Our Green Streets Blog

My friend, architect and sculptor, Doug Eichelberger, spoke to me about an upcoming Museum of Outdoor Arts (MOA) program paid internship he will oversee as artist/architect in residence called Design and Build. This is a public art paid internship program involving interns (high school seniors and college undergraduates) who commit a minimum of 15 hours a week for the duration of the six-week program.

According to the MOA, it sought “…nine interns for Design and Build: Spring 2010 for the “Recycled Dwellings Project”. Interns will collaborate on a design proposal while working with our professional artist/architect in residence. After the proposal process, interns will build their dwelling in a public space to be on temporary display through fall of 2010.”

Each intern will be awarded a $1,000 stipend. Engineering, architecture, design, art and carpentry were among skill sets that were sought from interns.

Eichelberger builds a barn with baled scrap plastic

“The goal is that the kids will learn about recycling collection and construction,” says Eichelberger, adding that the exhibit might serve as a springboard for other innovative projects that employ sustainable solutions. Eichelberger has used recycled materials in building project before, constructing numerous buildings on his ranch using various trash materials.

Concurrent with the launch of the internship program, this April 10, the museum will open Element House.

Read more of this >>

For those who do not know Earthship, one of these scheduled webinars might be a great time to visit. And the price is exceptionally good, as is the subject matter! GRM

Earthship logo

“Long Way Home and Architects for Humanity will present world-renowned founder of Earthship Biotecture, Michael Reynolds (http://www.earthship.net/home/begin-here.html) as part of BuildBoston 2009 at the Seaport World Trade Center in Boston on Nov. 18, 2009 from 7 until 8 pm.

“Reynolds is best known for starting Eathship.net, a socially conscious construction venture that builds homes out of garbage with yearly utility bills under $100.”

Nov 16 and Dec 15 events: Read more of this >>

We received this missive from the people at SustainLane:

“…because your blog is related to our mission of living healthy lives on a green planet. This is just a quick note introducing the Local Action Challenge, a local contest that encourages people in Denver, CO to think global, act local… and win prizes doing it!

“SustainLane is heading up the Local Action Challenge in partnership with Hopenhagen, an international movement to drive action on climate change at the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP15) in Copenhagen this December.

“Cities across the country – like Denver, CO – have sent in their top-ten lists of actions they’d like residents to take in order to combat climate change and otherwise care for the planet right in their own communities.”

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It is nearing time to be excited about the human spirit of innovation and invention.

I recommend visiting the Buckminster Fuller Challenge 2010, and looking at some of the entries from previous challenges, particularly the winners from last year (2009). Read more of this >>

ICAGO, October 14, 2009 – The Trade Commission of Spain in collaboration with the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce and the Greater Houston Partnership will host two Spain – U.S. Business Sustainability Conferences on Oct. 26 in Los Angeles at the Omni Hotel and Oct. 30 in Houston at the Houstonian Hotel.

Business and government leaders from Spain and the U.S. will explore how public and private partnerships are critical to creating growth in the renewable energy, transportation infrastructure and water treatment industries.

Both conferences will feature Spain’s Minister of Industry, Tourism and Commerce, Miguel Sebastián, as a keynote speaker. The Los Angeles conference will also include the California Secretary of Business, Transportation and Housing, Dale E. Bonner, California Natural Resources Agency Secretary, Mike Chrisman, Qualitative Economist and Nobel Peace Prize recipient, Dr. Woodrow W. Clark II and Spain’s Secretary of State for Energy, Pedro Luis Marín Uribe.

Speakers at the Houston conference include Texas Secretary of State, Hope Andrade, Texas High-Speed Rail & Transportation Corporation Chairman, Judge Robert Eckels, Texas Water Development Board Executive Administrator, Kevin Ward, and Gestamp Wind North America CEO, Javier Mateache Sacristan.

Register to attend this event.Spain – US

source: gibbs-soell.com

News on the fourth annual Solar Decathlon from Environmental News Service . (NOTE: previous link does not work; use DOE site. ) I would love to be there and see the many solutions.

from Environmental News Network: “More than 800 students in 20 teams from the United States, Canada, Spain and Germany will compete all week in ten contests that evaluate the architecture, engineering, comfort, marketability, appliances and lighting of the solar houses. The teams will perform everyday tasks, such as cooking, laundry, and washing dishes, to test the energy efficiency of their homes.”

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The U.S. Department of Energy is preparing to feature some top examples in alternative energy in its coming Solar Decathlon, to be held on the National Mall, October 8 – 18. DOE information is as follows:

Solar Decathlon entry from Team Spain

High-Tech Homes That Save Money Without

Sacrificing Comfort To Highlight DOE Solar Decathlon Read more of this >>