NATURAL FIBRE:A new method to extract fibres from wild species of banana trees of Mizoram hills has been identified by Botanical Survey of India ( bsi ). Locally called Chang-El or wild plantains, its six different species yeild a kind of hemp which has immense commercial value. The species were identified during an ethno-botanical survey in the hills of the Northeastern state. The fibre, extracted from the stem and leaf sheaths of the wild trees by boiling them in water, can be used to make bags, baskets, shoes, door mats and ropes at very low costs, said ( bsi ). "The banana trees, easily available throughout the year and the simple low cost technology available in the extraction of fibres can provide tremendous potential to boost the tribal economy," a top ( bsi) official said.
GREEN TELEVISION:
Researchers at the Oko Institute for Applied Ecology in Frieburg, Germany, have
developed televisions with environmentally sound technology and ecologically acceptable
materials.
The scientists expect that the green TV will replace the conventional
printed circuit board by a recyclable energy-saving circuit.
Its new design will help in optimisation and a reduction in the size
of the sets. The TV manufacturing industry will be initiated into the use of
recycled picture tube glass besides focussing on modularisation, abating emissions,
extension of service life and minimisation of contaminants. This will also help in reducing
the radiation emitted by an operational television.
DIESEL ADDITIVES:
By October 2002, the Indian Oil Corporation will be ready to launch its servo brand of
premium gasolene and diesel for domestic consumers.
ECO-FRIENDLY NAPPIES: Enviro, a
uk -based company has launched eco-friendly nappies called Weenee.
The compostable two-part Weenee consists of the water-proof nappy and a disposable pad
containing polyacrylate absorbent material and is fitted with velcro straps.
These biodegradable nappies degrade in 150 days. Costing about 10 per cent more than the
conventional "disposable" nappies, it has been welcomed by the environmentally-conscious
mothers in France, Denmark, Far East and believe it or not in Greenland.
FUEL-EFFICIENT CARS:
Honda Motor Company unveiled a series of products aimed at making vehicles more fuel
efficient, with an engine that can run 35 kilometres on one litre. A hybrid car that is
also powered by electricity, the two-seater is expected to retail for
us $19,242, the Japanese automaker said. The company
also unveiled a high-performance internal combustion engine that it says will
dramatically reduce exhaust gas emissions and said it plans to install more fuel
efficient injection systems in scooters and motor-cycles.
NATURAL FIBRE
The automobile manufacturer TVS-Suzuki Ltd has announced that it will introduce
a four-stroke motor-cycle in November 1999. After the launch of the four-stroke
bike, the entire production of two-stroke bikes would be changed to produce four-stroke vehicles.
The engine capacity of the bike would be 150 cc. The bike is undergoing tests at present.
Clearly, the company is aiming to capture the expanding market of four-stroke motor-cycles.
Escorts-Yamaha Ltd, another leading
manufacturer of motor-cycles, has already come out with a four-stroke model.
TVS has also announced that a 70-cc moped will be lauched by the end of 1999.
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