Sylvania was kind enough to give us a selection of their new Super Saver halogen bulbs, for first-hand testing.

We switched the CFL bulbs in a couple of lamps and lighting fixtures, replacing them with equal wattage halogen bulbs.  The results: the halogen bulbs gave off a much brighter, warmer and happy-feeling light than their CFL counterparts.  The CFL bulbs do save more energy – the SuperSaver bulbs are 33% more energy efficient than traditional incandescent bulbs, while CFLs are roughly 75% more efficient.  The Sylvania bulbs come in traditional shapes – no squiggly pigtails – and come in a wide variety of standard watts.  Other features – they’re fully dimable, instant-on and, unlike CFLs, contain no mercury.

With incandescent bulbs about to be phased out, consumers will be compelled to find energy-saving alternatives to light their homes, and — if light quality trumps energy and cost savings in your home – these new halogen bulbs provide a warm and ready solution.   Available at Menard’s, selected BJ’s and online at Sylvania’s website.

related : For CFL Haters…

Electric car buyers will soon have a new option.  EnVision Motor Company has named Gabus Automotive Distributors of Des Moines, Iowa as the sole sub-distributor of Electric Motor Cars (EMC) in thirty-three states in the USA.  EnVision Motor Company, the exclusive US distributor for the EMC line of electric vehicles, plans on selling several thousand of the 100% electric vehicles in the coming months.

Gabus will be responsible for sales, service, parts, and dealers in its 33 state region.  Electric Motor Cars currently manufactures the 100 % electric vehicles in Europe.

The EMC family of long range, highway-capable vehicles features the Electric Wagon (pictured above) which can reach highway speeds in excess of 75 mph and has a range of over 200 miles on a full charge.  The line will also include a cargo van and a pick-up truck which can all be charged via any standard 110/120 volt outlet.

French designer Benjamin Charles created his small-footprint living concept, Leav, as a prefab outdoor housing structure targeting the camping/hotel industry.

A solar thermal panel, integrated to the canvas roof, supplies hot water to the kitchen and bathroom.  To provide this tiny home more stand-alone freedom, dry toilets are situated at the back of the tent.  As Benjamin states in the description of the design, “Leave your daily lives to live under a leaf.”  Very nice indeed.

related: cool prefabs

Sad to see Brooklyn-based, Camilla Boutique, closing its doors.

From eco fashionable items for the entire family, to green accessories and ethically made home goods — receive huge discounts right now; but shop wisely — all sales are FINAL.  Enter code FREESHIPPING at check-out to receive free shipping.

via: MNN