Ford to Generate Electricity…from Paint!

If ever there was a time to stand in awe of the world of science, it is now, in this burgeoning age of clean tech geniuses coming up with fascinating (if not mind-blowing) solutions to the energy and environmental challenges with which we’re faced.  One such remarkable solution is being launched by U.S. automaker Ford, whose own team of such geniuses have come up with a method of harnessing the electricity-generating potential of VOC’s in autobody paint.  To be launched at their Oakville, Ontario plant, the process called Fumes-to-Fuel involves the sequestration of VOC’s in a 2,000 gallon vat of carbon beads, where they are absorbed.  The carbon beads are then processed themselves, to release the VOC’s for conversion into fuel for a 300 KW fuel cell that will power the plant itself.  According to Ford, the electricity generated by the fuel cell is enough to power about 150 homes, and the process will result in an 88% reduction of carbon dioxide and elimination of nitrogen oxide, two negative aspects inherent in autobody painting.

By utilizing VOC’s for good, Ford has set the stage for other automakers to take up a similarly progressive clean tech mantle.  Reducing noxious gases and CO2 within their plants, and converting paint fumes to power their own facilities, are no small feats, however the automaker still must strive to quickly develop super-efficient vehicles in the same progressive vein.  In fact, it must do so to survive, as Japanese and German (VW and BMW) automakers are already making strides in alternative fuels and fuel efficiency.  Nonetheless, Ford’s Fumes-to-Fuel program is surely a sign of things to come, as more and more companies push the envelope, and emerge with the right solutions to our energy dependent world.

Ford

Ford’s media announcement on Fumes-to-Fuel program

All You Need is a Little Paint and Some Imagination

In the United States especially on the east cost, demolition of historic structures has become a very controversial topic, with many developers and communities clashing with very different perspectives and agendas. There’s a lot to be learned from experiments that other cities around the world are going through. The borough of Delfshaven located in Rotterdam is the second largest municipality (population wise) in the Netherlands. The buildings pictured above were (and still are) slated for demolition. The borough asked the well known Dutch artist, Florentijn Hofman to come up with a plan for the derelict block of buildings. His solution? Paint them bright blue! The catch is that the buildings will stay blue and intact until there’s a new plan for the area. Since this particular section of houses built in the early 20th century have been painted blue, the most unseen block in the city has become Rotterdam’s most photographed one. It provokes viewers to see the surrounding buildings and engage with the architecture but furthermore it moves them to decide what role the buildings have in the community. This project certainly puts the repercussions of demolition in perspective while attracting visitors who bring life back to the neighborhood while the future of the area is being planned. Who knows, maybe the buildings will be preserved as-is to continually liven the community, attracting painters, photographers and tourists to the unique spectacle.

Toys “R” Us To Adopt Higher Health Standards

In recent years Toys “R” Us, Target, Sears and Wal-Mart have all been forming plans to discontinue the sale of toys containing PVC. Toys “R” Us is taking their initiative to the next level, announcing that they will be phasing out any toys containing phthalates in their juvenile product lines. Phthalates are the chemical compounds that soften PVC, turning it from a hard and rigid material to a soft and flexible material. Aside from being used in toys, phthalates are commonly used in the production of paints, nail polish and adhesives. Added phthalates in PVC is being discovered to cause unusual hormonal activity, birth defects and other health risks, especially to children as their bodies are still in the process of growing. In 2009, the state of California will begin acting on serious plans to heavily restrict the use of phthalates in toys for children. For the toy industry as a whole, the added chemical compound has made PVC prominent for good reason in the past. Its ability to be made in many different durometers while passing shatter tests has kept children from swallowing small parts that could break off and restricts them from being exposed to sharp edges.

Green Toys Inc is a newer company based in San Francisco geared towards making simple, environmentally friendly products for children. Robert von Goeben is Co-founder and his take on the current consumer mentality is that people are “looking at toys the way they looked at food 10 years ago. They’re starting to think about the specific ingredients in toys.” After the scares with lead paint last year, many companies are under analysis by the public, feeling pressure to improve their products and highlight active steps they are taking to make safer toys. Green Toys uses a bio-based plastic produced by Cereplast for some products and their new line of greener more eco-friendly toys will be made from plastic, post-consumer recycled milk bottles.

A Time of Transitions in the Age of Eco Thinking

Environmental concerns have reached the masses. In response, many businesses across the nation have taken to the challenge, adapting and even reinventing themselves to aid in the effort. We hope they continue to offer options that may be new, green and revolutionary. We’re now in a time when we’re seeing some interesting adaptations with companies such as Shrewin Williams, making low and no VOC paints under the GreenSure line. We support them fully in their vision and efforts however their logo sends a unique message.