As global warming takes effect, and we have to think of more environmentally friendly ways to live our hectic lives, people are increasingly thinking of new ways to accomplish this effort. Check out this new concept home by Cradle 2 Cradle. It has a photosynthetic, phototropic spinach skin surface and a vegetated roof system that filters storm water in.

The residence incorporated many other sustainable features. It was designed with passive solar strategies in mind, using thermal mass and shading devices where appropriate. It has a landscaped roof garden designed to collect and filter stormwater . It recycles black and grey water to be used in garden, which in turn provide fruits and vegetables to the occupants. Soy-based wall panels and recycled concrete materials are used within the structure providing a sustainable alternative to standard construction materials. Not only does the building run a photosynthetic and phototropic skin made with spinach protein, but it also produces more energy than a single family’s needs, allowing the excess to be distributed to neighbors. This radical shift, from centralized energy systems today, fosters community interdependence as neighbors benefit from the resources of others. - Via - Io9 & Ecofriend

Kumiko is a freestand shelving system made from bamboo planks, an environmentally friendly product. Shelves alternate between full-length and half-length, while the base is supported by flared legs. Kumiko creates a flexible display environment for your finest pottery, glassworks, sculpture, artifacts, and more. In conclusion Kumiko is a beautiful bamboo shelving system that would be perfect in a minimalist room. The price for this piece of furniture is $2,525.00 and you can get it from here.

Designed by Scott Specht studio architecture Spect Harpman Architects, the “Zero House” is a prefabricated house of 200 square meters totally autonomous and environmentally friendly. The roof is made of solar panels that provides electricity so you don’t have to worry about electricity and the power is then stored in a battery backup. Once completely charged, the home can run efficiently for one week without a hint of sunlight. The roof and also includes a tank of rainwater harvesting over 10 cubic meters. The ground floor when it is equipped with a unit of waste composting. The rest of the house features energy saving design strategies including ample daylighting (led lights are used for artificial light requirements), incredibly energy efficient wall assemblies (r-58 in fact), triple glazed windows, and a compact design (reducing overall energy requirements). Initial studies indicate that the home will sell for around $350,000. - Via - Treehugger & Materialicio

Get Knu produces this interesting line of furniture that will be available starting with September 2007. Made from FSC-certified birch substrate and available in six GREEN veneers, these pieces are not only light and durable but environmentally friendly; sustainability and quality are clearly the primary tenets of Knu’s design philosophy.