Webs’ Random Ideas

If we did this in America there wouldn’t be many drivers in an American Green Zone… Come to think of it, I like this idea more and more

How it works is simple, cars get badges that certify their efficiency.

Cars without badges are subject to the not-too hefty ticket price of 40 Euros (US$58) and a penalty point on the errant driver’s license.

So lately, Sun has been doing a few things right in terms of being Eco-friendly. They just launched a website called OpenEco. The purpose of the site is to bring together all kinds of organizations that are working on environmentally friendly areas so they can share their data.

For instance, suppose you are a business and installing a script to automatically shut down your computer systems has saved your company “x” amount of dollars. Well now you can share what you did and how much it saved you with others, so they to can see what other businesses are doing to make a difference. The site is free to register and is very easy to use.

Another notable is Sun’s Ray 2 computer. Go check it out! It’s a pretty slick machine for sure. And it only uses 4 watts of power compared to the average PC which uses around 80. That’s one heck of a reduction in energy usage.

However, it is important to note the Sun Ray 2 is a thin client, meaning it pulls content down from a server, so it really doesn’t do much work at all. It leaves all the calculating up to a server. But the idea is pretty ingenious. Sun has a flash system that explains the design very simply.

I like reporting on items like these because it shows improvements are being made and some companies are trying to change the glutinousness we Americans seem to embody.

Found via TreeHugger…

For those of you that live in central IL, From an e-mail…

Household Hazardous Waste Collection October 6, 2007

In response to a growing concern over the safe disposal of household hazardous waste, the Ecology Action Center, the University of Illinois Extension and the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency will cosponsor a free collection event on Saturday, October 6 from 8 a.m. to
3 p.m. at the Interstate Center in Bloomington. The event will be open to all residents.

Household hazardous products are widely used, and in many cases, the improper use, storage, and/or disposal of hazardous waste can cause a health threat to one’s family and to the environment. The following common household products will be accepted at the collection event:
oil-based paint, paint thinner, herbicides, pesticides, insecticides, unwanted medications, old gasoline, pool chemicals, cleaning products, mercury, household batteries, used motor oil, drain cleaners, lawn chemicals, hobby chemicals, antifreeze, solvents, lead acid batteries, fire extinguishers, aerosol products, and fluorescent bulbs.

As an alternative to storing or improperly disposing of the unwanted chemicals, the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency strongly suggests that people take advantage of this collection project. On the collection day, participants should bring their waste to the Interstate Center where trained technicians will unload the waste from each vehicle. Participants must remain in their vehicles during the unloading process for safety and to help decrease the time spent waiting in line.

Electronics recycling will also be offered this year at the same location. Recycling for Illinois of Peoria will collect computers, monitors, computer components, televisions, copiers, phone systems, all types of radios, VCRs, DVD players, microwaves, cameras, blenders, and other small appliances and household electrical items. All donations are tax deductible. Items that are damaged or not working will be accepted.

For more information, or with questions about a particular item, you may contact The Ecology Action Center at 309/454-3169 or visit their website at www.ecologyactioncenter.org. You may also contact the University of Illinois Extension at 309/663-8306 or visit their website at www.mcleanextension.org.

No business, industrial, agricultural or school waste will be accepted with hazardous waste.