tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-75300131936295723772024-03-05T16:54:02.711-08:00Back to TapIt's time to think of our future, it's time to go Back to Tap - writing on water management, design and architecture for a sustainable planet.Back To Taphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09077156738632936277noreply@blogger.comBlogger35125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7530013193629572377.post-34690717491171035992011-05-12T04:52:00.000-07:002011-05-13T13:25:24.140-07:00Managing Public Water Systems - cause for concern<div>Back to Tap is excited about a recent documentary on public water resources. The 90 minute PBS documentary"Liquid Assets" investigates public water infrastructure across the United States and finds major problems with how the entire system is managed. The film is parter of a larger effort to change attitudes towards public water systems and how they are administered. People are slowly realising how precious water systems are - modern city living would quickly revert to Hobbes' "nasty, brutish and short" description of the human condition.</div><div><br /></div><div>Showing how various cities in the US suffer from degraded and ill-maintained water infrastructure, "Liquid Assets" raises important questions about how we use and dispose of water.</div><div><br /></div><iframe width="560" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/7Cul30R0z-A" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>After watching the trailer, we started wondering about water infrastructure here in London, much of which is also creaking, and was installed far earlier than anything in the United States. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNMlq9-jV4f0RQQvcSotRkD69yxAlDZ1Ui1BC7kDr7n_KQK1lXqMQUhCwP_vK3nCTBBdWvxpqaS9IutOWFkQgkpAcSovEUTh6stVvVl3icKQokaij1qdVeYtVjYHHBPTOEhO5UqI2acaPc/s320/LondonSewer-hammersmith.jpg" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 292px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605857073211956114" /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiwMdM0zJMzou9_4dkpCxMCXEpKpGCWtiK01f6MzMBqykq4AI9XN7InQtO31gCbRT7Fxt3EC0GSeSqSNx8CBDQjHg8ylP_dNYmCxck89Tj-i1hq2SYr7g2_FdLjR2ILlr31uWzvlnECXFC/s320/LondonSewers-1.jpg" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 243px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605857195087583666" /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Let's hope that the folks at Thames Water have also watched "Liquid Assets" and that the water delivery and management problems facing our 19th century system do not affect our drinking water. It is not that long ago (1854) that London was suffering significant <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Broad_Street_cholera_outbreak">cholera outbreaks</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div>If we are to ensure that our water system remains in healthy condition, people must speak up and demand regular maintenance of what is an essential public good. Let's not wait for the bottled water companies to turn off all the taps and take over our water infrastructure. Raise your voice and demand the quality we need to go Back to Tap!</div>Back To Taphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09077156738632936277noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7530013193629572377.post-61228376598864591172011-05-10T07:34:00.000-07:002011-05-10T08:05:44.804-07:00New Energy Projects in Africa: leading the way with innovation<div><br /></div><div>Back to Tap has been busy working on a number of new initiatives - looking for ways to affordable water filtration technology to new markets like Africa, where innovation and ideas are blossoming. </div><div><br /></div><div>In particular, we were excited by all the talk of renewable energy at this year's Africa Utility Week in South Africa. If even a fraction of the projects discussed during the week are acted upon, Africa's use of renewable energy with soon put Europe and the UK to shame. Here's hoping that Africa leads the way in adopting mostly renewable energy and other sustainable technologies in the future.</div><div><br /></div><div><iframe width="425" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/N9yjMkmI3d4" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>Back To Taphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09077156738632936277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7530013193629572377.post-10157018359988227982011-05-10T04:20:00.001-07:002011-05-10T08:09:27.075-07:00Moving Grass in Your Window: green is good.<div>How many times do you wish there was more green in your life? At Back to Tap, we are also partial to blue, but are excited about a recent playful design that popped up here in London.</div><div><br /></div><div>A shop window that waves its green grass fingers at you as you stroll by. Connected to a series of motors, the graceful long grasses follow one's movement across the pavement...</div><div><br /></div><div>When when they come up with a window shop wave?</div><div><br /></div><iframe width="560" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/QX1KXsLQvJ8" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe>Back To Taphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09077156738632936277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7530013193629572377.post-50252466052031475512011-05-10T03:39:00.000-07:002011-05-10T09:52:36.947-07:00Fishing for Plastic...What have we done?We were surprised to read this morning that fishermen in the Mediterranean are not expected to <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2011/may/06/eu-fishing-plastic-seas">fish for plastic</a>. As muBack To Taphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09077156738632936277noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7530013193629572377.post-8638768147232990402011-04-14T09:18:00.001-07:002011-04-15T06:29:57.491-07:00Living in a Water World: how we use it & abuse it<div><br /></div><div>Here is a little pre-weekend reminder of just how valuable and vital water is from friends over at FastCompany.com. While here in the UK water waste may be a little less extreme, the graphic below illustrates well the unsustainable use of water in many parts of the world. The fact that this waste continues is not due to a lack of options - rainwater harvesting, greywater recycling, waterless toilets, <a href="http://www.compostingtoilet.org/">composting toilets</a> and water filtration and re-use systems are all readily available to many - and the real problem lies in people's attitudes towards water.</div><div><br /></div><div>At Back to Tap, we want to encourage people to consider how and why they use water the way they do. Is purchasing bottled water healthy and environmentally sound way to behave? What other options exist are available that will allow us to move away from wasteful behaviour?</div><div><br /></div><div>Next week, we will be looking at a number of exciting innovations for water conservation from Lelongwe to London.</div><div><br /></div><div>Have a great weekend and enjoy your tap water!</div><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4-v5kuxSiGfZCL2plwY7sJhAH57w8bmd7vjbWsA3eEXDrowx_nwp4n_OkRMKtL8SVyGbdwo8atxJ2frU-2nMl1S1alGMScmS-J_I0Sk3hFhe1QpdMzckT_1fufxqDZhYFcCHhiXhxTd3e/s1600/WaterWorld-InfoGraphic.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 250px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4-v5kuxSiGfZCL2plwY7sJhAH57w8bmd7vjbWsA3eEXDrowx_nwp4n_OkRMKtL8SVyGbdwo8atxJ2frU-2nMl1S1alGMScmS-J_I0Sk3hFhe1QpdMzckT_1fufxqDZhYFcCHhiXhxTd3e/s320/WaterWorld-InfoGraphic.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5595475250499521698" /></a><br /><div>Diagram from: <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/magazine/154/water-world.html">http://www.fastcompany.com/magazine/154/water-world.html</a></div>Back To Taphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09077156738632936277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7530013193629572377.post-81559444422174066542011-04-13T08:21:00.000-07:002011-04-13T08:24:51.077-07:00Green Roofs Filter Water & Create Space<div>Back to Tap is looking forward to getting a new green roof project started. A little innovation can go a long way to making cities more liveable and improving drainage. Especially in places like London, where the sewerage system regularly overflows due to heavy rain, green roofs and permeable pavements provide an useful alternative. Does anyone else have ideas for more sustainable urbanisation? </div><div><br /></div><iframe title="YouTube video player" width="480" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/XxqdPOUoJ90" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe>Back To Taphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09077156738632936277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7530013193629572377.post-90070000623144992892011-04-12T01:54:00.000-07:002011-04-12T02:53:24.736-07:00Of Taps and Toilets<div><br /></div><div>Back to Tap was amused to find that a new <a href="http://sanitationupdates.wordpress.com/2011/04/08/new-toilet-museum-opens-in-wiesbaden-germany/">Toilet Museum</a> has opened in Wiesbaden, Germany. Like taps and everything plumbing and water related, toilets don't often get the attention they deserve, but proper hygiene and sanitation infrastructure are key to building healthy communities.</div><div><br /></div><div>Water is essential for life, and having access to clean water can often mean the difference between a healthy and prosperous life and disease. The most recent illustration of this has been a <a href="http://www.irinnews.org/Report.aspx?ReportID=92402">cholera outbreak</a> in Kisangani in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where poor water treatment and substandard water infrastructure and drainage systems have led to the unnecessary death of over 50 people. </div><div><br /></div><div>Here in London, Back to Tap is proud to work with the <a href="http://www.archiveinstitute.org.uk/">ARCHIVE Institute</a> to raise awareness of the links between health and housing and water issues in particular. Basic steps can be taken in home design to reduce the risk of illness for some of the world's most vulnerable urban populations, and Back to Tap hopes that ARCHIVE's work will change the way people think about water, design and health in cities around the world.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Back To Taphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09077156738632936277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7530013193629572377.post-6235617226787916722011-04-07T03:34:00.000-07:002011-04-12T06:11:21.684-07:00Water Gardens and the Urban Environment<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 19px; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; "><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 19px; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 19px; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; "><br /></span></div>Back to Tap has been in touch with the pioneers over at the Science Barge to discuss their prototype, sustainable urban farm and environmental education centre that is now in its third year of operations. It is the only fully functioning demonstration of renewable energy supporting sustainable food production in New York City. And it is floating on the Hudson River! </span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 19px; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 19px; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; ">The Barge grows tomatoes, cucumbers, and lettuce with zero net carbon emissions, zero chemical pesticides, and zero runoff. It is powered by solar, wind, and biofuels, and irrigated by rainwater and purified river water. By providing an accessible and fun platform for exploring urban foo</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 19px; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; ">d production and sustainable energy, the project helps to change attitudes towards the urban environm</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 19px; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; ">ent.</span></span></div><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 19px; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; "><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 19px; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; ">As part of the expansion of the Science Barge's gardening mandate, a greenhouse has been</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 19px; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; "> built on top of a local <a href="http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/11/22/on-a-school-rooftop-hydroponic-greens-for-little-gardeners/">school</a>, and it is great to see innovation and primary education literally feeding off of each other. The greenhouse relies on an advanced hydroponics system to grow fruit and vegetables, providing a great science class tutorial as well as enhancing the nutrition of diminutive New Yorkers. Schools everywhere should have gardens as a focal point for educational, nutritional and ecological advancement.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 19px; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; "><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19px; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; "><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19px; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSqfnkAGdj-0v_EpNdZxMi2qdHvYH_R-5I3mRKVKFxB79ZjDGYnoP9up4HXulJExVzNci9q4SrydxEbwEcy-Kt1ANta7Z0UkE9wq__Q-vEif0LHgNooNbiOJnTzRXyovunHV_4gCPmzt35/s320/Floating+Garden+-+LondonBarge.jpg" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592810521442812322" /></span></span><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTj6HIBwwLv48rAb4YqRb7XQTjKvFQpSD-mWeciUBVsa0jidZrba9PGLNhI_fAlURacyA0-1xZ5V34hSESW-7ecy1HTyk74QrqfSd73FxNnNerNx5FD95d0oBJgiK_Ua7M-xhoOdLUcCuQ/s320/Floating+Garden+in+Lincoln+Park.jpg" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 210px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592810524285555954" /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span">Barges in London (above) and in Boston (below) which inspire us to explore ecologically sound ways of interacting with the urban rivers.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 19px; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; "><a href="http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/11/22/on-a-school-rooftop-hydroponic-greens-for-little-gardeners/"></a>Here in London, Back to Tap is excited about the <a href="http://www.shiftboston.org/competitions/2011barge.html">Barge Garden Competition</a> being held in Boston - the honourable mentions on their <a href="http://shiftboston.blogspot.com/2011/04/barge-2011-design-competition-honorable.html">blog</a> offer inspiration for London to think creatively about how we interact with the environment. In particular, we look forward to future work that re-examines our relationship with water, the earth most precious resource.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19px; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;"></span></span><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmPQTf53TkuQcMydGy90TC0x3VtF9OtZz6tYK_Qfg7kHuGXKbBL3WACQ8XHPUu-9Z-OFnJk_hWL-nfIMm7o8AjX-dDNWp0_V5JFsDVJvdOr3vgLs-e-JUBMqEaXU88rY5utMzSL6KSYWjQ/s320/Floating+River+Gardens+Rectangle540.jpg" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 241px; height: 320px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592810530014834066" /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19px; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19px; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;"><br /></span></span></div></div></div>Back To Taphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09077156738632936277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7530013193629572377.post-79135332804695198712011-04-05T13:41:00.000-07:002011-04-05T13:47:58.439-07:00Can the World Keep Up with Growing Demand for Water?<div>A little food for thought when we turn on the taps in the morning from our friends at visualizing.org. Back to Tap particularly enjoyed the runner up showing the projected increase in urban water consumption to 2030.</div><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5XsTVc9cnodWg5cpfHUuv-WMTRKIjEG_xwJuEbc_oZYwgBsvGA6SuGx4y7hlNOFrrABSr3iU9X16n408xJ-EMm2RAU9bymP-olDsr7py7t1nRQ949WpV5C5OuZ-U7ErRaDRMye-tJxesR/s1600/Urban_Water_Design_Challenge_Runner_Up1.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 206px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5XsTVc9cnodWg5cpfHUuv-WMTRKIjEG_xwJuEbc_oZYwgBsvGA6SuGx4y7hlNOFrrABSr3iU9X16n408xJ-EMm2RAU9bymP-olDsr7py7t1nRQ949WpV5C5OuZ-U7ErRaDRMye-tJxesR/s320/Urban_Water_Design_Challenge_Runner_Up1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592202442096692242" /></a><br /><div>From: http://www.visualizing.org/visualizations/urban-water-needs-can-we-keep</div><div><br /></div><div>The team used sponges and water to create a powerful visual display of just how much water thirsty humans will be drinking in coming years. Their findings provide one more reason to stop using wasteful water bottling and to think more seriously about how we manage all of the world's natural resources, including water.</div><div><br /></div><div><iframe src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/21106143" width="400" height="300" frameborder="0"></iframe><p><a href="http://vimeo.com/21106143">Urban water needs: Can we keep up?</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user5900718">hal watts</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>.</p> </div>Back To Taphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09077156738632936277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7530013193629572377.post-35626807962418573332011-04-01T07:40:00.000-07:002011-04-01T09:05:30.243-07:00UNICEF Works to Provide Clean Water in Libya<div><br /></div><div>UNICEF has just set up a new transit station on the Libyan border and one of their major challenges is providing clean drinking water to the growing population. Here at Back to Tap, we have been considering work on a low cost filter for just such situations. </div><div><br /></div><div>Back to Tap hopes that everyone fleeing the war in Libya and surrounding areas will find a safe refuge in neighbouring countries, and that freshwater will continue to flow for all.</div><div><br /></div><div><iframe title="YouTube video player" width="640" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/kULR0PVJf84" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe> </div><div><br /></div>Back To Taphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09077156738632936277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7530013193629572377.post-79215477741824656062011-03-28T04:25:00.001-07:002011-03-28T04:47:07.820-07:00Plastic Bags Sail the Seas: time for a ban or twoBack to Tap is happy to be following the trials and tribulations of the <a href="http://5gyres.org/posts/2011/03/27/and_were_off_charging_into_the_south_pacific_gyre_for_plastic">5 Gyres Team</a> as they set out to quantify the Pacific Garbage Patch - formed of plastic bottles and other plastic waste. <div><br /></div><div>Like our friends over at the Plastiki, the 5 Gyres sailing team is seeking to explore the problem of plastic waste in our seas, but they are taking a more scientific approach. Increasing the knowledge base and general public awareness of the plastic pollution will hopefully drive political change.</div><div><br /></div><div>Already, there have been successful attempts to ban plastic bags in cities and <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2007/may/12/uknews.waste">towns</a> in the UK and now the EU has even proposed a national ban on the <a href="http://www.packagingnews.co.uk/news/brussels-considers-europe-wide-plastic-bag-ban/">polluting plastic bag</a>. It seems that slowly but surely, the world is waking up to plastic's destructive impact on our ecosystems.</div><div><br /></div>Back To Taphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09077156738632936277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7530013193629572377.post-75623264897940992442011-03-24T09:35:00.000-07:002011-04-12T06:25:33.916-07:00Sustainable Design Centre for London 2012<span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span">Back to Tap has learned that Siemens will be building a sustainable design centre in the heart of London in preparation for the Olympics. The question on our minds is if the centre will actually address some of London's most pressing issues, including the worst urban air quality in all of Europe and an antiquated and wasteful sewerage system, among other problems.</span><br /></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span">According to Siemens Chief Executive <span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px; ">Andreas J. Goss, the project “aims to create an</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px; "> at</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px; ">tractive focal point that celebrates </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px; "><st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">London</st1:place></st1:city></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px; ">’s ambition and leadership in green technologies and sustainability" and she hopes that the project "will act as a catalyst for wider community involvement in the debate about how we best address the challenge of climate change in our cities.” Does this sound familiar?</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px; " ><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px; " ><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrOqLXkHVt1_DqBXsLzsl_1RfI5yLYm5e8ahtRj1hE1vfMJPqnKJkkBah7Yi_wT47G5U9vm8XuxAsqZwF7V8a5FFYS48ZRPrlh2WcIsEfxQjdRXKIo_ZSBMxFDtooMQVKW6CijxMja05sO/s320/SiemensSustainabilityCentre1.jpg" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594686102359399778" /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px; " ><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px; ">Two years ago, the city of Vancouver's own Olympic sustainability project seemed to echo the same passion for sustianability, but in the end if turned out to another VANOC White Elephants. Will London's corporate financed sustainability fare any better than the real estate b</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px; ">ubble tragedy that the Olympic Village has been for the City of Vancouver?</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px; " ><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px; "></span><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjucPcvsVn_6N1a0T-y5ETENdzVJPELbT-tNfE8yNaYuPS204yNQK-sX3p2bNfgdpyAdhRB0TV8NdsMpM7rJuZ1Sa8XCfGfusc2VKSIvNLBFGL5XK01ld5SEHGP0S-SNkzf5-9XtHlxDmar/s320/SiemensSustainabilityCentre-Night.jpg" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594686635019909922" /></span></div><div><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: 150%"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span style="line-height: 150%; ">Set to open in early 2012 the centre in the Royal Victoria Docks, it is proposed that the centre will be a flagship for <st1:place st="on">East London</st1:place>’s Green Enterprise District. This part of the city</span><span class="Apple-style-span"> is alternatively represented as the Silicon Valley of the UK and a Green Enterprise District, so it is a little confusing for casual observers. Do "green" software servers run on air or solar energy?</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: 150%"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span style="line-height: 150%; ">Designed as a showcase of urban sustainability, and including an office, an exhibition and education facility, Siemens project will showcase new technology from around the world and new ways of living and working in the spirit of sustainable <a href="http://www.sustainablecityblog.com/cities/">sustainable urbanism</a>. The </span><span class="Apple-style-span">interactive exhibitions and events will be open to the public - yet just how open remains to be seen. Siemens' project is still very much private property development, and in spite of members of the public being permitted to enter the space when they are invited, this will not in fact be a public space.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: 150%"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal; " ><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNfPPPLoZK0qyrJTWKzqf1icBIBfDSgrZ5Nbf7-wrbJggPmhSQ0iEM4qCupFlo4M68DFJoTa8GYJMrWOiJCJ4ESBIDoiOdijfE7iyS9igxg_q7GYXULE9F_xTC9bKBafb_hBqM-2xPj_H-/s320/SiemensSustainabilityCentrePanorama.jpg" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 179px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594686643403009298" /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: 150%"><span style="line-height: 150%; " ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span"><span style="line-height: 115%; ">The space is projected to attract around 100,000 visitors a year, with school g</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px; ">roups, and visiting research teams being a key component in the mix. Based on the dynamic centre Siemens is hoping to realise, one wonders if the financiers behind Vancouver's second convention centre could have used their imagination a little and provided a more engaging space for the public, alongside corporate conferences and over-priced inspirational speakers.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px; " ><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span style="line-height: 115%; "></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px; ">In terms of raw technology, the centre will showcase UK sustainable design and construction technologies, and will maximise the use of natural daylight, incorporating high performance glazing, photovoltaic panels, energy efficient lighting and metering. <a href="http://www.basvanderveer.nl/main.php?p=page&id=1">Rainwater harvesting</a>, water efficient appliances, ground source heat pumps and solar water heating will all be integral to the design and the building will be constructed using recycled steel and industrial by-product cement. Sustainable drainage and water efficient landscaping are also part of the plans to create a relaxing waterside environment around the building. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px; " ><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px; "></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px; ">According to Anne Keogh, the building complex will serve as a living model for London homeowners, archtiects and designers with research facilities supporting new green businesses. How this will work in practice remains to be seen.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px; " ><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px; " >Siemens is in the enviable position of having a testing ground for many of these projects with the <a href="http://www.masdar.ae/en/home/index.aspx">Masdar City project</a> in Abu Dhabi. The Masdar project is business led initiatives to create a sustainable satellite city using new green technology. While few countries or cities have the money to build from nothing, both of these projects drive home the need for investment in innovative approaches to sustainable urban design and more equitable living in one of the world's wealthiest cities.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia; line-height: 18px; font-size: medium; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><iframe title="YouTube video player" width="640" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/EJPrSDRDE-U" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></span></div><div><br /></div>Back To Taphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09077156738632936277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7530013193629572377.post-38538512185794241692011-03-23T02:44:00.000-07:002011-04-12T03:39:40.837-07:00Why the Tippy Tap Is Good for Your Health<div>Linked with today's post about hygiene and water quality in the Congo and elsewhere, we thought we should this great film about the Tippy Tap. While not everyone loves the Tippy Tap it a simple innovation that will hopefully inspire new ideas and approaches to water technology, low-cost sewerage and other areas in the future.</div><div><br /></div><div>With the majority of the world's population under pressure to <a href="http://www.worldwatercouncil.org/index.php?id=25">access clean water</a>, it is time to think more seriously about how we use and manage water resources.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><iframe title="YouTube video player" width="640" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Qdpd3roZjYw" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>Back To Taphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09077156738632936277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7530013193629572377.post-67628379943772608302011-03-18T08:34:00.000-07:002011-03-18T09:54:17.117-07:00Moshe Safdie and Design for Humanity<div>At Back to Tap, we like to imagine that all architects and designers genuinely care about the world around them and how people interact with the buildings and objects they create. If people are going to go to the trouble of designing and building homes, offices and entire cities, it is important that they consider the people who inhabit these spaces.</div><div><br /></div><div>The way we interact with water is particularly important. The way water enters our homes - the pipes and taps we use, and the way it leaves, and is filtered and returns to its source, has a huge impact on the environment, our health and well-being. </div><div><br /></div><div>This symbiotic relationship between design, architecture, the environment and our health has frequently been ignored. We hope that in the future, more thinkers like Mosh Safdie will drive changes in the water and the built environment impact on our daily lives and the environment. We would love to read about any other inspiring designs.</div><div><br /></div><div><object width="446" height="326"><param name="movie" value="http://video.ted.com/assets/player/swf/EmbedPlayer.swf"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><param name="bgColor" value="#ffffff"></param> <param name="flashvars" value="vu=http://video.ted.com/talks/dynamic/MosheSafdie_2002-medium.flv&su=http://images.ted.com/images/ted/tedindex/embed-posters/MosheSafdie-2002.embed_thumbnail.jpg&vw=432&vh=240&ap=0&ti=219&introDuration=15330&adDuration=4000&postAdDuration=830&adKeys=talk=moshe_safdie_on_building_uniqueness;year=2002;theme=the_creative_spark;theme=architectural_inspiration;theme=tales_of_invention;event=TED2002;&preAdTag=tconf.ted/embed;tile=1;sz=512x288;"><embed src="http://video.ted.com/assets/player/swf/EmbedPlayer.swf" pluginspace="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" bgcolor="#ffffff" width="446" height="326" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" flashvars="vu=http://video.ted.com/talks/dynamic/MosheSafdie_2002-medium.flv&su=http://images.ted.com/images/ted/tedindex/embed-posters/MosheSafdie-2002.embed_thumbnail.jpg&vw=432&vh=240&ap=0&ti=219&introDuration=15330&adDuration=4000&postAdDuration=830&adKeys=talk=moshe_safdie_on_building_uniqueness;year=2002;theme=the_creative_spark;theme=architectural_inspiration;theme=tales_of_invention;event=TED2002;"></embed></object></div>Back To Taphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09077156738632936277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7530013193629572377.post-7963548542664042112011-03-17T03:25:00.000-07:002011-03-17T03:27:09.338-07:00The Majestic Plastic Bag<div><br /></div><div>A great reminder that the vast majority of all plastic that we use ends up in our oceans. Has anyone else spotted a majestic plastic bag migrating to the sea recently?</div><div><br /></div><div><iframe title="YouTube video player" width="640" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/GLgh9h2ePYw" frameborder="0"></iframe></div>Back To Taphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09077156738632936277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7530013193629572377.post-21661972665057334762011-03-14T10:04:00.001-07:002011-03-22T04:03:02.196-07:00Plastiki Redux - What can we learn from their journey?<div><div style="text-align:center"></div><div>As part of our ongoing engagement with the Plastiki team, Back to Tap recently caught up with David de Rothschilde in Australia. After completing the Plastiki voyage almost a year ago, it remains to be seen where he will be sailing next? </div><div><br /></div><div>On our minds have been on the next step in the Plastiki team's voyage. After celebrating the <a href="http://www.theplastiki.com/2011/03/happy-birthday-plastiki/">one year anniversary</a> of the voyage on March 20th, they are moving on to explore adventure, community and social change with a new online network at www.myoo.com. Check back next week to see what Back to Tap is up to on the Myoo network.</div><div> </div><div><br /></div><div><object width="560" height="450" id="FiveminPlayer" classid="clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000"><div><br /></div><div><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true"></div><div><br /></div><div><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"></div><div><br /></div><div><param name="movie" value="http://embed.5min.com/516907755/"></div><div><br /></div><div><param name="wmode" value="window"></div><div><br /></div><div><embed name="FiveminPlayer" src="http://embed.5min.com/516907755/" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="560" height="450" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" wmode="window"></embed></div><div><br /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div></div></object></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><a href="http://www.5min.com/Video/David-de-Rothschild-Sails-the-Seas-on-the-Plastiki-516907755" style="font-family: Verdana;font-size: 10px;" target="_blank">David de Rothschild Sails the Seas on the Plastiki</a></div><div><br /></div><div></div></div>Back To Taphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09077156738632936277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7530013193629572377.post-49817456653447625082011-03-14T06:20:00.000-07:002011-03-18T09:54:53.863-07:00Submerged Arcology: innovative ways to clean plastic from our seas<div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span">Back to Tap always enjoys learning about <a href="http://www.wired.co.uk/news/archive/2011-03/11/submerged-arcology">innovative solutions</a> to plastic pollution and waste, and we enjoyed a number of this year's entries to the <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/futuristic-skyscraper-designs-evolo-2011-3?op=1">Evolo 2011 Skyscraper Competition</a>. In particular, the Submerged Arcology by Serbian architects <span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 17px; "><a href="http://www.evolo.us/competition/lady-landfill-skyscraper/#more-8936">Milorad Vidojevic, Jelena Pucarevic, and Milica Pihler</a>. The ocean going column is designed to catch plastic waste for removal from the seas and recycling. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 17px; "><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 17px; ">While this is a concept, it reminds us of <a href="http://zigloo.ca/gyre-seascraper/">Zigloo's</a> Gyre Seascraper. With oil rigs and offshore gas drilling platforms being built left and right, one wonders when we are going to take seriously the need to clean-up our oceans and become aware that environmental stewardship is at least as important as exploiting the resources around us? </span></span></div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs8zdjsqJwi6hkPhKmolwSFDe6VW7YNmSIyP1mOyTTkQ9wZBJXNDVbUJxmaJvqvqd8ksX6TexoRhoip0dMVjKHZKqzSHg8tLi4KCDlM9BPmyGjilzewXK_GVALZdIvKTD-q0m4sUVYoUPx/s1600/seascraper4-Islands.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs8zdjsqJwi6hkPhKmolwSFDe6VW7YNmSIyP1mOyTTkQ9wZBJXNDVbUJxmaJvqvqd8ksX6TexoRhoip0dMVjKHZKqzSHg8tLi4KCDlM9BPmyGjilzewXK_GVALZdIvKTD-q0m4sUVYoUPx/s320/seascraper4-Islands.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584257670531322642" /></a><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 17px; "><span style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; font-size: 12px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; ">Photo</span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Century Gothic","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-fareast-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA">© </span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 17px; "><a href="http://www.evolo.us/competition/lady-landfill-skyscraper/#more-8936">Milorad Vidojevic, Jelena Pucarevic, Milica Pihler</a></span></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs8zdjsqJwi6hkPhKmolwSFDe6VW7YNmSIyP1mOyTTkQ9wZBJXNDVbUJxmaJvqvqd8ksX6TexoRhoip0dMVjKHZKqzSHg8tLi4KCDlM9BPmyGjilzewXK_GVALZdIvKTD-q0m4sUVYoUPx/s1600/seascraper4-Islands.jpg"></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq6LwJvpyVenrbXF88pPzf5ibQYx_L5vtOM73Vw9BEXRG9cZv1jkwkTe8ZEyAoLZt4ZEIvIhtAYWSo5ZQFrS02WnCB6NmpyrEmotIz8gp_LTpp8XA-Vk1BAVaQF65CC4SCa0pyNyE0whYG/s1600/seascraper3-Interior.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq6LwJvpyVenrbXF88pPzf5ibQYx_L5vtOM73Vw9BEXRG9cZv1jkwkTe8ZEyAoLZt4ZEIvIhtAYWSo5ZQFrS02WnCB6NmpyrEmotIz8gp_LTpp8XA-Vk1BAVaQF65CC4SCa0pyNyE0whYG/s320/seascraper3-Interior.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584257669047058322" /></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 17px; "><span style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; font-size: 12px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; ">Photo</span></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; ">© </span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 17px; "><a href="http://www.evolo.us/competition/lady-landfill-skyscraper/#more-8936">Milorad Vidojevic, Jelena Pucarevic, Milica Pihler</a></span></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq6LwJvpyVenrbXF88pPzf5ibQYx_L5vtOM73Vw9BEXRG9cZv1jkwkTe8ZEyAoLZt4ZEIvIhtAYWSo5ZQFrS02WnCB6NmpyrEmotIz8gp_LTpp8XA-Vk1BAVaQF65CC4SCa0pyNyE0whYG/s1600/seascraper3-Interior.jpg"></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiptJBDzFsDnYKvDC0-kGq4s3md8aKaQg9R6N0o2pPMH-T52BqmhkoT8nmxmaO9GVU89whikUHeUW5s2S_MVBPHr-s5JxURB-GZG5iDvfVlBz-J8IPgb4dZhrTHIz0MPsxHMd-lO7Vlg_Cr/s1600/seascraper2-Submerged.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiptJBDzFsDnYKvDC0-kGq4s3md8aKaQg9R6N0o2pPMH-T52BqmhkoT8nmxmaO9GVU89whikUHeUW5s2S_MVBPHr-s5JxURB-GZG5iDvfVlBz-J8IPgb4dZhrTHIz0MPsxHMd-lO7Vlg_Cr/s320/seascraper2-Submerged.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584257665848882978" /></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 17px; "><span style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; font-size: 12px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; ">Photo</span></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; ">© </span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 17px; "><a href="http://www.evolo.us/competition/lady-landfill-skyscraper/#more-8936">Milorad Vidojevic, Jelena Pucarevic, Milica Pihler</a></span></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiptJBDzFsDnYKvDC0-kGq4s3md8aKaQg9R6N0o2pPMH-T52BqmhkoT8nmxmaO9GVU89whikUHeUW5s2S_MVBPHr-s5JxURB-GZG5iDvfVlBz-J8IPgb4dZhrTHIz0MPsxHMd-lO7Vlg_Cr/s1600/seascraper2-Submerged.jpg"></a><br /><br /></div></div>Back To Taphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09077156738632936277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7530013193629572377.post-84977070886425816142011-03-14T06:11:00.000-07:002011-03-15T04:19:11.807-07:00Plastics and Contamination in our Oceans - 5 More Reasons to Go Back to Tap!<div>New research suggests that fish are consuming and being affected by plastic waste in the Pacific Ocean. Plastic waste from industry and consumer products accumulates and washes into the sea. As Captain Charles Moore, the founder of <a href="http://www.algalita.org/index.php">Agalita</a> explains, all the plastic waste that is generated in inland areas inevitably makes it down rivers to the sea. The long-term build up of plastic waste in our Oceans mean that there are now major plastic gyres in all five of the world's oceans.</div><div><br /></div><div>The pollution in these oceans are five more reasons to stop using bottled water and go Back to Tap!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><iframe title="YouTube video player" width="480" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/HgmYj3mXGqw" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div><br /></div>Back To Taphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09077156738632936277noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7530013193629572377.post-33447353343392977232011-03-11T09:20:00.000-08:002011-03-18T09:55:23.199-07:00One more reason to ban the bottle and go Back to Tap!<div><br /></div><div>Plastic waste and electroscrap damage the health of thousands of people, animals and plants around the world.</div><div><br /></div><iframe src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/20110013" width="400" height="225" frameborder="0"></iframe><p><a href="http://vimeo.com/20110013">For the Greener Good: Life After Plastic</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/nationalbuildingmuseum">National Building Museum</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.</p>Back To Taphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09077156738632936277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7530013193629572377.post-89681660279425078702011-03-08T04:40:00.000-08:002011-03-09T01:19:07.891-08:00Floating Cinemas and the Olympics<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div>After meeting them at this year's Emerging Architect awards, Back to Tap are thrilled to read in <a href="http://www.bdonline.co.uk/news/studio-weave-and-the-oda-to-design-floating-cinema/5010374.article">BD</a> today that t<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px; ">he Olympic Delivery Authority has commissioned <a href="http://www.studioweave.com/">Studio Weave </a>to design a floating cinema which will cruise the canals of the five Olympic host boroughs next summer.</span></span><br /></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px; "><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px; "><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0GAYr2exL5rqLTVLjX2V3gDp1lZCDyhc7JVKD3hLlFv2g88uMIH0AnHGvvuqdFLlQkT9ead-ChwBiZmLs_MeWbv-0ey3lz-1KydHdAuUSbrhogNWZQmv4kTugmQo8CUgAVJf00-Iy8u8R/s320/StudioWeave-LongestBench%25282010%2529.jpg" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581691825682369522" /></span></span><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD7W63AAm6arf8PLEqypShKg8oq15_NCt97eAYP-9RqGo6xSQwT9-oeDBbePoIabueJQgPC4W9lPXHR7nuB73HiH3GSJfUdInv8d7WwJjIwQGfYtz9Mm1g1r-RpYOe6t_MDP4dKexDIPFE/s320/Guthrie+%2526+Pope.jpg" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 192px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581691828929450498" /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px; "><span class="Apple-style-span">Studio Weave's "Longest Bench" and their artistic partners for the Olympic Cinema project, artists </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px; "><a href="http://www.somewhere.org.uk/">Nina Pope and Karen Guthrie</a>.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px; "><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px; "><span class="Apple-style-span">Back to Tap's favourite</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px; "> Hackney practice will partner with artists Nina Pope and Karen Guthrie, known as <a href="http://www.somewhere.org.uk/">Somewhere</a>, for the ODA and its Create 11 summer festival.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px; ">The Floating Ci</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px; ">nema commissi</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px; ">on is part of Up Projects’ Portavilion series which also saw temporary arts pavilions erected in London’s parks and public spaces over the summer.</span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px; "><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 18px; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span">The latest Portavilion project will focus on the waterways connecting the boroughs of Tower Hamlets, Newham, Waltham Forest, Hackney and Greenwich with the new Olympic Park.</span></p><span><br /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCT5HCfP5asFN6sYyBLjGrQVWHFd8oBEnj6DNtB-9nE0uMpD7ul_U1kosW_AdPdk-jYpBokW7hHmrxUm-VaPC82EgaVunIBh5aKgeTRSTozbA3DRK6_RpXYrCIZ1iYWCI1axbJPRpRd82J/s320/OlympicSiteWaterways-Project_Locations.jpg" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 232px; height: 320px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581691819391342850" /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZOceC8JM4Q4Qv3QG1ko7Uo2d2PYOHxVgmZv-E4gjO9o2ghCXzREWMiuEtZX1-r8Jm51eMPzMFdxofFwZrEq9WyTGF2o9lcRJXMNOh0QE3DHm2nqA5a3oBJBesiyKuXV5SAkk5tQwjnrcp/s320/OlympicVillage-LandOwnershipPlan.gif" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 242px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581691819864494866" /><br /></span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px; "><span><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px; ">Waterways and land are both up for private administration following the Olympics. Will the floating cinema be free to sail?</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px; "><a href="http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200910/cmselect/cmcumeds/416/416we31.htm">http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200910/cmselect/cmcumeds/416/416we31.htm</a></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px; "><span><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px; "><span><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px; "><span>We hope that somewhere in the project they will raise the issue of ownership over resources - as the Olympic lands appear to be headed the way of Canary Wharf and will likely be one hundred percent private owned after the Games (see image), one wonders about the mobile cinema's freedom of movement. Will they be free to move along the waterways?<br /></span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><br /></div>Back To Taphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09077156738632936277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7530013193629572377.post-12322828364538486372011-03-03T08:57:00.001-08:002011-03-09T04:50:47.571-08:00World Water Day March 22 2011<div>Here in London, Back to Tap is getting ready for World Water Day 2011. Back to Tap will be joining millions of others to celebrate water as a human right on 22 March. </div><div><br /></div><div>Given that World Water Day is only two weeks away we thought would be a good time to return to Jay-Z's own commentary on the plight of over a billion people who cannot access clean water for drinking, washing and cooking. </div><div><br /></div><div>Clearly, we need simple yet innovative design solutions, such as the <a href="http://www.waterforpeople.org/extras/playpumps/how-playpumps-works.html">children's carousel playpump</a>, the arbour loo and other ideas to build a universally accessible water future. </div><div><br /></div><div><iframe title="YouTube video player" width="480" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/1VvmrgreNb0" frameborder="0"></iframe> </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Back To Taphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09077156738632936277noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7530013193629572377.post-31277216411853331382011-02-28T02:13:00.000-08:002011-02-28T02:44:09.157-08:00No Plastic Song & Dance<div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Here at Back to Tap we started dancing this morning to the sounds of No Plastic:</div><div><br /></div><iframe title="YouTube video player" width="640" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/koETnR0NgLY" frameborder="0"></iframe><div><br /></div><div>Does anyone else have eco-friendly music out there? We would love to hear more of it.</div>Back To Taphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09077156738632936277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7530013193629572377.post-43697893732666197662011-02-28T01:14:00.000-08:002011-03-22T04:26:00.596-07:0010 Ways to Use Less Plastic<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" ><p class="MsoNormal">How do we change behaviour to be more sustainable? Of course there are many inspiring examples of how to reduce our collective carbon footprints, yet when it comes to creating change at the individual level, it can be very difficult to really get things done. In this post, we've tried to help you move away from plastics by breaking things down so that you can choose individual steps towards reducing plastic use:</p> <p class="MsoNormal">(1) <b>Stop buying and using bottled water</b> - Plastic bottles are a major source of marine debris and are piling up around the world. Make your own <a href="http://www.triflowconcepts.com/">filtered tap water</a> and carry it in a stainless steel drinking flask, or simply drink straight from a filtered tap.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">(2) <b>Say "no" to plastic grocery bags</b> - Plastic bags are a leading source of ocean garbage. Purchase and bring your own reusable bags when buying groceries.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">(3) <b>Say "no" to plastic snack bags, baggies and sandwich bags</b> - Cloth napkins, wax paper or reusable sandwich bags and boxes can be used in place of their plastic equivalents.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">4) <b>Avoid Products that use Plastic to Begin With</b> - Plastic is convenient but most of the cheaper grades (the clear stuff) find its way into our food, often leaving a film on anything that is wrapped in it and which we then eat. Microwaving anything in plastic cooks plastic residues right into the food, vaporizing other chemicals that contaminate the food and air.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">5) <b>Recycle or Reuse Materials</b> - Plastic can be recycled and you will find that when you start recycling you at least save money on trash bags. Many containers can be washed out and reused (though they should be sterilized with apple cider vinegar). Note that only the higher grade plastics can be reused.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">6) <b>Choose Products with Biodegradable Plastic</b> - Now many plastic cups along with packaging peanuts and other supplies are available in a biodegradable form. Companies like Ecosafe and Natur-Tec are providing real solutions to the plastic problem.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">7) <b>Repair, Sell or Upgrade Gadgets</b> Many people run out and buy the latest new cell phone or iPod more often than needed, discarding their old phones in the rubbish where they not only add to plastic landfill but also leak out various other contaminants like Mercury. Meanwhile older components, while larger, are often superior as they tend to be constructed of much more solid materials. By repairing your items you can keep things in top shape much longer. Tackle small problems when they arise. Take the time to fix things. Buy used products when possible and sell your items online or at the local rummage sale when they are no longer needed. Prefer products that offer replacement parts.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">8) <b>Recycle Computer Parts</b> - If you must discard items like monitors or printers, at least take them to an electronics recycler. The claim that most plastics can be <a href="http://plasticpollutioncoalition.org/learn/common-misconceptions/">recycled</a> has been proven false, but for some plastics, the option is there. So recycle where possible while proactively cutting out plastic from your life.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">(9) <b>Experiment with New Materials & Innovative Products - </b>From bamboo to glass and stainless steel, there are many options to help you make the move away from plastic.<b><o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">(10) <b>Convert those around you to plastic free living!</b></p></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; "><iframe src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/11064723" width="400" height="270" frameborder="0"></iframe></span></div><div><span style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-color: initial; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><h3 class="dynamic" style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-color: initial; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><p><span class="Apple-style-span"><a href="http://vimeo.com/11064723">Use Less Plastic</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/takepart">TakePart</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.</span></p><p></p></h3></span></div>Back To Taphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09077156738632936277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7530013193629572377.post-7254188587357380672011-02-24T05:19:00.000-08:002011-02-28T01:13:33.191-08:00The Pacific Ocean Gyre<div><br /></div><div>If anyone has found themselves drifting in the middle of Pacific recently, they may have found themselves in a sea of plastic waste. As our friends over at the <a href="http://triflowconcepts.com/press/pr_plastaki.html">Plastiki</a> know so well, plastic waste poses a major threat the health of aquatic ecosystems from the mid-Pacific to local beaches.</div><div><br /></div><div>Here at Back to Tap, we are hoping that people will stop using bottled water and put an end to one major source of plastic waste. This will hopefully lead a shrinking of the Pacific Ocean plastic gyre:</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><iframe title="YouTube video player" width="480" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/tnUjTHB1lvM" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><div><br /></div>Back To Taphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09077156738632936277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7530013193629572377.post-1187135289464319282011-02-24T01:46:00.001-08:002011-02-28T04:46:20.851-08:00Watching the Price of Liquid GoldAs we continue to think of new ways to manage water, and to discuss whether or not bottled water makes sense, we thought that you might be interested in a recent BBC series on "<a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/tv/2010/11/the-foods-that-make-billions.shtml">The Foods That Make Billions</a>."<br /><br />Things like cornflakes and bottled water that people would never have considered paying for are now some of the biggest money spinners for persuasive food companies. As was laid out so cleal<br /><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><object width="614" height="464"><param name="movie" value="http://www.bbc.co.uk/emp/external/player.swf"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"><param name="FlashVars" value="config_settings_showUpdatedInFooter=true&config_settings_bitrateFloor=400&config_settings_showPopoutCta=false&config_settings_showPopoutButton=false&config_plugin_autoResumePlugin_recentlyPlayed=false&config_settings_suppressRelatedLinks=true&config_settings_skin=silver&config=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Ebbc%2Eco%2Euk%2Femp%2Fiplayer%2Fconfig%2Exml&playlist=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Ebbc%2Eco%2Euk%2Fiplayer%2Fplaylist%2Fp00c8788&config_settings_showFooter=true&"><embed src="http://www.bbc.co.uk/emp/external/player.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" width="614" height="464" flashvars="config_settings_showUpdatedInFooter=true&config_settings_bitrateFloor=400&config_settings_showPopoutCta=false&config_settings_showPopoutButton=false&config_plugin_autoResumePlugin_recentlyPlayed=false&config_settings_suppressRelatedLinks=true&config_settings_skin=silver&config=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Ebbc%2Eco%2Euk%2Femp%2Fiplayer%2Fconfig%2Exml&playlist=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Ebbc%2Eco%2Euk%2Fiplayer%2Fplaylist%2Fp00c8788&config_settings_showFooter=true&"></embed></object></div>Back To Taphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09077156738632936277noreply@blogger.com0