Open Source Architecture - TED

Cameron Sinclair

Architecture For Humanity

Open Architecture Network / World Changing

Open Source Architecture / WIKI

This organization has over 40+ charters associated with its cause and growing. Which makes it difficult to associate “ONE” group with the title. The cause being one of humanitarianism and social awareness. They address a plethora of needs associated to design. Allowing the people and community themselves to design solutions to their own needs. These solutions work and can be implemented seamlessly with the efforts and support of others. Also, with the assurance that the solutions function. The result isn’t architecture that is meant to be idolized, revered or iconized, but rather act as a catalyst of change. Architecture that reforms, strengthens and improves the quality of life amongst communities across the globe. WOW!!! I mean can there be any better architecture model?

Coal Simplified

Original Post on TreeHugger

If you are like us and find that BIG ISSUES are sometimes daunting and a little overwhelming, then you’ll love this video. This is a short, visually simple and comprehensive insight into the devastating and lasting effects of coal consumption.

4 simple steps in embracing the BIG ISSUES:

1. WHAT - Acknowledge the problem
2. WHY - Learn about the issue and come to an understanding of its cause(s) and effect(s)
3. FIX - Formulate an educated response to the issue by providing a solution
4. ACTION - Get involved with the solution

Catapult Design - Social Change

Catapult Design Website [You can also click the logo above]

Design Observer Article

Catapult Design is a San Francisco based firm that is developing projects around the globe. The concept is simple, DESIGN DEDICATED TO SOCIAL CHANGE. A non-profit with big aspirations as well as hearts. With projects relating to Wind Turbines, Solar Power & LED Lighting this company is on the path to an ever expanding movement. They are helping social conditions and implementing fundamental technologies that leave a monumental impact. 

In the Design Observer Article, they journalistically dissect the Catapult’s ability of starting a company on: HOW TO RUN A DESIGN FIRM FOR SOCIAL CHANGE. It’s important for us as a nation and community to get behind these progressive idealistic organizations. Appreciation, progress and backing are vital to their successes. I for one can’t think anything more necessary during this moment of need around the world. 

In an effort to bring awareness and relevancy to an inspiring program, I hope this post finds its way into your hearts as it has ours. It’s often these companies that don’t get the recognition they deserve but are so important to the balance of human nature.

ABC - Extreme Makeover Home Edition

ABC. Extreme Makeover Home Edition - Website

Hulu - Extreme Makeover Home Edition - Website

Ty Pennington Style - Website

I find it hard to believe that anyone wouldn’t know what ABC’s Extreme Makeover Home Edition is all about or who, Ty Pennington, the star team leader is. Although I’ve attached “The Ward Family” video above, this post is dedicated to the show itself.

There just aren’t words to justify how special this program is. I can’t imagine what it must mean for the people they help. It’s pay it forward on a grand scale. It would be interesting to see how many people are affected by this gesture of kindness.

It’s reassuring to the humanitarian in my heart that GOOD DOES EXIST. Beyond what it can do for a single family or neighbor, it’s a reflection on this great nation and its community. I believe people want to be good and do good. It’s unfortunate when you see so much willpower from those you least expect and how difficult they struggle to provide. So many of us have so much to be grateful for and appreciative of, but so few of us are taking major leaps in the effort for others. This is a movement of selflessness, hope, inspiration and change.

What I love most about this show is, how real the people are. They aren’t foreign to our ways of life or CGI animations. These are our brothers, sisters, husbands, wives, friends, children and loved ones. It’s one of those pure moments in life that consume your emotions. A reflection that is so easily lost in our chaotic routines. It’s an exceptional and liberating journey into the soul. 

Eco-Valcucine

Eco-Valcucine Blog
Valcucine Website

Valcucine has gained a reputation for over 27 years as a leader in ECO-FRIENDLY KITCHEN DESIGN. From experience I can attest that designers and consumers alike are constantly impressed with Valcucine’s equipment. The hardware and mechanisms are like no other. The designs are infinite. The minimalist workspaces and storage solutions are without a doubt some of the most elegant on the market.

This is a company with values as well. Valcucine is known for their reliable customer service, portfolio of award winning kitchen designs, higher standard of installation and thoughtfulness to the environment.

Sustainable Jobs

Sustainable Business.Com

The Environmental Careers Organization

Like all times and places we are in the midst of a major crisis. Our opportunities and successes are skewed. The freedoms our generation[s] still fight for aren’t where they should be. 

What we have is a large portion of the demographics stuck in the low / middle class and fighting for basic necessities. 1 of 8 people in the US go hungry every night.

Our society has conditioned us to believe that hard work and sacrifice[s] is for a cause greater than ourselves. Let’s put our integrity, happiness and other people before the all mighty buck.

We have a society based on it’s materialism and power hungry appetite. Recent figures show a major decline across the globe in the GDP. It’s a rat race and we are fighting for mediocrity. The positions exist and people are waiting for others to step up. Lets beat down those doors and encourage one another. We can make things right.

Eco Smart Fire

My hope is that this will be the spark to ignite an inspiring fire of many more to come.

Wouldn’t it be nice if we could have the that romantic relaxing moment by a fire and not feel guilty for what it’s doing to our environment? To all my fellow hopeless romantic treehuggers out there, now we can! Thanks to ECOSMART FIRE  not only can we enjoy those much needed serene moments, but you can do it in style.

So put away that organic cotton blanket, get a cup of organic tea and curl up next to that special someone, enjoy the heat!

AG - Alchemy Goods

Alchemy Goods Website

Ag has created a product line from rubber bike tubes. Their products are 70%(+) post consumer material.

The Intelligent Consumer:
Necessity of the product, functionality / purpose, material implications, lifetime expectancy / after-use intents, construction / production processes, ergonomics [when it applies], customer relations, warranty / guarantees. I would suggest these as a simple and beginning guide to leading a life as an Intelligent Consumer.

Ag gets a 5 star in their customer relations. From personal experience and review/ research I can tell you that they are out to make a lifetime customer. They personally picked out a bag for me and took a picture of it for my approval.

Others, after using their bags for 3 years sent them to the manufacture for minor stitching issues and have raved about their attention. At no cost to the customer they’ve shipped it and performed a through evaluation of the products.

And lets face it…. this bag KICKS ASS…PHALT!