Must be those years as a kid in Palm Springs that instilled my passion for succulent gardens that glow at dusk.

Whether opting for sun powered pathway lanterns or natural candles, you are cutting down on electricity while letting your prized garden bask in the limelight.

Combine them all for a low energy, highly-illuminated spot, where you and the mosquitoes can bite on juicy snacks and drink up the evening breeze.

Here are 10 that make a mark:

The color-changing Chalice solar path lights are said to last up to 30,000 hours (about 15 years) and automatically turn

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Tags: alternative , decor , entertaining , garden , lamps , lanterns , lighting , solar power

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What do you picture when you think about summer barbeques? If visions of greasy burgers, CO2-emitting charcoal and trash bags filled with disposable plates, napkins and wasted food come to mind, here are some green tips to celebrate this seasonal milestone with respect for Mother Nature.

The centerpiece of any good BBQ is the grill, so invest in an eco-friendly one. What are your greenest options? Gas and charcoal versions both have their drawbacks: gas grills rely on non-renewable resources, while charcoal grills release carbon …

Tags: barbeque , green , grill , guide , howto , lighting , summer , tips , vegan , vegetarian , Verterra

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If there were an Endangered Designs list running alongside its biological counterpart, it’s possible light fittings just got added to the bottom.

Modern technology is all about shrinking. Take the shift from the hefty, brick-like cellphones of the early 90s to the hands-free sets that make people question your sanity when you’re chatting into the air. For gadgets and appliances to be really cool, they should be unobtrusive to the brink of invisibility. For example, solar power. A garden covered in wire-strewn paneling? Not elegant (this is …

Tags: decor , LED lights , lifestyle , lighting , technology

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Over the last 12 months, we’ve seen some of the best, worst and most unusual that green architecture has to offer, from shipping container hotels to conference yurts. We’ve seen a host of exciting new ideas brought to the table – and here are a few that particularly won us over.

Bricks and mortar…on water?

It’s been hard to escape the Lilypad this year – thanks to a stunning …

Tags: architecture , city , design , designer , environment , green , housing , lifestyle , lighting , Living , prefab , sustainable , technology , trend , wood

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It’s not often that my design senses are stimulated. But there’s something about Amy Adams’ pottery at perch! that tickles my fancy. We first raved about her designs here and here, but there’s more.

Adams has a special skill when it comes to ceramics – her designs are modern, playful and charming. All perch! pieces are eco-friendly – made with low impact materials and processes, non-toxic finishes and byproducts. And they’re handmade entirely in the U.S.A – Brooklyn, to be precise.

My most recent find is the …

Tags: accessory , decor , design , designer , environment , green , home , lighting

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It takes a lot of research (and a lot of time) to stay on top of the latest décor trends, but don’t worry about falling behind due to your busy schedule. We’re constantly searching to bring you up to speed on the hottest eco looks. This week, modern geometric lighting is turning up all over the place.

The team at David Trubridge Design applies innovation to this design craze with an array of unique styles made from sustainable hoop pine plywood.

Four words come to mind

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Tags: decor , green , home , lighting , trend

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If I’ve heard it from one client, I’ve heard it from 10. “We can’t spend any more money.” Well, that ain’t no fun. Woefully, my plans to do that Far East theme took a bad turn when the economy went south. Now what?

Here are a few tips from your resident EcoSalon designer on how to squeeze the remaining juice from your bruised budget.

Prioritize Adequate Lighting

Highlight the items you can’t live without and can still afford with your new …

Tags: art , bedding , deal , garden , green , lighting , organic

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"Write about night lights", a reader requested – and instantly I remembered being transfixed by the circling goo in lava-lamps. Nowadays my preferences are less gooey and more eco-friendly (that goo? Globules of mineral oil and, um, paraffin).
A successful night light is all about subtlety and artful unobtrusiveness. A light useful and clear, yet gentle enough to be stopped by your eyelids. Moonlight springs to mind, so applause to these guys for patenting the name – and then cheers, for creating such an energy efficient light (run it all year for less …

Tags: ambience , decor , design , gadgets , green , home , lighting , reduce

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What does a 21st century home look like? We recently gave a rundown of some of the features we can expect in the next wave of amazing, green houses (in 21 Ways To Build A 21st Century Home). But since we’re already in the 21st Century, you’d expect to see some of these innovations put into practice already. And you’d be right. Here are 15 amazing futuristic innovations that you can see at work right now:

Image: Empyrean
Modular …

Tags: design , environment , home , lighting , sustainable , technology

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