Amazon is starting a program to help curb shipping material waste.

There will be a ‘ship free with Amazon tote’ button. The tote is a reusable, weatherproof bag that you return to Amazon after delivery.

Amazon has worked out a zip code schedule according to geographical areas.

Particular areas with certain zip codes have a specific day of the week as their tote day. Items sold directly by Amazon and under 50 pounds are eligible, and will have the “ship free with Amazon tote” button on the page. Most regular items should fall under this category. You just need to time it so that it arrives on your next ‘tote day’. There are no minimum delivery sizes, subscriptions or fees attached. You may keep adding items to your order until 10am 2 days before your ‘tote day’. They say you may the leave the tote bag on your doorstep to be picked up the next week on the scheduled delivery day.

Sounds like a great idea to me. I hate the waste of the packing materials that I recycle.

Ford focus has introduced their new electric version of this popular car. They say it will launch in late 2011. Total range hasn’t been disclosed yet, but an estimate of 100 mile range is suggested.

There are two charging options: 120v standard charging will take up to 20 hours for a full charge. 240v optional charging station will do a complete charge in 3-4 hours, and will be sold and installed by ‘Best Buy’ at an estimated cost of $1,499.

They are using a 23 kwh lithium-ion battery.

A lack of public charging stations is a concern for some. Others say it may force larger cities to make more charging stations available.

Top speed is expected to be about 84 mph (136 kph).

Ford and Microsoft have partnered to bring electric drivers a smart phone app called “My Ford Mobile,” which helps owners plug in remotely, advise drivers when utility rates are lowest and search MapQuest for charging stations.

I know that this is a totally lame posting, but in an effort to push something out in a very busy week, I’m posting a YouTube video about Geothermal Heat Pumps.

I will post more on this subject after I’ve had a chance to research this more.

It looks awesome, and I have heard of this in the past. It looks like it could be rather costly, but may have come down in price over the years and there may be tax incentives available! 

Geothermal Heat Pumps: