Mud and recycled materials make up this sustainable Kerala home

When Ramanujan Basha decided to build a modern, eco-friendly home in Kerala, he turned to Wallmakers, a local design practice with a decade’s worth of experience designing sustainable architecture. Unlike its more conventional neighbors, the house, dubbed Chirath, is built primarily of mud, recycled elements, and natural materials. Passive solar principles were also applied to the design to let in natural light and much-needed natural ventilation for relief from Kerala’s tropical climate. In...

from Inhabitat - Green Design, Innovation, Architecture, Green Building https://inhabitat.com/mud-and-recycled-materials-make-up-this-sustainable-kerala-home
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Get serious about climate change with this board game

Worried environmentalists have been warning international leaders to stop playing around and get serious about climate change, but California’s Marin County has introduced a new board game that introduces players to the complexities of climate adaptation in a fun and engaging way. Marin County is located within the San Francisco Bay Area and although it is one of the country’s wealthiest counties, the threats of sea level rise and climate change are still insurmountable. CityLabs reported...

from Inhabitat - Green Design, Innovation, Architecture, Green Building https://inhabitat.com/get-serious-about-climate-change-with-this-board-game
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A mountain refuge in Spain is brought back to life with brickwork

In the mountains of the southeastern Spanish town of Jumilla sits “La Casa del Ángel”, a small shelter where outdoor enthusiasts have long sought shelter. To bring more people to the shelter, the local government commissioned Murcia-based firm Martin Lejarraga Oficina de Arquitectura to refurbish the small building, which had been worn down by use and the outdoor elements. In renovating the space, the architects reinforced the structural strength and clad the facade in a variety of brickwork...

from Inhabitat - Green Design, Innovation, Architecture, Green Building https://inhabitat.com/a-mountain-refuge-in-spain-is-brought-back-to-life-with-brickwork
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Get outdoors with this guide to sustainable spring activities

Spring is that amazing time of year that celebrates new life everywhere around us. Animals deliver babies, trees regain their leaves, and flowers spring into full color. That means it’s the perfect time for you to enjoy the splendor of the season too. If you’re eager to hit the trails and clean up the yard, remember to keep the environment in mind when planning your activities. Here are some ways you can enjoy natural activities while promoting earth-friendly practices. <!--more→ Gardening It...

from Inhabitat - Green Design, Innovation, Architecture, Green Building https://inhabitat.com/get-outdoors-with-this-guide-to-sustainable-spring-activities
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Bee + Hive to help explorers book green hotels and sustainable tourism experiences

Conscientious travelers often worry about the impact of their dollars and whether or not tourism improves lives in the local communities they visit. Now Bee + Hive, a not-for-profit association made up of hotels and other travel industry partners is launching a booking engine to help travelers choose sustainable tourism experience. Starting in June, Bee + Hive plans to take the guesswork out of planning global sustainable travel, and ease the worries of travelers who suspect that travel is the newest...

from Inhabitat - Green Design, Innovation, Architecture, Green Building https://inhabitat.com/bee-hive-to-help-explorers-book-green-hotels-and-sustainable-tourism-experiences
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Sparkman Wharf cargotecture restaurants revitalize Tampa's Water Street neighborhood

Any successful restaurant requires communication among workers. But when you’re turning out quality food in a 30 by 8 foot space, even more cries of “below,” “behind” and “heard” are necessary to keep staff from trampling each other. “There’s not enough room to open the oven door and the beer cooler at the same time,” says Tampa restaurateur Ty Rodriguez, co-owner of Gallito. Rodriguez’ newest restaurant opened last November and occupies a former shipping container in Sparkman...

from Inhabitat - Green Design, Innovation, Architecture, Green Building https://inhabitat.com/sparkman-wharf-cargotecture-restaurants-revitalize-tampas-water-street-neighborhood
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Bioclimatic home curves for optimal daylighting and views in Chile

In an effort to beat the intense Chilean heat without compromising views of Santiago, local architectural firm Biourban Arquitectos has designed a bioclimatic home in La Reina that combines passive solar principles with high energy performance materials. Dubbed the H.D. House, the site-specific dwelling features two floors, each built of different materials with contrasting textures and colors, and optimized for thermal resistance. The H.D. House’s rectilinear lower floor is built with...

from Inhabitat - Green Design, Innovation, Architecture, Green Building https://inhabitat.com/bioclimatic-home-curves-for-optimal-daylighting-and-views-in-chile
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Australia to cull over two million feral cats by 2020

They may look adorable and fuzzy, but Australia is officially at war with feral cats. The country's government just passed a new initiative to kill over two million untamed cats over the next year, cutting their numbers from six to four million. While killing such a large number of feral cats may seem excessively cruel, there are good reasons why Australia is culling their population. These free-ranging cats were brought to the continent in the 1600s and now cover over 99 percent of the country....

from Inhabitat - Green Design, Innovation, Architecture, Green Building https://inhabitat.com/australia-to-cull-over-two-million-feral-cats-by-2020
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These are the best 9 tricks and gadgets to keep your spring garden in tip-top shape

With the weather getting warmer, now is the perfect time to start planning your spring garden. From the best times of day to plant to all the latest garden gadgets on the market, here is a quick and easy guide to achieving the best springtime garden. Plant In The Evening Some garden gurus argue that plants do better, in terms of growth rate and durability, when they are put in the ground after the sun goes down. At the very least, planting at night ensures that you get the most out of your initial...

from Inhabitat - Green Design, Innovation, Architecture, Green Building https://inhabitat.com/these-are-the-best-9-tricks-and-gadgets-to-keep-your-spring-garden-in-tip-top-shape
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Dramatic domino-effect facade wraps BIG-designed business school

Bjarke Ingels Group has unveiled images of the stunning Business Innovation Hub at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Designed in collaboration with Goody Clancy Architects, the recently completed 70,000-square-foot extension and partial renovation of the Isenberg School of Management not only delivers a dramatic appearance with a falling dominoes-like facade, but also high sustainable standards. Clad in low-maintenance copper, the Isenberg School of Management Business Innovation Hub expects...

from Inhabitat - Green Design, Innovation, Architecture, Green Building https://inhabitat.com/dramatic-domino-effect-facade-wraps-big-designed-business-school
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A growing number of states are aiming for clean energy

While President Donald Trump tries to ease environmental regulations and shirk responsibility for climate change, at the state level the wind is blowing a different way: toward clean energy and eliminating greenhouse gases from electricity production. A growing number of states are pushing—and passing—renewable energy bills. On Earth Day, Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak signed legislation that the state would reach a target of 50 percent renewable energy by 2030 and 100 percent by 2050. "Today,...

from Inhabitat - Green Design, Innovation, Architecture, Green Building https://inhabitat.com/a-growing-number-of-states-are-aiming-for-clean-energy
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Urban waste is upcycled into an adorable, beetle-shaped micro library on wheels

Related: + Via Archdaily

from Inhabitat - Green Design, Innovation, Architecture, Green Building https://inhabitat.com/urban-waste-is-upcycled-into-an-adorable-beetle-shaped-micro-library-on-wheels
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Ontario cancels plans to reduce its carbon footprint

Ontario just cut plans to reduce its carbon footprint. The Premier of Ontario, Doug Ford, canceled an initiative that would have planted 50 million trees across the province and absorbed a considerable amount of carbon dioxide. This is not the first eco-friendly plan Ford has sidelined. He got rid of a carbon cap that was expected to bring in billions of dollars to the government. Ford also ditched a plan to test cars for harmful emissions and is having a bit of trouble with Toronto's subways....

from Inhabitat - Green Design, Innovation, Architecture, Green Building https://inhabitat.com/ontario-cancels-plans-to-reduce-their-carbon-footprint
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These bamboo socks by Flyte are anti-bacterial and hypoallergenic

An environmentally-conscious customer base has more than supported the Flyte Socks cause, launching it into a business after humble beginnings as a Kickstarter campaign just hoping to fund a new style of sustainable socks. <!--more→ Partners Hung Jean and Jeffrey Trinh of Toronto set out to provide quality socks made out of sustainable materials with the goal to donate to causes close to their hearts. They had instant support with the first round of Flyte Socks, funding the campaign...

from Inhabitat - Green Design, Innovation, Architecture, Green Building https://inhabitat.com/these-bamboo-socks-by-flyte-are-anti-bacterial-and-hypoallergenic
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Washington becomes the first state to allow human composting

Washington is officially the first state to offer human composting as a substitute for cremation or burial. The state's legislature just passed a bill that makes it legal for companies to offer composting of human remains. Lawmakers hope the new initiative will cut down on waste and carbon emissions typically associated with traditional burials. Funeral homes in the United States have few options when it comes to burials. Traditional burials use steel and wood to put loved ones into the ground,...

from Inhabitat - Green Design, Innovation, Architecture, Green Building https://inhabitat.com/washington-becomes-the-first-state-to-allow-human-composting
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Taichung Discovery Pavilion champions biodiversity in new "Half Earth" multimedia art installation

In Taichung, Taiwan, the recently completed Discovery Pavilion at the Taichung World Flower Expo explores what life could be like if humans returned half of the Earth’s habitable surfaces to nature—a concept known as “Half Earth” proposed by the “Father of Biodiversity” Edward Wilson in 2016. Taipei-based Cogitoimage International Co., Ltd designed the pavilion to advocate such preservation with a large-scale exhibition that covers the ecology of the Taichung Dajia River as it flows from...

from Inhabitat - Green Design, Innovation, Architecture, Green Building https://inhabitat.com/taichung-discovery-pavilion-champions-biodiversity-in-new-half-earth-multimedia-art-installation
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Green roofs to take over NYC skyline by law

The city of New York passed a major new climate adaptation bill that requires green roofs on all new city buildings. On April 18th, city council voted to pass the Climate Mobilization Act, which includes specific initiatives and resolutions that will cut emissions and improve energy efficiency through widespread, mandatory installation of green roofs. NYC passes its own ‘Green New Deal’. New York City’s Climate Mobilization Act has been likened to the national Green New Deal for its forward-thinking...

from Inhabitat - Green Design, Innovation, Architecture, Green Building https://inhabitat.com/green-roofs-to-take-over-nyc-skyline-by-law
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Fueled by chocolate: Ghana's newest biofuel

Researchers in Ghana are testing a system that will turn cocoa into biofuel, but don’t worry – it uses green waste from harvesting so you can still eat all of the chocolate! The project is funded by the University of Nottingham in the United Kingdom and will be tested in Ghana, one of the world’s largest producers of cocoa. The chocolate industry is a multi-billion-dollar international industry, with the bulk of cocoa coming from Africa. “Every ton of cocoa beans harvested generates 10...

from Inhabitat - Green Design, Innovation, Architecture, Green Building https://inhabitat.com/fueled-by-chocolate-ghanas-newest-biofuel
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This apartment building in Staten Island has a 5,000-square-foot urban farm

Along the waterfront on New York’s north shore, Staten Island Urby sits overlooking the Statue of Liberty and Lower Manhattan. The millennial-friendly residential space includes 571 units, 35,000 square feet of commercial space, and something a little less usual for an apartment complex: a massive urban farm. The space, also known as “Rabbit’s Garden,” is run by farmer-in-residence Olivia Gamber, a longtime urban agriculture-enthusiast with a degree in Environmental Studies and years of community...

from Inhabitat - Green Design, Innovation, Architecture, Green Building https://inhabitat.com/this-apartment-building-in-staten-island-has-a-5000-square-foot-urban-farm
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The Phox V2 water filter fights plastic pollution

While water filters solve problems by cutting plastic waste and removing nasties from our drinks, they add to environmental woes by sending 100 million cartridges to landfills every year. That’s enough to fill 50 jumbo jets, say the founders of Phox V2, a new filtration system with a reusable cartridge. The world is ready for this solution to plastic pollution, judging from Phox’s Kickstarter campaign being fully funded in 34 hours. The campaign, which ends Monday, April 29, rewards supporters...

from Inhabitat - Green Design, Innovation, Architecture, Green Building https://inhabitat.com/the-phox-v2-water-filter-fights-plastic-pollution
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Energy-efficient vacation home holds court over 15 acres of restored tidal wetlands

Related: A dark, damp house becomes a sustainable, sun-soaked abode + Nest Architects Via Dwell Northcote House

from Inhabitat - Green Design, Innovation, Architecture, Green Building https://inhabitat.com/energy-efficient-vacation-home-holds-court-over-15-acres-of-restored-tidal-wetlands
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Disaster-resilient housing saves lives and dollars

When Typhoon Haiyan hit the Philippines in 2013, the Raloso family hid in their bathroom while their house collapsed around them. 4,000 of their neighbors died. The Raloso’s invested in rebuilding stronger and when Typhoon Rammasun hit just a year later, the World Bank reported the family “rode out the storm in their disaster-resilient house — along with 17 of their neighbors who took shelter there.” A new World Bank proposal, Build Back Better, promises massive savings in both dollars...

from Inhabitat - Green Design, Innovation, Architecture, Green Building https://inhabitat.com/disaster-resilient-housing-saves-lives-and-dollars
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Study shows meal kits are more sustainable than grocery shopping

Meal kit delivery companies eliminate the weekly rush to the grocery store, making meal preparation easier than ever, but are they good for the environment? While some may dismiss these services as being wasteful, a new study reveals that they are actually more eco-friendly than you might think. Researchers compared ingredients commonly used in meal kit deliveries to their grocery store counterparts and found they have a much smaller carbon footprint. According to NPR, meals purchased from local...

from Inhabitat - Green Design, Innovation, Architecture, Green Building https://inhabitat.com/study-shows-meal-kits-are-more-sustainable-than-grocery-shopping
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Fairy Tales competition announces winners addressing climate change and sustainability

New York-based online platform Blank Space has announced the winners of the 2019 Fairy Tales competition—the largest annual architecture competition in the world. For its sixth year, the competition drew submissions from over 65 countries that were evaluated by a jury of more than 20 leading architects, designers and storytellers, including the likes of Moshe Safdie, Tatiana Bilbao, Jurgen Mayer, Julia Koerner, Mark Foster Gage and Jane Yolen. The 2019 competition challenged participants to create...

from Inhabitat - Green Design, Innovation, Architecture, Green Building https://inhabitat.com/fairy-tales-competition-announces-winners-addressing-climate-change-and-sustainability
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Low-income housing in flood zones traps families in harms way

Nearly one out of every ten low-income housing projects is in a flood zone. In Houston, residents of a government-subsidized complex have sued the landlord, arguing that the subsidy system unfairly traps them in a cycle of devastation with no choice but to continuously return to where their lives are at risk and where they have lost everything – year after year. Half a million Americans live in government subsidized housing that is at direct risk for flooding. This number is modest, since...

from Inhabitat - Green Design, Innovation, Architecture, Green Building https://inhabitat.com/low-income-housing-in-flood-zones-traps-families-in-harms-way
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A massive, egg-shaped bird observatory features reusable natural materials

Bird lovers in the Netherlands now have a new way of watching their feathered friends thanks to the recent opening of the Tij, a massive wooden bird observatory created with sustainability in mind. Designed by Amsterdam-based RAU Architects in collaboration with Ro&Ad Architects, the unique bird blind is in the shape of an egg in a nod to the thousands of large terns that nest nearby. To reduce environmental impact, the architects constructed the observatory primarily out of wood with modular...

from Inhabitat - Green Design, Innovation, Architecture, Green Building https://inhabitat.com/a-massive-egg-shaped-bird-observatory-features-reusable-natural-materials
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Eucalyptus screens block out the sun's harsh rays in this off-grid home

Related: + Via

from Inhabitat - Green Design, Innovation, Architecture, Green Building https://inhabitat.com/eucalyptus-screens-block-out-the-suns-harsh-rays-in-this-off-grid-home
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Cozy pop-up Seedpods let you escape into nature with a minimal footprint

Reconnecting with Mother Nature has been elevated to new heights with Nomadic Resorts latest treehouse initiative—the Seedpod. Shaped like a human nest, these lightweight sleeping pods are designed for minimal landscape impact and can pop up in remote locations in just one day. The pop-up hotel rooms were recently installed in Mauritius’ Bel Ombre Nature Reserve, where they were hung from trees and made to “float” above the forest floor. Founded in 2011 as a reaction against the...

from Inhabitat - Green Design, Innovation, Architecture, Green Building https://inhabitat.com/cozy-pop-up-seedpods-let-you-escape-into-nature-with-a-minimal-footprint
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Extinction Rebellion LA protests climate change by supergluing themselves to Universal Globe

A group called Extinction Rebellion Los Angeles (XRLA) organized a protest on the campus of Universal Studios over Earth Day. A few members of the group climbed the company's famous globe and superglued themselves in place with the hope of sending a message to NBC and the rest of Hollywood. The goal of the protest was to inform the business community in Los Angeles that climate change is real and that we need to take steps to avoid certain destruction. The group outlined several demands alongside...

from Inhabitat - Green Design, Innovation, Architecture, Green Building https://inhabitat.com/extinction-rebellion-la-protests-climate-change-by-supergluing-themselves-to-universal-globe
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The Glen House is a sustainable retreat in the mountains of New Hampshire

Hikers have long flocked to Mt. Washington in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. Back in 1852, the original Glen House hotel opened to serve visitors who wanted to ascend the Northeast’s highest peak without roughing it. Today, the fifth and newest iteration of Glen House blends history, mountain beauty and 21st century sustainability initiatives. “Each new hotel took advantage of whatever the latest in building theory and technology had to offer,” said Howie Wemyss, general manager of...

from Inhabitat - Green Design, Innovation, Architecture, Green Building https://inhabitat.com/the-glen-house-is-a-sustainable-retreat-in-the-mountains-of-new-hampshire
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Researchers rush to link toxic chemical to health concerns

A new trend in research reflects a growing concern about the health impacts of a commonly used chemical substance called PFAs (per- and polyfluoralkyl substances). The family of chemicals is pervasive in heat and water-resistant technologies – and is now found in soil, drinking water and even in human blood. "Essentially everyone has these compounds in our blood," Linda Birnbaum, director of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences told NPR. PFAs are valued for their resistant...

from Inhabitat - Green Design, Innovation, Architecture, Green Building https://inhabitat.com/researchers-rush-to-link-toxic-chemical-to-health-concerns
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Go green in your bedroom with these sustainable decor picks

Whether you’re building, have just moved into a new home or are renovating your current room, considering eco-friendly materials can be a healthier decision for both you and the environment. Here are some floor to ceiling options for your space. <!--more→ Flooring Introduce sustainable products to your room starting from the ground up. Flooring is a significant investment during any remodel, but the price of eco-friendly options are holding pace with engineered products these...

from Inhabitat - Green Design, Innovation, Architecture, Green Building https://inhabitat.com/go-green-in-your-bedroom-with-these-sustainable-decor-picks
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Henning Larsen breaks ground on BEAM Platinum-targeted Shaw Auditorium in Hong Kong

Shortly after completing the “greenest school” in Hong Kong, Copenhagen-based Henning Larsen has broken ground on yet another sustainability-minded project—the Shaw Auditorium for The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. Designed with modular seating, the multipurpose auditorium will be a flexible space that can accommodate a wide range of cultural events from concerts and musicals to conventions and exhibitions. The elliptical building will also feature climate-optimized design...

from Inhabitat - Green Design, Innovation, Architecture, Green Building https://inhabitat.com/henning-larsen-breaks-ground-on-beam-platinum-targeted-shaw-auditorium-in-hong-kong
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Carnival Corporation is polluting oceans while on probation

The popular cruise liner Carnival was charged in 2018 for excess ocean pollution yet the company is still breaking U.S. laws. New findings show that Carnival's fleet of cruise ships have dumped over half-million gallons of oil, sewage, and food waste into the ocean and are showing no signs of stopping. Carnival is currently on probation for violating ocean pollution standards and is being monitored for any further violations. Between the springs of 2017 and 2018, the company received as many...

from Inhabitat - Green Design, Innovation, Architecture, Green Building https://inhabitat.com/carnival-corporation-is-polluting-oceans-while-on-probation
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Designer Sophie Rowley creates marbled furniture from denim scraps

The clothing industry sucks up copious quantities of water and leaves behind environmental waste like chemicals and dyes in the process. So it’s not surprising that product designers continue to seek out ways that waste from clothing production can be repurposed in useful and creative ways. One such designer, Sophie Rowley, has targeted denim and found a way to turn it into furniture. <!--more→ Not only is this furniture credited with taking denim cut-offs off the manufacturing room...

from Inhabitat - Green Design, Innovation, Architecture, Green Building https://inhabitat.com/designer-sophie-rowley-creates-marbled-furniture-from-denim-scraps
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Kin Travel is offering unique vacation ideas that benefit destinations through conservation and sustainability

Traveling is becoming more and more convenient through the help of new technology, but sadly that doesn't always bode well for places affected by over tourism and other negative influences some travelers may bring along with them. Kin Travel began when founders Brian Jones and Mark Somen decided to give travelers a way to go on vacation while immersing themselves into the local culture and having a positive impact on their destinations. They strive to offer opportunities to rejuvenate communities...

from Inhabitat - Green Design, Innovation, Architecture, Green Building https://inhabitat.com/kin-travel-is-offering-unique-vacation-ideas-that-benefit-destinations-through-conservation-and-sustainability
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Climate activists will turn up the heat at presidential debate

Young people have been making a lot of noise around the urgency of climate change, and they aren’t quieting down. Following the hotly debated release of the Green New Deal proposal and last month’s Youth Climate March’s in XXX cities, young people in the U.S. are plotting their next high-impact climate action. The Sunrise Movement, a youth movement leading the pressure on candidates to approve the Green New Deal is planning to stage a massive protest at the first debate for the Democratic primary...

from Inhabitat - Green Design, Innovation, Architecture, Green Building https://inhabitat.com/climate-activists-will-turn-up-the-heat-at-presidential-debate
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Stunning 'beach shack' on remote Australian beach is 100% self-sufficient

Related: + Casey Brown Via Wallpaper Casey Brown, self-sufficient, Hart House

from Inhabitat - Green Design, Innovation, Architecture, Green Building https://inhabitat.com/stunning-beach-shack-on-remote-australian-beach-is-100-self-sufficient
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Google is celebrating Earth Day with a new addition to its interactive app

In an effort to create an entertaining, simple way to learn about eco-friendly living, Google paired up with the California Academy of Sciences and the Ellen MacArthur Foundation to create Your Plan, Your Planet in 2018. Using interactive quizzes, tips and visual aids, Your Plan, Your Planet gives users a concise set of messages that will help anyone understand the simple ways they can do their part in helping save the planet’s precious resources. And with a trusted name like Google behind...

from Inhabitat - Green Design, Innovation, Architecture, Green Building https://inhabitat.com/google-is-celebrating-earth-day-with-a-new-addition-to-its-interactive-app
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This futuristic, solar-powered travel trailer can be pulled by small cars

There’s no dispute that travel trailers are gaining popularity among those looking to get off the grid and use less natural resources, especially while enjoying activities such as camping and road tripping. At 760 lbs and just over 12 feet long, the Polydrop trailer created by architectural designer Kyung-Hyun Lew has a lightweight frame and sleeps two people comfortably. For the minimalist traveler, it has pretty much all the essentials. Inside the wooden cabin bolted to the aluminum frame,...

from Inhabitat - Green Design, Innovation, Architecture, Green Building https://inhabitat.com/this-futuristic-solar-powered-travel-trailer-can-be-pulled-by-small-cars
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New York City passes landmark bill to cut carbon emissions of big buildings by 80%

New York City just passed a landmark bill to cut carbon emissions. City council members overwhelming voted in favor of the historic law, called the The Climate Mobilization Act, which will reduce emissions by 80 percent over the next thirty years. The most significant portion of the bill will require buildings over 25,000 square feet to reduce carbon emissions by 40 percent over the next decade. By 2050, these buildings will have to cut emissions another 40 percent, greatly reducing overall...

from Inhabitat - Green Design, Innovation, Architecture, Green Building https://inhabitat.com/new-york-city-passes-landmark-bill-to-cut-carbon-emissions-of-big-buildings-by-80
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We tested the GoSun Go solar oven heres what we thought

The idea of cooking a delicious meal just by using the power of the sun is enticing, and GoSun Go is making it happen with its line of solar ovens. We’ve talked about the design before and checked them out at CES, but it wasn’t until recently that we were able to get our hands on one of these bad boys to test them out. From veggie burgers and baked sweet potato to mixed-berry muffins, coffee and oatmeal, we tried cooking a wide variety of foods in this portable, solar-powered oven. Here’s what...

from Inhabitat - Green Design, Innovation, Architecture, Green Building https://inhabitat.com/we-tested-the-gosun-go-solar-oven-heres-what-we-thought
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This beekeepers workshop uses sustainable design to minimize its footprint

In a bid to save northern Brazil’s rainforests from deforestation and land exploitation, São Paulo-based architecture firm Estudio Flume has recently completed Casa Do Mel, a beekeepers workshop that serves as a self-sustainable business alternative to logging operations. Located in the Canaã dos Carajás in the Pará Estate of Brazil, the workshop serves a co-operative of beekeepers formed by 53 rural producers. To reduce site impact, the building follows passive solar principles and incorporates...

from Inhabitat - Green Design, Innovation, Architecture, Green Building https://inhabitat.com/this-beekeepers-workshop-uses-sustainable-design-to-minimize-its-footprint
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People for Bikes is making cycling safer with Ride Spot

People for Bikes is doing their part to keep cycling safe. The non-profit organization now has two networking projects to help keep cyclists safe across the country: a city ratings database and a guide on the best city routes called Ride Spot. With safety being a top priority, People for Bikes’ database includes information about regulations throughout the United States. The city ratings include data on legislation that increases safety in certain locations. There is also valuable information...

from Inhabitat - Green Design, Innovation, Architecture, Green Building https://inhabitat.com/people-for-bikes-is-making-cycling-safer-with-ride-spot
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8 sustainability podcasts to listen to this Earth Day

Give your daily commute a boost by subscribing to a sustainability podcast. Not only do these podcasts make your drive pass a little faster, but they will also keep you informed on the latest trends in sustainability – and just in time for Earth Day. Here is a quick list of the best sustainability podcasts for your morning drive. Sustainable Jungle This podcast tackles current and future problems in the environmental world. The hosts of the podcast, Lyall and Joy, tour the planet to discuss...

from Inhabitat - Green Design, Innovation, Architecture, Green Building https://inhabitat.com/8-sustainability-podcasts-to-listen-to-this-earth-day
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Jason Momoa shaves beard to shine a spotlight on plastic pollution

When you have 11 million Instagram followers,  your simplest personal hygiene move can elicit thousands of comments. And when you’re ready for a major hygiene transformation, such as shaving off a beard you’ve been growing since 2012, you can pair the shearing with a save-the-world message. So we get a viral video of Jason Momoa, beloved Game of Thrones star, shaving off his beastly beard while talking about plastic pollution. The 39 year-old actor’s call for action is part of a growing wave...

from Inhabitat - Green Design, Innovation, Architecture, Green Building https://inhabitat.com/jason-momoa-shaves-beard-to-shine-a-spotlight-on-plastic-pollution
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These sweet teardrop trailers for adventurers run on solar power

Related: + Via

from Inhabitat - Green Design, Innovation, Architecture, Green Building https://inhabitat.com/these-sweet-teardrop-trailers-for-adventurers-run-on-solar-power
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Vegan organization receives post-hurricane windfall

The Million Dollar Vegan campaign gave $100,000 to vegan humanitarian aid organization, Chilis on Wheels, to help survivors of Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico. As reported here in February, 12 year-old activist Genesis Butler made an intriguing proposition to Pope Francis: Go vegan for Lent, and Butler and her Million Dollar Vegan campaign would donate a million dollars to the charity of Francis’ choice. Unfortunately, the pope did not accept the offer. And with Easter upon us, funds raised in...

from Inhabitat - Green Design, Innovation, Architecture, Green Building https://inhabitat.com/vegan-organization-receives-post-hurricane-windfall
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RBURN upcycles North Face tents into one-of-a-kind bags

The North Face has teamed up with British designer Christopher Raeburn of RÆBURN to launch a new line of accessories handcrafted from recycled tents. Introduced late last month, the unique collection consists of three distinct items—a tote bag, drawstring bag, and Rae Bag—that all feature RÆBURN’s iconic “REMADE, REDUCED, RECYCLED, RÆBURN” tagline. The partnership marks the iconic outdoors brand’s first sustainable collaboration and is part of both brands’ commitment to reducing...

from Inhabitat - Green Design, Innovation, Architecture, Green Building https://inhabitat.com/raeburn-upcycles-north-face-tents-into-one-of-a-kind-bags
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National Parks are offering free entry on April 20 to celebrate National Park Week

Take advantage of the warmer weather by visiting any number of the hundreds of national parks across the country on April 20 absolutely free. The National Park Service is celebrating National Park Week by offering free entry into all of the 418 parks spread throughout the United States. If you have never been to a national park or if it has been a while since your last visit, you may be surprised to learn about all the fun and excitement that awaits you. Here is a quick guide on some of the more...

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Ocean plastic waste has been a problem since the 1950s, reveals 60-year plankton study

A 60-year study on plankton has revealed the dark truth about the history of ocean plastic waste. The study shows how plastics have been polluting our oceans since at least the 1950s and that the problem has steadily gotten worse in the six decades since. The first documented case of ocean plastic waste was some fishing twine discovered in the 1950s. The next mention is a carrier bag in 1965. From there, the data shows that plastic waste significantly increased between 1970 and the early 2000s,...

from Inhabitat - Green Design, Innovation, Architecture, Green Building https://inhabitat.com/ocean-plastic-waste-has-been-a-problem-since-the-1950s-reveals-60-year-plankton-study
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A sustainable meal plan filled with recipes for Earth Day

Not all food is created equal, and not all foods are healthy for the planet. You’ve seen the headlines. Manufacturing plants suck up water, pollute with chemicals and damage the surrounding landscape. Raising cattle and other livestock is also associated with earth-damaging consequences. Most environmentalists agree that plant-based products offer the best balance of nutrition and environmental balance. Earth Day is right around the corner so it’s the perfect time to focus on foods that show...

from Inhabitat - Green Design, Innovation, Architecture, Green Building https://inhabitat.com/a-sustainable-meal-plan-filled-with-recipes-for-earth-day
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This elevated prefab home in Chile takes in striking volcano views

In the Chilean city of Pucón, Santiago architect Alejandro Soffia has recently completed a prefab home that visually pops against its wooded surroundings. Fittingly named the Yellow House after its bright yellow facade, the modular residence is elevated off the ground for reduced site impact and to create a treehouse-like feel. The home’s modules were strategically connected with wooden joints and punctuated by full-height glazing to frame views of Lake Villarrica on one side and the Villarrica...

from Inhabitat - Green Design, Innovation, Architecture, Green Building https://inhabitat.com/this-elevated-prefab-home-in-chile-takes-in-striking-volcano-views
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A guide to the different types of plastic

BPA, PET, HDPE. You’re trying to do the right thing by recycling, following health alerts and shopping wisely, but you're not fluent in molecular chemistry, so how do you decipher exactly what it all means and how to stay green? Fast facts about our plastic problem According to Earth Day, here are some stats that give you an idea of the scale of our plastic addiction. Since its invention in the 1950s, over 9 billion tons of plastic have been produced. 91 percent of all plastics are not...

from Inhabitat - Green Design, Innovation, Architecture, Green Building https://inhabitat.com/a-guide-to-the-different-types-of-plastic
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The Felderhof House in Italy is built into the ground and topped with a green roof

In the Eisack Valley of Italy, an old “pair farmstead” structure partly built into the hillside years ago still remains. The new owner decided to turn this classic property into a proper home after living inside it for two years as it was, and chose Pavol Mikolajcak Architekten for the redesign. The party-underground living space is topped by a grassy green roof that serves as a homage to the old design as well as a minimal approach to interacting with the natural environment of the landscape. A...

from Inhabitat - Green Design, Innovation, Architecture, Green Building https://inhabitat.com/the-felderhof-house-in-italy-is-built-into-the-ground-and-topped-with-a-green-roof
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Scientists find a way to produce renewable energy from snow

Solar panels have trouble producing renewable energy whenever it snows. With winters expected to increase in severity due to global warming, generating power in the cold season will likely become a major issue in years to come. Fortunately, scientists from UCLA just invented a way to produce energy from snow. The researchers call their handy device a triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG). It works by generating power via static electricity. As explained by the lead scientist on the project, Richard...

from Inhabitat - Green Design, Innovation, Architecture, Green Building https://inhabitat.com/scientists-find-a-way-to-produce-renewable-energy-from-snow
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These sneakers are painted with cast-off blood from slaughterhouses

When you think of materials suitable for making shoes, blood probably doesn’t come to mind. If you think it’s not possible though, you’d be wrong. To prove it, nat-2™ Footwear designer Sebastian Thies and Eindhoven-based designer Shahar Livne have teamed up to create the world‘s first sneakers made from real blood. <!--more→ Your first question is likely, “Where does one source blood from to make shoes?” The answer is both weirdly easy and sustainable, as the blood...

from Inhabitat - Green Design, Innovation, Architecture, Green Building https://inhabitat.com/these-sneakers-are-painted-with-cast-off-blood-from-slaughterhouses
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Attenborough Effect inspires people to drastically reduce single-use plastics

There are plenty of films that have documented the harmful effects of single-use plastics, but one documentary in particular has resulted in lasting change. A new study found that Blue Planet II, narrated by David Attenborough, has inspired people in the UK and the United States to use 53 percent less single-use plastics over the last year. Inspired by what is being dubbed the Attenborough Effect, people are investing in reusable bags for groceries and other packaging like never before. The study,...

from Inhabitat - Green Design, Innovation, Architecture, Green Building https://inhabitat.com/attenborough-effect-inspires-people-to-drastically-reduce-single-use-plastics
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A series of tiny, geometric cabins in an overgrown slate quarry are a truly secluded retreat

Related: + New British Design Via Archdaily New British Design , kudhva Wilderness Cabins

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These are the best 7 tips to follow for a more eco-friendly backyard

An eco-friendly backyard is a great way to protect the environment and create a beautiful space for you and your family to enjoy all year long. Follow these seven tips to turn your backyard into a place that respects the environment without breaking your budget. 1. Save Water Conserving water is a great way to make your backyard more eco-friendly. You can install large water tanks in your backyard that hook up to the gutters in your house. The tanks will fill up whenever it rains. If you do...

from Inhabitat - Green Design, Innovation, Architecture, Green Building https://inhabitat.com/these-are-the-best-7-tips-to-follow-for-a-more-eco-friendly-backyard
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CRA grows a sustainable pavilion out of mushrooms in just 6 weeks

Could the houses of the future be grown from mushrooms? Italian architectural firm Carlo Ratti Associati (CRA) broaches this question with The Circular Garden, a sustainable pavilion made of mushrooms that—true to its name—was grown out of the soil in six weeks and will return back to the soil at the end of its lifecycle. Created in partnership with global energy company Eni, the mushroom structure is currently on display at Milan Design Week 2019’s Fuorisalone at Brera’s Orto Botanico, the...

from Inhabitat - Green Design, Innovation, Architecture, Green Building https://inhabitat.com/cra-grows-a-sustainable-pavilion-out-of-mushrooms-in-just-6-weeks
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New York is curbing food waste and helping people in need with a new initiative

New York is making important strides towards curbing food waste. The governor of New York, Andrew Cuomo, recently agreed to a new food waste initiative with the state legislature that will recycle scraps and send wholesome food to people in need. The new law is called the Food Donation and Food Scrap Recycling Act. Once the bill goes into practice, all surplus food items will be donated to local food shelters while any scraps will be sent to recycling centers, preventing a large portion of...

from Inhabitat - Green Design, Innovation, Architecture, Green Building https://inhabitat.com/new-york-is-curbing-food-waste-and-helping-people-in-need-with-a-new-initiative
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SOM unveils designs for first-ever human settlement on the moon

Just a few months ahead of the fiftieth anniversary for the first Moon landing, Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP (SOM) released designs for the first full-time human habitat on the lunar surface. Created in collaboration with the European Space Agency (ESA) and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), the conceptual settlement—dubbed the “Moon Village”—outlines ways humans could live in an otherwise uninhabitable setting through self-sufficient means. Envisioned with a series of...

from Inhabitat - Green Design, Innovation, Architecture, Green Building https://inhabitat.com/som-unveils-designs-for-first-ever-human-settlement-on-the-moon
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Microplastic rain: new study reveals microplastics are in the air

A new study published in Nature Communications reveals alarming amounts of microplastic particles in the air, even in the most remote, mountainous areas. News about microplastics throughout the ocean, soil and every marine mammal studied has been widely documented and publicized in recent years. ‘Microplastic’ was even called the “2018 word of the year” for its number of mentions by the news media. However, very few studies have researched the abundance of microplastics specifically in the...

from Inhabitat - Green Design, Innovation, Architecture, Green Building https://inhabitat.com/microplastic-rain-new-study-reveals-microplastics-are-in-the-air
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Boa Mistura turns 52 fishing boats into art to bring awareness to the plight of the parrotfish

Inspired by the natural design and shapes of the tropical parrotfish, these previously-rusty old boats now don a bright new exterior. The venture was another in a long line of community projects aimed to create “art as a tool for change” organized by the Madrid-based art collective Boa Mistura. The Pepillo Salcedo village in the Dominican Republic has limited access to electricity and running water, and fishing is an essential facet of the economy and of life. Boa Mistura, who are known for...

from Inhabitat - Green Design, Innovation, Architecture, Green Building https://inhabitat.com/boa-mistura-turns-52-fishing-boats-into-art-to-bring-awareness-to-the-plight-of-the-parrotfish
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Over 6,000 employees demand Amazon take climate change seriously

This month, over 6,000 employees signed onto a letter demanding Amazon distance itself from big oil companies and develop a more aggressive timeline to reduce its carbon footprint. Without acknowledging the letter’s demands, Amazon spokespersons pointed to a recent blog post promising that the company would release its carbon footprint data in 2019 and a vague plan to reach 100 percent renewable energy at data centers at an unspecified future date. Amazon, one of the most profitable companies...

from Inhabitat - Green Design, Innovation, Architecture, Green Building https://inhabitat.com/over-6000-employees-demand-amazon-take-climate-change-seriously
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7 Ways to live an eco-friendly life while staying healthy

Being committed to sustainable living is all about balance. While staying healthy is a top priority, you also need to think about living as eco-friendly as possible. Balancing these two commitments can be challenging, but there are plenty of ways you can live an eco-friendly life while keeping yourself in top shape – and all it will cost you is a little time and energy. From enjoying the benefits of fresh air to changing the way you eat, here are a few ways you can bring balance to your...

from Inhabitat - Green Design, Innovation, Architecture, Green Building https://inhabitat.com/7-ways-to-live-an-eco-friendly-life-while-staying-healthy
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Deforestation in tropical countries linked to European diets in new study

New research shows that European diets are linked to deforestation around the world. Scientists from Sweden's Chalmers University of Technology tracked carbon emissions that are produced from tropical deforestation and found that one-sixth of the harmful emissions are related to European diets. "In effect, you could say that the EU imports large amounts of deforestation every year," lead researcher Martin Persson shared. Persson noted that the European Union needs to address the issue of deforestation...

from Inhabitat - Green Design, Innovation, Architecture, Green Building https://inhabitat.com/deforestation-in-tropical-countries-linked-to-european-diets-in-new-study
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MAD Architects unveils an organic skyscraper piercing Manhattans skyline

Beijing-based architectural studio MAD Architects’ has unveiled an alternative vision for the skyline of New York City with the introduction of East 34th, a nature-inspired high-rise proposed near the Empire State Building. The conceptual renderings for the unbuilt glass-clad building were recently released alongside the launch of their “MAD X” exhibition at the Centre Pompidou in Paris. Designed as a visual counterpoint to the Empire State Building and the skyline’s hard lines, MAD’s sinuous...

from Inhabitat - Green Design, Innovation, Architecture, Green Building https://inhabitat.com/mad-architects-unveils-an-organic-skyscraper-piercing-manhattans-skyline
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Architects create light-filled home extension clad in cork walls inside and out

Related: + Nimtim Architects Via Dezeen Photography by Cork House, cork walls

from Inhabitat - Green Design, Innovation, Architecture, Green Building https://inhabitat.com/architects-create-light-filled-home-extension-clad-in-cork-walls-inside-and-out
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This off-grid retreat in Ohio was inspired by a treehouse

With features like a natural ventilation system to cool the home and rainwater collection to supply plumbing, The Hut is completely environmentally-friendly in addition to being off-grid. There is no access to mains electricity or water, so the minimalist structure relies exclusively on solar power. Rather than constructing on top of the building-site as most structures do, the home was instead built to harmonize with its surrounding environment. While the sustainability and eco-conscious design...

from Inhabitat - Green Design, Innovation, Architecture, Green Building https://inhabitat.com/this-off-grid-retreat-in-ohio-was-inspired-by-a-treehouse
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Vincent Callebaut wins bid to sustainably revive Aix-les-Bains ancient thermal baths

The defunct National Baths of Aix-les-Bains will receive a vibrant and sustainably minded revival in the hands of the Paris-based practice Vincent Callebaut Architectures. Selected as the winner of a competition following the popular vote, the firm’s proposal—dubbed “The Foam of Waves”—will not only restore the ancient thermal baths, but also introduce a sustainable, energy-producing paradigm that follows the carbon-neutral guidelines as recommended by COP 21. The project will also adopt...

from Inhabitat - Green Design, Innovation, Architecture, Green Building https://inhabitat.com/vincent-callebaut-wins-bid-to-sustainably-revive-aix-les-bains-ancient-thermal-baths
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Heat wave in Australia kills 23K flying foxes

A historic heat wave in Australia killed off thousands of flying foxes last summer. In Australia's northern coast, temperatures reached over 107 degrees for several days, leading to the deaths of around 23,000 flying foxes, which are some of the largest bats on the planet. The flying foxes did everything in their power to beat the heat. This includes panting, using their wings as fans, and coating their bodies with saliva. Unfortunately, the heat proved too much and many of the bats fell to...

from Inhabitat - Green Design, Innovation, Architecture, Green Building https://inhabitat.com/heat-wave-in-australia-kills-23k-flying-foxes
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Car-free Sundays are the norm in Colombia's capital city, Bogot

Imagine your city without cars - every single Sunday. At first, you might be frustrated by the inconvenience and inability to complete errands, but once you embrace the throngs of bikes and recognize your friends and neighbors among the people out for a stroll, or attending a Zumba class at what was once a congested intersection, it's likely to become one of your favorite traditions. For 45 years, the Colombian city of Bogotá has closed its major roads for Ciclovía, a weekly event where cyclists...

from Inhabitat - Green Design, Innovation, Architecture, Green Building https://inhabitat.com/car-free-sundays-are-the-norm-in-colombias-capital-city-bogota
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Green roofs can improve air quality inside buildings

A new study has found that green roofs do a lot more than just provide a space to grow plants. These eco-friendly roofs can also enhance air quality inside of buildings by reducing ozone levels that naturally comes in from the outdoors. Scientists at Portland State University conducted the study, which was performed at a large commercial building in Portland. Researchers installed devices on the roof, which was split between a traditional membrane and a green roof. The devices measured ozone...

from Inhabitat - Green Design, Innovation, Architecture, Green Building https://inhabitat.com/green-roofs-can-improve-air-quality-inside-buildings
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3GATTI hopes to land a 'green spaceship' in Madrid

Related: + 3GATTI Via Design Boom 3GATTI, green wall

from Inhabitat - Green Design, Innovation, Architecture, Green Building https://inhabitat.com/3gatti-hopes-to-land-a-green-spaceship-in-madrid
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One-of-a-kind Wilhelm Lamp is 3D-printed from recycled polycarbonate

Challenged by Milanese design gallerist Rossana Orlandi to “give plastic a second life,” Italian architect Tiziano Vudafieri has created the Wilhelm Lamp, a unique light fixture and tribute to the renowned German industrial designer Wilhelm Wagenfeld. Presented at Rossana Orlandi’s exhibition Guitlessplastic - Master’s Pieces, the Wilhelm Lamp reinterprets the Wagenfeld’s modernist glass vase as an enlarged pendant lamp that’s 3D printed from recycled polycarbonate. First launched...

from Inhabitat - Green Design, Innovation, Architecture, Green Building https://inhabitat.com/one-of-a-kind-wilhelm-lamp-is-3d-printed-from-recycled-polycarbonate
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This camper van features not just one, but two sleeping pods in its cozy interior

Related: + This Moving House Via Curbed This Moving House, camper van, van conversion

from Inhabitat - Green Design, Innovation, Architecture, Green Building https://inhabitat.com/this-camper-van-features-not-just-one-but-two-sleeping-pods-in-its-cozy-interior
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A 1920s cottage gets a new lease on life as an urban barnyard house

When a family of four outgrew their 1920s cottage in Melbourne and were about to embark on an extensive renovation, they asked Australian design studio Inbetween Architecture for a second opinion on the blueprints. Impressed by the consultation, the clients ended up scrapping their plans and instead put their faith in Inbetween Architecture to lead the redesign, one which would be more sensitive to the family’s lifestyle—and their chickens and honey bees. Affectionately called the “Urban Barnyard...

from Inhabitat - Green Design, Innovation, Architecture, Green Building https://inhabitat.com/a-1920s-cottage-gets-a-new-lease-on-life-as-an-urban-barnyard-house
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No more neglect: Mongolia says rangelands are a global priority

When most people think of conservation, they often picture the large, hallmark mammals (think pandas) or key ecosystems like coral reefs and rainforests. Few people think about or even understand rangelands as a priority for land restoration, even though rangelands cover more than 50 percent of all land on earth. In March, Mongolian community-conservation leaders persuaded the United Nations to acknowledge the importance of rangelands and commit to global action to to fill glaring gaps in data....

from Inhabitat - Green Design, Innovation, Architecture, Green Building https://inhabitat.com/no-more-neglect-mongolia-says-rangelands-are-a-global-priority
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Restaurant UNDERs handcrafted tableware celebrates natural materials

When Snøhetta designed the spectacular concept for UNDER, the world’s largest underwater restaurant located along a rocky Norwegian shoreline, the renowned architecture firm wanted to reference the local landscape in all aspects of design, including the tableware. That’s why the Norwegian brand MENT was chosen as the main supplier for the design and manufacturing of the tableware for the restaurant’s 18-course menu. Founded by sisters Ingvild and Sidsel Forr Hemma, the Fåberg-based design...

from Inhabitat - Green Design, Innovation, Architecture, Green Building https://inhabitat.com/restaurant-unders-handcrafted-tableware-celebrates-natural-materials
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Russia to release hundreds of illegally captured orcas and belugas from 'whale jail'

Officials in Russia have promised to release nearly 100 whales currently being held in what amounts to a whale jail in Srednyaya Bay. A few months ago, a drone discovered the whale pens in the bay, which held over 90 belugas and 11 killer whales captive. Environmentalists believe the whales were captured using illegal means and were slated to be sold to amusement parks and aquariums in China. Earlier this month, the governor of the region, Jean-Michel Cousteau, signed an agreement to release...

from Inhabitat - Green Design, Innovation, Architecture, Green Building https://inhabitat.com/russia-to-release-hundreds-of-illegally-captured-orcas-and-belugas-from-whale-jail
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It might be time to let your garden grow wild

Think of a formal yard or garden and you likely envision rows of neatly trimmed bushes along meandering walkways and sitting areas. Homeowners spend a ton of money, time, and resources in an attempt to recreate that image. But another equally beautiful option for your home is that of a wild garden. <!--more→ What is a wild garden? A wild garden can carry a variety of definitions. For some, it means limiting the amount you tame your plants, letting them become what others might define...

from Inhabitat - Green Design, Innovation, Architecture, Green Building https://inhabitat.com/it-might-be-time-to-let-your-garden-grow-wild
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Cell-based meat could replicate and replace shrimp, lobster and crab

Companies across the county have been working on meat alternatives to replace beef products, and a new cell-based meat promises to be a viable substitute for seafood. Following in the footsteps of Impossible Foods and Beyond Meat, Shiok Meats is looking to replace a host of seafood options with a cleaner alternative. The company’s founders, Ka Yi Ling and Sandhya Sriram, are using their background as stem cell scientists to create the next generation of clean meats. The co-founders are currently...

from Inhabitat - Green Design, Innovation, Architecture, Green Building https://inhabitat.com/cell-based-meat-could-replicate-and-replace-shrimp-lobster-and-crab
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A 1992 International School Bus gets a second life as an adventure-mobile

Related: A couple converts an old prison bus into a criminally beautiful tiny home + Fern the Bus Via Dwell Fern the bus, skoolie

from Inhabitat - Green Design, Innovation, Architecture, Green Building https://inhabitat.com/a-1992-international-school-bus-gets-a-second-life-as-an-adventure-mobile
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Water pollution is rampant in streams across Europe

Europe is facing a large-scale water pollution crisis. A new study from Greenpeace revealed that pesticides and antibiotics are contaminating European waterways at an alarming rate, endangering the lives of wildlife and making microorganisms more resistant to drugs. The study, which was conducted out of a lab in the University of Exeter, found 100 pesticides and 21 drug variations in 29 different water sources spread throughout Europe. A total of 10 European nations were featured in the project,...

from Inhabitat - Green Design, Innovation, Architecture, Green Building https://inhabitat.com/water-pollution-is-rampant-in-streams-across-europe
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Daniel Libeskind unveils climate change-inspired sculptures at Paleis Het Loo

This spring, tapestry-like shrubbery and geometric flowerbeds won’t be the only highlights at the Het Loo Palace’s Dutch Baroque gardens—the palatial grounds in Apeldoorn, Netherlands recently opened a new climate change-inspired exhibit ‘The Garden of Earthly Worries’ featuring four monumental art installations designed by Polish-American architect Daniel Libeskind. The exhibit showcases the first-ever contemporary installations on show in the gardens of Paleis Het Loo, which dates back...

from Inhabitat - Green Design, Innovation, Architecture, Green Building https://inhabitat.com/daniel-libeskind-unveils-climate-change-inspired-sculptures-at-paleis-het-loo
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Cut plastic from your home and inspire your family to live plastic-free

Reducing plastic usage is a challenging task in today’s everything-plastic society. We all understand the importance of reducing petroleum-based emissions and the post-use waste that never really goes away, but implementing practices in your home can seem overwhelming. It’s even worse when only one member of the family is working towards the goal. The good news is that kids are very open to making a bit of extra effort if they understand that it is good for the environment and the animals in...

from Inhabitat - Green Design, Innovation, Architecture, Green Building https://inhabitat.com/cut-plastic-from-your-home-and-inspire-your-family-to-live-plastic-free
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LEED Platinum fire station is powered with solar energy in Seattle

The north end of Seattle’s Capitol Hill neighborhood has recently become home to a new, contemporary fire station that’s also a beacon for sustainability. Certified LEED Platinum, Fire Station 22 was designed by local architectural practice Weinstein A+U to harvest solar power as well as rainwater, which is used for all of the station’s non-potable water uses. The building also has an enhanced civic presence with a super-scaled and illuminated “22” on its facade and large walls of glass...

from Inhabitat - Green Design, Innovation, Architecture, Green Building https://inhabitat.com/leed-platinum-fire-station-is-powered-with-solar-energy-in-seattle
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The worlds tallest wood building was just completed in Norway

In March of 2019 Mjösa Tower became the tallest wooden building in the world at 18 floors (for a total of 85.4 meters tall), followed closely by the HoHo Wien building in Austria (84 meters) and the Peri-Săpânţa Monastery in Romania (75 meters). Since it was made in part with Kerto LVL wood from Metsä Wood that is both sustainable and green, the building is eco-friendly as well. Kerto LVL wood is a laminated veneer lumber, made using thin rotary-peeled softwood glued together to form a continuous...

from Inhabitat - Green Design, Innovation, Architecture, Green Building https://inhabitat.com/the-worlds-tallest-wood-building-was-just-completed-in-norway
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London becomes the first city to have an Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ)

London is officially the first city to have an Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ). The zone, which is active all hours of the day and night, will improve air quality in the city by cutting down on pollution caused by vehicle emissions. Any vehicle traveling inside the ULEZ will have to meet strict emission codes or be subject to fines. Scientists believe that vehicle emissions, specifically nitrogen oxide, account for the majority of air pollution in London and are a serious threat to public health....

from Inhabitat - Green Design, Innovation, Architecture, Green Building https://inhabitat.com/london-becomes-the-first-city-to-have-an-ultra-low-emission-zone-ulez
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Are you accidentally eating the toxic parts of fruits and veggies?

Nearly every reference to healthy eating will list fresh fruits and vegetables at the top of the must-eat list. That’s no surprise considering, in combination, they provide nearly every vitamin and mineral a body needs. While some produce options can be gobbled up from the outer skin to the inner seed, there are parts of certain fruits and vegetables that contain dangerous substances. While most of these substances are not toxic in small doses, they can definitely make you sick, especially if you...

from Inhabitat - Green Design, Innovation, Architecture, Green Building https://inhabitat.com/are-you-accidentally-eating-the-toxic-parts-of-fruits-and-veggies
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Rammed earth Kopila Valley School is the greenest school in Nepal

In Nepal, access to education doesn’t just improve job prospects—schools can save lives, whether it’s rescuing children from malnourishment or delaying the age of marriage to reduce rates of HIV, maternal death and suicide. That’s why American nonprofit BlinkNow has dedicated itself to building community infrastructure in Surkhet, Nepal, including the Kopila Valley School. Powered entirely by solar energy and built of rammed earth walls, the campus is billed by the founders as the “greenest...

from Inhabitat - Green Design, Innovation, Architecture, Green Building https://inhabitat.com/rammed-earth-kopila-valley-school-is-the-greenest-school-in-nepal
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Bird deaths from skyscrapers reaches into the hundreds of millions

Scientists believe the number of bird deaths associated with skyscrapers has reached hundreds of millions. Researchers estimate that anywhere between 100 million and one billion birds die from smashing into glass buildings every year — and they now know which areas of the country are the worst. More birds die from hitting buildings in Chicago than any other city in America. Scientists believe around five million birds migrate through Chicago in the fall and spring, as they make their way from...

from Inhabitat - Green Design, Innovation, Architecture, Green Building https://inhabitat.com/bird-deaths-from-skyscrapers-reaches-into-the-hundreds-of-millions
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3D-printed jewelry company uses plants, not fossil fuels, to make its beautiful designs

Related: + Via Winter Hill Jewelry

from Inhabitat - Green Design, Innovation, Architecture, Green Building https://inhabitat.com/3d-printed-jewelry-company-uses-plants-not-fossil-fuels-to-make-its-beautiful-designs
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A micro home in one of Quebecs regional parks offers a unique way to enjoy the outdoors

“La Pointe” is located within Canada’s Poisson Blanc Regional Park, and it’s a nature-loving minimalist’s dream come true. The micro home gets its name from the distinctive triangular geometry that comes to a point cathedral-style in the roof. The designers at Atelier L’abri wanted to honor the a-frame style that was made popular in North America in the 1950’s, while still providing the essential functions needed in a forest micro home. Micro homes, or tiny homes, have continued...

from Inhabitat - Green Design, Innovation, Architecture, Green Building https://inhabitat.com/a-micro-home-in-one-of-quebecs-regional-parks-offers-a-unique-way-to-enjoy-the-outdoors
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Ioncell technology creates eco-textile clothing fibers from birch trees

With clothing production leading the world as one of the highest-polluting industries, a new fiber contradicts the earth-damaging qualities of traditional materials. Ioncell technology, developed at Aalto University and the University of Helsinki, uses a range of materials, including wood, recycled newspaper, cardboard and old cotton to make fabric. This is good news for an environment scarred by cotton production and the development of synthetic fibers. The new and improved material can also be...

from Inhabitat - Green Design, Innovation, Architecture, Green Building https://inhabitat.com/ioncell-technology-creates-eco-textile-clothing-fibers-from-birch-trees
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Eco-friendly replacements for common bathroom products

Common bathroom products, like toilet paper, cotton swabs, and baby wipes, are a convenience for people around the world – but they come at a cost to the environment. These products, which have eco-friendly alternatives, often clog up plumbing, harm marine wildlife, take centuries to biodegrade, and contribute to our growing problem of carbon emissions. Luckily, there are great eco-friendly alternatives to these common bathroom products that will not break your budget. Here is a quick list...

from Inhabitat - Green Design, Innovation, Architecture, Green Building https://inhabitat.com/eco-friendly-replacements-for-common-bathroom-products
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BIG unveils a sustainable floating city in response to rising sea levels

BIG and a coalition of partners have unveiled Oceanix City, a visionary proposal for the world’s first resilient and sustainable floating community for 10,000 people. Presented at the first UN high-level roundtable on Sustainable Floating Cities, the conceptual design was created as a potential solution to the perceived threat of climate change and rising sea levels. Conceived as a “modular maritime metropolis,” Oceanix City is engineered for self-sufficiency with features from net-zero energy...

from Inhabitat - Green Design, Innovation, Architecture, Green Building https://inhabitat.com/big-unveils-a-sustainable-floating-city-in-response-to-rising-sea-levels
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Maryland could become the first state to ban plastic foam containers

Last week, the Maryland General Assembly voted 100 to 27 to approve a ban on Styrofoam containers. If the bill is approved by Governor Larry Hogan, Maryland will become the first U.S. state to ban such containers due to their harmful impact on human health, the environment and ocean pollution. Styrofoam is widely used for food containers because it helps maintain temperature and prevents spills, however the plastic is highly toxic to humans and the environment. The bill will now go to Republican...

from Inhabitat - Green Design, Innovation, Architecture, Green Building https://inhabitat.com/maryland-could-become-the-first-state-to-ban-plastic-foam-containers
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Bananatex launches a sustainable material revolution at Milan Design Week

A party of three has collaborated to create a multi-purpose material sourced entirely from banana leaves. Swiss bag brand QWSTION, a yarn specialist from Taiwan, and a Taiwanese weaving partner spent four years developing the new material, which is being revealed at 2019 Milan Design Week. The strong, flexible, material, called Banantex, offers a new universal option in the search for sustainable materials. <!--more→ Beginning at the source, the banana leaves come from a natural ecosystem...

from Inhabitat - Green Design, Innovation, Architecture, Green Building https://inhabitat.com/sustainable-bananatex-launches-a-sustainable-material-revolution-at-milan-design-week
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Contemporary A-frame home soaks up lakeside views in Mexico

On the edge of Lake Avándaro in the Mexican town of Valle de Bravo is House A, a beautiful contemporary home that’s designed by Mexico City-based architectural firm Metodo in collaboration with Ingeniería Orca to embrace views of the lake. Named after its sharply pitched A-frame construction, the three-story home is built with walls of glass and folding glazed doors to create a seamless connection with the outdoors. A palette of natural materials complement steel and glass elements to create...

from Inhabitat - Green Design, Innovation, Architecture, Green Building https://inhabitat.com/contemporary-a-frame-home-soaks-up-lakeside-views-in-mexico
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Vegan shoes from Insecta are a stylish option for eco-friendly footwear

Brazilian company Insecta is defying the stereotype that eco-friendly fashion can’t be stylish with their line of “ecosexy” vegan shoes. In addition to being completely void of animal-derived materials, the company also uses sustainable materials like recycled rubber and recycled plastic to construct their footwear. Insecta has been around since 2014 in Brazil, but the company recently announced it would be making an expansion into the United States. In addition to their flagship stores...

from Inhabitat - Green Design, Innovation, Architecture, Green Building https://inhabitat.com/vegan-shoes-from-insecta-are-a-stylish-option-for-eco-friendly-footwear
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Cora Ball emulates natural filtering of coral to remove toxic microfibers from your washing machine

Microfiber is a word that many of us are familiar with. After all, it’s on many clothing descriptors. Only recently connected with the term microfiber is the knowledge that the miniscule particles wash off of our clothing and into our waterways with each load of laundry. Seeing the problem, Cora Ball offers a solution that traps those errant microfibers before they escape down the water drain. <!--more→ As common as the phrase is, many people don’t know that microfiber is actually...

from Inhabitat - Green Design, Innovation, Architecture, Green Building https://inhabitat.com/cora-ball-emulates-natural-filtering-of-coral-to-remove-toxic-microfibers-from-your-washing-machine
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Grocery giant ALDI announces 100% sustainable packaging by 2025

This week, supermarket chain ALDI pledged to offer 100 percent reusable, recyclable or compostable packaging on all of their products by 2025. In a press statement released on April 3rd, the company outlined their specific goals to reduce plastic in their stores over the next five years. ALDI is a major grocery chain with 1,800 stores across 35 states. They serve more than 40 million customers every month and are in the position to make a huge impact on the products that Americans consume as...

from Inhabitat - Green Design, Innovation, Architecture, Green Building https://inhabitat.com/grocery-giant-aldi-announces-100-sustainable-packaging-by-2025
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Keep your tiny home safe with these 9 security tips

Tiny home security is becoming a major concern amid a recent slew of thefts. Given the mobile nature of tiny homes, people have been hooking them up to their trucks and driving away with them. The majority of these stolen tiny homes have been recovered, but it is still unnerving to think that people can steal your entire home in a matter of minutes. Luckily, there are plenty of things you can do to keep your tiny home from being stolen. From locking hitches to installing motion detectors and...

from Inhabitat - Green Design, Innovation, Architecture, Green Building https://inhabitat.com/keep-your-tiny-home-safe-with-these-9-security-tips
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Fairmont canine ambassador program promotes human-animal connection

It’s uncommon to see people flop down on the carpet in an upscale hotel lobby. But at the Fairmont Banff Springs on a Friday morning, a middle-aged woman from Indianapolis and two kids from Montreal are the latest of many to reject decorum when faced with Bear’s charms. The black lab gazes at them with liquid amber eyes while rolling over for a belly rub. It’s all in a day’s work for Bear, a canine ambassador who give travelers a dose of human/animal connection. The Fairmont’s canine...

from Inhabitat - Green Design, Innovation, Architecture, Green Building https://inhabitat.com/fairmont-canine-ambassador-program-promotes-human-animal-connection
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Beautiful family home in Western Australia boasts a bevy of passive design features

Osmington-based Archterra Architects Related: Rugged Wilderness House optimizes bush views and passive solar principles + Archterra Architects Via Archdaily Photography by Douglas Mark Black Archterra Architects, paddock house,

from Inhabitat - Green Design, Innovation, Architecture, Green Building https://inhabitat.com/beautiful-family-home-in-western-australia-boasts-a-bevy-of-passive-design-features
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Inhabitat Interview with Beth Cosmos, owner of Billygoats & Raincoats

In 2016 Beth Cosmos was fresh out of design school at the University of South Wales and volunteering at several music festivals. Eager to see the hundreds of thousands of displaced tents left after music festivals in her native UK, Cosmos decided to combine her love of sustainability and fashion. The light bulb moment came when she woke up to what seemed like an endless ocean of abandoned tents  left behind by festival-goers at the venue. It was good material; sturdy, waterproof and sadly destined...

from Inhabitat - Green Design, Innovation, Architecture, Green Building https://inhabitat.com/inhabitat-interview-with-beth-cosmos-owner-of-billygoats-raincoats
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New study reveals the Great Barrier Reef is struggling to produce new coral

The Great Barrier Reef is struggling to create new corals. Scientists at James Cook University just published a study that shows a shocking decrease in the number of baby corals last year, leading to uncertainty about the future of the reef system. The study revealed that new corals declined by a shocking 89 percent because of large bleaching events in 2016 and 2017 – which were caused by climate change. The last bleaching happened in 2017, and scientists counted how many corals survived...

from Inhabitat - Green Design, Innovation, Architecture, Green Building https://inhabitat.com/new-study-reveals-the-great-barrier-reef-is-struggling-to-produce-new-coral
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Inspiring zero-energy church in Iowa embraces nature in more ways than one

An inspiring new church in Coralville, Iowa is lifting spirits and bringing people closer to nature—and generating all the energy it needs on site. Iowa City-based firm Neumann Monson Architects designed Unitarian Universalist Society, a solar-powered building that embodies the Society’s core principles with its organic architecture emphasizing sustainability, accessibility, and flexibility. The energy-efficient building is currently on track to achieve Zero Energy Building (ZEB) certification...

from Inhabitat - Green Design, Innovation, Architecture, Green Building https://inhabitat.com/inspiring-zero-energy-church-in-iowa-embraces-nature-in-more-ways-than-one
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President Trump attacks wind turbines, claims the noise causes cancer

Speaking at an event for the National Republican Congressional Committee, President Trump took a shot at wind turbines as he continues his war against renewable energy. In a surprising statement, Trump claimed that having a windmill near your home will devalue the property and that wind turbines cause cancer. “If you have a windmill anywhere near your house, congratulations, your house just went down 75 per cent in value,” Trump told his fellow Republicans. “And they say the noise causes...

from Inhabitat - Green Design, Innovation, Architecture, Green Building https://inhabitat.com/president-trump-attacks-wind-turbines-claims-the-noise-causes-cancer
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Make your own custom sunglasses from recycled plastic with FOS

This company in Spain lets customers design and handcraft sunglasses, and that’s not even the best part! FOS sunglasses are made from 100% recycled plastic that would otherwise end up in a landfill. Head to the FOS studio in Barcelona to take part in the workshop, where clients can choose the color of the sunglasses and build them themselves with the help of FOS designers. After picking a color and assembling the frames, you then can choose a lens color that complements your design. Even...

from Inhabitat - Green Design, Innovation, Architecture, Green Building https://inhabitat.com/make-your-own-custom-sunglasses-from-recycled-plastic-with-fos
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Tesla hit with $86K fine for violating emission standards in California

Tesla just had to shell out thousands of dollars after losing a lawsuit over air pollution. The car company was hit with an $86,000 fine for violating emission standards in a facility based in Fremont, California. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) led the charge against Tesla, inspecting the manufacturing site with help from the Department of Toxic Substances Control and Bay Area Air Quality Management. The organizations found that Tesla failed to properly handle waste that should have...

from Inhabitat - Green Design, Innovation, Architecture, Green Building https://inhabitat.com/tesla-hit-with-86k-fine-for-violating-emission-standards-in-california
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A prefabricated timber facade envelops a gorgeous glass home on a Norwegian island

Related: + Advanced Architecture Lab[AaL] + WIKI Via Archdaily House on an Island, prefabricated, prefabricated design,

from Inhabitat - Green Design, Innovation, Architecture, Green Building https://inhabitat.com/a-prefabricated-timber-facade-envelops-a-gorgeous-glass-home-on-a-norwegian-island
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One third of the world's power now comes from renewable energy

After years of hard work and dedication, a third of the power generated around the world is now linked to renewable energy. The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) just released new data that shows impressive growth in both wind and solar energy, which has contributed to the changes in energy sources around the globe. Locations differed in the rate of renewable energy capacity. Asia, for example, witnessed an increase in renewable energy by 11 percent while Africa's pace was a little...

from Inhabitat - Green Design, Innovation, Architecture, Green Building https://inhabitat.com/one-third-of-the-worlds-power-now-comes-from-renewable-energy
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H&M releases sustainable fashion line made from fruit and algae

Many people remember Lady Gaga’s jaw dropping meat dress, so when you hear of a dress made out of fruit your mind doesn’t automatically think of the trendy pieces H&M is releasing next week. On April 11th, fashion giant H&M will release it’s ninth Conscious Exclusive line, but this year they’ve partnered with eco-textile companies to make cutting-edge food waste clothing technology a global success. Eco textiles made from fruit waste This newest technology in sustainable fashion...

from Inhabitat - Green Design, Innovation, Architecture, Green Building https://inhabitat.com/hm-releases-sustainable-fashion-line-made-from-fruit-and-algae
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Eco-friendly "treehouse" in a French pine forest boasts surprisingly chic interiors

Related: + Via

from Inhabitat - Green Design, Innovation, Architecture, Green Building https://inhabitat.com/eco-friendly-treehouse-in-a-french-pine-forest-boasts-surprisingly-chic-interiors
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New York vows to ban plastic bags statewide in 2020

Lawmakers in New York just agreed to ban plastic bags across the state. The law is a part of a larger budget agreement and makes New York the second state in the United States to join the fight against single-use plastics. “I am proud to announce that together, we got it done,” the governor of New York, Andrew Cuomo, stated. According to Eco Watch, the ban on plastic bags will officially start on March 1 of next year. In addition to ditching plastic bags, businesses within the state...

from Inhabitat - Green Design, Innovation, Architecture, Green Building https://inhabitat.com/new-york-vows-to-ban-plastic-bags-statewide-in-2020
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Tips and tricks to make spring cleaning more eco-friendly

When the spring cleaning season comes around, many homeowners turn to their favorite cleaning products to tidy up. But not all of your go-to cleaners are good for the environment. Many products on the market feature harmful chemicals that leach into the ecosystem, causing harm to people and the environment alike. If you are looking to get into the spring cleaning mode without potentially hurting your health, here is a quick guide on what chemicals to avoid and how to clean with the environment...

from Inhabitat - Green Design, Innovation, Architecture, Green Building https://inhabitat.com/tips-and-tricks-to-make-spring-cleaning-more-eco-friendly
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Burger King unveils the plant-based Impossible Whopper

The Impossible burger is coming to a Burger King near you. The fast food chain is releasing a new burger with a vegetarian patty called the Impossible Whopper. The company is teaming up with the original creators of the Impossible burger, bringing a vegetarian option to thousands of Burger Kings across the country. Burger King hopes the Impossible Whopper will quickly become the new staple for people looking to swap meat for plant-based options. To that end, Burger King is partnering with Impossible...

from Inhabitat - Green Design, Innovation, Architecture, Green Building https://inhabitat.com/burger-king-unveils-the-plant-based-impossible-whopper
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16th century building in Malta is now a charming eco hotel that reflects a long history

Related: + Via

from Inhabitat - Green Design, Innovation, Architecture, Green Building https://inhabitat.com/16th-century-building-in-malta-is-now-a-charming-eco-hotel-that-reflects-a-long-history
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Black charred-timber home embraces forest views in Zrich

In the midst of a centuries-old forest sits the Two Family House, an aptly named project that houses a pair of maisonette apartments for two families at the edge of Zürich, Switzerland. Local architecture firm Hajnoczky.Zanchetta Architekten collaborated with architect Angela Waibel on the design, which takes advantage of its wooded location with full-height windows that capture views of the changing landscape. Due to regulations that enforce minimal disturbance to the landscape, the building’s...

from Inhabitat - Green Design, Innovation, Architecture, Green Building https://inhabitat.com/black-charred-timber-home-embraces-forest-views-in-zurich
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A rare 1962 Airstream is a marvelous home with a whimsical, midcentury design

Related: This 1970s Airstream is an off-grid oasis for a family of six + Timeless Travel Trailers Via Curbed Airstream conversion, timeless travel trailers, trailer conversions, airstream homes, living in an airstream, tiny homes on wheels, tiny home design, airstream interior design,

from Inhabitat - Green Design, Innovation, Architecture, Green Building https://inhabitat.com/a-rare-1962-airstream-is-a-marvelous-home-with-a-whimsical-midcentury-design
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Hotel group in Rome eliminates plastic bottles for Earth Day

Rome’s Bettoja Hotels Collection is demonstrating that you may not be able to singlehandedly solve the world’s problems, but cleaning up your own house –or hotel--is a significant step that anybody can take. Starting this Earth Day, the hotel group will remove all plastic bottles from its restaurants and minibars. "The elimination of plastic bottles in our nearly 500 rooms has been a great desire of ours," said Maurizio Bettoja, President of Bettoja Hotels Collection. "We are taking action...

from Inhabitat - Green Design, Innovation, Architecture, Green Building https://inhabitat.com/hotel-group-in-rome-eliminates-plastic-bottles-for-earth-day
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These sustainable headphones are making a debut just in time for Earth Day

The Exodus headphones are The House of Marley’s first release in their new 2019 line of eco-friendly audio makers, and trust us when we say they are everything you’d want in a pair of headphones. Made from materials like FSC certified wood, stainless steel, recyclable aluminum and soft natural leather, the Exodus headphones allow you feel good about your sustainable purchase while having a comfortable listening experience. The House of Marley doesn’t stop at headphones, either--the company...

from Inhabitat - Green Design, Innovation, Architecture, Green Building https://inhabitat.com/these-sustainable-headphones-are-making-a-debut-just-in-time-for-earth-day
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Solar-powered home stays naturally cool in Keralas tropical heat

In the South Indian city of Kochi, local architectural practice Meister Varma Architects recently completed Maison Kochi, a contemporary home for a family of four that mitigates the region’s intense tropical heat with energy-efficient and cost-effective techniques. Inspired by the concept of chiaroscuro, a Renaissance artistic technique named after the strong contrasts between light and dark, Maison Kochi features a solid white exterior and a dark interior finished in polish concrete to create...

from Inhabitat - Green Design, Innovation, Architecture, Green Building https://inhabitat.com/solar-powered-home-stays-naturally-cool-in-keralas-tropical-heat
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Twin timber buildings draw inspiration from traditional Japanese shrines

Local architectural firm Yuji Tanabe Architects recently completed twin timber buildings on a historic street in the Japanese city of Kamakura. In deference to the existing street architecture and the city’s Great Buddha landmark, the buildings feature a double roof facade with proportions inspired by traditional Japanese shrines. The project, dubbed SASAMEZA, is built of locally sourced timber to reduce embodied energy. Built for commercial use, SASAMEZA occupies a commercial block facing...

from Inhabitat - Green Design, Innovation, Architecture, Green Building https://inhabitat.com/twin-timber-buildings-draw-inspiration-from-traditional-japanese-shrines
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EU moves forward with its plastic ban

The European Union is moving forward with its plastic ban initiative. The EU just signed off on a plan that will prohibit single-use plastics throughout participating countries by the year 2021. The law targets specific plastics while forcing companies to pay for any pollution their products may cause. "Today we have taken an important step to reduce littering and plastic pollution in our oceans and seas," the European Commission's Frans Timmermans, explained. "Europe is setting new and ambitious...

from Inhabitat - Green Design, Innovation, Architecture, Green Building https://inhabitat.com/eu-moves-forward-with-its-plastic-ban
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These solar-powered floating homes are built to withstand floods and hurricanes

Related: + Via

from Inhabitat - Green Design, Innovation, Architecture, Green Building https://inhabitat.com/these-solar-powered-floating-homes-are-built-to-withstand-floods-and-hurricanes
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Teens exposed to air pollution more likely to experience psychotic episodes, new study says

Air pollution may have more long-term effects on teens than previously thought. A new study conducted in the UK found that adolescents who are exposed to pollutants, such as nitrogen oxides, harmful particles, and nitrogen dioxide, are more likely to experience psychotic episodes during their teen years. People living in densely populated, urban areas have increased risks of having clinical psychosis. This includes disorders like schizophrenia. Prior to the new study, researchers had yet to...

from Inhabitat - Green Design, Innovation, Architecture, Green Building https://inhabitat.com/teens-exposed-to-air-pollution-more-likely-to-experience-psychotic-episodes-new-study-says
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A passive solar home embraces nature with a reduced footprint

Walls of glass pull the outdoors in at the Lake Manitouwabing Residence, a new four-season family residence designed by MJMA (MacLennan Jaunkalns Miller Architects) to replace a 1930s abode. Located in the Ontario town of McKellar, the contemporary house was engineered to embrace indoor/ outdoor living without compromising energy savings. To that end, the architects designed the house to take advantage of passive heating and cooling and integrated energy-saving technologies such as concrete radiant...

from Inhabitat - Green Design, Innovation, Architecture, Green Building https://inhabitat.com/a-passive-solar-home-embraces-nature-with-a-reduced-footprint
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Anti-pollution skincare products: Everything you need to know

Anti-pollution skincare products are the latest trend in the skincare industry. As people battle an increasingly toxic atmosphere, these products promise to combat harmful particles associated with pollution in major cities. These products work by cleansing the skin from nanoparticles that are absorbed from the air or by creating a protective barrier that acts as a shield against pollutants. But just how effective are anti-pollution skincare products? The Need For Pollution Protection The call...

from Inhabitat - Green Design, Innovation, Architecture, Green Building https://inhabitat.com/anti-pollution-skincare-products-everything-you-need-to-know
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This tiny home allows a family of 3 to go off the grid in Maui

Related: Serene off-grid tiny home sits tucked away in a Hawaiian rainforest + The Reveal Via Design Sponge tiny home

from Inhabitat - Green Design, Innovation, Architecture, Green Building https://inhabitat.com/this-tiny-home-allows-a-family-of-3-to-go-off-the-grid-in-maui
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