Happiness research ranks commutes lowest: my car-free option by Kirsten Dirksen on February 16, 2011 When asked to name the worst part of our day by happiness researchers, we consistently name commuting as at least …
Umeox Apollo smartphone: $100, solar-powered, Android 2.2 by faircompanies on February 15, 2011 It’s being touted as the world’s first Android solar-powered smartphone. Unveiled by Intivation at Barcelona’s Mobile World Congress 2011, the Umeox …
Liveaboard life: self-sufficient with solar, sails, VHF radio by Kirsten Dirksen on February 9, 2011 When Teresa Carey is sailing she knows just where all her energy comes from and where it’s going. “My solar …
Liveaboard life: minimalism in a tiny home at sea by Kirsten Dirksen on February 4, 2011 When Teresa Carey lost most of her possessions in a house fire years ago, she felt liberated. “I didn’t miss …
Maintenance secrets of a 2.5-acre, native plants living roof by Kirsten Dirksen on January 27, 2011 It’s one of the most expansive and one of the most complex living roofs ever designed- the 197,000-square-foot rooftop is …
Is Renzo Piano’s Academy of Sciences the greenest museum? by Kirsten Dirksen on January 24, 2011 The purpose of the California Academy of Sciences is to study the earth and science. It’s also located in one …
America’s 1st platinum bicycle city (Davis, CA) by Kirsten Dirksen on January 18, 2011 In Davis, California 17% of residents commute to work by bike, more than any other American community. To put that …
Why give up turf (mostly): a bluegrass lawn = parking lot by Kirsten Dirksen on January 13, 2011 In the resort area of Sun Valley, Idaho- like in so many American towns- the standard of backyard beauty is …
How native plants create drought-tolerant yards in Sun Valley, Idaho by Kirsten Dirksen on January 8, 2011 Sun Valley, Idaho landscape expert Kelly Weston likes to make clear native landscapes don’t have to be messy. “I have …
Apartment in-a-suitcase: tiny flat + 2 trunks of furniture by Kirsten Dirksen on December 29, 2010 In 1996, Barcelona architects Eva Prats and Ricardo Flores were hired to convert an old community laundry into a penthouse. …