Every once in awhile our elected representatives in Washington have what almost amounts to a good idea.  In this case, last January, the Democrats proposed the so-called, ‘Cash for Clunkers’ program, that would give car buyers up to $4,500 toward the purchase of a new car when they traded in a their current gas guzzler for a model that exceeds federal fuel economy standards.  However, this past week House Energy and Commerce Committee Democrats proposed a a minor change to the vehicle scrappage program; the new vehicle will no longer have to exceed federal fuel economy standards, it just has to be new (correction: it also must exceed the clunker’s mpg rating – but not necessarily exceed the federal fuel economy standard to qualify).

Watered down compromise once again.

source: reuters

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Love, upcycling stuff?  Author Sue Whitney is a visionary; a truly trashy artist.  I met Sue a year ago at a NYC flea market, and was amazed by her quick and natural ability to perceive new value in old things.

There’s a fine line between art and junk, especially when giving cast-offs and discarded items new life.  But Sue has a special knack for making the distinction. Great photography, accompanied by “how to make it” copy, make her guide to transforming junk into outdoor decor, a real treasure – and especially useful in these tough economic times. (more…)

The winds of change are sweeping Manhattan.  Purveyor of traditional four-wheeled motorcars, Potamkin Automotive, has gone high-mileage, small carbon footprint, by dedicating some valuable showroom space to Italian hipster scooter maker, Vespa and its two-wheeled cousins.

We happened by the launch event to peruse some of the handsome scooters in the Vespa (above R), and Piaggio (above L) lines.  Packed with motor heads and freewheeling types, we had the opportunity to chat with Paolo, President of Piaggo Group Americas; and Bruno, top guy at Potamkin — our new paisanos en verde.

Will the 5 cents-a-mile scooters soon be replacing gasoline-gulping cars on our Manhattan streets?  Only time will tell…Maybe the addition of some parking spaces for the two-wheeled vehicles might get the ball rolling.  Learn about the tax benefits, (available through 12.31.09), of these cool rides.

Vespa Potamkin Manhattan is located on 11th Avenue @ 55th Street. They have a new Website, too – vespapotamkin

Is excess, the antithesis of sustainability?  I do believe it is.  This hi-tech trunk commissioned from Louis Vuitton by an unknown Chinese mega-millionaire turns the concept of eco friendly upside down.  Why anyone would even conceive of this monstrosity confounds me; (I know, it’s all about the dinero). This luxury suitcase contains an assortment of gadgets and unnecessary tripe like a (more…)

• Up 29%…Global Wind Capacity Up in ’08 – reuters
• keeping it local…Brooklyn Designs May 8-10 in DUMBO, Made in Brooklyn – nytimes
• Death of the landline.  As Recession Lingers, Cell Phones Take Over – cs monitor
• speaking of cell phones…Transforming the African Brand through Sustainability – huffpo
• Cool. (video) Monster Wave Gives Up Its Secrets – bbc
• 2015 seems a long way off…Plastic Bag Industry Invests $50 Million in Recycled Content Bags – livescience
• Strange Buildings and Weird Architecture Along America’s Highways – examiner.com

Society frowns upon a canine like myself munching on the family cat, and well they should.  For many dogs the family cat is a valued member of the pack and often the only other individual who can truly understand the daily insanity pets face amidst the chaos of human family life.  That being said, I do occasionally get the urge to follow through on my primal instinct to “get the cat,” in which case this cute little stuffed toy keeps me out of the slammer.

Made of 100% boiled, renewable wool with all natural dyes, these great looking toys come (more…)

To rock or not to rock…French designer Francois Royer has expanded his collection of furniture created from recycled and abandoned industrial barrels.  Pictured above is Koman-Ilé, an industrial rocking chair with a smoked bamboo seat, and 4 rubber feet with variable gap.

See more of his industrial art @ stanker.fr

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