I teased this earlier in the week, but today — July 23, 2008 — is the two year blog birthday for Jetson Green.  Seriously.  It’s actually been two years and we’ve been going strong every day, having a dang good time in the process.  In the tradition of the blogosphere, we’re celebrating the blog birthday, but we decided to use the ocassion to celebrate you, the reader.  We appreciate your feedback, emails, comments, tips, and everything you bring to the Jetson Green community.  It’s tough to say thanks in a meaningful way for giving us another good year, but here’s how we’ll try:

Read more »

Martin Eberhard calls it "Solar Synergy" — his own phrase for the benefits derived from having an electric car and a home that's powered by solar photovoltaics.  Eberhard was a founder of Tesla and he just received his shiny new Founders' Series Roadster.  It's an incredible car, don't you think?  Eberhard explains the synergistic benefits to having a 5.2 kW photovoltaic system (dead link removed) and all-electric Tesla Roadster (dead link removed).

Read more »

Back in February 2008, Ideabox exhibited their Confluence Modern design at the Portland Home & Garden Show.  The images above and below are of the Confluence Modern at this show, with Design Within Reach furnishings and Nick Williams / Sycamore Canyon landscaping.  Confluence Modern, like the other Ideabox designs, is built to be just the right size.  It's a 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom home that maximizes all of its 840 square feet.  And if you're not familiar with Ideabox (we mentioned them way back in August last year), they strive to build smart, efficient, and modern homes.  Energy Star everything.  Use less of everything and when used, using locally sourced, natural, and renewable materials. 

Read more »

• Shipping containers become distinctive housing. 
• New fire stations are becoming green.
• Danish island of Samsø chases carbon neutrality.
• Kamikatsu Japan illustrates the zero waste lifestyle.
• Vertical sky farms gain new interest. 
• How to decide if wind power is right for you. 
• How not to greenwash your building product.
• When building green harms the environment.

*WIR = Week in Review; a Saturday showcase of excellent links.