Inhabitat: Large, utility-scale wind turbines are fantastic and can generate a lot electricity, but they also require a lot of land and infrastructure. What if we could harness the power of the wind closer to home in an unobtrusive way? NL Architects explored this idea of ‘domesticating’ wind power with Power Flowers – tree-like structures outfitted with multiple vertical axis […]
Tree Windmills
Recycled Art
Inhabitat: Despite the limited color palette and small size, McKean has found a wealth of inspiration in the 2×3 three pieces of plastic, transforming them into everything from bird nests to self portraits. “Usually we swipe [MetroCards] in a hurry as we pass through the turnstile, hoping we haven’t missed the subway. Or dip them as we enter a bus, […]
Ask GoodGuide for Green Ratings
You could imagine that if Consumer Reports and LEED got together and had a baby; it might look something like GoodGuide. The Guide currently has close to 80,000 products evaluated in categories like personal care, food, household chemicals, paper products, and toys. So, the idea is, as you are walking down the aisle of your favorite store, trying to exercise […]
Environmental Post-It
Core77: Shibuya-based Naruse-Inokama Architects, comprised of Jun Inokuma and Yuri Naruse, takes wood waste from houses and turns that into paper. The resultant paper is then formed into a stack of Post-It-like sticky notes that are in turn shaped like little houses. (They’re called IE-TAGs as “ie” is Japanese for “house.”) And as anyone who’s ever seen a thick book […]
CO2 Absorbing House
CScout: Housing company Tostem has developed a new kind of ecological residence that takes in more carbon emissions than it produces itself. The Super-sustainable Model House Next+ Nagaiki Style is set for commercialization in 2011 and features a photovoltaic system, a solar heat pump for water heating, and LED and OLED lighting. In particular, new technology for the home includes […]
Jelloware: Edible Cups
Swissmiss: I just backed the JELLOWARE project over on Kickstarter. I am truly hoping that these ladies will raise their $10,000 to develop this fantastic idea further. I can only imagine how much fun these would be at a kid’s birthday party. Heck, even in our studio! Jelloware are biodegradable, edible (and vegan!) cups that are flavored to compliment the […]
Yoxi Social Competition
Yoxi (YO-see) is a creative competition and a social game. Teams of problem solvers battle to deliver the best solutions to social issues. You vote, comment, pledge and play along online. The winning team gets the funding opportunities and positioning to make their idea a reality. The more stuff you do, the more your voice is heard. That way, you […]
KFC Go Recyclable
Triple Pundit: By 2011, KFC claims that the company will reduce the use of foam by over 60% and total plastic use by 17%. Part of the push will be an introduction of reusable packaging. Currently 60% of its restaurants serve some of its sides in colorful plastic containers—all restaurants will feature them by next year. The company hopes that […]
Kraft’s Huddle to Fight Hunger
Springwise: Kraft, however, recently launched an effort that taps multiple brands and multiple social media to involve consumers in fighting hunger. In what Kraft says is its largest multi-brand initiative to date, the company’s Huddle for Hunger program aims to “leverage America’s love for football, food and helping others, by huddling resources, voices and communities around the issue of hunger,” […]
Solar Trap
Springwise: Pest control is a hotly contested topic, owing largely to the toxicity of the chemicals that are typically involved. So it’s hard not to take notice when an alternative emerges that’s not only chemical-free, but based on solar power as well. Developed by South Korean Eco Solatec, the Solar Trap uses a BLB lamp to attract mosquitoes, moths, mayflies […]