http://theecolife.net environmentally friendly living Thu, 06 Nov 2008 21:50:25 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en   After constructing a somewhat unusual vessel out of ordinary but not-maritime-friendly materials, Marcus Eriksen and Joel Paschal set out from Long Beach, California on June 1st to sail across the Pacific - well to Hawaii anyway.  Their mission was to draw attention to the problem of plastic debris, in particular ... http://theecolife.net/?p=278  With the introduction of the Quiet Revolution QR5, two major deterrents to the use of wind power – undesirable visual aesthetics and noise - have been resolved. The elegantly twisted design of the QR5 is more reminiscent of a moving sculpture than the hardworking machine that it is. This helical design ... http://theecolife.net/?p=277  Sometimes to think “out of the box”, you need to be in the box. Literally. Large metal shipping containers that are left empty at ports around the country are being repurposed into modern, eco-friendly housing. What began as an experiment for emergency housing has become a realistic – and less costly ... http://theecolife.net/?p=274 The 3rd annual Alternative Energy and Transportation is coming to the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium on September 26th and 27th.  Admission is free, and the exhibits will be more extensive than ever.  Relocating the show to the auditorium provides much more space in the exhibit hall.  The Alt Build Show ... http://theecolife.net/?p=267 A working prototype designed by Ainslie Asher of Australia could help redefine what we expect from a kitchen sink. The award-winning Eulo Grey Water Recycling Sink is a self-contained unit with a three-filter system designed to clean water recycled from the kitchen sink. Step One: Used water passes through a particle ... http://theecolife.net/?p=249 Louis Palmer of Switzerland took his concern about the environment a bit more seriously than most of us.  In July of 2007, he set off on a trip around the world in a most unusual vehicle. The Solar Taxi is a custom made car that is fully electric, and tows a ... http://theecolife.net/?p=266 Check out this post on treehugger.com. "A changing environment will affect Alaska more than any other state, because of our location. I'm not one though who would attribute it to being man-made. " Palin's quoteWTF?  http://theecolife.net/?p=260  Marmoleum natural linoleum is extremely durable, available in a large variety of colors and – is eco-friendly. The linoleum is composed of renewable materials: linseed oil, pine tree rosin, wood flour, jute and ecologically responsible pigments. Limestone is also used, and according to the company site is “found all over ... http://theecolife.net/?p=256  Budget-friendly and easy to apply, transparent Energy Film helps to decrease heat loss through windows in the winter and block incoming solar heat in the summer – without reducing the amount of natural light a room receives. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, “an estimated $30 billion or more of energy ... http://theecolife.net/?p=253 By employing a team of expert craftsmen to factory construct the Method Cabin, Method Homes was able to create a prototype in record time while reducing construction waste by 50%. Built in just three months, this modern prefab cabin with a uniquely woodsy appeal is located in Seattle, Washington. With a ... http://theecolife.net/?p=244