The government is scrapping charging for household rubbish in favour of a recycling rewards scheme. Which is more likely to cut rubbish and boost recycling?

The cost of BP's response to the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico has reached about $1.25 billion, the company said Monday.

Inhabitat reader Joann Plockova writes to tell us about Rome’s newest attraction – the world’s first hotel made entirely of garbage! The Save The Beach Hotel ain’t pretty, but neither will Europe’s beaches be if its citizens don’t start cleaning up. Designed by German artist H.A. Shult as part of a publicity campaign by the environmental group Save The Beach, this trashy hotel is made of 12,000 kilograms of debris collected from Europe’s beaches.

Read the rest of World’s First Hotel Made of Garbage Rises in Romehttp://www.inhabitat.com/wp-admin/ohttp://www.inhabitat.com/wp-admin/options-general.php?page=better_feedptions-general.php?page=better_feed

Permalink | Add to del.icio.us | digg
Post tags: beach garbage, environmental art, Garbage Hotel, HE Schult, ocean garbage, Rome Hotel, Save the Beach

Small, stylish and comfortable is what most of us see the future cars as. Offering us just what we want is the Audi Contour concept. This electric car of the future is a 4-seater vehicle that flaunts its good looks. The hybrid city car is powered by electrical power engine that gets energy from the batteries and additional fuel engine. Its compact size makes it ideal for city use.

Designed by Biser Boyanov, the Audi Contour concept has doors that open at their maximum. Not only this, one of the doors features a down opening system that forms a step for the passengers to get down comfortably. The step incorporate LED lights that shine at night, making sure that the passengers can see the way while getting out. With its elegant and mesmerizing looks, it is sure to turn heads.

Via: Design-r

The word luxury has never been associated with a trailer, but it seems like Xanthos Design is here to change our perception. The company’s latest trailer is luxurious, stylish, elegant and sustainable. Dubbed the “Xanthos Micro”, this 500litre capacity trailer comes loaded with an integrated hitch stand, 12v power pack, solar recharger, wireless blinker and independent suspension. Weighing mere 160kg, the light carriage has a body that is completely recyclable and durable.

The Xanthos Micro’s light and compact size lets even the smallest car to haul it. The interior space is fully lined with carpet and LED interior lighting gives added security at night. The light, aerodynamic body and independent suspension makes it perfect for a smooth, efficient ride with minimal fuel consumption. The trailer has a fibreglass body that is fully recyclable, strong and durable. Coming in standard or custom colors, it not only provides extra space to small cars, but also enhances the beauty.

Via: AustralianInternationalDesignAwards