A recent study commissioned by the Massachusetts Renewable Energy Trust found that the electricity output from the 21 small wind turbines in the state was only about one-third of the manufacturers’ estimates.  The results seemed to agree with those of the U.K.’s Warwick Wind Trials which found that urban microwind performance varied widely depending on wind conditions, siting and height of the installation.

Basic conclusions are that optimal electricity production occurs when the turbine is mounted at least 30 to 40′ above the nearest obstruction, in an open, flat space, with steady winds at, or above, 10mph.  Roof mounted systems often suffered from associated vibrations and noise.  The Warwick study found that turbines mounted on high rise (more…)

• Thrift Fashions on the Money During Recession – cnn
• How about no ATVs?  Electric ATVs?  Organic Farmers Seen as Buyers – msnbc
• Is this just to appease the corn lobby?  Companies Study U.S. Ethanol Pipeline – reuters
• I’m glad they’re using this tech to solve big issues…‘Star Wars’ Laser Kills Mosquitoes – livescience
• Electric Cars Around the Corner – cs monitor
• Researchers Find Pint-Sized Meat-Eating Dinosaur – myway

There’s plenty of green going around today, especially in NYC.  After going for a nice jaunt down Fifth Avenue, duck into a fine Irish dining establishment and wet your whistle.  Or pickup some Irish soda bread, prepare a delicious Irish stew, grab an organic brew, a DVD of The Commitments or find The Quiet Man on the tube, and join all the Irish eyes smiling today. Erin go bragh.

Related:  previously on altCon – happy st pat’s tie on a green one

A recent study by Carnegie Mellon University finds that shopping online instead of going to a retail store cuts carbon emissions. The research performed by the university’s Green Design Institute, found that shopping online via Buy.com uses 35 percent less energy and carbon dioxide emissions than making a traditional trip to the mall for the same item.  Shoppers consume the most energy and (more…)