Category: Design

Fighting Climate Change

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I have a tendency to get jaded about marches, demonstrations, and pledges. After the excitement of the moment dies down, I don’t see actual implementation of what was pledged. We once had mileage ratings posted when a new car was advertised; no longer. And as issues evolve from “hot” to passe or forgotten, the reasons for the initial uproar tend to go unsolved.

The problem with climate change is: this problem confronts our very ability to enjoy a life on planet Earth.… Keep reading

Beauty is a Beast !

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Virtually all the sustainability-related literature focuses on environmental concerns.  And rightly so.  However, the #1 reason people bought one of our net zero sustainable homes was aesthetics, not saving money on utility bills or being eco-friendly.  What I now see as “Sustainable Living” means living 100% with what Earth provides – which really isn’t all that difficult to do – and enjoying as great a quality-of-life experience as possible, of which aesthetics is a key.  Here’s an enlightening research report that looks at the impact aesthetics is having. … Keep reading

Bird Battles

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Addressing problems we’re having with the loss of birds probably doesn’t mean much to our personal everyday lives.  But as a species, they’re essential to our ability to sustain our own human species.  While the solutions may feel global, we can do a lot as individuals.  Comments afterwards.

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These tiny creatures are

losing their battle to survive.

Here’s what we can do to save them.

 

Amy Chillag,

CNN

Fri April 21, 2022

 

The Rufous Hummingbird is magical.… Keep reading

Solar-Powered Town

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Here’s a fine example of an entire community that runs on solar power and readily withstands the impacts of climate change, to boot.  While neighboring parts of Florida – and actually entire countries – are ravaged by increasingly powerful storms, as the sun always comes out and shines, this community enjoys a calmer quality-of-life experience.  Comments afterwards.

 

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This 100% Solar-Powered

Town in Florida Left Virtually

Unscathed After Hurricane Ian

 

Kristina Zagame

Eco Watch

October 7, 2022

 

Hurricane Ian caused mass destruction to Southwest Florida, taking dozens of lives and leaving millions without power.… Keep reading

Why lawns?

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Here’s an interesting article about lawns, and the environmental problems they’re creating.  The data provided is extensive.  The question:  How addicted are we to tradition and habits that simply no longer make sense?  Comments afterwards.

 

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There’s a water crisis.

Why do we still have lawns?

 

An American dream meets a changing landscape

Dan Zak

The Washington Post

August 24, 2022

 

Lawns, still, somehow.

The planet has accelerated its revolt against us and still we tend our lawns, one part of Earth we can control.… Keep reading