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Cordwood Homes: Natural Beauty and Energy Efficiency

January 13, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Photo: Greg Webster

Cordwood masonry, or stackwall construction, is an excellent do-it-yourself way to build a house. It’s inexpensive, labor intensive and does not require any special skills. Local materials, which are sometimes scraps, can be used, making it an environmentally friendly building method. In Siberia and Greece, cordwood buildings date back 1000 years, although there is no clear beginning of their history. They have also been found in Scandinavia. In the 1800s, cordwood homes and barns were cropping … [Read more...]

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Green Building in Africa

November 30, 2011 By 1 Comment
Africa green

While I was researching this post, I became painfully aware that I know nothing of the political and social issues of Africa. The more I read, the more ignorant I realized I was. To talk about green building seemed so small compared to the big issues of poverty and slum living. It’s even bigger than that, and I can’t grasp it, but it seems to me that no amount of green building is going to make change in Africa. Because millions of people live in city slums with no amenities, Africa’s carbon … [Read more...]

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Vertical Farming – The Food System of the Future?

November 23, 2011 By 6 Comments
Photo: Curbed SF

The 7 billionth person on earth was recently born. Population explosion is expected to continue, and it’s obvious the resources to maintain us are not adequate. Demographers are predicting 9 billion people will occupy the planet by 2050, mostly in urban areas. One big question is how to feed them all. Urban areas are already the most difficult place to get fresh, local food. The size of cultivated land feeding the world is currently about the size of Brazil. There is not that much more arable … [Read more...]

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Renewable Energy and Community: Samsø

October 28, 2011 By Leave a Comment
10 offshore wind turbines contribute power to Sams 's independent power grid (Photo: Marcelo Medeiros).

A clear mandate for the 21st Century where consumption is concerned is not to continue along the lines of  the 20th Century, and to find a new way, a smarter and less expensive way, of sustaining ourselves. Really, that's what's been at the heart of the green movement since it was conceived in a post-war context. But, many of the major barriers to this mandate are cultural. The 20th century, with its unchecked industry, heavy reliance on ever-dwindling fossil fuels, and the exponential creation … [Read more...]

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7 Vertical Gardens From Around The World

October 21, 2011 By Leave a Comment
a wall of the Sylvia Hotel, overgrown with green life.

As things here in many locales of North America are beginning to retire for the winter, and as foliage around many of us is turning to gold, and to fiery orange and red, I thought I'd add a bit of green to the proceedings. More to the point, I thought I'd scour the Internet and find some of the most impressive vertical gardens in the world. Vertical gardens, or living walls,  have been looked upon as a means to add greenery to urban locations, as well as to model future sustainability where natural … [Read more...]

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Green Jobs: Organic Farming Industry

September 21, 2011 By 1 Comment
Photo: Ken Hawkins

As fuel prices continue to be unstable, people are striving to become more self-sufficient, learning to grow their own food and tend their own livestock. Small farms are on the rise, too, as are the number of farmer’s markets. This is another industry expanding due to the awareness of the negative effects of pesticides and genetically modified foods on our planet. Organic farming: hands on education I went to school for horticulture, even though I had learned all I needed to know by working at … [Read more...]

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Alterative Home Energy: Geothermal Heat Pump HVAC

September 20, 2011 By 2 Comments
Infographic courtesy of :hvac-trainingclass.com

Demand for residential power for heating and cooling is not likely to end as global populations expand. And with the accompanying rising costs of fossil fuels worldwide, our mission for the 21st century is clear. We need sustainable alternatives. One big area in this field is geothermal heating for residences. But, what are some of the key details of this innovative HVAC technology that makes it a sustainable alternative to traditional fossil fuels? Home improvement and alternative energy blogger … [Read more...]

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Green Jobs: The Wind Industry

September 2, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Photo: cod_gabriel

The Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC) says wind is the major power source in over 70 countries.The US growth rate at the end of 2010 was 13%, employing 85,000 people. Brazil had a 35% growth rate with 13,500 people employed, France grew by 19% and employed 11,000 people, and Germany had a 5% growth rate, and employed 100,000 people. Spain grew by 7%, employed 40,000 people, and wind provided 16% of its power needs. Wind power is more advanced in Europe out of necessity, because energy is very … [Read more...]

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10 Shipping Container Buildings For Homes And Outbuildings

August 31, 2011 By 1 Comment
Affordable Shipping Container House in Quebec (lowimpactliving.com)

Just a few miles from my house, there is a piece of land with two old shipping containers placed about 20’ apart and parallel to each other. There are also two large barns and several smaller outbuildings, but no house. I was always curious about this place, since it had the feel of a train depot, but trains don’t run through here. When I was in real estate a few years ago, the owner called me to get a rough value of this property. I was thrilled to be able to go through the gate and inspect … [Read more...]

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3 Sustainability Trends To Watch In 2011

August 19, 2011 By 2 Comments
vertical farming

Technology has a way of defining an era. Our era is less about the flying cars and jet packs that we envisioned for ourselves by this time way back in the mid-to-late 20th Century. Our 21st Century technological path is more about gaining ecological awareness for a better future, and achieving sustainability for a vital present. What are some of the top trends that are currently helping the average person adapt to a green lifestyle as our century progresses? Green building expert and sustainability … [Read more...]

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