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Dear Team Tennessee, I L-O-V-E the idea of a monitor system for the home’s energy consumption. These systems are gathering steam in commercial sectors (see: Ole Miss Energy Grids Get Smart and Enernoc’s smart grid concept , — so why not adapt them to individual homes (like Team New Zealand’s First Light )? Also, I’d like to get a better [...]

Sure it gives us energy, but it’s in the form of crude oil. Although waste conversion is a bold approach, oil still produces green house gases upon burning. Will it really solve the world’s energy problems to dab some glue on a systemic crisis?

Joel
PF Intern

This story is incredible. It’s a testament to the community’s strength how the women work tirelessly at their craft of weaving, while the scourge of alcoholism threatens to strip the village bare. Two-part question about engineering the turbines: How much energy can fabric blades generate? And is it enough to power an entire village? Thanks! [...]

Wow. It’s shocking and to hear how the renovated Olmsted park in Buffalo has failed its purpose, and instead become a breeding ground for crime and violence. Have you read any news stories about this specific park? I’d really like to learn more about the bottle gang problem in Olmsted park. You can even submit [...]

MPG,

I read that same article! In fact, I posted it to our News Desk along with an article about Brazil’s palm forests. Take a look.

And if you find more news about innovations and the environment, don’t hesitate to submit them yourself.

Thanks!
Joel
PF Intern

Larry, Good point on nuclear power. “Responsible” is the key term. The accidents and near accidents that have occurred at nuclear sites over the past 50 years demonstrate the destructive potential of such technology. The waste from the sites, meanwhile, accumulated to the point where our government elected to store them in remote caves (see [...]

Fantastic thought! It’s interesting that you “cannot see ever going back to a single fuel use vehicle.” I was under the impression that multifuel engines have problems at the moment they reach capacity for one engine type and switch to another (e.g. the Prius from electric to gas). But obviously they have not deterred you. Thanks [...]

Yvonne, I’m not sure what you’re referencing in regards to the Vietnam War, let alone the issue of who “won” or “lost.” Do you have an idea related to the molten salt discussion? What about an #EnergyToDo that the U.S. Secretary of Energy has yet to address? If so, I recommend you visit our webisode “Energy [...]

Now we’re talking!! My smart community senses are tingling from all these comments. Let’s take a look: Guy – Good call! As a constantly evolving metropolis, Tel Aviv would be the perfect setting to implement a City Car system. Who knows? One day they could replace the mounds of motor scooters. Ira – Storage capacity [...]

Hello Thomas,

Algae has engrossed our discussion of alternative energies. I love reading your specific data and algae growth strategies. Would you mind submitting an idea that cites references for this information?

Thanks for participating in our online forum!
Joel Goldberg
Planet Forward Intern

Hi Elmer, Thank you for your continued commentary and interest in the site. It does not go unappreciated! You have been “working on a plan,” you say? Let’s see it! Submit your idea to Planet Forward at the top of the page. As we speak, Planet Forward is focusing on smart community projects from around [...]

Hello John, I’m impressed by the amount of detail you’ve provided. Thanks for the input. Still, we would love to see and hear the urban system that you’re building. Could you clarify the types of technology (wind, solar, etc.) incorporated into the design? Go ahead and submit a video or text that describes your innovation! [...]