Clipmarks | Aribeth's Environment collection

Set amidst a lush garden estate and thriving cultural center, Sound the Alarm: Landscapes in Distress is proof that ‘interpreting’ nature and our relationship to and with it, is perhaps better understood while in the throes of nature and all its eco-messiness rather than in a gallery’s sleek, sanitized, white box.

features an impressive roster of international photographers who have painstakingly documented the state of our environment - in all is fragility and resilient robustness

Alarming enviro-circumstances from the Artic to the Equator are boldly represented as are man-made imprints like rock quarrying, wildfires, burnt farmland, subterranean coal mines, and peoples displaced by some serious climate shift.

Biomonitors like moss and lichen are also shockingly off-color in the photos displayed

and

communities

seem to be a former charred shadow of their vibrant selves

Clip Source: www.wavehill.org

Tags: environment, green, photography, exhibition

Urban Gardener Thinks Higher: A Rooftop Garden for Room to Grow

Tue, 06 May 2008 14:53:35 GMT

clipped by: urbanlife
clipper's remarks: Why should you consider a rooftop garden?

* Increase access to private outdoor green space within the urban environment
* Support urban food production
* Promote individual, community, and cultural diversity
* Improve air quality and reduce CO2 missions
* Delay stormwater runoff
* Increase habitat for birds
* Insulate buildings
* Increase the value of buildings for owners and tenants alike
* Create job opportunities in the field of research, design, construction, Iandscaping, gardening, health, and food production

Clip Source: www.thegrowspot.com

Clip Source: usahomeandgarden.com

Clip Source: adaptivereuse.net

Clip Source: www.greenroofs.com

Clip Source: www.iht.com

Clip Source: www.marigreen.cz

Clip Source: www.margueritegardens.com

Clip Source: environmentkrishna.blogspot.com

Tags: roof, green, environment, heat island, farm, community garden

City Slickers Turn Tropical Entrepreneurs: An Eco-Adventure

Tue, 06 May 2008 16:44:48 GMT

clipped by: urbanlife
clipper's remarks: Imagine going after your dream business…on a tropical island. What does it really take to build an island resort? In 2002, four city slickers set out to build their dream business in the Panamanian rainforest: called Tranquilo Bay.

All of the buildings at Tranquilo Bay—are constructed from steel, virtually unheard of in that corner of Panama: but they wanted to protect against termites, sea air, and earthquake damage.

Jim Kimball and Jay Viola knew nothing about construction before beginning work on the buildings. They learned everything they needed from the Internet during Sunday visits to the mainland.

“We built Tranquilo Bay inside the rainforest overlooking the Caribbean Sea and the beautiful Panamanian Jungle. Our central location within the archipelago of Bocas del Toro permits us to explore some of the most biologically diverse areas of Panama and Central America: an archipelago of some 68 tropical islands”

http://www.tranquilobay.com/home.htm

Clip Source: ifmsapanama.org

Clip Source: www.inc.com

In 2002, four city slickers set out to build their dream business in the Panamanian rainforest

Jim and Renee Kimball and Jay and Stefania Viola had no construction experience, no modern equipment, no electricity and no skilled labor

What they did have was mud, heat, and plenty of crocodiles

the creation of their eco adventure lodge Tranquilo Bay -- a testament to entrepreneurial adventure in its purest form

Clip Source: www.inc.com

used a boat called a “panga” as their pickup truck to ferry tools to the dock under construction

Clip Source: www.inc.com

For more than two years Kimball and Viola camped out on a raised platform dubbed “the rancho.”

inside tents, which were attached to a roof

No toilets. No electricity. Lots of snakes and bugs.

Clip Source: www.inc.com

The entrepreneurs built the cabanas

Clip Source: www.inc.com

Kimball and Viola standing before the first completed cabana

Clip Source: www.inc.com

All supplies were unloaded at the dock and then dragged up to the work site

Clip Source: www.inc.com

The same method used by builders of the Panama Canal.

Clip Source: www.inc.com

Clip Source: msnbcmedia2.msn.com

Tags: eco-advetnure, panama, rainforest, dream job, island, vacation, nature

The Earth Will Be Just Fine, Thank You

Fri, 02 May 2008 09:41:45 GMT

clipped by: wildcat
clipper's remarks: Despite its many flaws, I’m a big fan of human civilization. I marvel at our capacity to organize matter and information, at our ability to learn from mistakes and pass that learning down to subsequent generations. Civilization—writing, cities, trade, the whole lot of it—makes us unique on this planet and, as far as we can tell so far, in our part of the universe.

Clip Source: ieet.org

The grand myth of environmentalism is that it’s all about saving the Earth. It’s not. The Earth will be just fine. Environmentalism is all about saving ourselves.

That may seem a bit counter-intuitive; after all, the Earth is certainly central to the rhetoric, the memetics of environmentalism. Most environmental discussions focus on ecological dynamics, with references to human beings typically limited to enumerations of the various insults we’ve visited upon the planet. Given the degree of culpability we bear for the current state of the planet, this is entirely appropriate.

But the rhetorical focus of environmentalism on the planet obscures the fact that what human beings have done to the Earth pales in comparison to past disasters hitting our world, from massive asteroid strikes to super-volcano eruptions killing off 90+% of the Earth’s species

And in every case, the Earth has recovered, and life has once again flourished.

Tags: myth, environmentalism, conceptual mistakes

Travel the Desert on foot by internet

Sun, 27 Apr 2008 19:48:36 GMT

clipped by: ruralart
clipper's remarks: This is pretty cool... great info and pictures.

Clip Source: www.nature.org

Our scientist is traveling across 300 kilometers of desert on foot — and you can follow along right here!

Sanjayan, lead scientist for The Nature Conservancy, is trekking across Africa's Namib Desert — the world's oldest and possibly driest desert — to map and assess a proposed national park in the Namib that would protect priority habitat for lions, elephants, rhinos, cheetah and oryx.

The Conservancy's partners — Save the Rhino Trust and Round River Conservation Studies — are working hard to establish this communally managed area. See below for the latest updates from Sanjayan's journey across one of the most remote spots on Earth!

Day 1: Hobatere Conservancy
The expedition is underway — and we're already down three camels and our solar-powered gear works only in fits. Oh, and then there's this pride of lions nearby...

Tags: nature, desert, travel, africa

RealClimate: Real Scientists on Real Science

Fri, 02 May 2008 07:09:00 GMT

clipped by: abailart
clipper's remarks: A bit boring. Deals with the science of climate change.

Clip Source: www.realclimate.org

Climate science is one of those fields where anyone, regardless of their lack of expertise or understanding, feels qualified to comment on new papers and ongoing controversies. This can be frustrating for scientists like ourselves who see agenda-driven 'commentary' on the Internet and in the opinion columns of newspapers crowding out careful analysis.

RealClimate is a commentary site on climate science by working climate scientists for the interested public and journalists. We aim to provide a quick response to developing stories and provide the context sometimes missing in mainstream commentary.

we will not get involved in political or economic issues that arise when discussing climate change. The validity of scientific information is completely independent of what society decides to do (or not) about that information.

Science Links

Communicating Climate

Tags: science, climate

To Beat the Heat in Madrid: Build an Air Tree

Fri, 25 Jan 2008 21:13:39 GMT

clipped by: urbanlife
clipper's remarks: A new structure that will “climatically transform” its urban architecture. These trees will cool the surrounding environments and as a bonus generate clean electricity.

Designed by Urban Ecosystems

Clip Source: www.inhabitat.com

The city of Madrid soon plans to add a striking new structure that will “climatically transform” its urban architecture.

the Air Tree pavilion is to be built from recycled materials and will be 100% energy self-sufficient.

Using photovoltaic cells, the Air Tree produces a substantial amount of energy, which is then sold back to the local electric companies, the profits being used for maintenance of the structure.

The second byproduct is of course oxygen - hence the name ‘Air Tree’!

the trees have a very interesting benefit for the local residents who have to suffer through hot Spanish summers

The surrounding environment near the air tree will be naturally conditioned, reducing the heat island effect found in most city centers

the structure, made from lightweight recycled materials, can be easily disassembled and moved to another site when needed.

The air trees will be implemented city wide in the coming years

Clip Source: www.inhabitat.com

Tags: cool trees, heat island, madrid, spain, urban ecosystem, energy, recycled materials

Earth-Friendly Architecture

Sun, 27 Apr 2008 07:39:02 GMT

clipped by: Lubaska

Clip Source: www.divinecaroline.com

Ten Innovative Green Homes

In an attempt to create a more sustainable domicile, some homeowners use energy-efficient light bulbs, swap out normal showerheads for low-flow ones, or put on a sweater so they can turn down the thermostat. However, others are taking sustainability—and their homes—to the next level. These ten innovative designs move the owner off the grid, into the trees, and toward a more environmentally-sound future.

Earthbag House

Build Local, Build Green

Modular Earthship

Project BioDome

Tree House

Clip Source: www.divinecaroline.com

Lightweight Concrete House

A Yurt to Call Home

Green Roof Strawbale Home

That Roundhouse

Tags: home, architecture, green, design, environment

Earth Day Celebrated Around the Web

Tue, 22 Apr 2008 18:29:05 GMT

clipped by: Charolastra

Clip Source: cybernetnews.com

Today is April 22nd which means it’s Earth Day in many countries around the World. It all started in 1970 when the first Earth Day was celebrated to coincide with the environmental movement. Around the web you’ll find a handful of different sites celebrating the day by changing their logo. Social Web Browser Flock even launched a new “Eco-edition” of their browser just in time for the day. It’s got lots of green and comes with some pre-loaded content for those that are conscious of the environment.

Yahoo

Ask.com

Google

YouTube

AOL

Facebook

Flock

Know of any other sites around the web that are celebrating Earth Day? Let us know!

Tags: earth day, web, logo

When Nature Re-claims the Planet: Life After People

Thu, 20 Mar 2008 19:15:22 GMT

clipped by: urbanlife
clipper's remarks: Humans won't be around forever...Imagine when humans leave the Earth...What happens to its biggest and most prosperous capital cities and other attractions when mankind is gone!

Check out the book: "The World Without Us" by Alan Weisman. He offers an approach to examine humanity's impact on earth, by envisioning the Earth without us.

Clip Source: funtasticus.com

Clip Source: www.history.com

What would happen to planet earth if the human race were to suddenly disappear forever? Would ecosystems thrive? What remnants of our industrialized world would survive? What would crumble fastest?

Abandoned skyscrapers would, after hundreds of years, become "vertical ecosystems"

Swelled rivers, crumbling bridges and buildings

Our cars would shrivel to piles of dust, our house pets would be overtaken by flourishing wildlife

Clip Source: funtasticus.com

Tags: shadow of mankind, nature takes over, what is left behind

Incredible World Wildlife Fund Posters From Around the World

Fri, 04 Apr 2008 19:25:04 GMT

clipped by: urbanlife
clipper's remarks: WWF’s ultimate goal is to build a future where people live in harmony with nature. Here are a couple of the messages:

“Preserve your world. Preserve yourself.”

“Global Warming is changing the world’s climate rapidly. Icebergs are melting, oceans are rising, nature is revolting. Act now, conserve energy and treat the planet with respect, or we’ll have a world at sea.”

“Animals around the world are losing their habitats due to climate change. By choosing a hybrid or fuel-efficient car, you can help prevent this. Take action now.”

“Save the world with a few coins”

“For Nature, small animals are as important as the big ones.”

“A single can of dissolvent, or tin of paint, can pollute millions of liters of water.”

“Building a single golf course puts thousands of trees at stake.”

“Where is your home?”

http://www.wwf.org/

Clip Source: ajanlo.kapu.hu

Tags: poster, wwf, global warming, environment, preserve, nature

Tree Nation To Plant 8 million Trees in Niger: You Can Adopt One!

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 15:43:08 GMT

clipped by: urbanlife
clipper's remarks: “A people without children would face a hopeless future; a country without trees is almost as helpless.” - Theodore Roosevelt

More than 90% of Niger is in a deserted zone and is the poorest country in the world: To not plant in a deserted area in Niger would be to abandon the best hope of development for the country.

Tree-Nation: an online community, where members can buy their own tree and become the guardian of a tree that Tree-Nation will plant in its park in Niger.

Members can play an active role in the development of the project online: contributing suggestions, sharing photos and gathering ideas in the Tree-Blog or creating their own projects.

Prices range from USD 10 for an acacia to USD 75 for a baobab tree. So far, over 26,000 members have raised money to plant over 19,000 trees...with the goal of a park of 8 million trees in the shape of a giant heart, visible from space.

Clip Source: www.tree-nation.com

Tree-Nation is an ecological project with a focused objective: To plant 8 million trees in Niger, Africa to fight desertification!

Large-scale plantation of trees will increase the land's productivity and re-generate the soil.

you can buy your own tree and become the guardian of a real and happy tree

you will play an active role in the development of the project

The project will benefit local populations in terms of welfare, education and farming practices.

Primarily environmental, but also closely linked to the humanitarian aid

"Desertification is potentially the most threatening ecosystem change impacting livelihoods of the poor."

Niger, the poorest country in the world

most affected by desertification and poverty, which is why we are concentrating our efforts in this region

Tree-Nation is a company whose fundamental philosophy is to use business enterprise for ecological projects.

By planting your tree, you are not only investing in your own future, but also the future of others.

Clip Source: www.tree-nation.com

Tags: trees, thinking outside the box, climate change, africa, make the heart grow

7 Eco-Resolutions for 2008: I Will Try To Live Green

Fri, 11 Jan 2008 14:16:27 GMT

clipped by: urbanlife
clipper's remarks: Do you really need berries from Chile?

Don't collect stuff you will never use. If you trash those once-new goodies when you’re no longer interested in them, they will live in a landfill for years and years.

Cut the power to your electronics by plugging them in to a power strip and flipping the switch to off when you’re not watching or listening.

Public transportation use saves 1.4 billion gallons of gasoline each year, and can reduce household expenses by $6,200.

Plastic bags are made from petroleum and only about 1 percent of the estimated 500 billion to 1 trillion Annie Bell plastic bags consumed worldwide are recycled each year. Most end up in landfills (wherethey take perhaps 1000 years to decompose) or in the sea.

By purchasing recycled paper products you’re preventing trees from being chopped down, and paper waste from ending up in landfills. In addition, less energy and water is required to produce a recycled paper product.

Clip Source: www.thedailygreen.com

1. I will relinquish my title of Most Likely to Acquire Useless Crap I Don’t Wear or Need.

It’s time to clean out, and stop the crap collecting.

2. I will avenge my phantom load.

The term refers to the energy wasted by electronics and power chargers when they are plugged in but not in use.

3. I will be smarter than bottled water companies and drink for free what they are trying to sell me.

buy an eco-chic reusable stainless steel bottle, and refill it throughout the day — for free

4. If I can remember to TiVo “Dancing with the Stars,” I can remember to bring my own bags to the grocery store.

5. I will switch to recycled paper products at home (but not if they make me chafe).

6. I will consider whether my meal came from the farm or the factory.

Think of how many miles your food has traveled

how many chemicals are used, and how much pollution and waste have been generated in the production of your foodstuffs

7. I will take a day off from road rage and take mass transit or car-pool one day a week.

Tags: eco-resolution, live better, 2008, new year, environment, global

Solarsiedlung: A Solar Village Produces More Energy Than it Needs

Mon, 14 Jan 2008 18:43:17 GMT

clipped by: urbanlife
clipper's remarks: Freiburg, Germany Has Solar Flair: A passive house is a building in which a comfortable interior climate can be maintained without active heating and cooling systems. The house heats and cools itself, hence "passive".

Clip Source: www.treehugger.com

to live in Freiburg, which has solar flair and green, car free communities

the Solarsiedlung or solar village

It is built to Passivhaus standards and is Plus Energy (produces more energy than it needs)

We like how they get relatively high density and a lot of common space for gardens and play.

The layout of the project is based on solar orientation

Energy for the project is provided mostly by the sun, though in the case of electricity no onsite storage is provided so energy is fed into the grid and extracted as needed

Electricity is generated by “solar energy plants” or pv panels mounted on the housing units

The electricity produced is fed into the public grid and a profit is made because of the higher rates paid to solar energy producers

Any additional energy required in the winter months is provided by a wood-chip fuelled power station.

carefully designed overhangs to shade sunlight in the summer but let the lower winter sun in for passive heating.

Tags: freiburg, solarsiedlung, germany, solar power, green community