If you have a property of over a half-acre with an unobstructed view and exposure to a good amount of wind, you may be able to significantly reduce or eliminate your electric bill. The Skystream 3.7 wind turbine mounts on a 35 to 70 foot tower and can take a 20 to 90% chunk out of the residential electric bill of those with the right location.

The Skystream 3.7 can generate 400 kw a month with winds of 12 mph. It taps into the existing power company system and starts generating power at wind speeds over 8 mph. As wind speeds increase less power is taken from your power utility, if you generate more wind power than your household can consume your utility meter will actually spin backwards creating a credit.

No wiring changes to your home electrical system are necessary and federal guidelines mandate that local power companies allow your connection. Zoning by-laws usually require a permit to erect the tower. The turbine has 12-foot-long blades, can make about as much noise as an air conditioner and, though no data is in, may endanger the occasional bird.
Price: around $10k

more @ skystreamenergy.com

more @ southwestwindpower.com

I’ll be heading over to Appellation later today, hoping to find some tasty, non-toxic liquified grapes to accompany tonight’s fine repast.   This visit is prompted by Another Path to Fine Pours, from The New York Times, highlighting Appellation’s bio-dynamic selection of wines under $20.

Feel free to enlighten us on your favorite organic or bio-dynamic wine. (with special thanks to Martha for sharing this priceless moment, above.)

Would you be interested in a 2-seater, 3-wheeled, plug-in Hybrid that could go up to 100 mph, get 100 mpg, and give you wrap-around views — for about $20,000? Check out the Venture One Series, at flytheroad.com.

Let your mind wander, put on some Scandinavian electronica, like Horse Noodles, kickback in your Barcolounger beneath one of these handcrafted mobiles and dream….

Adrift Mobiles are constructed of bamboo, walnut or maple with a non-toxic finish — for interior use only.
contact adrift mobiles for more info

Renowed economisit Jeffrey Sachs has placed responsibility for slowing the advance of global warming firmly at the the feet of the United States and China.

“It’s a mistake to let either China or the U.S. think they are doing a lot,” said Sachs, former head of the U.N. Millennium Project. “We have to look at the numbers all the time, not just the direction, not the sentiment, not the announcements. We have to look at the numbers because that’s all that counts in the end.”

Stern said, however, that both the U.S. and China are doing more to cut carbon dioxide emissions than the other believes.

He said many U.S. states and cities have set target reductions for themselves, and China has imposed heavy taxes on things like sport utility vehicles and energy-intensive industries.

In a 700-page report last year, Stern said unabated climate change would eventually cost the equivalent of between 5 percent and 20 percent of global gross domestic product each year. The report challenges the U.S. government’s wait-and-see policies.

more from AP/Yahoo! News

Bambu’s line of 100% organic bamboo utensils are hand-shaped and finished, then burnished to a satiny feel that is a delight to the touch. Bamboo utensils are stronger than wood, and will not scratch even your finest cookware.

• Heat and stain resistant
• Safe to use on non-stick surfaces, does not impart or absorb flavors
• Lightweight, strong and long lasting
• Hand finished with top grade natural, food-safe wood oil

bambu products are sold at Crate & Barrel, Whole Foods, Dean & Deluca and other fine retailers.
store locator

SCRAPILE is the collaborative work of designers Bart Bettencourt and Carlos Salgado. These woodworking innovators have developed a unique method of collecting and repurposing discarded scraps of wood from New York’s woodworking industry and giving them a rebirth as fine furniture.

the SCRAPILE

retailers

The Capsule Light explores felt’s natural beauty as a material for diffusing light. Material density softens and directs light, producing relaxing atmospheres that range from the warm and relaxed to the psychedelic and fun.

Materials: The shades are made from 100% wool and are recyclable, renewable and compostable. Shades are manufactured by one of the last remaining millineries in the USA. Design requires the use of compact fluorescent light bulb.

Made in the USA from locally sourced materials. Comes in evening gray, camel and kiwi.

$75 @ mio