This is my no B.S. guide to green books you should read (if you haven’t already done so).  Go to your bookstore/library of choice and there’s no doubt that the bookshelf is getting cluttered with authorship on a range of green topics.  Some of them are no more than a simple intro with a directory of products — the books are well and fine, but they become obsolete quickly in this crazy market.  So, here’s my list of 5 books you should read, especially during the holiday season if you have some downtime.  In choosing these books, I’ve decided to err on the side of edification rather than entertainment.  You’ll find legitimate analysis and thought in all five.  Enjoy:

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• Green workplaces increase productivity. 
• A push for eco-friendly building development.
• Tackling challenge of building green skyscrapers.
• Green roof to top re-development project.
• Homespun energy, from the wind.

It looks like Michelle Kaufmann is extending her successful prefab business into green interior products.  Her newly designed website now lists a couple green surface designs that are pretty stunning.  In collaboration with Concreteworks, MKD is offering mkPURE, a super-modern sink, and mkISLAND, a modern island/table.  Both the mkPURE and mkISLAND come in three finishes: (1) WHITE, made of concrete with fly ash and recycled porcelain, (2) LINEN, made of concrete with rice hull, and (3) GRAY, made of concrete with fly ash and rice hull. 

Pricing on the mkPURE starts at $1,950, unless you buy in bulk.  Similarly, the mkISLAND starts at $5,250.

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I just got a weeMail and spent the last couple hours navigating through Alchemy Architects' newly redesigned weeHouse website.  I love it because you can see houses they've built, projects in planning, and you can even build your own weeHouse. 

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I mentioned Nanosolar back in August because I found an excellent video about the company — they’re poised to dramatically flip this solar industry inside out.  Today comes news that they shipped their first product and received an actual revenue check.  This is a big deal.  Thin film solar is incredible because it can be used more flexibly and produced at a much lower cost. 

Their powersheet product was recognized by Popular Science as 2007 Innovation of the Year.  Now that the product is a reality, we’re going to see some craziness.  They’ve accomplished a slew of world’s firsts (below) and decided to auction off an early batch of product on eBay.  Unfortunately, that’s all you’re likely to get because they’re sold out for the next 12 months!  Better start your orders now. 

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The renderings in this article are of BaleHaus by ModCell.  This UK concept springs from the three positions that we need to: (1) live within our environmental means, (2) maintain a healthy and comfortable quality of life, and (3) build strong communities.  Stated otherwise, the BaleHaus is meant to provide good, comfortable living with a guilt-free eco-conscience.  BaleHaus is super-insulated, boxy and functional, and geared towards communal living.  More renderings below …

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