In Edmonton, Alberta, a unique holiday trend is gaining popularity as Farlinger Farms in Strathcona County offers an environmentally conscious alternative to traditional Christmas tree options. For the second consecutive year, the farm is providing residents with the opportunity to rent living Christmas trees for $50, mitigating the guilt associated with the traditional fate of cut trees—being discarded in landfills after the holiday season. Mike Farlinger, the owner of Farlinger Farms, emphasizes the sustainability aspect of the initiative, stating that these are live Christmas trees that can be rented out year after year, contributing to the reduction of Christmas tree waste in landfills.
The rental process involves taking home a living tree with a fabric pot and soil, allowing individuals to keep it as a house plant for up to 24 days. Rather than searching for the perfect tree to cut down or buy from a lot, people can now embrace a more eco-friendly and temporary approach to holiday decorations. In its second year, the program has already seen significant interest, with approximately 70 trees rented out so far in the current season. Farlinger Farms’ initiative not only offers a sustainable alternative but also highlights the growing awareness and desire among consumers to make environmentally responsible choices during the festive season. Hopefully, more cities around the world will start embracing similar sustainable Christmas initiatives.
Perched dramatically on a 45-degree slope overlooking the sea in Matanzas, Chile, Casa Ladera by WMR Arquitectos stands as a striking example of architectural ingenuity. Completed in 2022, this wood-framed residence spans 2,130 square feet and seamlessly integrates with the natural terrain of La Vega de Pupuya along Chile’s central coast. In contrast to neighboring houses that typically rest atop cliffs, Casa Ladera boldly embraces the slope, providing an unobstructed view of the ocean and valley while strategically shielding the home from the area’s characteristic strong winds.
WMR Arquitectos, a Chilean studio based in Santiago, approached the design with a commitment to harmony with nature. Casa Ladera not only captivates with its unconventional location but also reflects the architects’ ethos of adapting the structure to the existing landscape rather than imposing significant changes on the terrain. The result is a visually stunning and functionally sound dwelling that not only embraces its cliffside perch but also optimizes its position to take full advantage of the breathtaking surroundings. Take a tour inside to see the amazing design.
Nestled beneath the vibrant city lights of Las Vegas is an unusual real estate offering: a 15,000-square-foot underground bunker frozen in time, both literally and figuratively. Built in 1978, this underground residence is a unique piece of property, listed at a significantly reduced price of $5.9 million, down from its original $18 million price tag in 2019. Continue reading “This Eccentric $6 Million 1970s Las Vegas Bunker Is Still Looking For a Buyer” »
In the city of Bixby, Oklahoma, Stephen Dunkelberg took it upon himself to spread holiday cheer by adorning his entire neighborhood with Christmas lights. Last year, Dunkelberg, the owner of a landscaping company, noticed the lack of festive decorations on his street while driving home during the holiday season. Determined to bring a touch of merriment to his community, Dunkelberg sought permission from his neighbors and embarked on a mission to illuminate all but two homes on his street. The only exceptions were a vacant rental property and a residence whose owners were temporarily away.
Undeterred by the previous year’s challenges, Dunkelberg decided to amplify the festive spirit in 2023. This time, he and his team went above and beyond, meticulously decorating all 22 houses on his street over two full weekends. Despite moments of doubt and exhaustion during the decoration process, Dunkelberg’s commitment to brightening his Bixby neighborhood’s holiday season prevailed. Reflecting on the effort, the 31-year-old Dunkelberg expressed initial reservations but ultimately found the sight of the entire street aglow with festive lights to be immensely rewarding. His dedication and festive spirit have undoubtedly made a lasting impact on the tight-knit community.
Stephen Dunkelberg’s initiative serves as a heartwarming example of how one individual’s efforts can bring joy and unity to an entire neighborhood. In the spirit of the season, Dunkelberg’s willingness to go the extra mile not only transformed his street into a festive wonderland but also fostered a sense of community spirit and shared celebration among his neighbors in Bixby, Oklahoma.
In Sheffield, England, a captivating mural titled “Prepare to be illuminated” has emerged on a building façade, transforming the cityscape into a canvas of contemplative art. Created by UK-based artist Elle Koziupa in collaboration with Global Street Art, the mural depicts a young woman seated before five lit candles, her face Continue reading “Artist Lights Up Building Façade With Mural of a Girl With Candles in Sheffield, UK” »
Canadian tiny house builder Fritz Tiny Homes has once again demonstrated its prowess in crafting bespoke dwellings with the creation of “The Macdonald,” tailored for a retired couple from Ottawa, Canada. Renowned for their innovative designs, including features like micro-gyms, Fritz Tiny Homes specializes in compact living that accommodates unique lifestyles. The Macdonald, a 32-foot-long tiny home mounted on a gooseneck trailer, showcases the builder’s commitment to Continue reading “Retired Couple’s Tiny House Enables Travel and an Active Lifestyle” »
A recent study has sounded a warning about the potential dangers of workout supplements containing caffeine, emphasizing the risks of irregular heartbeats and overheating associated with their consumption. While caffeine is a common ingredient in sports supplements and can offer performance benefits in moderation, the study underscores the importance of careful consideration and awareness of stimulant-related products. Stefan Pasiakos, the director of the National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements, Continue reading “Workout Supplements Containing Caffeine Can be Dangerous, Experts Say” »
In a fascinating venture, an avid hunter took an unconventional approach to homeownership by purchasing four old grain bins in the middle of nowhere for $100,000 and transforming them into a fully automated smart home. Nestled on 386 remote acres in rural Washington, the property now stands as a testament to innovative design and repurposing. Continue reading “A Hunter Paid $100,000 for 4 Old Grain Bins in the Middle of Nowhere, then Transformed Them Into a Secret Home for Doomsday Preppers” »
As the holiday season approaches, the excitement among children often translates into wish lists filled with toys they hope to receive from Santa. While toys play a crucial role in fostering learning, imagination, and socialization, the environmental impact of the toy industry has become a concerning issue. Shockingly, a staggering 80 percent of all toys end up in landfills, Continue reading “Christmas Is an Environmental Nightmare. Here’s What Parents Can Do” »
