| |||
|
| NOVEMBER 2, 2009 |
| Solar Power: Increasingly in Reach |
| The cost of generating electricity from solar panels has dropped steadily over the past three decades, from nearly $100 per watt in 1975 to less than $7 per watt today. Rising demand for materials has raised prices in recent years, but costs are expected to resume their downward trend as technology improves and production ramps up to meet demand. |
| Source: Evaluating the potential of solar technologies |
| Copyright © 2009 McKinsey & Company. All rights reserved. Reprinted by permission |
Mascotte's messenger bag prototype
G24 Innovations has shipped its first flexible solar panels, which are destined for the outside of backpacks and other bags, the company said Wednesday.
Kamal Meattle used three just three indoor plant species to increase oxygen, filter air, and boost general health at a a New Delhi business park. You too can use them to freshen your indoor space.
Meattle's presentation at the TED 2009 conferencedetails a large-scale success, using thousands of plants for hundreds of workers. In any living or working space, though, the three plants—Areca palm, Mother-in-law's Tongue, and a "Money Plant"—can be used to convert carbon dioxide into oxygen, remove organic compounds, and generally filter and freshen the ambient air. A single person looks to need a minimum of 11 total plants, and certain climates with less sunlight could require a bit of hydroponic growing, but Meattle swears by the health, productivity, and atmosphere benefits. Check out the detailed slides from his TED talk:
Got your own plant combinations for better working or living air? Give up your greenery tricks in the comments.
Regardless of your religious beliefs, and even in the absence of any spiritual connection or association, each one us has the responsibility of leaving this world in a little better condition than how we found it. This is because we are all a part of the human condition.| posted by Megan, selected from Intent.com |
