This past weekend we had the chance to check out our city's monthly summer Really Really Free Market -- as in, yes, everything really, really is free -- and we're digging this latest urban trend. Really Really Free Markets are communal spaces where anyone can bring anything to share -- from food, skills, talents, to homegoods, clothing, kids' items, and pretty much anything else you can dream of -- and the only caveat is that absolustely under all circumstances everything is free to whomever wants it. That means no selling, bartering, trading, or any other kind of weighted exchange is allowed. Once you bring it to the Really Really Free Market, it's not solely your possession anymore -- it's anyone's and everyone's.
We were just looking for something inexpensive (read: free!) to do for an afternoon with our kids and a friend suggested it. So we got our best hipster duds on, did a quick once-over of our house to see what we could bring to share, and headed out. The day we went was still during that horiffic heat wave most of the country has been enduring for most of the summer, so the turnout wasn't as large as the Facebook group photos had illustrated from past events. Yet over the roughly hour-and-a-half we were there, a steady crawl of participants kept coming in, showing signs of sustainability. The whole thing is a giant DIY event, which made it border on the edge of festival as well as event.
While walking the Passive House in February, we couldn't help but notice the decor choices made for the ultimate eco-friendly home. From the flooring choices to furniture, accessories, color schemes, and textures, we were taken with how incredibly discerning the owners were in furnishing their new home.
We'd like to show you how chic and timeless environmental decor can be, and give you some tips for your home inspired by Passive House.
Cabinets are a large part of any kitchen renovation and make up a good portion of the budget. That means when you're opting for a green reno, getting eco friendly cabinets scores big in the environmental department.
What Is Wheatboard?
Similar to particle board, wheatboard is basically a product made from fibers being pressed together and adhered with a resin. The difference is that in wheatboard those fibers are from the waste products of straw.
We've been looking forward to the 2010 Greenbuild Expo in Chicago for a few months now and it definitely didn't disappoint. The show keeps growing year after year and not only are the numbers of exhibitors increasing but attendance is rising and you could certainly feel the buzz and energy throughout the day at McCormick Place.
We identified a few trends throughout the show including:
Rainwater Collection
SIPs
Sustainable Wood Flooring
LEDs
Nothing groundbreaking that we haven't seen earlier in the year and no good gimmicks to speak of. There were plenty of suits walking around and the show had more of a corporate feel to it than we were expecting. Not that either of those things are bad, but the show lacked a bit of free-spirit.
