Most New Yorkers have heard of the Spectra natural gas pipeline and the dangers it poses – but until recently, it’s felt like a vague, far-off worry that may or may not happen. Unfortunately that couldn’t be further from the truth, as the pipeline (also referred to as NJ-NY Expansion Project) is already in progress and is set to be complete this fall, bringing with it the very clear and present danger of exposure to radon (a known cancer-causing radioactive gas) and high-pressure gas explosions. The pipeline is being built directly underneath Manhattan’s West Village, and residents in the area are very concerned about the possibility of flammable water coming out of their taps as seen in the video after the jump. Their arguments are not unfounded – in 2012 alone, there were 244 pipeline incidents resulting in 10 deaths and over $180 million in damages.

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Japanese and Russian artist Miya Ando released 1,000 floating bioluminescent leaves on a Puerto Rican pond in a glorious site-specific installation that lasted just a single day. The leaves appear clear during the day and radiate a soft blue glow at night. The project was commissioned by Puerto Rico's Fist Art Foundation.

 

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Where some people see flaws in salvaged timber, such as holes carved over time or stress splits, New York's Palo Samko sees beauty. So instead of hiding these so-called imperfections, the carpenter, designer and devoted father showcases them in his reclaimed furniture - though he also ensures his pieces are structurally sound by incorporating unique joinery into the designs. We are big fans of his work and highly recommend that you seek out the man and his art next week at BKLYN Designs 2013.

 

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The mall-ification of NYC has been pretty difficult to ignore, and it seems like every week another one of the small shops that makes our city so unique gets replaced with a shiny new outpost of some national corporation. A similar fate has been looming over Bleecker Bob’s Golden Oldies, one of the West Village’s most beloved record stores. With rent jacked up to prices that are impossible to pay, the hallowed hall of vinyl recently revealed on their  Facebook page that another tenant, Forever Yogurt, would be moving in when their lease was up. But the story doesn’t end there – as another, rather ingenious, solution could be in the works.

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The art collective of Nikola-Lenivets outside of Moscow will soon have a new studio facility. An old barn is slated to be turned into a working studio for architects and artists that will include living accommodations. The pre-Soviet Era barn is set to receive a new addition designed by Moto Designshop that will utilize local and natural materials and draw inspiration from historic Russian building techniques.

 

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She cherishes the homemade cards and the handprints set in clay, but this Mother’s Day take the DIY-ing up a notch and treat mom to an exquisite gift that’s also a labor of love. We’re highlighting 6 awesome presents that dads and kids (or anyone!) can make with their own hands to truly wow the lady who gave them life. From a necktie necklace and confetti earrings to an aromatherapy herberrarium and a fabric sample self portrait, roll up your sleeves and get busy crafting the perfect offering for Mother’s Day.

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Spring is the perfect time of year to plant a garden, and it’s a great opportunity to get your kids involved in gardening at a young age. Over at our green parenting site Inhabitots, we’ve put together a tutorial for how to plant a simple herb garden using eggshell planters. All you need for this simple project is an egg carton, some egg shells, soil, seeds — and a willingness to get your hands dirty. Head over to Inhabitots to view the entire DIY tutorial.

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Winter weather isn’t kind to skin. Snow and hail lash into sensitive cheeks and foreheads, cold winds chafe at us, and indoor heating systems leave us flaky, dry, and itchy. Though the rest of our bodies stay protected (if somewhat neglected) by clothing during the cold months, our faces bear the brunt of all that ugly weather each and every day. As you switch up your personal care routine in preparation for the spring and summer months, don’t forget to pamper that gorgeous part of you that greets the world each and every day: your face. Keep reading for seven simple face masks that you can make at home.

 

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Everything changed for Boston Magazine when the Boston marathon explosions occurred just three days before they were due to publish their next issue. The editors had very little time to completely re-work the content to not only pay homage to the runners, many of whom were badly maimed, but also to build up the city’s sense of resilience. In a herculean communal effort, the magazine’s staff, families and runners worked together to gather and arrange more than 100 pairs of runners’ shoes into the shape of a heart – and then Mitchell Feinberg snapped this iconic image.

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The world’s largest inflatable rubber duck sailed into the Victoria Harbor in Hong Kong yesterday. The 46-foot-tall and 55-foot-long floating sculpture, which is the work of Dutch conceptual artist Florentijin Hofman, was pulled into the harbor by a tiny tug boat, causing quite a stir among the curious locals. The Rubber Duck has already visited Sydney, Osaka and Sao Paolo, and will remain in Hong Kong until June 9.

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Mother’s Day is just around corner and if you’ve yet to plan anything for your mum, we’ve got you covered (you can thank us later). Treat her to a relaxing day at the spa or a rewarding stroll that supports the health of women and girls in New York. Or just spend time bonding over a brunch of fresh, local bites. Check out our list of six super cool, eco-friendly activities around NYC to help you build an unforgettable Mother’s Day itinerary that sure beats the bouquet of flowers you've been thinking about ordering.

 

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It's May, the trees are blossoming, and Mother's Day is just around the corner, so we've put together a whole new collection of 11 eco-tastic gifts that will show your Mom just how special she is. From orchid-infused body lotions to an extraordinary necklace made from sliced Tagua nut to a unique succulent wall planter kit, each gift was made with love from the safest, natural materials. And if the woman in your life needs a springtime wardrobe boost, we've got you covered with a handwoven diamond pattern hobo bag or an airplane wrap that is perfect for chilly spring nights. Hit the jump to find 11 gifts that will honor both your mama and the earth.

 

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As the death toll in the Rana Plaza building collapse outside the Bangladesh capital of Dhaka continues to climb, the connection between the decisions we make as consumers and the loss of life is becoming harder to ignore. Self-policing by corporate social-responsibility programs isn’t working, and it’s our insatiable desire for more fast fashion that is fueling cost-cutting measures that lead to unthinkable tragedies like the one in Bangladesh. Although we aren’t directly responsible for the negligence that led to this particular incident, by supporting the industry that continues to drive prices down at the expense of workers’ lives, we are all complicit.

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Foster and Partners just unveiled some eco-friendly updates to their futuristic proposal for Apple’s new campus in Cupertino, California. The spaceship-like building, which features a giant circular tree-planted courtyard, will now come with a network of winding pedestrian walkways and bike paths that extend throughout the campus.

 

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This gorgeous Butterfly Beach Home in Montecito, California connects its residents to the seaside landscape with a facade that opens up to the outdoors. The eco-friendly home, designed by Maienza Wilson Interior Design and Architecture, has achieved LEED Platinum status, and it's situated in three block-like sections that are connected with oversized sliding doors. Capped with a lush green roof, the open-air home harmonizes with the nearby beachscape.

 

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