White Goat Turns Worthless Office Reports Into Functional Toilet Paper [Toilet Paper]

White Goat Turns Worthless Office Reports Into Functional Toilet Paper [Toilet Paper]: "

Boss: 'Jensen, I wouldn't wipe my ass with your TPS reports, such is my disdain for your work.' Jensen: 'That's too bad, sir, because you just did in the restroom!' You see, readers, this scene unfolded thusly because of this:

It's a machine that recycles paper into toilet paper! And surprise, this quirky bit of tech is from...Japan!

Called White Goat, possibly because someone in the inventor's office saw one eating some paper one day and then do what animals do naturally after eating such things, the machine creates a roll of TP in about 30 minutes using 40 sheets of office paper:

The $100,000 machine goes on sale in Japan this summer, and is expected to save about 60 trees annually. Your job, on the other hand, may still be beyond saving. [Ubergizmo via Born Rich]

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Portland Government Plans 200-ft. Tall Energy-Saving Plant Wall [Green]

Portland Government Plans 200-ft. Tall Energy-Saving Plant Wall [Green]: "

Portland, Oregon is so into the green movement that they're going to cover their federal building from floor to ceiling with a 200-ft. wall made from living, breathing vegetation.

The living wall is more than just a pretty facade, however, as city officials claim it will lead to savings of about $280,000 per year in energy costs. Add in some solar panels (also part of the overall $133 million plan), and the building will use about 60-65% less energy than a similar-sized office.

And, being a plant, the multi-fin wall is seasonal. Designers say that in the summer its foliage will provide cooling shade; in the winter months the wall will thin, providing light when the weather cooperates.

One issue yet to be tackled by architects is irrigation. Rainwater from the roof is one suggestion, while water recycled from the building's plumbing is another.

Another issue is cost. Senators John McCain of Arizona and Tom Coburn of Oklahoma have both criticized the project for being a complete waste of economic stimulus money (see also: The Bridge to Nowhere). Even so, the project is on track for completion in 2013. [New York Times]

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