Photo: www.myrkothum.com
In case you are one of those folks who claim money won’t bring you happiness what you are about to read will either offense you, or change your mind. In our travels through the long valleys of newly designed goods we have stumbled upon several gadgets that once again prove being friendly with the environment does not come cheap. Definitely not when you also want to have a bit of fun, that is.
If you were kidnapped by Martians and hidden on the dark side of the moon for the last two decades you probably haven’t yet realized everything is run through technology. As opposed to say the 90s however, nowadays all the research scientists conduct will exist only through the concern for a better environment.
But what’s with all this obsessive thinking for the environment, you might ask. Well... In new estimates released, the World Health Organization reports that in 2012 around 7 million people died as a result of pollution exposure. In other words, every one in eight of total global deaths are because of ourselves, no virus, no natural disaster and no aliens taking over Earth included.
So having everybody looking towards cleaner lifestyles has become more of a must, than a choice. So far so good. There is, however, one slight detail people forget to tell you about. You see, living a green life does not seem to be that cheap anymore. Let us offer just a couple of examples we found most interesting.
The roof has an integrated solar panel that powers the 600-watt electric motor, while the vehicle was developed with a continuously variable transmission that allows smooth, natural pedaling synchronized with the motor. Its aircraft-grade aluminum frame, stainless steel hardware and durable carbon fiber body withstand exposure to rain and sun. It does take 7 hours to charge it via sunlight, but only 2 and 1/2 hours via the AC power adapter.
Everything is all nice and fun, until you find out this bike costs $9,900. It’s true, if you’ll use this instead of a car, Elf will eventually pay off, but that doesn’t mean that green comes cheap.
Built by German-based company Cayago, the Seabob F5 S is a new sporty version that bests its old but heavy flagship, the 64 kg (141 lbs) F7 model. Their latest model weighs almost half and demonstrates outstanding performance on the surface of the water and when diving at the same time. Steering is as easy as it is fun and it’s done by shifting your body weight in any direction. You’re like Flipper dancing in the ocean.
And yes, you don’t need to worry about the environment because this watersports toy has a zero impact on nature and it’s 100% emission free. The device is propelled through a patented F5 E-Jet Power System that works according to the principle of water displacement. You’ll (only) need $13,383 (EUR 10,000) to get one, but is there anything you wouldn’t do for the environment?
It might seem small, considering it ranges from 130- to 172-square-feet (12- to 16- meters), depending on what package you’ll go for, but the ones that created the house claim it’s all a person needs. The full feature includes a kitchen, bedroom, living room, bathroom and even a tiny front porch.
The loft can be built with or without dormers, while the kitchen can feature exactly the same amenities your two-room apartment does. As to powering the four-walls on wheels, options vary from a full electric system with a 50A plug that powers the entire home, to a split system with a 30A plug and propane tanks on the hitch.
And the price is... ranging from $57,000 to $66,000. Too much?
In specs, Tiwal’s versatile design allows for both high performance solo use and leisure sailing in pairs. It’s 10,5’ (3,20m) long and has a 56 sq. ft/ 75 sq. ft. (5,20 m2/ 7 m2) sail, with a total weigh of 111 lbs (50 kg). Besides the fact you can store it like a bicycle, the coolest part is the ability to go fast. And fast we like. How fast? According to its makers, the Tiwal 3.2 V-shaped underbody is extremely wide which allows for maximum acceleration to reach planing speed in 3 to 4 force winds depending on carried load.
Of course, the price will vary, but you won’t be an old school sailer without having at least $7,349 (EUR 5,490) in you pocket.
Similar to the Air Treks the Japanese characters were using, these motorized blades will let you zip along campus at a top speed of 12 mph (19 km/h), and they don’t even require a remote control. The futuristic electric roller blades were designed by Acton and were recently launched on Kickstarter. Called the Rocket Skates, they are quite similar to the fiction roller blades.
Each skate has two hub motors controlled by an on-board microprocessor, and are powered by a lithium-ion battery pack. They communicate with each other so they maintain the same speed and behavior, and folks can wear almost any regular shoe while riding them.
The Rocket Skates come in three models. R-6 lasts for 45 minutes or 6 miles (9.5 km), is finished in red and will cost you $499. R-8 model lasts 25 minutes more or 8 miles (12.8 km), wears a “Titanium Chrome” color and is priced at $599. The coolest model is the R-10, but will cost you the most, $699. It lasts for 90 minutes or 10 miles (16 km) and comes in “Deep Space Black.”
So, you still think you don't need money to enjoy green technology?
But what’s with all this obsessive thinking for the environment, you might ask. Well... In new estimates released, the World Health Organization reports that in 2012 around 7 million people died as a result of pollution exposure. In other words, every one in eight of total global deaths are because of ourselves, no virus, no natural disaster and no aliens taking over Earth included.
So having everybody looking towards cleaner lifestyles has become more of a must, than a choice. So far so good. There is, however, one slight detail people forget to tell you about. You see, living a green life does not seem to be that cheap anymore. Let us offer just a couple of examples we found most interesting.
Elf
Originally put on Kickstarter, Elf is a solar-powered velomobile which will let you travel with up to 20 mph (32km/h) when it’s propelled by just the motor, or up to 30 mph (48 km/h) when you’ll assist it with your own legs. Built by Organic Transit, a Durham, North Carolina-based company founded by entrepreneur Rob Cotter, the green vehicle has a range big enough to take you to work and back with only one charge. No gas involved whatsoever.The roof has an integrated solar panel that powers the 600-watt electric motor, while the vehicle was developed with a continuously variable transmission that allows smooth, natural pedaling synchronized with the motor. Its aircraft-grade aluminum frame, stainless steel hardware and durable carbon fiber body withstand exposure to rain and sun. It does take 7 hours to charge it via sunlight, but only 2 and 1/2 hours via the AC power adapter.
Everything is all nice and fun, until you find out this bike costs $9,900. It’s true, if you’ll use this instead of a car, Elf will eventually pay off, but that doesn’t mean that green comes cheap.
Seabob F5 S
Most of us work enough to actually consider having fun a duty, an activity that will keep you sane after several long days of corporate struggle (or something). This is why there’s a lot of companies that keep looking for all sorts of funky-fresh toys. Seabob F5 S is a toy designed for the folks with some extra cash to spend that lets you fly through - and under - the water with speed while still keeping things under control. Oh, and it’s green.Built by German-based company Cayago, the Seabob F5 S is a new sporty version that bests its old but heavy flagship, the 64 kg (141 lbs) F7 model. Their latest model weighs almost half and demonstrates outstanding performance on the surface of the water and when diving at the same time. Steering is as easy as it is fun and it’s done by shifting your body weight in any direction. You’re like Flipper dancing in the ocean.
And yes, you don’t need to worry about the environment because this watersports toy has a zero impact on nature and it’s 100% emission free. The device is propelled through a patented F5 E-Jet Power System that works according to the principle of water displacement. You’ll (only) need $13,383 (EUR 10,000) to get one, but is there anything you wouldn’t do for the environment?
Cyprus
You now how ecologists always claim big houses pollute more because there is a lot of room you need to heat, more materials are used to build it up and so on. Well, the latest project developed by Sonoma, California-based company called Tumbleweed might just solve that problem. Called Cyprus, it’s a really small wooden house on wheels that features everything one needs to live comfortable and cosy, while it somehow still keeps things practical.It might seem small, considering it ranges from 130- to 172-square-feet (12- to 16- meters), depending on what package you’ll go for, but the ones that created the house claim it’s all a person needs. The full feature includes a kitchen, bedroom, living room, bathroom and even a tiny front porch.
The loft can be built with or without dormers, while the kitchen can feature exactly the same amenities your two-room apartment does. As to powering the four-walls on wheels, options vary from a full electric system with a 50A plug that powers the entire home, to a split system with a 30A plug and propane tanks on the hitch.
And the price is... ranging from $57,000 to $66,000. Too much?
Tiwal
You might be a dreamer, a romantic person, that loves the sea but won’t harm it just for your selfish pleasures. In this case, Tiwal 3.2 could be the next thing you save money for. Its creators describe it as the very first high performance inflatable sailing dinghy for waters sports. In just a couple of words, it’s an inflatable sailboat you can bring down to the beach in the trunk of your car and will take only 20 minutes to assemble.In specs, Tiwal’s versatile design allows for both high performance solo use and leisure sailing in pairs. It’s 10,5’ (3,20m) long and has a 56 sq. ft/ 75 sq. ft. (5,20 m2/ 7 m2) sail, with a total weigh of 111 lbs (50 kg). Besides the fact you can store it like a bicycle, the coolest part is the ability to go fast. And fast we like. How fast? According to its makers, the Tiwal 3.2 V-shaped underbody is extremely wide which allows for maximum acceleration to reach planing speed in 3 to 4 force winds depending on carried load.
Of course, the price will vary, but you won’t be an old school sailer without having at least $7,349 (EUR 5,490) in you pocket.
Rocket Skates
Ok, let’s imagine you’re back in college, back in the days when you’d rush from one class to the other (yeah right!) and you couldn't afford a car because all your money went in new books (booze, of course). Let’s get even further with our little game. Not only you’re in college, but you’re also part of an ecologic foundation (Green Peace?) and even if you’d afford a second hand car, you don’t want to pollute. Well, in this rare scenario Rocket Skates will most likely be your choice.Similar to the Air Treks the Japanese characters were using, these motorized blades will let you zip along campus at a top speed of 12 mph (19 km/h), and they don’t even require a remote control. The futuristic electric roller blades were designed by Acton and were recently launched on Kickstarter. Called the Rocket Skates, they are quite similar to the fiction roller blades.
Each skate has two hub motors controlled by an on-board microprocessor, and are powered by a lithium-ion battery pack. They communicate with each other so they maintain the same speed and behavior, and folks can wear almost any regular shoe while riding them.
The Rocket Skates come in three models. R-6 lasts for 45 minutes or 6 miles (9.5 km), is finished in red and will cost you $499. R-8 model lasts 25 minutes more or 8 miles (12.8 km), wears a “Titanium Chrome” color and is priced at $599. The coolest model is the R-10, but will cost you the most, $699. It lasts for 90 minutes or 10 miles (16 km) and comes in “Deep Space Black.”
So, you still think you don't need money to enjoy green technology?
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