ECO VILLAGE

Many people are learning to live sustainably, without money. In this video, they discuss their struggles, how they got to and developed kew bridge eco-village. They discuss about food, family, diferent activities.

Solar-Powered Compact Illuminates Inside and Out

Need to do a quick face check in a dimly light car or restaurant? Stila’s solar-powered compact features an illuminated mirror that makes touchups on the go a cinch. Made from recycled plastic, the energy-efficient palette comprises a mini-photovoltaic panel that charges up to 1,000 times for roughly five years of preening. Plus, it’s refillable, which means less packaging waste ends up moldering in the landfill.

Read Original: Ecoterre/ Stila's Solas-Powered compact illuminates inside and out.

World's smallest Solar Movie Theatre (solar Power)

The Sol Cinema is a micro movie house powered entirely by the Sun. We can accommodate 8 adults comfortably for a unique cinematic experience. We have a full library of comedy, SteamPunk, music videos and short films with inspiring environment themes.

Sol Cinema is an ideal solution for showing short videos within your community, festival, event or party. They are a non-profit project from the award winning arts charity, Undercurrents.

Red original and Photos from thesolcinema.org

EcoFabulous Construction

Eco Friendly Architecture

Green building and solar energy

Passive solar homes in which solar energy is used through photovoltaic and active solar techniques. Green building architects use recycled materials such as bricks, tiles, woods and bamboos. Gravel that is properly packed is used instead of concrete in parking lots which replenishes ground water resources. It helps to protect natural resources such as energy, land and water.

Materials used for buildings

The materials used for the constructions should be appropriate. Building constructions should consist mainly of wood as it is eco friendly and the least amount of energy is used. Eco friendly architecture should have provisions for ground water recharge and rain water harvesting. The use of cement, steel and aluminum are replaced by natural elements. The main point on which green architecture focuses on is to maintain harmony with the features and resources that surrounds the building. The building is generally surrounded with greenery so that fresh oxygen circulates freely in the air. It also aims in improving the productivity of employees, to protect the health of people living around, reducing air and water pollution and also to reduce land degradation. Insulated concrete and panels, straw bales are also considered to be ecologically friendly and hence are also used. The main thing that helps to create such building is the design. The designs that are used to construct buildings should harvest water, light and air. Terrace garden or aqua house can be constructed at the roof to provide a cooling effect to the house. Gardens can be decorated with small pebbles and various other plants to give the house a touch of greenery. Provisions for generating electricity through solar energy are also an important necessity. Aluminum produces a lot of pollution and therefore it should be totally avoided.

Read Original: protectearth.net

See our next publication. You can see a video about EcoFabulous Construction

Roof Garden in London

Photo © Bere Architects Photo © Bere Architects

Inspired by the German Passivhaus approach and technical methods developed by physicist Wolfgang Feist, Bere Architects’ own director Justin Bere started building his own home back in 2002. Low CO2 concrete foundations and first floor slab were made with ground granulated blast furnace slag to replace most of the cement, provide thermal mass for stable temperatures and a natural summer cooling effect. In keeping with Bere’s passionate belief in the urgent environmental need for change, the home was designed for energy preservation.

Photo © Bere Architects

Read more: The Muse: Bere Architects’ Paradisiacal London Home Has Four Roof Gardens, Forty Trees, Ponds and Meadows Bere Architects's Passivhaus roof gardens energy efficient The Muse – Inhabitat - Green Design Will Save the World

Singapore’s Supertree

Singapore’s sprawling supertree-sprouting Gardens by the Bay are rapidly nearing completion – and two of the three indoor gardens, Bay East and Bay Central, have already opened to the public with rave reviews. Designed by Grant Associates.

We have already marveled at the Gardens by the Bay’s Supertrees, a series of artificial tree towers that rise around the property. Comprised of a living skin of bromeliads, ferns and climbing flowers, the Supertrees harvest rainwater and collect solar energy that is transferred to the indoor gardens.

With official opening in June of 2012, the Bay South is sure to secure Gardens by the Bay as a national icon of environmental and botanical wonder.

Read more: Singapore’s Supertree-Sprouting Gardens by the Bay Set to Officially Open This June GARDENS BY THE BAY – Inhabitat - Green Design Will Save the World

Solar Energy Advantages Disadvantages

Solar Energy Advantages Disadvantages  

Have you looked at your electric bill lately? Do you remember what you used to pay for electricity?

With energy rates increasing, more and more people are turning to energy alternatives. Your main motivation for seeking alternative energy may not be your pocket book. In fact, you may be having environmental concerns. No matter what your motivation is, you need an informed look at the advantages and disadvantages of solar energy.  

Solar Energy Advantages Disadvantages - Have you looked at your electric bill lately? Do you remember what you used to pay for electricity? With energy rates increasing, more and more people are turning to energy alternatives.

Your main motivation for seeking alternative energy may not be your pocket book. In fact, you may be having environmental concerns. No matter what your motivation is, you need an informed look at the advantages and disadvantages of solar energy.

Solar Energy - Advantages

1. Saves You Money – Need I convince you about the benefits of saving money? Being a Certified Public Accountant, it just comes naturally for me. The upfront cost for solar panels can be a bit costly, but after the initial investment has been recouped you will be saving a lot of money every month. In most cases, you may have no energy cost or the sun may be paying you for excess production of energy! Sounds great, but still hesitant about the initial investment? Most people are not aware of the government assistance that is available. Visit www.dsireusa.org to find about financial assistance in the state you reside in.

2. Saves The Environment – Solar energy is clean and renewable. What does this mean? This means several positive things for our planet. Since it is clean and renewable, it does not release carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxide, sulfur dioxide or mercury into out air. This results in a reduction of harmful green house emissions, smog, and acid rain.

3. Saves You A Headache – Once installed, a solar energy panel has minimal to no maintenance. They are not a noise bother to you or your neighbors, and Solar Panels are expandable. Panels can be added to your dwelling as your family grows and your energy consumption increases.

4. Saves you Batteries – This may sound like a silly advantage, but having your lights go out in a storm is not a fun situation to be in. With solar panels you are not dependent upon utility energy thus giving you light 24/7 no matter what your neighbors are experiencing!