I work in energy efficiency, but that doesn't mean I'm not interested in water conservation. I own my own house, and although I use 1/4 the water as anyone else in Porltand (according to the Water Bureau person I talked to) that doesn't mean I could/should just start wasting water.

I have a couple of schemes for an upcoming bathroom remodel.  It ( Read more... )

Excess and faith in markets have created our worst enemy as a society.  A permanent culling of profitable, long-term agricultural land being used for short-term profit.  This could be the end of society and is a perfect example of why capitalism is, in fact, not the best allocator of resources.  Instead, we have pavement and homes for pavement and ( Read more... )

http://www.coolenergyinc.com/Imagine a home power system that uses only the free fuel from the sun to generate heat and electrical power, day and night, all year long through the use of simple solar thermal collectors and heat engine technology. Now imagine that the same core heat engine ( Read more... )

Neighborhood Notes - Power to the People: Solarize Portland:Led by Southeast Uplift Neighborhood Coalition and Energy Trust of Oregon, the group is going through the process together-from learning how solar works, to installing systems on their roofs. Because of their bulk buying power, they will save 25 percent off their purchase price. This is in ( Read more... )

Changes to zoning code boost courtyard housing projects:In 2007, Portland invited architects from around the world to share ideas on the design possibilities for family-oriented housing built around shared courtyards. The Courtyard Housing Competitionr, receiving some 250 entries, illustrated the range of possible designs for family-oriented ( Read more... )

Clean Energy Works Portland launches 500-home pilot:Clean Energy Works Portland is a new, hassle-free program to make your home more energy efficient while enhancing its comfort and value. This summer, Portland is kicking off a 500-home pilot, to be followed with a broader program next year. There’s still room for new pilot applicants, so check ( Read more... )