Conserving water is everyone’s duty. If you belong to those areas of the world where, rainwater harvesting is the premium source of water-supply through out the year then, conserving every single droplet is mandatory. The good thing is now-a-days a number of water features are available. The ones offered by H20 Designs are the ultimate environmentally friendly, modern and stylish systems. Normally, the harvesting process requires a system which collects rain falling on the building’s roof and collects it into an underground tank via connecting pipes. The water thus collected is cleansed through a filter and then consumed. However, this is the run-of-the mill kind of system. H20 Designs’ water features are no less than oriental Zen-gardens thus providing you a sense of immense calm in the environs of your house.

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I was amazed to know that one of the very first oil droplets formed on our planet came from a pond scum! So far as I knew it, I remember learning about pigment producing algae in my junior science classes but this piece of news is quite good to note down. Why because algae could run your car in near future!

Some really hi-fi research is going on in Solazyme corporation-synthetic biology company that specializes in producing biodiesel (diesel oil produced from algae).

Jonathan Wolfson and Harrison Dillon at Solazyme have intriguing information to share about algae- like the mucky pond scum has a dynamic reproductive ability to double its cell mass within no time! Besides both have discovered how one can extract oil and pep up oil production by feeding algae with lots of sugars instead of sunshine! (Wow!) At the research centre of the company, small fermenters are already producing clean-burning biofuel from these microalgae. Dillon & Wolfson’s success at this procedure raises hope of large scale production of this neat, efficient and clean renewable energy source. And this is not all; industrial chemicals and household cleaners can also be produced by this algal oil which tastes like peanut oil!

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Don’t you some times wish that the air you breathe inside your house should be more pure? Atleast that’s what the latest AC models backed with ion technology try to get your attention to. But how many of us can really afford these high-end air conditioners?

Now, there’s a cheaper and greener solution, which promises to revitalize you by refreshing your space indoor in a completely non-polluting, non-toxic manner! That’s Extend for you. A green gadget which exploits the much talked about ion technology and purifies the indoors of your sweet home.

Designed by Matteo Ragni, Extend comes from the house of industrial designer Sander Brouwer. The green gadget (as per its creators) purifies the air with negatively charged ions, which are released from its body. Extend is a sleek looking no-fuss gadget. Its flexibility allows itself to be used as both a fit in panel and a single-fit anywhere inside the house. It operates on solar power and very nicely compliments the little green corner within the four walls of your dwelling place. I guess it won’t be too much on your part then to extend yourself to newer possibilities and adopt a healthier lifestyle.

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With eco-consciousness increasing among the common folk day by day, designers both amateurs and professionals are also coming up with innovative designs and structures that might prove beneficial towards achieving sustainability. However, most often these nouveau technologies and designs are so costly that every one cannot afford them. Harris A. has devised a plan that is based on total water use in the bathroom. He has also kept the price –factor of installing a new technology/device at home in his mind. His solution in form of an eco-bath involves a small investment, a thing which can be implemented by most of us.

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Celebrate this 4 July with red, blue, white & green. In today’s age, celebrating your country’s and thus, your own freedom in an irresponsible manner is just not fair! We have already done a lot of merry-making at the expense of Mother Nature and now facing the consequences as well. While the buzz words these days are carbon footprint, green house gas emission and sustainability. Let’s see how we can decrease the first two and embrace the third entity this fourth-of-July.

Points to Remember:
· BBQ but in a green manner by using natural gas grills over charcoal grills.
· Say no to plastics (cups& plates). Use recyclable/reusable crockery (SEE below the list of some eco-friendly products that should be used).
· Go for organic food on your palette.
· Share resources, celebrate together with your locality.
· Resist the temptation of burning crackers at home; if must watch nearby town celebration where authorities use green crackers for firework displays.

And here’s the list of some eco-friendly products which you can use this July4th and make them a part of your daily lifestyle for a greener and eco-conscious living.

1) Bamboo Bar Board
Product USP- Perfect for the bar or other small area; has sleek, modern design but is smaller in size.
Price - $14.90

2) Preserve Cutlery
Product USP- Made from 100% recycled plastic.
Price - $8

3) Preserve Tableware Large Plates
Product USP- made from 100% recycled plastic, will bring flair and elegance to any occasion.
Price - $10

4) All-Occasion Veneerware Bamboo Plates
Product USP- is disposable but doesn’t looks so!
Price - $11.45

5) Fire & Light Big Bowl
Product USP- recycled glassware and dinnerware are perfect for both practical dinner settings, and more elegant occasions.
Price - $61.90

6) Boxwood Goods Organic Flax Cocktail Napkins
Product USP- perfectly sized for drinks and nibbles and are bio-degradable.
Price - $25

7) Ecolution Hemp Apron
Product USP- made by grown and processed without chemicals or pesticides in Romania and the workers are paid fair wages.
Price - $27.95

Ecolution Hemp Oven Mitt
Product USP- made from 100% Hemp, can really take the heat.
Price - $8.95

Via DIYLife