milk *an advertising agency

Electric Ladyland – Renault Zoe Z.E. Electric

Looks like French automaker Renault is going to be at the forefront of EV (see our post on Better Place below), and from what we’re seeing, the company will be a major player. Its EV concepts are as fun as they are environmentally sound – and the Zoe Z.E. is no exception. The Zoe was designed with help from cosmetics manufacturer Biotherm. The car is targeted for men and women, but we’re pretty sure the ladies will appreciate the car’s looks and spa-like features such as an AC system that helps to keep your skin hydrated and an on-board toxicity sensor that closes the car’s air vents before free radicals destroy your healthy complexion. The Zoe also has an electric diffuser built into the climate control system that can emit essential oils from Biotherm. The car can be charged quickly and the solar cells that cover the roof provide an extra charge on sunny days. Ingenious. Check it out.

Plug and Play – BRAMMO Electric Motorcycle

There are many reasons to love what’s going on with the green movement, but to us one of the coolest is the wonderful design that’s coming out of it. Being responsible and sustainable doesn’t mean you have to be boring. Take the Enertia from BRAMMO. It’s a 100% electric motorcycle and it’s everything that’s right with green design. Not only is it 100% electric, the Enertia also has no clutch or gears so it’s incredibly easy to ride. Just don’t call the Enertia an electric scooter or bike. It’s very much a motorcycle minus the intimidation factor. It starts at about $8k and because it’s green there are tax credits as well. It's the Joe Sequenzia pick of the month. Check it out.

Power Player - Better Place

Not since the short life of the Saturn EV-1 has the promise of Electric Vehicles been so promising. Auto makers around the world are working on EV models and it will be a company like Better Place that will provide the infrastructure with "a network of charge spots, switch stations and systems which optimize the driving experience and minimize environmental impact and cost." Great concept. Great site. Be sure to look for Renault's Fluence EZ Concept. It's really exciting. Check it out.

The Road to Energy Independence?

How's this for the road to OZ? Solar Roadways was just awarded $100,000 by the Department of Energy to develop solar panels that can be embedded into roads. If widely adopted, the 12-by-12 foot panels help finally solve many of our energy problems. Skeptical? With the panels, a mile-long stretch of four lane highway could remove 500 homes from the power grid. Production is a long way off, but this is very exciting. Imagine a similar technology for converting the motion of sidewalk pedestrians into energy. It's a company like Solar Roadways that will make these things reality. Check it out.

Just Be Cause – ActOfGood.org

By now you know of our work with 1000computers.org, the charity that sends used computers to schoolchildren in Africa. You can check it out here. You can also find other worthy organizations at ActOfGood.org, the site that “connects causes with the people that care about them.” The site is in BETA, so some categories like Arts & Culture are still empty, but it’s well designed, user friendly and created by people who want to make the world a better place. Check it out.

Still Green to Being Green? Start Here.

Maybe you're a little late to the whole "Green" thing, or you just feel you could do more. No problem. There are tons of sites dedicated to green living and, not surprisingly, Live Green is a good one. The site does its homework and offers high quality products at fairly affordable prices. There is a $13 a year membership fee but you'll make that back in savings, or at the very least, the site can serve as a good resource. Check it out.

Meetings Give Me Gas – Carbon Free Meeting Coalition

Have your next client face to face without the carbon footprint. Created as a conduit for companies interested in the reduction of carbon emissions, the Carbon Free Meeting Coalition’s mission is to increase the use, measurement, recognition and value of advanced communications technologies as a critical tool in the effort to reduce carbon and drive energy sustainability programs. Check it out.

Turn Your Blueprints Green – P&H Construction

If you think transportation eats up a lot of energy, consider these stats from the U.S. Green Building Council: buildings account for 70% of electricity consumption, 39% of energy use, and 39% of all carbon emissions. That’s why P&H Construction has become an expert in structures that are environmentally responsible, profitable, and healthy places to live and work. They can show you how to reduce operating expenses and cut your energy, water and waste. Check it out.

Bye. Bye. Toxins. – Simple. Pure. Clean.

All natural cleaning products are a great way to go green, and there are many on the market now. Here’s a brand from Connecticut that uses plant and vegetable based ingredients and smartly packages its products in recyclable containers that have been discontinued by other companies to keep landfill waste down. Check it out.

Files Go in the Trash, Not Computers – 1000computers.org

We banged on this back in May of last year, but it’s never a bad time to remind you that millions of computers end up in landfills each year where their highly toxic materials leak into the groundwater and produce carcinogens. So why not donate your unused computers to 1000computers.org. They’ll give them to children in developing countries who use them to build better lives. It’s that simple – and easily achievable. You help collect just 1,000 computers, and they help hopeful countries to begin creating a critical mass of computer skill and an economic link to the rest of the world. Check it out.