 |
Re-purposing objects, recycled and/or found, can be a tricky business. Making objects that are as aesthetically appealing and functional as the aforementioned Hangelier isn’t simply a matter of gleaning trash from laneways. Waste is the most abundant local resource our cities have to offer. Often free or inexpensive, waste is a seemingly endless supply, always providing new and exciting design possibilities.
|
|
 |
There are countless brands of jeans in the market, most of them manufactured all over the world, with components sourced from multiple countries and assembly done in others. If you wear them, chances are, they were made in a sweatshop in China, Mexico or another third world country.
|
|
 |
In a world wrapped up in global supply chains, small farmers can only sell to supermarkets and get less cash for your carrots, or spend a lot of time and effort trying to sell directly to customers. Consumers, meanwhile, are torn between loyalty to local businesses and the convenience of those established supply chains.
|
|
 |
Dreaming of a family vacation and some time out? Think that it's going to be too expensive to take one this year with the economy going downhill? Well, you needn't rule out getting away this year, you may just need to change the plans a little. Rather than flying to the other side of the country or overseas it's time to enjoy the things closer to home and save some serious money.
|
|
 |
With growing interest in all things green—and, in particular, urban farming and locally grown food—there's no doubt there will be plenty of demand from consumers lacking the expertise or time to handle all the gardening themselves. For talented amateur gardeners, it's a golden opportunity to earn a little extra cash.
|
|
 |
If there is one unquestionably good thing we can each do, it is to try to shorten the distance between farm and table. In terms of sustainability, local food trumps imported, and organic beats petro-industrial. Grow your own food, if you can, but many of us aren't in a situation to do much gardening, much less become self-sufficient.
|
|
 |
There are initiatives that reward consumers for reducing household energy use. Taking a different approach is US-based Positive Energy, which compares households' energy consumption, adding a social twist to being green. The company works with local utility companies, which use its software to add persuasive information to customer bills.
|
|
 |
A septic tank, the key component of a septic system, is a small scale sewage treatment system common in areas with no connection to main sewage pipes provided by private corporations or local governments. In the US, approximately 25% of the population relies on septic tanks; this can include suburbs and small towns as well as rural areas. (Indianapolis is an example of a large city where much of the city's neighborhoods are still on separate septic systems) In Europe they are generally limited to rural areas only.
|
|
 |
Fast Food meets Shipping Container recycling in a brilliant concept that not only looks amazing, but tastes just as good. The Müvbox is a new concept emerged from Montreal, Canada and is a shipping container that opens up into a full-fledged mobile, outdoor fast food restaurant. Oh, and they serve local lobster.
|
|
 |
There are many possible reasons for renting instead of buying, such as temporary need for an item, reducing financial risk and not to mention cheaper alternative to buying. It is considered a green alternative to owning a lot of stuff. Also, by renting unused items to other users, people are able to earn extra income while reducing consumption, thus saving natural resources and connecting people in local communities.
|
|
