Innovative architects turn used shipping containers into homes

Lately I've been interested in using shipping containers as studio/office space, or even housing. Looks like people are way ahead of me. I found this great article on SF Gate about some of the more innovative approaches to using shipping containers in architecture.

Green your home

Being earth-friendly doesn't require going solar or growing all your own food. There are plenty of easy ways to make a big difference.

The MSN real estate section includes ideas such as new energy efficient appliances, temp, water consumption, environmentally friendly cleaners etc. to make your home "Green".

Water Conservation: Grey water recycling

According to their website Ecoplay is a "unique water management system which collects and cleans bath and shower water so it can be reused for flushing the toilet."

Ecoplay also claims this system to reduce water consumption by up to 30%.

This might be the water saving solution to those in low-precipitation areas.

Water Conservation

Cut down on your water bill by harvesting rain water to flush your toilet.

Besides the more important environmental issues, most of us in urban areas pay for domestic potable water. I have calculated that each flush of the rainwater toilet (1.6 gallons) saves me just over 1 cent. Costing less than $100 to install, this system will pay for itself over the years.

Also, I have the satisfaction of a small level of self-sufficiency from an urban lifestyle otherwise dependant on society for survival.

Sounds good to me, especially in areas with high precipitation, and even in isolated areas.

Banning incandescent light bulbs

From BBC News:

Australia has announced plans to ban incandescent light bulbs and replace them with more energy efficient fluorescent bulbs.

The environment minister said the move could cut the country's greenhouse gas emissions by 4 million tonnes by 2012.

"It's a little thing but it's a massive change," Malcolm Turnbull said.

The decision will make Australia the first country to ban the light bulbs, although the idea has also been proposed in the US state of California.

Link provided by Make: (via BBC News)