A solar city is in the works in Phoenix, Arizona, which according to Building Magazine, will house 300,000 residents and be mixed-use, meaning that residences, businesses, shops, and restaurants would all be in close proximity to promote pedestrian rather than driving traffic.

[ more from www.treehugger.com ]
 

Los Angeles fashion designer Sandy Skinner uses sustainable materials - bamboo, Tencell (a wood-pulp-based fiber), and spandex - in the EcoSkin Spring 2008 collection.

"I wanted to give women a hip, sophisticated collection, as well as a sustainable product that would not leave a footprint on the environment," says Skinner. "My vision is to continually raise women's awareness of their options. We can combine eco-friendly fabrics with a high design aesthetic."

[ more at www.inhabitat.com ]

The Lapa Rios Ecolodge in Costa Rica, part of the 1,000 acre Lapa Rios tropical rainforest reserve managed by the Nature Conservancy, is one in a trend of ecotourist destinations that lures customers with its progressive use of sustainable design.

Lapa Rios recycles 80% of its kitchen waste by composting and feeding it to pigs residing at the hotel's pig farm. The pigs further recycle the organic matter by producing the feces that is turned into bio-gas used for heating and cooking.

Lapa Rios also uses solar power for its electricity and supports local wildlife. More information at www.laparios.com.
 

Innovative green design that reduces water usage and sewage costs: