Category: Sustainability
-
Key Factors in Building Sustainable Cities
What makes a city sustainable? To me a sustainable city depends on a number of factors including land use patterns and growth, transportation, building reuse, energy and building code adoption, and green energy production. The most sustainable city would be one with a dense, urban fabric that supported public transportation as well as bicycle and…
Written by
·
-
Solar Power Myths Dispelled
A few weeks ago I had the opportunity to tour a large scale solar power array on the western edge of Lincoln, Nebraska. I have read about projects like this and have heard just about every negative misconception, but never have stood in front of one to see for myself. It turned out to be…
Written by
·
-
Celebrate Earth Day: 5 Simple Ways to Go Green
Today marks the 51st Earth Day which began April 22, 1970 as a way to bring environmental awareness to the masses. The idea started with Senator Gaylord Nelson of Wisconsin, who was concerned about the deteriorating environment. He came up with the idea to hold a teach-in on college campuses and enlisted Pete McCloskey, a…
Written by
·
-
From Flowers to Function: Reviving Useful Traditions
“His grandmother had made soap in it every spring and fall,–enough to last for a half-year. His mother with her lessening activities had dispensed with it, letting the men take it for hog-feed and chicken-mash. His wife had planted flowers in it,–typical of the way they had grown to look at life,–flower, no work, but plenty…
Written by
·
-
Designers’ Role in Combating Climate Change
My company is updating employee bios and sent out a questionnaire to help craft the text. One question in particular spurred this blog post—What role do you think designers / planners play in addressing climate change? My answer in a nutshell was—a very important one. In 2017 the U.S. EPA estimated commercial and residential markets…
Written by
·
-
The Hidden Health Benefits of Living in Older Homes
The most comprehensive list for why old places matters was developed by Tom Mayes and includes topics you would typically think of such as identity, memory, continuity, and beauty as well as some more broad topics such as economic impact, sustainability, and community. What I have yet to come across is health as a reason…
Written by
·
-
Why Old Homes Are Eco-Friendly
While not everyone is interested in living in an older home, many people seek out these gems because of their character and charm. A quaint bungalow or imposing colonial revival are just a few of the styles popular before WWII that stand out from the way we design today. Not only are older homes unique…
Written by
·
-
Understanding Roadkill Salvage Laws Across the U.S.
Several years ago my dad was training his young black Labrador to retrieve. While driving one day, he stopped on the highway and picked up a duck laying by the side of the road. As a teenager I was mortified by this, despite the benefit it would have in training Abby, the lab. I joked…
Written by
·
-
The Rise of Socially Conscious Advertising
I’ve notice a trend recently in the commercials playing between my latest show on Hulu. I know they are trying to tailor the types of commercials I see to my preferences; they literally ask me to pick between two images every so often. But answering those questions would not tell them that I am a…
Written by
·
-
Record Flooding in Nebraska: Causes and Impact
The flooding in Nebraska and surrounding states this past week looks like it will surpass the records set in 2011. A number of weather patterns over the past several months combined to form a perfect storm. We all felt the eighth coldest February on record in Nebraska (how could we forget the polar vortex) which meant…
Written by
·
The Planning Lady 