Designer Yuri Fujimura’s ver2 electric bike concept features an ultra-slim profile and a Lithium-ion battery.  The ver2′s skinny frame could make the challenge of bike storage in the crowded urban environment an easier proposition.  The bike’s narrow, boxy body, could also be used to store gadgets, iPods and small devices that could charge via the on-board battery.

Now the question has arisen – what happens to a rider who happens to encounter even the slightest breeze while out on the road?  Perhaps some holes in the bike’s body might help reduce wind resistance.  Now about that seat, which looks about as comfy as riding on a credit card – perhaps a little more cushion?  Back to the drawing board?

source: dvice

• The lithium-air battery…Significant Step Toward Lightweight Batteries – sciencedaily
• Australia Rushes to Contain Barrier Reef Oil Spill – yahoo! news
• Does economic survival need to come at the expense of the environment? Calif. Climate Law Under Assault in Poor Economy – msnbc
• The pursuit of a snappy title…or, this is a good looking isopod…’Terrifying Sea Beast’ Hauled Up – natgeo
• We have the same problem…Non-Native Animals Cause Rural Problems – bbc
• NYC Study: 50 Native Plants Disappearing – myway

MobileHome harkens back to a time when kids actually played with toys.  This eco dollhouse offers an organic play alternative to today’s pervasive electronic games and video-based baby sitting products.

This portable, green playhouse can go wherever your youngster goes.  And it’s easy to put together, carry around and store.  MobileHome features 8 rooms, stair openings, an attic and several spyholes.  Plenty of room for princesses, critters, toy soldiers and other little friends.

material: recycled cardboard (completely biodegradable)

find it @ matteriashop

Transportable, sustainable, equipped with solar, wind power systems and featuring a green roof and side panels – there’s a lot going on with this conceptual living space.   ECObitat, a prefab structure, envisioned and designed by Felipe Campolina, won second prize at the “Something Green Challenge“.

It’s based on a modular system that can be scaled and expanded on – creating flexible living, or office areas, for multipurpose use.  The modules can be progressively coupled together and expanded and are designed for ease of transport.

The modular and repetitious form allows maximum efficiency, and economies of scale in manufacturing.  When transported to its new home, legs telescope out from the base of the structure optimizing adaptability to varying topographies and creating minimal site disruption.

This exclusive AltCon deal of the day is good for the next six months. Don’t be (April) fooled by some so-called “natural” skincare brands – not all products are truly “natural” and good for you.  Some may contain chemicals and preservatives which accumulate in your cells over time and can do tremendous harm.

But we’ve unearthed a brand that’s earth and body-friendly — madefromearth.com.  And here’s why we love it:

• 100% of ingredients / plants (organic juices, aloe vera, natural botanicals, and natural plant oils) are from USA based, certified organic farms.
• Jojoba and other plants are used as preservatives — no toxic parabens!
• These hair, face and body care products do not contain: synthetic coloring agents or fragrances, paraffin or other petroleum-based products.
• There’s no diluting or watering down of organic plant ingredients.
• They’re cruelty free and vegan
• They’ve received the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics stamp of approval

Receive a nice little perk — purchase any product and keep those lips moisturized this summer with a FREE lip balm. Enter our exclusive code:  Altcon — and receive a deliciously healthy Citrus Lip Balm with any order.  Please Note:  you do not need to add the lip balm to your cart, it will automatically be included with your order if you use the AltCon code at checkout.

• US and Canada Crack Down on Vehicle Emissions – reuters
• But you’ll pay less for fuel and save on health costs via cleaner air…New Mileage Rules May Boost Prices of Vehicles – msnbc
• The largest in the world…clue: it’s in the Indian Ocean…UK Sets Up Chagos Islands Marine Reserve – bbc
• Sometimes what’s right for the planet trumps economic concerns…EPA Crackdown on Mountaintop Mining – msnbc
• Does a dog really need a $20K house? In the Luxury Dog House – ananova
• Proteins in Unroasted Coffee Beans May Become Next-Generation Insecticides – sciencedaily

Until now, Hyundai hasn’t offered a hybrid to American consumers, so the company is surely hoping the all-new 2011 Sonata will make a splash in the eco-drive marketplace. The vehicle was unveiled at this week’s auto show in New York, featuring Hyundai’s “Hybrid Blue Drive” system, which is a full parallel hybrid configuration and the first to use lithium polymer batteries, which are reportedly more durable and space-efficient than their counterparts. It’s mated to a six-speed transmission for optimum fuel efficiency.

In addition to its sporty-as-a-sedan good looks, the car garners the type of highway fuel economy that Hyundai is known for, having an average fleet fuel economy of more than (more…)

Are you both a plant lover and a plant killer; or, perhaps you just want to pursue a simpler, smaller footprint existence?  Maybe you just like the idea of integrating living things into your studio apartment but hate dirt.

Well here’s an alternative – little air plants in clear containers.  These little guys need only a minimal spritz of H2O or watering.  Ranging in price from $1.75 to $17.50 with custom collections and larger subscriptions available.  Check out the TortoiseLovesDonkey shop on Etsy for more details.

via: anythingindie

Leave it to the Japanese to create a gadget that can convert my old mixed tapes of Generation X, The Buzzcocks and the Psychedelic Furs into a digital format.  This toaster-like box from Novac converts old, crusty, analog cassette tapes into digital MP3, WAV or WMA files.

So now you can keep those old tapes out of the landfill while reliving your golden past — when music was actually played by musicians.  The converter will run you around $125 and ships from Japan (not cheap), but what price can you put on memories…or that mix tape of love songs by the Thompson Twins and OMD you slapped together in 1983.  Easy to use – this baby also features a USB port, an integrated speaker and operating instructions in Japanese.

via: ubergizmo