Over the weekend, an open house was held in the suburbs of St. Louis, Mo. OK, there were lots of open houses over the weekend in the region. But one in particular stood out, for it featured the first “active home” in North America.
environment
What Was Restoration Hardware Thinking Putting Out a 992-Page Catalog?
Last fall, some questioned the wisdom of Restoration Hardware’s printing and distributing what was then it’s largest-ever “Source Book”—a 616-page glossy, beautifully photographed and designed catalog loaded to the brim with …
The Myth of American Decline: An Interview with Author Daniel Gross
You don’t have to look very hard to find proof that over the past five years Americans have evolved into a very pessimistic bunch. Far more of us think the country is headed in the wrong direction than think it’s on the right …
Poll: Consumers Care Less About the Environment Now. Happy Earth Day!
So much for saving the planet. A recent survey reveals that over the past few years, Americans have become less likely to say they care a great deal about the current and future state of the environment. Similarly, we’re also …
A Week of Free National Parks Admission Starts Saturday, April 21
Starting this Saturday, and stretching all the way through the following weekend, entrance fees are being waived at all national parks that usually charge for admission.
Why Millions Won’t Be Able to Afford Cars in the Future
By 2025, the government will require an average fuel economy of 54.5 m.p.g. for cars and trucks sold in the U.S. To meet that requirement, automakers must focus on more efficient, technologically sophisticated cars that cost more upfront to build — and whose costs are ultimately passed along to consumers. How much more will these cars …
What’s Car Sharing Really Like?
Last year, the average U.S. household paid $4,155 gassing up their cars, and when gas, insurance, depreciation, vehicle payments, and other expenses are tallied up, the average car costs $8,776 annually. These costs will only …
The Meatless (and Less Meat) Revolution
This year, the average American will eat 165.5 lbs. of beef and poultry. That may sound like a lot, but it’s actually a 12% decline compared to 2007, when an annual intake of 189 lbs. of meat per person was standard. This week, …
Imagine No Electricity Bills: The Rise of ‘Net-Zero’ Homes
If done properly, a smartly built green home featuring solar power, energy-efficient appliances, and proper insulation can result in the owner facing monthly electricity bills amounting to $0, or thereabouts. Now, one homebuilder …
Why It’s So Hard to Make a Living as a Snake Charmer Nowadays
New regulations, government bureaucracy, political connections and changing cultural tastes can affect any career path — and that includes that of a traditional snake charmer in India.
A Deal Just For You: Niche Sites With Deals for Moms, Dudes, Jews, Dog Lovers, the Military & More
All along, skeptics said that the enormous success of daily deals couldn’t be sustained in the long run. And indeed, in recent months, the industry appears to have suffered some setbacks. Roughly one-third of all deal sites …
A Clothing Manufacturer That Encourages Consumers to ‘Buy Less’?
Why would a company that’s in the business of selling clothing and outdoor gear tell consumers that they should buy fewer of the products it makes?