Latest Updates from Ecofriendly Products

LED bulbs are expensive but will save money in the long run. - http://pogue.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/04/04/an-ode-to-the-led-bulb/

in LED

I have done much research online into determining the ideal spectrum for growing algae. My goal is to custom-tune an LED fixture for maximum algae growth and maximum filtration capacity. So far, I have not been able to verify whether Algae best utilizes the Chlorophyll A or B spectrums, or a combination of both.

I build algae scrubber for freshwater and marine aquariums. The algae is grown on a vertical substrate with the system water constantly cascading over it, and illuminated on both sides. So far, the vast majority of people grow the algae with low-kelvin (2700-3500K) CFL or T5HO with great success. LED builds have been all over the board, but some evidence suggest that algae (at least, marine algae) responds best to 660nm "deep red". Thus the limited data would seem to indicate that marine algae (green hair algae, in specific) absorbs mainly the Chlorophyll "A" specturn.

Adversely, the horticulture industry reports that plants respond much better to the equivalent wattage (input) of 630nm. Growth of plants under 630s far exceeds growth under 660s. The theoretical explanation is that 630nm LEDs output 3x the power of 660nm LEDs, and that the difference is mainly the result of intensity trumping spectrum.

The "A" finding is also compounded by the apparent total lack of algae growth under warm white LEDs supplemented with 455/460nm LEDs ("B" peak in Blue). The lack of correct red component may be partially to blame, so this is only anecdotal.

I am currently preparing to run an experiment with 2 separate fixtures, one tuned to the "A" spectrum, and another tuned to the "B" spectrum. The experiment will be performed on 2 separate uninhabited saltwater system with fertilizer mixed in the water, essentially creating waste water or runoff water.

I would greatly appreciate any insight from anyone who has attempted to grow algae using artificial LED light. I posted a similar request on Oilgae and got zippo for response.

in LED

With the industry’s support and despite political opposition, new U.S. lighting efficiency standards went into effect. This move, along with similar actions in Europe and China, is helping spur new technologies that will change the way the world's homes and businesses are illuminated.

Read More: http://e360.yale.edu/feature/building_a_better_bulb_lighting_revolution_advances/2487/

in LED

A multi-year study in UK social housing developments found that LED lightbulbs made residents feel safer and more content. Energy and maintenance savi - http://www.smartplanet.com/blog/intelligent-energy/study-led-lightbulbs-make-people-feel-safer/11457?tag=nl.e660

in LED

A sustainable bio-degradable alternative to plastic packaging has been developed by Gurgaon-based Roidec India Chemicals Pvt Ltd, the company said Tuesday. - http://green.in.msn.com/cleantechnologies/article.aspx?cp-documentid=5567147

in Renewable Chemicals

Besides secreting oil, microalgae also produce compounds to protect themselves against environmental injuries like too much sunlight or lack of moisture. As it happens, human skin deals with those same insults every day, and we're always looking for products that can help us in that fight—which is one reason why the global cosmetics industry is worth more than $40 billion.

- http://ecocentric.blogs.time.com/2011/10/28/why-the-future-of-skincare-may-be-algae/

in Eco Cosmetics

Company using grape waste to make oils, lotions - http://www.wasterecyclingnews.com/rss2.html?id=1318001673

These are exciting developments...not only do they find a useful avenue for using waste, they also make a renewable, sustainable and more healthy chemical from that...

Are there other prominent fruit wastes from which renewable chemicals, cosmetics etc could be made?

in Agri Waste Management Renewable Chemicals Eco Cosmetics

The global markets for algae-based products and biofuels are poised for explosive growth over the next decade. The non-biofuel related products from algae including pharmaceuticals, and specialty chemicals, human and animal feed will play a decisive role in the success of algae production ventures.
Here’s a report which provides a snapshot of such non-fuel products obtained from algae – both micro and macroalgae. 

1. Pharmaceuticals & Nutraceuticals
Use of microalgae, especially the cyanobacteria (blue-green algae), for antibiotics and pharmacologically active compounds has received ever increasing interest. A large number of antibiotic compounds, many with novel structures, have been isolated and…

in Algae Fuels Eco Cosmetics

http://inhabitat.com/solar-oled-tiles-transform-skscrapers-into-zero-energy-displays/

in LED

Are the global fashion designers embracing organic and ecofriendly textiles? If yes, which are the most prominent designers promoting this?

in Organic Textiles