Category Archive

alternative energy

Turn socks into snakes to keep the cold out

You’ve got those fuzzy socks that don’t fit quite right, an old pillow and some popcorn kernels. You’ve also got a bit of a draft escaping at your doorway. What would MacGyver do? Whip up a door snake!

Do I need this solar power generator?

I live in California, so I’m basically just waiting for the next large earthquake that’s going to really fuck shit up. Ever since Hurricane Sandy, I’ve been worrying about losing power for long periods of time. That’s why I’ve been lusting after this solar power generator from the Hammacher Schlemmer catalog. But I have questions…

Use a window to solar charge your USB gadgets

Got a window in your office? In the airport? In a foreign country? These little solar-powered stickies may be what you need to keep your USB gadgets up and running.

Solar Roof Shopping? Things You Should Know

I don’t know about the rest of the country, but in Massachusetts, green is the new black. The state continues to offer rebates and special deals for folks who decide to put solar paneling on their roofs to help the environment. But as I learned, it’s not one-size-fits-all shopping. Here are some things to keep in mind…

Building a tiny house/sleep shed for the backyard of our cooperative

This year I decided I wanted to build my own tiny house after being inspired by many other examples such as Tumbleweed. It’s 150 square feet, uses passive solar heating, has an earthen floor and a green roof, and I built it (almost) entirely by myself as an addition to my cooperative home.

Cloned suburban houses can be sustainable, too: features a lower-energy house must have

You don’t have to live in a haystack house outfitted with solar panels to be eco-conscious in your use of energy. Jess’ tips are helpful. I wish I’d had them when we were house-hunting.