design

Oakland, California-based architect Michelle Kaufmann has made a career of promoting green homes and green communities through her company, Michelle Kaufmann Designs. But if you’re not in the market for a new house, she still has some pretty cool tips for greening your home on the cheap.

We already know that concentrated solar power (CSP) is shaking things up in the solar industry. A subset within the industry is turning up the heat.

Some things are just wasteful. This is one.

Rainwater is one of our society’s greatest forgotten urban resources. We design our developments to drain rainwater from our property turning streets in to rivers. From there, water is directed down storm drains and forgotten about. Here's a few easy tips to start using some of this water as a resourse.

There’s a downside to nearly all renewable energy technologies available for homeowners. Cost. Though over time a solar power or small wind system may pay for itself in savings from not buying fuels or power from the grid, the initial outlay for renewable energy is staggering for mere mortals. Despite the wisdom of a penny saved is a penny earned, most Americans consider sales price first, long term savings last.

- Kristan Peters

A review of 320 studies, announced today, found that design definitely impacts human health.

To make a green planet and help heal the wounds of planet Earth which is in great need of urgent help, we need such an evolution in every sense of the word and every possible sphere. It is in this regard that the solar charged gadgets and vehicles can make a world’s difference.

Vinegar has been used for millennia, and has a rich history. It is especially useful for natural green cleaning, too.

5 cool urban design ideas that bring a touch of green to the drab city gray

Nothing finishes a room off better than the perfect art piece. Complete your nursery or playroom with the perfect “eco-art”. Eco-friendly art is still relatively new and hard to come by. We have rounded up the best options on the internet for gracing the walls of your nursery. Here are our favorites: 

Read it all? Before you fold away yesterday's news into the recycling bin, consider reusing it in one or more of these ingenious ways:

Roomy Home Interiors specializes in condo living.  They have been producing their own line of "eco friendly" furniture which is all made locally.  Recent contributions include the Tridel Eco Suite and the Sustainable Condo.

It can be hard to find eco-friendly upholstered furniture as widely available and affordably priced as the new choices at Crate & Barrel. Staying true to their reputation, this collection is for everybody from an urban-dwelling bachelor to family in the 'burbs. Ooh la la. See why we love this line at Sprig.