Google goes Carbon Neutral

Official Google Blog:

Posted by Urs Hoelzle, Senior Vice President, OperationsClimate change continues to be one of the biggest, most challenging problems our planet faces, and we know that a sustained global effort is needed if we're going to have any hope of reversing its effects. In that spirit, today we're announcing that Google will become carbon neutral by the end of 2007. This is an important step in our long-term pursuit of holistic environmental solutions.Our plan to neutralize Google's carbon footprint includes three basic strategies:

- reduce energy consumption by maximizing efficiency
- invest in and use renewable energy sources
- purchase carbon offsets for the emissions that we can't reduce directly

Tom Dixon & Sustainable Design

Inhabitat points us to this great video of iconic British furniture designer, Tom Dixon speaking about sustainable design.

Via PSFK Trend

Sony presents Odo line

Sony, traditionally has been a leader in paradigm shifting technology with their large research and innovation design budgets all though they have lost a lot of ground in the last 5-7 years to companies like Apple and Phillips. Today Sony looks to regain some of that innovation leadership through the development of their fresh out of the oven 'odo' concept line of environmentally friendly products. The 'odo' line of products do not require any AC adapters or chargers because they are mechanically powered. There is the Spin N' Snap camera 'no display', the Push Power Play viewer, the Crank N' Capture video camps, the Pull N' Play headphones, and the solar array Juice Boxes for powering other devices.

Read the full story at Sustainable Day

1000 Words: A manifesto for Sustainability in Design

an article by Allan Chochinov in core77: interesting perspective!

New D4S manual for Developing Economies

The new UNEP Design for Sustainability for Developing Economies is now downloadable from http://www.d4s-de.org/

Results of 'Light Objects' design competition

Winners are fine! but look at the notable entries for some inspiring environmentle friendly objects. click here

Sustainable Dance Club in Rotterdam

Read more about the launching of the very first sustainable dance club at SustainableRotterdam.com

Next Generation

Design Competetion

text from the nextgen webpage says... Win $10,000 for your design idea! The 2007 Next Generation® prize will finance the development of a bright idea that focuses on ENERGY, its uses, reduction, consumption, efficiencies, and alternatives. Now in its fourth year, the Next Generation® design competition recognizes design innovation on all scales--from the efficient desk lamp to the innovative city neighborhood plan, and everything in between. The competition is open to young designers in practice 10 years or less; including CAD monkeys in large offices, design students, independent firms or individuals. On your own or in teams we invite you to submit work on urban plans, buildings, interiors, products, landscapes or communications design. The winner will receive $10,000 to realize his or her idea, and will be featured in Metropolis magazine. Runners up will also receive full coverage to empower the next generation of design

Breathing map

Quite revealing statistics about CO2 emissions, birth and death rates from different individual countries. Its an interactive map also, thanks to Core77 for the initial posting.

Van recycling tot Re-design

Exhibition during the Inside design week in Amsterdam
from 14th September to 17th September, 2006

LSDP says that one is welcome to make thier own 'hip' products from recycled materials, helped by professional designers in the exhibition organized by Latin Sisters Design Productions and Stadsdeel Oud West. The exhibition is do with recycling and consumption excesses.

Do check out the organizers website, as everyday consist of a workshop.
venue: De Hallen, Tollensstraat 60, Amsterdam