Eco Green Maldives

Is it worth installing wind turbines?

2010-11-19T06:47:00.000-08:00

If you did install a wind turbine to meet all your electricity needs, do you think they would make any financial sense? Well, they do only if you are willing to wait a good 11 years for payback. No instant gratification here!
Now, what is a wind turbine? A machine that converts the kinetic energy of the wind into mechanical energy, which is further converted into electricity, is known as a wind turbine.
Also, please do remember that in order to make the wind turbine fully functional, you will need to live in an area with wind that averages 10 miles per hour or more (the wind map of your area, will help you out with this bit of information).
If you are really interested, you could try installing the Skystream 3.7 wind turbine, which is a fully integrated, utility-connected wind generator which is specially designed for residential homes. At $8,500 to purchase and install, the Skystream is definitely not cheap, but then this is just a one time cost. In fact in some places due to the escalation in installation charges the total package may even go up to $12,000!
You must be wondering after all this expense, how much can you really save? Let’s say for example your local rate for a kilowatt hour is $0.10. If your turbine even works for at half-capacity and generates 650 kilowatt hours a month. Thus, the turbine saves $65 per month on your energy bill. You may also end up getting state tax benefit for installing an eco-friendly device!
So, if you are seriously thinking about going ‘green’, the wind turbine is definitely meant for you. Think about it, is good for the environment and good for your wallet too!
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PET Bottle Chair

2010-11-19T06:11:00.001-08:00

Polish designer Pawel Grunert has created the SIE43 Chair.

"Produced for the ‘Eco Trans Pop’ exhibition of ecological design at the Colombari Gallery in Milan, Italy. The chair is made from PET bottles with a stainless steel frame. The bottles can be easily changed if they show signs of damage. The seat is in the form of a flower. The rhythm of hundreds of PET bottles creates an organic structure. An ordinary form is transformed into an extraordinary form, standard form into a unique one."

Visit: Pawel Grunert’s website
Via Contemporist

Suzuki unveils e-Let’s - A motor assisted electric bicycle

2010-11-19T05:06:00.001-08:00

A new contraption on two-wheels was unveiled at the Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan prototyped by Suzuki Motor Corp. known as the “e-Let’s”, this vehicle runs on electricity and has been officially registered and characterized as a motor assisted bicycle. Based on Suzuki’s "Let's4 Basket", this one though lacks the engine, tank, muffler and transmission of its inspiration and is equipped with a lithium-ion (Li-ion) rechargeable battery unit and a control circuit. About 2kg lighter than the "Let's4 Basket” bike that weighed 74kgs, the “e-Let’s” also boasts a detachable battery pack and a portable charger tucked below the seat. Connection to a 100V power outlet charges this one up in four hours. With a range of 30km and a speed of 30km/h, the “e-Let’s” is sure to find its place in the global market once placed on shelves for sale. We’d sure love to see more motor assisted vehicles like these powered by electricity on roads in future!
[Techon]

Boating goes green with Yachting Ideas’ Sly Yacht

2010-11-19T05:05:00.000-08:00

Cutting through the waves now-a-days, is a lot more environment friendly than it used to be. Masters of the seas, the guys at Yachting Ideas are busy scratching their chins and chewing their pencil tops, designing a racing yacht with a greener shade. Known as the Sly Yacht concept, this one’s lightweight and works using an electric motor and its sails too. Made of PVC sandwiched between layers of carbon and basalt fibers, the yacht boasts a 30kw electric engine and can also be recharged using a diesel generator.

A great way to spend some leisure time off land on a truly green and eco-friendly vessel, we hope to see this one sail soon!
[trendhunter]

Battery-powered FlyRad allows you to skate to your destination

2010-11-19T04:59:00.000-08:00

Skating to work has never really been an option before. Dressed up formally with a briefcase in one hand, a cell phone in the other and a pair of roller-skates on your feet would sure as hell look silly, if not stupid. The FlyRad changes things though. This contraption packs just a single wheel that power up. To travel, you need to hold on to it with a pair of roller-skates on your feet. Probably inspired by kids holding on to garbage trucks for an easy skate around the neighborhood, the FlyRad comes in three sizes, one for adults, teens and children. The adult version uses a 500W motor powered by a 36v battery. Weighing in at 24kgs, this one boasts a maximum speed of 25mph. charging it for four hours allows for a 31 mile range! More...

FLOATING WIND TURBINES IN THE NORTH SEA

2010-11-19T04:55:00.001-08:00

While our oceans house not only diverse ecologies and possibly the lost city of Atlantis, they now have something else to brag about: serving as prime real estate for some very renewable energy. Norwegian energy group Norsk Hydro is to place giant floating wind turbines in the North Sea that will provide a reasonable, environmentally-friendly and economically feasible alternative to standard energy generation processes.

“It’s attractive to have windmills out at sea, out of sight of land, away from birds’ migration routes,” said Alexandra Bech Gjoerv, head of Hydro’s New Energy division at a signing ceremony to develop floating wind turbine technology.
The design by Norsk Hydro uses a three -able tethered system, similar to the ones used in oil rigs, that holds a 200 meter tall steel tube with an attached turbine and three 60-meter-long blades. Norsk Hydro expects to be able to use this technology on sites located 50-100 miles off shore, and with a depth of up to 500 meters. Norsk Hydro’s turbine will be the first large scale prototype of its kind, expected to be installed in the North Sea by 2009. If successful, Norsk Hydro expects a full windmill to be operational by 2012.

Read more: FLOATING WIND TURBINES IN THE NORTH SEA | Inhabitat - Green Design Will Save the World

Increasing the Trend of Eco-Friendly Luxury

2010-11-19T04:53:00.001-08:00

The latest sleek superyacht design has been revealed to combine environmentally friendly aspects with opulent elegance. Similar to the Dubai Sea Limousine used for transportation to the isles of The World, this 45m super yacht designed by Dennis Ingemansson further emphasizes that luxury yachting and eco-friendly are becoming increasingly trendy. Designed for the Dutch company Esthec, the boat encompasses an on-board swimming pool and hi-tech interiors with functional qualities of a unique light-weight floor, the ability to recycle it and low maintenance. It also utilizes composite decking material with design freedom in form, colour and pattern. But most importantly, the Esthec superyacht treats you to eco-friendly luxury cruising with generation of solar energy to propel the electrical engine. It will be showcased at the 2009 Monaco Yacht show in the monter of Esthec.

Innovative technology for modern sea transportation

2010-11-19T04:49:00.001-08:00

SkySails GmbH & Co. KG, based in Hamburg, Germany (www.skysails.com), develops, produces, and distributes towing kite wind propulsion systems for modern means of sea travel and transportation.

These systems make the operation of ships more profitable, safe, environment friendly, and independent of scarce oil resources. The SkySails system consists of a large towing kite similar to a paraglider, which is navigated by a fully- automated control pod and is connected to the ship via a towing rope. The towing kite, an airfoil similar to that of a paraglider, or parafoil for short, generates propelling forces. The control pod performs similar tasks as a paraglider pilot - shortens or lengthens the control cords, thus changing the aerodynamic profile of the towing kite - and governs its flight path.

The Control System controls the SkySail system, comparable to an aircraft’s auto pilot. The traction forces are transmitted to the ship via a traction cord made of modern synthetic fibers, ensuring high load capacity as well as low weight and low elongation under load.

An automated routeing system, aligned with historic routes of large cargo sailers, will allow cargo ships to reach their destination as quickly, and at a much cheaper cost.

Maple’s role in the simulation software
SkySails used Maple to develop its simulation software. Maple was chosen for its symbolic computation engine, which considerably simplifies the derivation of the equations of motion for multi body systems. Editing the three-dimensional mathematical models by hand was not feasible within the company’s time frame. Many matrix operations and derivatives needed to be applied in order to set up the equations in three dimensions.

SkySails said :

“SkySails is grateful to Maplesoft, because Maple saved us a lot of time. Using Maple was very easy and quick. The computations we used are probably very basic for Maple, but they were extremely effective for SkySails. When testing the simulator, the correctness of the mathematical model is crucial. With Maple, there was nothing to worry about!”

A flight simulator presenting the movements of the kite system in real time is under development.
Updated: February 2008
First cargo ship run on wind power begins journey
SkySails’ first cargo ship, with a huge computer-controlled kite, was flagged off in December 2007 by Eva Luise Koehler, wife of German President Horst Koehler. The ship MV "Beluga SkySails" started its maiden voyage from the city of Bremerhaven, Germany to South & North America (and back) and the SkySails-System with its 1,722 square-foot towing kite has been put into operation successfully. This new technology can tow cargo vessels and superyachts, reducing fuel consumption by 10 to 35% on annual average . SkySails used Maple symbolic mathematical software for engineers to develop its simulation devices.

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Eco-friendly super yacht by Dennis Ingemansson

2010-05-03T00:05:00.000-07:00

While many environmentalists feel that mega-mansions, yachts and other trappings of the uber-wealthy just can’t be green no matter what, others don’t think the public should be asked to give up luxury to save the planet. But where is the line drawn?
A new “eco-friendly superyacht” raises this debate anew. Sylvain Viau’s 80m OrganiK is a yacht of absolutely ridiculous proportions, including a private apartment, guest gym, large salon, dining room, galley, second salon/library, four guest cabins and more.

So what makes it (supposedly) green? Other than its sleek aerodynamic shape and the fact that it runs on hydrogen fuel cells, details aren’t too clear. Super Yacht Times says,

Many of the on-board services, such as the hot water production and air-conditioning, are based on Ecological-friendly systems. Here again significant savings are expected by the designers, enhancing the green idea behind the concept.
The superyacht’s composite mast will hide all antennas and domes, keeping the overall design of the superyacht clean. The entire concept has been designed towards minimum carbon footprint, in both construction and use of the vessel.

At this point, it’s tough to tell whether this yacht has any real eco-cred or it’s all just lip service. But if it’s the real deal, it’s a step forward, even if a frivolous one. Being green doesn’t mean giving up all the fun things in life – just finding better, more planet-friendly ways to enjoy them – but there is a definite difference between harmless fun and selfish showboating.

(other yacht)
by Stephanie Rogers | January 13, 2010
Source: http://earthfirst.com/can-a-super-yacht-ever-be-green/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Earthfirst+%28EarthFirst%29

Uniqu Eco looks on the flip side

2010-05-02T23:54:00.000-07:00

Top shop; Accessorize; Muse, everyone has heard of these high street shops, right? What about Flip Flop? Never heard of it? Well I think it’s about time you do. If you want custom made handbags; bracelets; necklaces that are all made from recycle flip flops, yes flip flops, then you found it in UniquEco.

Flip flops washed up and reused

UniquEco is a foundation set up from East Africa; the project was founded by the woman of Kiwayu, which is a small island in Northern Kenyan Coastline. Not only does this project help the environment it gives the women of Kiwayu, who live in Africa a source of power. In the remote areas of Africa there are very few ways to earn a living; now woman’s roles in the community have grown; they are now economic decision markers paying for households; food and education for the families.

Why flip flops then, why not plastic or snack wrappers? Well flip flops are washed up on East African Beaches. Waste is a problem all around the world but in East Africa it was becoming a real big problem and the locals needed to do something with the sudden growth of rubbish on their beaches.

So what does this organisation do then? UniquEco collects the flip flops; recycles and cleans everything they find; create their wonderful work; sells all the products to tourist and local residents in all the shops and craft fairs; amazingly 80% of their goods are exported all over the world; the sales generated are put into buying more flip flops and getting 150 people employed; it rises education in Africa, by recycling all rubbish and flip flops that end up on the beaches. UniquEco are spreading the word about recycling and making everyone think we should do something about it.

So from all this do you still think high Street is the best? With companies like UniquEco around that are helping the environment and have such good intentions behind them not just to making you look good. Then is it really a good plan to splash your hard earned money on a £25 bracelet that might only last a few weeks in the cutting edge of fashion or your money on something that will look good all year round and that is made with love and attention.

Areca Nuts | the Chew of Maldives

2010-04-30T22:35:00.000-07:00

A slice of Areca nut

Areca nuts, often erroneously referred as the betel nuts are widely used as a mint after meals and holds a distinct history in Maldives.

According to historians and travelers like François Pyrard de Laval, areca nuts were deeply embedded into the Maldivian culture. The early Maldivians used a girdle on their waist in which they kept a good supply of areca nuts and it was customary that when they meet each other on the road, may it be a friend or stranger to offer his own betel nuts. It was also bestowed as a royal gift and offered to the person who proposes for marriage as a gift of approval.

Such traditions have changed over time but the areca nut continues to dominate the ‘chewing culture’ in the Maldives. It is now offered in almost all cafés, restaurants and shops in Maldives, in different forms with fixings like betel leaf, cloves and lime. Some modern innovations of the areca nut includes the ‘Kill’ a finely ground mixture of areca nuts, betel leaves, cardamon, sugar and cloves. Another form is ‘Supari’ a sweet flavored betel nut chunks in small sachets imported from India.

maldivian arts | bodu beru

2010-04-30T22:33:00.000-07:00

Photo: A couple enjoying a bodu beru performance at Hilton Iru Fushi Resort & Spa

Bodu Beru meaning ‘Big Drum’ which usually takes place during special occasions is one of the most popular forms of traditional folk music in the Maldives and is enjoyed by all ages.

A bodu beru group consists of a lead singer along with a group of up to 15 people singing in chorus. The drums are traditionally made from hollowed coconut wood, goatskin enclosure on each side and are mostly beaten with bare hands. The most interesting point of Bodu Beru is its blood-pumping ascending tempo along with the lyrics that have no definite meaning. At present times meaningful songs in Dhivehi language is also used. Bodu Beru dates back to as early as the twelfth century, even before the Maldivians converted to Islam. “Baburu lava”, a form of bodu beru chant hints that this tradition may have been originated in East Africa and had been passed through generations by our forefathers, as is our responsibility to pass this artistic Maldivian tradition to the future generations.

Nuts for Coconuts | Toddy - The Local Brew

2010-04-30T22:30:00.002-07:00

Photo: 'Raa Badhi', Traditionally made Maldivian Toddy Containers

Toddy is the sap of the coconut palm extracted from the flower buds by toddy tappers. Toddy tapping or ‘raa verikan’ goes a long way into the Maldivian history and it used to be a remarkable occupation passed from father to son.

Toddy tappers cut the end of the inflorescence when it is ready to ripen and hangs a collecting pot specially made from coconut shells called ‘Gudi’ and is left to fill overnight. The toddy is then collected following day and transferred into a coconut container called ‘Raa badhi.’ Sweetness differs according to the time of collection with the evening toddy being the sweetest. The collected toddy is then sold by the glass in the fresh form, a tasty sweet drink despite its pungent odor.

Maldivians use toddy in different ways. It is heated to make ‘Dhiyaa Hakuru’ a golden honey-like-liquid similar to Maple Syrup which Maldivians enjoy eating with rice, coconut crepes and also acts as a main ingredient in sweet cakes, desserts and snacks. This syrup is further cooked under low-heat with a pinch of sugar and a particular form of coral for an extended period which then turns into a creamy-white paste called “Karu Hakuru.” This is used as a breadfruit chips dip or spread on thin coconut bread.

In the olden days, these syrups were a staple in the households and were also relished by sailors and fishermen as their diet onboard for distant journeys as these toddy products lasted several months without refrigeration or preservatives.

Toddy is also fermented and turned to toddy vinegar which has a strong acidic flavor with a hint of coconut taste. This vinegar is used in flavoring other food products and as a preservative to make local pickles or ‘assara’.

Today, Toddy and toddy products are very rare but it is still available infrequently throughout the Maldivian Islands. With modernization, the art of toddy tapping is almost lost. The government has recently stepped in and has introduced ‘toddy tapping’ courses in the atolls in order to revive this fading Maldivian tradition.

If you happen to tour Malé, the capital island, stop by the local market to find these 'Dhiyaa Hakuru' and 'Karu Hakuru' among other local food products.

Student Holidays eco tip | Environmental Education for Kids

2010-04-30T22:30:00.000-07:00

Photo: Four Seasons staff teaching coconut leaf based arts and crafts at the Kuda Velaa Club

In order to create an eco-conscious generation for a greener future, we need to educate and create environmental awareness among children from a young age.

There are plenty of eco-educational activities and games for children to have fun while learning such as making art & crafts using recycled materials, beach games or even snorkeling. Drop a few Eco tips along the way as you go on with your daily lives. Shopping can be turned into an interesting search for eco friendly labels and products, also the best time to provide awareness about animal products such as turtle shells, leather and fur.

If you are setting out for a vacation, look for eco-friendly resorts offering such activities for children. The Four Seasons Resorts Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru lets the children snorkel and explore nemo’s home with a marine biologist, making it fun to learn about marine life while the Shangri-La Vilingili Resort & Spa offers nature trails to discover the island's indigenous flora and fauna. Conrad Maldives Rangali Island also offers the opportunity of spotting colorful fish on a snorkeling trip or going exploring for dolphins. Conrad Maldives Rangali Island also offers the opportunity to spot colorful fish during snorkeling trips or exploring the life of dolphins.

Copenhagen climate change conference: 'Fourteen days to seal history's judgment on this generation'

2009-12-10T03:56:00.000-08:00

Island Pilot Hybrid Luxury Yacht Unveiled

2009-06-02T21:15:00.000-07:00

Private yachts are somewhat synonymous to luxury, but does that ever mean that they cannot get ecofriendly? No is the answer from Island Pilot LLC, who have unveiled the first ever hybrid luxury yacht dubbed the Island Pilot DSe Hybrid 12m, powered by diesel fuel, solar energy, and electric power.

The vessel is 12 meters long (39.5 feet) and can cruise at 13 knots on diesel fuel and 7 knots when in zero-emissions mode. A zero-emissions level is achieved with a 6 kW solar array and a 20 kWh battery bank.

The yacht is the first-ever production motor yacht with zero emissions in America, according to Reuben Trane, president of Island Pilot, LLC.

The hybrid yacht boasts state-of-the-art on-board luxurious amenities, including an on-deck master stateroom with a “sleigh bed” and a 270-degree panorama view, guest stateroom with island queen that converts to twins, and a spacious galley that has two settees, a high-low table, a 26” HDTV and a Bose home theater system.

Tech facilities include a Garmin 15-inch touchscreen with Garmin HD radar, Tecnautic Fly by Wire controls and gyro autopilot, 4 zones of air conditioning, hi-tech refrigeration with ice maker, and a KVH Satellite TV antenna with DirecTV receiver.

To be a proud eco owner of this green machine, you would have to pay $600,000; Island Pilot is currently taking orders.

Unveiled yesterday at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (October 30 – November 3), the first green yachts are expected to hit the water in early 2009.

“But why would anyone think the addition of solar power to a yacht would somehow detract from its luxuriousness?

Perhaps this is one of the problems with alternative energy—some people have an inherent mistrust of anything unfamiliar. Hopefully the increasing accessibility of solar, wind, and geothermal will alleviate these concerns.”

Source cleantechnica / yachtingmagazine.

Eco Holidays : Kandalama Hotel

2009-06-02T21:12:00.000-07:00

There’s a new blog in town, called SustainableModern and we really like it. This five-person team of architects and designers focuses on both eco-friendliness AND modern design.

Their latest post is about the Kandalama hotel, designed in 1991 by acclaimed Sri Lankan architect, Geoffrey Bawa – a principal force behind the architectural movement, dubbed ‘tropical modernism.

The tropical hideaway of the Kandalama Hotel allows visitors to explore the many wonders of Sri Lanka.

This modern eco hotel is designed to blend into the jungle with a green roof and planted facade.

Tucked away in a virgin tropical jungle overlooking the Kandalama tank and the range of knuckles hills, lies Kandalama Hotel occupying one of the most exotic sites in the heart of the Cultural Triangle.

Archaeological, cultural and wildlife interests a bound. Tropical jungles, calm waters and the mountain rock countryside of Kandalama offer the eco-friendly visitor natural absolute luxury.

Palmer Johnson’s eco-friendly superyacht concept

2009-06-02T21:09:00.000-07:00

Palmer Johnson is preparing to take on the world with a 82-meter (267-foot) Ice Class expedition yacht designed by Nuvolari & Lenard, aptly named the “World”.

Having acquired the Norwegian shipyard Flekkefjord Slipp & Maskinfabrikk’s, PJ has now positioned themselves to build “world” class expedition yachts.

True to the Palmer Johnson identity, Italian designers Nuvolari-Lenard have ensured the six-deck interior and exterior living areas provide the highest degree of comfort.

Focusing on well-being, healthy living and relaxation, large open spaces are emphasized and extensive panoramic sea views create an open environment for ocean voyages.

PJ World uses the latest diesel-electric propulsion package from Rolls Royce to achieve DNV “Clean Class” status which also ensures peak performance, endurance, low ownership costs and greater operational flexibility.

Besides the technical specs, the yacht is a luxury wonder with its six-deck design and is equipped with a certified Heli Deck, Heli hangar, an optional garage designed for a six man Discovery submarine and, a superior Rolls Royce at-rest stabilization system to keep it anchored environmentally sensitive or restricted areas without actual anchors.

One of the first features to be seen on this Superyacht is the novel aft beach house which looks forward onto an outdoor swimming pool deck.

Adding to the list of luxuriant features are a fully equipped gym, spa with Hammam, sauna with treatment room, cinema, piano foyer and infirmary.

Crew and staff living areas comprise a separate galley, mess two lounges and dedicated gymnasium.

The yacht is fully guarded - security features include water cannons, forward scanning sonar, thermal imaging, closed circuit television and acoustic shields.

The vessel can run with full hotel load at full speed on the main diesels without requiring generators - 13 knots on one main engine or at 6 knots on one auxiliary generator set.

PJ World is destined to be another truly iconic Palmer Johnson design.

By providing environmentally friendly solutions that heighten performance whilst reducing costs and utilizing robust, reliable systems proven in the most extreme North Atlantic Seas- PJ World promises to be a game changing feat of engineering and design excellence.

Palmer Johnson World will transform the conventional concept behind exploration-style vessels and introduce a revolutionary ocean voyager for the future.

Source: YachtForum

Solar Sail Luxury Yachts

2009-06-02T21:03:00.000-07:00

Alastair Callender took luxury yachting to all new highs with his recent project, the “Soliloquy,” which is not only a luxury yacht, but also an eco-friendly one.

It is run by wind, solar and Hybrid Marine Power technology.

“The use of renewable and hybrid-electric energy will bring zero-emission capabilities and result in greater savings in fuel costs”.

“The innovative overhead beam not only adds to the overall aesthetics, but also houses three automated and pivotally mounted, rigid-wing solar sails.”

For 12 hours under the sun, Soliloquy can run to nearly 8 knots on solar energy alone according to BornRich.

Solar Sailor Holdings Ltd. will exhibit a scale model of the super green luxury superyacht in Majorca on June 25.

Via Trendhunter

World’s most expensive curry

2009-06-02T20:58:00.000-07:00

A London curry house has celebrated the DVD launch of Slumdog Millionaire by creating a curry that costs more than $4000 a plate (£2,000).

The Samundari Khazana curry, meaning Seafood Treasure, is a mix of caviar, sea snails, a whole lobster and even edible gold.

The posh nosh is being served up at upmarket London eatery Bombay Brasserie (pictured below).

“There are still people out there with money to spend and this curry is a real experience,” head chef Prahlad Hegde told The Sun.

The chef prepares the dish with Devon crab and white truffle, while his assistant painstakingly presses gold leaf to half a cherry tomato filled with Beluga caviar.

He then places four sea snails - abalone - which cost almost £300 a kilo, into a sizzling pan.

Another chef coats an £80 Scottish lobster in gold, while a third deftly hollows out four shelled quails’ eggs before filling them with more caviar.

Bombay Brasserie, Courtfield Close, Courtfield Road, SW7 4HQ. Tel. +44-20-7370-4040 or click on bombaybrasserielondon.com.