MetaEfficient Review

Updates From The MetaEfficient Kitchen Labs

Justin — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 07:12:00 +0000

This summer I’ve been working on food-related optimization projects, here are some updates:

I now have subscriptions with two local farmers (through a CSA or Community Support Agriculture). One farmer provides me with raw milk, raw butter and eggs, the other farmer provides vegetables and fruit. They both happen to deliver to same street in my neighborhood, so I ride my bike about one kilometer and pick up both deliveries using a bike trailer.

A Solar Flower Tower Rises In The Desert

Justin — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 16:14:26 +0000

This unusual solar tower was designed by Israeli architect Haim Dotan for AORA Solar. It is set to launch on June 24 in South Israel.

The tower has 30 tracking mirrors (heliostats) that reflect sunlight towards the top of a 30-meter high solar tower. The top of the tower has a special solar receiver and a 100kw gas turbine.

The patented receiver uses the sun’s energy to heat air to a temperature of 1,000 degrees Celsius and directs this energy into the turbine. The turbine in turn converts the thermal energy into electric power that is fed directly into the national power grid.

Hyper-Efficient House Completed In Virginia

Justin — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 05:27:48 +0000

Hyper-Efficient LEED Platinum In Virginia

This new home in Virginia was designed for optimal efficiency. It’s the first to receive LEED platinum in Virginia.

Optimal elements that set it apart: an integrated rain water collection system (the site design features zero site runoff for a one-inch rain event), integrated geothermal wells, and exceptional indoor air quality.

The home was built by Metro Green and designed by Kaplan Thompson Architects.

Found via Preston Koerner. Thanks Preston!

The Best Wireless Earbuds For iPods

Justin — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 01:57:27 +0000

The Best Wireless Earbuds For iPods

Wireless earbuds allow you to listen to an iPod or MP3 player without a tangle of cords. They are particularly useful for listening during sporting activities, listening on-the-go.

There are two types of wireless earbuds: those that transmit wirelessly via an iPod adapter, and those that attach directly to an iPod shuffle. Most of the transmitting wireless earbuds use the Bluetooth protocol, but some of high-end earbuds use a different wireless protocol for higher fidelity audio. There are only a few wireless earbuds available because its actually quite tricky to fit both a battery and a receiver in an earbud.

Here’s our round-up of the best wireless earbuds currently available:

Efficient Home Improvement: Re-Using Materials Gets Easier

benjamin — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 15:33:09 +0000

Efficient Home Improvement: Re-Using Materials Gets Easier (photo: Habitat For Humanity)

For “D.I.Y.”ers, using recycled construction products is a great way to reduce raw material consumption and lessen stress on landfills. But for retailers, the “Re I. Y.” trend (Re-use It Yourself) is taking the idea a step further, giving unused building products a new lease on life.

The Best Cargo Carrying Bikes Of 2009: A Review

Justin — Sat, 06 Jun 2009 03:37:40 +0000

If you are interested in carrying cargo on your bike you should consider a dedicated “cargo bike” or “utility bike”. These bikes are great for transporting luggage while commuting, touring or running errands.

Cargo bikes feature a long wheel base for more space on the rear luggage rack. They usually have a strong frame and wheels to carry more weight on and around the rear wheel.

Naturemill Pro Promises Easy & Efficient Indoor Composting

benjamin — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 17:41:46 +0000

Naturemill Pro Promises Easy & Efficient Indoor Composting

Nobody’s going to put up with a compost heap in a closet. But what if you could quickly compost your organic waste with no odors or bugs, indoors or outside, with a device small enough to fit in a kitchen cabinet? Naturemill promises that its Pro Edition automatic composter will do just that, producing hassle-free compost while using just a trickle of electricity.

How To Stay Efficiently Cool This Summer

benjamin — Sun, 31 May 2009 22:51:25 +0000

Summertime is almost here, but hot weather doesn’t have to mean skyrocketing power bills and nonstop air conditioning. We’ve compiled these tips to help you maximize your summer comfort and energy efficiency.

The Best Women’s Cruiser Bikes: 2009

Justin — Thu, 28 May 2009 03:07:10 +0000

Recently, we featured some of the best men’s cruiser bicycles. Now let’s take a look at some women’s cruiser bikes, which have become very popular in recently years. Nearly every major bike manufacturer now offers at least one cruiser model, if not an entire line. Here are some of the best:

Chicago’s Green Alley Initiative

benjamin — Tue, 26 May 2009 18:30:36 +0000

Chicago's Green Alley Initiative (photo: Chicago DOT)

Urban alleyways. Grubby places that only scrappy cats or cop-show perps could love, right? Not in Chicago, where the Department of Transportation is giving them some serious TLC with its recently implemented Green Alley Program. This city-wide renovation initiative will offer some surprising environmental benefits and improve quality of life for residents.