http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-design21jan21.story
Hazardous components
Electronic waste such as cellphones, computers and TV sets, though a tiny portion of the total solid waste stream, contributes about 70% of the nation's hazardous waste. Here's a list of select harmful chemicals contained in common consumer electronics. Some materials, such as polyvinyl chloride, or PVC, release harmful dioxins when incinerated.
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Computers
Harmful substances: Lead, mercury, cadmium, polybrominated diphenylethers
Sources: Circuit boards, connectors, cables
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CRT monitors
Harmful substances: Lead, hexavalent chromium, barium
Sources: Glass, soldering
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Flat panel monitors
Harmful substances: Mercury, lead
Sources: Light bulbs, switches
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Digital cameras
Harmful substances: Polyvinyl chloride, lead acid, cadmium, lithium
Sources: Casings, batteries
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Cellphones
Harmful substances: Antimony, arsenic, lead, beryllium, cadmium, copper, zinc
Sources: Batteries, circuit boards
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Digital music players
Harmful substances: Arsenic, lead, cadmium
Sources: Batteries, circuit boards
*
Source: Silicon Valley Toxics Coalition
Last weekend I had the opportunity visit an amazing postmodern house in Pebble Beach. In a neighborhood filled with giant monstrosities of architecture, lives Lee von Hesseln. She was kind enough to show us around and tell us all about the special materials, glass, rock, and solar power, that make her house actually "earn" credits from PG & E (Pacific Gas and Electric).
The best part is that she designed the house herself. It is part of a Northern CA. solar home tour. Read more in the Monterey Herald Article.
Links:
http://www.montereyherald.com/mld/montereyherald/living/6875665.htm
http://www.norcalsolar.org/tour/
I've seen more of these on the road these days. Very cool, about 52mpg on the freeway, cleaner burning, only about 20K, and a $2,000 tax write-off to boot.
Link:
http://www.toyota.com/html/shop/vehicles/prius/
CRADLE TO CRADLE: REMAKING THE WAY WE MAKE THINGS is a new book out by architect William Mc donough and chemist Michael Braungart. I have found a nice informational article about their book and design practices online at DesignBOOM.
In their book they advocate for a new approach to green product design. An approach that acknowledges economic and business constraints. Instead of traditionally divisive arguments between business and environmentalists, MBDC (their design studio) would like to show that "saving the planet can bring economic benefits as well." The book revolves around the main idea that waste in nature is equal to food. They would like to see products placed within their biological or technical metabolism, and consider longer-term consequences of how products will break down as biological or techincal "food" for reuse.
In place of traditional recycling practices that require a lot of energy and work to produce inferior products they suggest making products such that materials either biodegrade or can be re-used at the same or higher level, rather than "downcycled".
(left) Diagram illustrating the importance of Ecology, Equity, and Economy in the product lifecylce. (right) They devised a toxin-free blend of wool and organically grown ramie, a linen-like fiber, in a process so clean that it generates potable wastewater.
Links:
http://www.designboom.com/eng/funclub/cradle.html (Article)
http://www.mbdc.com/ (Design Studio)
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/... (Book at Amazon)
General Motors is looking at introducing two world firsts with their latest prototype -- an environmentally-friendly hydrogen fuelled car that allows drivers to change the chassis design according to their mood.
The Hy-wire, named for its combination of hydrogen and drive-by-wire technology, is an alternative to gasoline or diesel fuel.
Skateboard chassis holds all power and mechanics.
And because just one wire connects the chassis, which contains all the electrical controls, to the car body, substitute body designs can be swapped whenever the driver feels like a change.
Interior shot, no-pedals or steering wheel.
Hy-wire is not scheduled for release until 2010, but it will be introduced to the public at the Paris Motor Show on September 26.
Article Link:
http://www.cnn.com/2002/TECH/09/19/hywire.cars.glb/
