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MetaEfficient
Efficient LED Light Bulbs For The Home
C. Crane Geobulb 3 LED Home Light Bulb LED light bulbs have some huge advantages over incandescent and compact fluorescent (CFL) bulbs. But they perform differently, so here’s your guide to understanding LED bulbs so you can enjoy their benefits and play to their strengths. Related posts:
Non-Toxic Indoor/Outdoor Lounge Chairs
These polymer-based chairs can be used both indoors and outdoors. The Bubble Club Chair by Kartell (shown above), is made of non-toxic materials, and it has all its plastic parts printed with an identification mark to determine the correct recycling classification. It sells for $680. The Heller Mario Bellini MB1 Armchair (below) is constructed of one piece roto molded polymer, it sells for $450. It would also be good to see these chairs made with biopolymers. Related posts:
Efficient Urban Bikes: Felt X-City 1 & Dahon Jack
Versatile urban travel: the Felt X-City 1 bike, and the folding Dahon Jack bike for under $600.
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An Efficient Spring 2010 Icebreaker Polo
How soon the warm weather is here. Icebreaker has released a new line merino clothing for spring. Available from Moosejaw.
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Ultrafine Yak Wool Clothing: Efficient
Khunu is a start-up company that aims to be the first to bring yak wool clothing to the global market. They offer a range of athletic clothing that is made with 100% Himalayan yak wool. What are the advantages of yak wool? Khunu says that independent lab tests have shown yak wool to be 10-15% warmer than merino wool of Australia and New Zealand. They claim the wool has a luxurious hand feel which is comparable to cashmere, because only the ultrafine down fibers of the wool are used. Related posts:
Three New Electric Bikes For 2010
Now that the e-bike market is maturing in the U.S., I think we’ll be seeing some sophisticated electric bikes released this year. Here are three intriguing e-bikes that have become available so far: (more…) Related posts:
Looptworks: Products Made Of 100% “Excess” Material
Looptworks Hoptu Laptop Sleeve I’ve been testing some Looptwork products, and they are amazing. Here’s why: the company makes all their products from 100% industrial “excess” materials. That means every zipper, button and thread used in their designs was about to be thrown out. For example, the Hoptu Laptop Sleeve shown above is made with 100% upcycled nylon neoprene which was recovered from a wetsuit factory. (more…) Related posts:
Ovopur: The Art Of The Water Filter
Ovopur Blanc Water Filter I’ve been testing an Ovopur water filter from Aquaovo, a company based in Montreal. This filter is certainly the most attractive I’ve come across. My eye is often drawn to its porcelain ovoid shape sitting in my ktichen. I’ve come to think of it as a piece of art that also happens to filter water. (more…) Related posts:
A Metaefficient Bathroom – Environmentally Friendly And Functional
A Metaefficient Bathroom – Environmentally Friendly And Functional A bathroom may be one of the smallest rooms of a home, but make no mistake – it’s a vital one. Whether you’re building a new home or renovating an existing one, integrating efficient components into a bathroom will add convenience and improve functionality, and also minimize the environmental impact of energy and water consumption. Related posts:
The Best Water Filters Of 2010
The Best Water Filters: A Review There are a lot of misleading claims about water filters. Many filters are marketed with general statements like “improves taste and odor”. But filter manufacturers don’t mention the specific amount of pesticides or chloramines removed, for example. (more…) Related posts:
The Most Efficient Snack: Pure Organic Bar
Pure Organic Snack Bar A MetaEfficient snack bar. Unlike other nutrient bars I’ve tasted, this one’s delicious. My topic pick is the Orange Cranberry Bar. It’s made by a company called PURE, based in Holland, Michigan. The supplier of the dates uses a natural enzyme to separate the protein from the carbohydrate (no heat is used so the product retains its nutrients). The Orange Cranberry Bar ingredients:
The Chocolate Brownie Bar ingredients are:
Pure Organic Nutrition Bars It’s available at Whole Foods and Amazon. Related posts:
Green Roofs – Efficient Design Starts At The TopGreen roofs have seen a surge in popularity recently as sustainable building designs become more mainstream. Soil and plantings on a building’s rooftop can help manage water runoff, improve air quality, and reduce energy use by moderating indoor temperatures. They can also prolong the life of a building’s roof by protecting it from the wear and tear of wind, water, and UV rays. (more…) Related posts:
MetaEfficient Keyring Tools For 2010Here’s a MetaEfficient Keyring. It’s a collection of lightweight, mini-tools suitable for carrying on a keyring. The keyring contains the following elements:
Here are the details of the MetaEfficient Keyring elements: The LD01 Keyring Flashlight by Fenix
Fenix Keyring Flashlight Powered by AAA Battery Why It Was ChosenThe Fenix LD01 is the brightest keyring-sized flashlight that runs on a standard AAA battery. This means it can be powered by a hybrid rechargeable AAA battery. It produces 80 lumens of light on its highest setting. The Fenix LD01 uses a Cree Q5 LED as its light source, and the lens is made of toughened, anti-reflective glass. It weighs 1.6 ounces, and it is “IPX-8 water proof” meaning it is suitable for continuous submersion. The flashlight is RoHS compliant (meaning it does not contain non-toxic heavy metals or flame retardants). It’s available for $35 from Amazon. The Inka Pen
The Inka Pen is a keyring sized ball-point that can be used quickly as a half-sized pen, or unfolded into a full-sized pen. Using a pressurized ink cartridge, the Inka Pen is waterproof and write at any altitude or temperature. It’s made in the U.S. and has a lifetime warranty. The “6-in-1 Key Ring Tool” by Swiss Tech
The “6-in-1 Key Ring Tool” is a keyring-sized multitool by Swiss Tech. It contains the following:
The tool weighs 0.5 oz. Given its size, it’s pretty basic, its handy when you have nothing else available, but not suitable for everyday tasks. The Mini Cash Can
The Mini Cash Can: A Keyring Sized Emergency Money Consealer Why It Was ChosenThe Mini Cash Can is an emergency cash holder than fits on your keyring. You can secret a single bill inside this stealthy container. If you forget your wallet, you have the cash inside as a back-up. The Cash Can’s assembly cannot accidentally come apart as long as the keyring is through the hole. The container is waterproof. I actually found a little difficult to fit a bill inside the Mini Can — the larger Mini II might be a better choice. Related posts:
A MetaEfficient Men’s Winter Outfit For 2010: Continued
I neglected to mention a few more items for the MetaEfficient Winter 2010 Outfit: a belt, a pair of shoes, and some snow pants. Leather Belt by TimberlandChoosing a MetaEfficient belt is a compromise. Leather is made from the hide of animals that have been slaughter for food (typically in factory farms). However, if not made into products, these hides would otherwise be wasted. In terms of durability, thick leather product can last for decades. However, toxic chemicals and heavy metals are typically used in the tanning process. More traditional tanning involves vegetables and waxes. However, it is difficult to actually find a belt made with non-toxic leather. As an alternative, you can find artificial leather belts here, but they are typically made from polyurethane, which is not particularly efficient. So as a compromise we’re featuring this leather belt by Timberland. Hopefully this belt is made with non-toxic leather. I’m eager to see further use of sustainable materials by Timberland. They are a company with a sound green commitment. Patagonia Recycled Men’s Shoes
Patagonia Recycled Men's Sneakers Most shoes tend to be made with toxic materials, the binding glues are particularly inefficient. Patagonia makes efficient shoes that incorporate water-based solvents and stitched outsoles. They also incorporate some recycled materials (see the full details here). Recycled Snow Pants by Patagonia
Featured here are Storm Pants from Patagonia made with 100% all-recycled polyester double ripstop (suspenders are removable), or Patagonia’s lighter softshell Guide Pants. Nau also makes a range of sustainable urban clothes (thanks Robert). Related posts:
A MetaEfficient Men’s Winter Outfit For 2010
Patagonia Jacket Made With Recycled Materials In this new series of posts, I will be reviewing the top MetaEfficient Products of 2010. For a product to be considered MetaEfficient it must be: green, functional, durable and reasonably priced. Where possible, the product should be made by a company with high environmental standards and good manufacturing ethics. Our featured Men’s Winter Outfit is multifunctional — it works well in both urban and wilderness environments. A single optimized system.The MetaEfficient Men’s Winter Outfit consists of the following elements:
Let’s examine these elements: Short Sleeve Apollo Crewe Top by IcebreakerAs a base layer we have a Icebreaker Short Sleeve Apolo Crewe Top. This articulated crew shirt is made with soft merino wool (150 g/m2). 
Icebreaker T-Shirt: Ultrafine Merino Wool 
Icebreaker Merino Wool T-Shirt Why It Was ChosenMerino wool is an optimal material — it is breathable, odor resistant and temperature regulating. It also dries quickly doesn’t wrinkle (that one is important to me). Merino wool is also renewable and it biodegradable. Icebreaker, a New Zealand company, sources the wool from farms that attempt to mitigate impact on the environment. Icebreaker also states their commitment to clean technologies, closed loop manufacturing, and minimizing energy use. They have a garment traceability program called BAACODE that will allow consumers access to the company’s sustainable and ethical practices through-out their entire supply chain. Available from: Altrec ($41). The Foothills Full Zip by Smartwool
Smartwool Foothills Full Zip 
Smartwool Foothills Full Zip The Foothills Full Zip by Smartwool is made with 96% Merino wool, 3% nylon, 1% elastic. Why It Was ChosenA comfortable, minimalist midlayer sweater. The full-zip makes is easy to adjust. SmartWool uses free-range merino wool to make their clothing. Since 2005, all their New Zealand growers have been required to refrain from the practice of mulesing (the surgical removal of strips of wool-bearing skin from around the hind quarters of merino sheep to reduce disease). SmartWool complies with Zque, an accreditation program that ensures environmental, social, and economic sustainability, animal welfare, and product traceability. Available from: Amazon ($150). Also check out this comfortable midlayer from SmartWool: the Microweight Zip T. I like to order it in a size larger than usual for maximum comfort. 
SmartWool Microweight Zip T Available from REI ($75). The Winter Sun Jacket by Patagonia
Patagonia Winter Sun Jacket (Men's) 
Patagonia Winter Sun Jacket Sleeve 
Patagonia Winter Sun Jacket Close Up Why It Was ChosenPatagonia is a leader in effective, green manufacturing. The Winter Sun Jacket is Patagonia’s warmest soft-shell jacket. It is made with Primaloft — a 50% recycled synthetic insulation. The shell is made of 45% recycled polyester, and the lining is 100% recycled polyester. Available from: Amazon ($300). See also the jackets on sale at Patagonia 
Levi's Eco Jeans 
Levi's Eco 539 Organic Cotton Jeans 
Levi's Eco 539 Organic Cotton Vintage Jeans The Eco 539 Vintage Jeans by Levi’s. The jeans are made of 100% organic cotton and recycled denim. Why It Was ChosenLevi’s has made forays into using organic cotton for their jeans (see their environmental statement). While their range is limited, their organic cotton jeans are inexpensive. Patagonia, Element and Reef also make organic cotton jeans for under $100. Levi’s Eco 539 Vintage Jeans from: Amazon ($50). The Everyday Ultralite Crew Socks by Icebreaker
Icebreaker Merino Wool Socks The Everyday Ultralite Crew Socks by Icebreaker. They are made with 82% merino wool and 18% nylon. Why It Was ChosenThis is a good all-round, functional sock made with merino, with some nylon for structure. Available from: Altrec ($13). 
Winter Fire Related posts:
The Rainwater Pillow – Rain Barrel Meets Cistern
The Rainwater Pillow (photo: Rainwater Collection Systems, Inc.) Utilizing rainwater runoff is a double bonus for homeowners, both in environmental and financial terms. It reduces the amount of water consumed from the municipal system, and it lessens the strain on wastewater treatment facilities that must process water after it flows down the drain. A rain barrel is great for small-scale applications like a flower garden, and now there is an option for large-scale rainwater collection without the need for a traditional cistern: the Rainwater Pillow. Related posts:
TED 5000 Household Power Meter – Improve Home Energy Efficiency
TED 5000 Household Power Meter (photo: The Energy Detective) It’s no secret that cutting your household energy consumption is a great way to reduce your environmental footprint. It’s also a great way to save money on your utility bills. But to pinpoint the best places to reduce power use, you need to know exactly where your power is going – no small task considering the number of devices, appliances, and fixtures in an average home. Enter the TED 5000 energy meter, a nifty tool to precisely track your home energy use. Related posts:
© Justin Thomas for MetaEfficient Reviews, 2010. |
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Nutrients Are Efficient
Raw Pistachio Nuts Enzymes are metaefficient. My top picks are raw pistachios and raw cacao. Both have optimal enzyme levels when unadulterated. (more…) Related posts:
© Justin Thomas for MetaEfficient Reviews, 2010. |
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Southface Energy Institute – A Resource For Sustainable Design
Southface Energy Institute Headquarters In Atlanta, GA Energy efficient building designs and technologies are everywhere these days. In fact, the sheer number of options can seem a little overwhelming for those interested in sustainable construction techniques. But Southface Energy Institute, headquartered in Atlanta, can be a valuable resource for homeowners, commercial or residential builders, or individuals who simply want to learn more about environmentally friendly design. Related posts:
© Justin Thomas for MetaEfficient Reviews, 2009. |
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