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Founded by future-focused architect Dustin Feider, O2 Treehouse designs and builds geodesic domes for leafy habitats. The company is guided by principles of sustainability; domes are hung in the canopy using a cable suspension system, so not a single hole is drilled in the host tree during installation; also, because the polygon design distributes stress evenly across the entire structure, the......read more
In Holland, forward-thinking design is basically a cultural imperative. So no one's going to be surprised that this hyperadvanced infrastructure concept—a floating, multi-purpose structure designed to the highest standards of sustainability—is a Dutch initiative. Envisioned by DHV Architects for a major Dutch causeway that separates the saltwater North Sea from a freshwater lake,......read more
Hailing from a long line of architects and carpenters, Gesa Hansen raids the family archives to create her wonderful line of furniture inspired by mid-century modern Scandanavian design. Now based in Paris, Hansen sources sustainable oak from local forests to produce unique and beautiful pieces under The Hansen Family mark. The limited line includes a curvacious coffee table, a desk with colorful......read more
When we were asked to come up to the sustainably produced Wanderlust -- the unique combination music/yoga festival -- who were we to say no? It's in the Sierra mountains in a gorgeous setting with a four day roster that included Moby and The Brazilian Girls. We spoke about the SHFT mission and environmental messaging through new media at what they call their Speakeasy. Everything about......read more
Natural, fast-growing rattan is enjoying a sort of renaissance in the design world. Unfortunately, conventional rattan harvesting practices tends to harm tropical forests where it grows. Enter WWF's Sustainable Rattan Project, an EU-funded program for sustainable production and processing of rattan in the Mekong region of Southeast Asia. "Forests with such a wide variety of flora and......read more
Thanksgiving is upon us. In an ideal world, we'd be headed out into the steppes this weekend to hunt a wild turkey for the feast. Alas, the closest we'll ever get to a wild turkey is a bottle of bourbon. So we need to know how to buy a turkey that's sustainably raised. Luckily, NRDC Smarter Living has the answers -- and they're as easy as 1-2-3. 1. Always know where your bird came......read more
On Mexico's arid Baja Peninsula, the organic agriculture sector is thriving, thanks in no small part to booming demand for year-round organic produce in America. But as Elizabeth Rosenthal points out in The New York Times, our growing appetite for all things organic carries an environmental cost: intensive irrigation. Every ton of organic produce exported from Mexico contributes aquifer......read more
With 2012 in full swing and resolutions made, allow us to suggest 5 SHFTS to help you become a more sustainable version of yourself: 1. Optimize your energy use There are many small ways you can reduce your consumption of energy. A few we would suggest are unplugging any chargers and turning off monitors when not in use. Also, replace old appliances in favor of more efficient Energy Star grade......read more
Another year, another Earth Day. Yay. Not to be cynical, but the annual celebration of eco-awareness doesn't mean a lot to the converted. Since its humble beginnings (PDF) as a grassroots educational movement, the annual celebration has become more of a media and marketing opportunity than anything else. Like Valentine's Day. That's fine. We're part of it too. It's nice that the Earth has its......read more
If you thought no food ever grows in the desert, then allow me to share with you a place that will change your mind. You wouldn't know if from the freeway, but just off the 101 in Phoenix, Arizona there lies one of the most extraordinary farms the desert has ever seen. After I heard someone say it was the farm of their dreams, I knew I had to see it for myself. A bustling farmer's market......read more
