From solar panels and hybrid cars to more “eco friendly” lightbulbs, everyone is getting in on the act.

So, if you’re going to drink, why not be “eco conscious” while you do it?

Sailor Jerry, my all time favorite rum, has these great totes for sale on their website for $20. They come in natural or black and you’ll be able to hold true to what the bag’s tagline says, “My work speaks for itself” when you’re carrying your booze groceries around in the bag.

Definitely something to look into if you’ve been considering purchasing one of those ugly grocery store bags.

Cool looking AND earth friendly.

Image| Sailor Jerry

Post from: EveryJoe

Sailor Jerry Helps the Planet

Image Greenfuji.com

The EnviroMax batteries are”derived from the basic elements of the Earth” and do not contain mercury or cadmium, which are a huge chunk of the E-Waste problem all over the world. The packaging doesn’t even use non-recyclable PVC plastics. They use the standard P.E.T. plastics that are ‘more eco-friendly and more widely recycled. The cardboard packaging is made from soy based inks and recycled paper. EnviroMAX are manufactured under strict environmental standards and they are ISO certified. For those in the manufacturing business you already know what that is. For those that are not, ISO stands for International Organization of Standardization.

Fuji claims that these batteries are even more powerful and last longer than your average battery and are competitively priced too. Most people don’t think about it, but your standard “disposable” battery is supposed to be disposed of properly and/or recycled due to the harmful contents inside the battery. Fuji EnviroMAX can be thrown away in the your normal household garbage.

Want to know more? Go to Greenfuji.com .

Post from: EveryJoe

Fuji EnviroMAX Eco_Respectful Batteries

The propane powered Eco Trimmer from LEHR looks like most weed trimmers, but there is no gasoline to spill and is the worlds first propane powered trimmed. You can refuel by simply changing the 16.4 oz propane cylinder.

It starts faster and the propane cylinder will fuel you for up to 2.5 hours. The engine is a 25 cc and the unit, dry weighs from 12 to 15 pounds. The cutting diameter is 17 inches and the cutting head is the smooth spool, bump feed type. Here are some more features.

No Gasoline means:

• No Mixing, and no spills
• No choking or priming
• No winterizing and no carburetor gumming up

Eco-Friendly means:

• Exceeds the 2011 EPA emissions standards
• 99% fewer particulates and 96% fewer carcinogens

Propane fueled means:

• Canisters readily available at most retailer
• Over 85% of the propane we use is produced here in the U.S.

I could probably make good use of the LEHR Eco Trimmer and I bet you could too!

www.GoLEHR.com. Check out the Eco Trimmer on NBC in this video.

All Images courtesy of LEHR and Orca Communications

Post from: EveryJoe

Propane Powered Eco Trimmer

Cost to the Environment

Sometimes it’s hard to tell what the “good” cars really are. Dealerships certainly don’t know. I had a salesman point me to the HHR as the best car on their lot (even though it’s so cute … it certainly isn’t better for the planet than the Vibe or Aveo).

You can visit a number of sites and try to figure the numbers out on your own, or you can head to (yeh, I know, I was surprised too) Yahoo! Autos, where their Green Rating takes fuel efficiency, a variety of emissions and air pollutants and waste from manufacturing into consideration.

The Cost to Own

I would encourage people to look at the total cost of the car and not just the monthly payment. Insurance premiums. Replacement parts. As this article from MSNMoney points out, a good deal on the lot can still attack your pocketbook.

Also, cheap autos can wind up being more expensive than models you feel you’re shelling out for. The 2008 Toyota Prius has an estimated 5 year expense of $35,493. A 2008 Chevy Aveo, with only an initial cost of $15,447, has a 5 year cost of $33,320.

Edmund’s Cost to Own calculator looks at the cost of ownership over 5 years. Loss data by make and model (a bit outdated)

Inexpensive Cars and Safety Concerns

Sometimes people try to skimp on the cost by skimping on options, but those options can wind up preventing severe damage or injury.

In the case of the 2007-08 Yaris, a very fuel-friendly and inexpensive model, forgoing side airbags left potential for serious head, neck, chest, leg … basically, severe all over body damage. With side airbags? They received the highest rating. (Which is “Good” … seems a little anti-climatic, doesn’t it?) Those options might add a few hundred dollars onto your cost, but save you tremendously in the long run.

Insurance Institute for Highway Safety ratings can be found here

and National Highway Traffic Safety Admin results found here

ALL THAT SAID, I’m not living in a dreamworld where everyone has the $98,000.00 they need to pick up a Tesla Roadster. (Don’t I wish!) I can’t buy the car I really want, and sooner or later, I’ll have to look for one that they’ll let me drive away with.

Thankfully, there are some really inexpensive autos on the market that don’t pose major safety concerns and have comparable fuel efficiency, air pollution and carbon footprint measurements as higher cost, higher tech hybrids.

I’ll be updating this page from time to time with my current favorites, so you may want to bookmark it, or subscribe to the RSS Feed. Ooo, you could Stumble it too, if you like. ;)

Have fun shopping!

Hyundai Accent – $12,000

Hyundai Elantra – $16,000

Post from: EveryJoe

Most efficient & Most affordable

#1. You absolutely must go to this website. If for no other reason than it looks (and works) great. It will also tell you about Green Transportation 2008 though. Which leads me to point numero dos.

#2. If you’re within driving distance, get out to this show! You’ll get a first-hand look at a number of alternative vehicles … from hybrid to solar to plug-in and non-combustion vehicles. Everything you could buy (or build) today should be on display.

And … it’s FREE.

That’s right. Free. Meaning, even if you aren’t particularly interested in driving a car at all, you might still get something from this program that you could share with a friend.

Post from: EveryJoe

Green Transportation 2008 (Redwood City, CA)

Thanks to All who participated.

What’s better than a hybrid-only luxury car service in the Big Apple? A hybrid-only luxury car service that donates a portion of their profits to NYC-based environmental causes.

While I haven’t used this service personally, it sounds like they’re keeping luxury and environment in mind. Their fleet is made up of 2007 and 2008 Toyota Camry and luxury Lexus hybrids, including SUVs. Inside the car, drivers have navigation and screen communication in the front seat, so passengers are never bothered by driver-dispatch radio conversations. Also suited the GPS transmitters, the cars can be tracked by dispatch to give clients a more accurate arrival time.

In addition to helping New York City endeavors – like Trees New York, the New York Restoration Project and Green Guerrillas – they let the client choose which group will get the support from their dollars.

Post from: EveryJoe

NYC Green Luxury Car Service Does Double Duty

“It came to the point that if we didn’t do it then it wouldn’t happen.” Said Andrews, according to an article in the Independent.  The two researched and went after top government funding. They built a motor with improved design, and when the idea wasn’t taking hold, they looked at why and found a way to tweak it for today’s world. For them, one of the answers was creating a hybrid and it’s making an impact.

It is hoped that having endured the “high-stress” environment of competitive motorsport, the work can be adapted into more mainstream areas. They can also bask in the glory of having won the attention of some of motorsport’s top brass. Peter Wright, who works as a technical consultant for the FIA, the governing body for motorsport worldwide, emphasises that Formula One is soon to follow suit, by employing energy-saving technology. The sport is to introduce brake energy recovery – where cars store energy normally lost during braking for reuse for powering the vehicle – in 2009.

Given chances at big funding, these guys have turned out some amazing results. I only hope that investors are paying attention, and will be willing to put their green where it’s needed most … in autosports. :)

Post from: EveryJoe

UK Pair Build Hybrid Rally Car

China represents the 2nd largest auto interest in the world, and with the introduction of the Honda Civic hybrid, Toyota Prius, and Buick Lacrosse Eco-Hybrid, major automakers are making a move to take advantage of China’s new environmental trends. In fact, Toyota began producing the Prius there, partnering with China FAW Group Corp. while GM’s move into the Chinese market represents an even bigger push.

In a joint venture with Shanghai Automotive Industry Corp. – Shanghai GM – the companies have put into action a program they call “Drive to Green.” Beginning in mid-2008, Shanghai GM will begin releasing a slew of environmentally friendly automobiles into the Chinese market, including the new Buick Lacross Eco-Hybrid, and a line of fuel cell vehicles starting in 2010. The company plans to cut overall fuel consumption by 10% across the board.

Sources:
Marketwatch
Reuters
Shanghai Daily

Post from: EveryJoe

Hybrids Clearing new Paths in China: GM’s Buick LaCross, Honda Civic, and Toyota Prius Hybrids

I wanted to take a moment to express some thanks for all the resources, and camaraderie here at the b5media blogging network. Since beginning EcoFriendlyDriver.com, I’ve run into a number of really wonderful blogs – and even more wonderful people behind them.

First, I’ve got to give a shout-out to the tech channel editor, Jayvee Fernandez. Among other things, he’s the blogger at Cellphone9. He’s also celebrating the holidays with a brand new special someone. :)

Next, I’d have to say Jen Chait over at TreeHuggingFamily (and Offbeat Homes, and … well, look up her bio) has been overwhelming kind and helpful. Her blog is full of easy ways to lessen our impact on the Earth, and she makes it easier still to share them with the whole family.

As for, like, my favorite blogs ever, Lia Espina over at Gadgenista takes the cake. I love all the hip, yet somehow still geeky, treasures she brings to light.

Erin Balser at Chic by Nature and Noel Drake Boehm at Pretty by Nature also do their fair share of tantalizing readers with the latest and most luxurious products with eco-friendly allure. AND … they aren’t always expensive. Noel gave a great tip on how to freshen up your winter feet using items you might already have at home.

These people have all made my online experience, in particular here at b5, more fun. Stop by their blogs, check them out, and be sure to subscribe to their feeds if the moment strikes.

Post from: EveryJoe

Holiday Tidings for 2007

The rebate is good on 2006-2008 models purchased in Canada that have not been previously registered. However, it is good for car purchases or leases. Unfortunately, the program only cars purchased or leased on March 20, 2007.

Alternatively, PEI, Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba, and British Columbia have their own rebate programs for eco-friendly drivers that may be taken along with the federal program.

Post from: EveryJoe

More Green Rebates for Canadian Drivers