Thermal pollution is a huge contributor to our atmosphere’s problems, how about we try to harness this heat energy to cycle it back into our system without wasting it? Check out this link and it’s subsequents to learn more about some exciting new projects related to this sort of energy recycling!

As always California is ahead of the game when it comes to new ways to reduce their environmental impacts. The most recent legislative effort will ban the selling of black/dark cars by 2012. This unusual sounding proposal is based on the fact that cars’ environmental systems have to work noticeably harder to cool down in cars with higher radiation collecting properties. The movement is also calling for reflective coatings to be put on new cars that will allow for less solar radiation absorption and in turn less cooling (if you are MPG-aware then you already know how much cranking the AC on full-blast affects your gas economy).

The California Air Resources Board (CARB), has a PDF posted here that shows the results of their testing.

Similar to using (freely generated and ever present) sound wave energy to create usable electricity, MIT researchers have thought up a way to generate a little extra juice for your plug-in/hybrid by adding shock driven generators to the mix. The system uses a turbine in the hydraulic fluid that turns whenever pressure is exerted on the shock. Read the rest over in Shock Turns a Jolt into a Volt.

As another quickie, there will be a major-ish site style update coming soon.

The recently signed stimulus bill will also be providing funds to jump start the battery manufacturing industry within the US. As of now, most advanced technology batteries are produced in Asia due to the high demand of the market, mainly from Japan. With hopes of using such batteries to stabilize renewable energy output in our power grid the US is now looking to develop such markets here and manufacture the batteries here as well. The Technology Review has an article summarizing the hopes the manufacturers have for the money granted by this bill. Consumers will even see direct benefits in the form of rebates for buying such US manufactured battery powered cars.

Like most people during this time of year (especially for us New Englanders) I’m about to fill my windshield washer fluid for the 2nd time this winter. It’s no secret that the deliciously blue liquid we spray all over our cars and onto the road isn’t exactly eco-friendly, especially when we consider the quantity ‘dumped’ each year. So I was thinking; there must be a more eco-friendly product out there. After a quick google I didn’t really notice anything but I did stumble upon a way to make your own! Based on the traditional white vinegar + water cleaning solution, this fluid is more eco-friendly, cheaper, and will even work better than that creepy blue stuff!

Recipe after the jump.

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While trying to not sound like an ad I bring to your attention this neat little invention from Sabertec; The Blade. This gizmo attaches to the tailpipe of a car and reduces CO2 emissions and improves fuel economy. Originally developed in Brazil the Blade has been tested by a California Air Resource Board and shown to reduce emissions by up to 12% (in smaller four cylinder cars, like a Yaris!) and improve millage by up to 2.7-5mpg (city/hwy). This $200 miracle worker, combined with other techniques to keep your car in good shape, is a great solution for people that can’t afford a hydrogen or an (elusive) electric car.

Thanks to Natioal Geographic again, for bringing this interesting invention to my attention. If you’d like to see the data given by the company in their press kit, check out this PDF.

Green technology is also being developed outside of the energy sector and it is important to give it notice. These projects, often funded by defense contracts, are able to advance much faster than private research and eventually influence and enhance public technologies and drive the market and research towards greater heights.

Check this UK built, record breaking plane out.

Since Zephyr, a 30kg solar-powered unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), completed a 54-hour flight in late August 2007, it holds the world record for the longest-duration unmanned flight. During the 54 hour test flight, the Zephyr UAV, built by a team from the UK defense contractor Qinetiq, reached a maximum altitude of more than 18,000m. The previous record in the longest duration unmanned flight category was set in 2001 by a jet-powered US Air Force surveillance aircraft, which stayed in the air for over 30 hours. “This aeroplane is going to go a lot higher and a lot further. You ain’t seen nothing yet.” – said Chris Kelleher, Zephyr’s technical director.

Created by a fellow Andover resident, GreaseNotGas shows an interesting journey of a few grease powered vehicles If you click on their banner to go to the main flash site you will find lots of information and documentary-like stories about the many trips this team has taken across country in a vehicle powered by ‘leftovers.’

For half the price you can get a car that is nearly as good on gas, and just as fun to drive! Check out the Toyota Yaris (hatchback or sedan) here on Car and Driver. Of course as an owner of a 2008 Yaris I can give you a better review!

• Average Miles Per Gallon: 41mpg (much higher than sticker)
• Roominess: I am 5′10″ and fit fine in all of the seats. My 6′4″ friend can fit in the back without discomfort
• Trunk Space: I have the hatchback and I fit way more than I thought I could in there when moving
• Fun: Its fun to drive for an economic car, its no ‘68 Mustang, but it does the trick just fine
• Parking: I wasted years honing my parking skills, it’s a cinch with this car
• Safety: I haven’t hit anything yet

Great Yaris forum over at YarisWorld.com