photo: Tracy O via flickr With Earth Overshoot Day 2010 coming up fast upon us, and every day’s activities past that unsustainably depleting the planet’s resources, it seems appropriate to ask whether there ought not be a better way of assessing the impact of the economy on the environment. After all, chasing Gross Domestic Product hasn’t served particular well so far creating an ecologically sustainable society. Surely there’s a …Read the full story on TreeHugger

Shared: Dude with ridiculous business-card throwing skills. It’s…

Dude with ridiculous business-card throwing skills. It’s good to know business cards still have a use. (via tan.gy)

How to Make a…How to Add a Vapor Barrier to Exterior Brick SidingAnyone concerned with preventing damage by water can install and use a vapor barrier for their exterior brick siding.
Shared: Dude with …How to Make a Sash Window Pet DoorA window pet door can be a great alternative to installing […]

Oryginally by blogs@bobvila.com (Ben)

The world is rapidly changing and we’re happy to be living in a dynamic period that is fundamentally embracing more sustainable practices across the board. But what is the real value of this emerging green economy? In 2007, the U.S. Department of Commerce tried to answer this question through a report that found that green products and services made up between 1% and 2% of the U.S. economy — that translates into 1.8-2.4 million jobs in the private sector. While a range of 1% – 2% may not seem like a stretch, those figures cover a difference of over half a million jobs in an ailing economy. So why the huge gap? Not surprisingly, not everyone can agree the definition of a green job – while nuclear power may find yays for some, oddly enough, bicycles are accumulating a number of nays from others. If you happen to be finding […]

Oryginally by blogs@bobvila.com (BobVila.com)

The word “attic” traditionally conjured up images of a romantically mysterious nook above the house, with cobwebs tying together the dressmaker forms and albums of years past. But attics are getting new attention in the design world of today, becoming a room not for storage but for extra space in the home (great in this economy), and one that usually has the best view in the house. Cozy and tucked away from the home’s mainstream activity, and pushed up into the trees and sky, this room is going from storage to spotlight.

Homeowners Russ and Barbara took this attic of their 1940s Montana cabin from a space they couldn’t stand up in, to this sitting area with a window view of the nearby lake. By adding a pair of peak dormers, this couple elevated what would be blank square footage to a beautiful vantage point.

Even renovating a smaller attic space can […]

Oryginally by contact.us@alistapart.com (Whitney Hess)

Photo credit: Mustafah Abdulaziz/WSJ
Every city deserves a High Line park — Harlem perhaps more than others. In its heyday, Harlem enjoyed an open air food market under the active Metro North rail line called, La Marqueta, which was a common meeting area and place to buy, sell, and trade. In the 1970’s the market declined considerably and has never bounced back — and right now, it’s practically empty. Progress is afoot though, and the Harlem’s Economic Development Corporation is gaining support to revitalize the space and transform it into a mile-long covered market and public park promenade – a High Line for Harlem.

Read the rest of A “High Line” Market Gains Momentum in Harlemhttp://www.inhabitat.com/wp-admin/ohttp://www.inhabitat.com/wp-admin/options-general.php?page=better_feedptions-general.php?page=better_feed

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Post tags: eco design, fresh food market, green design, Harlem, high line, la marqueta, local economy, market, new york city, Urban design, urban park, urban revitalization

Tennis Ball Chair by Hugh Hayden
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Oryginally by blogs@bobvila.com (Emily)

We’re living in a new economic age. As such, remodeling isn’t what it used to be. There are new features to think about and weird dynamics to grapple with. It’s not easy, especially if you’re an old hand at remodeling, and want to do it again like you did it before. Chances are, it may not work out the same way. Here are a few tips for playing it smart when you go to remodel in today’s economy.
Look and Loan
Most major remodel jobs are paid for not by a stockpile of cold, hard cash, but by a financing arrangement of sorts. If you’re not able to go cash (even though it’s the best way to go), be judicious in your selection of loan options. First, you need to find out what your home equity is. Do you owe more on your home than it’s worth? You’re not alone. Millions of […]

Oryginally by contact.us@alistapart.com (Faruk Ate�)