SustainLane ? More Smiles Per Gallon

February 2008
Edition 39

Greetings!

Baseball, apple pie and Chevrolet. For some time, owning a gas-guzzler was as much a part of the American Dream as a white picket fence and 2.5 kids. Not anymore. Changing attitudes and new technology mean that while no vehicle is as clean (or healthy) to drive as riding your trusty bicycle, the footprint of the American driver will undoubtedly decline rapidly over the next decade.

Read why Chris O. says the only word to describe Aptera's plug-in hybrid is Wow, what Brian T. has to say about his brand new ZENN electric vehicle, and how Cris B. washes her car without wasting a drop of water.

Also, check out the most recent green car inventions in our In the News section, and take action to make plug-in hybrids a consumer reality with our Green Video of the Week.

Wow

"Who would have known that being green could be so kewl! Everything inside is completely recycled. The motor is electric, so no more co2 exhaust fumes to huff, corners like it's on rails and keeps it's speed. Eventually I expected to hit a rocky bottom. Something I wasn't all that thrilled with. But the more I learned..." click here to read more

Do you are anyone you know own this car? Ever driven it? Write a review at SustainLane.com and share your experience.

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Green Video of the Week

Nothing like a little animation to get a person animated. Watch this video, then follow the instructions at the end to get the next generation of plug-in hybrids rolling down the highway. Or you can take no action at all, in which case we suggest your next car be a boat.

Do you have green video suggestions for next week's newsletter? The topic is "biodynamic foods." Email us at community@sustainlane.com and let us know!

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Eco Touch Waterless Car Wash

This newsletter is ostensibly about car technology, but one of the most wasteful things you can do with your car doesn't even require you to start the engine. Preach it Cris B.

Click for Eco Touch Waterless Car Wash

Kick the Bucket

"James Dudra, owner or Eco Touch, made me think...it takes approximately 80-140 gallons of water to wash a car. Although I have used an organic car wash for years, and never worried about toxic detergents and oils seeping into the soil, I..." click here to read more

Have you tried Eco Touch's waterless car wash? How about a different brand? Write a review at Sustainlane.com and share your story!

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Green Cars in the News

The 1908 Ford Model T got 25 miles per gallon; that is almost 5 mpg more than the average car gets today. The automobile industry spent the last 100 years building larger cars with larger engines. It's nice to see they've finally gotten the memo that new technology can build better cars, not just bigger ones.

Why the country most likely to become the great bastion of electric cars is a most unlikely choice.

Science Daily reports on a car that makes you money when you're not driving it.

Cleantech.com says fuel cells will in fact be ready before 2015. Take that Chris Paine.

And of course...

Comments about these headlines? Email your thoughts to community@sustainlane.com.

Zenn Electric Car

Zero emissions and no noise; you can't get much more zen than that. Read on to find out why Brian T. uses this car to drive him and his whole family down the eight-fold path.

Click for Zenn Electric Car

Our Beautiful ZENN !!

"Since taking delivery of our new ZENN on Dec 15, 07, we've done over 600 miles in typical day to day driving doing the usual items - to work, to the markets, taking the kids to school, hitting the cafe' for our coffee rush. It has performed..." click here to read more

Do you own a ZENN? How about another electric car? Write a review at SustainLane.com and share!

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Upcoming Events

Adventures in Travel Expo
From safaris to scuba diving, wind surfing to wine tours, here's where you'll discover amazing travel destinations, attractions, activities, luxury goods and services and so much more.
February 9-10
Long Beach, CA
adventureexpo.com

BC Home and Garden Show
Whether you are renovating, decorating, or landscaping, this show will have something for you!
February 20-24
Vancouver, BC
BChomeandgarden.com

Natural Products Expo West:
The largest trade show about natural and organic products. Over 2,800 exhibitors showcase new products, and cutting-edge trends. Watch engaging speakers, and attend informative seminars amidst endless networking opportunities.
March 14 - 16
Anaheim, CA
expowest.com

Down 2 Earth
D2E is Boston's sustainable living expo. D2E is committed to promoting a smarter, greener way of life by connecting eco-friendly businesses with eco-minded consumers.
March 28 - 30
Boston, MA
d2eboston.com

Better Living Show:
A consumer show highlighting eight core topics including: lifestyle, home/garden, transportation, food/beverage, clean tech, eco-adventure, recycling and conservation with food, speakers, and more.
March 28 - 30
Portland, OR
betterlivingshow.org

Green Festival Seattle:
The largest green event in the country hits Seattle for the first time!
April 12 - 13
Seattle, WA
greenfestivals.org

EcoCity 2008 World Summit
Convening an international community of inspired change-makers; courageous individuals who are addressing problems of the world's environment with thoughtful long-range solutions that are truly sustainable, ecologically healthy and socially just.
April 22 - 26
San Francisco, CA
ecocityworldsummit.org

All Things Organic:
An event focused exclusively on organic products--all products on display must be certified organic, made with certified organic ingredients or be approved for use in organic products.
April 27 - 29
Chicago, IL
organicexpo.com