It’s Raining, It’s Pouring...

Being luxurious can sometimes mean that you are able to take that extra step towards sustainability and green living. While water has long been on the radar as an environmental concern, for most Americans, rain has barely been considered a solution. While we, the eco-conscious, will turn off the water while brushing our teeth, take shorter showers, and conserve water in the laundry process, we allow the rain that covers our homes and communities to go down the drain, serving little purpose other than perhaps a gentle car-wash. Attitudes towards rain water are changing, however, and an Australian company has created a chic product that makes rain harvesting easy. Inspiration Australia, as an island nation, is well aware of the threat of global warming. Australia recently suffered from 5 years of drought, which started the wheels turning for how to interact more sustainably with water. An average suburban home with a roof area of 1,000 square feet can capture about 600 gallons of water from only 1 inch of rain. Using tested methods, the company Aussie Rain Tanks figured out that you can divert the first batch of “dirty” rain, which collects the dirt and dust that inevitably settles on the roof. The rain after that point is clean and is filtered before being stored in a tank. Uses and Models The rain stored in the Aussie Rain Tanks is used exclusively to flush toilets through additionally plumbing to the house. Should the tank become empty, there is a back-up connection to the municipal water supply so no problems should arise. The Aussie Rain Tanks website concentrates mostly on water conservation in California, as it is the most populous state and has an unstable water supply. These tanks, however, can be used all throughout the United States. Their models range from the “tower” which can become a feature piece in your yard or garden, to the “under deck” which is completely hidden from sight. So, if you’re looking for a way to make a sizable environmental impact without a much of a hassle, consider getting a rain tank. You could become the trendsetter for your eco-chic neighborhood in water conservation and re-use! Image Credit: SoilErosion.net, Aussie Rain Tanks

Green Week

The popular television network NBC has declared the week of November 15th “Green Week.” From environmental themed shows to public service announcements on how to be more sustainable, NBC spent last week trying to inform the public and make a difference. PSAs “The more you know” has long been the catchphrase for NBC’s public service announcements, but last week’s programming was peppered with many more announcements than usual. These announcements are in place to educate people on sustainable tips, ranging from using reusable shopping bags to conserving water. These announcements are made by actors from many of the different NBC shows. One interesting tactic that NBC has taken is to post the PSAs from this year’s Green Week online, as well as those from Green Weeks in 2008 and 2007. Check out their website to see all of these sustainable messages. Green Tips In addition to their on-air sustainability tips, NBC.com offers a variety of insight on green living. While some of the information they offer overlaps with topics that The Green Connoisseur has already discussed, they have a very convenient short list of important green tips, such as shopping at a farmer’s market, which is always a great thing to review. Programming The commitment to a green theme was taken so seriously this year that most of the shows airing on NBC has sustainability related messages. The late-night commentary made green jokes while some sitcoms included their own “Green Week” within the show. Al Gore was involved and there was even a green wedding featured on a soap opera! This week is to be coupled with NBC’s commitment to green programming during Earth Week in April to offer two weeks worth of environmental commitment a year. While for us green connoisseurs, every week might be green week, NBC has used their great power to educate and encourage sustainable behavior for their viewers. Image credit: recycled PeRspective, NBC, GLiving

Flow2 Kitchen: The Space That Does it All

Imagine a kitchen that could grow your food, keep it fresh, cook it, and compost it - all in one convenient, eco-friendly space.  The Flow2 kitchen concept can do just that, plus it offers plenty of storage and requires a fraction of the electricity used by even an Energy Star rated kitchen!

Designed by Studio Gorm, the Flow2 kitchen concept reduces, reuses, and recycles in the area of our homes that typically wastes the most.  The minimalist, self-sufficient space is constructed of native hardwoods and stainless steel, boasting an assortment of double-duty features.

• A contemporary dish rack supplies drying and storage space, while watering the fresh herb garden below;
• Beech wood storage box lids slide forward as needed, offering an antimicrobial built-in cutting board;
• The integrated composter, conveniently located by the cutting board, eliminates food waste and creates a natural fertilizer for the herb garden.

Besides minimizing space, water usage, and waste - the Flow2 concept also reduces the amount of electricity needed.  An evaporative cooling fridge keeps fruits, vegetables, and dairy products fresh without power, while a countertop gas stove provides cooking space.  

Storage and garden space, plus innovative features that protect and preserve natural resources, make the Flow2 kitchen concept an eco-friendly dream kitchen that we would love to see in production!  A second version is planned for the future and promises to be even more eco-friendly, including grey-water recycling and people-powered gadgets.

Source: An eco-friendly kitchen design

Luxury Condo + Green Technology + NY = Riverhouse

A geothermal system heats and cools the building. High-efficiency hot water heaters. An onsite escape called the Treehouse Getaway. Situated in Battery Park City, the 264-unit condominium called the Riverhouse offers an array of cutting edge amenities and green technology features. You certainly won't be disappointed if you've chosen this luxury condo as your green sanctuary. Just ask celebrities, like Leonardo Di Caprio, who have already claimed a sustainable space to call their own. From very start of the building process to the extravagant amenities afforded to residents, the Riverhouse certainly makes it much harder to leave the comforts of your home. Just some of the features of the Riverhouse to consider when shopping for a luxury condo in the New York City region, include: Eco-Friendly Building Process: Built from non-pollutant materials and relying on solar-powered energy, the Riverhouse also supported local products to decrease fuel consumption. Photovoltaic Cells: Following the Sun's path as it travels across the sky, photovoltaic cells supply electricity to the elevators and utilities of the Riverhouse. Water Recycling: Separate plumbing lines makes the most out of the condo's water use. "Gray water" (from baths, showers and kitchens) is reused in the gardens. "Black water" is treated and then recycled. Triple-Pane Window System: An all-weather dream, the space between the innermost and middle panes provides vented cool air circulation during warm days. To prepare for a winter in New York, the vent closes and the space between the panes serve as an additional thermal barrier against cold air. Putting Greenery to Good Use: Plants decorate the roof of the condominium, in an effort to naturally reduce the temperature of the building and place less stress on the city's sewer system by capturing rainwater and putting it to good use. Hanging Out: The Billiards Room allows friendly games between residents to take place. Shoot a little 8-Ball or challenge your neighbor to a chess match – all while surrounded by gorgeous, spacious views. Indoor 50' Lap Pool: Enjoy less-irritating waters. With ultraviolet light killing bacteria, the Riverhouse has reduced its need to use harsh chemicals, like chlorine. 5 Things to Do at the Riverhouse The Riverhouse makes it convenient for busy, on-the-go New Yorkers to find time to accomplish a range of activities without ever having to travel across town or step outside the coziness of their residence.

• Check your email at the media café
• Sculpt rock-hard abs at the fitness center
• Center yourself at the yoga studio
• Pamper resident pooches at the dog spa
• Let the kids burn off excess energy at the children's playroom

Average Price: One-bedroom ($835,000) Five-bedroom ($8 million) Image Credits: The Riverhouse