I wanted to share this fascinating video of a housing development in Dubai, which has been developed from scratch to be as sustainable as possible. Maybe we can learn from this? Certainly, we could have a lot more solar panels in the UK. In the Sustainable City, they cover all the buildings and also the carparks. Find out more on their website. The interviewer by the … [Read more...] about The Sustainable City – in Dubai
Futuristic
Subscribing to a circular mattress?
One of the problems with bulky items like beds and mattresses is that they are difficult to recycle. They also usually contain lots of toxic materials - probably far more than we realise. So items like mattresses for example are often abandoned (as in the picture), at the side of the road, usually ending up in landfill. Where they become a risk to human health and the … [Read more...] about Subscribing to a circular mattress?
A better way to deal with white goods and appliances in rented properties?
Most rented properties include ‘white goods’. Washing machines, ovens, fridges, tumble dryers. They are an essential part of living today. But they can also be a hassle. Appliances break down. Tenants get annoyed. There are arguments about who is responsible and about getting replacements. Wouldn’t it be nice if that was all outsourced? White goods as a service? We have … [Read more...] about A better way to deal with white goods and appliances in rented properties?
Light as a service in rented properties
Last week I wrote about the circular economy, how it can help our planet and how landlords can help. One of the ideas put forward on the circular economy site is a different way to provide services. Rather than buy a thing. use it and throw it away - why not buy the service itself and allow the providers of the service to provide the 'things'? What do I mean by … [Read more...] about Light as a service in rented properties
Algae-Filled Curtains to Fight Air Pollution in cities?
Maybe one day we will all be hanging plastic 'algae curtains' over our houses? London-based architecture office EcoLogicStudio has developed plastic sheets filled with micro-algae which apparently feed on daylight and air. Through this they carbon dioxide molecules and store them within the curtain while producing oxygen and releasing it back into the surrounding … [Read more...] about Algae-Filled Curtains to Fight Air Pollution in cities?