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Wouldn't it be cool if the temperature inside a building was being regulated by it's billboard? Well it is if you've got PV-TV. In 2004, PV-TV was developed by MSK Corporation in Tokyo to change the look of a typical solar panel, and get more out of it. http://www.metropolismag.com They worked with a chemical company and an architecture firm to come up with this spin on the average solar panel. The result is a 'three-in-one' product called PVTV. Using silicon technology scientists discovered that PVTV acts as a glazing element, a solar panel, and video display screen. Foremost as a solar module, PV-TV generates energy, and protects against UV rays. PV-TV actually generates more electricity than the average solar panel, to the tune of 3.8 watts per square foot. The modules are considerably more attractive than average panels. They do not put a funky face on a building's appearance in fact, they go with the look of the building. They also do not obstruct light the way a typical solar panel does. The trick is that they are transparent. PV-TV is actually a screen, and this is the fun part! PV-TV enables you to show a picture, like the one shown, or an advertisement. It is viewable on the outside and the inside of the building. A practical alternative for those companies wishing to display a giant billboard. The downfall is the expense, even now, since it came out in 2004. PV-TV is pricier than the usual solar panel, but think about all that money you could save on billboards!

Ceilings, frame walls, and stem walls are always an option for plumbing and electrical locations. When you do have to run these systems through a bale wall, how do you do it?

Plumbing leaks are more critical within straw bale walls than within stick frame walls for obvious reasons: straw rots pretty quickly if it gets wet and stays wet - a lot quicker than 2×4s would rot. As a precaution, it is best to keep most of the plumbing within interior walls and run the water into the house through a stem wall. The highest standards of fitting can help minimize the risk of leaks. Careful planning eliminates unsightly messes at this point. Before beginning construction, you should plan for water to enter where pipes will not be seen in plain view, such as under a sink or in a mechanical closet. Use of the stem wall is appropriate for running water into your structure.

The electrical system in a bale home is the same as in a stick frame home from the circuit breaker to the switches and fixtures. However, electrical wiring has different installation methods in a straw bale wall. UF (Underground Feeder) cable is recommended for its durability and moisture resistance. A metal “needle” is used to thread the wire from the exterior to the interior where necessary. A chainsaw is used to cut a 1.5 inch channel in the straw bale walls. The wire is stuffed into the channel or in the seam between bales and run to switch and fixture locations. Plug and switch boxes are screwed to a wooden stake which is driven into the bale to keep the box in place.

This post was submitted by ThinkDwell. Visit Our Blog. 

Are you too big for your boots, eco-footprint?

Ever wondered how much "nature", eco-footprint, is required to support your lifestyle choices?

Recently, through attending a series of environmental workshops, I participated in activities that highlighted eco-lifestyle choices, our footprints, as they relate to the surrounding environment. While I’m pleased to say my activities fall into the category of being an ‘eco-ally’, I was surprised to learn of the average person’s day-to-day impact. For, the average American has a total ecological footprint of about 25 acres, meaning that if everyone consumed similar to an average American, we would require several additional Earths to support this lifestyle.

Presently, there are about 5.5 acres of biologically productive land per capita in the world. Worldwide, the average per capita footprint is 6 acres. If we leave only 12% of the biosphere for other species, there is less than 5 acres available per person which translates to the fact that we humans have presently overshot the mark by at least 20%. Still, while excessive consumption is an issue, it is difficult to measure the degrees to which consumption choices affect both immediate and extended ecosystems.

On the other hand, there are eco-footprint tools available that measure conservation, www.conservation.org/ecofootprint or www.earthday.net/footprint/index.asp, and help identify your eco status as well as learning where and how you presently fall short. So, the question is “Are you too big for your boots, your eco-footprint?”

As a gardener, I not only have the opportunity to make a difference related to personal choices but influence the use of green space, both rural and urban. So, I want to challenge you – as a 2009 resolution – to first measure and then, improve your eco-footprint.

From a landscape/garden perspective advocate the conservation of water. Not just the quantity but source. For example, I capture and use condensation from my air-conditioning unit for watering container plants.

Choose native or native adaptable plants. Usually a native plant is the right plant in the right place which avoids numerous other site specific issues.

Avoid using additive materials, such as peat, which are not a sustainable resource; in other words, once harvested the material does not regenerate itself.

Create compost. Be aware that creating compost is neither a difficult or smelly task; and once you get into the cycle of creating compost; it is an excellent use of what would otherwise be considered garden and/or kitchen rubbish.

Choose biodegradable products. For a number of years, ink on printed materials has no longer been toxic and these materials make excellent underlying mulch blankets that more importantly biodegrade. Avoid the use of chemicals. Install companion plants, create diversity, encourage beneficial visitors and perhaps, you too will be pleasantly surprised by the lack of unwanted garden guests.

Avoid creating pristine orderly green spaces. In the wake of central Virginia’s storms, thousands of trees fell and my husband and I, similar to many Virginians, continue to clean up but I am comforted by the fact that a fallen tree provides a habitat for up to 300 years.

Similarly, consider the source of landscape accessories. Select products made from recycled materials; for example, choose pavers material that is not only recycled but permeated, prevents water run-off.

And, when you light up your space, do it with solar fixtures. Solar lighting is a frugal form of energy consumption and is easily installed.

On the scale of an eco-footprint measurement, are you a novice or warrior? Are you making eco-friendly choices? Have you created and presently maintain an eco-efficient green space? Are you influencing others to share eco values?

Individually and collectively, we not only have the opportunity to make a difference through personal choice, we can influence others to ‘green’ space, both rural and urban. For 2009, what is your eco-resolution? Post comments and together, let’s move from eco-weak to eco-chic, green the landscape of our community.

NEW TYPES OF PROPANE If you look up propane on the internet most every site will state it as 'the cleanest burning fuel'. But now there's a propane that will soon earn the status, 'cleanest burning 'bio-fuel'. The news from MIT researchers is that they are making a bio fuel out of sugarcane and corn by processing it with water and a 'secret ingredient', at a very high temperature. www.technologyreview.com. In Rio De Janeiro, they have already begun making a 'green' propane from the by-product of bio-diesel fuel, which is glycerin. The glycerin has left bio-diesel an 'environmental liability' when dumped in rivers, and is one of the culprits loading the air with carcinogens when burned. www.speroforum.com However, there are many uses for glycerin like soaps, cosmetics, foods, dyes, pharmaceuticals and plastics. With the burning of bio-diesel fuel expanding the availability of the glycerin co-product, scientists have been pushed to create a new product to use up the glycerin. That new product is propane. Turning glycerin into 'green' propane means that petroleum derivatives used in the plastics industry could be replaced. The propane produced from glycerin is good news for anyone experiencing clogged filters from the crystallization that occurs while running a bio-fuel in cold weather. The glycerin will be made available for large-scale production in 2013. Propane is already acknowledged for it's green values. The list is pretty big, I recommend checking out /www.propane101.com/propanegreenenergyfuel.htm for more statistics and facts about 'clean burning' propane.

GREENHOUSE ON FREECYCLE

Freecycle.org is a great way to turn over your unwanted gifts and things of the past you want to let go of. It's a great way to reduce clutter and keep from filling up the landfills. Also a great way to reduce consumerism and consumption, a major cause of environmental degradation, www.globalissues.org. When you log onto Freecycle.org you pick the area closest to where you live and start browsing. You become a member of that area's freecycle and you will receive e-mails about what people in your area are trying to unload, or what they are in need of.

Because the members you are in contact with are from your area, you'll find things can get real specific. For example, in Hollywood, there is lots of opportunity to find things for movie sets, like, costumes, make-up kits, sound kits, etc. Also, people move in and out of here often, so finding furniture pieces that are nice is a breeze. I was in need of a bike, and within minutes I had received four e-mails with people saying they had a mountain bike ready for me to pick up, and yep it was for free.

Because it's for free I think people are more honest about what things may need, as in what condition you will be receiving them. Members also ask for just about anything, like a laptop! Yes, there are old vcr tapes and probably some 8 tracks out there as well. I have seen people unload beds, mattresses, mirrors, coffee tables, tv's, bookcases, etc. Every time I pass the second hand shop on my street I am tempted to think, 'I could get that for free on freecycle.org!' If you've found something and you're meeting someone for a pick up, be sure and meet at a safe neutral place, like a busy supermarket center. It's great to read how many people have trouble throwing things away.

It certainly reflects an internal relationship we all have with nature. It's also interesting to note that we are so used to paying for things, you might not think anybody would be giving away what you want, but believe it or not, give it a try, because you would be surprised at what you can get for free!

The availability of sunflower and wheat board has increased lately. The good news has spread, and some of those displays you see in shop windows, and supermarket isles are going green with wheat board. Sunflower and wheaatboard are now the number one choices. Why are displays going wheatboard? Wheatboard is the highest grade of particle board! Made of recycled wheat chaff, and no formaldehyde binder, makes it emission-free. But the main reason displays are going wheat board is the 'result of wheat chaff when binded'. http://www.whereyousit.com The bonded wheat chaff creates a smoother board. Even with a bio-resin bond made from soybeans, the texture of the chaff molds tightly, and creates a tighter bond. The result is a smoother stronger board. There are no porous pockets to hold moisture, which leads to mold and deterioration. The look of paints and laminates is much better and more cost effective. The binding is a major factor in how well it holds up when tools are used on it as well. Screws, and nails stay in longer and hold better than any particle board. Recycled pressed wheat chaff is a renewable resource, that can be used anywhere particle board is used, cabinets, countertops, shelving, and closets. www.display-smart.com The trend is picking up speed and is available in more and more places. Check out www.stor-x.com and redo your entire closet this winter with no formaldehyde, and sunflower, and wheat board.

Green Wall Rental? Yes, the concept was developed with the original freestanding Green Living Show Wall we made for last year’s Panegea Lexus event.

The idea actually came from the client. They wanted to have the wall as a backdrop but didn't want to own it and asked if they could lease it from us. The idea was something that sat on the back burner for the last few months as we developed other products like the column wall and the partition wall. The Column wall we made specifically for a green gala event in 07 that grew wheat grass and other herbs while the first partition wall was the concept to find a way to create more pleasant office cubicles.

Green Living Column Wall Green Living Partitian Wall

The latest partition wall consists of 160 easy to replace plants that can be left in a standard 6" pot and simply inserted into the wall. This version was designed specifically for the temporary seasonal display and can be supplemented in between seasons with easy to care for plants like pothos or others. Complete with lighting for a dramatic effect the Green Living Partition wall is complete with an automatic drip irrigation system feed by a water reservoir built into the bottom of the stand. Below is a holiday display at the Canandaigua National Bank in Rochester NY.

If your a landscape contractor doing holiday lighting why not add an interchangeable wall for rent. This unit will be fitted with cut roses for Valentine’s Day, and then pothos going into spring look for forced bulbs and then summer annuals mixed with mint for a fragrant summer smell. Come fall mums and before you know it we are back to the festive holiday. Indoor plant maintenance companies always rent plants for occasions. This is also an opportunity to rent this unit or similar for weddings, events and other parties. Why rent? Usually the company you rent it from does 100% of the maintenance and plant replacement. You can however have us manufacture your logo that would insert in the wall being surrounded by plants. I can’t tell you how many of the banks clients ask if it is real. Add to your collection,  a green wedding complete with rented Green Living Walls, centerpieces and even a custom Green Living Desk Top as a parting gift for your guests. Worried about not being environmentally friendly? Don't, our products are 100% recyclable and do not lose any of its functional properties during the process. It is 100% reusable.

Think about your next rental.....for more visit www.agreenroof.com

http://www.architecture2030.org/media/2030IQChallenge/quiz.html 

President-elect Obama has committed to economic recovery, energy independence, carbon-neutral buildings by 2030 and an 80% reduction in US greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Architecture 2030 has developed a groundbreaking economic stimulus plan that, with a single investment, simultaneously addresses all of these issues. Edward Mazria and Kristina Kershner presented the 2030 Challenge Stimulus Plan last week to policymakers and industry leaders in the Nation’s Capitol where the Plan is now gathering steam.

Don't be caught without power during the next outage in your area, consider a bio diesel generator. This past week Southern New Hampshire was without power after an ice storm. It lasted for an entire week. Some residents were prepared, and were able to shower and cook thanks to their diesel generators. However loud they are, and even if you have no plans to get off the grid, a small one is a great investment. Prices range from 1000 on up. There is also an option to get a 'closed frame' generator, that doesn't make as much noise. Powered by green diesel fuel such as soy bean oil, canola oil, peanut oil or corn oil, they are cheap to run. A 6000 watt generator will be enough to handle to handle the fridge, lights, and television. How do they work? They have 2 components, a motor that burns petrol or diesel, and the generator head that turns power into electricity (www.cleanenergyltd.com) Emergencypower.com has diesel generators available for the home and some used ones as well. They offer stand-by generators, water cooled (as opposed to gas) that turn on automatically when the power fails. They also offer portable generators, that cat can be moved from place to place. They are lighter, and can be easily stored. However, portables aren't the best choice if you're looking to keep the heat on. Another thing to consider when choosing a generator, is to be sure to look for one that offers maintenance services, coolant spark plugs, changing the oil, all need to be done. It's a literal comfort to be prepared, and who knows, you might love your bio-diesel generator so much, next thing you know, you'll be off the grid!

This week we bring attention to the article Contemplating Life Without Growth by Carol Goal. The article features an interview with York University Professor Peter Victor in which he discusses his new book Managing Without Growth - Slower By Design, Not Disaster.