Leave it to a Swiss company to design an electric bike that folds up like a Swiss Army knife. Voltitude is marketed as “the world’s quickest and easiest folding bike system.” This zero-emissions, pedalec (pedal assist) unfolds in exactly one second and features a latest generation motor and battery module. The bike has wider tires for urban biking, a range of 20 to 40 kms (25 miles) and a top speed of around 16mph (you can go faster by providing extra pedal power or by going downhill).

The bike’s battery can be charged right on the bike or removed for charging in circumstances where taking the entire bike inside is impractical. Voltitude weighs about 48 lbs and folds up into a compact package that can be stored in a closet, locker, or the back of your Cooper. Currently available in small numbers in Switzerland – an international online store is coming soon.

via: beautiful life

Tip # 5: Use the dishwasher instead of hand-washing dishes.

Yes, it’s counter-intuitive, but you actually use more water and energy doing those dishes by hand.

Just make sure the dishwasher is full, (best if you have an Energy-Star-approved dishwasher), and of course use environmentally-responsible detergent:)

What’s your fav automatic dishwasher detergent? I’m loving GrabGreen these days.

Brooklyn’s Uhuru Design builds sustainable, functional furniture the old fashioned way – by hand. The company utilizes reclaimed, recycled and reused wood and materials in much of their work.

The Tocador vanity (above) is the shotgun wedding of a recycled cast-iron treadle sewing machine base – a nod to NYC’s  “sweatshop” past – plus a plush and polished cabinet that epitomizes luxury and leisure. The cabinet’s interior is created from reconstituted macassar ebony and features low voltage interior lights and detailed custom milled brass hardware. Available in custom sizes and finishes. Hand built to order.

related:  reclaimed timber – Uhuru’s mason stool

Happy to say, we have a new intern program associated with University of Colorado at Boulder. Welcome to our newest contributor, Connor Neary, who’ll be graduating in May 2012 with a Bachelors Degree in Environmental Sciences.

While most tents allow you to escape the technology found in civilization, the Orange Solar Concept Tent designed by Orange UK and the product design consultancy, Kaleidescope, would allow you to take your geeky creature comforts with you into the wild. The tent sports three slick solar panels on the roof, which can be rotated to collect the most possible energy depending on the position of the
sun.

This energy can then be used to charge computers, game consoles, cameras, or any number of other electronics. Nothing like a scenic location for your epic Stumbleupon sessions. In addition to these charging capabilities, the tent also comes equipped with a wireless device control center, with the total energy being displayed on a LCD screen. And if all this wasn’t enough to keep you comfortable during your “get-away”, the tent also provides an internal heating element embedded in the moisture-proof cloth. Not quite roughing it, huh?