Web/Tech Archives

Wednesday, February 4, 2009 -- 8:17 p.m.

According to the Eric 2.0 blog on the Chicago Tribune's site, there's a green phone that's been added to Motorola's lineup.

The Motorola Renew is partially made of plastic using recycled water bottles. And, apparently, it also holds a charge for 9 hours, thus reducing the need to plug it in as often. Plus, it's green--in color, I mean--and just $10 with a 2-year contract.

Downfall: You can get it only if you're a T-Mobile customer.

To read more about it, check out the Eric 2.0 blog post or Motorola's site.

Friday, January 9, 2009 -- 3:48 p.m.

I ran across this Web site about green buildings in Chicago on a friend's Facebook status, and I thought I'd share. GreenBeanChicago.com looks at buildings that are planned, existing or going up around Chicago that are going green.

If you're curious about a certain building that claims it's going to be, or is, green, or you just want to see what kind of stuff is going on in that area of environmental-friendliness, this is a great site to check out. You can search for buildings by ZIP code or category, and even suggest projects you'd like them to cover.

It's an angle of Chicago that I rarely get to delve into, so it's fun to look around and see exactly what makes a building green--and how many of them are out there.

Tuesday, October 7, 2008 -- 9:21 p.m.

I know that podcasts are very in right now. They're an easy way to get information or hear commentary in a radio-like way, but on your own time.

But, for some reason, I'm not really a podcast person--except for when it comes to this one: The Little Green People Show. It's put on by the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, and it talks about everything from school lunches to green fashion. Their tagline: "Sound advice on green living in the big city."

Hosts Laurene von Klan and Jill Riddell know what they're talking about, but don't expect any preaching from them! They offer sound advice, and often host other experts in the fields they're talking about to give you well-rounded, comprehensive information. And they've got a blog too!

So, if you've got a minute, download a podcast and tune in! It would be the perfect way to distract yourself while on the treadmill or CTA ...

Thursday, May 8, 2008 -- 3:18 p.m.

Curious yet? Check out fellow RedEye word blogger Tracy Swartz at Word on the Street for a definition--and to learn why eating local and vegan is sexy.

Tuesday, February 12, 2008 -- 8 p.m.

This video from the Chicago Auto Show brings up a great point: Going green doesn't always cost more--sometimes it actually can save you money.

And a hybrid or compact car is a practical way to help the environment while helping yourself.  Of course, not buying a car at all is the best way to go ... There are plenty of great options out there, however, for those of you who need/want a car.

Among hybrids, the Toyota Prius and the Camry are popular and well-rated options, as is Honda's hybrid Civic.

I personally wanted a car that was smaller than any of those hybrids I listed, and considering how little I drive, cheaper than a hybrid. So I opted for the smallest car that I could find (easier parking a definite perk) that still had a good reputation.

I want to tell you that I did lots of research when I bought my Toyota Yaris last year ... but I didn't. Actually, I got angry at my old car for being old and Googled "small car." And that's where I found my darling Yaris, along with the Honda Fit and the Chevy Aveo. All three are pretty similar, aside from being slightly different sizes and different brands. But the Honda Fit was sold out in the Chicago-area at the time ... and I thought the Yaris was the cutest. It also helped that the Yaris is ranked as one of the top green cars on a few different sites.

I bought my Yaris the same day I Googled it, and I've blissfully been getting up to 40 mpg--and better parking spots--ever since.