Solar Carport and Trees from Envision Solar

LifeSystems/Envision Solar is a startup company based in San Diego that makes Solar structures for residential. The company has four products: LifeTree, LifeShade, LifePort, and LifePod. Seeing as though we've already been thinking about possible ways to integrate shading structures and solar energy production for the property, I can "envision" one or many of these structures being used up in Idyllwild. The appeal to me is the all-in-one structure (made from 100% recycled steel) and solar energy source.

Wood Alternative for Interior - KIREI

I recently heard a lot of buzz about Kirei Board (from Kirei USA) as an excellent eco-option for interior applications.  More information can be found at on their website above.  

Kirei Board is durable, natural and sustainable, made from over 90% recycled material (sorghum fiber).  This stuff also gets us LEED points in case we decide to go that direction.  How cool is that?  I need to find this product in a showroom somewhere in LA and see it firsthand, but all indications point to this stuff being a far superior choice over wood for our cabinetry and furniture needs.   The company also has an impressive line of wheatboard, a formaldehyde-free rapidly-renewable material (which makes a much better choice for your kitchen cabinets than wood, we're already using too much wood in the structural components of the house)!   

Alter-Eco House

Check out this video for some cool interior ideas for our house (or your own)...