I’ve decided that I really enjoy reading about innovative, affordable, sustainable housing designs. I have a friend doing a Masters of Design program at Carleton University right now who’s all over these kinds of projects. The real push for this sort of design-for-sustainability seems relatively new, too — even Carleton University has only just started up this MA program this year. Hopefully it will become popular as it’s got so many benefits!

Take this one, for example — it’s made from recycled matierals, fits in a small space, yet is large enough to fit 3 people, a kitchen, a reading room, a living room, bathroom, and hydroponia area! And it kinda looks like the Deathstar. I mean, maybe that’s not a sell for you, but I’m certainly all ears.

These prefab pod homes can be built quite fast and adding an affordable price tag to that, it makes it an option for any socio-economic level and a viable solution for emergency housing, too.

This particular pod was designed by Broisson Architects of Naucalpan, Mexico.

“The shelter could become another option for developing low cost housing with very short building time and could improve the quality of the life for people without access to decent housing,” say the architects.

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1. Diapers: …and not just the cloth ones. Did you know that, on average, a baby will go through about six thousand diapers before they’re potty trained? Well, a company called ‘Knowaste’ makes disposable diapers that can be recycled.
2. Soap: That’s right — soap! A non profit organization called ‘Clean the World’ collects leftover soap and shampoo from hotels and donates it to those in need.
3. Caskets: This one nearly blew my mind yesterday and, you know, I don’t know why cause you’d think this was a no-brainer: Why not be buried in something that will easily biodegrade or is made from recycled materials? Seems silly not too, but I suppose that’s just my opinion. And besides being eco-friendly, it’s also much less expensive, too!
4. Running shoes: I am a big gym-goer so I own several pairs of running shoes, cross trainers, ones with shock absorbtion, etc. When you’re done with running shoes that are still in relatively good shape, they can be donated to the less fortunate. But the thing is, for me anyway, they’re so incredibly pricey that you can be sure that I use them until they can no longer be worn. The good news is, they can still be made into building materials. Check out RecycledRunners.com to find out where you can bring your old runners.

Mattel — once known for Barbie and Hot Wheels and all of my favourite childhood toys — is now, sadly, synonymous with lead-filled choking hazards, to put it bluntly: Barbie’s packin’ lead.

The Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSIA) has recently granted Mattel’s request to use its own labs for testing. What? You read that right. Though I’d love to believe that Mattel could be accountable for itself, testing for lead and phthalates is very pricey. And with no one really watching…

Did you know that Mattel spent over $1 million dollars last year in lobbying costs? Hrmm.

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Apparently in certain eco crowds there’s an ongoing debate as to whether or not diesel engines save you more gas for less money than hybrid systems do. I’ve been learning about this this morning, but I’m not sure that I know enough yet to formulate a proper opinion. So I’m trying to stay unbiased for now.

European car companies seem to argue that this is true — that diesel engines save more money. While poking around the internet for some info, I happened to find out that Peugeot – a European car company known for its diesel cars – is coming out with a hybrid in 2011.

The car will have the front wheels powered by the diesel engine while the back wheels will be powered by the electric system. The car will be able to travel up to 30 mph on electricity alone. Peugeot is currently calling this hybrid system the ‘HYBrid4′.

Being a diesel/electric hybrid, it’ll certainly be a pricey SUV, but at it’s boasted 50 MPG, it might be worth it!

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Okay, maybe not like this... think less outer-spacey and more plant-a-pretty-tree-ish.

…in three easy steps? I wish!

So, I bet you’re all wondering — what’s Bambi’s top secret project? What does this crazy lady have up her sleeve? Where’d I put the lid to the peanut butter? (Okay, maybe it’s only me who’s wondering that.) Well here it is, folks.

A little while ago I heard about this neat-o little gas station located in the west end of Ottawa called Topia Greenstop and Real Cafe.  I didn’t even know that this place existed – which really isn’t that out of the ordinary for a gas station, especially for this non-drivin’, bus-takin’ gal. This isn’t your ordinary gas station, however — here you can get all natural BioDiesel and ethanol blends of fuel. And not only is it a gas station, it’s a cafe too! The Real Cafe sells organic food — and not just your run-of-the-mill organic food, but really delicious looking wraps, natural cola and soft drinks, and organic coffee. In doing a bit of research, I’ve also discovered that the building was created with environmentally friendly materials too.  The cabinets are made of recycled straw board and the counter tops are made of chemical-free and renewable poured concrete. This super unique gas station is Canada’s first renewable energy stop. How cool is that?

Now, to preface this (for those who don’t know me), I am not an organic food kinda gal. If I’ve ever eaten it, it was by mistake. It’s not that I refuse to eat organic food, or that I hate the planet, or some other crazy reason like that. It’s just that I’m used to eating the foods I grew up with. I walk right past the organics section to grab the apples that I already know and love.  Plus — what about price? Organic food sounds more expensive, but to be fair, I don’t think I’ve ever really compared. It doesn’t even cross my mind, most times. And another thing — I think I may avoid organic foods based on their names “whole grain” and “free range” and “chemical-free”… while the idea of me avoiding food that says these things on it is hilarious to me, I think my fear is that I’ll look like one of those people — the people that are snooty about everything that they put into their body… but hey, are they wrong? You’ve only got one body. Shouldn’t I be more choosey about what kinds of crazy things I stuff down my gullet? Ding! Idea!

Oooh! Oooh! What’s the idea? Oh the suspense is killing me! (Click me!)