The “EasyJet EcoJet”: to cut CO2 emissions by 50% by 2015

EasyJet is the first airline to outline the environmental requirements that must be met by the next generation of short-haul super-clean aircraft. The aircraft would need to be 25% quieter and would emit 50% less CO2 and 75% less NOx than today’s newest aircraft (the Boeing 737 and Airbus A320 families of aircraft).

Well, it looks like easyJet has done just that, themselves, with its design of the “easyJet ecoJet”, and what such an aircraft could look like for operation by 2015. The aircraft will incorporate the latest research by airframe and engine manufacturers around the world – all of which can be incorporated into an aircraft that should be in operation by 2015. The projection for the 50% CO2 reduction is based on the findings from the latest research by the industry leaders and will come from the engines (25%), the lightweight airframe (15%) and from improvements to air traffic control technology and design (10%). (more…)

This is Reality and the Coen Brothers have teamed up by calling out the coal industry’s ridiculous claims that coal is clean!  Their latest ad is called “Air Freshener”. Please watch it now:

A lot has happened since This is Reality launched the Reality Campaign to call out the coal industry for their dirty lies. The devastating coal ash spill in Tennessee last December was a painful reminder that using “clean” to describe coal doesn’t make it true. And last week, the Environmental Protection Agency‘s decision to reconsider carbon dioxide regulation was a tremendous wake-up call to the coal industry.

Now is a crucial moment. Our message is working, and we’ve got to take this opportunity to turn up the heat. With help from folks like the Coen brothers, it’s a little easier (and funnier). Will you help spread the word, too?

Related articles by Zemanta

• Obama EPA May Regulate CO2 for the First Time Ever (treehugger.com)
• Hundreds Of Coal Ash Dumps Across US Lack Regulation (huffingtonpost.com)
• Tests Show Toxic Water Contamination After Tennessee Coal Sludge Disaster (ecofriendlymag.com)

Protect the Environment:
Report Spills and Environmental Violations

Concerned about an environmental situation within your community but don’t know where to go for answers? Well, here you go – direct from the EPA:

Where do I report a possible violation of environmental laws or regulations?

Fill out the form at epa.gov/tips. If you don’t have Internet access, call the EPA office in your area of the country (see the phone numbers below).

Many issues are handled at the local level. You may first want to try contacting your local government office for concerns about trash, litter, strange odors, recycling pickup, and household chemical disposal, including paints, pesticides, oil, antifreeze, etc. You can find information about your local government in the blue pages of your telephone book or by contacting your public library. (more…)

Taurus launches OCO Feb. 24th , 2009

NASA‘s Orbiting Carbon Observatory satellite aboard a Taurus XL launch vehicle, failed to reach orbit after its 4:55 a.m. EST liftoff Feb. 24 from California’s Vandenberg Air Force Base. As many of you know I spent many years of my career at NASA, and once NASA, always NASA, so I have seen my share of heartbreaking, tragic, disasters. In NASA terms, this launch failure is known as a ‘setback’. And that’s all it is. Or as my 15 year old nephew would say, “Ah Man, that really sucks”.

Preliminary indications are that the fairing on the Taurus XL failed to separate. Resulting in the spacecraft not having enough lift to reach orbit and likely landed in the ocean near Antarctica. The fairing is a clamshell structure that encapsulates the satellite, which shields the spacecraft during launch and atmospheric ascent. A Mishap Investigation Board is to determine the cause of the launch failure. (more…)

EPA’s Plug-In To eCycling program is challenging electronics retailers and television manufacturers to increase collection and responsible recycling of discarded TVs.

As consumers continue to upgrade technologies — transitioning from analog to digital technology and cathode ray tube (CRT) to flat panel televisions — they need more convenient and predictable opportunities to safely manage their old TVs. Recycling TVs helps to conserve natural resources and reduce energy use, greenhouse gas emissions and other pollutants related to extraction and processing of virgin materials. (more…)

Build a Solar Power Generator for Under $300

A great step by step path to removing yourself from the grid. The great thing about solar power systems is you can start out as small as you like and build up to complete grid removal as money and time permit, if that is your desire. Plus the added benefit of the hands on learning experience, which you can pass on to others. After all, it takes a village.

1. Buy yourself a small solar panel. For about $100 you should be able to get one rated at 12 volts or better (look for 16 volts) at an RV or marine supplies store.  You could always look on google for places that sell them near you. (more…)

Uber Shelter, designed by Rafael Smith while a senior at Purdue University is a modular, quickly deployable emergency shelter, primarily intended for use within refugee camps. With no previous knowledge of refugee camps, he sought the advice of doctors, policy makers, aid workers, and a Sudanese refugee he met online.
His design was a finalist at the 2008 International Design Excellence Awards for students.

The concept for a portable housing unit would help meet immediate shelter needs. The shelter unfolds into a two-story home, complete with lights, stove, porch, mosquito nets, and a small refrigerator. It can be assembled with (more…)