In the midst of the “tsunami of snow” that’s covering so much of the U.S., my mind is on the tropics.  Mostly because I’d give my left arm to be basking of the sunshine of these photos, more concerned with mosquito netting than ice scrapers.  Debating tomorrow’s activities (Zip-lining? Waterfall rappelling?) rather than tonight’s estimated snow accumulation.  Right about now Costa Rica’s Osa Peninsula is looking like Nirvana.  And at its epicenter: El Remanso Lodge, a wildlife and nature haven within a 185-acre private reserve beside the famously bio-diverse Corcovado National Park.

Void of the eco-message pushing we see on most tourism site’s these days, El Remanso’s sustainability practices seem authentic and genuine, and include a healthy round up of green endeavors like running on 100 percent renewable electricity thanks to two micro-hydroelectric plants.  In addition, the property forbids the use of any pesticides, herbicides or chemicals in its gardens; uses responsible, local building materials; and employs only local staff (as well as local providers).

Of most importance, as you might imagine, is the wildlife.  And naturalist guides will knowledgeably point out to  you the more than 400 bird species–and four Costa Rican monkeys.  The luckiest hikers will spot the rarer pumas or jagarundis…while the tamer guests stretch out in the lodge’s yoga sessions.

Ready to take a break for the snow? Check out the lodge’s Wildlife Explorer Package , which includes four nights accommodations, all transfers from San Jose, as well as a zip-line breakfast, guided hiking, night hike, horseback riding and dolphin watching at the Golfo Dulce.  Current rates run $1,350 per person and include three meals a day.

We don’t normally advocate wood burning stoves, but wood, unlike fossil fuels, is readily available to many people and it’s renewable.  The search for an eco-friendly wood burning stove has lead us to Norway’s Morsø – makers of a highly efficient line of cast iron stoves.

For wood to approach being a carbon neutral fuel source it must be burned so efficiently and completely that the amount of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere is reduced well below the amount absorbed by the tree during its lifetime – which the super-efficient Morsø 8188 (pictured above) certainly does.  Another major issue with traditional wood burning stoves is the particulate matter and soot emitted as smoke, which Morsø reduces to the absolute minimum through refined combustion technology and advanced purification systems.

The 8188 stove pumps a maximum of 35,000 btu/hr which is enough to heat a 1200 square foot room. The stove has particulate emissions of 4.4 grams/hour and it will accommodate a 12-inch log.  Units can be top or wall vented while some models, like the Model 7670 below, can even be wall mounted.

Morsø’s also keeps their manufacturing processes green – where 80% of the energy they use is renewable, including:  69-percent from wind, solar & water and 11-percent from biogas, waste and biofuel.  The company makes its stoves from 98% recycled cast iron.  Emissions approvals:  EN 13240, Norwegian Approval, EPA Approval, DIN Approval.

Many Morsø stoves qualify for up to a $1,500 US tax credit -  North American dealers.

Typically, we shy away from gossip. But not when it’s this juicy.  According to a report by Autocar UK, a certain luxury automaker is joining the EV lineup with an extended-range beauty that’s rumored to grant drivers 600 miles of pure electric oomph.

So who’s behind the big plans? Jaguar, naturally.  A latecomer to the arena of eco auto options, Jag’s purportedly been kicked into action by the threat of “zero-carbon zones in cities across the globe,” which will mandate that drivers run only on batteries.  To ensure that the elitist car company isn’t left in the dust, they’ve been toying with a full electric version of the popular XJ sedan.  Without the bulk of a typical powertrain, the XJ EV will offer surprising handling and performance, says Autocar, detailing a 145kW, 295 lb-ft electric motor powered by a lithium-ion battery pack.  Funded in part by British government’s Technology Strategy Board grants, it’s expected that the high-tech drivetrain will also be shared with Jag’s bulkier sibling, Land Rover.

Shining the green spotlight on eco smart shopping — green deals worthy of your hard earned cash.

Favorite NYC boutique, Kaight’s featuring a Snowed In online blizzard sale today & tomorrow only. 25% off 2/10-2/11. Applies to everything on the site, from already discounted items to New Arrivals! Use coupon code BLIZZARD to redeem.

So many eco chic goodies to choose from — here are a just a few tickling my fancy:

(above clockwise, from left; pre-sale prices below)

• Prairie Underground Cloak Hoodie ($200)
• Swedish Hasbeens boot in cognac ($429
• Pants to Poverty men’s brief ($20)

With cupid on the horizon and romance in the air, hot little eco skivvies are the next best thing to going au naturel.  What could a green girl want more right now than a sale at Green Cheeks?

(above, clockwise from upper L) -

• feel pretty in pink with Eberjey‘s O Girl knickers ($22.50) and Babydoll Top ($50)
• be sexy comfy with low-rise full-bottom quasi boy shorts in hemp/organic cotton blend from Sweet Skins ($16) in black, natural or mauve
• go eco luxe and local in hand crocheted organic cotton from NYC’s Eko-Lab ($85)

find more to love @ green cheeks

And check out 10 LOVEly Ideas for V-Day @ recyclebank.com

Related:  previously on altCon
warm up your Xmas with eco undies

• What’s in Your Household Cleaners? Court Battle Heats Up - msnbc
• I guess all Japanese car makers are getting ‘Americanized’…Honda Expands Airbag Recall of 379,000 More Cars – cnn
• I can hear the esteemed Senator from Oklahoma now, ‘What climate change?’ New Federal Climate Change Agency Forming – myway
• The Inuits and polar bears may be running out of ice but…GOP Senator’s Family Builds Igloo to Mock Global Warming – raw story
• Also from the genius file: How can it snow if the world’s heating up? Sen. Jim DeMint Twitters: D.C. Snow Will Continue ‘until Al Gore cries uncle’ – the hill
• The next big thing…World’s Smallest Solar-Powered Sensor Runs Almost Forever – livescience
• This could get ugly …Cat Owners ‘Cleverer’ Than Dog Owners – ananova

We thought we’d take a pictorial peek at some innovative residential solar power designs and installations from both today and yesteryear.

Yes, those Spanish tiles (above) are really solar panels from solar innovators US Tile and SRS Energy.

If you like full photovoltaic coverage and a geometric look this design (above) might be for you. (more…)

A new urban commuter concept vehicle – part EV, part bike, part car.  This single person, three-wheeled, electrically assisted, pedal cycle is designed to transport a driver and up to 75 lbs of stuff to their workplace and back.

Designer Michael Scholey’s Emcycle is the size of a big bike – 24” wide x 73” tall x 80” long.  How does it work?  Pedals power the rear wheel like a traditional bicycle through a driver operated infinitely variable constant velocity transmission.  The Emcycle is designed to possess the stability of a tricycle – two front wheels tilt to allow banking around corners and provide increased braking, and stability.

The vehicle has electric front wheel drive with variable assist up to 1000 watts.  It has an estimated top speed of 40mph and 40 mile assisted range.  The Emcycle will feature overnight plug-in home charging and regenerative braking, with separate batteries to power the drive system and ancillary equipment.  The vehicle also features ‘no air – no puncture’ foam filled tires.

The Emcycle will also feature a bunch of car-like amenities including: a fully enclosed body, 2 lockable doors, front and rear lockable luggage compartments, roll over protection, an airbag, 3 point seat belt, adjustable full seat, windshield wiper and washer, front and rear LED lights with a separate LED headlight, directionals and LED brake lights, full instrumentation and battery charge gauge, a flow through filtered ventilation system and heater, disc brakes, reverse gear and side and rear view mirrors.  And hey, it’s been crash tested up to 30mph.

The Emcycle will cost about as much as an expensive electric bike.   Estimated cost: $2000 – $4000 US (prices will can vary depending on options)

If you’d like to spiff-up your desk, check out this Gerboa Desk Caddy made from antique wood, (olde growth pine that was upcycled from floor joists from Philadelphia in the 1800s).  The image of the Gerboa is from an 1885 Victorian animal book; it’s decoupaged onto the wood’s surface.  The caddy measures 6 x 3 x 3 1/4 inches.

From the same artists’ (PegandAwl Etsy shop), I also admire these handsome candle holders which, too are handcrafted from upcycled, reclaimed olde growth pine.  This Smoke Stack is sanded and finished with 100 percent natural tung oil.  The wood block is 8 inch x 2in x 2 inch and features hand poured pure beeswax candle.