inhabitat
walkway with two bodies of water on either side
View Gallery (11)
Architecture

Canada unveils its first chemical-free public outdoor pool and it's gorgeous

Toronto-based architects, gh3* have just unveiled a stunning chemical-free natural pool in the city of Edmonton, Alberta. The Borden Park Natural Swimming Pool, which replaced an existing pool that dated back to the 1950s, was incorporated with several innovative natural filtration processes that uses a combination...
red machine bulldozing trees in a forest
View Gallery (2)
Environment

The planet is losing an area of forest cover the size of the UK each year

The rate of world deforestation continues to accelerate, despite governments’ promises to reverse it. Now, the world loses 64 million acres a year of forested land, which is equivalent to the size of the United Kingdom, according to a new study by Climate Focus. Thirty-seven governments as well as many...
river in mountainous region of Oregon
View Gallery (2)
Environment

EPA repeals water protections, choosing industry over wetlands

On Thursday, the Trump administration repealed the Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule, an Obama-era policy designed to protect waterways. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Andrew Wheeler said the EPA plans to reinstate 1980s water rules. The EPA and U.S. Army will decide this winter which waterways...
steaming orange latte in a pumpkin mug
View Gallery (6)
Eat & Drink

The environmental cost of the pumpkin spice latte

With fall around the corner, the pumpkin spice latte (PSL) has already taken over Starbucks menus across the country, and it’s likely that the crisp mornings will send you straight for the drive-thru. But before you prove your loyalty to the iconic, autumnal beverage, consider the effects your morning brew might...
white building with a green wall
View Gallery (10)
Architecture

LEED Platinum Co|Lab Building brings first-ever CLT structure to Virginia

Earlier this summer, William McDonough + Partners and HITT Contracting officially opened Co|Lab, an innovative research space in Falls Church that has received LEED Platinum certification for its high-performance design. It is also the first cross-laminated timber structure in Virginia and the first commercial...
bus turned into swimming pool
View Gallery (14)
Architecture

Artist converts old city bus into public swimming pool

As the the last vestiges of summer are upon us, the residents of one French region can still squeeze out a little summer fun thanks to French artist Benedetto Bufalino. The artist, who is known for converting old automobiles into fun and functional objects, has recently presented the northern French region of...
vegetarian burritos and Crunch Wrap on blue background vegetarian burritos and Crunch Wrap on blue background
View Gallery (1)
News

Taco Bell launches new menu for vegetarians

While in-the-know vegetarians have navigated Taco Bell’s menu for years, the fast food chain is moving plant-based food to the forefront with an official vegetarian section on its menu. The new menu debuts Thursday, Sept. 12 at Taco Bell’s 7,000 U.S. restaurants. Only two of the items in the vegetarian...

While in-the-know vegetarians have navigated Taco Bell’s menu for years, the fast food chain is moving plant-based food to the forefront with...
white lab rat held in gloved hands white lab rat held in gloved hands
View Gallery (1)
News

EPA promises an end to animal testing

Animal rights activists are rejoicing this week. On Tuesday, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a move to "aggressively reduce animal testing" and to stop funding mammal tests by 2035. EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler promised to reduce new mammal tests by 30 percent by 2025 and pledged $4.25...

Animal rights activists are rejoicing this week. On Tuesday, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a move to "aggressively reduce...