In the privileged corners of the world, it’s easy to take for granted the amenities that define modern life—consistent electricity, reliable refrigeration, and an abundance of technological conveniences. However, a significant portion of the global population struggles to access what many consider necessities. This disparity underscores a broader issue: our comforts, powered by unsustainable practices, contribute to long-term environmental degradation. EasyFreeze finds a good balance between the two, embracing more sustainable alternatives, which is not just a nod to the past but a necessary step toward a viable future. Imagine living in Lagos, Nigeria, where daily power outages can last for hours. In such conditions, a conventional refrigerator is nearly useless, and consequently, very few people own one. However, Amped Innovation, a forward-thinking startup, has developed a game-changing solution: the EasyFreeze, a solar-powered fridge designed to operate efficiently even with an unreliable grid or completely off-grid. This innovation is particularly transformative for regions rich in solar energy but poor in infrastructure. Continue reading “Solar-Powered Fridge Doesn’t Require Electricity and Can Run for 40 Hours Without Power” »
If you’ve been captivated by the homesteading trend on social media, the idea of raising chickens might have already piqued your interest. The investment in time and resources to care for livestock can be substantial, but the rewards often outweigh the challenges. Chickens are known to be delightful pets and, once you start enjoying fresh, home-laid eggs, you might never go back to the store-bought variety. Adding to the appeal, Costco now offers a starter chicken coop at an enticing price of under $440, making it easier than ever to dive into your farm era.
Laura from the popular Instagram account Costco Hot Finds recently highlighted this deal, showcasing a chicken house that features two nesting bays, a free-range door, a durable PVC roof, and enough space for up to eight chickens. However, seasoned chicken owners suggest that for optimal comfort, it’s best to house just two or three chickens in the coop to ensure they have ample space to roam. While this starter coop is perfect for beginners, many note that as your hens grow, a larger coop may be necessary. This coop, which is also sold at Tractor Supply for nearly $700, presents a great bargain at Costco, and some imaginative users even propose using it as a “catio” for indoor cats. Priced at $432.99, this coop provides an accessible entry point into the joys of backyard farming.
Add a touch of sunny sparkle to your home with this beautiful Chickenwire Suncatcher. Crafted with high-quality beaded wire, this suncatcher is the perfect addition to any room it will brighten up any space in your home. Continue reading “How to Make a Chicken Wire Sun Catcher!” »
In late April, a heartwarming rescue unfolded in Australia’s vast Outback when helicopter pilot Jack Poplawski located a missing dog in a seemingly impossible search. Jamie Rooney’s American Staffordshire terrier, Rocky, had vanished near a creek in the remote Pilbara region while on a brief swim. Despite Rooney’s desperate attempts to locate his beloved pet by driving along trails and calling out from his truck, Rocky remained out of sight. Faced with the enormity of the task and fearing the worst, Rooney turned to an unconventional yet promising solution—seeking the assistance of a helicopter pilot he had seen earlier that day. Continue reading “Helicopter Herder Follows a Dog’s Tracks from the Air to a Miracle Rescue” »
Electronics accessory brand Casetify has unveiled a series of public art installations in five cities around the globe, utilizing recycled phone cases as the primary material. This initiative is part of Casetify’s 2024 Earth Month campaign, “Journey to Re/Birth,” which invites local artists from the US, South Korea, China, Australia, and Thailand to create unique art and design pieces from discarded phone cases collected through the brand’s Re/Casetify upcycling program. These installations are a testament to Casetify’s commitment to sustainability, ensuring that old phone cases can find new life in creative and impactful ways. Notably, New York-based studio Wade and Leta transformed 12,000 recycled phone cases into a table and stools at Brooklyn’s Devoción Cafe, featuring a vibrant, textured finish created by mixing granulated plastic case pieces with water-based plaster. Continue reading “Casetify Launches Global Installations Made Out of Recycled Phone Cases” »
Launching today in the US and Canada, Quilt’s new heat pump system merges high functionality with aesthetic appeal, aiming to entice homeowners to transition to low-carbon heating and cooling. Designed by Studio Mike and Maaike in collaboration with the California start-up Quilt, the system features both outdoor and indoor units that emphasize modern, architectural aesthetics. The outdoor unit boasts a sleek, matte black design, while the indoor unit resembles built-in cabinetry, complete with a paintable front panel and integrated lighting. Accompanying these units is the Quilt Dial, a room thermostat, and a user-friendly app for comprehensive control and energy tracking. The overall design ensures the system is not only efficient but also a visually pleasing addition to any home.
Co-founder and CEO Paul Lambert highlights the company’s commitment to thoughtful design and a seamless user experience, a sentiment echoed by Mike Simonian of Mike and Maaike. Simonian noted that previous slow adoption rates of heat pumps in the US were partly due to uninspired designs and complex user interfaces. In response, their studio focused on creating an intuitive, aesthetically pleasing, and cohesive system that integrates effortlessly into home environments. The design includes an architectural outdoor unit that blends with its surroundings and customizable indoor units, available in oak veneer or paintable white covers, to match various interior decors. Additionally, the Quilt Dial’s angled screen enhances readability, and the use of advanced technology like millimeter wave radar sensors ensures optimal energy use. This design-led approach positions Quilt as a pioneering force in the transition to sustainable home climate solutions.
Camping or sleeping outdoors can be daunting, especially for those who prefer not to sleep directly on the ground. The Helinox Tactical Cot Tent offers a solution for campers who desire more comfort and separation from the elements and insects. This innovative accessory transforms a standard cot into a fully enclosed, elevated sleeping space. Available in both mesh and fabric options, it ensures breathability and durability. Weighing just 3.5 pounds and packing down to a compact 22.5” x 8” x 8” size, the Tactical Cot Tent is easy to transport and set up, making it a practical choice for those reluctant to rough it outdoors.
The Tactical Cot Tent is designed for ease and security. It features shock-corded poles and pole clips for quick assembly, reinforced corners, ties, and corner sleeves for added stability, and four J-stakes to anchor it securely to the ground. Inside, it provides ample storage with four mesh pockets and four gear loops. For rainy conditions, the Tactical Cot Tent Solo Fly attaches seamlessly with velcro tabs and additional J-stakes, featuring strategically placed doors and ventilation windows to enhance airflow and reduce condensation. This thoughtful design makes the Helinox Tactical Cot Tent an excellent option for anyone seeking a more comfortable and isolated sleeping experience while camping.
A little bit of sparkle can elevate any outfit. But what if, instead of wearing shiny, reflective accessories, you were your source of light? Patrick Cassidy is a Washington-based crafter and owner of LaserWoodLights, where he offers laser-cut wood items that glow from within. What began with lamps and lanterns was eventually translated into a pair of beautiful Light Up Wood Earrings—which evoke the soft amber light of vintage street lamps or stained glass windows at dawn. The Light Up Wood Earrings are battery-powered and can be adjusted by screwing them tight or loose to turn them on or off. These drop earrings work with an LED inside, which is powered by an LR41 replaceable battery, to illuminate the wearer. The light inside can also be customized, as Cassidy offers the earrings in a standard amber glow as well as blue, pink, and red options. This makes them ideal for music festivals, special occasions, or even sporting events.
If earrings are not your thing but you want to give light-up accessories a go, Cassidy also offers a Lil’ Lantern Necklace. Also made of laser-cut wood, it’s discreet enough for any outfit but bright enough to make you noticeable in a crowd. For a more striking piece, you can check out the Pendant of Light & Form, a statement-making necklace that changes between 16 different colors. While Cassidy began offering unique lamps as an alternative to common lighting solutions, the way his accessories turn those who wear them into beacons of light has a poetic feeling to it. “The intention was a light that creates a warm glow, looks cool, from wood, for an affordable price,” he writes. “Thus LaserWoodLights was born and has been producing wooden lighting solutions to illuminate rooms ever since.” To stay up to date with any new releases from LaserWoodLights, make sure to visit their Etsy store.
Innovative finger painter Iris Scott has unveiled an evocative new artwork in her signature style titled Goddess of Dreams. This mesmerizing piece captures the serene image of a woman resting against a tree in a forest aglow with the ethereal light of fireflies. The woman’s dress, intricately embroidered with cranes, features a stunning illusion where one of the birds appears to break free from the fabric and soar into the air. Set on a grand 8-foot by 6-foot canvas, the scene is brought to life through Scott’s unique blend of finger painting and brushwork. Particularly striking are the fireflies, whose radiant presence is enhanced by the manipulation of oil paints using compressed air, adding a dynamic texture that contrasts beautifully with the more detailed elements rendered by brush.
Scott’s Goddess of Dreams is a testament to her ability to merge imagination with reality, a theme she emphasizes through the enchanting imagery and intricate techniques employed in the piece. The use of finger painting for broader strokes and texture, combined with delicate brushwork for facial features and dress embroidery, showcases her innovative approach to oil painting. This harmonious blend of methods not only underscores the fantastical elements of the scene but also highlights Scott’s versatility and skill as an artist. Reflecting on the painting, Scott describes it as a representation of the thin line between dreams and reality, suggesting that this boundary can be effortlessly crossed in the right frame of mind. The original artwork, along with prints, is available for purchase on her website, inviting art enthusiasts to bring a piece of this dreamlike world into their own spaces.
