I’m happy to announce that Jetson Green has signed on as an official media sponsor for the Ecocity World Summit, which takes place April 22-26, 2008 in San Francisco, California.  I couldn’t be happier to be supporting such a stellar event. 

You should know, however, that this is no ordinary conference.  Ecocity World Summit recognizes it’s time to take a closer look at the largest of humanity’s creations — cities — directly and fearlessly.  Over 85% of humanity currently live in cities, towns, and villages –- the built community of our species.  The Ecocity World Summit challenges and inspires each individual, no matter where we call home, to build something different: the city for ourselves, the city for people and all life on the planet.  For a sneak peak, take a look at some of the projects that will be explored.

Speakers at the event include some of the following:

Read more »

The Jewish Reconstructionist Congregation synagogue is a beautiful building on 303 Dodge Avenue in Evanston, Illinois.  The Chicago Tribune reports that it’s "believed to be the first synagogue designed to achieve the highest level — platinum — in the [USGBC's LEED] rating system."  That’s probably true.  The  JRC board of directors mandated LEED Platinum certification, but my search of LEED Certified projects does not list the JRC synagogue yet.  Nevertheless, it’s a fine example of green architecture in the religious building context, which is something we don’t see too often. 

Read more »

Recently, I saw this article about Howcast and was quite intrigued by the startup company.  Howcast is run by ex-Googlers with the intent of becoming the YouTube of instructional videos.  It’s a good idea, I think.  After reading the article, I thought, it’d be nice to see videos on eco-friendly home renovations.  Green kitchen rehabs.  Eco-friendly landscaping.  Do it yourself energy audits.  Etc.  Well, Howcast is already publishing some good green living and environmental instructional videos.  You’ll find the videos helpful in that they tell you what you need, provide printable instructions, and allow you to skip to different steps in the video.  Here are a couple others. 

++How to Reduce Your Home Heating Costs
++How to Reduce Your Carbon Footprint

I’m seriously loving the Rapson Greenbelt here by Wieler.  Wieler was founded by the owner of the Original Dwell Home and offers a nice selection of prefab designs for the modern, green home enthusiast.  Speaking of the Rapson Greenbelt, Inhabitat reports: "Modernist architect Ralph Rapson has managed to reinterpret this 60-year old design with the green panache of a 21st century prefab.  The Rapson Greenbelt, an articulate series of prefab dwellings, is derived from a 1945 design called Case Study #4, which debuted back then as part of Arts & Architecture’s Case Study House Program.  Today, the Rapson Greenbelt is part of the modern home portfolio from WIELER, the award-winning providers of custom prefab homes."

Read more »

There are not a lot of choices out there for eco-lighting or eco-sinks, but Bear Creek Glass is one nice option.  Bear Creek Glass is an artisan company that creates beautiful, artful glass sinks and lighting.  Half of their products are made from 100% recycled glass and the others are made partially of recycled glass.  Styles range from traditional and antique to simple and modern. 

Read more »