It is always neat to see a new take on playgrounds. Brightly-colored plastic structures are becoming ubiquitous enough that when something different comes along it commands our attention. Of course, when something is this different, it commands not only our attention but our respect as well. More

Since I arrived in Mexico City a couple months ago, I have observed many new and old homes with strange contraptions on the roof. At first I thought they were skylights, but then I realized that they are in fact solar water heaters. This seemed like a great idea, especially for places that get a lot of sun. Not only are they economical, but they also help to save resources. After doing a little research, I learned that heating water is the second largest energy consumer in the average American home, so a more efficient system would mean great savings in energy costs.
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The days are finally growing longer, bit by bit (there was a hint of daylight left when I got out of work!), but light is still a premium resource. My numerous CFLs and even more numerous sparkly string lights are doing their best, but here are a few new ways to add light to your life.. More

When you think of your dream home — what words come to mind? Soaring ceilings, an amazing view, a large lot or vintage charm? According to a recent study, the most popular feature for the American dream home is energy efficiency. Surprised? More

Name: ICON Solar House built by the College of Design, the College of Science and Engineering, and the College of Continuing Education at the University of Minnesota for the 2009 Solar Decathlon competition.
Location: Built in St. Paul, moved to Washington D.C. for competition, now currently on the East Bank campus of the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis
Years lived in: none, yet

The U.S. Department of Energy hosts a Solar Decathlon every other year that challenges cross disciplinary teams of students to design, build, transport and re-assemble solar powered houses. The University of Minnesota entered the ICON Solar House against nineteen other international schools in the 2009 competition. The house is currently assembled in Minneapolis while it awaits its next use. At a lean 450 square feet, the home is often described as the, "perfect little cabin." This home is customized to be net zero energy on an annual basis in a northern climate. I met with Dan Handeen, Assistant Project Manager for the ICON Solar House, for a tour.

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A reader recently asked The New York Times which green updates have the biggest impact on resale value. Curious as to what they discovered? Check it out below: More

With all this talk about the iPhone battery issues we sometimes forget that all this mobile power is supplied by the power in our homes. What if we ran out of juice at home? Or we needed a backup boost? Or simply wan to get off the grid and supply our own energy from alternative sources? We highlight some great alternative energy sources that Unplggd has covered, ranging from solar to wind to even using your car as an emergency generator. More

It's been very well documented that visual feedback is enough to help consumers decrease their energy use by as much as 15%. By understanding their own energy use, people can make better decisions regarding consumption, saving money and reducing demands on the energy grid during peak periods. So wouldn't it be great if we could control and view our resource consumption, anywhere at anytime, even with our smart phones? More

As we enter Slow Home Month, I thought it'd be good to revisit a past green tour that is a beautiful example of the Slow Home movement. One of my first green tours, Anne's house, continues to be one of my favorite projects: a small 1960s ranch house lovingly renovated to last a lifetime and beyond. More

We love the idea behind Solar Ivy, the small ivy-like solar energy gathering devices developed by Brooklyn-based SMIT ("Sustainable Minded Interactive Technology"). These tiny individual solar panels are affixed to buildings via a flexible, bendable stainless steel mesh that curves around almost any surface. For a more decorative touch, the leaves can also be arranged in lighter concentrations over windowed areas to act as a sort of filter or screen...

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