Returning Plastic to Usable Oil

Solar Roadways?

Denial

Really interesting article in New Scientist about the reasoning behind denialism.


From the article:
"Many denialist movements originate as cynical efforts by corporations to cast doubt on findings that threaten their bottom line. Big Tobacco started it in the 1970s, recruiting scientists willing to produce favourable data and bankrolling ostensibly independent think tanks and bogus grass-roots movements (see "Manufacturing doubt"). One such think tank was The Advancement of Sound Science Coalition (TASSC), set up in 1993 by tobacco company Philip Morris (American Journal of Public Health, vol 91, p 1749). TASSC didn't confine itself to tobacco for long. After getting funds from Exxon, it started casting doubt on climate science."


Both of my parents are climate change deniers and I have had many a heated and irrational (on their side) discussion with them about this. It's almost impossible to point out facts or figures about recent rises in temperature or melting icecaps. They won't hear it and reject the idea outright, claiming that it's a left-wing conspiracy to bring about more government regulations and, ultimately, a one world government. I've recently given up the hope of ever swaying their opinion since you can't use logic to fight those who are completely illogical.

More at the link: Living in Denial

Rush hour in Utrecht.

I live in Cambridge, UK where there is a large cyclist population but nothing compared to this. Many times, because of the traffic, it's faster to walk across town than it would be to drive there. I'd love to see more of Cambridge traffic turn into cycling traffic.

Edited for video: One of my mates pointed me to this video of Cambridge traffic. Thought it was a nice comparison. We have loads of cyclists but still tonnes of vehicle traffic.

Nashville flood

RITI Printer

I'm fairly intrigued by the idea of using coffee grounds or tea dregs as toner, as this printer does. I don't drink coffee but all my housemates do and it would be nice to put all those grounds to good use. I especially like the idea of having no cartridges to throw away and it's powered by the user.

More information at Greener Gadgets.

Glass Houses by Santambrogio Milano

Stunning houses made of glass. This one seems to float above a pool and allows the inhabitant to fully enjoy the spectacular views.



Another utilises glass furnishings. It seems to take on the feeling of the season. Perhaps it wouldn't seem so cold and alien in spring or autumn. Maybe the all the glass allows it to morph with the seasons.

I wonder what the environmental impact of these types of houses would be? Are they more green or sustainable than those built with conventional materials?

Pictures and architecture by Santambrogio Milan

Jumper by Bertjan Pot

Steel frame covered in a felted wool. Reminds me of something from Beetlejuice and this equals <3.>

Bertjan Pot (annoying website but many cool things to view)
Established & Sons