Environment

Even the most die-hard fans of hydrogen powered vehicles have a hard time finding a solution to the problem of storage for their fuel. Currently, it requires a high pressure tank and a maze of fittings and lines to ensure the proper delivery in the proper amount at the proper time. However, the Department of Energy (DOE) has just challenged the general public to find a new way to store hydrogen and offered a six digit prize to anyone who can meet this goal.

Earlier this year, Mercedes Benz released information regarding their development of a new Fuel Cell vehicle called the F-Cell. Since then, they have been refining the project and now believe it is ready for small scale production.

Sometimes I come across a green concept that I wish would really be put into practice, like this innovative eco-printer idea. The printer uses ink made from coffee grounds to print text. Sounds pretty neat right?

Recently, General Motors held a press conference to introduce some of the vehicles thy plan on debuting by the 2012 model year.  While there were several all electric vehicles and hybrids throughout the presentation, the upcoming concepts that got the most attention were a pair of vehicles listed as “Bare Necessities.”

The Brooks Range Rocket Tent redefines lightweight for winter-ready tents. Consider this one for your next backcountry skiing or mountaineering adventure.

A cross between skiing and stand up paddleboarding, surf skiing is a new alternative in the world of water sports. Its inventor Jason Starr is determined to make it a household sports term.

Since first being introduced, the Volkswagen Polo has been one of the most fuel efficient vehicles on the road. Years of diesel development and improvements to powertrain design have improved the overall efficiency ever more. Now, VW is offering a BlueMotion version of the Polo and promising even more miles for every gallon.

Looking like a scooter retro-fitted onto a commuter bike, the Bullitt offers generous storage space for all your gear and cargo.

This sweet bicycle-pulled trailer was hand-built for self-sufficiency and then put to use at Burning Man. Nearly everything you need rolled into into a clean, portable package.

Not too long ago, news broke that the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) would begin conducting tests to see how safe occupants were in a collision that led to a roll-over. Since then, they have been working their way through each vehicle segment, and posting the results about which car, truck or minivan provided the most protection. In a recent set of tests conducted on the small car segment, the number one choice came as a surprise to more than a few.

This cured crocodile foot comes in your choice of 5 pleasing colors. It also comes in handy when you want to send a message but don't have any severed horse heads around.

Do you remember Wall-E's girlfriend Eve? Her mission was to find plant life. Once she did, it was her mission to protect the plant. Le Petit Prince, though still a concept, is also a robot that has a similar mission, except he already has a plant inside him and it's his mission to keep it alive.

Since first being introduced, the Smart ForTwo has become a big hit with commuters and pretty much anyone looking for a high efficiency vehicle.  Now, an all electric version of the already popular ForTwo is being prepared for production by the end of the year.

It's no secret that BMW has been working feverishly on improving the fuel economy of their 5 and 7 series vehicles. Their latest additional to the eco-friendly goodie bag comes in the form of a small electric motor linked to the 8-speed automatic transmission of the 7-Series.

German auto makers have been pushing vehicles in the premium compact segment over the past few years, with the most recent being the introduction of the BMW 1-Series. This also happens to be one of the fastest growing segments in the industry right now, which explains the recent release of a Lexus Hybrid Concept that would look to challenge the 1-Series and others in the same class.

This year's Frankfurt Motor Show is looking more and more like a stage for hybrid introductions. Among the many automakers that are planning on unveiling new eco-friendly concepts, Peugeot has come forward with a new kind of hybrid drive system aimed at keeping complexity to a bare minimum.

Did you know something as simple as a pint of the sweetest, creamiest, most chocolaty Rocky Road ice cream can use a vast amount of energy to keep it frozen? Luckily, Unilever, in an effort to minimize their environmental impact, is working on creating an innovative take-home and freeze-yourself ice cream. Yeah!

Sex sells and while it has been used to some extent in order to support the environment (think the PETA lettuce bikinis), there's yet to be a solely green business with the goal of using their good looks to do environmental good. Enter Angry Green Girl.

Despite its awesome name, the Castro Mosquito Vaporizer is neither made in Cuba nor does it vaporize mosquitoes. Instead, it sits nicely on a table while quietly compelling flying bloodsuckers to vamos.