Researchers Developing Batteries Powered by Plants

A group of scientists are working on an eco-friendly version of the ubiquitous lithium-ion battery.
Every year, 180,000 tons of batteries end up in American landfills. A team of scientists from Rice University and the US Army Research Laboratory, however, is working to replace those with eco-friendly batteries made from plants. The team began looking at lithium-ion batteries—which power devices such as cell phones and laptops—in the hopes to find a cheaper, more eco-friendly alternative. They used rubia, a type of root that is also used to create red dye, and combined it with carbon to bind the lithium ions that charge batteries. The team aims to have a working prototype of the green battery in a few years. This literal green-power Renaissance is also alive and well at Vanderbilt University, where researchers are developing a solar cell powered by spinach.
Vegan Ice Cream Hitting New York City Streets
Big Apple favorite Van Leeuwen Artisan Ice Cream is now serving up cruelty-free ice cream.
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New Casual Vegan Eatery Opening in Los Angeles
Dr. Js Vibrant Cafe will offer 100-percent vegan, gluten-free healthy fare.
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Vancouver: Citywide Meatless Monday Celebration
Terminal City is Canadas first to endorse the Meatless Monday campaign.
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Chicagos Vegan Eatery Kitchen 17 Recently Opened
Chicago residents can enjoy a diverse array of cruelty-free dishes made from scratch by chef Don Clements at his Lakeview neighborhood eatery.
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Rally at the Capitol to Prevent Horse Slaughter
There was an outpouring of support for the SAFE Act, which will protect horses from being killed for human consumption.
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More Flashbacks
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- De Rossi Shares Recipe For Ellens Favorite Dish
- Starbucks Rolls Out Veg Salad On its Spring Menu
- Worlds First Lab-Grown Hamburger to Be Eaten Soon
- New Jersey Legislature Passes Gestation Crate Ban
- E! Proclaims Jackfruit the New Hot Veg Substitute
- Tennessee Ag-Gag Bill Killed by State Governor
- High Levels of Arsenic Discovered in Chicken Meat
- New Meat-Free Restaurant to Open in St. Louis
- TN Attorney General Calls Ag-Gag Into Question
- Tyson Foods Sees 43 Percent Fall in Net Income
- Vegan Confectionary Boutique Recognized on Zagat
- Vegan Pop-Up Restaurant Coming to New York City
- May 11: Consumer Campaign for World Fair Trade Day
- Vegan Photographer Vanessa K. Rees Wins Blog Award
- NY Legislation Aims to End the Shark Fin Trade
- New Orleans Will Get a New Vegetarian Restaurant
- Beyond Meat Has Its Sights Set on the Deli Counter
- NYT Writer Mark Bittman Cooks Vegan on Today Show
- Celebrity Hosts and Celebrity Chefs at Veg Appetit











