20110119 Innovative Eco-friendly Products (1)

Innovative Eco-friendly Products

From a toilet to a TV, new technology comes in all shapes, sizes and prices

Below are some of the most innovative products that will save you lots of cash in the long run.

Dual-flush toilets

Did you know 40 percent of indoor water usage is flushed down a toilet? That's right – 55 billion gallons of clean water are sent down the pipes each day. Dual-flush toilets use different amounts of water for solid and liquid waste. Anywhere from 30 to 50 percent less water is flushed in addition to the $100 or so dollars saved each year.

Steam dishwashers

Steam dishwashers help save on that water bill. Steam models can use up to 33 percent less water than the standard dishwasher. What's more, studies have shown steam dishwashers clean dishes better than their counterparts. Some models even offer owners the ability to customize the wash intensity for an upper rack of wine glasses and lower rack of crusted pots and pans.

Wireless charging

Allowing the charge of up to three devices plus one USB port on brands like Powermat, wireless models offer speeds equivalent to or greater then the manufacturer-provided chargers. In addition, these models incorporate an auto-shutoff feature when charging completes. Products charge while they rest on top of the charging mat. They come in handy during traveling when only a car charger or single electrical outlet is available.

du- 兩個

dual adj. 兩段式的/兩部分的/雙重的

eg: Charles enjoys his dual role as a CEO and a father of three kids.

=> Charles很享受擔任公司的執行長和三個孩子的父親的雙重角色。

eg: Brenda had dual citizenship. She's Canadian but also has a French passport.

=> Brenda擁有雙重國籍，她是加拿大人而且擁有法國護照。

counter- 對抗

counterpart n. 相對應的事物/同等職位的人

eg: Our vice president will have a meeting with his counterpart from the company we are going to sign a contract with.

=> 我們的副總和要與我們簽約的這家公司的同等職位的人開會

equi- 相等

equivalent adj. 相等的/相同的

equivalent to something 和...相等

eg: Mark is going to another company to do a job equivalent to the one he has now but with a higher salary.

=> Mark要到別的公司擔任同等的職務，可是薪水更高。

eg: One US dollar is equivalent to 30NT dollars.

=> 一塊美金等於30塊新台幣

//== Chat room ==//

frugal 節儉的、節省的

=> thrifty/economical 經濟的、節約的

penny-pinching 吝嗇/小氣

=> 把每一penny(一分錢)都pinch緊緊地捏在手上/放不開

penny-wise adj. 省小錢的/在小事情上精明的

//== Grammar on the Go ==//

Anywhere from 30 to 50 percent less water is flushed in addition to the $100 or so dollars saved each year.

anywhere from 30 to 50 percent less water

=> There was less water been flushed. How much less? We don't know the exactly amount.

=> But we do know the amount is from 30 to 50 percent of the original amount.

eg: We moved anywhere from 50 to 60 boxes yesterday.

eg: I'm not sure exactly how many people were invited to the party; it was anywhere from 30 to 40 people, so we need to be prepared.