Read the rest of Qihoo 360′s Office has Floating Cloud-Like Meeting Rooms and Spiraling Slides!

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Post tags: David Ho, eco design, edg Corporation, flexible workspace, green design, Qihoo 360 headquarters, strawboard, sustainable bamboo flooring, sustainable design

Indoor farms need light—and a lot of it—to grow crops, but that energy adds up big time in terms of cost and environmental impact. A Pinkhouse is a new type of indoor farm that grows crops using pink-colored light. Rather than bathing plants with white light (which has all the colors of the spectrum), a Pinkhouse uses a mix of red and blue light. By not using all the other colors, indoor vertical farms can cut down on their power bill with low-energy LED lights that emit just the right shade of magenta.

Read the rest of Indoor Vertical Farm ‘Pinkhouses’ Grow Plants Faster With Less Energy

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Post tags: caliber biotherapuetics, eco lighting, energy efficient farming, green lighting, indoor farm, indoor farming, indoor vertical farm, LED lights, pink light, pinkhouse, red and blue light, Urban Farming, vertical farm, vertical garden

Read the rest of Clothing for Furniture: Sinje Ollen’s Cozy Knits Give Old, Damaged Furnishings a Fresh New Life

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Post tags: Arne Jacobsen Egg Chair, Berry Pi, clothing for furniture, eco design, green design, green interiors, knitted covers for furniture, new york design week, New York green designers, Sinje Ollen, sustainable design, textile arts, textile designers from New York, wanted design

Tesla Motors just announced that it has repaid the entire $465 million loan that it received from the Department of Energy a full nine years early. The development makes Tesla the only US car company in history to have fully repaid loans received from the government.

Read the rest of Tesla Repays its Entire $465 Million Federal Loan Nine Years Early

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Post tags: Department of Energy, electric car, electric motor, electric vehicle, elon musk, green transportation, tesla, Tesla Model X, tesla model-s, Tesla Rpadster

Read the rest of The Best Green Designs from ICFF 2013 Day One!

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Post tags: "green furniture", design show, eco furniture, energy efficient lighting, green design, Green Design Events, green interiors, green lighting, green products, ICFF, icff 2013, International Contemporary Furniture Fair, new york design week, New York Design Week 2013, nydw, Recycled Materials, sustainable design, Sustainable Interiors

Read the rest of The Best Green Designs from Wanted Design 2013!

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Post tags: "green furniture", eco products, energy efficient lights, green design, green interiors, new york design week, New York Design Week 2013, nydw, sustainable design, wanted design, Wanted Design 2013, wanteddesign

Read the rest of The Best Green Designs from ICFF 2013 Day Two

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Post tags: "green furniture", design show, eco furniture, energy efficient lighting, green design, Green Design Events, green interiors, green lighting, green products, ICFF, icff 2013, International Contemporary Furniture Fair, new york design week, New York Design Week 2013, nydw, Recycled Materials, sustainable design, Sustainable Interiors

The world is on a crash course to run out of freshwater, according to United Nation’s Secretary General Ban Ki-moon. At yesterday’s UN’s International Day of Biological Diversity, Ban Ki-moon addressed a number of the water security issues facing the planet today. Only a small amount of water on earth is freshwater, and the Secretary General reinforced that there is a delicate relationship between water and biodiversity.

Read the rest of United Nations: World is On Course to Run Out of Water

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Post tags: ban ki-moon, Biodiversity, Climate Change, conservation, ecology, ecosystems, global crisis, United Nations, water issues, water shortage

Doctors did not expect newborn Kaiba Gionfridoo to live long when he was found to have a serious tracheal condition that inhibited his ability to breathe. The infant had a collapsed bronchus and had to be resuscitated on a daily basis. At a loss for solutions, his doctors contacted medical researchers at the University of Michigan for help. Glenn Green, M.D. and Scott Hollister, Ph.D. had designed a 3D-printed tracheal splint made of polycaprolactone, a biopolymer that eventually dissolves in the body. 21 days after the splint was implanted Kaiba was taken off breathing support, and 20 months later he continues to breathe on his own.

Read the rest of 3D-Printed Tracheal Splint Saves Baby’s Life

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Post tags: 3D tracheal splint, baby saved by 3-D printed device, biopolymer, Design for Health, laser printed medical devices, News, tracheal splint, university of michigan

Electric Vehicle buyers in the US looking for a good deal now have three models to choose from, as General Motors just announced that pricing for the 2014 Chevy Spark EV starts at $27,495. Buyers can also lease the EV for as low as $199 a month, which is the same monthly rate as the Fiat 500e and the Nissan Leaf.

Read the rest of Chevy Announces 2014 Spark EV Pricing Starts at $27,495

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Post tags: chevy, chevy ev, chevy spark, chevy spark ev, electric car, electric motor, electric vehicle, epa, general motors, green car, green transportion

It’s hard to imagine a time when driving cross-country was a challenge, a time when gas stations were infrequent and roads were unreliably paved. But that’s exactly what inspired the people at Moto Electra Racing to attempt to ride their electric motorcycle across the country in a record-breaking three days. With 2,500 miles to cover, that’s an average speed of 70 mph with 20 stops for charging and catnaps — a challenge for any rider.

Read the rest of Moto Electra Looks to Set Record by Crossing US in an Electric Motorcycle in Just 3 Days

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Post tags: coast to coast trip on an emotorcycle, coast to coast world record, cross country motorcycle, electric motorcycle, electric motorcycle cross country, electric motorcycle racing, electric motorcycle world record, green motorcycles, green racing, Moto Electra motorcycles, Moto Electra Racing, Moto Electra world record, Thad Wolff cross-country, Thad Wolff racing

Lumos Solar just unveiled their newest product: a modular and customizable photovoltaic structure called the SolarScape. Perfect for patio covers, pool awnings, carports, walkways, bus stops and commercial overhead applications, Lumos SolarScapes provide an aesthetic and architectural solution for providing shade and renewable energy. The structures are based around the award-winning LSX Frameless Module System, and their versatile design allows renewable energy to be integrated into everyday life in entirely new ways.

+ Lumos Solar

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Post tags: alternative energy, green design, lumos solar, lxs canopy, lxs frameless solar modules, photovoltaic panels, renewable energy, solar panels, Solar Power, solarscapes, sustainable design

Helvey Design Studio has created a series of furniture built to last a lifetime. Their FIRST Collection has been designed with the principals of simplicity, minimalism and quality craftsmanship. Each piece is handcrafted in San Diego, California, using only sustainable, responsibly sourced goods such as naturally felled Northern California Black Oak, FSC certified Black Walnut from South Carolina, and steel that is 99% recycled and made in America. Want one of the beautiful pieces seen here for yourself? Back Helvey on Kickstater and scoop one up for your home!

+ Helvey Design Studio

The article above was submitted to us by an Inhabitat reader. Want to see your story on Inhabitat? Send us a tip by following this link. Remember to follow our instructions carefully to boost your chances of being chosen for publishing!

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Post tags: "green furniture", FIRST Collection furniture, FSC certified wood furniture, handmade furniture, Helvey Design Studio, Northern California Black Oak table, recycled materials furniture

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Post tags: american west, Arizona, can, david emitt adams, desert, landscape, patina, Photography, rust, wet-plate collodion, yuma

Read the rest of Andrea Ponsi’s Sprawling House on the Bay is Powered Entirely by Renewable Energy

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Post tags: AIA SF, Andrea Ponsi, bay area, House on the Bay, Jensen Architects, marin county, Marin Living: Home Tours, net-zero house, photovoltaic panels, San Francisco, solar panels, Solar Power, Tiburon

Moooi showcased a stunning collection of chandeliers that look like bursting fireworks at this year’s ICFF. Called Raimond, the low-energy light is loaded with LEDs, and its spherical form calls to mind constellations and fluffy dandelions. Each orb-shaped lamp is made from a thin metal framework that carries low voltage current to the bulbs, eliminating the need for wires.

Read the rest of Moooi’s Raimond Chandelier Bursts with Dozens of Tiny LED Lights

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Post tags: eco design, energy efficient lighting, fireworks chandelier, green design, ICFF, LED Chandelier, Moooi, sustainable design

Greek yogurt is delicious, high in protein, and a good alternative to sugary snacks. However the $2 billion dollar a year industry has a dark side that comes in the form of toxic acid whey. It takes three to four ounces of milk to create yogurt and the rest becomes a runny, hazardous byproduct that cannot be released back into the environment. As it decomposes, acid whey depletes oxygen from streams and rivers, killing wildlife and creating “dead zones” over large areas.

Read the rest of Byproducts from Greek Yogurt Prove Toxic to the Environment

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Post tags: acid whey, biogas, byproduct, chobani, dead zone, fertilizer, greek yogurt, lactose, New York., toxic, Waste

Approximately 27.4 billion disposable diapers end up in US landfills each year, and once there, they take about 500 years to decompose! If you want to stop contributing the the problem with your baby’s diapers, (and maybe even potty train early) cloth diapers are a great option, but getting started with cloth diapers can be a bit intimidating for newbies. Inhabitots editor Julie Seguss recently got a tutorial in cloth-diapering by Carolyn Sutton of Charlie Banana to learn about the basics, and we made this handy video so that you can follow along step by step, and learn how to get started with cloth-diapering. Click here to check it out!

READ MORE >

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Post tags: buying green diapers, carolyn sutton, charlie banana, charlie banana diapers, cloth diapering, cloth diapering how to, cloth diapers, diapers, eco baby, Eco diapers, eco friendly diapers, eco-friendly design, green baby, green design, green diaper how to, green diapers, guide to cloth diapers, how to cloth diaper, How to Get Started With Cloth Diapers, how to green diaper, how to use green diapers, julie seguss, Luca, Luca Seguss, Reusable diapers

This summer’s been one of the hottest yet, but if you’re already sweating from the intense heat, you can rest easy — I’ve got a sweet, refreshing treat that is sure too cool you down! Popsicles are a delightful and refreshing staple for the summer season, and I know personally that it’s hard to let a day pass without biting down on a delicious bar (or maybe 5…). But buyer beware — if you’ve been heading to your local supermarket for a box, you should know that not all popsicles are made equal. High fructose corn syrup pops laden with #5 red and #8 blue dye dominate grocery store shelves, and those yucky popsicles pose more of a health risk than an innocent indulgence. If you’re looking for a healthier — not to mention cheaper — alternative, your best bet is to make your own delicious and nutritious popsicles at home! Jump ahead for my easy DIY popsicle tutorial featuring one of my favorite recipes: Summer Strawberry Popsicles. Not only will you be able to cool down with a batch of mouth-watering, refreshing and healthy popsicles, but you’ll have saved yourself money and time by making your own at home. All you need is a freezer, popsicle molds and something sweet to put in ‘em!

Read the rest of HOW TO: Make Homemade, Healthy, Organic Popsicles To Beat the Heat!

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Post tags: bing, bing search, blender popsicles, diy popsicles, eco popsicles, green popsicles, handmade popsciles, healthy popsicles, home made popsicles, Homemade Popsicles, how to make popsicles, How to Make Your Own Healthy Popsicles At Home, make your own popsicles, natural popsicles, organic popsicles, popsicle activities, popsicle molds, popsicle recipes, strawberry popsicles, vegan popsicles, vegetarian popsicles

New Yorkers looking to make some extra cash by renting out their pads on Airbnb may be in for a very rude (and expensive) awakening. An NYC judge recently fined a man who listed his condo on Airbnb $2,400 after finding that he violated a 2011 law which says it’s illegal to rent out an apartment for less than 29 days. Do you think the law is fair, or does it need to be amended? Read on for the full story.

READ MORE >

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Post tags: Airbnb, airbnb illegal in nyc, cheap nyc hotels, Christine Quinn, emily giske, illegal airbnb, is airbnb legal, nyc airbnb, nyc apartments, nyc hotels, nyc rentals

Design company Monstrans‘ newest chair is made from a single sheet of renewable bamboo plywood, putting a clever spin on the classic folding chair. The Folding Chair, which was on display at ICFF this week, solves is portable and it saves space, folding up into a single piece with a handle. Aside from being efficient and useful, the chair also yields minimal construction waste and material use.

Read the rest of Monstrans’ Single-Sheet Bamboo Chair Folds Flat for Easy Storage

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Post tags: eco design, folding chair, green design, ICFF, Monstrans, small living, sustainable design

A new study by the Department of Energy’s Pacific Northwest National Laboratory and Bonneville Power Administration finds that two underground sites in the Pacific Northwest are ideal for storing energy produced by the wind. Compressed air energy storage plants could capture the wind during times when breezes are more abundant at night and demand for electricity is low for use during peak hours. Able to switch between power storage and generation in a matter of minutes, the method could be an important means to assist states reach their Renewable Portfolio Standards.

Read the rest of Renewable Energy Could Be Stored in Facilities Deep Underground

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Post tags: "wind power", alabama, boardman, bonneville power administration, columbia hills site, Department of Energy, Electricity, geothermal, germany, natural gas, northwest power and conservation council, Oregon, Pacific Northwest, pnnl-bpa, renewable portfolio standard, washington, yakima minerals site

Hinterland’s rustic-chic Scatter/Gather chandelier is a low-energy light made from artfully arranged pieces of driftwood that were collected from the coasts of British Columbia. The hand-made pendant centers around the warm glow of an LED bulb, making a truly unique chandelier that appeals more to the nature-lover than the glamazon.

Read the rest of Hinterland’s Scatter/Gather Lamp is Made from Salvaged Driftwood

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Post tags: driftwood lamp, eco design, green design, Hinterland, ICFF, recycled lamp, Riley McFerrin, Scatter/gather lamp, sustainable design, sustainable lighting

Oil giants make an enormous amount of money, but that doesn’t stop them from manipulating the law to yield additional profits. Last week the offices of Statoil, BP, and Shell were raided by officials from the European Commission, who charged them with fixing prices for crude oil, biofuel and refined oil products. The US Justice Department is being strongly encouraged to investigate whether or not the behavior was repeated Stateside.

Read the rest of European Commission Accuses Statoil, BP and Shell of Fixing Oil Prices

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Post tags: attorney general eric holder, BP, ed davey, energy secretary, EU, European Commission, guvnor, international organisation of securities commissions, mcgraw-hill financial, oil, platts, Shell, statoil, total, urals, us justice department

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Post tags: Architects Rudanko + Kankkunen, Atelier Heikkilä, central Finland, eco design, Finnish Architecture, Finnish design, Geothermal power, geothermally-heated homes in Finland, green design, sustainable design