It seems like a no-brainer, but sometimes you need to give evidence to city councillors: A new multi-institutional study led by UC Davis Health suggests that not all green space is created equal. Living in urban neighborhoods with more visible trees is associated with a 4% lower incidence of cardiovascular disease, while areas dominated by grass or low shrubs may be linked to higher cardiovascular risk.

The research, published in Environmental Epidemiology, analyzed more than 350 million street-level images using machine learning to distinguish between trees, grass, and other types of vegetation. The findings challenge long-held assumptions that simply adding “green space” to cities is enough to improve public health.

“Public health interventions should prioritize the preservation and planting of tree canopies,” said Peter James, associate professor in the UC Davis Department of Public Health Sciences and lead author of the study. “Urban forestry initiatives and policies that protect mature trees are likely to yield greater cardiovascular health benefits than investments in grass planting.”

Related: AI scientists from MIT get a map of a city’s trees

Why trees outperform lawns

Unlike satellite imagery, which often lumps all vegetation into one category, the researchers used street-level images—similar to what pedestrians see via platforms like Google Street View—to capture real neighborhood conditions. Deep-learning models identified trees, grass, sidewalks, cars, and other features, creating a granular picture of urban environments.

Those visual data were then linked to nearly 89,000 participants in the long-running Nurses’ Health Study, tracking 18 years of medical records and death certificates. The results were striking: More visible trees → 4% lower cardiovascular disease incidence

More grass → 6% higher incidence: Other green vegetation (shrubs, bushes) → 3% higher incidence

The protective effect of trees held steady even after accounting for air pollution, population density, regional differences, and neighborhood socioeconomic status.

Researchers suspect the negative associations with grass may be linked to pesticide use, emissions and dust from from mowing equipment, reduced cooling capacity, and weaker noise and air-pollution filtering compared to trees.

With cardiovascular disease responsible for over 900,000 deaths annually in the U.S.—nearly one in three deaths, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention—even small shifts matter.

“This opens a promising avenue: improving heart health through community-level environmental change, not just individual behavior,” said Eric B. Rimm, professor at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.

The post Plant trees in cities, for your heart appeared first on Green Prophet.

Tattoo artists might be wondering if they will be out of jobs, or just able to license their NFT designs to a computer? A new Austin-based startup called Blackdot says it has built an AI-powered tattoo machine that is safer and less painful than getting a human-applied tattoo.

Called Aero for Artist Enabled Robotic Operator, Blackdot’s machine uses computer vision, fine control, and very shallow needle penetration to reduce discomfort. It is now installed at Bang Bang in New York, and already operating in Austin.

In some areas of medicine, robotics and machine learning have changed the name of the game and survival outcome for removing cancers like prostate. Robotics can help a human operator be more precise, but are we ready to hand over the controls?

Do we want a machine that takes the craft out of the hand of the artist? I make pottery out of earth because I believe there is spirit in matter. Is a tattoo applied by a machine giving the same vibes as a potter’s mug made in a factory or a violin made on a machine?

According to the people at Aero, the device tattoos in dot-based grayscale patterns, applying many minute points rather than deep continuous lines — a technique they say limits pain and improves precision.

One upside: fewer tattoos gone wrong?

Tattoos, not just in hipster times, have long carried a dual identity: as personal art but also no small part of getting a tattoo is about the pain and the act of bodily risk. Also, I wonder: does a machine-made tattoos open up the practice of skin art at a time when researchers are calling us to pay attention to the risks of the materials in tattoos and a possible link to auto-immune diseases and cancer. As there is little regulation, there is little known about the long-term health effects of tattooing.

What do the world’s religions say about tattoos?

From a Islamic perspective, tattooing is generally considered prohibited (haram) in many schools of thought. The Prophet Muhammad is narrated in hadith literature to have cursed both the tattooer and the tattooed (for altering the creation of God). Some scholars argue that tattoos break the ritual purity (ablution, or wudu) because they alter the skin surface.

We find some literature to back up the Islamic prohibition: ‘Abd-Allaah ibn Mas’ood said: “May Allah curse the women who do tattoos and those for whom tattoos are done, those who pluck their eyebrows and those who file their teeth for the purpose of beautification and alter the creation of Allah.” (Al-Bukhari, al-Libas, 5587; Muslim, al-Libas, 5538).

In parts of Lebanon, Iraq, and Iran, some Shiite communities have historically tolerated or quietly practiced tattooing, especially small religious motifs (like the names of Imams or sacred symbols). And among younger Shiites, especially in diaspora communities, tattoos are increasingly popular as personal or religious expression — though clerical authorities still discourage them.

In Judaism, tattoos are often discouraged based on Torah injunctions and Levitical prohibitions, and tattoos are not encouraged at all.  It is permitted to remove a tattoo and pierce your ears. That said many Jewish people do get tattoos. Common ones include the Tree of Life symbol, Hebrew and biblical expressions (The Nation of Israel Lives), and some people get tattoos of their grandparent’s numbers printed on them during the Holocaust.

In Christian traditions, the picture is more varied. Some conservative or literalist communities may discourage tattoos, particularly when associated with body modification or vanity, but there is no universally binding doctrine rejecting them. Many churches do not formally forbid tattoos, leaving it to individual conscience, church culture, or pastoral guidance. This blog offers some history of Christian tattoos in Jerusalem. The author points out that some conservative or literalist groups still reject tattoos outright, holding to Leviticus as binding.

Many other Christians see tattoos as a matter of conscience, arguing that Old Testament prohibitions were tied to ritual purity, pagan associations, or covenant identity, and are not binding in the same way after Christ. In some traditions (like the Razzouk family in Jerusalem), tattooing is even a Christian devotional act, marking pilgrimage and identity.

Unlike in Abrahamic religions, tattoos (godna in Hindi) have been widely practiced in Hindu culture for centuries. Tribal and rural communities across India have used tattoos for spiritual protection, identity, and beauty. Some designs are linked to deities, mantras, or cosmic symbols.

What about the art of it?

Almost painless tattoos may worry tattoo artists who will be out of jobs unless they figure out how to sell designs as NFTs, and also people who may more liberally get tattoos without possible health or spiritual implications.

In Sci-Fi dystopia, we’ve reported on how tattoos can be used for nefarious purposes, such as IDing and tracking people. Such as the tattoo below, from MIT Media Lab.

Tattoos could be used as a trackpad to remotely control your mobile phone or adjust the volume of the music you tune into. They can track user data and report back to you, like a body-integral Fitbit, with embedded thermochromic displays that change color in reaction to heat, reporting on body temperature, blood pressure, breathing patterns. It might also report on your immediate environment, checking air quality, weather conditions, and alert you to the presence of harmful substances.

After hearing all sides — from health warnings and religious prohibitions to the futuristic promises of AI-driven tattoo machines — I’ve made my choice. I’ll keep my skin tattoo-free, au naturel. For me, my body already carries its own stories.

The post Blackdot’s painless AI-based tattoos will make inked skin less taboo? appeared first on Green Prophet.

Every September, New York City becomes the climate capital of the world. It’s like Davos for people who want to see a change in climate change. Climate Week NYC (September 22 to 28, 2025) brings together thousands of leaders, innovators, and citizens to talk about decarbonization, finance, and future technologies. On paper, it can sound like a policy nerd’s dream — or a regular person’s, yawn, snoozefest.

But here’s the truth: Climate Week doesn’t have to be boring. The official program is packed with hundreds of events — everything from the MIT Climate Innovation Showcase to sustainable food tastings and startup expos. And if the talks feel too heavy, you can make your own Climate Week fun by joining community events, exploring the city differently, or even organizing something yourself.

Here are five confirmed happenings and DIY ideas to help you enjoy Climate Week without obsessing about greenhouse gas numbers — while still making changes in your lifestyle and business.

Check Out a Startup Showcase (Confirmed)

Dozens of startups are opening their doors during Climate Week. The MIT Climate Innovation Showcase is one highlight, bringing together researchers and entrepreneurs with bold new ideas. From AI-powered recycling tools to solar paints, you’ll see where the future is heading — and maybe even find a business partner.

Taste the Future of Food (Confirmed + DIY)

Climate-friendly cuisine is big this year. Expect pop-ups and panels on regenerative agriculture, plant-based proteins, and sustainable supply chains. If you don’t make it to a scheduled tasting, create your own: cook a kelp-based recipe, try mushroom jerky, or host a potluck where everyone brings a low-carbon dish. Food is culture — and change can be delicious.

If you don’t find what you are looking for –– why not create your own pop-ups of “climate-friendly cuisine”?

Make It a Bike Week (DIY)

While Climate Week’s official calendar doesn’t list big group rides, you can turn the week into your own climate-positive bike festival. Ride to events instead of taking cabs, invite colleagues for a “climate commute,” or join existing NYC cycling groups. It’s fun, healthy, and reminds you that personal choices add up. Visit the NY Cycle Club for events and ideas.

Join a Community Event 

Beyond the corporate panels, dozens of community-led meetups are scheduled — from art shows to urban gardening talks. Check the Climate Week NYC events calendar for free or low-cost events across the boroughs. And if you don’t find one that excites you, create your own “block party” — invite neighbors, spin music, and share sustainable hacks and crafts on your street.

Reconnect With Nature (DIY)

Central Park walks, rooftop gardens, and urban farming tours pop up around Climate Week — though not always officially listed. Even if you can’t find an organized outing, make one yourself: bird-watch in Central Park, visit a community garden, or take a kayak out on the Hudson.

Sometimes the best climate inspiration comes from remembering what we’re fighting for.

Climate Week isn’t just for CEOs and policymakers. It’s a chance for anyone to plug in, whether you’re attending an official showcase or just biking to work with a few friends. Fun and climate action aren’t opposites — they feed each other. And when you connect with community, food, music, or nature, you realize: this is what the future can look like.

::Climate Week

The post Why New York Climate Week Isn’t Boring — and 5 Fun Things You Can Do to Make It Yours appeared first on Green Prophet.

In a fragrance market awash with synthetic blends and mass production, Le Labo stands apart like a whisper of nature in a noisy world. Known for its cult-like following and unapologetically minimalist aesthetic, this New York-born perfume house has garnered global acclaim not only for its handcrafted scents but also for its commitment to sustainability, transparency, and ethical luxury.

Related: natural, green perfume by Ayelet Moriel

Natural Ingredients and Small-Batch Perfumery

At the heart of Le Labo’s ethos is a strong preference for natural, high-quality ingredients. While not every component is 100% natural—certain molecules must be synthesized to remain cruelty-free or allergen-safe—the brand is transparent about sourcing and formulation. Le Labo’s fragrances are vegan, cruelty-free, and free from parabens, preservatives, and artificial colorants. Their iconic labels are printed on recycled paper, and many of their bottles are refillable, with in-store refill stations offered in several global locations to reduce waste.

Each scent is freshly hand-blended and labeled at the moment of purchase—offering a small-batch, artisanal experience more akin to fine dining than factory fragrance. This model not only ensures freshness but also avoids the emissions and inefficiencies of large-scale warehousing.

Le Labo’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond what’s in the bottle. The brand uses recycled packaging, glass instead of plastic, and minimal outer packaging to reduce environmental impact. Even their candles are made with soy wax and cotton wicks, and their shampoo and body products come in plant-based, refillable bottles.

Their studios, which double as retail spaces, are designed with natural, raw materials like reclaimed wood and industrial metal—encouraging a slower, more conscious retail experience that echoes their “slow perfumery” philosophy.

City Exclusives: A Scented Travelogue with a Conscience

One of Le Labo’s most beloved—and elusive—projects is the City Exclusives collection. Typically only available in their city of origin, these scents are like bottled postcards, each inspired by the energy, culture, and olfactory identity of a global destination.

For a limited time every year—this time starting August 1—these fragrances go on a world tour, available in 1.5 ml discovery sizes and full bottles come September. It’s a rare chance to smell Tokyo’s Gaiac 10, Paris’s Vanille 44, or Dubai’s Cuir 28, even if you’re thousands of miles away.

This year’s exciting addition? OSMANTHUS 19, the new Kyoto exclusive—bringing the soft floral sweetness of osmanthus flowers into the fold.

Here’s the full travel-worthy list of scents:

• OSMANTHUS 19 (Kyoto)

• CORIANDRE 39 (Mexico City)

• MYRRHE 55 (Shanghai)

• CEDRAT 37 (Berlin)

• CITRON 28 (Seoul)

• TABAC 28 (Miami)

• BIGARADE 18 (Hong Kong)

• MOUSSE DE CHENE 30 (Amsterdam)

• ALDEHYDE 44 (Dallas)

• LIMETTE 37 (San Francisco)

• CUIR 28 (Dubai)

• TUBEREUSE 40 (New York)

• BAIE ROSE 26 (Chicago)

• POIVRE 23 (London)

• MUSC 25 (Los Angeles)

• GAIAC 10 (Tokyo)

• VANILLE 44 (Paris)

• BENJOIN 19 (Moscow)

This global collection is a creative reminder of the power of place and memory in fragrance—and an innovative approach to sustainability through limited releases, refillability, and responsible luxury.

A Quiet Revolution in Beauty

While many luxury brands are only now waking up to environmental responsibility, Le Labo has been whispering it from the beginning. From ingredient integrity and minimalist packaging to refill stations and city-inspired storytelling, Le Labo proves that sustainability doesn’t have to shout—it can smell like osmanthus, myrrh, or a hint of city smoke.

In a world oversaturated with fast beauty, Le Labo offers something different: a slow, mindful ritual that respects people, place, and planet. That’s why it’s more than perfume. It’s philosophy. In a bottle.

—
For more, visit lelabofragrances.ca and follow the City Exclusives journey.

The post Le Labo: Bottling the Soul of Cities, with a Sustainable Touch appeared first on Green Prophet.

This article intends to shed light on the novel techniques for pain management being used by healthcare providers in Brooklyn, New York, with a special emphasis on shockwave therapy. As people seek alternatives to traditional pain relief procedures, which sometimes involve drugs with significant side effects and dependency difficulties, Brooklyn’s healthcare scene is changing. This investigation will look into the obstacles and potential connected with incorporating shock wave therapy into existing pain management procedures, giving significant insights for patients suffering from various types of chronic and acute pain.

Reading this article will help you understand how shock wave treatment is a non-invasive, drug-free choice for pain relief. You’ll learn about the clinics pioneering this technology, what to expect from treatment, and how it compares to traditional pain management tactics. This article seeks to provide you with knowledge so that you may make informed decisions about your pain treatment alternatives.

This article offers a fresh perspective by stressing patient-centered treatment and the use of cutting-edge technology in Brooklyn’s healthcare industry. It emphasizes the integration of conventional medicine with new technological breakthroughs, demonstrating a comprehensive approach to pain management that helps the patient’s total well-being.

Shock Wave Therapy in Brooklyn: Integrating Traditional and Modern Pain Management

Shock wave therapy, traditionally reserved for the removal of kidney stones, has emerged as a frontrunner in pain management. This technology uses acoustic waves to target pain locations and encourages the body’s natural healing processes, offering relief from chronic ailments such as tendinitis, plantar fasciitis, and more.

In Brooklyn, a city famed for its dynamic culture and innovation, healthcare providers are increasingly turning to shock wave therapy as a non-pharmacological pain relief option for their patients. Clinics such as Brooklyn Pain Management Clinic and New Wave Orthopedics are at the forefront of incorporating new technology into standard treatment methods to achieve the best results.

Challenges and Opportunities

Integrating shock wave treatment into pain management procedures presents a number of obstacles. Educating patients and the medical community about its benefits and applications remains a challenge, as does the initial investment in equipment. However, the opportunities exceed the challenges. Shock wave therapy reflects a shift towards more long-term, side-effect-free pain management solutions, in line with an increasing patient preference for non-invasive treatments.

Patient Experience and Clinical Support

Patients in Brooklyn who have received shock wave therapy claim considerable improvement in their ailments. According to John Doe, a Brooklyn resident and marathon runner, “After suffering from plantar fasciitis for months, shock wave therapy offered relief after just a few sessions, allowing me to run pain-free again.”

These patient-reported outcomes are supported by clinical research that show shock wave therapy is effective in promoting tissue regeneration and lowering inflammation. Providers such as Dr. Jane Smith of Brooklyn Pain Management Clinic emphasize the value of a personalized approach, saying, “Shock wave therapy complements our holistic treatment plans, targeting the root cause of pain without the need for medication.”

Looking ahead: The Future of Pain Management in Brooklyn.

As Brooklyn continues to embrace innovative healthcare solutions, shock wave treatment stands out as an example of the borough’s dedication to improving patient care. With continued research and technical breakthroughs, the potential uses of this treatment are growing, pointing to a future in which pain management is more effective, less invasive, and personalized to individual patient requirements.

Success Stories: Transforming Lives with Shock Wave Therapy in Brooklyn.

Emily R., 34, has chronic Achilles tendinitis

Testimonial: “After years of running, I developed painful Achilles tendonitis. After attempting numerous treatments, shock wave therapy at Brooklyn Advanced Orthopedics transformed everything. After just four sessions, my pain is mostly gone, and I’m back to running short distances. “It feels like a miracle.”

Michael T., 45, has plantar fasciitis

Testimonial: “I work on my feet all day, and plantar fasciitis made every step painful. Shock wave therapy at New Brooklyn Pain Relief Center not only relieved my pain, but also educated me on foot health. Three months after treatment, I can walk pain-free.”

Samantha W., 29, Lateral Epicondylitis (tennis elbow)

Testimonial: “My professional tennis career was on the line because to tennis elbow. Brooklyn Health and Sports Medicine’s shock wave therapy gave me with relief that other therapies had not. It’s been six months, and I’ve returned to the court stronger than ever.”

David K., 52, has shoulder tendinopathy

Testimonial: “The soreness in my shoulder made it difficult to lift my arm. After shock wave therapy at Brooklyn Rehabilitation Services, I was able to regain a complete range of motion and strength. I cannot thank my therapist enough for restoring my life.”

Jennifer A., 47, has knee osteoarthritis

Testimonial: Knee pain from osteoarthritis made climbing stairs impossible. After receiving shock wave therapy at Brooklyn Joint Care, I saw a considerable improvement in my mobility and pain levels. It has given me hope and freedom to move on.”

Lucas G., 39. Chronic lower back pain

Testimonial: “Having persistent back pain was debilitating. Brooklyn Spine Center’s shock wave therapy method greatly reduced my pain. I’ve learned how to better manage my health and live a more active lifestyle.

Olivia H., 27, has hip bursitis

Testimonial: “As a dancer, hip bursitis endangered my career. Thanks to the dedicated team at Brooklyn Dance Medicine and their creative use of shock wave therapy, I can dance again with less pain and more joy.”

Henry P., 60, Calcific Tendinitis of the Rotator Cuff

Testimonial: “I couldn’t even throw a ball with my grandchildren due to my shoulder ache. After shock wave therapy at Brooklyn Orthopedic Innovations, I can now throw balls and swim again. “It’s like I’ve reclaimed a piece of my youth.”

Sophia M., 35, has hamstring tendinopathy

Testimonial: “I hurt my hamstring throughout marathon training. Fearing surgery, I sought shock wave therapy at Brooklyn Runners Clinic. It was the best decision I’ve made. My recuperation was swift, and I’m back working smarter and stronger.”

Ethan J., 42, has Myofascial Pain Syndrome

Testimonial: “Chronic muscle pain made it difficult for me to enjoy life.” The staff at Brooklyn Wellness & Rehab introduced me to shock wave therapy. The contrast is night and day. I’m currently participating in activities that I thought I’d given up forever.”

Brooklyn’s healthcare providers are leading the charge to adopt shock wave therapy, providing a glimpse into the future of pain management. This novel strategy not only challenges standard pain relief methods but also offers new opportunities for treating a variety of illnesses, representing a substantial advancement in patient care. As the community learns more about the benefits of shock wave treatment, its incorporation into pain management procedures is poised to change the landscape of healthcare in Brooklyn and beyond.

By bridging the gap between traditional medicine and cutting-edge technology, Brooklyn is leading the way toward a more holistic, patient-centered approach to pain management.

The post Innovative Pain Management: Shock Wave Therapy in Brooklyn appeared first on Green Prophet.

It often takes plucky new immigrants to see a missing link in business. Two pals from high-school, Issam Freiha and Vinay Menda who went to the American School in Dubai are a first to get American venture funding for their coffee startup, Blank Street. They secured $25 million USD in Series A funding to roll out more than 100 coffee shops in the New York area offering no-nonsense, even homey, design with great coffee. This is not Turkish coffee from a finjan, made famous in the Middle East, but espresso coffee made on Italian machines. 

The coffee is reported to be good but not everyone is happy.

A coffee rival to Dunkin Doughnuts, Starbucks

Appearing already all over New York and served out of converted vans, a cross between an Airstream and a Vespa, which give the impression of a quaint small business –– but also out of simple storefronts –– Freiha and Menda have developed a model for making great coffee at a lower price point than Starbucks. 

While some people may enjoy the convenience of a Starbucks alternative, others such as David Lieber and patrons to small coffee shops like Everyman Espresso  –– a chain of 3 boutique coffee shops in New York –– see it as a targeted takeover of local coffee and, possibly, the values that keep the East Village, Brooklyn or New York City hip.

Owner and CEO Sam Penix with CFO and co-owner Sam Lewontin. Via Sprudge

Lieber lamented over what he saw as Blank Street’s takeover of the Everyman neighborhood standby. He told the New York Times: “They opened right across the street from Everyman,” he said. “That’s not a coincidence.”

Eater NY comments: “The ubiquitous mint-green coffee chain Blank Street is taking over New York with its unescapable blah-ness.”

I find this story interesting and with many layers. On one hand it’s an immigrant success story, and something American immigrants have been doing for the last 100 years in all sorts of business and banking. And they are guys from the Middle East. They should have a fair chance like everyone else.

When hipsters call the shots

But now the gentrifiers who have resettled islands in Brooklyn, and those who have held out in Manhattan, want to keep big corporate out. Are any of the people who buy from boutique coffee shops working for big corporate? Do they bank with them?

There is some merit to resisting change, and to protecting small businesses, but at one point can cities get involved in healthy competition? 

A very successful but small organic grocery store, Teva Tari, opened in my neighborhood in Jaffa, Israel more than 13 years ago. During Covid the place was packed. Soon after the mask mandates started to wane, a neighboring convenience store selling chips and fast-food items saw its neighbor’s success, studied it, and decided to open a small organic grocery store selling almost exactly the same merchandise, one street over. 

They then multiplied to another location affecting the business of the pioneering shop.

That’s the way cities grow and certain shops end up clustered in certain neighborhoods. Maybe good for carpets, furniture, lamps and textiles but for local markets or coffee shops?  Do we want our organic food and better coffee shops governed by big corporates and their investors?

When big capital acts like a boutique business

I don’t love that Blank Street, like other coffee brands I have seen in cities like Tel Aviv, are building retro-looking vans and trucks that trick the psyche of people into associations with boutique food truck businesses.

The old chip truck or food van are holdouts for people who don’t want to work at Walmart or at a corporate anything. Selling venture coffee out of a retro van is like selling industrially-grown apples at a chain grocery store labelled: Farmers Market. I see those in Canada. 

As always in this confusing over-capitalistic world, let the buyer beware and if there is a doubt, just put your money where your mouth is. And consider drinking a little less coffee. 

The post Blank Street is where Middle Easterners do American coffee appeared first on Green Prophet.

Lightning’s not supposed to strike twice. But here I am.  In New York City.  America’s Ground Zero for coronavirus. And I thought that surviving an escape from my office on the 82nd floor of the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001 was the last time I would be part of a Ground Zero tribe. And the gods laughed.

I am so fortunate.  I’m employed in a now-devastated industry (aviation) – by an “essential” agency which means that – although social distancing means I am working out of office – my paychecks (for now) and healthcare coverage continues. I’m part of the newly defined “1%”.  I have a job, a home, and to (cringeworthingly) quote my 89-yr old mother – I have my health.  Bubbe was spot on: health is everything.

I walk my old dog in my Astoria neighborhood, passing one hundred shuttered cash-based businesses. I think of the thousands of workers now three weeks without income and I could weep.  I can survive closed restaurants and bars, I can forego a Chinese massage. I never did go for a Korean mani/pedi.  The worst impact to me is an awfully overgrown hair style now that barbers and salons are all close.

I suspect that if this continues for months  – not the weeks broadcast by my President who predicted “a beautiful Easter” – it will be the death of the American middle class (burdened by overwhelming mortgage, credit card, and college tuition debt), and God protect those in the lowest income brackets.

The few open shops – a supermarket and drug store – are restricting customer access – staging entry and controlling 6 feet gaps in each queue.  Purchase of items is also restricted – one dozen eggs, one carton of milk.

Many disregard the Center for Disease Control recommendations – I see a gang of 8 men playing basketball at a local park, and the old men who previously sat outside our Greek coffee shops still convene with cigars and newspapers, enjoying (thanks climate-change) good weather just as they’ve done for years before. 

The lucky ones – older professionals in my demographic – have an option to retreat the vacant city for our vacation homes – in my case a seaside home that used to take 3 hours to drive to in congested metro traffic.  Yesterday I made the trip in 90 minutes., on a desolate New Jersey highway made famous by Simon and Garfunkel.

There’s no “counting the cars” on today’s New Jersey Turnpike.  I suspect everyone’s “gone to look for America”.  We ponder what this means for the November presidential election.

But these summer communities are not prepared to handle summer peak populations in off season, stressing police, fire protection, and hospital resources.

This post is a simple meandering of thoughts from New York.  Tell us what you are experiencing in your own zip code. Wishing all good health.  Please be safe, be kind to your neighbors, unplug from the news, and try to find something each day to make you laugh.

The post Coronavirus: Report from New York City appeared first on Green Prophet.

Hurricane Sandy bulldozed my home coastline with a ferocity rarely seen outside the big screen. It ploughed through lives of friends and family, shredding homes, floating cars, and drowning pets.  We can debate the causes of climate change, but the increasingly damaging effect of extreme weather upon basic civil services is indisputable.

In a crisis, communication is paramount.  Instant info exchange minimizes fallout and saves lives. So how long does an unjuiced laptop or cell phone last?  Are you prepared to power them up if you lose access to the grid? Hurricane Sandy stranded my son for three days in his Hoboken apartment without water or electricity.  His lifeline through the world storming outside was only as strong as his remaining phone charge.  That’s a lot to hang on a simple battery.

Here in Jordan, I’d been looking for ways to get involved with Syrian refugee camps:  so it was surreal to see news footage of a product I’d identified for refugee aid put into action in New York City.  In Sandy’s wake, with Manhattan de-powered and personal communication gadgets running out of steam, engineers from the BioLite company took to the streets to set up impromptu charging stations fueled by their tiny cookstoves. They loaded the units onto portable tables and offered people a chance to recharge their cell phones, served up with free cups of tea.  It restored lifelines for a handful of lucky Manhattanites in a simple, accessible and environmentally positive way.

Green Prophet’s reported that nearly half the world’s population cooks on open fires, which kill nearly two million people every year, with disastrous impact to local environments.  That shocking statistic got me looking into portable cookstoves.

Most cater primarily to outdoor recreation, but the traits that make them attractive to campers also make them perfect for emergency relief: lightweight, portable, and affordable.  Among many on the market, the best are multifunctional. The BioLite HomeStove will brew your coffee and charge your smartphone when there’s no access to a power grid.

Designed by Jonathan Cedar and Alec Drummond, the small wood-burning stoves are as clean and safe as gas or electrical units.  Use hardwood fuel like maple, oak, or hickory for a longer burn; softer woods like fir or pine require more feeding.  During full burn, it can boil a liter of water in as little as 4.5 minutes.

The design reduces over 95% of the smoke typically generated by wood fires and produces sufficient electricity to charge any device that uses a USB port (e.g., mobile phones, LED flashlights, rechargeable battery packs). Charging times will vary by device, by the fire’s strength and other variables like outside temperature.  For an Apple iPhone 4S (2G), 20 minutes of charging with a strong fire can provide you with 60 minutes of talk time.

A small internal fan creates airflow, which, combined with a unique fuel chamber, creates a high efficiency fire. A power module converts the fire’s heat into electricity and automatically recharges the lithium ion battery powering the fan.  Surplus electricity powers a USB outlet which, in turn, can charge small electronics.

After field trials on four continents, BioLite is currently working with Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health on a study to determine how advanced cookstoves can improve the health of pregnant women and children in developing nations. Pilot programs are planned for Ghana, India and Kenya.

Stoves ship internationally and start at $129: check with your local customs office for details on import fees.  Knock wood you’ll never need it, but burn wood if you do. This could be the smartest addition to your emergency bag of tricks.

:: BioLite

The post Refugee Remedies Aid Climate Change Victims in New York appeared first on Green Prophet.

But there’s a twist. The creative might behind O*GE are smart, reasonable people who aren’t going to blow their life-savings before the Mayan calendar ends. They’re not drafting goodbye texts because the sun’s December solstice is due to align with the center of our galaxy. Instead, they’re planning to stage a massive party to usher in the seconds, minutes and hours expected to follow 21h12, 12-21-2012. 

O*GE burst onto the sustainable design scene in 2009 with a garden full of solar-powered flowers in Jerusalem. They have since worked on several large projects throughout Israel, including a combined fashion and street art event south of Tel Aviv.

The solar-powered doomsday clock design released today is probably their most ambitious project to date, and if they’re going to get it off the ground, they’re going to need significant help.

A sound concept complete with solar energy generation and storage, moving parts and LED lights, the self-sufficient doomsday clock could showcase the sun’s constructive power. This juxtaposes many expectations that a terrible solar storm will scorch all of humanity while we’re arguing over whether or not it’s politically-correct to wish someone a merry Christmas.

What’s the point, you might be thinking, of investing so much time and energy in a clock that will either count down to armageddon or another ordinary day?

O*GE co-founder Gaston Zahr told Green Prophet that he and his peers recently joked about the end of days for which so many people around the world are preparing. And then – perhaps quite suddenly – they started to take seriously the idea of designing a solar-powered timer that would count down to the infamous day.

“There are always many people predicting the end of the world on a specific date and then that day passes and everything is as normal as the day before,” he explained to us. “So we are rather prepared that life goes on.”

And when it does, they’re going to throw a party – only this street party in the heart of Times Square will kick off with a glittering 3 meter disco ball that will spill out from the doomsday clock’s glowing red belly.

Of course, the team must overcome many hurdles yet.

Not only will they need to raise the necessary funds, for which they have initiated an Indiegogo campaign, but they’ll have to get permission to erect the mechanical orb in one of the most heavily-guarded areas of New York City.

“Usually public art projects battle to receive funding,” Zahr notes, “while permissions are usually more bureaucratic issues. However, we hope that we will get some help from other people who did such things at this location already.”

Zahr is referencing Denmark designer BIG’s giant heart installation that lit up Times Square on Valentine’s Day this year.

“We are working very hard on it now,” said Zahr. “Because time is running out, we have to progress very quickly. After Dec 21, it won’t be worth a mention anymore and we will end up like all the end-time-prophets.”

The post Solar-Powered Doomsday Clock Counts Down to 12-21-2012 appeared first on Green Prophet.

Green Prophet has written many articles on green building, and the revival of beautiful earth architecture in the Middle East. Earth architecture is certainly a more sustainable and interesting alternative solution – for those lucky enough to own some rural land, but can buildings made from earth be a viable solution for cities? Can earth architecture sustain the ever increasing urban population?

Personally I do not think so. If the entire population of New York, for example, were to live in earth buildings, the total surface area required to fit everyone would be huge. In the end the per capita carbon foot print may be even larger (more roads will be required and greater distances travelled which releases more CO2 for example).

Given that in 2008, for the first time in history, more than half of the human population lived in urban areas and that by 2030, especially in the developing world, towns and cities are expected to harbor up to 81% of the world population; how and what should sustainable architecture and living in urban areas look like?

One solution is to observe nature, and apply its solutions to “human problems”. Nature has had 3.8 billion years’ worth of evolution and trial and error to perfect solutions so that it can become self-sustaining, so learning from it seems like a clever idea.

Biomimicry essentially seeks inspiration from natures’ genius and creativity to improve efficiency and sustainability in the “human” world we have created.  A perfect example is how termite mounds have inspired clever ventilation systems in architecture that reduce energy usage and costs.

Natures’ solution:

Termites farm their own food source, a type of fungus, inside the 1 to 3 meter tall mounds they build from debris and soil. This fungus must be kept at exactly 30.5 °C, while temperatures outside range from 2 °C at night to 40 °C during the day.

Termites have devised (links to PDF) a system of vents and channels inside the mounds so that the temperature inside the mound can be maintained constant at 30.5 °C (side note: will global warming affect this? How will termites adapt? Will they adapt quick enough?).

Termites then open and close a series of vents throughout the mound so that air can circulates in a way that heats or cools the mounds.

Application to modern construction:

This “passive ventilation” system of adjusted convection currents has been applied by architects to design buildings like the Eastgate center in Zimbabwe. The Eastgate center is designed to draw outside air into the building’s floor and offices; the air is then warmed if the building mass is warmer than the air or cooled if the building mass is colder than the air before exiting via chimneys at the top (which are opened or closed depending on the required internal temperatures).

This system is so efficient that the Eastgate complex does not need to use air conditioning , as a result it has avoided $3.5 million in air conditioning equipment and uses only 35 % of the energy required for temperature regulation as a conventional building of similar size, with similar exterior temperatures.

These cost savings have translated into 20% lower rental rates than for tenants living in nearby buildings as well as a significant reduction in the buildings’ environmental impact.

Now, given that CO2 emissions are expected to double in the next 30 years in the Middle East, and emissions from air conditioning (especially in the Gulf states) also contributes to the regions’ carbon foot print ; self thermoregulating buildings in the Middle East could realistically accommodate increasing urban populations while reducing the carbon footprint from air conditioning.

Oil rich countries have the luxury of being a little more extravagant in their construction choices; why not build smartly like termites do? Mr Dubai, why not build your hotel like a termite would?

Image via 1234abcd

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