2011 saw a plethora of controversial stories and shocking discoveries on the parenting front. From a genderless baby named Storm to reports of arsenic found in apple juice and an alarming new study revealing kids’ brains absorb twice as much cell phone radiation as adults, there was plenty food for thought for anyone with kids. Jump ahead to see all of the biggest headline-grabbing green kids and parenting news of the year, and be sure to vote for you favorite!

VOTE HERE >

The Düsseldorf International Airport is about to flip the switch on one of the largest solar arrays in Germany. The 8,400 panel, 2 megawatt solar array spans the space of six soccer fields, and it was finished in time to start feeding power to the grid before the clock strikes 2012. To prove the solar array’s everyday worth, the airport has installed a real time statistics ticker in the airport lobby so passengers can see how much energy it is creating and how much carbon dioxide is being diverted from the atmosphere.

Read More >

2011 was another great year for green transportation, with the unveiling of numerous new electric vehicles, planes, trains and more. With green transportation solidifying its status as a viable alternative to its carbon heavy counterparts, this year certainly saw no shortage of exciting new developments in the industry. From a sturdy electric-powered unicycle to assist the police force, to a 1,352 mpg hypermiling car developed by an 11-year old, to news that Jay Leno has driven his very own Volt a whopping 11,000 miles, check out our most popular green transportation stories of 2011 – as determined by your views – and vote for your #1 choice.

 Loading ...

A stunning modern design by David Ajasa-Adekunle, the Tetra Shed is sweet solution for those looking for extra office space. Built to be set in the backyard or a garden, the design’s modular construction also features foldout doors and windows to pull in plenty of natural light and fresh air. Available in a variety of colors as well as copper, zinc, steel and plywood facades, its distinct yet organic shape allows it to blend in seamlessly with any site — we can even imagine succulents growing on its surface! The Tetra Shed will be available for purchase starting next year.

+Tetra Shed

Via Hypebeast

Talk about being fashion-forward – this year we saw sustainable style leap into the future as designers unveiled an incredible array of wearable technology concepts. From air-purifying jeans to solar-powered army uniforms to amazing contact lenses that give you Terminator-style vision, the future of fashion tech looks bright. Check out the top stories of 2011 ahead, and don’t forget to cast a vote for you favorite design!

VOTE HERE >

2011 was a big year in the world of DIY – whether it be because more and more people want to save money, reuse materials or just have a little fun. Nowadays getting your own hands dirty and making (literally) the most of what you already have is more mainstream than ever and the popularity of our “How To” posts on Inhabitat has been an excellent barometer showing this change in the status quo. From making your own moss graffiti to greenery-filled DIY terrariums to scrumptious homemade cupcakes, read on to see our top how-to posts of the year and vote for your favorite!

 Loading ...

Socrates Sculpture Park and the Architectural League are now inviting emerging architects and designers to apply for the opportunity to build and exhibit a full-scale project around the theme of an architectural folly. This residency was established to explore the intersections between architecture and sculpture, and the increasing overlaps in references, materials, and building techniques between the two disciplines. By definition a fanciful architectural form built to lend interest to a view or serve as a conversation piece, the folly is an ideal launching point for a dynamic exploration of architectural form and its relationship to sculpture. A jury of architects, artists, curators, and arts administrators will select a single project to realize at full-scale within the grounds of Socrates Sculpture Park. The recipient will receive a $5,000 production grant to fund the project, as well as full access to the resources and fabrication facilities of Socrates Sculpture Park’s NYC outdoor studio during a two-month residency at the Park, beginning in May 2012. The completed project will open to the public in July 2012. Submit your ideas by January 16, 2012 for consideration.

Read More >

An old, vintage bike becomes something to primp over in this design that turned a forgotten two-wheeler into a beautifully hand-crafted vanity and sink. Created by New Orleans-based crafter and decorator Benjamin Bullins, this bike sink is super clever and a great piece of decor for those who love cycling.

Read More >

As island nations around the world look for solutions to stem rising sea levels due to climate change, a new land mass has spontaneously popped out of the Red Sea. The smoking hot island is acting as a real-time geographical lesson in how volcanic oceanic islands are formed — it is bubbling above the surface due to a recently active volcano. NASA captured the rising island (shown above) from their Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) – check out an image of the spot before the volcanic eruption after the jump.

Read More >

Providing ample seating while entertaining guests can be a challenge – especially if you live in a small space and don’t have room for lots of chairs. To solve this problem, Dutch designer Rianne Koens developed her Oturakast series of modular stools, which can be stacked up to form a cabinet when they’re not in use. Each wooden unit features moveable legs that can be unfolded into a seat or folded up for stacking to create a custom modular cabinet. This simple yet beautiful design is a stroke of space-saving brilliance that makes the most of any tiny apartment.

Read More >

The annual New Year’s Eve celebration in Times Square will once again showcase the dropping of a dazzling green ball, as the iconic sphere will be illuminated by energy efficient Philips LEDs! The LED ball will also welcome the new U.S. energy and lighting standards that go into effect on January 1st, under the Energy Independence and Security Act. In addition, Philips’ new LED light bulbs will be available for home use.

Read More >

 

 

Park Slope’s Ger-Nis Culinary and Herb Center is serious about educating New Yorkers about the beauty and benefits of healthy foods. In both hands-on and lecture style classes, Ger-Nis helps its students learn the importance of sustainable eating, from growing to cooking. With an emphasis on local and organic fair trade farming, the center is also a source of support for local farmers, chefs, artisans, and urban farming.

 

Read More >

 

 

What was once a shoe factory in the industrial part of Engomi, Cyprus is now a bright and colorful academic building for the Architecture Research Center at the University of Nicosia. Designed by Petros Konstantinou and Yiorgos Hadjichristou Architects, the ARC features multi-functional space, sliding doors and a bright, naturally daylit interior - perfect conditions for the study of architecture. The building was re-skinned with colored polycarbonate panels which transmit a pleasant light inside. Completed in 2011 and still very new, the building will over time be covered in vegetation to provide additional shading.

 

Read More >

2011 saw no shortage of eye-opening news over at Inhabitots – Inhabitat’s site for green parents and kids. In the past year we saw researchers discover arsenic in apple juice, we were enchanted by a LEGO re-creation of a WALL-E robot, and we were both grossed out and intrigued by a man opting to sustain himself solely on his wife’s breast milk. Check out which Inhabitots stories rose to the top six this year, and be sure to cast your vote for your favorite!

 Loading ...