greenUPGRADER

Rainwater HOG: Discrete and Functional Rainwater Catchment

Posted on 11. Apr, 2009 by Derek Markham.

This summer, give your local water supply a break by catching rainwater for watering your yard and garden. It’s low-tech, passive, and the yield of water from one rainfall can be phenomenal. A barrel or two under your gutter downspouts is the quick and easy solution, but if you’re looking for a better looking rainwater [...]

Envision Solar Covered Parking Lots with Solar Groves

Posted on 29. Mar, 2009 by Matt Embrey.

The Solar Grove is a highly customizable and efficient system of photovoltaic solar canopies. A Solar Grove installation allows a company to take a parkinglot that is normally an eye sore and a burden on the environment, and use it to harness energy, mitigate the polluting nature of a parking lot and provide an interesting asthetic.

Hydrogen-Fueled Gypsy Zeppelin

Posted on 19. Feb, 2009 by Derek Markham.

An autonomous self-regenerating hydrogen-based zero-emission low-cost low-tech nomad houseboat airship. Wow. What an idea! Lieven Standaert, a Dutch engineer, architect and science teacher, has designed a ship that makes its own energy, using its propellers to generate hydrogen for fuel. The tagline? “Powered by wind, fueled by rain.”

The Editt Eco-Tower in Singapore

Posted on 16. Oct, 2008 by Matt Embrey.

T. R. Hamzah & Yeang International architectural firm’s Editt Tower design is a truly amazing design that is packed with sustainable amenities and mindful of it’s environmental impact on every level right down to site selection. 

Amazing House Designs That Get You Close To Nature

Posted on 29. Jul, 2008 by Matt Embrey.

Some think that modern society’s biggest problem is our separation from nature and the only way to really be happy is to reconnect and become in tune with our surroundings. I know I definitely feel better when I’m out on a hike or a bike ride than when I’m sitting here behind the comp. [...]

Vertical Farms: "Growing Up Sustainably"

Posted on 16. Jun, 2008 by Matt Embrey.

This weekend I came up with an innovative solution to both the food shortage and the negative impact modern agricultural practices have on the environment… build up, not out! Then, reading the Huffington Post this morning, I found out that I did not invent this idea…
Vertical Farming, which has been discussed for [...]

Rainwater Harvesting with Japanese Rain Chains

Posted on 30. Mar, 2008 by Matt Embrey.

Upgrade: $33+

These rain chains are not eco-friendly on their own but they are a great way to beautify your water harvesting system using this ancient Japanese links.  Use rain chains in lieu of traditional down spouts and have them divert rainwater into your rain barrel, or underground water tank.  By harvesting rainwater you can greatly [...]