A round-up of what we’re reading right now. 

Because you should never be without a to-go cup: now you can make your own from a mason jar. Just make sure you use a reusable straw. [Via Fine and Feathered]

It’s back-to-school season, but what does education look like in the rest of the world? This portrait slideshow takes us into classrooms from around the globe. [Via Brain Pickings]

Summer isn’t over until the fall equinox, and this healthy Mint Mojito Smoothie might just be the afternoon reminder that you need to embrace the late season. [Via Well+Good NYC]

Movies can be educational, which is why someone came up with this list of Lifetime movies for Republicans who don’t understand rape. [Via The Cut]

Minimalism is on trend right now. Even for Kuwaitis. [Via Dezeen]

Your drinking habits depend on the shape of your glass. [Via The Atlantic]

Our new dream house? A converted barn in France. [Via The Style Files]

On average, Americans eat 200 pounds of meat a year. That’s not just bad for our health, it’s also fueling the water crisis. [Via Mother Jones]

Trying to figure out how to live better in small spaces? You need the Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to Feng Shui. [Via Greatist]

Image: Fine and Feathered

The post Link Love: How to Turn a Mason Jar Into a To-Go Cup, Kuwaiti Minimalism and Movies for Republicans Who Don’t Understand Rape appeared first on EcoSalon.

Somewhere along the way, America the Beautiful land of the free, has morphed into Home of the big, bigger and biggest. Did it happen when no one was looking? Is it like those five pounds you gain over the holidays? Did they just sneak up on us?

Not exactly. In fact, it took years. Of buying, working, shopping, comparing and consequently, blowing our values way out of proportion.

It’s difficult to feel patriotic and proud when we’re seen as the land of Big Macs, buffets and ‘become rich fast because the guy with the most toys wins’. Sadly, the American Dream translates to bigger is better and more, more, more.

Especially in the dwelling department.

In the 1950s, the average size of a home in the U.S. was 983 square feet. By 1980, that number had grown to 2,330 square feet. The bigger the house, the better the…I’m not sure what.

But I am sure you know the homes I’m referring to. They’re huge eyesores lacking soul, integrity and efficiency. They’ve been not-so-affectionately coined McMansions, which is defined by Wikipedia as “a pejorative term for large new houses which are judged as pretentious, tasteless, or badly designed for their neighborhood.” Who can forget this massive Florida McMansion?!

Badly designed, period.

Energy consuming, uninspired, over-designed and shoved onto tiny lots right up next to their neighbors, like dominoes. Poorly built and inauthentic, most look like they belong on a movie set because their facades are just that, a facade.

What happened to ‘built to last’ and efficient use of space?

The ‘Case Study’ homes are the perfect example of integrity in architecture. Elegance isn’t the result of abundance, but rather simplicity. I feel like an old lady when I swoon over Pierre Koenig’s Case Study House #22 (image above) and say those were the days.

But they were.

Lest I scare you away with my Negative Nelly attitude, I have noteworthy news that should inspire even the most pessimistic among you. It appears as if America the gluttonous and insatiable is prepared to start slimming down.

In fact, the prediction for the next decade is that homes will be built and bought, smaller and smarter. Dare we feel hopeful that home buyers will insist upon more affordable and environmentally friendly options in the years to come?

A recent real-estate survey (conducted by Trulia.com) found that home buying trends are indeed changing for the better:

Just 9 percent of the people surveyed…said their ideal home size was over 3,200 square feet. Meanwhile, more than one-third said their ideal size was under 2,000 feet.

Also, the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) says:

…for the first time since 1992, there has been a decline in the number of homes built with three or more bathrooms. The average size of new homes also fell in 2009, while homes with two stories peaked in 2006. And nine out of 10 home builders surveyed by NAHB in 2009 said they’re planning smaller or less expensive homes than they have in the past.

All I can say is, it’s about time. McMansions. RIP.

Let the party begin! Wait, what? What do we do with all the empty, foreclosed and bank-owned monstrosities?

Get creative, that’s what.

(Data via CNBC.com, SignOn San Diego, and NAHB.)

Images: ChicagoGeek, Arcadia Housing Blog, and Great Buildings

The post The Not So Mighty McMansion. RIP. appeared first on EcoSalon.

Two new books being released by Rizzoli this fall prove that when it comes to a new direction in innovative sustainable architecture, this could be the start of something small. And not just small, but harmonious as well – the road less traveled in the past, but all pointers head in that direction now. Yes, scaling back and using less is the prescribed mantra for reformed McMasnion resource hogs, and perhaps these new reads will stimulate not only thought but action when plotting new dwellings.

Small Eco Houses: Living Green in Style by Chrintina Paredes Benitez and Alex Sanchez Vidiella, showcases prototypical sustainable lofts, repurposed barns, hip urban apartments and woodsy homes built by innovative architects. “It has a fresh perspective on how smart design can create stylish yet ecologically sound living spaces in small-scale homes,” says the publisher, adding that over 50 spaces are included in the pages. Accompanying the descriptions are color photos and helpful floor plans, supporting how in each case history the architect met challenges for reducing power with solutions such as natural light, cross ventilation and more efficient thermal insulation. They also maximized space with with high ceilings, collapsible furniture and sliding doors. $35, Universe Publishing.

Modern Natural/Natural Modern by Ron Broadhurst includes works by design luminaries across the globe that illustrate how the most creative architects produce structures that relate to their organic, natural surroundings. Among the harmonious examples featured: A square house by the architects Makota Teki and Chie Nabeshima of the Japanese firm TNA; Two ski chalets with contrasting shapes and finishes (one an open dorm with rough finishes and a refined modern take in the the mountain top House on the Rigi by Adreas Fuhrimann and Gabrielle Hachler, AFGH Architecture). We see the works of other known innovators like Kengo Kuma in China, Sean Godsell in Australia and Allied Works Architecture in the United States. This book, too, appeals with exceptional color photography, and takes into consideration the goal of a reduced carbon footprint by way of radically rethinking traditions materials like wood and stone in forging spaces that co-exist blissfully with the landscape –  the way nature intended. $60, U.S Rizzoli.

Image: AFGH Architecture

The post New Responsible Architecture Books Praise Humble and Harmonious appeared first on EcoSalon.

Al and Tipper Gore’s recently purchased cozy Californian retirement villa now more likely to serve as a Fortress of Solitude. Oh, and it doesn’t look too eco-friendly either.

Many environmentalists, myself included, were a bit taken aback when word hit that Al and Tipper Gore had purchased a $9 million 6,500 sq. ft. Italian-style villa in Montecito, CA late last October.

The highly-exclusive neighborhood, which also counts mega-celebs like Oprah as residents, is ranked as the 7th most expensive in the U.S. by Forbes.

Now, it’s no surprise that the Gores have money. The former V.P. has always said that he puts his money where his mouth is – and it’s paid off handsomely for him. Nor should we discount the millions that Gore has funneled away from his personal accounts and into environmental foundations – like the Alliance for Climate Protection.

What’s irked the green scene, and given fuel to his detractors, is the underwhelming choice of this property with regards to sustainability. From the pictures that have been posted, there is no indication of any green features. Instead, we’re treated to specs like “6 bedrooms, 9 bathrooms, ocean views” that invite ridicule as proof that Gore is full of hot air and isn’t adhering to the very lifestyle he advocates the rest of the world to follow.

It’s interesting to note, however, that while the property was purchased in October 2009, it wasn’t actually purchased under the Gore’s names. As the blog Real Estalker points out, the home “was purchased through a trust that links back to the very same post office box in itty-bitty Carthage, TN to which all of the other Gore properties link back.” This is unusual, the site says, as this is the first property to have been done this way.

Ok, so why all the secrecy?

There are two possible reasons: 1. The Gores were keeping this property under wraps until all green-energy remodeling projects could be completed, thus avoiding (now unsuccessfully) the drama that ensued over their Tennessee home back in 2007 or 2.) they really just didn’t want anyone to know about this home.

For more on what will undoubtedly become a receptacle for old Ramen containers and empty whiskey bottles, check out the full article at Ecorazzi.

Editor’s note: Article by Michael d’Estries. Originally published by our friends at Ecorazzi. Ecorazzi is the source for breaking green gossip. Be sure to visit them and say hi, and follow Ecorazzi on Twitter, too!

Image: World Economic Forum

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