Upcycling, the concept of putting rubbish to good use, isn't anything new, but recently we've been noticing that artists have been taking upcycling to the extreme with large-scale creations built from old car and bike parts. Large art pieces are usually difficult to make, because artists need large workshops, soldering tools and a lot of strength, but when done right it can be worth the trouble. Click through to check out these monstrous sculptures that divert waste by transforming old car and bike parts into sustainable art.

 

Read More >

 

 

In a world with an increasingly virtual connection between humans, CCTV cameras everywhere, new social networks sprouting all the time and too much information thrown at us, quiet cocoons might be the objects we really need. From zero-waste recyclable nests to golden pop-up homes you can fit in your pocket, we've rounded up six of our favorite green cocoons to share now with you. Click through the images to discover peaceful, cozy and tiny shelters made from innovative eco-materials.

 

Read More >

We’re counting down the minutes until we can yell out “Summer!” and dive straight into a pool of bright blue water. Just in time to beat the heat, we’re giving away an Eco Swim by Aqua Green swimsuit of your choice to help you make the most of your sunny days. So whether you’re all about hanging poolside in a barely-there bikini, or prefer a more conservative look when taking a dip in coastal waters, Eco Swim has options aplenty for the bathing beauty.

ENTER TO WIN HERE >

Hen and Hammock‘s beautiful tree trunk stool and scrap wood stool are very cleverly designed pieces of cardboard furniture. The stools are printed with weathered wood patterns, they can stand up to an astonishing 440 pounds (200kg) of weight, and each one only takes three minutes to assemble.

The article above was submitted to us by an Inhabitat reader. Want to see your story on Inhabitat? Send us a tip by following this link. Remember to follow our instructions carefully to boost your chances of being chosen for publishing!

Read More >

AluMosaics is an art form that transforms aluminum cans into stunning works of art. Founded by artist Jeff Ivanhoe, AluMosaics combines recycling with creativity and imagination. Ivanhoe recycles soda and beer cans into beautiful mosaic-style images that celebrate Americana. The subjects of Iavanhoe’s mosaics span everything from classic cars to Elvis. Want to create your own aluminum can mosaics? Use the code “FB050912″ to receive 10% off an instructional DVD from the alumosaics website.

+ Alumosaics

The article above was submitted to us by an Inhabitat reader. Want to see your story on Inhabitat? Send us a tip by following this link. Remember to follow our instructions carefully to boost your chances of being chosen for publishing!

 

 

Are your earrings tangled in a mess on your bureau or scattered about your bathroom cabinet? If you have twenty minutes and a few simple household items on hand, you can quickly and easily craft yourself a mod earring holder from a recycled cardboard box in only eight simple steps! By choosing your favorite colors and materials, you can add a funky accent to your closet or match your new earring holder to your bathroom decor.

 

Read More >

 

 

Concentrating on one single thing at a time instead of multi-tasking -- an activity called flow -- has a huge positive psychological impact and helps "rewire" our brain. Taking this idea into practice, artists from around the world have been patiently creating intricate art using many amazing materials and techniques. Take a very close look at our 6 Best Intricate Tiny Art works that we've come across here at Inhabitat.

 

Read More >

Our living spaces are getting smaller and smaller, and keeping something like a ladder in our apartment is usually out of the question. Designed by Company & Company, this cool, new design comes from the need to simplify an everyday object into something that can easily be stored out of sight with a minimum required space. Made from sustainable wood, and employing some sophisticated joinery, this neat ladder folds down into a compact form that can fit in any corner!

+ Company & Company Design Studio

The article above was submitted to us by an Inhabitat reader. Want to see your story on Inhabitat? Send us a tip by following this link. Remember to follow our instructions carefully to boost your chances of being chosen for publishing!

Tidal farms, which use underwater turbines to harness the power of the planet’s oceans and convert it into electricity, are something that we frequently mention here at Inhabitat. While there are plans to build them all over the world, Scotland achieved a major milestone this week by successfully installing a 10MW tidal power array in the Sound of Islay, off the coast of Orkney.

Read More >

Dr. Steven Chu, head of the US Department of Energy, gave an information-packed, 50-minute speech at the World Renewable Energy Forum in Denver on Wednesday. Speaking to a crowd of renewable energy leaders, Dr. Chu patted the industry on its head but didn’t have many bones to feed a hungry audience. The talk felt more like a college lecture than a political stump speech, with the energy secretary discussing the economics of renewable energy without addressing the cost of carbon.

Read More >

 

 

Designer Allison Patrick (of Zipper8Lighting) saved hundreds of soda can tabs to create these shimmering eco-friendly lampshades, which emit a warm glow from beneath the layers of reclaimed materials. The tabs are carefully attached to a cylindrical plastic shade, and when the light shines through it creates a simple but dazzling effect. Hopefully Allison didn't have to drink all of that soda by herself!

 

Read More >

 

 

Probiomed is developing new high tech campus southwest of Mexico City dedicated to the production of vaccines and pharmaceutical components for medicine to provide a more consistent supply for the country. Grupo de Diseno Urbano designed the master plan, architecture and landscape architecture for the new biomedical campus. Included in the design is a plant, laboratories, offices and a corporate dining hall. Sustainable strategies like daylighting, natural ventilation and rainwater collection make this high-tech biomedical facility top-notch.

 

Read More >