While some green gadgets are cutting edge, some are just as simple as a bike. We all know the health benefits to being more active, but there are other benefits such as cost benefits and environmental benefits. This article provides you with the basic cost benefits and evironmental benefits to riding your bike to work. You will also fine five popular folding bike models that are ideal for your commute.

Cost Benefits
Think of the money you spend each month on gas, public transportation, and car maintenance just getting to work each day. AAA estimates that the average car cost is 52 cents per mile. Riding your bike to work instead of driving will immediately reduce this cost. Cyclists don't need to pay to park in a garage or lot, or feed costly parking meters. Commuting by bicycle or just riding a bike is affordable. Per mile traveled, bicycle riding costs the frequent cyclist less than half as much as mass transit and only one-quarter as much as driving — even assuming cyclists must replace their bicycles every three years due to bicycle theft and bad pavement.

Environmental Benefits
Act globally, start locally, is a phrase that is becoming more and more popular as there is an increase in environmental. Just short of recycling many of us are not sure exactly what we can do to be part of this movement to save the planet. If you ride your bike to work, you will be helping to reduce the amount of CO2 emissions in the environment. This is important because CO2 is directly linked to global warming and climate change. It is estimated that we have to cut our emissions by 60% over the next 30 years to save us from the worst consequences of climate change ever. Biking to work is not going to solve the crisis we face, but it sure is a start.

Popular Bikes for Commuting

• Dahon Eco 3 2009 Folding Bike
• Schwinn Loop 7-Speed Folding Bike
• Chrysler PT Cruiser Folding Bike
• Kent Compact 16 Aluminum Folding Bike

Schwinn Hinge Folding Bike

Whether your concerned with global warming or you just want to keep more of your hard earned money in your pocket, this article will offer you the chance to do both. There are multiple factors that contribute to the cost of driving. Such factors include, but are not limited to, the speed you drive, the amount of times you use your break, the weather, and where your driving. Another big factor is the kind of vehicle your driving. Since not all of us are going to be able to just go purchase a new hybrid, the tips below can at least help us drive more efficiently in the meantime.

Basic Saving Techniques

• Do not accelerate quickly or brake heavily: This reduces fuel economy by as much as 33 percent at highway speeds and 5 percent around town.
• Do not idle if not necessary: Consider shutting down your vehicle if stopped for more than 7-seconds as that is all the fuel it takes to restart a modern day, fuel-inject engine.
• Avoid driving at higher speeds: This increases aerodynamic drag (wind resistance) and mechanical friction which reduces fuel economy.
• Cold weather and frequent short trips reduce fuel economy, since your engine doesn't operate efficiently until it is warmed up. In colder weather, it takes longer for your engine to warm, and on short trips, your vehicle operates a smaller percentage of time at the desired temperature. Note: Letting your car idle to warm-up does not help your fuel economy, it actually uses more fuel and creates more pollution. Drive to your furthest destination first and then as you are heading home, stop at the closer destinations in order from furthest to closest as the car is warmed up for longer portions of your drive.
• Remove Cargo or cargo racks: Cargo and/or racks on top of your vehicle (e.g., cargo boxes, canoes, etc.) increase aerodynamic drag and lower FE.
• Do not tow unless absolutely necessary: Towing a trailer or carrying excessive weight decreases fuel economy.
• Minimize running mechanical and electrical accessories: Running mechanical and electrical accessories (e.g., air conditioner) decreases fuel economy. Operating the air conditioner on "Max" can reduce MPG by roughly 5-30% compared to not using it.
• Avoid driving on hilly or mountainous terrain if possible: Driving hilly or mountainous terrain or on unpaved roads reduces fuel economy most of the time.
• Do not use 4-wheel drive if it is not needed. 4-Wheel drive reduces fuel economy. Four-wheel drive vehicles are tested in 2-wheel drive. Engaging all four wheels makes the engine work harder and increases crankcase losses.

One June 12, 2009 this aircraft set a world record for reaching the fastest speed every for an electric airplane. This one of a kind eco-plane reached a top speed of 250 km/h. This is quite amazing because greening airplanes is not an easy job. According to researchers, aviation is the fastest growing source of CO2 as the industry continues to increase the speed of its aircrafts.

Skyspark is taking a step forward and opening new doors for the aviation world to become more green. The airplane is powered by a 100% electrical motor. This motor has surpassed internal combustion engines for both efficiency and dimensions. It has proved to be very reliable and expected to have a long life span due to its technology. The dynamics of this motor allows for performance that surpasses a typical engine. SkySpark has set the pace for new challenges in the air transportation field.

The airplane is a specially built Pioneer Alpi 300, which is now powered by a 75KW brushless electric motor fueled by an array of lithium-polymer batteries. The team behind the development is looking forward for better range and more speed using engine technology that runs on hydrogen fuel cells.

Source: EcoFriend

The 2009 Honda Civic Hybrid proves that environmentalism and style can go hand and hand. For decades Honda has provided its drivers with reliable automobiles that are affordable. With the introduction of the Civic Hybrid, Honda has not just lived up to their expectations, but exceeded them.

Thanks to its refined gasoline-electric powertrain, the Civic Hybrid will make your visits to the gas pump alot less frequent. With the uncertainty of gas prices, this is a benefit most would consider a luxury. With an EPA estimated city/highway rating of 40 city/ 45 highway mpg, worries about gas prices will be a thing of the past. Few cars can compete with this EPA which leads U.S. News to rank the Honda Civic Hybrid 3 out of the 37 affordable cars they reviewed.

The Civic Hybrid has achieved the Advanced Technology Partial Zero-Emission Vehicle (AT-PZEV) status. This means the car is a Super-Ultra-Low-Emissions Vehicle with zero evaporative emissions and carries a 15 year/ 150,000 mile warranty on all emissions equipment. This is a standard that started in California and has since been adopted by many states throughout the country.

With its high quality, sleek design, and gas sipping abilities the Honda Civic Hybrid ranks high among hybrids and small cars. Currently it is available in only a four door sedan model that is packed full of options. Such options include leather seats, navigation system, audio USB interface and more. Just because this car reduces your impact on the environement doesn't mean it can't be fun to drive

Honda's hybrid technology Integrated Motor Assist IMA® system combines a super-efficient 1.3 liter, 8 valve i-VTEC ® 4 cylinder gasoline engine with a lightweight, high-output electric motor. The Civic Hybrid uses a continuously variable transmission (CVT) which gives the feel of a smooth automatic, but efficiently of a manual. For maximum efficiency it has an idle stop feature which automatically shuts off the vehicle's gasoline engine when you stop. This will help save on gas and keep the air free from pollutants.

Honda's suggested starting price is $23, 650 and goes up from there depending on the options that are added. The biggest competitor of the Civic Hybrid is the 2009 Toyota Prius Hybrid which starts just around $22,000. According to Forbes "The Honda Civic Hybrid is one of the best hybrids available, with an affordable price, excellent driving dynamics, and fuel economy matched by few other models."

Raser Technologies recently unveiled a new electric Hummer at the 2009 SAE International World Congress in Detroit, MI. While Hummers are typically known for being gas hogs and polluters, Raser has developed an electric engine that makes it more ecofriendly.

The Hummer H3 is powered by a plug in hybrid E-REV engine that generates a 268hp, a 40 mile all-electric range and fuel efficiency over 100mpg. Raser’s CEO Brent Cook said, “The technology in this electric-powered Hummer is a leap ahead for U.S. Automakers. It could make the nation’s popular light trucks and SUVs greener than a Prius.”

The plug-in electric Hummer H3 has a range of about 400 miles, driving its first 40 miles exclusively on batteries before turning on its combustion generator. The Electric Hummer runs entirely on electricity by Raser’s 200kW advanced AC induction motor connected to a 4WD transmission. A small high efficiency engine uses Raser’s 100kW electric generator to recharge the batteries while driving.

Trucks and SUV’s are the best selling vehicles in America and can benefit the most from increase fuel economy.

Source: EcoFriend

Horizon Yachts has developed an electric catamaran that is fueled by solar power and is known as the SunCat23. This ten seat solar powered boat can be operated completely by solar power and reach a maximum speed of 12km/h. When both engines and double batteries are in use the boat can reach speeds of 24km/h.

The newest catamaran building standards were used to design the shape of the hull and the electric propulsion for ultra low resistance with is optimal for cursing efficiency. The boat is controlled through a rudder propeller system that is operated by a steering wheel with a fully electrical control lever.

The interior lay out includes an entertainment system, electric stove, refrigerator, a dinette, a helm station and an owner’s stateroom with modern amenities. The exterior has a sharp design that was created by J.C. Espinosa. The design of this boat combines luxury and technology with the highest quality making this one stylish green boat.

This eco-ride is the future for Honda’s popular CB Series of motorcycles. Designer Igor Chak has designed this 2015 Honda CB 750 equipped with sophisticated technology and an unmatched style. The bike is powered by hydrogen and is a zero emission concept motorcycle.

Nearly all the systems for this bike are computerized and can be controlled by the 5” OLED multi-touch display screen. The display screen allows access to a menu that houses options for the GPS, Drive Modes, and Diagnostic Modes. The screen is mounted on the fuel tank which makes it easily accessible and it adds appeal to the design of the bike.

The CB 750 will be mainly constructed out of light weight materials such as carbon fiber, aluminum, and titanium. The bike will be powered by a four-cylinder liquid hydrogen engine that will emit only a small amount of clean water. For enhanced performance, the engine will be stacked with a six speed dual clutch transmission with electric lurch and traction control. For protection of its riders, the bike is packed with ABS, airbag, steering damper and radar technology used to automatically slow the bike down when a collision is sensed.

This bike is considered to be a futuristic take on the CB Series that was first seen in the 1970’s and gives us an idea of what to expect down the road for the motorcycle industry.

Source: EcoFriend

New Holland is a company that aims to simplify people’s life by making farm activity easier and more efficient. Through innovation and affordable products, New Holland’s solution is to create an Energy Independent Farm. With this new approach, farmers will be able to generate their own energy to run their farm and agricultural equipment.

One of New Holland’s latest developments is the NH2 Hydrogen Powered Tractor. The NH2 is a prototype that is still undergoing testing with plans of being available in about three years. This new age tractor is powered by a hydrogen fuel cell that transforms hydrogen into electricity and this runs its two motors. The tractor has zero emissions 100% of the time, with only a little bit of water, in the form of steam which is produced by the Fuel Cell Systems.

The benefits of this product are as follows: No Noise, No Emissions, No gears, No Power Loss, and Power delivered only as needed. This tractor not only is environmentally friendly, but it also has an extremely unique design compared to your normal everyday tractor. This new approach to farming by New Holland is just the beginning of what the future holds for us and hopefully before long we will see this type of development reach the industrial sector.

Source: EcoFriend

This rechargeable power bank developed by Datexx provides instant power when you need it the most. This unit can be your back up power source for your electronic devices in an emergency situation or when you’re just on the go. All you do is simply plug in your device to the unit and let it recharge.

There is a back up hand crank which gives you a second source of power if you don’t mind putting in a bit of elbow grease. For 2 minutes of crank time you will get approximately 6 minutes of charge. This would come in handy in the event of a power outage or even a camping trip.

The Super Battery supports over 1,200 devices and has a time saver optional twin cable to allow for two devices to be charged at the same time. The Datexx Super Battery has a direct USB connection to charge any USB device and also includes the 4 popular cell phone tips for Motorola, Samsung, LG and Nokia cell phones. This devices retails for about $45 and can be purchased from Datexx or Amazon.

Imagine an electric supercar that is powered by the energy it generates from the sun. It may sound too good to be true, but believe it! The Quant is a zero-emission electric car that is fitted with a thin layer of solar panels that generate the electricity needed to power the cars two electric engines. Now, don’t get too excited because the car won’t be available for at least three years and unfortunately, it’s probably not going to be affordable to all. However, it does give us all a look down the road as to what we can expect from the automotive industry in the years to come.

Not only is this car equipped with some serious technology, but it’s a sharp looking supercar as well. The Quant is fitted with a 512 hp engine that allows it to reach 62mph in just over 5 seconds with a top speed of 171mph. The Quant is equipped with a battery pack that gets its juice from the sun. When the sun isn’t shining, the car can be recharged from a conventional wall outlet in just 20 minutes.

When the batteries are fully charged, they will power the car for over 300 miles. The built in solar cells will extend this with the help of the sun. The body of the car is a carbon fiber and carbon/aluminum construction with a complex regenerative breaking system. The total body weighs only 3924 pounds thanks to light weight materials used to build this one of a kind supercar.

The Quant was designed by Koenigsegg, a company based out of southern Sweden that is well known for their phenomenal sports cars and eco-friendly sports cars. Koenigsegg developed the technology for The Quant along with NLV Solar AG.