Archive for the ‘Environmental’ Category

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Log Tech

December 11, 2008

The technology has been around for centuries, and is still natural and beautiful and warm.  Log cabins, log houses, log homes.  Here’s a luxurious example, created by masters of the craft.

Beautiful log lodge, view from Lake Michigan

Beautiful log lodge, view from Lake Michigan

See the details for yourself, here:  http://www.hilltoploglodge.com/index.html

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Are we Hypermiling yet?

July 24, 2008

Unsurprisingly, given the recent spike in gasoline prices, as well as concern over environmental damage, interest in Hypermiling has also spiked. Hypermiling means getting the best fuel efficiency, preferably above the EPA average, for your vehicle.

Everyday drivers can do it by modifying driving behaviors– accelerate more slowly, slow naturally before braking, and find the car’s best cruising speeds.

Of course, there are handy gadgets to help you here. These two connect to the onboard computer in newer cars.

ScanGauge helps you monitor such things as your best MPG speeds in realtime. Just don’t get so caught up you forget to watch the road.
ScanGauge II 3-in-1 Compact Multifunction Vehicle Computer with Customizable Display

DashDyno SPD is a more expensive and useful onboard monitor.
Auterra A-501 DashDyno SPD ProPack – Scan Tool, Performance Meter, and Data Logger

You can also change how you maintain and modify your vehicle, such as changing tires, keeping them at the right pressure and alignment, and using the proper type of fuel.

Hypermiling has also become a major recreational event, especially among hybrid car owners.

As usual, wikipedia knows a lot, and will be quite happy to tell you: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hypermiling