Toxic - new shower curtain smell

That 'new shower curtain smell' gives off toxic chemicals, study finds from the LA Times.

It's always surprising how many new products come with a smell and or coating that either needs to be aired out or washed off before usage. Air quality is often a forgotten issue. Plywood for example with formaldehyde caused the problems with the Hurricane Katrina trailer issues. It seems when you a hot and humid environment causes increase in the chemicals given off.

Recently I bought a Sealy mattress cover with silver anti-bacteria and the smell was horrible and was giving me a headache. Aired out and finally after a day was OK. It should have arrived ready for use.

Hybrid Changes

Not sure if this is a rumor or not. Toyota to Sell Two New Hybrids by 2010 and 3rd-Gen Prius Expected to Get 90+ MPG

Lithium batteries seems to be 2011 for mass use.

The competition advances, and so does Toyota.

I hope they come out with a hybrid van in the US that makes sense. Not like the joke hybrids they have for some products that have the name, minor increases in mileage, and a higher cost. Pricier Gasoline Makes Hybrids a Better Deal is a good read.

Hybrid Update

Hybrids of the right type (actually save fuel) are flying off lots. Toyota is building a new battery factory (existing one if running 100%) and Toyota to make plug-in hybrid by 2010, Honda is going to triple production, and Ford Abandons Pledge On Hybrid Production

The question is will the high prices of gas stay high? If yes, Hybrids will stay in demand. If no, remember what happened after the oil crises of the 1970's...

Another challenge is having enough production of key parts to make more parts. Toyota builds it's own batteries (Toyota quality is amazing), so in order to increase production they need to build a new plant. They even build their own IGBT's (Electronic Switch).

Change in Cars - How Long

To design a new model takes 3-5 years. So the question is when did automotive manufacturers decide they needed to become much more fuel efficient.

15 Technologies that will Energy Usage in 10 Years

Some are pie in the sky, but many are coming soon.

1. Solar increases in efficiency
2. LED Lighting
3. Bio Fuels that make sense
4. Higher efficient automobiles (hybrids, higher efficient transmissions, engines, electric, etc).
5. Higher efficient Wind Power
6. Peak power charges/usage
7. Bio Seeds (improvement in agriculture)
8. Battery Technology Improvements
9. Fuel Cells
10. Increased efficiency of appliances (power leaches that draw power even when off).
11. Green Buildings (higher efficiency buildings)
12. Increases in efficiency of oil exploration
13. Clean Coal Burning Technology (MHD).
14. Oil Shale
15. Safe Nuclear Plans (pebble reactors).

Gas Prices - The Opportunity and Risk

High Gas Prices Will Benefit Auto Industry from the WSJ.

The CEO of Auto Nation makes the point that a lot of new, exciting technology is coming because of higher fuel prices. The danger is if the price of gas crashes again, like it did in the 80's, inefficient vehicles could make a comeback. I remember in the 70's how small cars in the first energy crises were in huge demand. Then the price of oil went down and so did the demand for small cars.

It's amazing to look at over the years how much size and weight have been gained by the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord. Originally they were nice, small cars. And they grew, and grew with every new model change... It would be interesting to see a chart of the growth in weight of select Japanese model for the US market.

Water Saving Ideas

I remember the last major drought in California. It's interesting when you go to some cities in the middle of a Desert and they have lots of fountains!

The English lawns that are so beloved in So. Ca don't belong here. The use of treated water (purple pipes) is another opportunity. The problem is the plumbing for them. They could be used for watering residential lawns and flushing toilets. Unfortunately adding them after you build a house does not make sense from a cost basis (digging up streets is not cheap). New housing should be required to have them. And of course the replacing with low flow toilets, faucets, shower heads, etc. Take quick showers instead of baths, not running the water continuously. Instant water heaters are nice and save water and energy, but are pricey. The problem is you need to run water till you finally get to the stores hot water. There are recirculation pumps, but not easy to install. Improving sprinklers also helps and having smarter systems.