Is solar power the heavenly answer to our energy needs? Perhaps. Not only is sunlight clean, abundant, and everlasting — it’s free. Until recently, however, the cost of converting it into electricity was prohibitive — especially when compared with natural gas, which was cheap. But as they say, things change. New technologies are making solar power more cost-effective.

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Filed under: Civil, Environmental, Materials | Comments Off on A Bright Future

Tags: Civil, Energy, Environmental, Green Technology, Materials

With his high school buddy, Adam Lowry created household cleaning products that are stylish, nice smelling, and kind to the environment. You may have seen his Method line at Target or Safeway stores. The cleaners are made with natural ingredients that are less toxic.

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Filed under: Chemical, Environmental, Materials, Trailblazers | Comments Off on Soap Star

Tags: Chemical, Environmental, Materials

Working for the SmithGroup architectural firm, Cynthia Cogil uses engineering to make buildings that are better for the environment. She helped design one that turns off the lights when it senses enough daylight coming in. Also, its roof collects water that gets filtered before coming out of the faucet. What’s more, the toilet doesn’t use water. Instead, chutes bring waste into a holding tank where it decomposes.

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Filed under: Architectural, Environmental, Trailblazers | 1 Comment »

Tags: Architectural, Environmental, Green Technology

A slum in India has gotten cleaner water, thanks to filters developed by engineers in an organization that Regina Clewlow created. Clewlow started Engineers for a Sustainable World to encourage fellow engineers to brainstorm ways to improve the lives of people in poor countries.

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Filed under: Environmental, Trailblazers | Comments Off on A Green Go-Getter

Tags: Energy, Environmental

Playing with toys all day — that’s how Neal Saiki describes his job.Saiki created an electric dirt bike. It costs just 1 cent per mile to operate — way cheaper than gas. Also, the batteries it uses are completely recyclable. Saiki says designing environmentally friendly products was important to him because he loves camping, hiking, and rock climbing and wants to preserve the great outdoors from pollution.

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Filed under: Electrical, Environmental, Trailblazers | 1 Comment »

Tags: Electrical, Environmental, Green Technology, Green Transportation, Transportation