Besides the quietude, I can see that there are multiple environmental benefits. No bagging: it’s pure mulch mower. Reduced fugitive emissions. Owners can cancel their US$40/week landscaping contract, and count the savings against the capital and operating cost of the Automower Hybrid (said to be around $20.00/year in electricity). Wonder what the payback period would be in California?

via TreeHugger

• Honda Insight, most affordable hybrid
• India VC up 120 percent

The Saudis have long memories and recall how high prices can cut into consumption; it happened in the 1980s and it’s happening again now. Any threat to oil’s leading role as a source of energy is a big worry for a country that sits on reserves of some 260 billion barrels. “We are concerned about the permanent destruction of demand,” says a senior Saudi official. “Those who buy hybrid vehicles are not going back to SUVs.”

via Businessweek

• Honda Insight, most affordable hybrid
• Fuel prices driving ecommerce

Affordable Honda hybrid on sale as soon as spring 2009, under 20k USD.

Honda achieved a significant cost reduction in Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) components which should make Insight the most affordable hybrid vehicle to date. The production Insight will be offered as a five-door, five-passenger hatchback. Numerous technologies, including a function to assist customers in achieving more fuel efficient driving habits, will be applied to achieve a further improvement in real world fuel efficiency. With its affordable price, the new hybrid vehicle will represent the best value in its segment. Along with the Civic Hybrid, the new vehicle will be produced at an expanded hybrid vehicle production line at the Suzuka factory in Japan.

via ecomodder

• Keith Barry does seriously cool “brain magic” at TED
• Social networking increases efficiency at work

I guess we won’t be seeing too many pizzas being delivered by Hummers anymore ay?

Many companies — from utilities to architectural firms — are rushing to jump on the green bandwagon, and the soft-drink industry is no exception.

Coke’s new trucks are estimated to lower fuel consumption by 37 percent and emissions by 32 percent — solid figures to impress the growing number of people who are demanding a reduction in greenhouse gases.

via HuffPo

• Gas stations to be obsolete?
• comScore: India has fastest growing net population