There’s a neat post over at MetaFilter on spy satellites and how they are being used to highlight inefficient housing. A community in London have used thermal imaging to find houses that leak the most heat, then they put the map online.
This is part of an effort to get residents to improve the insulation on their houses in order to cause less environmental damage.
I like minimalism, and living in a minimalist home can be good for you. The benefits of a minimalist home include less stress, looks better, and is easier to clean.
Quality over quantity. Instead of having a lot of stuff in your home, a minimalist would choose just a few really good things he loves and uses often. A really nice table, for example, is better than 5 pieces of press-board furniture.
Air conditioners are bad for the environment so it’s obviously good if you can avoid using one. It’s easier than you think! At Freshome they have complied a handy list that has many tricks to keep your house cool without using AC. Over at PlanetFriendly there is a list of alternatives to air conditioners.
From Freshome:
The most common sources of internal heat gain are; appliances, electronic devices, and lighting. Be aware from where the heat is comming. Now if you have air conditioning, use it wisely. Don’t put lamps, televisions or other heat-generating appliances next to your air-conditioning thermostat, because the heat from these appliances will cause the air conditioner to run longer. The heat they produce will make it think your house is warmer than it really is, and your system will run harder than it needs to.
Not to be outdone by the recycled house in Quebec, the Brits have unveiled a zero-emission home. The BBC reports that it’s the first zero-emission home in the UK and aims to be an example of new rules to be applied in 2016.
“The home generates all its own energy – and when you’re away on holiday can send electricity back to the National Grid. The company says its annual energy bill would be £31, as compared to £500 for the standard new home of this size,” he said.
The Canadian province of Quebec is trying to promote small thing s that people can do in their home to lessen their impact on the environment. Part of this awareness campaign involves building a house using 100% recycled materials, including socks!
The building will be cobbled together with two boxcars, used wooden crates, old firefighting hoses and a roof made of vegetation. It will house a kitchen, living room and a garage with displays of greener lifestyles