Green roofs have seen a surge in popularity recently as sustainable building designs become more mainstream. Soil and plantings on a building’s rooftop can help manage water runoff, improve air quality, and reduce energy use by moderating indoor temperatures. They can also prolong the life of a building’s roof by protecting it from the wear […]
Green Roofs – Efficient Design Starts At The Top Read More »
In 2004, MetaEfficient.com pre-reviewed the AeroGrow aeroponics growing system. That was before the system was released. A couple of years ago, you couldn’t cut on your TV without seeing an ad for AeroGrow indoor gardening systems. It isn’t as ubiquitously advertised now, but it hasn’t disappeared from the market. In fact, five years after its
AeroGarden: Easy, Efficient Indoor Gardening Read More »
Is there such a thing as a green Christmas tree? Can you still be kind to the earth while chopping down a piece of it to bring into your home? The question of the artificial vs. the live Christmas tree has sparked more heated online debate than Freddy vs. Jason. Lately the green pendulum has
The Green Christmas Tree: Tips and Alternatives Read More »
Great ideas for sustainable development sometimes just remain abstract concepts – that is, until they’re put into practice where they can serve as a showcase for their real potential. Such was the case with Chicago’s Center for Green Technology, the country’s first LEED Platinum municipal building – and an inspiration for subsequent development both in
Chicago Center For Green Technology: Sustainable Development Leader Read More »
A community swimming pool called the Richmond Plunge has just opened in Richmond, California, and it may be the most efficient swimming pool in the country. The Richmond Plunge has many efficient features: it’s heated by solar collectors, it’s entirely chlorine-free, and the building is powered by solar panels on the roof. The Plunge is
The Most Efficient Public Swimming Pool In The U.S. Read More »
With Memorial Day Weekend right around the corner, it’s time to start looking forward to a little fun in the sun. But if you’ve ever woken up with burning, itchy skin after that sun-filled weekend, you know how important the right SPF can be to prevent skin cancer, premature aging and skin damage that can
The Best Non-Toxic Sunscreens Read More »
Utilizing rainwater runoff is a double bonus for homeowners, both in environmental and financial terms. It reduces the amount of water consumed from the municipal system, and it lessens the strain on wastewater treatment facilities that must process water after it flows down the drain. A rain barrel is great for small-scale applications like a
The Rainwater Pillow – Rain Barrel Meets Cistern Read More »
Overview A meta-efficient design for a bathroom.
Efficient Unified Bathroom Theory Read More »
This apartment high-rise concept won a sustainable housing award recently in China. It integrates a vertical greenhouse into the high-rise. Designed by Knafo Klimor Architects, the “agro-housing” concept allows the residents to produce their own food, reducing commuting needs and providing a green neighbourhood. The greenhouse is a multi-floor structure for cultivation of crops such
Chinese Design Winner: High-Rise With Vertical Hydroponics Read More »
I’ve spent quite a bit of time researching how to filter drinking water effectively. Originally, I was interested in filtering the rainwater that falls on my roof. But I had to put that project on the back burner for now. During my research I noticed that there is little unbiased information available on water filters
How To Filter Your Drinking Water Very Efficiently Read More »
