Copenhagen is setting a new benchmark for sustainable tourism with its innovative Eco-Conscious Rewards Program, designed to attract eco-minded visitors this summer. As the largest tourist season on record sees cities in Italy, France, and Spain grappling with overwhelming crowds and implementing stricter controls, Continue reading “Pick Up Litter and Get Free Stuff in Copenhagen This Summer Through Eco-Conscious Rewards Program” »
Researchers in Australia have found that a form of sauna, a popular leisure activity for humans known for its health benefits, can help certain frog species combat the devastating fungal disease chytrid. Chytrid, which has infected over 500 species of frogs worldwide, thrives in cooler tropical climates but cannot survive at temperatures above 84°F (29°C). Anthony Waddle from Macquarie University has pioneered the use of “frog saunas”—simple unshaded black brick structures within artificial greenhouse habitats—to aid in the recovery of golden and green bell frogs from this deadly pathogen. In a study, frogs that frequented these warmer environments showed milder infections, demonstrating that access to these saunas significantly aids in fighting off the disease.
The effectiveness of these saunas is profound. Frogs that recovered using the saunas were found to be 23 times less likely to succumb to subsequent chytrid infections. This innovative approach, which can be easily implemented in gardens, not only helps the frogs survive outbreaks but also boosts the population’s overall resistance to the disease. Anthony Waddle noted that before chytrid, bell frogs were common in human habitats, and reestablishing these “sauna” habitats could help their populations rebound. However, this method is mainly beneficial for warm-weather species, as not all frogs tolerate high temperatures well. For species preferring cooler conditions, alternative solutions need to be explored to combat the chytrid threat.
By exploiting physics and the cardinal elements, most people can cool their house down reliably without A/C, it just requires a bit of observation. For example, observe the path of the Sun throughout the day. Shielding from the Sun: Where are the rays falling during the hottest hours of the day? As the USA lies in the Northern Hemisphere, the Sun travels across the southern sky, and so for most homeowners or tenants, its rays will beat down on the southeastern, southern, and southwestern flanks of your house. As it arrives at a window, close the shutters—or buy a set of blackout curtains to repel the heat from entering through the window. If one is really desperate, curtains—or even a blanket or rug—will work better hung outside the window on the exterior of the house. After the Sun’s rays have completely left a window, that’s the moment to open it. Master the art of airflow: Keep a flag outside your house and observe the direction of the wind when it blows. Opening windows on opposite ends of your home will create an airflow that, when moving through the narrow confines of the window openings, causes the flow to accelerate and cool down, like the way rivers speed up when channeled into a more narrow section. Most people know that hot air rises, but it doesn’t always follow for them to deduce that this means cold air sinks. As such, positioning yourself at lower levels, both micro and macro, can help a lot.
Consider moving your bed to the basement. This is what desert dwellers have done for millennia—sleeping below the level of the earth to stay cool. One can also consider removing the boxspring and frame and placing their mattress directly on the floor. The closer one’s body is to the ‘bottom’ of whatever, whether a house or a room, the cooler it will be. Investing in a reversible fan is a good idea for mastering airflow. If there’s a source of hot air in the room, the fan can blow it out of a window or up a flight of stairs, inviting cooler air to fill the room. Likewise, if there’s a source of cooler air, a fan can pull it up from a basement, or in from the outside after dark. Using water: Water can be used to cool oneself and the room in various ways. A bowl of ice, when placed on a stool in front of a fan, cools the air blown out into the room. Likewise, if a breeze or air is coming in through a window, a wet towel suspended across it will cool the air further as it enters. If one can’t handle a cold shower, one can easily apply wet towels to any part of the body that’s significantly hot. Around the neck, or between the thighs are good places for cold towels because blood flow passes through major arteries. Ice packs would work just as well. Combining these methods with a fan is a surefire way to cool down whilst trying to sleep. Also, it’s important to stay hydrated, as a lack of available water in the body will impede one’s natural cooling systems. Understanding heat: Heat is generated in many ways throughout the day and throughout the house. For starters, our bodies generate heat through excessive movement, digestion, and other activities. No one is recommending you do a water fast (though that would keep you generally cooler probably) but eating a lighter dinner, or perhaps even splitting dinner into two separate meals, will avoid too much metabolic heat being generated through digestion. On the subject of food—think salads and sandwiches, since stoves and ovens saturated the air with heat. A more clever alternative is to cook with crock pots or slow cookers, or even running an appliance like a rice steamer or air fryer outside. When running at full capacity, computers generate a serious amount of heat—so keep the PC or laptop running at less than half memory speed. You can accomplish this by closing programs you’re not using, and keeping the number of tabs and browser windows to a minimum.
Deforestation in Colombia has reached a significant milestone, hitting a 23-year low in 2023. According to recent government figures, environmental destruction has decreased by 36%, marking a considerable achievement for one of the world’s most biodiverse countries. This environmental victory is largely attributed to President Gustavo Petro’s proactive approach to conservation. His administration has emphasized the importance of protecting Colombia’s natural resources, Continue reading “Deforestation in Colombia Reached 23-Year Low in 2023” »
Clare Staples, a former Hollywood producer turned rancher, has dedicated her life to rescuing wild mustangs and burros from potentially abusive environments or slaughterhouses. She founded Skydog Ranch and Sanctuary on 9,000 acres of land, providing a haven where these animals can roam freely and stay with their families. Staples was moved by the plight of these wild horses, who are often separated from their herds during annual round-ups conducted by the Bureau Continue reading “She Rescues Wild Mustangs That Are Rounded-Up and Reunites Their Herds on Her Ranch” »
Nestled deep in the Ontarian forest, the Forest Retreat is a striking family home designed by Kariouk Architects, epitomizing tranquility and ecological harmony. Surrounded by nature year-round, this serene abode seamlessly integrates with its lush environment, featuring exquisite trails and creeks that enhance its ‘Canadian homestead’ charm. This retreat, built from local materials with a focus on craftsmanship, offers a spacious open-plan design where family and friends can immerse themselves in the beauty of the outdoors. With its strong connection to the land, the home reflects a deep respect for the Canadian identity and its historical relationship with nature. The architects emphasized this bond through the use of responsibly sourced materials and energy-efficient systems, ensuring that the home remains environmentally friendly.
Perched on a 100-acre property, the Forest Retreat enjoys a diverse topography of meadows, rocky outcrops, and wetlands. Constructed on a rocky outcrop to preserve the surrounding trees, the house features a distinctive copper-clad roof that spans 60 meters, mimicking the undulating contours of the landscape. Its open-plan layout includes a raised mezzanine with children’s rooms accessible via a catwalk. The roof’s tent-like form and extensive glazed walls provide uninterrupted views of the surrounding forest. Inside, the home boasts handcrafted elements such as shingled paneling, staircases, and cabinetry, made by local woodworkers. These custom fittings and fixtures imbue the space with a sense of wholesomeness and soulfulness, as the architects aimed to create a home that is both visually and emotionally harmonized with its natural surroundings.
The Atmos inflatable hammock is a novel solution designed to keep users warm by utilizing an insulated air gap, which eliminates the need for additional bulky items like sleeping pads or under quilts. When someone sleeps in a traditional hammock, the thin fabric offers little insulation against the cold air beneath, often leading to an uncomfortable night. To counter this, campers usually resort to carrying extra insulating gear, which adds to their load. Continue reading “Inflatable Hammock Uses an Insulated Air Gap to Keep Users Warm” »
The Cosmic One is a solar-powered microhouse that redefines the concept of compact living by offering luxurious home comforts in a small footprint. Available in various configurations, this prefabricated microhouse can function as an accessory dwelling unit (ADU), a tiny house, or a full-time family home. The smallest model, showcased as a show home, measures 380 sq ft (35.3 sq m) and is designed more like an ADU than a typical tiny house. Its striking design includes a wood and steel finish with a distinctive sawtooth-like roofline, accessed via a sliding glass door leading to a deck area. Inside, the open living space features a sofa and a home office, with the option to convert the living area into a sleeping space using a sofa bed or Murphy bed due to the absence of a dedicated bedroom in this model.
Despite its small size, the Cosmic One boasts high-end materials and smart home technologies, such as oak and limestone finishes, polished chrome handles, a smartphone-controlled energy system, and Wi-Fi-connected lighting. The kitchen is impressively equipped with an oven, induction stove, sink, ample cabinetry, a Wi-Fi-connected fridge, and a dishwasher, all of which can be concealed behind multi-hinged doors. The bathroom includes a toilet, shower, and vanity sink, completing the home’s comprehensive amenities. Standard power comes from a roof-based solar panel and battery setup, with options for additional batteries and a greywater filtration system for full off-grid capability. Targeted at the premium segment of the tiny house market, the Cosmic One starts at $279,000 and is currently available only in California, with plans for broader distribution in the future.
The Terra m2_Tiny House on Wheels by Portuguese woodworking specialist MadeiGuincho is a remarkable follow-up to the Terra m1, demonstrating an innovative approach to maximizing space in tiny living. Built on a double-axle trailer with a length of just 5 meters (16.4 feet), this little home is cleverly clad in wood and cork, materials that are both sustainable and excellent for insulation. The interior layout is ingeniously spread over three levels, enhancing the use of space and adding to the home’s unique charm. Upon entering, visitors are greeted by a compact kitchen equipped with essential amenities, followed by steps leading up to a cozy living area with ample seating. Conversely, descending from the kitchen leads to the bedroom, which features a double bed and abundant storage, ensuring a comfortable and practical living experience.
Maintaining MadeiGuincho’s signature rustic and warm aesthetic, the Terra m2_Tiny House on Wheels is bathed in natural light, thanks to its generous glazing. This feature not only creates an inviting atmosphere but also connects the indoors with the outdoors seamlessly. The kitchen level also houses a bathroom with a toilet and shower, along with a secondary door that opens directly to an exterior deck, effectively expanding the living space. The living area includes storage-integrated stairs leading to a skylight and a small rooftop terrace, offering breathtaking views of the Alentejo region. This combination of smart design and sustainable materials makes the Terra m2 a perfect retreat for couples and individuals looking to enjoy short vacations in a stylish and efficient tiny house.
