London Pedestrians Cross at New Japanese-style "Scramble Crossing"

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 05:05:16 GMT

Image from Metro In a bid to make pedestrians' lives easier and safer, Oxford Circus, one of the busiest street crossings in London, has been redesigned. Today a copy of the Japanese "scramble crossing" design was unveiled, complete with Japanese drummers. When the traffic lights turn red, cars in all directions have to stop and let pedestrians go. There is a 30 second window when walkers can cross in any diagonal configuration, not just corner to corner. Studies have shown that an X-shaped crossing is far more efficient. Given that thousands of shoppers cross at this busy intersection every day, it is hoped that this will alleviate congestion and make walking easier in the compact and busy area. ... Read the full story on TreeHugger

Recycled Tree Trunk Chairs are So Appropriate for TreeHuggers

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 05:03:18 GMT

Image from Skram As TreeHuggers how could we resist the chance to bring a real tree into the living room. Especially if it is made of reclaimed timber that would otherwise be discarded. Several new designers are giving us just this opportunity. The Wood Drop is a stool created from chunks of timber found in North Carolina. The pieces still have the original cracks and flaws and these add to the warmth and appeal. The designer, Jacob Marks, calls them an exercise in "deliberate imperfection." ... Read the full story on TreeHugger

Keep the Rain Off with an Eco-lovely Umbrella

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 05:15:36 GMT

Image from London Undercover It's autumn and the rain just keeps on coming. With one grey day after another, these delightfully British umbrellas will keep your spirits up. Take cover under (too) vividly coloured pictures of fish and chips (wrapped in newspaper, of course), or a yummy full English breakfast. For the uninitiated that means baked beans, fried eggs, bacon, grilled tomatoes, toast and sausages. All over your head. Made from recycled materials, these jolly brollies are environmentally sound, so they protect more than your hair-do.... Read the full story on TreeHugger

Britain's Oldest Trees are Becoming Endangered Species

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 05:06:39 GMT

Image from the Guardian Who knows if the British were the first treehuggers but they certainly have a lot of them: there are over 100,000 ancient trees in the country. Seventy percent of all of the oldest trees in Europe are in the UK, and many of them are in trouble. The Ancient Tree Hunt is a five-year project led by the Woodland Trust, which is recording every ancient tree in Britain. So far they have logged 38,000 ancient trees through the work of ecologists and ordinary members of the public.... Read the full story on TreeHugger

Mules Instead of Tanks Used in Balkan Peace Keeping

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 05:07:01 GMT

Image from typicallyspanish.com We don't often write about using less cars and trucks in wars; somehow nature and the environment don't come up in those debates. But NATO is switching from using high-tech vehicles to mules in the Balkans because the mules do a better job. When it comes to navigating the treacherous mountain passes, sturdy little (5ft. tall) mules from Murcia, southern Spain are just the ticket. They can go places where vehicles with GPS and state-of-the-art weaponry can't make it.... Read the full story on TreeHugger

All UK and Irish Tetra Pak Packaging to be FSC Certified

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 05:04:15 GMT

Image from Tetra Pak Tetra Pak is the world's largest packaging company so when they decide to do something environmental it has a big impact. They have just announced that all of their UK and Irish packaging will be FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified. That means that all the products using the Tetra Pak system will now be using environmental packaging with the FSC logo. How big is big? This development will see supply increase from 200 million FSC-certified packs available across the world in 2008, to over 1.5 billion packs in the UK and Ireland alone. ... Read the full story on TreeHugger

Nadav Kander is Winner of Prix Pictet Photography Prize 2009

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 05:03:14 GMT

Image from Prix Pictet: Chongqing IV (Sunday Picnic) The Prix Pictet is the new global photography prize that focuses on sustainability. Sponsored by Pictet & Cie, a Swiss bank, and in its second year, this year's theme is the earth. Last year it was water. A shortlist was announced in July and the winner is Nadav Kander, an Israeli photographer living in London. He beat out the heavy hitters on the list such as Andreas Gursky and the Canadian Edward Burtynsky. His theme and obsession is the Yangtze River, 4,100 miles long, where "more people live along its banks than live in the USA, one in every eighteen people on the planet." ... Read the full story on TreeHugger

Green Garbage Bags in Art and History

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 05:06:40 GMT

Image by Scott Kilgour Here's a sorry thought: Canadians invented the green garbage bag. Yes folks, it's true--one of our unique contributions to the environmental destruction of the world. Scott Kilgour, a Scottish artist living in the USA, discovered this little known fact and became so fascinated that he incorporated the dreaded bag into his art. And he published a little book entitled "the good life" to illustrate his views on our consumer, throwaway culture.... Read the full story on TreeHugger

Green Blogger Crowned Greenest Voice in the UK

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 05:08:45 GMT

The winner of the competition to be the Green Voice of the UK is a green blogger, Piper Terrett. She beat out 100 other applicants and 3 other very impressive finalists. As the Brit's say "Piper pips the post". It's the culmination of the Energy Saving Trust's campaign to find a person who will represent the people as an advocate for green issues to the government. She will highlight the challenges faced by the man on the street in going green and make these known to those in positions of power and the Trust. ... Read the full story on TreeHugger

Gorillaz Artist Paints Climate Change in Bangladesh

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 05:02:21 GMT

Image from Oxfam It's one thing to sit in London and worry about climate change. It's another to visit and experience it first hand. That's what Jamie Hewlett, an animator renowned for his work with Gorillaz, the virtual band and the Tank Girl comics did. He went with the charity Oxfam and drew this series of 9 watercolours which depict the beauty and fragility of life in a Bangladeshi village under siege. Hewlett visited Char Atra, an island of seven towns and 10,000 people in the middle of the Ganges River. They are experiencing serious flooding due to climate change. His paintings depict everyday life and the people who live there. The limited edition of the paintings will be for sale through Oxfam.... Read the full story on TreeHugger

The Future of Green in 8 Fast Lectures

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 05:01:44 GMT

Image from Green Tomato Cars If you want to learn where the future is for green business and entrepreneurs, here's the place. It's a speed lecture by 8 green leaders on the direction of their industry. Speed means that each one gets 8 minutes for their slide show and only 5 words per slide. Talk fast guys. There is quite a prestigious collection of presenters for this green social event: Green Tomato Cars will give their view on the future of sustainable transport, Ed Gillespie from Futerra will speak about ethical communication and consumer attitudes. Terra Plana will comment on how its ethical footwear will evolve. ... Read the full story on TreeHugger

Bus Powered by French-fry Fat Reaches Asia

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 22:29:00 GMT

Image from Biotruck Expedition Andy Pag, an environmental activist, has been travelling around the world in a bus powered by french-fry fat. He left London on September 19, 2009 and has covered 3,000 miles so far. Part of the Biotruck Expedition, he is attempting to drive around the world emitting less than 2 tons of CO2. What's it like driving in a bus powered by chip fat: "It smells like a bus driver's armpit, but when you are using rubbish you can't expect too much" he said today in Istanbul. ... Read the full story on TreeHugger

More Fabulous Necklaces from Origin Craft Fair

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 05:16:20 GMT

What is it about necklaces this year? The second week of Origin: The London Craft Fair features tons of jewellery and more gorgeous natural and recycled necklaces. These delicate and old fashioned pieces are all made from teacups, artfully combined with silver. The handles have been turned into rings, the back stamp has been mixed with pearls to make a necklace and the bracelet is cut from the rims. Even the little left-over bits have been turned into pendants. ... Read the full story on TreeHugger

Recycling Makes Old Become New at Origin Craft Fair

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 05:09:34 GMT

At Origin: The London Craft Fair the definition of craft cuts across all boundaries. From necklaces made of driftwood to jigsaw puzzles turned into brooches, recycling of old and natural materials is an important aspect of many artists' work at the show. We loved these handbags and suitcases made by Lisa Tilley. She collects old suitcases, vintage fabrics and paper, bags and boxes from all the usual places--charity shops, flea markets and garage sales--and gives them a whole new life. ... Read the full story on TreeHugger

Natural Necklaces from Origin Craft Fair

Wed, 14 Oct 2009 05:46:40 GMT

There were some very natural necklaces at Origin: The London Craft Fair this year. It's the annual juried fair where some of the most sophisticated craftspeople from around the world show their wares. In week one there was an emphasis on natural materials in many of the pieces. These simple and beautiful necklaces are made of found pieces of drift wood and shells from the beaches of northern Iceland. The artist, Helga Morgensen, collects the bits for her work on a special hideaway place where her family has been going every summer since she was a child. ... Read the full story on TreeHugger

Vogue Magazine (UK) Features Bargain-Priced DIY and Eco Fashion

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 05:07:01 GMT

Image from Trendhunter magazine That's right--it is Vogue (UK edition) and it is tea towels... Fashion designer Peter Jensen stitched this casual shirtdress together from some very good looking dish towels and it only cost $25.00. It's part of a tongue-in-cheek series called Make Do and Mend, featuring stylish clothes made with tape, scissors, a needle and thread and lots of nerve. Not everyone will be up to taking 35 plastic bags and taping them together to make a sophisticated looking (on the model that is) pink and white striped jacket and trousers. But the playsuit made out of tea towels is a possibility... After the fold: a dress made out of 45 mop heads. ... Read the full story on TreeHugger

It's Pandamonium for the World Wildlife Fund

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 05:13:50 GMT

Pandada table by Nigel Coates What's happened to the pandas? The WWF asked 15 famous British artists to turn the old panda collection boxes into serious "art" and create some Pandamonium. The panda logo, designed almost 50 years ago, has become a recognised and beloved symbol for conservation. At first it's almost shocking to see the sweet cuddley black and white pandas transformed into gold sign-carrying protesters, ice statues and drawings. Then the idea grows on you and it's fascinating how this iconic image has been re-interpreted. More pandas after the fold.... Read the full story on TreeHugger

Free Drinking Water (Gasp) in London

Fri, 09 Oct 2009 05:02:25 GMT

Image from Evening Standard Remember the days when you could get a drink from a water fountain--in the park, or on a street corner or at the library? Now they all seem to have disappeared: is it vandalism? health and safety? cut-backs? Well one water fountain has come back: just opened in Hyde Park, it's the first in the park for 30 years. Funded by a private developer, it's already a hit with children who think it is a huge novelty. And in another strike against bottled water, a private water company is going to install water machines in some public places. Thirsty people will be able to fill their own container with water for 20 pence (30) or buy a reusable bottle on the spot. ... Read the full story on TreeHugger

Maldives Government Holds Parliament Under Water in Protest

Thu, 08 Oct 2009 05:32:43 GMT

Image from the Guardian The Maldives, that little stretch of paradise off the coast of India, is living in fear of the impact of climate change. With rising sea levels predicted, the chain of 1,200 islands and coral atolls could disappear under the ocean. The president, Mohamed Nasheed, has been relentless in his campaign to save his homeland. Next week his cabinet will hold its first meeting underwater. The ministers will don wetsuits and air tanks and meet in "parliament" 20 feet under the sea. It's all part of his efforts to draw the attention of the world's leaders to the gravity of global warming, in the lead up to the Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen in December. ... Read the full story on TreeHugger

Carmina Campus is the Ultimate Eco-Fashion Handbag

Wed, 07 Oct 2009 05:00:04 GMT

Image from bagcraze Carmina Campus--the ultimate in decadent eco-fashion? Well it has to be up there--it's a new-ish brand owned and designed by a member of the Fendi family--one of fashion's biggest fashion labels. Translated as "chants of the field", Carmina Campus bags are definitely a luxury item, almost in the wretched excess department. But they are made of completely recycled materials in a way that is clever, cool and elegant, all in one. And much of the profit is being put back into charities. If Fendi can carry it off, why can't Chanel, Prada, etc. etc. give it a go... More on eco-luxury after the fold. ... Read the full story on TreeHugger

Posing Naked to Save French Organic Wines

Tue, 06 Oct 2009 05:08:59 GMT

This past weekend 713 hardy French men and women stripped down to send a message about climate change. They posed nude in French vineyards to warn the world about the impact of global warming on the French wine industry. In Burgundy, the heart of the French vineyards, on a sunny day (luckily), Spencer Tunick posed the happy participants in four different poses; one with women alone, one with men alone and two more in different vineyards. Organised with Greenpeace, it's all part of the campaign to urge political leaders to take action in the lead up to the U.N.'s Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen in December. ... Read the full story on TreeHugger

Artists are Taking the Lead at the 2012 Olympics

Mon, 05 Oct 2009 05:03:47 GMT

Image from Nowhere Island The summer Olympics are being held in the London area in 2012 and all kinds of community events are being planned. Artists Taking the Lead is a project whereby 12 winning artists will be awarded up to 500,000 to create 12 new works of art across the country. The short list reveals a fascinating cross-section of ideas and concepts which reflect artists' views of their community. AlexHartley's idea is to drag an island that he discovered in the High Arctic in 2004 to the South-West coast of England. He was the first human to ever stand on it and thus he named the island Nymark, Norwegian for 'new land'. ... Read the full story on TreeHugger

World Habitat Day is a Reminder that Everyone Deserves Decent Housing

Fri, 02 Oct 2009 05:46:11 GMT

The United Nations has designated the first Monday in October as annual World Habitat Day. This is the day to reaffirm that decent shelter is a basic human right and a time to join together to remind governments that the lack of decent, affordable housing is unacceptable. Monday, October 5 is World Habitat Day this year and the theme is "it all starts at home." Habitat for Humanity International is campaigning for security of tenure in the world and neighbourhood revitalization in the U.S.A.... Read the full story on TreeHugger

New Cork Furniture by Joe Pipal

Thu, 01 Oct 2009 05:01:58 GMT

This beautiful and luminous cork furniture was being shown at the London Design Festival in association with Craft Central. Made by furniture maker Joe Pipal, it was lovingly exhibited alongside a display which offered an explanation of cork and its roots and described the background of the materials and construction of the pieces. The pieces were made with three materials: cork, oak and wenge. The cork was from Portugal and is used in its natural state and in the form of recycled bottle stoppers. The oak is European and the wenge is from reclaimed parquet flooring. ... Read the full story on TreeHugger

Andrea Zittel Creates Dresses as Art

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 05:10:22 GMT

Are these dresses art because they are shown in an art gallery or are they dresses because they can be worn out of the door? Andrea Zittel is an artist well-known to some TreeHugger readers: Lloyd called her "our new role model" back in 2005. She has moved on from designing habitats to designing dresses but they are still in keeping with her on-going theme: aesthetic investigations into the daily routines and experiences of everyday life. ... Read the full story on TreeHugger

Ceramics at the London Design Festival

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 05:01:53 GMT

There weren't a lot of exciting ceramics at the Festival, but these recycled dishes and jugs were eye-catching and eco. Esther Coombs collects discarded pieces of ceramics from all over the place and draws directly onto them. Her designs are modern, stylish and very English. Her packaging is all recyclable or compostable too. These garden markers are made out of pieces of old plates, with the names painted over. A lovely addition to the back garden.... Read the full story on TreeHugger

London Design Festival Features Far-Out Furniture

Mon, 28 Sep 2009 05:04:20 GMT

The London Design Festival always has an exciting show of furniture. Over in London's edgy east end, Tent London is a huge venue covering 2 floors of a former brewery. It specialises in forward-thinking and often more innovative design. A collaborative enterprise, New British Design, was having its debut there. It will be promoting new furniture design and products. They will be choosing designers and working with them to develop their work. This gives young and up and coming designers an entry into the field. ... Read the full story on TreeHugger

London Design Festival is an Eclectic Mix

Fri, 25 Sep 2009 05:02:02 GMT

The London Design Festival is all over town--there are small pockets of exhibitions everywhere and some wonderful surprises to be found. As in this display, Field, by Dominic Wilcox. Using 400 pairs of Terra Plana ethical shoes, the laces rise up together like blades of grass and "grow" towards the light.... Read the full story on TreeHugger

London Fashion Week's Estethica Features Beautiful Fabrics Recycled in Bags and Clothes

Thu, 24 Sep 2009 05:09:56 GMT

Estethica is the showcase at London Fashion Week for green and eco designers. Now in its third year, it promotes the eco fashion design industry as an important and integral part of fashion. This year several of the designers were using beautiful old and vintage fabrics in interesting ways. Globe Hope, a Finnish label better known for using materials such as old hospital textiles, army wear and work outfits, had large and small handbags made out of old Finnish fabrics.... Read the full story on TreeHugger

London Design Festival Kicks Off with a Ban

Wed, 23 Sep 2009 05:04:03 GMT

London Design Festival has kicked off with a bang, oops Ban. It's a new temporary structure by Japanese architect, and TreeHugger favourite, Shigeru Ban. He has worked with a cardboard manufacturer to create this 22 metre high tower made out of compressed cardboard tubes. As part of the the Size +Matter project, architects and designers are commissioned to push the limits with their use of a particular material. This one shows cardboard's structural strength--the same material used for boxes has turned into a tower. ... Read the full story on TreeHugger

Recent Posts by TreeHugger's Bonnie Alter, London