USB Greenhouse

Here's another gadget for the masses. This is the description from Urban Outfitters:

Grow your own, man. The perfect way to get a little green into your workspace, the USB Greenhouse is an all-in-one plant-growing powerhouse. Just plug the molded plastic case into any USB port using the generous 4-foot cable and get growing. Adjustable growth light; computer interface monitors growth status and set watering reminders; software includes calendar. Grow your own herbs, flowers or house plants! Imported. Wipe clean. 

* Includes: USB Greenhouse, Artificial Soil, Marigold Seed pack, Instructions, Installation CD, Online Support Link

* Requires: PC with Intel Pentium 4 or compatible processor that operates at 2.4GHz or faster; 128MB or more RAM; 100MB of available hard drive space; any Windows compatible soundcard using WDM, ASIO or DirectSound drivers; CD-ROM Drive; One available USB 1.1 port on your computer to plug to the stress button; Display adapter capable of 800*600 in 16 bit color; Microsoft Windows XP with Internet connection.

* Not MAC compatible  

* 6.75"w, 9"h, 6.75"d 

* Plastic, electronics

By the way, this makes a great holiday gift. I say this in all seriousness.

Green Roof Economics

Interesting article:

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- Provide amenity space for building users and can replace a yard or patio
- Reduce the urban heat island effect
- Increase the roof life span
- Filter pollutants and CO2 out of the air
- Filter pollutants and heavy metals out of rainwater
- Increase wildlife habitat in build-up areas
- Retain rainwater, moderate the temperature of the water, and act as a natural filter for any of the water that happens to run off

To initiate a green roof installation, you will need to know the slope and structural building capacity, and nature of any drainage systems, electrical, and water supply. In terms of cost, for an installed, extensive green roof with root repellant/waterproof members, it will cost you anywhere from $10 to $24. However, this also depends on the type of roof you want and factors such as the depth of growing medium, selective plans, size

"

Underneath Sidewalk Grates

In an urban area, the attention in making room for gardens tend to be focused upwards as seen with the trend towards rooftop gardens. However, most often neglect to look underneath ourselves. Surely we must have noticed that plants grow practically anywhere, even in sidewalk cracks. To maximize green space, we could and should start looking towards utilizing any space we can find, even if it means the dingy black holes beneath those sidewalk grates. It's a lovely and feasible concept, I think.

Read more about this finding here. (note comment #14)