Category: At Home
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Confessions of a Geek
By: Selina Pedi-Smith, Pellere Foundation I have a somewhat embarrassing number of imaginary houses. Some are in The Sims. Some are in House Flipper. Lately I’ve been puttering around in Solarpunk, building little floating islands and growing things in places where, conveniently, nothing seems interested in eating the seedlings. I’ve never been into TV or… Read more
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That Was Not on My Schedule
By: Selina Pedi-Smith, Pellere Foundation Tempered glass is fascinating stuff. It doesn’t break into dangerous-looking shards. It turns into thousands of tiny pieces that look almost harmless. They are, however, decidedly not. Quick recap: Don was moving piles of dirt; a modestly sized rock bounced from the bucket and hit the glass door; the door… Read more
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Pointy Scraper Thingy
By: Selina Pedi-Smith, Pellere Foundation I was standing there, pointy scraper thingy in hand, battling a hunk of somehow-still-sticky clay on the inside of the excavator bucket when the transport truck came around the bend in my driveway. I couldn’t have been happier to see it. The drivers, you see, are equipped with all sorts… Read more
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Revolution and Tai Chi
By: Selina Pedi-Smith, Pellere Foundation Happy July! As I’m writing this, we’re all getting ready to celebrate the 250th birthday of our nation. As you’re reading this, the fireworks will be over, and many of us will be wondering what to do with all those leftover hot dogs. In the lead-up to the big day,… Read more
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Investing Isn’t Just Money—It’s What We Choose to Care About
Most people don’t think of themselves as “investors.” That’s for big companies, real estate moguls, and people in fancy suits, right? But…we all invest in things, even if we don’t call it that. You buy quality work boots because they last longer. You fix the porch now instead of waiting for it to fall apart,… Read more
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3D Printed Homes: The Future of Affordable, Sustainable Living?
Imagine watching a house being built—not with hammer and nails, but by a machine that “prints” it, layer by layer, just like your home printer creates an image on a page. It may sound futuristic, but 3D printing is becoming a reality in construction, with a skilled team of professionals working behind the scenes to… Read more
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What is a Microgrid and Why Does It Matter?
If you’ve heard us talk about the exciting new LEAP grant project coming to Venango County, you’ve probably heard us say that a microgrid is a key part of its design. But what exactly is a microgrid, and why should you care about it? What is a Microgrid? A microgrid is a small, local energy… Read more
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Green Roofs and Vertical Gardens in Redevelopment
Green roofs and vertical gardens are both becoming more popular as we attempt to create greener, cleaner buildings. In a Market Research Future report, it is estimated that the vertical garden construction market will grow annually at a rate of 8.2% over the next 5 years, and other green building trends are expected to see… Read more
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Sustainable Landscaping in Redevelopment Projects and At Home
Sustainable or “green” landscaping is being used more and more in redevelopment. Purposeful landscaping with this method can mean savings in time and energy and can reduce pollution. It is also beneficial to local birds, pollinators, and other wildlife. This landscaping technique combines function and numerous benefits for people and the environment. Sustainable landscaping isn’t… Read more