Designer shows sustainable kitchens that inspire

Recently unveiled in New York, this Danish Modern kitchen by Knud Kapper shows that sustainable design is incredibly beautiful and warm. The new eco-friendly Living Kitchen Architecture series are hand built from solid woods that were harvested from sustainably managed forests under stringent regulations. Engaging, durable and finished with natural wood treatments, the pieces embody the mid-century style he is known for.
For more...

Lighting - what's the real deal with CFL vs Incandescent?

There's so much confusion out there - are CFL's really the answer? What about the mercury in them? What about the quality of the light - I don't like fluorescent light? and on and on...
Well, the incandescent light bulb may not really be going away at all, and the newer CFL's are much, much better.
Check out this article for more - Lighting: The Need to Be Green
A new federal law is forcing the 50-cent light bulb into an uneasy retirement.
Penny Bonda
Interior Design · February 20, 2008


"Yes, it's true what you've heard. The law starts phasing out "general service lamps" in 2012 but only the inefficient ones—our beloved "A" lamps, sold in 4-packs for $2.69 that provide the just the right brightness, color temperature and dimmability. "R" lamps, also gone—as are most halogens as we know them. By 2014, all lamps must be 30% more efficient than today's products. Since a huge percentage of all lamps currently sold are on the banned list, the lighting industry and its customers, including designers and all consumers, will have to make changes. The residential sector will take a bigger hit than commercial, which has always been more likely to depend on fluorescent lamps."

More...

Luxury Recycling

Here's a juicy little tidbit you probably didn't know -


Nearly 85 percent of all the gold ever mined is still being used today. Because it has been highly valued throughout history, it has always been recycled.


(Source: Discover Magazine)

Mass Transit with zero-emissions?

Imagine combining the innovation of MagLev technology with solar power, hydrogen fuel, and a futuristic aesthetic. The Interstate Traveler Hydrogen Super Highway does exactly that. The Traveler for short- is a revolutionary solar powered and hydrogen-fueled, zero emission mass transit system that would carry everything from people to cars. It does this all in sustainable style and carbon neutral function.



For more info and concept renderings, read the article at www.inhabitat.com The Interstate Traveler Project is being pioneered by Interstate Travel Company, and will eventually connect major cities across the country.

If this goes forward, the concept could turn quite a few heads and maybe be a step in the direction of a sustainable future...We'll have to stay tuned.

Re-using unexpected materials in luxury pillows

African-born, London-based designer Bridget West crafts gorgeous housewares, pillows, and throws, from vintage labels and tags that critique the throw-away nature of our consumer existence in a really beautiful way. Her Handle With Care pillow is made from clothing tags, while the Delicate Cube and Made in Cube pillows are quirky and comfy.
I love how she has taken something we barely notice and turned it into a unique and useful piece for decorating our homes. The pillows are not only gorgeous and graphic, but provide an interesting critique on consumer culture- here are beautiful pieces made from remnants of other garments, reminding us that we’re consumers while doing it in a way that celebrates pieces of the old.

Reuse those paper shopping bags

I just wanted to share a cool use for the brown paper shopping bags you get at the grocery store -















I did this myself with about a hundred or so bags saved by friends and from my own shopping trips. It was easy to apply, and took just an afternoon. I simply took each bag and tore it with a straight edge into similar sized pieces. Then using wallpaper paste, applied the pieces in a random pattern to the wall.

I was pleasantly surprised to see the subtle differences in color and tone from one piece to the next, which I think enhances the overall look of the texture.

Green resolutions for 2008

Are you making new year's resolutions for 2008 to be more green? If so, here's a few of my favorite tips to get you started:

*Bring your own bags to the market. (there are so many great, lightweight and inexpensive options out there now, there's really no excuse not to do this)

*Use reusable glass or metal containers for water - don't buy plastic bottled water. (with the health risks associated to these bottles, and the issue of enormous amounts of waste created by plastic bottles, again this is a no-brainer)

*Lease or build your home or office in urban areas where daily needs are easily accessible by walking, biking or public transportation. (Urban infill projects are bringing life back to our cities, and creating dynamic neighborhoods again)

*Install low-flow dual flush toilets and waterless urinals.

*Use low-flow sink faucets and showerheads.

*Turn off the lights when you leave the room. (Dad was right on this one!)

*Get off junk mail lists. Go to www.directmail.com/directory/mail_preference/ to opt out of most of it

*Set up a recycling center at home and at the office. Recycle glass, paper, newspaper, metals and cardboard.

*Turn off the dishwashers drying cycle.

*Cluster many errands into one trip.

*Drive a hybrid car. (or one of the growing number of all electrics available - my favorite, the Tesla)

*Check the air pressure in your tires to optimize fuel efficiency. (This is a safety issue as well)


As you can see, there are MANY ways we can begin to live more sustainably in easy to incorporate ways.
For more, check out ASID's web-site at www.asid.org/green.