earth month 11
News

NSW Government Suspends Solar Bonus Scheme

Gizmodo AU

If you were thinking of installing solar panels on your roof in NSW in order to take advantage of some of the government incentives for home-based solar power, you’re all out of luck. The NSW government has suspended the Solar Bonus Scheme thanks to the rising costs associated with the popular project.

Science

Google Wants A Wind Farm Stretching Down The US East Coast

For some reason, lots of people hate wind farms – I think they’re rather pretty! – but NIMBY is a powerful, powerful force. So why not stick ‘em far in the breezy sea? Trans-Elect wants to do just that, with Google cash.

April 28, 2011
Science

Biological Viruses Might Actually Give Us Better Solar Power

No, not computer viruses – I’m talking bacteria and viruses. Boffins at MIT have discovered that a genetically modified version of the M13 virus can actually increase the efficiency of solar cells, to as much as a third greater efficiency. This means converting sunlight to electricity wouldn’t take so darn long, and perhaps even eke more electricity out of mother nature’s rays, as well.

Science

Scientists Using A Virus To Improve Solar Panel Technology

Gizmodo AU

Solar panels have been around for decades, but they haven’t changed too much in terms of efficiency. Now, scientists at MIT have discovered that by combining a modified virus with nanotechnology, they can improve solar panel efficiency by about a third.

Geek Out

These Stylish Solar Lamps Are Only 20 Bucks

Some people hate IKEA. Not me. Affordable, pseudo-stylish furniture that’s easy to build? Perfect. Like these SOLVINDEN solar table lamps that come in an array of colours, will cost you nothing in electricity and only ring you up for 20 bucks. I’m in for all four. [IKEA via BoingBoing]

Science

Legislation Proposed To Use Vehicle Vibrations To Generate Energy

One California Assemblyman is proposing legislation that would create a pilot program designed to capture those vibrations by putting piezoelectrics under roads. [PsyOrg]

Gadgets

8 Tools To Help You Grow A Nice Green Garden

Despite the images of dirt and hand tools, gardening can be an activity for gadgetheads, too. I mean, you still have to be (mostly) into dirt, the sun, and leaving the house, but don’t think you can’t throw a few fun toys into the mix – including fire, robots and LEDs. Let’s plant!

April 27, 2011
Gadgets

National E-Waste Scheme In Danger Of Failing Before It Even Begins

Gizmodo AU

There are plenty of ways of recycling unwanted mobile phones and other portable gadgets, but when it comes to ditching your old TV or computer, finding a viable recycling option can actually be nigh on impossible. And it looks like that may not change in the near future, despite attempts at creating a national e-waste recycling scheme.

Geek Out

GIZMODO At 2011 Smart Home – This Is It!

As you may have heard, Gizmodo and the Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago have partnered to curate the technology for this year’s 2011 Smart Home: Green + Wired. The yearly exhibit features guided tours of a modular, eco-friendly home built on the museum grounds and designed to highlight the bleeding-edge of domestic technology. And not only did Gizmodo distill it’s essence into the Smart Home, MSI did an incredible job of making this a home you’ll wish you lived in.

April 25, 2011
Computing

Gazelle Gets Into The Reselling Business

I’ve used e-waste recycling service Gazelle a few times now, so I’m comfortable recommended other recyclers use it as well, but today’s news isn’t about recycling – it’s about reselling.

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