A Few Good Things

Plantic - A new plastic like material that is biodegradable. It looks like the starting use for this would in food packaging. It looks and feels like regular plastic, but it is made from starch, so you can compost it or simply pour water on it and watch it dissolve. Click: Plantic for more info

Air Car - A zero-emissions vehicle that runs on compressed air. The first model, the OneCat, will be released in late 2008. The OneCat will fit up to 5 passengers, reach speeds up to 68mph, and go as far as 500 highway miles on one fill-up. The car refills by plugging it in at home and the built-in compressor will fill the tank in 4 hours. The company, MDI of France, has plans to release 2-, 4- and 6- cylinder engines at prices ranging from $4,800 to $12,900. While not a cross country traveling vehicle yet, local use seems ideal, especially with its low price tag. Click: Air Car for more info

Smog Scrubber - A cement coating developed by Italcementi that pulls smog out of the air. The material contains titanium dioxide which neutralizes nitrous oxide and sulfur dioxide when exposed to light. TX Active, the materials brand name, can be painted on buildings, bridges and streets. Click: TX Active for more info