Prefabricated building in Amsterdam is made entirely of wood

This building in Amsterdam might be easy to drive past. It’s a simple and elegant design with lots of windows but doesn’t look all that spectacular. Take another look because actually this is a marvel of sustainable design and ambition.

The Nautical Coordination Centre designed by WRK Architects in Amsterdam is made entirely out of wood. The walls, the roofs, the floors… Everything was created with a product from Metsa Wood, an engineered Kerto LVL wood.

Related: Take a look at Toronto’s first net-zero community center

When you walk inside, you’re greeted with an open working environment with floor-to-ceiling windows that provide natural lighting and overlooks a river. Belgian timber manufacturer Dupac prefabricated all the building elements and delivered them ready to assemble. It’s all Kerto LVL wood, a highly sustainable material that is incredibly strong and lightweight. The walls do not need to be thick to be supportive. Glued joints hold it all together. The wood is built on top of a concrete foundation and reinforced with steel.

Moreover, sustainable construction is just the beginning. The building was also designed for minimal energy consumption. There are solar panels on the roof that provide for all the building’s energy needs. Meanwhile, a closed ground heat pump provides more energy.

Additionally, greywater circuits were integrated into the design. Rainwater is collected in a tank underground, water that is reused for flushing toilets and watering the plants on the roof terrace.

Down to every detail, this building was made for sustainability and it was made to exist without taking away from nature. It provides all its own energy with a circular design where water is recycled and reused. This is a beautiful example of how humans can lie without harming the planet, something that is becoming more important by the day. So take another look at this building in Amsterdam. Hopefully, designers and manufacturers all over the world will be taking a pretty close look at it, too.

+ WRK Architects

Images via Metsä Wood

from INHABITAT https://ift.tt/9tJ8SqQ
via Inhabitat

Removing one plastic a day will make for a greener future

Humans consume one million plastic bottles every minute, 91% of which are not recycled. Approximately 32% of these end up in the ocean. The primary cause of pollution is single-use plastic waste. Every single piece of plastic that has ever existed is still in existence. This is because though plastics do break down over time, they decompose into finer microplastic particles. These microplastics infiltrate all sorts of ecosystems and negatively impact the health and reproduction of the living organisms in them.

By minimizing our use of single-use plastics, we can prevent litter from cluttering ecosystems that would otherwise be flourishing. Though several ongoing projects are trying to tackle this, one such initiative is One Piece a Day (OPAD) based in Toronto, Canada.

Related: Flipflopi turns plastic waste into beautiful Kenyan boats

OPAD seeks to raise awareness about the harmful effects of litter, and specifically plastic pollution, in nature. The initiative is based on the concept that if everyone on the planet picks up (at least) one piece of litter every day, the planet could be a cleaner, greener place. This in turn would have positive impacts on the fight against climate change and would prevent further environmental degradation worldwide. The project is centered around an app that is used to track every piece of litter picked up by app users.

How OPAD began

The initiative came to life when Founder Dmytriy Pereklita vacationed at the Maya Riviera in Mexico. He was shocked by the substantial amount of litter that covered the coastline. In vain, he tried to fill a few large trash bags with waste, but realized he had barely made an impact on the extremely polluted beach. In this state of frustration, Pereklita came up with the idea for OPAD. After a few years of unsuccessfully trying to put together the app and balance his work as an architect, he finally began to work on the initiative full-time. He hired a team and together they set up OPAD and launched the app in June 2017.

Alongside the app launch five years ago, OPAD began to work with schools and universities. By engaging with students and raising awareness about environmental degradation caused by pollution, the organization encourages the younger generation to take small action steps to a greener planet. The students also brainstorm creative solutions with the OPAD team and inspire one another to adopt daily habits for an eco-friendly lifestyle.

In addition to working with students, OPAD sets up cleanup events in urban and suburban ecosystems with local communities. One of their most notable events took place in 2019, when the team organized an 800-person cleanup of the Don River ravine in Ontario. During the event, participants picked up over 160,000 pieces of litter.

OPAD’s growth in recent years

In recent years, the COVID-19 pandemic has also had an impact on environmental degradation and pollution. As of 2020, disposable face masks have become a new threat to environmental well-being. Because of their polypropylene liners, they can take up to 450 years to decompose. Despite the pandemic’s exacerbation of pollution, in December 2020, the OPAD team hit a huge milestone. A total of one million pieces of pollution had been picked up by the OPAD app users.

Over the past five years, the team has been able to build the user base to several thousand individuals. OPAD has also been endorsed by various climate activists and organizations. These include the David Suzuki Foundation in 2017 and Sir David Attenborough in 2019. Alongside their worldwide recognition, the team has partnered with several environmental conservation organizations over the years.

One of the newest features that the OPAD team added to the app is an e-commerce section that encourages swaps from single-use products to eco-friendly alternatives. These include items such as bamboo toothbrushes, reusable tumblers and water bottles. The app also includes swaps for items that traditionally use plastic packaging, such as beauty products. Instead, users are encouraged to opt for low-waste or recyclable packaging options such as shampoo bars and toothpaste jars.

Looking to the future

As of June 2022, the app tracked over two million pieces of waste picked up worldwide. The newest version of the app also allows for more flexibility with how individuals log the litter they collect. Users can now log by piece, weight, blue (recycling) bag or black (waste) bag.

In the coming years, OPAD has more milestones they would like to hit. In fact, by 2025, the OPAD team would like to have a worldwide userbase of one million users on their app that collect litter each day. This would have an incredible impact on urban and suburban ecosystems across the globe. Through their varied initiatives, OPAD has expanded their realm beyond a litter-tracking app and grown to become an international community that encourages sustainable practices through education and corporate partnerships.

+ One Piece a Day

Images via One Piece a Day

from INHABITAT https://ift.tt/fFQkp4G
via Inhabitat

Blooming Prime Day deals to snag for a beautiful garden

Gardening isn’t for everyone, but nature is. You’ll want to keep in mind that having native plants will benefit not only the soil, but the bugs and bees populating your backyard. However, whether you have a green thumb or you want to get into gardening, you’ll need a few things to start. Here are some of our recommended green products to snag during this Amazon Prime Day (July 12 and 13). 

Electric pressure washer

Greenworks has a line of sustainable and electric machinery, but it’s this electric pressure washer that will do the trick. You can use this around your house from cleaning up your gardening endeavors to scrubbing your car without any soap. The 35-feet cord makes it easy for an area reach without the use of gas, oil and emissions.

Back to the Roots organic mushroom growing kit

Edible mushrooms are by far a great use in vegan cooking and have many health benefits. As a low calorie source of fiber, it’s also packed as a protein, providing antioxidants to your body. Therefore, this mushroom growing kit is perfect to get you or a loved one started. It is 100% USDA Organic Certified and non-GMO and can be grown indoors all-year round. All you have to do is place it near a window and mist it. Before you know it, your mushrooms will be thriving.

Electric leaf blower

A leaf blower is a quintessential product for any dad or person wanting to brush away dirt and collect it for composting. This versatile product can clean patios, driveways, decks and garages with a powerful motor that creates up to 155 miles per hour air speed. It also only weighs 3.9 pounds and is easily stored to take up less space.

Weeding and digging knife

While you’re deep in the soil, you’ll probably need a weeding and digging knife. This one from Nisaku is great in the garden, or take it with you for hunting, fishing and camping. The stainless steel blade is rust-proof and scratch resistant, meaning it is meant to last a lifetime so you can stop buying more.  

Raised garden bed with self-watering planter box

Occasionally, we are going to forget to water our plants. It happens! But with the 100% recyclable Keter garden bed, it includes a self-watering system and is perfect for urban gardening. Whether for your herb garden or plant babies, the water gauge is easy to understand when plants need an extra shower. Made out of recycled materials, there is also a water reservoir to prevent root decay and overwatering in order to make gardening just a little bit easier.

Images via Pexels and Amazon 

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn commissions at no cost to you.

from INHABITAT https://ift.tt/GnQ5ICw
via Inhabitat

18-year-old inventor tackles the home aerosol problem

A young Caribbean inventor aims to revolutionize the air freshener industry. AirX, Kephra Grandison’s sustainable household air freshener, will use all natural essential oils to make the scent of your space refreshing. This week, Grandison is launching his Kickstarter campaign to refine his invention, taking it from shell prototype to market-ready product.

“Not everyone can put solar panels on their roofs, but with AirX everyone has the opportunity to save the environment from tons of plastic waste as a result of one-time use aerosols,” Grandison said.

The problem with commercial air fresheners and aerosol cans

Aerosol cans are so much a part of life that most people hardly think about them. In fact, 300 million single-use aerosols are purchased each year in America alone. Not only can they cause explosions when punctured, most cannot be reused. This adds to the general horror of human-generated waste, with cans and many plastic particles floating in the oceans, corrupting soil quality, polluting the air with dangerous chemicals and destroying animal habitats.

Unfortunately, many air freshener brands add to the aerosol can problem. Of course, we want our houses to smell good. But at what price to our health and planet?

Solution: AirX

The design and components of AirX solve the troubles with aerosol cans through a genius innovative construction. It is an ultimate product combining the sustainability of the diffuser with the mobility of the aerosol can in an all-in-one product.

The refillable air freshener has two components. 1) You unscrew the bottom, fill it with ordinary tap water, then screw it back together. 2) The top component contains three essential oil cartridges. 

The magic happens in an interior mixing station for essential oils and water. When you press the trigger, AirX draws the water from the bottom of the device, sucks it upward through a pipe, mixes it with natural essential oil and releases a fragrant burst through the nozzle. Instantly your room is refreshed and your spirit is lifted.

One of AirX’s coolest features is that you can rotate the device to choose between three different scents. You may need an energizing scent in the morning or a calming scent to wind down at night. With its multi-scent cartridge, the AirX is like having three air fresheners in one.

Meet the young inventor from Nevis

As Grandison’s Kickstarter campaign launches, it’s hard to believe he’s only eighteen years old. But the brilliant teenager has already experienced enough to raise his awareness of climate change and the problems of plastic waste disposal.

Grandison grew up on a farm on the small Caribbean island of Nevis, which is the smaller of two islands forming the Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis. Only about 12,000 people live on Grandison’s home island. Nevis has escaped many unattractive aspects of 21st century life (i.e. damaging ocean habitats and causing harm to the economies agricultural component) but it cannot hide from sea rise, temperature increase and extreme weather. According to World Bank stats, Nevis is already facing climate impacts.

So it’s no wonder Grandison is climate conscious. Now a college student in Canada, he’s spent summers working on sustainable farms and solar panel rigs. And he’s always been a maverick with excellent problem solving abilities with a knack for invention. He aims to better the world by inventing innovative and sustainable products while keeping the planet happy, too.

“Since a young age, my creativity has been vivid,” Grandison said. “Now as I am getting older, I realize that my ideas can be put to work and make me a living.”

Kickstarter for fresher air

Grandison made a short video to explain AirX and his Kickstarter campaign. The handsome young inventor looked relaxed and confident as he explained his dream, with a backdrop of the palm trees and lush vegetation of his Caribbean home. He used a whiteshell prototype to demonstrate how AirX will work.

“The purpose of the AirX is to combine the efficiency and mobility of the aerosol and to eliminate the one-time-use plastics within the aerosol and combine that with the diffusers sustainability and efficiency, to make an ultimate product,” Grandison explained in the video. “With your funding, I will be able to build the final shelf product and then bring it to market and sell it to the entire world, allowing everybody to support the environment by having a sustainable, efficient, recyclable, essential oil air freshener that can benefit the environment and themselves as well.”

Once he has the final shelf product ready, he’ll do a second funding round for mass production, manufacturing and marketing. With Grandison’s help, we’ll never again have to choose between the environment and a marvelously scented house. You can support Grandison’s Kickstarter here.

+ AirX

Images via AirX and Pexels

from INHABITAT https://ift.tt/UFwsPdy
via Inhabitat

Grab these hot summer essentials on Amazon Prime Day!

Summer is officially here with full sunshine and beachy days! What’s more, everyone could use a little vacation with all the stress of the last months culminating like a giant wave waiting to sweep you away. You’ve got to rest a little, share some laughs with friends and family and enjoy the little things in life. So, here are just a few essentials to grab during Amazon Prime Day (July 12 and 13) to brighten up your summer.

For the whole family

Sun Bum sunscreen face stick

Sun Bum’s sunscreen face stick is convenient for a quick reapplication when your hands are sticky with watermelon juice, squirming children or sandy hands. Remember: reapply every two hours to protect that skin and keep it youthful! The stick comes in 30 SPF and is also cruelty-free, vegan-certified and reef compliant. 

Stasher silicone reusable storage bags

Not only do Stashers come in a cute rainbow of colors and different sizes to fit something as small as your loose change to leftovers, but this reusable silicone storage four bag bundle is also dishwasher and microwave safe. It doesn’t contain BPA, PVC and latex in order to help you eliminate single-use plastic waste in your life.

Contigo water bottle

Stay hydrated during these hot, hot heat waves with a reusable water bottle from Contigo. The integrated handle makes it easy and comfortable to pick up and go. The angled straw also fits so you can sip every last drop. And the company wants to innovate for a sustainable future, one drink at a time. 

For the kids

Green Toys pool bath set

Made from recycled plastics in the U.S., this set of toys doesn’t contain BPA, phthalates and PVC. When your child is done playing indoors or outdoors, pop it into the dishwasher for an easy, breezy clean. Not only will it save you time, but your child will be sure to have fun with the adorable seashells. And it wouldn’t hurt to teach them to protect the marine ecosystem while they’re young.  

4M Green Science solar rover kit DIY

With more children in STEM, it will only be a positive for the future of the environment and fight against climate change. The solar rover kit from 4M allows your child to build a solar-powered car. Not only that, she/he will learn how sunlight converts to energy that’s both fun and educational. 

Green Toys submarine

This submarine toy is made with 100% recycled plastic milk containers, making it safe for the ocean and your child. Additionally, it doesn’t contain harmful plastic substances and is packaged with recycled and recyclable materials with pamphlets printed with soy inks. The submarine is also dishwasher safe so let your child go wild and you won’t need to worry about the mess. 

National Geographic rocks and fossils kit

There is so much in the world to discover during the summer, but you can also bring nature to them. The National Geographic rocks and fossils kit is for the curious and curiouser children. It includes real fossils, geodes, crystals, gemstones and more. Afterwards, they can display them in an included case so they could feel like they are procuring a museum right in their own room.

For the furry pals

Calming lavender pet wipes

We can’t forget our favorite fur babies, an important member of any family. These wipes for dogs and cats have a plant-based, non-sticky formula that is perfect to clean messy paws, butts and sensitive areas. The gentle lavender scent will calm your pets and relieve itchiness without alcohol, sulfate and paraben. 

Wholesome Pride sweet potato chews

Wholesome Pride creates all-natural healthy dog treats to bring during a picnic or a beach day with your dog. The single-ingredient dog treat is healthy, vegan, gluten-free and grain-free. Made in the U.S., these potato chews were grown on family farms in North Carolina, sustainably sourced and made out of aesthetically imperfect sweet potatoes. 

Images via Pexels and Amazon 

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn commissions at no cost to you.

from INHABITAT https://ift.tt/uOeUPLJ
via Inhabitat

Clean beauty brands that are wonderful for you and Earth

When thinking about overall health, how we move our bodies and what we put on them are as important as what we eat. Those shampoos, moisturizers, toners and other beauty aids hold the potential to protect and accent your natural features, but also wield the power to introduce toxins into your system. 

In addition, without conscientious effort by beauty brands, the product you use can contribute to environmental issues related to ingredient sourcing, waste and pollution. When it’s time to make a change in your beauty regimen, look towards brands dedicated to organic ingredients, resource-saving practices and an emphasis on love for yourself and the environment. 

Related: Gift the best vegan beauty products with this handy guide

PURR Skincare

Clean skincare takes many forms. In the case of PURR Skincare, it means every product is vegan, made with organic ingredients, plant-based, cruelty-free, chemical-free and preservative-free. PURR products are made in Southern California and without added water. The plant-based products are made from 100% certified organic oils and butters and are sustainably packaged with minimal waste. They also offer serum, bath salts, hand and foot cream, lip balm and more.

Dr. Jacobs Naturals

The ingredients list for Dr. Jacobs Naturals contain 100% vegetables and other plant-based ingredients. The company reports it is, “The first and only Castile soap brand that is certified hypoallergenic and dermatologist tested.” 

Catering to all skin types, including sensitive skin, Dr. Jacobs Naturals face and body care products have earned the NEA (National Eczema Association) seal of acceptance. Additionally, the body soaps offer a moisturizing clean with a base of olive and coconut oils. They also offer an array of other vegan, plant-based products, including bar soap, hand soap and air fresheners, all of which are free from toxins like parabens, preservatives, phthalates, artificial dyes and artificial fragrances. They are certified GMO-free and the company is committed to 100% post-consumer recycled plastic and paper packaging. 

Mahina Beaute 

Mahina Beaute is another plant-based skincare line that offers face and body cleansers and moisturizers made without animal products. The line was designed by a duo of healthy living bloggers who struggled to find vegan skincare products that met their needs. As a result, all Mahina Beaute products are “100% ethically-sourced, cruelty-free and formulated with Ormus, a natural, alkaline mineral that fights off toxins and aids in the rejuvenation of skin for improved radiance.” Moreover, Mahina Beaute is committed to protecting animals and supporting humans through several non-profit organizations.

ShikSona Beauty

The lip line at ShikSona is vegan, paraben-free, gluten-free and cruelty-free. The company caters to the busy lives of women with lipstick and lipgloss options that can also be used on cheeks and eyes for a multi-purpose component that simplifies the beauty routine. They currently offer five color options for the lipstick and also the lip gloss, covering a range from pale pink to red to somewhat of a burgundy hue. 

Heart Blaster

Heart Blaster is a young adult brand aimed at raising awareness about equal treatment for every person on the planet through complete inclusiveness. They work to provide products that connect children, families and communities through a celebration of one race — the human race, and support of all gender, cultural and ethnic groups.

The cosmetic line is 100% biodegradable, unscented and naturally tinted. Furthermore, the lip balms and tints come in environmentally-friendly packaging. The company also offers a range of clothing and lifestyle products. 

April Showers Soaps

This small business based out of Corvallis, Oregon started well before talk of sustainability became a common café topic. Launched from owner April Spehar’s kitchen in 1999 as a gift idea for family and friends, the natural soap line expanded throughout the community and the online world. She now offer a wide variety of scented and unscented soaps, alongside a few other products. The recipes rely on locally-purchased ingredients to decrease travel emissions and packaging is recyclable and biodegradable. You can read more about the April Showers journey here.

I-N Beauty

I-N Beauty “planted” its business in both science and plants, and the innovations have led to a line of natural skincare, body and hair products. The foundation of the products comes from some scientific experimentation with over 225 ingredients sourced from seeds, the sea, plants and fruits. The entire product line is cruelty-free with no animal ingredients and is responsibly-produced to minimize the impact on the environment.

“We’re as obsessed with performance as we are with protecting the planet,” said I-N Beauty.

Images via PURR Skincare, Dr. Jacobs Naturals, Mahina Beaute, ShikSona Beauty and Heart Blaster

from INHABITAT https://ift.tt/LIJsO3W
via Inhabitat

Furniture made from recycled waste for a circular design

Cooloo, a Dutch materials development company, relies on recycled materials to create long-lasting, versatile furniture with a variety of uses. 

The company works with like-minded manufacturers to place materials within the interior design and furniture realm. Most recently, these collaborations could be seen as part of the Salone del Mobile 2022, an exhibition of all that is new in the industry. On display within the Masterly — the Dutch in Milano section of the show, Cooloo proudly promoted the potential of recycled and clean materials as a replacement for traditionally wasteful and dirty textile production. 

Related: 3D-printed kelp chair is made of recycled fishing nets

Using new technologies and a dedication to sustainable materials, Cooloo creates flexible textiles for a variety of applications. Showcased at the Salone del Mobile 2022 is a collaboration with Kullar, a young Dutch design brand equally focused on environmentally-friendly furniture for homes, offices, healthcare, education and hospitality spaces. The furniture was designed for the transformation of the Peace Church in Tilburg, Netherlands. In addition, the pieces are minimalist by design, with simple assembly and a circular process called CNC milling.

Cooloo’s display introduced the local waste materials it uses in its textile solutions, allowing visitors to see and touch products made from leather, cork, jeans and other materials. Each innovation is focused around the principles of circular design, not only from the materials sourcing perspective, but in the production of products intended for use in high quality interior design products that are durable and long-lasting. The idea is to put materials into the world that are not only made from recycled materials, but that are suited for repair, refurbishment and further recycling in order to endlessly extend the product life. 

Furniture can be refinished with new materials rather than disposing of them. To further this action, Cooloo recently launched a furniture lease program, which allows customers to enjoy the furniture then return it when their situation changes. Cooloo then refurbishes the pieces, as needed, to enhance the lifespan and avoid waste. 

+ Cooloo

Images via Cooloo 

from INHABITAT https://ift.tt/rscmIAq
via Inhabitat