I’m not writing about this treehugger article because it’s a change from the global warming debate that continues to go on being debated, and I’m not writing about it because it’s a wonderfully new leap in technology.  No, I’m writing about the modest reel mower because finally someone gets my excitement!

Earlier this year I went to the Hardware store to buy myself my very first lawn mower.  Do I get a gas-powered one, an electric one or one of those hand-thingy mowers?  And although it took me quite some time to decide as I battered the salesmen with questions, I finally settled on the Flymo H40 (hand-thingy mower).  Excited by my new acquisition I hurried home, eager to put it together and try it out.

Faced with a daunting growth of buffalo grass, I pulled on my pink gardening gloves and prepared for the workout ahead.  True, tackling several (and buy that I mean an embarrassing several) months of un-kept lawn did put a glistening dew atop my brow and yes, as the article says, I did need go over it 2-3 times – but let’s not forget the grass was almost tickling my knees. 

As I stepped back to behold the fruits of my labor, I was almost moved to hug my Flymo H40.  I was so giddy with excitement and pride that I raced inside to phone the world and share my shining moment.  My excitement wasn’t exactly reciprocated but my spirits could not be dampened.  I mow the lawn at least every couple of weeks now and still I am impressed by the perfect cut of my lawn.  It’s not that hard physically and it would take a bit longer, but I never have to go out and get gas/oil or curb my language because the darn thing won’t start.  I think the cut is much cleaner which may sound odd but it’s true.  And yes, there are a few less emissions floating around. 

It’s not for everyone; size of your lawn for one thing is a major factor.  But if you have a smallish front or back yard, I too think you will be delightfully surprised by the unassuming and biofriendly reel mower. 

Air travel is a heavy contributor to the emissions being pumped into our environment.  So in this time of environmental consciousness, it’s great to see the setting of goals and achievements being made across the globe.

JetBlue believe ‘a cleaner, greener planet is good for us all’, and they are making changes to make sure they continue to reduce their carbon footprint.  Here are some of the things this airline has put in place to make sure their impact isn’t so ‘impacting’ on the environment:

• Using one engine to taxi to and from runways

• Connecting aircraft to ground power at the gate rather than using engines to power air-conditioning, etc. 

• Deploying state-of-the-art technology to develop more efficient routes and reduce flying time 

• Equipping aircraft with winglets to increase fuel efficiency 

• Installing lighter aircraft seats and LED lighting 

• Eliminating disposable headsets and encouraging customers to bring their own for the free in-flight entertainment available 

• Saving paper by not offering an in-flight magazine

• Recycling spent jet fuel and oil/fuel filters (1,500 gallons of fuel and oil and some 600 pounds of steel, each month) 

• Reducing paper by eliminating paper tickets, ticket holders and large boarding documents and offering small, simple boarding passes. 

Later this year they will also open a biofriendly terminal at JFK airport.  Checkout their Jetting Green link for more information.  Other airlines have joined the green movement so it will be great to see what other initiatives and advances will be gracing our skies.

Something a little lighter for the halfway mark in the week…  

This treehugger article shows the efforts being made to introduce a more biofriendly mode of transportation – the Ecocab.  This three-wheeled pedaling machine first came out in Toronto Canada at the beginning of May, but has already been frequenting the streets of Dublin, Berlin and Stockholm.  Advertising is the major breadwinner for the owners of these environmentally friendly cabs, for now anyway.

Currently in Stockholm, there are eight Ecocabs pedaling through the streets.  For each fifteen minutes of pedaling, it will cost you 40 Swedish crowns per passenger (about $6.50).  As fit as the drivers must surely be, they are backed up by a 12 volt self-charging battery to assist with the tougher inclines, and to run the electrics such as the indicators.  And although they have a top speed of 25 kilometers per hour, they usually only reach about half that, so hopefully they’re not road hogs.

So if you’re not in any tremendous hurry, these sound like a great way to go.  Sit back and enjoy the views of the city and maybe, if you’re paying attention, you might find some hidden city treasures that you may not have noticed before.