Blogs & Ecology

TreeHugger Alan bravely struggles to his computer to let us know that Portland, Oregon is absolutely buried under five inches of snow. Electrical power is intermittent, so the new survivalists are stocking up with supplies. Overheard at the 7-11- a woman talking to her son:

"I want to get a few things so that if we lose power you guys have stuff to keep you busy...grab two of those microwave popcorns."

More on the new Survivalism in TreeHugger:
Survivalism is the New Black

If we’ve learned anything from watching the Democratic and Republican conventions over the past few weeks, it’s that energy policy is at the forefront, both in our policy debates and in the minds of our citizens. Republicans and Democrats alike understand the challenges posed by surging energy prices to our nation’s growth and prosperity.

A turtle shaped airship is perhaps the last thing you might expect to see floating through the sky, but this eco-friendly craft might just be key to the next generation of humanitarian relief.

Powered by solar panels during the day and bio-diesel at night, the airship is an intriguing concept. It cruises at speeds comparable to some airplanes and can take off and land straight up and down like a helicopter. It can even to take on water ballast and act like a boat, enabling it to land just about anywhere - deserts, mountain lakes, swamps or the middle of the ocean - and the first prototype will make its maiden flight in 2009.

Americans have come to expect environmentally conscious materials and processes in virtually every aspect of their lives. We now work “green” and vacation “green,” and who would have believed that driving a car could be done in an environmentally friendly way?