Tuesday, October 2, 2018

This sustainable home in Chile is designed as an 'unplugged' retreat for a family of six

Related: Minimalist cabin in the Chilean mountains lets climbers escape the daily grind "The most important thing is that the house is totally ‘unplugged,’" LLaumett says. "The electricity is provided by solar panels, and the water comes from a nearby river. It is stored in two elevated containers, delivering the flow to the services by gravity." The scenery may be a dominant force, but from the perspective of the residents, it’s an enchanting backdrop. + Nüform Studio Via Dwell Nüform...

from Inhabitat - Green Design, Innovation, Architecture, Green Building https://inhabitat.com/this-sustainable-home-in-chile-is-designed-as-an-unplugged-retreat-for-a-family-of-six
via Inhabitat

Monday, October 1, 2018

California becomes the first state to ban animal-tested cosmetics

A new California law banning the sale of animal tested cosmetics is the first of its kind in the United States. The California Cruelty-Free Cosmetics Act was signed by California Governor Jerry Brown on Friday soon after its inception by colleague and fellow Democrat Senator Cathleen Galgiani. The newly adopted regulations will go into effect Jan. 1, 2020 restricting manufacturers wishing to "import for profit, sell, or offer for sale" all cosmetics produced with animal testing. Violators will incur...

from Inhabitat - Green Design, Innovation, Architecture, Green Building https://inhabitat.com/california-becomes-the-first-state-to-ban-animal-tested-cosmetics
via Inhabitat

Even fish can eat Nuatan, the bioplastic that could answer the plastic pollution crisis

A viable solution to the world's plastic pollution crisis may have just been unveiled at this week's London Design Festival. Crafting Plastics Studio, established by design duo Vlasta Kubušová and Miroslav Král, created the all-natural alternative, which is made from corn starch, sugar and cooking oil. According to the team who researches and constructs cutting-edge materials for their avant-garde designs Nuatan has the possibility to "replace all the packaging we know," - even fish can eat it! Related:...

from Inhabitat - Green Design, Innovation, Architecture, Green Building https://inhabitat.com/even-fish-can-eat-nuatan-the-bioplastic-that-could-answer-the-plastic-pollution-crisis
via Inhabitat

This scarf protects against air pollution, allergens and viral infections

Air pollution is a major problem all across the globe, but one company is helping people stay safe no matter where they live. Bioscarf has created a stylish scarf that doubles as a safety mask for places with high concentrations of pollution. These handy scarfs help fight against pollution, allergies, and viral infections. Bioscarf offers their product in a handful of colors, including white, black, camo, and green. Each scarf is made from high quality polyester and carries the company’s logo....

from Inhabitat - Green Design, Innovation, Architecture, Green Building https://inhabitat.com/this-scarf-protects-against-air-pollution-allergens-and-viral-infections
via Inhabitat

Nature-inspired housing mimics the curvature of the landscape in Chongqing

International design practice Safdie Architects recently completed the Eling Residences, a nature-inspired housing development built to look like an extension of the highest plateau of Eling Hill in Chongqing, China. Elevated high above the Yangtze River, the residences are nestled in a densely forested environment yet enjoy close proximity to the city. In addition to optimizing residents’ access to natural light, ventilation and greenery, each unit is also equipped with a private balcony for indoor/...

from Inhabitat - Green Design, Innovation, Architecture, Green Building https://inhabitat.com/nature-inspired-housing-mimics-the-curvature-of-the-landscape-in-chongqing
via Inhabitat

How to choose the healthiest, most sustainable milk alternative

Scientists agree that the dairy industry has an overall negative affect on the environment. For starters, it takes a lot of land, fertilizer and water to grow food for the cows. It also takes a lot of energy to process raw milk, package it, and deliver the goods to supermarkets around the world. Then there is the fact that cows generate loads of methane, which is more harmful to the environment than carbon dioxide. With the dairy industry disrupting the environment, more people are turning to alternative...

from Inhabitat - Green Design, Innovation, Architecture, Green Building https://inhabitat.com/how-to-choose-the-healthiest-most-sustainable-milk-alternative
via Inhabitat

A couple converts an old prison bus into a criminally beautiful tiny home

Related: Family of five moves from a 2,100-square-foot-house to a beautifully renovated school bus + The Wild Drive Via Apartment Therapy

from Inhabitat - Green Design, Innovation, Architecture, Green Building https://inhabitat.com/a-couple-converts-an-old-prison-bus-into-a-criminally-beautiful-tiny-home
via Inhabitat