Homeowners are increasingly getting paid to contribute their rooftop solar panels, battery storage, and electric vehicles (EVs) to “virtual power plants” (VPPs), which help support stressed energy grids. These VPPs aggregate renewable energy resources from homes in states like California, Vermont, Texas, and Utah to meet high electricity demand during extreme weather events, such as heatwaves. By doing this, VPPs lower costs and reduce the reliance on fossil fuel “peaker” plants, which are typically activated during emergencies. Homeowners can earn from a few hundred dollars to as much as $10,500 per year, depending on the specific program, for sharing their stored energy with the grid. For example, GoodLeap, a company financing sustainable home energy systems, launched a VPP program in California, offering customers up to $350 annually, while aggregating 200 home batteries to assist the grid during times of peak stress.

This growing trend is driven by the increasing adoption of home solar panels, battery storage systems, and EV chargers, which are becoming crucial for preventing power outages as electricity demand rises. Programs like these help offset the cost of maintaining traditional gas power plants, while also helping states meet their renewable energy goals. Experts predict that VPPs could help meet up to 20% of the projected 200 gigawatts of peak electricity demand in the U.S. by 2030, potentially saving $10 billion in grid costs each year. Companies like Sunrun, a leader in the VPP space, have already signed up thousands of customers and are demonstrating how VPPs can rival the capacity of traditional gas plants, further pushing the energy industry towards cleaner, more resilient solutions.

Michelle Owen, a sports presenter, captured a touching moment when her son Zac set off for his first day of school. Rather than a typical first-day-of-school photo, Owen shared an image that radiated creativity and heartwarming sentiment. In the picture, Zac walks out the door in his school uniform, but it’s his action figures—Hulk, Spiderman, Thor, and others—who take the spotlight. Lined with their arms raised, the toys appear to be waving him off on his new adventure, a playful nod to the famous Toy Story farewell scenes. The thoughtful setup, complete with a small board marking the occasion, resonated with many after Owen posted it on Instagram, where it quickly went viral. Her caption, “Our little superhero has started school,” summed up the sweet and symbolic nature of the milestone.

Beyond Zac’s big day, Owen revealed that the family had been through an emotional few months. Just before Zac’s school adventure, he became a big brother, after Owen and her husband, Adam Venton, welcomed their second child. The pregnancy was far from easy, with complications that forced Owen to step away from TV. Despite the challenges, the family is now happily adjusting to their new dynamic, and Zac has embraced his role as a big brother. Owen expressed her joy in seeing Zac’s excitement, while also sharing the relief of having her family safely at home after a difficult journey. Her updates on social media have offered a glimpse into their life, showcasing both the trials and the joys of this new chapter.

The Cosmos tiny home, designed by Plume, cleverly addresses the challenge of limited space typical of French tiny houses, which are constrained by the country’s strict towing laws. Measuring just 20 feet in length and built on a double-axle trailer, the home maximizes its compact footprint through smart design elements. The exterior is clad in thermally treated poplar and topped with a durable aluminum roof. Upon entering through a glass Continue reading “The Cosmos Tiny Home Features a Cozy Netted Upstairs Area for Reading & Chilling” »

A groundbreaking study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences reveals that Greenland was not always a frozen wasteland. Less than 1 million years ago, the center of Greenland was a green tundra, as indicated by fossilized biological materials discovered in a core sample known as GISP2. These fossils, including Arctic poppy seeds, willow wood, insect remnants, and fungi, indicate that Greenland’s ice sheet had melted, allowing plants and insects to thrive. This discovery challenges previous assumptions about the permanence of Greenland’s ice and underscores how dynamic Earth’s climate can be. Researchers, led by Paul Bierman of the University of Vermont, have provided direct evidence that the region was once hospitable to life, offering a glimpse into a much greener past for Greenland. Continue reading “Fossilized Flowers From Greenland Reveal It Was a Green Tundra Less Than 1 Million Years Ago” »

In her latest exhibition, Trust, artist Beth Cavener delves into the theme of trust through intricately crafted animal sculptures that resonate with deep human emotions. Displayed at the Carpenters Workshop Gallery in Los Angeles, her pieces reflect the fractures in modern society caused by political divides and the isolation of the COVID-19 pandemic. Cavener’s clay sculptures are not merely representations of animals; they are symbolic figures that embody complex human feelings such as betrayal, vulnerability, and connection. By merging animal forms with human gestures, she exposes the rawness of trust—how it is built, broken, and rebuilt—through sculptures that feel both primal and profoundly introspective.

Each of Cavener’s works takes months to complete, starting from a small model and expanding into full-scale sculptures highlighting the tension between power and fragility. One standout piece, Trust Me, features a fox-like figure cautiously advancing toward the viewer, its pose a striking mix of submission and cunning. This visual ambiguity challenges the audience to reflect on their relationship with trust. Another sculpture, Shards, depicts a male lion made from over 2,800 pounds of fragmented clay, its fragile body a metaphor for broken trust and the arduous process of healing. Through these meticulously hand-sculpted forms, Cavener invites us to confront the delicate balance of trust in our relationships and the emotional scars that linger when it is shattered.

Patagonia is helping revolutionize California’s farming industry through a $1 million grant, supporting the transition to organic and regenerative farming in Ventura County, an area known for its vast agricultural output. Industrial agriculture in this region has caused significant environmental damage, polluting the soil and groundwater with chemicals and driving away wildlife. In partnership with the Rodale Institute’s California Organic Center and an additional $1.5 million from Continue reading “Patagonia Helping to Revolutionize California’s Farms with $1 Million Grant” »

Danielle and Kreg Jones, a couple with a passion for historic architecture and home renovation, turned a 19th-century schoolhouse into their family home. In 2021, after five years of searching, they found the North Weare Schoolhouse in New Hampshire. The building, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, had a rich history, having served as a school until 1952 and later as a town meeting space. The couple, who run their architecture firm, Inscription Architects, Continue reading “This Couple Bought a 19th-Century Schoolhouse for $210,000 and Made It Their Family Home—Take a Look Inside” »

The Kanna cabin, designed by Laure Friès, serves as a serene fishermen’s retreat along the shores of the Marlens’ water body near the Alps. Its triangular design, standing at 4.5 meters tall, allows anglers an optimal vantage point for fishing, all while blending harmoniously with the surrounding natural landscape. Positioned between the Chaise River and the water body, the cabin provides privacy and a seamless connection to the tranquil environment, Continue reading “Triangular Wooden Cabin Unfolds On River’s Shore Near Alps as a Fishermen’s Retreat” »

In August 2024, Brussels again dazzled tourists and locals with its biannual flower carpet tradition, covering the Grand Place with a stunning display of colorful blooms. The 2024 edition, designed by visual artist Océane Cornille, was a breathtaking spectacle spanning 1,680 square meters (18,083.37 square feet), filled with begonias, dahlias, grass, and bark. The intricate design, which took over six hours and a hundred volunteers to assemble, showcased the delicate beauty of nature against the backdrop of the city’s historical architecture. Cornille’s vision transformed the square into a temporary garden, with a vibrant sound and light show illuminating the carpet each evening, adding another layer of magic to the already captivating scene.

Cornille’s design for this year’s flower carpet was inspired by the rhizomatic nature of Brussels, symbolizing the interconnectedness of the city’s neighborhoods through organic forms and vibrant colors. The iris, the city’s emblem, took center stage in the design, representing Brussels’ resilience and historical strength. Cornille described the piece as an invitation to reflect on urban life, diversity, and the fleeting beauty of such a transient work of art. Though the flower carpet only adorned the Grand Place for three days, from August 15, it left a lasting impression, highlighting the harmony between nature and city life in one of Europe’s most beautiful squares. Fans of Cornille’s work can continue to follow her creative journey through her Instagram account.