Sustainable Design Competition for New Orleans

In September of last year, the infamous Brad Pitt presented an idea to Global Green President Matt Petersen. This idea quickly became a feature project for the eco-organization, as well as the Hollywood star. Seeking to build a series of model green home projects for the redevelopment of New Orleans, the sustainable design competition has recieved over 100 entries from architects and designs from all over.

Applicants were directed to conceive a net-zero-energy apartment complex with integrated daycare facility for a 1.25-acre site in the city’s Lower Ninth Ward. To help visitors make informed voting decisions, web presentations of the finalists’ submissions will be accompanied by an explanation of sustainability criteria. The beginning of this week revealed the six finalists in the competition and public voting for the winner has begun. Want to have your say? Then click over to Global Green's website and vote for your favorite finalist! The winner will be announced August 30th.

Modern BBQ Grill

It's scorching hot out there. Which got us thinking about fires. And barbeques. And whether there are any well-designed alternatives to the classic Weber grill. Like this one by Dutch designer Piet Hein Eek. A pretty cool grill for such a hot day.

Spare the Air Day

Today was a Spare the Air day, here in the bay area. Established by the Bay Area Air Quality Management District to educate people about air pollution, the Spare the Air Program encourages commuters to change behaviors on days when smog levels are particularly unhealthy. The program provides free public transportation on summer days when ozone levels are particularly high. That means commuters can avoid driving in traffic and take public transportation (BART mass transit, buses, and ferries) for free. All day. Sacramento also has their own Spare the Air Program.

Of course, if your workplace isn't that far away, it's a chance to think about other low impact means of transportation as well. Such as walking, biking, or carpooling. So grab that Eco-Messenger Commuter Bag and take advantage of these free alternatives to paying high gas prices, while reducing pollution at the same time.

A Month of Yellow

Some people associate July with red, white, and blue. But I always think of July as the month of yellow. Perhaps it's because Tour de France, the world's premier cycling event takes place during this month every year. This year's event promises to be especially unpredictable. With Lance Armstrong finally retired, and many of the top favorites eliminated from a last minute doping scandal, it's now anybody's race. Personally, I'm rooting for George Hincapie from the Discovery Channel team. Hincapie is the American classics rider who has directly supported Lance in all of his seven tour wins. He also has his own cycling wear clothing line, Hincapie Sports, which are as distinctive as his trademark superhero sunglasses.