:03 +0000

Ten global food companies urged both the United States and world leaders to design an international agreement to address climate change in a joint letter. Released on October 1, the letter was coordinated by Ceres and signed by the CEOs of ten major companies including Nestlé and General Mills. Mindy Lubber, president of Ceres, expressed […]

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Efficient Shower Head Uses 70% Less Water, Feels Just as Good

Annika Tostengard — Mon, 05 Oct 2015 04:32:31 +0000

e-Shower is an Australian company that has developed a new, more efficient shower head. While there are many low-flow shower heads available on the market, none of them feel quite as good as traditional shower heads. The e-Shower head feels great and saves 70% of water and cuts back on the energy needed to heat […]

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Most Efficient Rooftop Solar Power Panels Revealed by SolarCity

Annika Tostengard — Sat, 03 Oct 2015 02:23:39 +0000

The newest solar panel made by SolarCity is the most efficient rooftop solar panel ever made, according to the company. During third-party testing, the panel was able to produce solar power with 22.04% efficiency. The new models are even the same size as those currently available today, but can generate 30-40% more electricity. Right now, […]

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US Government Should Have Supported Wind Industry, Say Scientists

Annika Tostengard — Fri, 02 Oct 2015 16:41:55 +0000

Scientists from the University of Delaware have concluded that a vibrant, large offshore wind industry is even farther from reality than it was a decade ago. In part, this is because the United States’ federal government has not made alternative energy a priority. The researchers say that through the offshore wind leasing program, the focus […]

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In Brazil, Climate Change Mitigation Will Help Economy

Annika Tostengard — Thu, 01 Oct 2015 18:37:55 +0000

The Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff pledged to hit specific emissions targets to the United Nations. Brazil is seventh on the list of the list of countries that contribute the to climate change, and they are the seventh-largest economy in the world. However, a stronger market for renewable energy will also have positive effects on Brazil’s […]

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“Rectenna” Device Turns Light into Electricity in a Different Way

Annika Tostengard — Wed, 30 Sep 2015 06:23:52 +0000

Scientists at Georgia Tech have found a way to turn light directly into electricity with a device called an optical “rectenna”. The breakthrough’s goofy name comes from the fact that it is made of both an antenna and a rectifier diode. The technology is simple, efficient, and has the potential to completely change the way […]

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Smart Floating Farms Could Revolutionize Food Production

Annika Tostengard — Wed, 30 Sep 2015 06:22:04 +0000

To fight the impending food crisis, an architecture company in Barcelona has come up with a design for a floating farm. As the global population rises and both land and water become scarce, sustainable farming will become even more difficult than it is now. Smart Floating Farms, as they are called, could revolutionize food production. […]

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Shell Abandons Arctic Oil Drilling

Annika Tostengard — Wed, 30 Sep 2015 06:20:28 +0000

Royal Dutch Shell is giving up Arctic oil drilling, for now. After spending $7 billion on the search and fighting for the right to drill in the waters off Alaskan shores, the company simply could not find enough oil to make the project financially advantageous. Environmental groups in Alaska are ecstatic over the news, after […]

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Soon, Supercharger Network Not Just for Teslas Anymore

Annika Tostengard — Tue, 29 Sep 2015 10:31:13 +0000

Tesla wants electric vehicles to change transportation. To accomplish that goal, the company needs other electric vehicles, not just Teslas, to be able to use their Supercharger network. The biggest obstacle for many consumers when deciding whether or not to purchase an electric car are the limitations imposed by the distance each charge can travel. Tesla […]

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What Refugee Crisis and Climate Change Have in Common

Annika Tostengard — Sat, 26 Sep 2015 07:06:13 +0000

Elon Musk has been busy. He was recently interviewed for Danish television about the range of Model S batteries, and on Thursday of this week warned of the consequences of climate change while speaking at a business seminar in Berlin organized by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy. Musk drew attention to the […]

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Community Organizations Lead in Divestment from Fossil Fuels

Annika Tostengard — Fri, 25 Sep 2015 07:16:49 +0000

Several celebrities, schools, and state governments have pledged to pull their investments from fossil fuel companies. Reversing funding for these oil and coal companies is called ‘fossil fuel divestment’, and it’s a movement that started on college campuses. Because of their diligent work, trillions of dollars will be taken back from these purveyors of dirty […]

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Tesla Gigafactory to Drop Battery Prices 70%

Annika Tostengard — Thu, 24 Sep 2015 17:39:54 +0000

According to Jeffries analyst Dan Dolev, the Tesla Gigafactory will drop the cost of battery packs by 70%. The factory’s improved chemistry, economies of scale, and supply chain optimization are the major factors that contribute to the cost drop. Jeffries increased the price target for Tesla stock to $365 a share. The Tesla Gigafactory, built specifically […]

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Maryland Researchers Found New Biofuel-Producing Bacteria

Annika Tostengard — Tue, 22 Sep 2015 20:12:54 +0000

A new paper, about to be published in the Journal of Theoretical Biology, describes how researchers have found certain strains of bacteria that can produce mass amounts of biofuel. Manufacturing and agriculture could use their biological waste as a source of cleaner, more sustainable energy. The scientists identified bacteria that can produce ethanol and 1-butanol, […]

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World’s First Hyperloop to be Built in Spain (not US)

Annika Tostengard — Mon, 21 Sep 2015 19:08:47 +0000

Elon Musk will shape the future of transportation even if Tesla loses its place as the king of electric cars. One of his best ideas, the Hyperloop, is a capsule that travels at incredibly high speeds through a tube. Reaching 800 mph, or 1,200 km/h, the Hyperloop could take a passenger from Madrid to Barcelona in just thirty minutes. […]

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Lies Over Volkswagen Diesel Car Pollution May Put Execs in Prison

Annika Tostengard — Mon, 21 Sep 2015 18:01:20 +0000

Volkswagen executives may end up in prison, as the company has admitted that they lied about the pollutants emitted by their diesel car to make it seem more environmentally-friendly. Diesel cars are becoming popular in the US, since they get much better gas mileage, and more than a quarter of the car maker’s sales in […]

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4 Battery Chemistries that Could Change Electric Vehicles

Annika Tostengard — Fri, 18 Sep 2015 20:40:07 +0000

Right now, lithium-ion technology is king when it comes to electric vehicle batteries, but scientists are hard at work to find something even better. In a matter of decades, new battery technology for cleanly-fueled cars will drop prices and increase efficiency more than lithium-ion technology could ever accomplish. In the future, look forward to letting these get […]

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San Francisco Parklets: Tiny Parks Replace Parking Lots

Annika Tostengard — Fri, 18 Sep 2015 04:56:59 +0000

San Francisco has a reputation as an eco-friendly system, and their parklets program demonstrates their commitment to green living. For the last five years, the city’s business owners have been busy turning ugly parking lots into gorgeous, tiny parks. Some are just a few plants, while some have places to sit down and relax, but […]

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New Electric Vehicles from Porsche and Audi

Annika Tostengard — Thu, 17 Sep 2015 16:40:22 +0000

Car manufacturers Porsche and Audi have both unveiled new luxury electric vehicle concepts, though it will be several years before either is available on the market. Porsche’s concept car was seen at the Frankfurt auto show, and resembles a “futuristic” Porsche 911. Called the Mission E, the four-door can drive 310 miles from a full […]

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China’s Pollution Problem Got Better in 2015

Annika Tostengard — Thu, 17 Sep 2015 16:39:44 +0000

During the first half of 2015, the levels of two major air pollutants in China fell as the country worked to protect the environment despite their economy’s reliance on manufacturing. Sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide both greatly contribute to the pollution problem, and both can cause acid rain. The government has been issuing large fines […]

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How Solar Power Benefits Low-Income Communities

Annika Tostengard — Thu, 17 Sep 2015 06:52:30 +0000

The obvious environmental benefits of solar power may soon improve community health as well. California will allocate $100 million dollars every year to install rooftop solar panels on low-income communities if the governor approves new legislation. Residential photovoltaics (PV) are still expensive to install, despite down-the-road savings on utility bills, but the new program will save money for […]

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Solar Refrigerators Use Salt to Store Energy During Off Hours

Annika Tostengard — Wed, 16 Sep 2015 04:47:56 +0000

Solar-powered refrigerators will go completely off the grid if a certain team of Australian researchers has anything to do with it. They have recently won the Australian Museum’s Eureka Prizes for their breakthrough with a salt-based material that can store energy. Glaciem Cooling Technologies is working on commercializing the idea, so the system may be available […]

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How El Niño is Hiding the Effects of Climate Change

Annika Tostengard — Tue, 15 Sep 2015 05:42:01 +0000

Weather patterns are endlessly complicated, a fact that stands in the way of climate change awareness. Year after year, despite all the mounting evidence and expert testimony, people are still reluctant to take responsibility for their role in the global ecosystem. For many, the moment it snows, any notion of global “warming” gets dismissed. There may […]

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Is Antarctica Melting? Yes, but It (Probably) Won’t Disappear

Annika Tostengard — Mon, 14 Sep 2015 19:47:01 +0000

Is Antarctica melting? Yes, and in fact, it is melting at a higher rate than other masses of ice around the world. Antarctica has been around for fifteen million years, but if humans do not stop burning fossil fuels, the continent could disappear for good. If all the fossil fuels stored within the Earth are burned, […]

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Climate Change Creates New Problems for Bees

Annika Tostengard — Fri, 11 Sep 2015 19:23:59 +0000

Bees have faced a number of environmental problems over the last several years, starting with the mysterious colony collapse disorder. Now pollution from climate change will further add to this important insects’ problems, as ground-level ozone makes flowers’ scent molecules degrade more quickly. Humanity relies on bee activity to a staggering extent, so this problem […]

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Electric Vehicle Chargers Coming to all Russian Gas Stations

Annika Tostengard — Fri, 11 Sep 2015 18:57:19 +0000

Russian Prime Minister Dimitry Medvedev signed an order requiring that all the country’s fueling stations include chargers for electric vehicles. According to The Moscow Times, the chargers will need to be installed by November of 2016. The country hopes to incentivize Russian citizens to buy electric vehicles, since only approximately 500 people in the country have […]

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Carbon Nanotubes-Based EV Batteries Don’t Heat Up, Last Longer

Annika Tostengard — Fri, 11 Sep 2015 18:13:52 +0000

Researchers in Germany have found a way to use carbon nanotubes to heat cars in cold weather, meaning that electric vehicle batteries won’t be responsible for providing that extra energy. That means more miles driven before charging and since the nanotubes can change temperature immediately, drivers won’t need to wait for their cars to heat up […]

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Marine Plants Freeze Clouds and Effect Atmospheric Temperature

Annika Tostengard — Thu, 10 Sep 2015 18:34:31 +0000

In order to stop the global temperature from rising, scientists need to understand all the factors that influence the greenhouse effect. Researchers at the University of Leeds in the UK have discovered that tiny marine plants directly influence the formation of clouds, and if those clouds will have an insulating effect on the atmosphere or if […]

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$17 Trillion Could Be Saved by Reducing Fossil Fuel Emissions

Annika Tostengard — Thu, 10 Sep 2015 18:33:32 +0000

New Climate Economy has released a report finding that if cities cut their fossil fuel emissions, together they could save a grand total of $17 trillion by the year 2050. The report even indicates that $17tn is a low estimate, and that the true cost savings could be a lot higher. Cities need to concentrate on […]

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Why Home Energy Efficiency Isn’t Selling

Annika Tostengard — Wed, 09 Sep 2015 18:31:12 +0000

Utility companies are not selling products that improve home energy efficiency like they should. Even though there are specific programs to achieve that goal, customers have been relatively few and far between. Customer-funded programs are run by utility companies to encourage homeowners to buy products that are energy efficient. They charge each customer a small […]

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Top 5 Best Electric Vehicles for Sale

Annika Tostengard — Mon, 07 Sep 2015 18:37:13 +0000

They used to be a luxury toy of the incredibly wealthy, but electric vehicles are now more affordable and efficient than ever. Charging stations are going up everywhere, making electric vehicles more feasible for long-distance travelers. Now that there are so many options, find the right one for you from list of the 5 best electric […]

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Pollution Clears to Reveal a Beautiful Beijing

Annika Tostengard — Mon, 07 Sep 2015 17:34:12 +0000

Known for its ever-present dark cloud of pollution, Beijing got a rare glimpse of blue skies. The city temporarily banned five million cars from travelling the roads, and the results were beautiful. For residents of Beijing, checking the air quality index is just another part of the day. Usually, they find that the air they breathe […]

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New German Kite Technology Traps Wind Power

Annika Tostengard — Fri, 04 Sep 2015 19:16:57 +0000

The earth’s winds get faster the higher they are above the surface, and in Germany, they are hoping to capitalize on that fact to generate tons of wind power. The new technology may come in different forms, from airplanes to helium ballon-rings, but many German researchers are looking at kites as a way to increase the […]

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8 Ways to Keep Vegetables and Fruit Fresh

Annika Tostengard — Fri, 04 Sep 2015 19:16:12 +0000

Wasting food is bad for the budget and the environment. Here are a few ways to keep your food fresh longer so that you can avoid throwing it away later. 1. Wrap Greens in Tinfoil For crispy vegetables such as lettuce, broccoli, or celery, wrapping them in tinfoil will keep the crunch for longer. Broccoli […]

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Global Temperature will Increase Despite Mitigation Plans, Say Researchers

Annika Tostengard — Fri, 04 Sep 2015 06:52:04 +0000

Even though many countries around the world have established plan to reduce their emissions, scientists report that the global temperature will still increase. Researchers consider 2°C as a dangerous tipping point, and once it is reached, the effects of climate change will be extremely difficult to stop. The report comes from the Climate Action Tracker (CAT), a […]

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3 Indirect Ways Sustainable Food Makes the World Better

Annika Tostengard — Thu, 03 Sep 2015 05:22:44 +0000

Everyone knows that sustainable foods are better for the environment and that the lack of pesticides and antibiotics make them a safer choice for humans, too. However, buying from sustainable farms has invisible, indirect benefits on entire communities of people. Here are 3 non-obvious reasons to support sustainable farms: 1. It Helps Small Businesses Factory farms […]

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Solar Panel Windows Available in 4 Years

Annika Tostengard — Thu, 03 Sep 2015 05:21:48 +0000

Solar power will soon be more convenient that ever. SolarWindow Technologies has developed solar panels that can generate 50 times more energy than the current panels being used today. Greater electricity generation will help residential and commercial enthusiasts get a return on investment much more quickly. Unlike many technological advances, which promise exciting innovations decades down […]

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Do the Benefits of Nuclear Power Outweigh the Dangers?

Annika Tostengard — Wed, 02 Sep 2015 18:59:45 +0000

Obama’s Clean Power Plan may actually be undermined if nuclear power plants are shut down. This news comes from a report by to Third Way, a non-partisan think tank located in Washington, DC. The goal of the the administration’s plan is to cut 32% of fossil fuel emissions by 2035, but the report concludes that without the […]

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Solar and Wind Don’t Need Subsidies, Says US Energy Secretary

Annika Tostengard — Tue, 01 Sep 2015 20:21:00 +0000

The Energy Secretary for the United States, Ernest Moniz, thinks that the costs of producing solar and wind energy have fallen so low that they would be competitive with oil and gas even without the subsidies they currently receive from the government. Moniz, who was trained as a nuclear physicist, explained to reporters that while the […]

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New Charging Station Map Displays Tesla’s Success

Annika Tostengard — Tue, 01 Sep 2015 20:20:25 +0000

Visionary Elon Musk has reached a big goal in his long-term plan to power the world with electricity instead of fossil fuels. There are now 500 Tesla Supercharger Stations around the world, amounting to 2,800 individual Superchargers. It was only three years ago that there was not a single charging station to be found, but […]

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Wind-Turbine Farms Less Efficient the Larger they Are

Annika Tostengard — Tue, 01 Sep 2015 20:19:56 +0000

Wind energy is quickly growing in popularity, and turbines are now a common sight for many driving through the countryside. Energy collected from wind contributes to electricity generation more and more every year, and now accounts for a solid 2-3% of global electricity. New research, however, shows that wind-turbine farms become less efficient as they grow […]

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How to Create Water with Solar Power

Annika Tostengard — Tue, 01 Sep 2015 17:09:00 +0000

Water shortages are quickly becoming a serious threat. In fact, the World Resources Institute reports that over 30 countries will likely have trouble meeting their population’s water needs by just 2040. Luckily, researchers are thinking hard about how to create water; some projects may also help modern life become more sustainable. Solar experimenter Ap Verheggen’s new […]

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Oceanic Temperature Difference to Power 120 Hawaiian Homes in 2015

Annika Tostengard — Mon, 31 Aug 2015 09:41:00 +0000

A small power plant that can convert the temperature difference between deep ocean and surface ocean waters into electricity was unveiled in Hawaii last week, the first of its kind to be connected to the grid. Even though ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC) has been researched for decades, it has not yet been demonstrated to be […]

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